Effects of low-dose human atrial natriuretic peptide for preventing post-operative cardiopulmonary complications in elderly patients undergoing pulmonary resection for lung cancer

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the clinical effects of human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP) on postoperative cardiopulmonary complications in elderly patients undergoing pulmonary resection for lung cancer. Methods: A retrospective study involving 44 consecutive patients aged ≥75 years who had elevated pre-operative B-type natriuretic peptide levels (≥30 pg/ml) and underwent a scheduled pulmonary resection for lung cancer in two specialized thoracic centres between April 2008 and March 2010. Results were compared between the patients who did and did not receive hANP during the perioperative period. The primary endpoint was the incidence of post-operative cardiopulmonary complications. Post-operative haemodynamics, white blood cell (WBC) counts and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were also examined. Results: The incidence of post-operative cardiopulmonary complications was significantly lower in the hANP group than that in the control group (26 vs. 86%, P<0.0001). Patients in the hANP group showed significantly lower WBC counts and serum CRP levels postoperatively. Conclusions: Continuous infusion of low-dose hANP during lung cancer surgery had a prophylactic effect on post-operative cardiopulmonary complications in elderly lung cancer patients. © The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.