Brain natriuretic peptide: does it play a role in post-cardiac surgery patients?

‘Elevated BNP levels might be associated with complications and a worse prognosis for patients following cardiac surgery.’ Patients with left ventricular dysfunction present with elevated levels of the neurohormone brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). BNP has been recognized as a reliable marker for diagnosis and treatment of heart failure and as a prognostic marker of fatal myocardial events, for example, myocardial ischemia or infarction. However, the clinical relevance of BNP for the management of cardiac surgery patients is still not fully recognized. Thus, this article summarizes several aspects of BNP as an important guide for the adequate treatment of cardiac surgery patients and their further prognosis.