Correlation between amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels and the maximum vasoactive-inotropic score in the first 24 h post-intervention of cardiac surgery

Introduction: The clinical utility of brain natriuretic peptide (amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP]) as a prognostic marker in pediatric patients with heart failure is controversial. The maximum vasoactive-inotropic score at 24 h after cardiac surgery in pediatric patients is an important predictor of morbidity and post-operative mortality. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine if there is a correlation between the serum levels of NT-proBNP and the maximum vasoactive-inotropic score at 24 h after cardiac surgery in pediatric patients seen in the intensive care unit. Materials and methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study. A Spearman correlation analysis (rs) was performed between the serum level of NT-proBNP and the maximum inotropic score both taken at 24 h postoperatively. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Forty patients were included, 52.5% to the male sex, 72.5% were older than 1 year of age at the time of surgery. A low correlation (rs = 0.26) was found between the serum levels of NT-proBNP and the maximum vasoactive-inotropic score at 24 h, this correlation was not statistically significant (p = 0.09). Conclusions: To our understanding, the present study is the first to investigate whether there is a correlation between these markers, so our results could set an important precedent that marks the beginning of multiple investigations in our critically ill patients to establish new diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic approaches.