Brain natriuretic peptide in cardiac surgery--influence of aprotinin.

Background: This study was designed to examine plasma concentrations of BNP and its correlations to the perioperative course in patients' cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

Methods: Sixty-five patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing CPB were examined. Pre, intra and postoperative BNP values and hemodynamic parameters were measured.

Results: The BNP peak correlated neither with any hemodynamic parameters, with the duration of aortic cross-clamping (AXCL), of the operation or with CBP-time, nor with the use of catecholamines. BNP values were significantly higher with the perioperative use of aprotinin.

Conclusion: These results confirm that the metabolism and biological activity of BNP may differ following CPB. An additional reason for increased postoperative BNP values might be the use of aprotinin.