Mortality and preoperative cardiac function in vascular amputees: an N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine preoperative ventricular function in vascular amputees by measuring N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and to analyse the relationship between NT-proBNP levels and 30-day postoperative mortality.


METHODS
Prospective pilot study.


METHODS
In 19 patients planned for a lower limb amputation for non-reconstructable peripheral arterial disease NT-proBNP was measured the day before amputation.


RESULTS
Four amputees died within 30 days after the amputation. In 17 of 19 patients NT-proBNP values were found more than 2 standard deviations above the age corrected reference value. Pre-amputation NT-proBNP levels did not differ significantly between non-survivors and survivors (P = 0.162).


CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative NT-proBNP levels are not significantly related to 30-day mortality after lower limb amputation procedure. Preoperative NT-proBNP levels are very high, indicating that serious ventricular dysfunction may be present in vascular amputees.
Center for Rehabilitation, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Marcel
M
Riemersma
Pieter U
PU
Dijkstra
Dirk Jan
DJ
van Veldhuisen
Frits A J
FA
Muskiet
Jan A M M
JA
van den Dungen
Jan H B
JH
Geertzen
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000401:mortality*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000097:blood*; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016276:Ventricular Function
D015415:Biomarkers; D010446:Peptide Fragments; C109794:pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1-76); D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain