title: B-type natriuretic peptide predicts long-term survival after major non-cardiac surgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The prediction of long-term survival after surgery is complex. Natriuretic peptides can predict short-term postoperative cardiac morbidity and mortality. This study aims to determine the long-term prognostic significance of preoperative B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentration after major non-cardiac surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a prospective single-centre observational cohort study in a West of Scotland teaching hospital. Three hundred and forty-five patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery were included. The primary endpoint was long-term all-cause mortality.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall survival was 67.8% (234/345), with 27 postoperative deaths (within 42 days) and 84 deaths at subsequent follow-up (median follow-up 953 days). A BNP concentration of >87.5 pg ml(-1) best predicted mortality, and the mean survival of patients with an elevated BNP (>87.5 pg ml(-1)) was 731.9 (95% CI 613.6-850.2) days compared with 1284.6 days [(95% CI 1219.3-1350.0), P<0.001] in patients with a BNP<87.5 pg ml(-1). BNP was an independent predictor of survival.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  BNP is an independent predictor of long-term survival after major non-cardiac surgery. A simple preoperative blood test can provide predictive information on future risk of death, and potentially has a role in preoperative risk assessment.
authors: Department of Surgery, Gartnavel General Hospital, Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 0XH, UK. chrispayne@doctors.org.uk
authors: C J
authors: CJ
authors: Payne
authors: S C
authors: SC
authors: Gibson
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Bryce
authors: A G
authors: AG
authors: Jardine
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Berry
authors: D B
authors: DB
authors: Kingsmore