Background: In this study we investigated the prognostic importance of the relationship of the role of pre- and postoperative N terminal-pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels in the early diagnosis and monitoring of postoperative deficiency with morbidity and mortality in patients operated on under extracorporeal circulation support for congenital cardiac surgery.

Methods: The pre- and postoperative echocardiographic data, the pre- and postoperative 2- and 24-hour NT-proBNP levels along with the hemodynamic and laboratory values of 20 consecutive patients were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups, with those being under volume load in group 1 and those being under pressure load in group 2.

Results: The pre- and postoperative NT-proBNP levels followed a parallel course in both groups. The postoperative NT-proBNP levels were found to be higher when compared to the preoperative NT-proBNP levels in both groups. It has been observed that the NT-proBNP level gives an idea about cardiac functions when intra-group and general evaluations are considered. No significant difference could be found between the groups regarding the preoperative and postoperative NT-proBNP plasma levels.

Conclusion: In conclusion, there was no statistically significant differenece between the groups in terms of pre- and postoperative NT-proBNP levels. We advocate that the NT-proBNP levels in patients with congenital hearth disease is an important diagnostic tool in the early evaluation of pre- and poetoperative cardiac failure. In addition, it is also important test to commence proactive treatment of cardiac failure.

Keywords : Congenital cardiac surgery; heart failure; NT-proBNP