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.

Design: Prospective pilot study.

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