The Association of NT-proBNP With Maximum Tongue Pressure After Cardiac Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study

N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is an established biomarker for cardiac stress and is strongly linked to systemic skeletal muscle wasting. While maximum tongue pressure (MTP) serves as a critical indicator of oral functional reserve, the specific relationship between cardiac dysfunction and lingual motor function remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the association between NT-proBNP levels and maximum tongue pressure in patients after cardiac surgery.

In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 488 patients who had undergone cardiac surgery. Maximum tongue pressure was measured using the TPS-100 device between 8 h and 24 h after endotracheal extubation. The association between log-transformed NT-proBNP and maximum tongue pressure was assessed using multivariable linear regression analysis adjusting for potential confounders, and subgroup analyses were performed.

The mean age was 56.7 ± 14.1 years. Multivariable analysis indicated that higher log-transformed NT-proBNP levels were significantly associated with lower maximum tongue pressure (B = -3.091, 95% CI: -5.174 to -1.008, p = 0.004). Subgroup analyses revealed significant interactions for age (p for interaction = 0.024) and intubation duration (p for interaction = 0.036); specifically, this inverse association was more pronounced in patients aged ≥ 60 years and those with prolonged endotracheal intubation.

Elevated postoperative NT-proBNP is independently associated with decreased maximum tongue pressure, particularly in older patients and those subject to prolonged intubation. Postoperative NT-proBNP monitoring may facilitate early identification of patients at risk for reduced tongue muscle strength.