N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in patients after cervical spine surgery

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and its correlation to sodium biochemical parameters in patients after elective cervical spine surgery.

Methods

We prospectively measured NT-proBNP and serum sodium immediately after the operation, urinary loss of sodium, creatinine clearance, sodium clearance, sodium fractional excretion, diuresis, intake of fluids and sodium on day 1 in 50 patients and NT-proBNP on day 2 in 30 patients after elective cervical spine surgery for spondylosis. All patients were classified as New York Heart Association (NYHA) I, they did not receive diuretic or osmotic therapy and had an uneventful postoperative period.

Results

Immediate postoperative NT-proBNP values were normal (51 ± 28 pg/l), but they increased significantly on day 2 (230.5 ± 160 pg/l, P < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between NT-proBNP on days 1 and 2 (P = 0.002), NT-proBNP and daily urinary loss of sodium (P = 0.049) on day 1, and no other correlations were found.

Conclusion

NT-proBNP values were not increased on day 1 in patients after elective cervical spine surgery, but they were significantly increased on day 2 and there was a significant correlation to daily urinary loss of sodium.