Malondialdehyde-modified LDL IgG antibody levels and indices of cardiac function in valvular heart and coronary artery disease patients

To compare the changes in anti-malondialde-hyde-modified low-density lipoprotein [MDA-LDL] IgG levels among patients undergoing off-pump and on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG] or valvuloplasty. A total of 38, 39 and 34 patients who underwent off-pump CABG, on-pump CABG and valvuloplasty, respectively, were enrolled in this study. Serum anti-MDA-LDL IgG values were measured 24 h before and after the operative procedures and at discharge. Echocardiogra-phy was also done before surgery and before discharge. The results were compared with values from 50 healthy controls. In all patients, a reduction in antibody titers was observed post-operatively. However, the decrease was significant only in the off-pump CABG - before surgery: 42.33 [25.83-58.51], after surgery: 30.86 [16.36-51.33] and at discharge: 10.96 [6.82-23.57; p = 0.027]. There was a significant positive association between anti-MDA-LDL IgG levels and ejection fraction [r = 0.248, p = 0.036] and a negative association with E/E', a marker of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, in the coronary patients [r = -0.345, p = 0.012], but no significant associations were found in patients with valvular heart disease. Serum anti-MDA-LDL IgG levels were associated with cardiac function indices in coronary patients undergoing CABG

evaluation of survival in patients who need intra aortic balloon pump [IABP] after cardiac surgery

Introduction: In some cases, assist devices are required to ensure an adequate cardiac output after cardiac surgery. Intra-aortic balloon pump [IABP] is the most commonly used cardiac assist device, which provides first-line support for patients with heart failure. The aim of this study was to determine factors affecting the mortality rate of patients receiving IABP

Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 235 patients requiring IABP support were analyzed over 14 years period [between January 1999 and December 2013] from which 137 patients survived the 30 days follow-up. Perioperative and demographic factors such as age, weight, underlying disease, ejection fraction, ventricular aneurysm and cardiopulmonary bypass [CPB] and cross clamp time were recorded and analyzed

Results: The overall operative mortality was reported to be 41.7%. Male-to-female ratio was 131:104 and the mean age of the subjects was 57.58 +/- 11.07 years. Early mortality rate was higher among young subjects and those with prolonged CPB [162.71 +/- 35.25, P<0.001] and ACC [129.94 +/- 54.39, P<0.001]. In addition, mortality rate was higher among females [P=0.04]. Patients' weight, comorbidity, preoperative ejection fraction, ventricular aneurysm and stenosis of the left main coronary did not affect the mortality rate [P>0.05]

Conclusion: IABP is a simple, effective method for temporary cardiac support, especially for aged patients. In addition, lower duration of surgery is associated with better surgical outcomes