Inspiratory Muscle Weakness is Related to Poor Short-Term Outcomes for Heart Transplantation

Abstract Introduction: In heart transplantation (HT) recipients, several factors are critical to promptly adopting appropriate rehabilitation strategies and may be important to predict outcomes way after surgery. This study aimed to determine preoperative patient-related risk factors that could adversely affect the postoperative clinical course of patients undergoing HT. Methods: Twenty-one hospitalized patients with heart failure undergoing HT were evaluated according to respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity before HT. Mechanical ventilation (MV) time, reintubation rate, and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay were recorded, and assessed postoperatively. Results: Inspiratory muscle strength as absolute and percentpredicted values were strongly correlated with MV time (r=-0.61 and r=-0.70, respectively, at P<0.001). Concerning ICU length of stay, only maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) absolute and percent-predicted values were significantly associated. The absolute -MIP- was significantly negatively correlated with ICU length of stay (r=-0.58 at P=0.006) and the percent-predicted MIP was also significantly negatively correlated with ICU length of stay (r=-0.68 at P=0.0007). No associations were observed between preoperative functional capacity, age, sex, and clinical characteristics and MV time and ICU length of stay in the cohort included in this study. Patients with respiratory muscle weakness had a higher prevalence of prolonged MV, reintubation, and delayed ICU length of stay. Conclusion: An impairment of preoperative MIP was associated with poorer short-term outcomes following HT. As such, inspiratory muscle strength is an important clinical preoperative marker in patients undergoing HT.

Cardiovascular involvement in COVID-19: not to be missed

Abstract In December 2019, a striking appearance of new cases of viral pneumonia in Wuhan led to the detection of a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV2). By analyzing patients with severe manifestations, it became apparent that 20 to 35% of patients who died had preexisting cardiovascular disease. This finding warrants the important need to discuss the influence of SARS-CoV2 infection on the cardiovascular system and hemodynamics in the context of clinical management, particularly during mechanical ventilation. The SARS-CoV2 enters human cells through the spike protein binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is important to cardiovascular modulation and endothelial signaling. As ACE2 is highly expressed in lung tissue, patients have been progressing to acute respiratory injury at an alarming frequency during the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Moreover, COVID-19 leads to high D-dimer levels and prothrombin time, which indicates a substantial coagulation disorder. It seems that an overwhelming inflammatory and thrombogenic condition is responsible for a mismatching of ventilation and perfusion, with a somewhat near-normal static lung compliance, which describes two types of pulmonary conditions. As such, positive pressure during invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) must be applied with caution. The authors of this review appeal to the necessity of paying closer attention to assess microhemodynamic repercussion, by monitoring central venous oxygen saturation during strategies of IMV. It is well known that a severe respiratory infection and a scattered inflammatory process can cause non-ischemic myocardial injury, including progression to myocarditis. Early strategies that guide clinical decisions can be lifesaving and prevent extended myocardial damage. Moreover, cardiopulmonary failure refractory to standard treatment may necessitate the use of extreme therapeutic strategies, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Extended-time of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation improves tissue perfusion after coronary artery bypass surgery: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Objective: To compare the effects of extended- versus short-time noninvasive positive pressure ventilation on pulmonary function, tissue perfusion, and clinical outcomes in the early postoperative period following coronary artery bypass surgery in patients with preserved left ventricular function. Methods: Patients were randomized into two groups according to noninvasive positive pressure ventilation intensity: short-time noninvasive positive pressure ventilation n=20 (S-NPPV) and extended-time noninvasive positive pressure ventilation n=21 (E-NPPV). S-NPPV was applied for 60 minutes during immediate postoperative period and 10 minutes, twice daily, from postoperative days 1-5. E-NPPV was performed for at least six hours during immediate postoperative period and 60 minutes, twice daily, from postoperative days 1-5. As a primary outcome, tissue perfusion was determined by central venous oxygen saturation and blood lactate level measured after anesthetic induction, immediately after extubation and following noninvasive positive pressure ventilation protocols. As a secondary outcome, pulmonary function tests were performed preoperatively and in the postoperative days 1, 3, and 5; clinical outcomes were recorded. Results: Significant drop in blood lactate levels and an improvement in central venous oxygen saturation values in the E-NPPV group were observed when compared with S-NPPV group after study protocol (P<0.01). The E-NPPV group presented higher preservation of postoperative pulmonary function as well as lower incidence of respiratory events and shorter postoperative hospital stay (P<0.05). Conclusion: Prophylactic E-NPPV administered in the early postoperative period of coronary artery bypass surgery resulted in greater improvements in tissue perfusion, pulmonary function and clinical outcomes than S-NPPV, in patients with preserved left ventricular function. Trial Registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical trial - RBR7sqj78 - http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br

Early open-lung ventilation improves clinical outcomes in patients with left cardiac dysfunction undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Objective: To compare pulmonary function, functional capacity and clinical outcomes amongst three groups of patients with left ventricular dysfunction following off-pump coronary artery bypass, namely: 1) conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV); 2) late open lung strategy (L-OLS); and 3) early open lung strategy (E-OLS). Methods: Sixty-one patients were randomized into 3 groups: 1) CMV (n=21); 2) L-OLS (n=20) initiated after intensive care unit arrival; and 3) E-OLS (n=20) initiated after intubation. Spirometry was performed at bedside on preoperative and postoperative days (PODs) 1, 3, and 5. Partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) and pulmonary shunt fraction were evaluated preoperatively and on POD1. The 6-minute walk test was applied on the day before the operation and on POD5. Results: Both the open lung groups demonstrated higher forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 second on PODs 1, 3 and 5 when compared to the CMV group (P<0.05). The 6-minute walk test distance was more preserved, shunt fraction was lower, and PaO2 was higher in both open-lung groups (P<0.05). Open-lung groups had shorter intubation time and hospital stay and also fewer respiratory events (P<0.05). Key measures were significantly more favorable in the E-OLS group compared to the L-OLS group. Conclusion: Both OLSs (L-OLS and E-OLS) were able to promote higher preservation of pulmonary function, greater recovery of functional capacity and better clinical outcomes following off-pump coronary artery bypass when compared to conventional mechanical ventilation. However, in this group of patients with reduced left ventricular function, initiation of the OLS intra-operatively was found to be more beneficial and optimal when compared to OLS initiation after intensive care unit arrival.

A cycle ergometer exercise program improves exercise capacity and inspiratory muscle function in hospitalized patients awaiting heart transplantation: a pilot study

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a cycle ergometer exercise program on exercise capacity and inspiratory muscle function in hospitalized patients with heart failure awaiting heart transplantation with intravenous inotropic support. Methods: Patients awaiting heart transplantation were randomized and allocated prospectively into two groups: 1) Control Group (n=11) - conventional protocol; and 2) Intervention Group (n=7) - stationary cycle ergometer exercise training. Functional capacity was measured by the six-minute walk test and inspiratory muscle strength assessed by manovacuometry before and after the exercise protocols. Results: Both groups demonstrated an increase in six-minute walk test distance after the experimental procedure compared to baseline; however, only the intervention group had a significant increase (P =0.08 and P =0.001 for the control and intervention groups, respectively). Intergroup comparison revealed a greater increase in the intervention group compared to the control (P <0.001). Regarding the inspiratory muscle strength evaluation, the intragroup analysis demonstrated increased strength after the protocols compared to baseline for both groups; statistical significance was only demonstrated for the intervention group, though (P =0.22 and P <0.01, respectively). Intergroup comparison showed a significant increase in the intervention group compared to the control (P <0.01). Conclusion: Stationary cycle ergometer exercise training shows positive results on exercise capacity and inspiratory muscle strength in patients with heart failure awaiting cardiac transplantation while on intravenous inotropic support.

Pleural subxyphoid drain confers better pulmonary function and clinical outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: a randomized controlled trial / Dreno pleural subxifoide confere melhor função pulmonar e resultados clínicos na doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica após cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica sem circulação extracorpórea: ensaio clínico controlado e randomizado

Objective: To evaluate the lung function and clinical outcome in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting with left internal thoracic artery graft, comparing the pleural drain insertion in the intercostal versus subxyphoid region. Methods: A randomized controlled trial. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients were randomized into two groups according pleural drain site: II group (n=27) - pleural drain in intercostal space; SI group (n=29) - pleural drain in the subxyphoid region. Spirometry values (Forced Vital Capacity - and Forced expiratory volume in 1 second) were obtained on preoperative and 1, 3 and 5 postoperative days. Chest x-ray from preoperative until postoperative day 5 (POD5) was performed for monitoring respiratory events, such as atelectasis and pleural effusion. Pulmonary shunt fraction and pain score was evaluate preoperatively and on postoperative day 1. Results: In both groups there was a significant decrease of the spirometry values (Forced Vital Capacity and Forced expiratory volume in 1 second) until POD5 (P<0.05). However, when compared, SI group presented less decrease in these parameters (P<0.05). Pulmonary shunt fraction was significantly lower in SI group (P<0.05). Respiratory events, pain score, orotracheal intubation time and postoperative length of hospital stay were lower in the SI group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Subxyphoid pleural drainage in severe Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients determined better preservation and recovery of pulmonary capacity and volumes with lower pulmonary shunt fraction and better clinical outcomes on early postoperative off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. .

Objetivo: Avaliar a função pulmonar e os resultados clínicos em pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica grave submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio sem circulação extracorpórea, com enxerto da artéria torácica interna esquerda, comparando a inserção do dreno pleural intercostal versus subxifoide. Métodos: Estudo clínico, controlado e randomizado. Pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica foram randomizados em dois grupos de acordo com a posição do dreno pleural: grupo II (n=27) - dreno pleural intercostal; grupo IS (n=29) - dreno pleural na região subxifóide. Os valores espirométricos (Capacidade Vital Forçada e Volume expiratório forçado no 1 segundo) foram obtidos no pré-operatório, e no 1º, 3º e 5º dias de pós-operatório. Foi realizada radiografia de tórax no préoperatório até o 5º dia pós-operatório (5PO) para monitoração de eventos respiratórios, como atelectasia e derrame pleural. A fração de shunt pulmonar e a escala de dor foram avaliadas no 1º dia pós-operatório. Resultados: Em ambos os grupos houve queda significativa dos valores espirométricos (Capacidade Vital Forçada e Volume expiratório forçado no 1 segundo) até o 5PO (P<0.05), porém, quando comparados, o grupo IS apresentou menor queda destes parâmetros (P<0.05). A fração de shunt pulmonar foi significativamente menor no grupo IS (P<0.05). Os eventos respiratórios, escala da dor, tempo de intubação orotraqueal e dias internação hospitalar no pós-operatório foram menores no grupo IS (P<0.05). Conclusão: Drenagem pleural subxifoide em pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica grave determinou melhor preservação e recuperação dos volumes e capacidades pulmonares, com menor fração de shunt pulmonar e melhores resultados clínicos no pós-operatório precoce de cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio sem circulação extracorpórea. .

Subxyphoid pleural drain confers lesser impairment in respiratory muscle strength, oxygenation and lower chest pain after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: a randomized controlled trial / Dreno pleural subxifoide confere menor comprometimento da força muscular respiratória, oxigenação e menor dor torácica após cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio sem circulação extracorpórea: estudo controlado randomizado

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate respiratory muscle strength, oxygenation and chest pain in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) using internal thoracic artery grafts comparing pleural drain insertion site at the subxyphoid region versus the lateral region. METHODS: Forty patients were randomized into two groups in accordance with the pleural drain site. Group II (n = 19) -pleural drain exteriorized in the intercostal space; group (SI) (n = 21) chest tube exteriorized at the subxyphoid region. All patients underwent assessment of respiratory muscle strength (inspiratory and expiratory) on the pre, 1, 3 and 5 postoperative days (POD). Arterial blood gas analysis was collected on the pre and POD1. The chest pain sensation was measured 1, 3 and 5 POD. RESULTS: A significant decrease in respiratory muscle strength (inspiratory and expiratory) was seen in both groups until POD5 (P <0.05). When compared, the difference between groups remained significant with greater decrease in the II (P <0.05). The blood arterial oxygenation fell in both groups (P <0.05), but the oxygenation was lower in the II (P <0.05). Referred chest pain was higher 1, 3 and 5 POD in the II group (P <0.05). The orotracheal intubation time and postoperative length of hospital stay were higher in the II group (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients submitted to subxyphoid pleural drainage showed less decrease in respiratory muscle strength, better preservation of blood oxygenation and reduced thoracic pain compared to patients with intercostal drain on early OPCAB postoperative.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a força muscular respiratória, oxigenação e dor torácica em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (RM) sem circulação extracorpórea (CEC) comparando o local de inserção do dreno pleural na região subxifoidea versus lateral. MÉTODOS: Quarenta pacientes foram randomizados em dois grupos Grupo (II - n = 19) - dreno pleural exteriorizado na região intercostal; Grupo (SI - n = 21) dreno pleural exteriorizado na região subxifoidea. Os pacientes foram submetidos à avaliação da força muscular respiratória no pré, 1º, 3ºe 5º dias de pós-operatório (PO). Gasometria arterial foi coletada no pré e 1º dia do PO. A dor torácica foi avaliada no 1º, 3º e 5º dias de PO. RESULTADOS: Ambos os grupos apresentaram diminuição significante da força muscular respiratória até o quinto dia do PO (P <0,05). A diferença entre os grupos manteve-se significante com maior decréscimo no grupo II (P <0,05). Houve queda na pressão arterial de oxigênio em ambos os grupos (P <0,05), mas quando comparado à queda foi maior no grupo II (P <0,05). A dor torácica no 1º, 2º e 5º dia do PO foi maior grupo II (P <0,05). O tempo de intubação orotraqueal e permanência hospitalar no PO foram maiores no grupo II (P<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes submetidos a drenagem pleural subxifoidea apresentaram menor queda na força muscular respiratória, melhor preservação da oxigenação arterial e menos dor comparado aos pacientes com inserção do dreno na região intercostal no PO precoce de cirurgia de RM sem CEC.

Miniesternotomia na cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica preserva função pulmonar pós-operatória / Ministernotomy in myocardial revascularization preserves postoperative pulmonary function

FUNDAMENTO: Na cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (RM), a necessidade da esternotomia mediana tem sido considerada um fator para a redução de função pulmonar pós-operatória. OBJETIVO: Avaliar prospectivamente a função pulmonar no pós-operatório (PO) precoce de pacientes submetidos à RM sem circulação extracorpórea (CEC), comparando a esternotomia mediana convencional com a miniesternotomia. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 18 pacientes e alocados em dois grupos: Grupo esternotomia mediana convencional (EMC, n=10) e Grupo miniesternotomia (ME, n=8). Registros espirométricos da capacidade vital forçada (CVF) e do volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1) foram obtidos antes e no 1º, 3º e 5º dias de PO, e a gasometria arterial, antes e no 1º dia de PO. Também foram avaliados o percentual do shunt pulmonar e o escore de dor. RESULTADOS: Quando comparados em percentual do valor do pré-operatório, a CVF foi maior no grupo ME do que no grupo EMC no 1º, 3º e 5º dias de PO (p<0,001). Resultados similares foram encontrados para o VEF1. A recuperação da CVF entre o 1º e o 5º dia de PO foi maior no grupo EM do que no grupo EMC (p=0,043). A PaO2 diminuiu no 1º dia de PO em ambos os grupos (p<0,05), com maior queda no grupo EMC (p=0,002). O shunt aumentou nos dois grupos no 1º dia de PO (p<0,05), porém foi menor no grupo ME (p=0,02). A dor referida e a permanência hospitalar foram menores no grupo ME. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de RM por miniesternotomia apresentaram melhor preservação e recuperação da função pulmonar que os submetidos à esternotomia mediana.

BACKGROUND: In coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, the need to perform a midsternotomy has been considered a factor for the decrease in postoperative pulmonary function. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate early postoperative (PO) pulmonary function in patients submitted to off-pump CABG, comparing the conventional midsternotomy with the ministernotomy approach. METHODS: A total of 18 patients were evaluated and assigned to the two groups: Group Conventional Midsternotomy (CMS, n=10) and Group Ministernotomy (MS, n=8). Spirometric results of the forced vital capacity (FVC) and the Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) were obtained on the 1st, 3rd and 5th PO days and the arterial gasometry was obtained before and on the 1st PO day. The pulmonary shunt percentage and the pain score were also assessed. RESULTS: When compared in terms of percentage of the preoperative value, the FVC was higher in the MS group than in the CMS group on the 1st, 3rd and 5th PO days (p<0.001). Similar results were obtained for FEV1. The recovery of the FVC between the 1st and the 5th PO days was higher in the MS than in the CMS group (p=0,043). The PaO2 decreased on the 1st PO day in both groups (p<0.05), with a higher decrease in the CMS group (p=0.002). The shunt increased in the two groups on the 1st PO day (p<0.05); however, it was lower in the MS group (p=0.02). The reported pain score was lower and the duration of the hospital stay was shorter in the MS group. CONCLUSION: Patients submitted to CABG by MS present better preservation and recovery of pulmonary function than those submitted to CMS.

Avaliacão da funcão pulmonar em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularizacão do miocárdio com e sem circulacão extracorpórea / Evaluation of pulmonary function in patients following on and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

OBJETIVO: Avaliar e comparar a funcão pulmonar em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularizacão do miocárdio (RM) com e sem circulacão extracorpórea (CEC). MÉTODO: Trinta pacientes (média de idade 56,76n10,20 anos) foram alocados em dois grupos, de acordo com a utilizacão ou não da CEC: grupo A (n=15) sem CEC e grupo B (n =15) com CEC. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à avaliacão da funcão pulmonar. Registros espirométricos da capacidade vital forcada (CVF) e do volume expiratório forcado no primeiro segundo (VEF1) foram obtidos no pré, primeiro, terceiro e quinto dias de pós-operatório (PO) e a gasometria arterial em ar ambiente, no pré e primeiro dia de PO. RESULTADOS: Em ambos os grupos, houve queda significativa da CVF e do VEF1 até o quinto dia de PO (p<0,05). Quando comparados, a diferenca entre os grupos se manteve significativa, com maior queda dos valores de CVF e VEF1 no grupo B (p<0,05). A PaO2 e a relacão PaO2/FiO2 apresentaram queda significativa no primeiro dia de PO em ambos os grupos, porém com maior decréscimo no grupo B (p<0,05). CONCLUSAO: Pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de RM, independentemente do uso da CEC, apresentaram comprometimento da funcão pulmonar no PO. Entretanto, os pacientes operados sem uso da CEC demonstraram melhor preservacão da funcão pulmonar, quando comparados àqueles operados com CEC.