Bioética en donantes en asistolia controlada

Las campañas de prevención y promoción de salud, así como los avances en las medidas terapéuticas destinadas a los pacientes neurocríticos, han logrado reducir la incidencia de pacientes con injuria encefálica aguda (IEA) que evolucionan a la muerte encefálica (ME). Sin embargo, en la mayoría de los países de América Latina, los órganos perfusibles aptos para trasplante (TX) provienen de donantes fallecidos en ME. La donación en asistolia (DA), y en particular la donación en asistolia controlada (DAC), constituye una opción aceptada y válida para la obtención de órganos que contribuiría a la disminución de las listas de espera para trasplante. Durante el proceso de DAC, se aplican conceptos con fuerte impronta bioética cuya aplicación resulta fundamental en el momento de la toma de decisiones. El presente artículo tiene el objetivo de analizar dichos conceptos con la finalidad de otorgar herramientas válidas al equipo asistencial para aquellos procesos en los que existe deliberación moral, como ocurre en la donación de órganos en asistolia controlada, considerada parte integral de los cuidados al final de la vida.

Campaigns for health prevention and promotion, along with advancements in therapeutic measures for neurocritical patients, have succeeded in reducing the incidence of patients with acute brain injury (ABI) progressing to brain death (BD). However, in most Latin American countries, suitable perfusable organs for transplantation (TX) come from deceased donors in brain death (BD). Donation after circulatory death (DCD), particularly controlled donation after circulatory death (cDCD), represents an accepted and valid option for organ procurement that would contribute to reducing transplant waiting lists. During the cDCD process, strong bioethical principles are applied, and their implementation is crucial when making decisions. The purpose of this article is to analyze these concepts, aiming to provide valid tools to the healthcare team for processes involving moral deliberation, such as controlled circulatory death organ donation, considered an integral part of end-of-life care.

As campanhas de prevenção e promoção da saúde, bem como os avanços na medidas terapêuticas voltadas para pacientes neurocríticos conseguiram reduzir a incidência de pacientes com lesão cerebral aguda que evoluem para morte encefálica (ME). No entanto, na maioria dos países latino-americanos, os órgãos que podem ser perfundidos adequados para transplante (TX) vêm de doadores falecidos em ME. A doação em assistolia e em particular a doação em assistolia controlada (DAC),é uma opção aceita e válida para a obtenção de órgãos, o que contribuiria para a redução das listas de espera para transplantes. Durante o processo DAC, são aplicados conceitos com forte cunho bioético, que são fundamentais na o momento da tomada de decisão. Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar esses conceitos, com o objetivo de oferecer ferramentas válidas à equipe de saúde, para os processos em que há deliberação moral como ocorre na doação de órgãos em assistolia controlada considerada parte integrante dos cuidados de fim de vida.

Avaliação da eficiência dos diferentes métodos de ensino de ressuscitação cardiopulmonar para crianças e adolescentes: revisão integrativa / Evaluation of the efficiency of the different methods of teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation to children and adolescents: integrative review

Objetivo: Avaliar a eficiência dos diferentes métodos de ensino de Suporte Básico de Vida (SBV) para estudantes leigos a partir dos 12 anos de idade. Métodos: Realizou-se busca por artigos nas plataformas MEDLINE/PubMed e Lilacs/BVS, entre dezembro de 2021 e janeiro de 2022, para responder à questão norteadora "Qual a efetividade dos diferentes métodos de ensino de ressuscitação cardiopulmonar para crianças e adolescentes?". Incluíram-se artigos publicados nos últimos cinco anos, nos idiomas inglês e português. Resultados: Sete artigos abordaram os métodos de ensino: aprendizagem autorregulada, treinamento dos professores seguido dos estudantes, educação em pares; ensino online associado ao autotreinamento prático, ensino à distância, treinamento digital somado à prática, e uso de aplicativo por meio de um tabletcom posterior avaliação. Em todos os estudos houve comparação da intervenção com o treinamento convencional. De forma geral, todos os métodos de ensino contribuíram para desenvolver a habilidade de agir em situações de trauma, mas as estratégias que envolviam a presença de instrutores nos treinamentos mostraram melhores resultados, a curto e longo prazo. Conclusão: O presente estudo verificou os achados na literatura a respeito da eficácia de diferentes métodos de ensino de SBV para crianças e adolescentes. Dentre todas as abordagens observou-se melhor desempenho nos métodos que contaram com a presença de instrutores, os quais ofertaram feedback aos alunos e diminuíram as distrações. Porém, o ensino digital, o autorregulado e o aos pares também se mostraram viáveis. Logo, a escolha do método deve se pautar na realidade do público-alvo

Objective: To evaluate the efficiency of different teaching methods of Basic Life Support for lay students from 12 years of age.Methods: A search was carried out for articles on the MEDLINE/PubMed and Lilacs/BVS platforms between December 2021 and January 2022 to answer the guiding question, "How effective are the different teaching methods of cardiopulmonary resuscitation for children and adolescents?".Articles published in English and Portuguese in the last five years were included.Results: Seven articles addressed teaching methods: self-regulated learning, training of teachers followed by students, peer education, online teaching associated with practical self-training, distance learning, digital training added to practice, and application use through a tablet with subsequent evaluation.In all studies, there was a comparison between intervention and conventional training.Generally, all teaching methods contributed to developing the ability to act in trauma situations, but strategies that involved the presence of instructors in training showed better short- and long-term results.Conclusion: this study verified the findings in the literature regarding the effectiveness of different BLS teaching methods for children and adolescents.Among all approaches, better performance was observed in methods that had the presence of instructors, who offered feedback to students and reduced distractions. However, digital, self-r egulated, and peer teaching also proved viable.Therefore, the choice of method should be based on the target audience's reality

First Evaluation of the Brazilian Advanced Life Support Training (TECA A)

Abstract Background Cardiac arrest (CA) is a common condition associated with high mortality. The Brazilian advanced life support training TECA A (Treinamento em Emergências Cardiovasculares Avançado — Advanced Cardiovascular Emergency Training) was created to train healthcare professionals in the management of CA. However, there are no studies evaluating the effectiveness of TECA A. Objective To assess the impact of TECA A on the management of CA using a simulated CA situation. Methods Fifty-six students underwent a simulated case of CA in a manikin. The students' performance in the management of CA was assessed for the time to first chest compression and defibrillation and for a global assessment score using a structured tool. These items were assessed and compared before and after the TECA A. Exclusion criteria were previous participation in CA trainings and absence from class. Categorical variables were compared using the McNemar test and quantitative variables using the Wilcoxon test. All tests were two-tailed, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results Compared with before TECA A, median global assessment scores were higher after TECA A (pre-training: 4.0 points [2.0-5.0] vs. 10 points [9.0-10.0]; p<0.001), the time to start chest compressions was shorter (pre-training: 25 seconds [15-34] vs. 19 seconds [16.2-23.0]; p=0.002) and so was the time to defibrillation (pre-training: 82.5 seconds [65.0-108.0] vs. 48 seconds [39.0-53.0]; p<0.001). Conclusions The TECA A promoted a higher adherence to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines and a reduction in the time elapsed from CA to first chest compression and defibrillation.

Surgical Management of Massive Pulmonary Embolism Presenting with Cardiopulmonary Arrest: How Far Is Too Far?

ABSTRACT The incidence of diagnosed massive pulmonary embolism presenting to the Emergency Department is between 3% and 4.5% and it is associated with high mortality if not intervened timely. Cardiopulmonary arrest in this subset of patients carries a very poor prognosis, and various treating pathways have been applied with modest rate of success. Systemic thrombolysis is an established first line of treatment, but surgeons are often involved in the decision-making because of the improving surgical pulmonary embolectomy outcomes.

Parada cardiorrespiratória após infarto agudo do miocárdio por vasoespasmo coronariano. Relato de caso e revisão da literatura / Cardiorespiratory arrest after acute myocardial infarction due to coronary vasospasm. Case report and literature review

A angina vasoespástica é uma causa incomum de parada cardíaca e arritmias ventriculares. No entanto, os sobreviventes dessas complicações têm um risco aumentado de recorrência, apesar da função ventricular normal e do tratamento médico otimizado. Descrevemos o caso de uma ex-tabagista de 50 anos que teve parada cardiorrespiratória secundária a vasoespasmo coronariano grave.

Vasospastic angina is an uncommon cause of cardiac arrest and ventricular arrhythmias. However, survivors of these complications are at an increased risk of recurrence, despite normal ventricular function and optimized medical therapy. We describe a case of a 50-year-old former smoker who developed cardiorespiratory arrest secondary to severe coronary vasospasm.

Abdominal compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a scoping review / Compresiones abdominales durante la reanimación cardiopulmonar: una revisión de alcance / Compressões abdominais durante a reanimação cardiopulmonar: revisão de escopo

ABSTRACT Objectives: to map the scientific evidence on the use of abdominal compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients with cardiac arrest. Methods: this is a scoping review based on the question: "What is the evidence regarding the use of abdominal compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients with cardiac arrest?". Publications up to August 2022 were collected from eight databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews was used. Results: seventeen publications were included. The identified general population consisted of adults and elderly individuals. The primary outcome revealed significant rates of return of spontaneous circulation. Secondary outcomes indicated a significant improvement in heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and other outcomes. Conclusions: abdominal compressions have been shown to be beneficial. However, further clinical studies are needed to identify the best execution method and its impacts.

RESUMEN Objetivos: mapear la evidencia científica sobre el uso de compresiones abdominales durante la reanimación cardiopulmonar en pacientes con paro cardíaco. Métodos: esta es una revisión de alcance basada en la pregunta: "¿Cuál es la evidencia con respecto al uso de compresiones abdominales durante la reanimación cardiopulmonar en pacientes con paro cardíaco?". Se recopilaron publicaciones hasta agosto de 2022 de ocho bases de datos. Se utilizó la extensión de Informes Preferidos para Revisiones Sistemáticas y Metaanálisis para Revisiones de Alcance. Resultados: se incluyeron diecisiete publicaciones. La población general identificada estaba compuesta por adultos y personas mayores. El resultado primario reveló tasas significativas de retorno de la circulación espontánea. Los resultados secundarios indicaron una mejora significativa en la frecuencia cardíaca, la presión arterial, la saturación de oxígeno y otros resultados. Conclusiones: las compresiones abdominales han demostrado ser beneficiosas. Sin embargo, se necesitan más estudios clínicos para identificar el mejor método de ejecución y sus impactos.

RESUMO Objetivos: mapear as evidências científicas sobre o uso de compressões abdominais durante a reanimação cardiopulmonar em pacientes com parada cardiorrespiratória. Métodos: trata-se de uma revisão de escopo, baseada na questão: "quais são as evidências sobre o uso de compressões abdominais durante a reanimação cardiopulmonar em pacientes com parada cardiorrespiratória?". Foram coletadas as publicações até agosto de 2022 em oito bases de dados. Foi utilizado o Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Resultados: incluiu-se 17 publicações. O público geral identificado foi composto por adultos e idosos. O desfecho primário evidenciou taxas significativas de retorno da circulação espontânea. Os desfechos secundários indicaram melhora significativa na frequência cardíaca, pressão arterial, saturação de oxigênio e outros resultados. Conclusões: as compressões abdominais mostraram-se benéficas. No entanto, mais estudos clínicos são necessários para identificar o melhor método de execução e seus impactos.

O Uso da Escala de Borg na Percepção do Esforço em Manobras de Reanimação Cardiopulmonar / The Use of the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Resumo Fundamento A parada cardiorrespiratória é um evento crítico cuja taxa de sobrevivência é relacionada à qualidade das manobras de reanimação, aliada à tecnologia. É importante compreender a percepção do cansaço durante esse procedimento visando a efetividade das compressões e o aumento das chances na sobrevida. Objetivo Aplicar a Escala de Borg para analisar o esforço percebido por enfermeiros durante as manobras de reanimação cardiopulmonar com dispositivo de feedback. Método Estudo experimental com distribuição randomizada de enfermeiros em hospital de ensino, simulando parada cardiorrespiratória, para avaliação da percepção do esforço utilizando a escala de Borg durante a reanimação cardiopulmonar com/sem dispositivo de feedback. Foi adotado nível de significância estatística 5%. Resultados Foram incluídos 69 enfermeiros atuantes em unidades críticas e não críticas de atendimento ao adulto. A percepção de esforço e a frequência cardíaca foi menor no grupo intervenção (p<0,001), influenciadas pelo dispositivo de feedback, sem diferença significativa quanto às unidades de atuação. Conclusão A escala de Borg mostrou-se adequada para os objetivos propostos. O dispositivo de feedback contribuiu no menor esforço e redução da frequência cardíaca durante as manobras de reanimação. O baixo custo e a facilidade de aplicação favorecem o uso em treinamentos e atendimentos em tempo real para avaliar o desempenho durante a reanimação, utilizando dispositivo de feedback por reduzir os esforços e a percepção do cansaço. Também permite a reflexão sobre os fatores intervenientes e recursos que podem influenciar na qualidade da assistência e nas chances de sobrevivência.

Abstract Background A cardiopulmonary arrest is a critical event whose survival rate is related to the quality of resuscitation maneuvers combined with the use of technology. It is important to understand the perception of fatigue during this procedure, aiming to improve the effectiveness of compressions to increase the chances of survival. Objectives To apply the Borg rating of perceived exertion scale (Borg scale) to analyze the exertion perceived by nurses during cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers using a feedback device. Methods Experimental study with a randomized distribution of nurses in a teaching hospital. Perceived exertion during simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation with/without a feedback device was assessed using the Borg scale. The statistical significance level of 5% was adopted. Results 69 nurses working in critical and non-critical adult care units were included. Perceived exertion and heart rate were lower in the intervention group (p<0.001), influenced by the feedback device, with no significant difference between critical and non-critical units. Conclusions The Borg scale proved to be adequate for the proposed objectives. The feedback device contributed to lower exertion and heart rate reduction during resuscitation maneuvers. The low cost and ease of application favor its use during training and real-time resuscitation attempts to assess performance using a feedback device to reduce exertion and perception of fatigue. It allows reflection on the intervening factors and resources that can influence the quality of resuscitation attempts and the chances of survival.

Desfechos após Parada Cardiorrespiratória Extra-Hospitalar de Natureza Clínica e Traumática / Outcomes after Clinical and Traumatic Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Resumo Fundamento Dados sobre Parada Cardiorrespiratória extra-hospitalar ainda são escassos, muito variados e indicam mau prognóstico para eventos traumáticos. Objetivos Descrever a sobrevivência extra/intra-hospitalar, o tempo de sobrevivência e as condições neurológicas dos atendidos por unidades de suporte avançado à vida e submetidos a ressuscitação cardiopulmonar e comparar os resultados das paradas cardiorrespiratórias de natureza clínica e traumática. Métodos Estudo de coorte, realizado em três etapas, nas duas primeiras, os dados foram coletados em fichas do Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgências e prontuários, na terceira, foi aplicada a Escala de Categoria de Performance Cerebral. A casuística foi de vítimas reanimadas com idade ≥18 anos. Os testes de Fisher e log-rank foram empregados na comparação das causas, considerando nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Foram analisados 852 pacientes, 20,66% foram hospitalizados, 4,23% sobreviveram até transferência ou alta, 58,33% apresentaram desfecho favorável um ano após parada. Houve associação entre sobrevivência pré/intra-hospitalar e natureza da ocorrência (p=0,026), porém não houve diferença entre as curvas de sobrevivência, p=0,6. Conclusões A sobrevivência à hospitalização após parada cardiorrespiratória extra-hospitalar foi baixa, porém, a maioria dos sobreviventes à alta alcançaram desfecho favorável após um ano. O tempo de sobrevivência dos hospitalizados após eventos de natureza clínica e traumática foram similares, porém a sobrevida pré-hospitalar foi maior entre os traumatizados.

Abstract Background Data on out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are still scarce, very varied, and indicate a poor prognosis for traumatic events. Objectives To describe the out-of-hospital/in-hospital survival, survival time, and neurological conditions of those treated by advanced life support units and submitted to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and compare the results of clinical and traumatic cardiac arrests. Methods This is a cohort study carried out in three stages; in the first two, data were collected from the Mobile Emergency Care Service forms and medical records; then, the Brain Performance Category Scale was applied in the third stage. The sample consisted of resuscitated victims aged ≥18 years. Fisher's and log-rank tests were used to compare the causes, considering a significance level of 5%. Results 852 patients were analyzed; 20.66% were hospitalized, 4.23% survived until transfer or discharge, and 58.33% had a favorable outcome one year after arrest. There was an association between pre/in-hospital survival and the nature of the occurrence (p=0.026), but there was no difference between the survival curves (p=0.6). Conclusions Survival of hospitalization after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest was low; however, most who survived to be discharged achieved a favorable outcome after one year. The survival time of those hospitalized after clinical and traumatic events were similar, but pre-hospital survival was higher among trauma patients.

Myocardial Protection in Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Del Nido versus Blood Cardioplegia

ABSTRACT Introduction: Our study aimed to examine the impacts of blood cardioplegia (BC) and del Nido cardioplegia (DNC) solutions - which we used in isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) - on early mortality and major adverse events (MAE). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 329 consecutive patients who underwent CABG in our clinic between January 2016 and January 2020. Myocardial infarction, reoperation, cardiac tamponade, stroke, renal failure, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation requirement, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation were defined as MAE. The group in which DNC was used was Group D (181 [55%] patients), and the group in which BC was used was Group B (141 [45%] patients). Results: No statistically significant difference was determined between the groups regarding age, weight, body surface area, gender, or European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation score (P=0.615, P=0.560, P=0.934, P=0.365, P=0.955, respectively). Although there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of aortic cross-clamping time (P=0.712), cardiopulmonary bypass duration was longer in Group B (P=0.001). Even though the incidence of stroke was higher in Group B (P=0.030), no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups regarding total incidence of MAE, mortality, mechanical ventilation time, length of stay in the intensive care unit, or length of hospital stay (P=0.153, P=0.130, P=0.689, P=0.710, P=0.613, respectively). Conclusion: We found no significant difference in MAE, mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay, or hospital stay between the DNC and BC groups. We believe that both solutions can be used safely for cardiac protection in the adult patient population.

The Role of Shunt Occlusion During Extracorporeal Life Support

ABSTRACT Introduction: The current recommendation for systemic to pulmonary artery shunt (SPS) patients requiring extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is to keep the shunt open, maintaining a higher pump flow. The practice in our center is to totally occlude the shunt while on ECLS, and we are presenting the outcome of this strategy. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent SPS for cyanotic congenital heart disease with decreased pulmonary blood flow and required postoperative ECLS between January 2016 and December 2020. ECLS indication was excessive pulmonary blood flow, leading to either refractory low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) or cardiac arrest. All patients had their shunts totally occluded soon after ECLS establishment. Results: Of the 27 SPS patients who needed postoperative ECLS (13 refractory LCOS, 14 extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation), wherein the strategy of occluding the shunt on ECLS initiation was followed, 16 (59.3 %) survived ECLS weaning and eight (29.6%) survived to discharge. Conclusion: Increased flow to maintain systemic circulation for a SPS patient while on ECLS is an accepted strategy, but it should not be applied universally. A large subset of SPS patients, who require ECLS either due to cardiac arrest or refractory LCOS due to excessive pulmonary flow, might benefit from complete occlusion of the shunt soon after commencement of ECLS, especially in cases with frank pulmonary edema or haemorrhage in the pre-ECLS period. A prospective randomized trial could be ethically justified for the subset of patients receiving ECLS for the indication of excessive pulmonary blood flow.

A case of Kounis syndrome characterized by cardiac arrest / 中国综合临床

Kounis syndrome is an acute coronary syndrome associated with mast cell and platelet activation in the case of allergy or allergic injury. This case of Kounis syndrome type Ⅱ patients with myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest is rare. The patient came to the clinic because of wasp sting. During the treatment, he had cardiac arrest. After cardiopulmonary resuscitation, anti allergy, antithrombotic and coronary revascularization, his condition improved. After discharge, he was followed up regularly. After 1 month and 1 year follow-up, the patient had no chest pain, chest tightness, discomfort and allergic reaction.

Relationship between arterial blood partial pressure of carbon dioxide and prognosis of neurological function after cardiopulmonary resuscitation / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the relationship between arterial blood partial pressure of carbon dioxide and neurological outcome after cardiopulmonary resuscitation.Methods:The clinical data of 116 patients who underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Department of the Second People's Hospital of Hefei from January 2018 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the average arterial blood partial pressure of carbon dioxide within 24 hours after admission, patients were divided into normal (35 mmHg ≤ PaCO 2 ≤ 55 mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa, n = 44), hypercapnia (PaCO 2 > 55 mmHg, n = 51), and hypocapnia (PaCO 2 < 35 mmHg, n = 21) groups. ICU stay, in-hospital mortality, and neurological outcome at discharge were compared among groups. A logistic regression analysis model was established. The relationship between PaCO 2 and neurological outcome was determined. Results:There were no significant differences in age, sex, cardiac arrest time, acute physiological and chronic health evaluation II score at admission, 1-hour mean arterial pressure, location of cardiac arrest, and initial heart rhythm among the three groups (all P > 0.05). ICU stay in the normal group [(7.23 ± 2.55) days] was significantly higher than that in the hypercapnia [(12.21 ± 4.12) days] and hypocapnia [(11.78 ± 4.72) days] groups ( t = 6.48, 4.59, both P < 0.01). In-hospital mortality in the normal group was 38.6% (17/44), which was significantly lower than 60.8% (31/51) in the hypercapnia group and 66.7% (14/21) in the hypocapnia group ( χ2 = 4.63, 4.47, both P < 0.05). The good neurological outcome rate in the normal group was 55.6% (15/44), which was significantly higher than 25.0% (5/51) in the hypercapnia group and 28.6% (2/21) in the hypocapnia group ( χ2 = 8.38, 5.14, both P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that cardiac arrest time, 1-hour mean arterial pressure, acute physiological and chronic health evaluation II score, and PaCO 2 are important factors for neurological outcomes of resuscitated patients at discharge (all P < 0.01). Conclusion:Within 24 hours after cardiopulmonary resuscitation, maintaining a normal PaCO 2 level can help improve the neurological outcome of patients at discharge.

Efficacy and Risks of Therapeutic Hypothermia after Pediatric Cardiac Arrest: A Systematic Review

Abstract Background: Therapeutic hypothermia is used in adults and neonates after cardiac arrest, but its efficiency in children under 18 years old is still uncertain. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and risks of therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest in children under 18 years of age through a systematic review. Methods: A systematic review was performed in January 2022 in the MEDLINE, SciELO, Cochrane, and LILACS databases. Inclusion criteria: randomized controlled trials (RCTs) performed in humans. Articles from other typologies, published more than 10 years ago, or with volunteers over 18 years old were excluded. Results: Four studies were identified, of which 3 were analyzed; all of them were of moderate quality according to the Jadad Scale and the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The studies indicated that lowering the temperature did not improve data on mortality and adverse events. Two studies did not identify statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) considering hypothermia in relation to normothermia in terms of survival, safety, and global neurobehavioral and cognitive function. The other study did not show improved serum biomarker concentrations. Conclusion: The results found in this review do not support the use of therapeutic hypothermia after pediatric cardiac arrest, as this intervention did not provide any apparent benefits in terms of safety, adverse events, survival, and neurological impact. We recommend the conduction of new RCTs using the measurement of serum biomarkers to better evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.

Tepid Modified Del Nido Cardioplegia in Adults Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Propensity-Matched Analysis

Abstract Introduction: Del Nido cardioplegia was reported to provide adequate myocardial protection and clinical outcomes with improved surgical flow in adult cardiac surgical procedures. And many clinicians have already modified the traditional formula. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of tepid modified del Nido cardioplegia compared to cold blood cardioplegia in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods: This retrospective study included one hundred consecutive adult patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures using tepid modified del Nido cardioplegia. One hundred consecutive adult patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures with cold blood cardioplegia were the control group. Propensity score matching yielded 89 modified del Nido and 89 cold blood cardioplegia patients. Results: There were no significant differences when comparing the two matched groups regarding the requirement for intraoperative defibrillation (P=0.36), postoperative peak troponin T levels (0.18), perioperative inotropic support (P=0.26), intra-aortic balloon pump requirement (P=0.62), and postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction at discharge (P=0.4) and on the sixth postoperative month (P=0.37). Mean cross-clamping time (P=0.005), cardiopulmonary bypass time (P=0.03), and total operation time (P=0.03) were significantly shorter in the del Nido group. Conclusion: Tepid modified del Nido cardioplegia may be a safe alternative to cold blood cardioplegia in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures.

Propensity-Matched Analysis of Del Nido Cardioplegia in Adults Undergoing Cardiac Surgery with Prolonged Cross-Clamping Time

Abstract Introduction: There is not enough data in the literature regarding the safety and efficiency of del Nido cardioplegia in patients with prolonged cross-clamping time. This study aims to determine the efficacy and safety of del Nido cardioplegia compared to cold blood cardioplegia in patients with prolonged aortic cross-clamping time. Methods: In this retrospective study, patients with an aortic cross-clamping time ≥ 90 minutes were included. One hundred consecutive adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery using del Nido cardioplegia comprised the study group, and 100 consecutive adult patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures using cold blood cardioplegia comprised the control group. Propensity score matching yielded 88 del Nido cardioplegia and 88 cold blood cardioplegia patients. Results: There were no significant differences when comparing the matched groups regarding the requirement for intraoperative defibrillation, postoperative peak troponin T levels, inotropic support, intra-aortic balloon pump requirement, and left ventricular ejection fraction at discharge and on the sixth postoperative month; also, there were no significant differences when comparing cardiopulmonary bypass time and total operation time. Mean cross-clamping time was significantly shorter in the del Nido group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Del Nido cardioplegia may be a safe alternative to cold blood cardioplegia in adults undergoing cardiac surgical procedures with prolonged aortic cross-clamping time.

Custodiol versus Blood Cardioplegia: Comparison of Myocardial Immunohistochemical Analysis and Clinical Outcomes

ABSTRACT Introduction: Custodiol (histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate) and repetitive blood cardioplegia are the solutions for myocardial protection and cardiac arrest. In this study, we aimed to compare immunohistochemical analysis, clinical outcomes, and cardiac enzyme values of Custodiol and blood cardioplegia groups. Methods: This was a randomized prospective study consisting of 2 groups and 20 patients, 10 patients for each group, who underwent mitral and mitral/tricuspid valve surgery. Group 1 was formed for Custodiol cardioplegia and group 2 for blood cardioplegia. Perioperative and postoperative cardiac events were recorded, cardiac enzymes were analyzed with intervals, and myocardial samples were taken for immunohistochemical analysis. Recorded data were statistically evaluated. Results: There was no significant difference for the Custodiol and blood cardioplegia groups in perioperative and postoperative cardiac performance and adverse events. Cardiac enzyme analysis showed no significant difference between groups. However, two parameters (eNOS, Bcl-2) were in favor of the Custodiol group in immunohistochemical studies. Custodiol performed better in cellular oxidative stress resistance and cellular viability. Conclusion: Clinical outcomes and cardiac enzyme analysis results were similar regarding myocardial protection. However, Custodiol performed better in the immunohistochemical analysis.