N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide: a useful tool for the detection of acute pulmonary artery embolism in post-surgical patients.

Background: Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is an important clinical problem in patients after major surgery and often remains a difficult diagnosis because of unspecific clinical symptoms. Therefore, we investigated the role of N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) for the detection of APE.

Methods: In 44 patients with suspected APE referred to the intensive care unit after major surgery, serum NT-proBNP, troponin-I, and D-dimers were measured according to the standard hospital protocol.

The effect of i.v. enalaprilat in chronically treated hypertensive patients during cardiac surgery.

Background: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are well established as long-term antihypertensives and have also been proved useful in hypertensive emergencies. Therefore, we investigated whether intraoperative i.v.

Cardiac function in patients with treated hypertension during aortic aneurysm repair.

Objectives: To investigate the impact of arterial hypertension on cardiac function during aortic cross-clamping and declamping.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: University hospital.

Adjustment of metabolism, catecholamines and beta-adrenoceptors to 90 min of cycle ergometry.

Adrenaline infusion of 0.1 microgram.kg-1.