title: Relationship between N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and renal function: the effects on predicting early outcome after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Plasma levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) provide useful prognostic predictors in patients after cardiac surgery. However, predictive accuracy of NT-proBNP levels has varied significantly according to renal dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to assess whether preoperative NT-proBNP levels could be used as predictors of early postoperative outcomes on the basis of renal function in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB).
  
  
  METHODS
  In 219 patients undergoing elective OPCAB, NT-proBNP and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were assessed preoperatively. All patients were divided into 3 groups according to tertiles of eGFR: the first (eGFR ≥ 90 ml/min/1.73 m(2)), the second (90 ml/min/1.73 m(2) > eGFR ≥ 72 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) and the third tertile group (eGFR < 72 ml/min/1.73 m(2)). End point was the composite of early postoperative complications defined as myocardial infarction, new onset atrial fibrillation, ventricular dysfunction, prolonged mechanical ventilator care (> 48 hr), prolonged ICU stay (≥ 3 days), and in hospital mortality.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no difference in early postoperative complications among groups. A preoperative NT-proBNP level of 228 pg/ml and 302 pg/ml (sensitivity 70%, specificity 67%, P < 0.001 and sensitivity 73%, specificity 63%, P = 0.001, respectively) were optimal cut-off values predicting complicated early postoperative course in second and third tertile group, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Preoperative NT-proBNP levels seem to be predictive of early postoperative complications in patients with eGFR < 90 ml/min/1.73 m(2) undergoing OPCAB.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gachon University of Medicine and Science Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea.
authors.forename: Youn Yi
authors.initials: YY
authors.lastname: Jo
authors.forename: Young Lan
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Kwak
authors.forename: Jonghoon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Yong Seon
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Choi