Perioperative plasma brain natriuretic peptide and cardiotrophin-1 in off-pump coronary artery bypass

OBJECTIVE: It has been suggested that brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) are associated with myocardial dysfunction. The present prospective study was designed to investigate perioperative changes of plasma levels of BNP and CT-1 in off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB). METHOD: Forty-nine patients undergoing elective OPCAB were divided into three groups. Group I: no previous myocardial infarction; Group II: previous myocardial infarction more than 12 weeks; Group III: recent myocardial infarction within 4-8 weeks. Perioperative BNP and CT-1 levels were measured, and hematochemical parameters were also collected. RESULTS: Higher preoperative BNP and CT-1 levels were found in group III as compared to those in group I. BNP levels increased after operation, and reached peak value at 3-7 days after the operation. However, the postoperative changes of BNP levels were not different among groups in any time points. CT-1 levels did not change significantly after the operation as compared to baseline. CONCLUSION: Higher BNP and CT-1 levels were associated with recent myocardial infarction. BNP elevated after OPCAB, but CT-1 showed no significant postoperative changes. Postoperative changes of BNP and CT-1 do not associated with cardiac function in OPCAB.