Investigating preoperative myoglobin level as predictive factor for acute kidney injury following cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass: a retrospective observational study

Abstract Background: Early identification of patients at risk of AKI after cardiac surgery is of critical importance for optimizing perioperative management and improving outcomes. This study aimed to identify the association between preoperative myoglobin levels and postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing valve surgery or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) with cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: This retrospective study included 293 patients aged over 17 years who underwent valve surgery or CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass. We excluded 87 patients as they met the exclusion criteria. Therefore, 206 patients were included in the final analysis. The patients' demographics as well as intraoperative and postoperative data were collected from electronic medical records. AKI was defined according to the Acute Kidney Injury Network classification system. Results: Of the 206 patients included in this study, 77 developed AKI. The patients who developed AKI were older, had a history of hypertension, underwent valve surgery with concomitant CABG, had lower preoperative hemoglobin levels, and experienced prolonged extracorporeal circulation (ECC) times. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that preoperative myoglobin levels and ECC time were correlated with the development of AKI. A higher preoperative myoglobin level was an independent risk factor for the development of cardiac surgery-associated AKI. Conclusions: Higher preoperative myoglobin levels may enable physicians to identify patients at risk of developing AKI and optimize management accordingly.

Comparison of Effects of Liuzijue Exercise and Conventional Respiratory Training on Patients after Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the feasibility and safety of Liuzijue exercise (LE) for the clinical effect in patients after cardiac surgery.@*METHODS@#Totally 120 patients who underwent cardiac surgery and were admitted to the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital between July and Oclober, 2022 were allocated to the LE group, the conventional respiratory training (CRT) group, and the control group by a random number table at a ratio of 1:1:1; 40 patients in each group. All patients received routine treatment and cardiac rehabilitation. LE group and CRT group respectively performed LE and CRT once a day for 30 min for 7 days. Control group did not receive specialized respiratory training. The forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, peak inspiratory flow rate, peak expiratory flow rate, maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, modified Barthel index (MBI), and Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A) were evaluated before, after 3 and 7 days of intervention. In addition, the postoperative length of hospital stay (LOS) and the adverse events that occurred during the intervention period were compared.@*RESULTS@#A total of 107 patients completed the study, 120 patients were included in the analysis. After 3 days of intervention, the pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, MBI and HAM-A of all 3 groups improved compared with that before the intervention (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the control group, pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength were significantly improved in the CRT and LE groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). MBI and HAM-A were significantly improved in the LE group compared with the control and CRT groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). On the 7th day after intervention, the difference was still statistically significant (P<0.01), and was significantly different from that on the 3rd day (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In addition, on the 7th day of intervention, the pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength in the LE group were significantly improved compared with those in the CRT group (P<0.01). MBI and HAM-A were significantly improved in the CRT group compared with the control group (P<0.01). There were no significant differences in postoperative LOS among the 3 groups (P>0.05). No training-related adverse events occurred during the intervention period.@*CONCLUSIONS@#LE is safe and feasible for improving pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, the ability to complete activities of daily living and for relieving anxiety of patients after cardiac surgery (Registration No. ChiCTR2200062964).

Morbilidad posoperatoria asociada a ferropenia y anemia no severa preoperatorias en cirugía cardíaca electiva / Postoperative morbidity associated with iron deficiency and preoperative non-severe anemia in elective cardiac surgery / Morbidade pós-operatória associada à deficiência de ferro e anemia pré-operatória não grave em cirurgia cardíaca eletiva

Introducción: la anemia y la ferropenia son frecuentes en candidatos a cirugía cardíaca y se asocian a peores resultados posoperatorios. Su manejo no está estandarizado. No existen datos locales sobre prevalencia y pronóstico. Objetivo: evaluar si la anemia no severa y la ferropenia se asocian en nuestro medio a peores resultados posoperatorios en cirugía cardíaca electiva. Método: estudio de cohorte prospectivo en dos centros. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años sometidos a cirugía cardíaca electiva. Se conformaron tres grupos: 1) control, 2) ferropenia aislada y 3) anemia no severa. Se consignaron variables clínicas y paraclínicas preoperatorias, intraoperatorias y posoperatorias. Se realizaron análisis uni y multivariados para determinar significancia estadística (p < 0,05). Resultados: se incluyeron 167 pacientes, mediana y distancia IQ 68 años [60-74], 61,68% hombres. FEVI media 59% [45-60], EuroSCORE II 0,96 [0,76-1,35]. Se llevaron a cabo 96 revascularizaciones (57,49%), 39 sustituciones valvulares (23,35%) y 30 combinadas (17,96%), una trombectomía y un implante de tubo aórtico. La prevalencia de ferropenia aislada fue 15,57%, de anemia total 40,72% y de anemia y/o ferropenia 56,29%. El grupo control tuvo menos días de internación (p = 0,0018) y el grupo ferropenia necesitó más volúmenes de glóbulos rojos transfundidos (p = 0,045). En el análisis univariado los grupos 2 y 3 se asociaron a mayores eventos posoperatorios compuestos (OR 2,86, p = 0,03, y OR 2,11, p = 0,03, respectivamente). El grupo 3 se asoció a mayor probabilidad de infección posoperatoria (OR 8,63, 1,03-72,12, p = 0,049). En el análisis multivariado el hematocrito se asoció inversamente a insuficiencia renal (OR 0,61; IC 95% 0,38-0,99, p=0,04) y la edad en forma directa (OR 1,14; IC 95% 1,02-1,28, p=0,02). Conclusiones: la prevalencia de anemia no severa y ferropenia fue alta, se asoció a complicaciones en el posoperatorio y mayor estadía hospitalaria. Es necesario protocolizar su manejo.

Introduction: anemia and iron deficiency are frequent in candidates for cardiac surgery and are associated with poorer postoperative results. Its therapeutic approach is not standardized. There are no local data on prevalence and prognosis. Objective: to assess whether non-severe anemia and iron deficiency are associated with poorer postoperative results in elective cardiac surgery in our patients. Method: prospective cohort study in two centers. Patients > 18 years of age who underwent elective cardiac surgery were included. Three groups were formed: 1) control, 2) isolated iron deficiency and 3) non-severe anemia. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative clinical and paraclinical outcomes were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyzes were performed to determine statistical significance (p < 0.05). Results: 167 patients were included, 68 years [60-74], 61.68% men. Mean LVEF 59% [45-60], EuroSCORE II 0.96 [0.76-1.35]. 96 revascularizations (57.49%), 39 valve replacements (23.35%) and 30 combined (17.96%), one thrombectomy and one aortic tube were carried out. The prevalence of isolated iron deficiency was 15.57%, total anemia 40.72% and anemia and/or iron deficiency 56.29%. The control group had fewer days of hospitalization (p = 0.0018) and the ferropenia group needed more red blood cells transfusions (p = 0.045). In the univariate analysis, groups 2 and 3 were associated with higher compound postoperative events (OR 2.86, p = 0.03, and OR 2.11, p = 0.03, respectively). Group 3 was associated with a higher probability of postoperative infection (OR 8.63, 1.03-72.12, p = 0.049). In the multivariate analysis, the hematocrit values ​​were associated with renal failure (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02-1.28, p = 0.02). Conclusions: the prevalence of non-severe anemia and iron deficiency was high, it was associated with greater complications in the postoperative period and a longer hospital stay. It is necessary to protocolize its therapeutic approach.

Introdução: a anemia e a deficiência de ferro são frequentes em candidatos à cirurgia cardíaca e estão associadas a maus resultados pós-operatórios. Sua abordagem terapêutica não é padronizada. Não existem dados locais sobre prevalência e prognóstico. Objetivo: avaliar se a anemia não grave e a deficiência de ferro estão associadas a maus resultados pós-operatórios em cirurgia cardíaca eletiva em nossos pacientes. Método: estudo de coorte prospectivo em dois centros. Pacientes > 18 anos de idade submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca eletiva foram incluídos. Foram formados três grupos: 1) controle, 2) deficiência de ferro isolada e 3) anemia não grave. Variáveis clínicas e paraclínicas pré-operatórias, intraoperatórias e pós-operatórias foram registradas. Análises univariadas e multivariadas foram realizadas para determinar a significância estatística (p < 0,05). Resultados: 167 pacientes foram incluídos, 68 anos [60-74], 61,68% homens. LVEF média 59% [45-60], EuroSCORE II 0,96 [0,76-1,35]. Foram realizadas 96 revascularizações (57,49%), 39 trocas valvares (23,35%), 30 combinadas (17,96%), uma trombectomia e um tubo aórtico. A prevalência de deficiência de ferro isolada foi de 15,57%, anemia total 40,72% e anemia e/ou deficiência de ferro 56,29%. O grupo controle teve menos dias de internação (p = 0,0018) e o grupo de deficiência de ferro necessitou de mais transfusão de volumes de hemácias (p = 0,045). Na análise univariada, os grupos 2 e 3 foram associados a eventos pós-operatórios compostos mais elevados (OR 2,86, p = 0,03 e OR 2,11, p = 0,03, respectivamente). O grupo 3 foi associado a uma maior probabilidade de infecção pós-operatória (OR 8,63, 1,03-72,12, p = 0,049). Na análise multivariada, o hematócrito foi associado à insuficiência renal (OR 1,14, IC 95% 1,02-1,28, p = 0,02). Conclusões: a prevalência de anemia não grave e deficiência de ferro foi elevada, associada a complicações pós-operatórias e maior tempo de internação. É necessário protocolar sua abordagem terapêutica.

Incidência, fatores associados e impacto de complicações pulmonares no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca pediátrica / Incidence, associated factors and impact of pulmonary complications in the postoperative period of pediatric cardiac surgery

Objetivo: determinar a incidência, os fatores associados e o impacto das complicações pulmonares no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca pediátrica. Metodologia: estudo de coorte, prospectivo, que incluiu lactentes e crianças submetidas à cirurgia cardíaca em um hospital pediátrico, no período de novembro de 2016 a julho de 2019. Foram coletados dados dos prontuários referentes ao sexo, idade, presença de outras malformações associadas, tipo de cardiopatia, ocorrência de complicações pulmonares, tempo de ventilação mecânica (VM) e de internamento na unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) e óbito. Resultados: a amostra foi constituída por 111 lactentes e crianças, mediana da idade de 13 meses (7-32 meses), 54,1% do sexo feminino. Quanto ao tipo de cardiopatia, 80,2% foram cianogênicas. As complicações pulmonares ocorreram em 44,1% dos casos, sendo a mais frequente a atelectasia. A mediana do tempo de VM foi 8 horas (1-48h) e 45 (40,5%) permaneceram na VM por mais de 24h. A mediana do tempo de internamento na UTI foi de 7 dias (4-12dias). Evoluíram a óbito 7 (14,3%) pacientes. Conclusão: a amostra investigada apresentou incidência elevada de complicações pulmonares no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca

Objective: to determine the incidence, associated factors and impact of pulmonary complications in the postoperative period of pediatric cardiac surgery. Methodology: prospective cohort study, which included infants and children undergoing cardiac surgery in a pediatric hospital, from November 2016 to July 2019. Data were collected from medical records regarding sex, age, presence of other associated malformations, type of heart disease, occurrence of pulmonary complications, duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) and admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) stay and death. Results: the sample consisted of 111 infants and children, median age 13 months (7-32 months), 54.1% female. As for the type of heart disease, 80.2% were acyanotic. Pulmonary complications occurred in 44.1% of cases, with atelectasis being the most frequent. The median time on mechanical ventilation (MV) was 8 hours (1-48h) and 45 (40.5%) remained on MV for more than 24h. The median length of stay in the ICU was 7 days (4-12 days). 7 (14.3%) patients died. Conclusion: the investigated sample had a high incidence of pulmonary complications in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery

Efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine in maintaining hemodynamic stability in pediatric cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objectives: Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a highly selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist, which is the main sedative in the intensive care unit. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness and adverse events of DEX in maintaining hemodynamic stability in pediatric cardiac surgery. Sources: Databases such as PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, WANFANG STATA and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched for articles about the application of DEX in maintaining hemodynamic stability during and after pediatric cardiac surgery up to 18th Feb. 2021. Only randomized controlled trials were included and random-effects model meta-analysis was applied to calculate the standardized mean deviation (SMD), odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Summary of the findings: Fifteen articles were included for this meta-analysis, and 9 articles for qualitative analysis. The results showed that preoperative prophylaxis and postoperative recovery of DEX in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery were effective in maintaining systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and reducing heart rate (HR) (SBP: SMD = -0.35,95% CI: -0.72, 0.01; MAP: SMD = -0.83, 95% CI: -1.87,0.21; DBP: SMD = -0.79,95% CI: -1.66,0.08; HR: SMD = -1.71,95% CI: -2.29, -1.13). In addition, the frequency of Junctional Ectopic Tachycardia in the DEX treatment group was lower than that in the placebo group. Conclusions: The application of DEX for preoperative prophylaxis and postoperative recovery in pediatric cardiac surgery patients are effective in maintaining hemodynamic stability, and the clinical dose of DEX is not significantly related to the occurrence of pediatric adverse events which may be related to individual differences.

Risk factors for venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation related nosocomial infection in children after cardiac surgery / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an extracorporeal life support strategy for the treatment of critically ill children with reversible heart and lung failure, increasingly being used in patients with low cardiac output after cardiac surgery. However, the mortality of patients is closely related to the complications of ECMO, especially bleeding, thrombosis, and infection, ECMO-related nosocomial infection has become a challenge to the success of ECMO. This study aims to analyze the incidence and risk factors for venoarterial-ECMO (VA-ECMO)-related nosocomial infections in children after cardiac surgery.@*METHODS@#We retrospectively collected the data of patients who underwent VA-ECMO treatment after pediatric cardiac surgery in the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from July 2015 to March 2021, and divided them into an infected group and a non-infected group. The clinical characteristics of the 2 groups of patients, VA-ECMO-related nosocomial infection factors, pathogenic microorganisms, and patient mortality were compared. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for nosocomial infection related to VA-ECMO after cardiac surgery.@*RESULTS@#Of the 38 pediatric patients, 18 patients (47.37%) had VA-ECMO related nosocomial infection, served as the infected group, including 7 patients with blood infections and 11 respiratory tract infections. Gram-negative pathogens (16 strains, 88.9%) were the main bacteria, such as Acinetobacter baumannii (6 strains), Klebsiella pneumoniae (3 strains), and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (3 strains). Compared with the non-infected group (n=20), the infection group had longer time of cardiopulmonary bypass, time of myocardial block, and time of VA-ECMO assistance (All P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that time of cardiopulmonary bypass (OR=1.012, 95% CI 1.002 to 1.022; P=0.021) was an independent risk factor for ECMO-related nosocomial infection. The number of surviving discharges in the infected group was less than that in the non-infected group (1 vs 11, P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Cardiopulmonary bypass time is an independent risk factor for VA-ECMO-related nosocomial infection in children after cardiac surgery. Shortening the duration of extracorporeal circulation may reduce the incidence of VA-EMCO-related nosocomial infections in children after cardic surgery. The occurrence of VA-ECMO-related nosocomial infections affects the number of patient's discharge alive.

Replacement Therapy for Hemophilia Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: Report of Three Cases / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

Hemophilia is an X-linked recessive inherited bleeding disorder. Despite the improved treatment in recent years with the advent of replacement therapies, the progression of atherosclerosis is not slowed down after the reduction of clotting factors in hemophilia. As life expectancy increases, more hemophilia patients will suffer from age-related cardiovascular diseases. Since cardiac surgery needs heparinization and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), it is extremely challenging to balance hemostasis and coagulation in patients with hemophilia. Here we report three cases of hemophilia patients who underwent cardiac surgery successfully.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation-Related Nosocomial Infection after Cardiac Surgery in Adult Patients

Abstract Introduction: The evaluation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-related nosocomial infection (ECMO-related NI) in a homogeneous cohort remains scarce. This study analyzed ECMO-related NI in adult patients who have undergone cardiac surgery. Methods: From January 2012 to December 2017, 322 adult patients who have received ECMO support after cardiac surgery were divided into the infection group (n=131) and the non-infection group (n=191). ECMO-related NI was evaluated according to demographic data, surgical procedures, and ECMO parameters. Results: The incidence of ECMO-related NI was 85.4 cases per 1000 ECMO days. Acinetobacter baumannii was the most common pathogen causing blood stream infection and respiratory tract infection. Prolonged duration of surgery (P=0.042) and cardiopulmonary bypass assist (P=0.044) increased the risk of ECMO-related NI. Body mass index (odds ratio [OR]: 1.077; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.004-1.156; P=0.039) and duration of ECMO support (OR: 1.006; 95% CI: 1.003-1.009; P=0.0001) were the independent risk factors for ECMO-related NI. Duration of ECMO support > 144 hours (OR: 2.460; 95% CI: 1.155-7.238; P<0.0001) and ECMO-related NI (OR: 3.726; 95% CI: 1.274-10.895; P=0.016) increased significantly the risk of in-hospital death. Conclusion: Prolonged duration of ECMO support was an independent risk factor for NI. Surgical correcting latent causes of cardiopulmonary failure and shortening duration of ECMO whenever possible would reduce susceptibility to NI.

Risk score elaboration for stroke in cardiac surgery

Abstract Introduction: Stroke is a complication that causes considerable morbidity and mortality during the heart surgery postoperative period (incidence: 1.3 to 5%; mortality: 13 to 41%). Models for assessing the risk of stroke after heart surgery have been proposed, but most of them do not evaluate postoperative morbidity. The aim of this study was to develop a risk score for postoperative stroke in patients who undergo heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: A cohort study was conducted with data from 4,862 patients who underwent surgery from 1996 to 2016. Logistic regression was used to assess relationships between risk factors and stroke. Data from 3,258 patients were used to construct the model. The model's performance was then validated using data from the remainder of the patients (n=1,604). The model's accuracy was tested using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: The prevalence of stroke during the postoperative period was 3% (n=149); 59% of the patients who exhibited this outcome were male, 51% were aged ≥ 66 years, and 31.5% of the patients died. The variables that remained as independent predictors of the outcome after multivariate analysis were advanced age, urgent/emergency surgery, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, history of cerebrovascular disease, and cardiopulmonary bypass time ≥ 110 minutes. The area under the ROC curve was 0.71 (95% confidence interval 0.66 - 0.75). Conclusion: We were able to develop a risk score for stroke after heart surgery. This score classifies patients as low, medium, high, or very high risk of a surgery-related stroke.

Central venous oxygen saturation/lactate ratio and prediction of major adverse events after pediatric heart surgery

Abstract Introduction: Major adverse events (MAE) are unexpected but undesirably frequent after pediatric congenital heart surgery and contribute to poorer outcomes. The aim of this study was to test the predictive value of a ratio between central venous oxygen saturation and arterial lactate (ScvO2/lactate) for MAE after pediatric congenital heart surgery in a Brazilian university hospital. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study in a tertiary care university hospital, including 194 infants and children submitted to surgery for congenital heart disease. The predictive value of ScvO2, lactate, and ScvO2/lactate ratio were assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). Results: The incidence of MAE was 16% — cardiac arrest/death, unplanned reoperation, and low cardiac output syndrome were the most common events. Overall, ScvO2/lactate ratio discriminated patients with and without MAE very well (AUC 0.842), performing better than either variable alone, with sensitivity of 48%, specificity of 94%, PPV of 60%, and NPV of 91%. Conclusion: A ScvO2/lactate ratio > 5 can accurately identify patients at low risk of MAE after pediatric congenital heart surgery, with very good specificity and NPV, but poor sensitivity and PPV.

Valor predictivo prequirúrgico del EuroSCORE I, EuroSCORE II y STS score en pacientes sometidos a cirugía cardíaca: informe preliminar / Pre-surgical predictive value of the EuroSCORE I, EuroSCORE II and STS score in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: preliminary report

RESUMEN Introducción: en cirugía cardiovascular, el EuroSCORE I, EuroSCORE II y STS score son herramientas que brindan pronóstico e información para la toma de decisiones. Es imperativo evaluar el valor predictivo real de los mismos en nuestro medio. Objetivo: evaluar el valor predictivo de los citados scores en pacientes sometidos a cirugía cardíaca en el área de cardiología del Hospital Nacional. Metodología: estudio de cohortes, retrospectivo, con muestreo no probabilístico de casos consecutivos. La población estuvo constituida por pacientes sometidos a cirugía cardiaca en el periodo comprendido entre enero 2020 a julio 2021. Fueron evaluadas 60 historias clínicas, excluidas 6, quedando finalmente 54 expedientes. Resultado: predominó el sexo masculino 57,14 %, la edad media fue de 60 ± 12 años (rango 26 - 82 años). El EuroSCORE II presentó un riesgo relativo de 10 (IC 95 % 1,3 ­ 90), p=0,004, sensibilidad 80 %, especificidad 78,43 %, VPP 26,67 % (IC 95 % 0,95 a 52,38) y VPN 97,56 % (IC 95 % 91,62 a 100 %). El EuroSCORE I presentó riesgo relativo de 1,6 (IC 95 % 0,2 ­ 10,9) p=0,50, sensibilidad 60 %, especificidad 52,94 %, VPP 11,11 % (IC 95 % 0,00 a 24,82) y VPN 93,10 % (IC 95 % 82,16 a 100 %). El STS score arrojó un riesgo relativo de 3,5 (IC 95 % 0,07 ­ 35), p=0,10, sensibilidad del 20 %, especificidad 93,33 %, valor predictivo positivo del 25 % (IC 95 % 0,00 a 79,93) y valor predictivo negativo 91,30 % (IC 95 % 82,07 a 100 %). La mortalidad global fue 8,93 % y morbilidad 93 %. Conclusión: se demostró un alto valor predictivo negativo en los scores, lo que determinó que pacientes con riesgo bajo e intermedio tuvieran una mortalidad baja.

ABSTRACT Introduction: in cardiovascular surgery, the EuroSCORE I, EuroSCORE II and STS score are tools that provide prognosis and information for decision making. It is imperative to evaluate their real predictive value in our environment. Objective: to evaluate the predictive value of the aforementioned scores in patients undergoing cardiac surgery in the Hospital Nacional cardiology area. Methodology: retrospective cohort study, with non-probabilistic sampling of consecutive cases. The population consisted of patients undergoing cardiac surgery in the period from January 2020 to July 2021. 60 medical records were evaluated, 6 excluded, finally leaving 54 records. Result: male sex predominated 57,14 %, the mean age was 60 ± 12 years (range 26 - 82 years old). The EuroSCORE II presented a relative risk of 10 (95 % CI 1.3 - 90), p = 0.004, sensitivity 80 %, specificity 78,43 %, PPV 26,67 % (95 % CI 0,95 to 52,38) and NPV 97,56 % (95 % CI 91,62 to 100 %). The EuroSCORE I presented a relative risk of 1.6 (95 % CI 0.2 - 10.9) p = 0.50, sensitivity 60 %, specificity 52,94 %, PPV 11,11 % (95 % CI 0.00 a 24,82) and NPV 93,10 % (95 % CI 82.16 to 100 %). The STS score yielded a relative risk of 3,5 (95 % CI 0.07 - 35), p = 0.10, sensitivity of 20 %, specificity 93,33 %, positive predictive value of 25 % (CI 95 % 0 .00 to 79.93) and negative predictive value 91,30 % (95 % CI 82.07 to 100 %). Overall mortality was 8,93 % and morbidity 93 %. Conclusion: a high negative predictive value was demonstrated in the scores, which determined that patients with low and intermediate risk had a low mortality.

Iatrogenic Acute Aortic Dissection in the Era of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery - Experience of a Center and Review of Literature

Abstract Introduction: Iatrogenic acute aortic dissection (IAAD) type A is a rare but potentially fatal complication of cardiac surgery. Methods: The purpose of this article is to review the literature since the first reports of IAAD in 1978, examining its clinical characteristics and describing operative details and surgical outcomes. Moreover, we reviewed the recent literature to identify current trends and risk factors for IAAD in minimally invasive cardiac surgery procedures, often related to femoral artery cannulation for retrograde perfusion. Results: We found that IAAD ranges from 0.04 to 0.29% of cardiac patients in overall trials and ranged from 0.12 to 0.16% between 1978-1990, before the minimally invasive surgical era. And we concluded that since the first cases to the recent reports, the incidence of IAAD has not significantly changed. As minimally invasive procedures are on the rise, some authors think that the incidence of IAAD could increase in the future; we think that using all the precaution - such a strict monitoring of perfusion pressure throughout the intervention, avoiding extremely high jet pressures using vasodilators, repositioning of arterial cannula, or splitting perfusion in both femoral arteries -, this complication can be extremely reduced. Finally, we describe a very singular case occurring during mitral valve replacement followed by spontaneous dissection of left anterior descending artery one month later. Conclusion: The present article adds to the literature a more detailed clinical picture of this entity, including patients' characteristics, the mechanism, timing, and localization of the tear, and mortality details.

Uso de um método não invasivo no monitoramento da pressão intracraniana em unidade de terapia intensiva para melhorar a neuroproteção em pacientes no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca após circulação extracorpórea / The use of a noninvasive intracranial pressure monitoring method in the intensive care unit to improve neuroprotection in postoperative cardiac surgery patients after extracorporeal circulation

RESUMO Desde a instituição da circulação extracorpórea, há cinco décadas, a lesão cerebral decorrente desse procedimento durante cirurgias cardiovasculares tem sido uma complicação frequente. Não existe uma causa única de lesão cerebral pelo uso de circulação extracorpórea, porém se sabe que acomete cerca de 70% dos pacientes submetidos a esse procedimento. A avaliação da pressão intracraniana é um dos métodos que podem orientar os cuidados com os pacientes submetidos a procedimentos associados com distúrbios neurológicos. Este artigo descreve dois casos de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardiovascular com circulação extracorpórea, para os quais os procedimentos de neuroproteção na fase pós-operatória foram guiados pelos achados relacionados ao formato das ondas de pressão intracraniana, obtidos por meio de um método não invasivo de monitoramento.

ABSTRACT Brain injury caused by extracorporeal circulation during cardiovascular surgical procedures has been a recurring complication since the implementation of extracorporeal circulation five decades ago. There is no unique cause of brain injury due to the use of extracorporeal circulation, but it is known that brain injury affects about 70% of patients who undergo this procedure. Intracranial pressure assessment is one method that can guide the management of patients undergoing procedures associated with neurological disturbances. This study describes two cases of patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery with extracorporeal circulation in whom clinical protocols for neuroprotection in the postoperative phase were guided by intracranial pressure waveform findings obtained with a novel noninvasive intracranial pressure monitoring method.

Pericardial-Peritoneal Window as an Alternative Treatment for Large and Recurrent Pericardial Effusion Post-Pericardiotomy

Abstract Introduction: The presence of mild to moderate pericardial effusion after cardiac surgery is common and oral medical therapy is usually able to treat it. Larger effusions are less frequent and surgical intervention is usually necessary. However, there are some rare cases of large effusions that are recurrent even after intervention and become challenging to treat. Methods: We describe the case of a patient submitted to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) without any intraoperative complications, who was regularly discharged from the hospital. She was referred to our emergency department twice after surgery with large pericardial effusion that was drained. Even after those two interventions and with adequate oral medication, the large effusion recurred. Results: During follow-up, the patient had her symptoms resolved, with no need for further hospital admission. Her echocardiograms after the last intervention showed no pericardial effusion. The present surgical technique demonstrated to be easy to perform, thus it should be considered as a treatment option for these rare cases of large and repetitive effusions, which do not respond to the traditional methods. Conclusions: In challenging cases of recurrent and large pericardial effusions, the pericardial-peritoneal window is an alternative surgical technique that brings clinical improvement and diminishes the risk of cardiac tamponade.

Treatment and Chest Reconstruction for Mediastinitis Following Sternotomy for Cardiac Surgery at the Heart Institute of the University of São Paulo Medical School

Abstract This study presents the method used for chest reconstruction and treatment of mediastinitis following cardiac surgery at the Heart Institute of the University of São Paulo Medical School. After infection control with antibiotic therapy associated with aggressive surgical debridement and negative pressure wound therapy, chest reconstruction is performed using flaps. The advantages and disadvantages of negative pressure wound therapy are discussed, as well as options for flap-based chest reconstruction according to the characteristics of the patient and sternum. Further studies are needed to provide evidence to support the decisions when facing this great challenge.

Investigation of risk factors related to the development of hepatic dysfunction in patients with a low and moderate cardiac risk during open-heart surgeries

Abstract Objective: To determine the possible risk factors associated with hepatic dysfunction during open-heart surgeries. Methods: After excluding 71 patients, 307 patients with possible low and moderate cardiac risk who underwent either coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) (n=176) or valve repair surgery (mitral valve, mitral and aortic valves and/or tricuspid valve) (n=131) were investigated prospectively during a 6-month period. Hyperbilirubinemia is defined as an occurrence of a plasma total bilirubin concentration >34 µmol/L (2 mg/dL) in any measurement during the postoperative period; the patients were divided into groups with or without postoperative hyperbilirubinemia. The collected parameters were: alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBil), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and albumin. The parameters were collected preoperatively and postoperatively on days 1, 3 and 7. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative risk factors were investigated. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for postoperative hyperbilirubinemia. Results: Postoperative hyperbilirubinemia was observed in 7 of 176 patients (4%) who underwent CABG, and in 11 of 131 patients (8.4%) who underwent valve replacement surgeries. Independent risk factors for early postoperative hyperbilirubinemia were found as: ejection fraction (EF), aortic cross-clamp (ACC) time, intensive care unit stay and extubation time (P<0.001). In comparison to CABG procedures, postoperative hyperbilirubinemia was observed more frequently in patients undergoing valve surgeries (P=0.027). Conclusion: Low EF and prolonged ACC time are significant independent risk factors for early postoperative hyperbilirubinemia during open-heart surgeries with cardiopulmonary bypass. Valve surgeries show a higher incidence of hyperbilirubinemia in comparison to CABG.

Anemia in cardiac surgery - can something bad get worse?

Abstract Introduction: Anemia and blood transfusion are risk factors for morbidity/mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The objective of this study is to analyze the association of blood transfusion with morbidity/mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) under CPB in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis using the State of São Paulo Registry of Cardiovascular Surgery from November 2013 to August 2014. Blood transfusion was only considered during surgery or within six hours after surgery. Anemia was defined as hematocrit ≤ 37.5%. Patients < 18 years old were excluded. The sample was divided in four groups - Group I (851, no anemia), Group II (200, anemia without blood transfusion), Group III (181, no anemia and transfusion), and Group IV (258, anemia and transfusion). Results: A total of 1,490 patients were included; 639 (42.9%) were anemic and 439 (29.5%) underwent blood transfusion. Group II showed lower composite morbidity (odds ratio [OR] −0.05; confidence interval [CI] −0.27-0.17; P=0.81) than Group III (OR 0.41; CI 0.23-0.59; P=0.018) or Group IV (OR 0.54; CI 0.31-0.77; P=0.016). Group III was at greater risk of mortality (OR 0.73; CI 0.43-1.03; P=0.02) than Group II, which was exposed only to anemia (OR −0.13; CI −0.55-0.29; P=0.75), or Group IV (OR 0.29; CI −0.13-0.71; P=0.539). Conclusion: Anemia in patients undergoing CABG with CPB is bad, but blood transfusion can be worse, increasing at least 50% the risk for mortality and/or morbidity.

Fibrilación auricular posoperatoria: ¿un lobo con piel de cordero? / Postoperative atrial fibrillation: a wolf with lamb skin? / Fibrilação auricular pós-operatória: ¿um lobo com pele de cordeiro?

Desde época temprana de la cirugía cardíaca (CC), la fibrilación auricular (FA) ha sido un acompañante frecuente del posoperatorio, y no es esperable su abatimiento en el futuro cercano. La interpretación de su significado clínico se ha modificado en los últimos años, tras conocerse su tendencia recurrente y su asociación con serias complicaciones inmediatas y a largo plazo. Esto deja entrever un nuevo desafío, dejando de ser un problema menor y de consideración puntual en el perioperatorio para constituir un tema de preocupación y seguimiento en el futuro alejado, aún con incertidumbres evolutivas y de manejo. La profilaxis efectiva de esta arritmia, una respuesta lógica al problema, es dificultosa por la multiplicidad de factores de riesgo y lo intrincado de su génesis, todavía no completamente dilucidada, sumadas a la edad creciente de los pacientes intervenidos, la complejidad mayor de los procedimientos, los posibles efectos colaterales de los fármacos empleados y la inexistencia de un algoritmo predictivo confiable que permita racionalizar las medidas preventivas. Además, muchas recomendaciones de las guías de práctica clínica actuales se basan en información obtenida en estudios realizados en la FA primaria, por lo que su adopción en el escenario de la CC ha sido menor a la deseable. Todos estos aspectos son objeto de análisis en esta revisión que finaliza con pautas de manejo práctico de la arritmia en el entorno perioperatorio.

Since an early age of heart surgery, atrial fibrillation has been a frequent companion of the postoperative period, and its decline is not to be expected in the near future. The interpretation of its clinical significance has changed in recent years, after knowing its recurrent trend and its association with serious immediate and long-term complications. This fact unveils a new challenge, as it is no longer a minor problem of consideration restricted to the perioperative period and has become a topic of concern and follow-up in the distant future, still with uncertainties as to its evolution and management. The effective prophylaxis of this arrhythmia, a logical response to the problem, has been difficult by the multiplicity of risk factors and the intricate of its genesis, not yet completely elucidated, added to the increasing age of the patients involved, the greater complexity of the procedures, the possible side effects of the drugs used and the absence of a reliable predictive algorithm that could allow to rationalize preventive measures. In addition, many recommendations from current clinical practice guidelines are based on information obtained from studies in primary atrial fibrillation, so their adoption in the heart surgery scenario has been less than desirable. All these aspects are analyzed in this review, which ends with directives for the practical management of the arrhythmia in the perioperative environment.

Desde os primeiros días da cirurgia cardíaca, a fibrilação atrial (FA) tem sido uma companheira frequente para o pós-operatório, e sua reduçao não é esperada em um futuro próximo. A interpretação de sua significância clínica mudou nos últimos anos, tendo conhecido sua tendência recorrente e sua associação com sérias complicações imediatas e de longo prazo. Este fato mostra um novo desafio, pois deixou de ser um pequeno problema e uma consideração oportuna no perioperatório para constituir um tema de preocupação e acompanhamento em um futuro distante, mesmo com incertezas quanto à sua evolução e gestão. A profilaxia efetiva dessa arritmia, uma resposta lógica ao problema, tem sido cercada pela multiplicidade de fatores de risco e pela intrincação de sua gênese ainda não completamente elucidada, juntamente com a idade crescente dos pacientes envolvidos, a maior complexidade dos procedimentos, os possíveis efeitos colaterais dos medicamentos utilizados e a ausência de um algoritmo preditivo confiável para racionalizar as medidas preventivas. Além disso, muitas recomendações das guias atuais de prática clínica são baseadas em informações obtidas em estudos conduzidos em FA primária, de modo que sua adoção no cenário da cirurgia cardíaca tem sido menos do que desejável. Todos esses aspectos são analisados nesta revisão, que termina com diretrizes práticas de gestão para arritmia no ambiente perioperatório.

Eficacia y seguridad del cierre quirúrgico del conducto arterioso permeable por el cirujano pediatra general: ensayo clínico / Effectiveness and safety of the surgical closure of permeable arteriosus conduct by the general pediatric surgeon: clinical trial

Resumen Antecedentes: El conducto arterioso permeable (CAP) es un defecto cardiaco congénito y se considera un problema de salud pública. Se presenta en un alto porcentaje de recién nacidos y en algunos mayores de 1 mes. El cierre farmacológico es el tratamiento inicial preferido, ya que ha tenido excelentes resultados; sin embargo, en aquellos casos en los que no es posible, está indicado el cierre quirúrgico. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia y la seguridad del cierre quirúrgico del CAP por cirujanos pediatras sin especialidad en cirugía cardiovascular. Método: Ensayo clínico realizado en pacientes del Hospital General de Occidente, centro hospitalario público de segundo nivel, con diagnóstico de CAP, que requirieron corrección quirúrgica. Se revisaron en forma retrospectiva los expedientes de enero de 2001 a diciembre de 2018. Resultados: Se incluyeron 224 pacientes divididos en dos grupos: grupo I, con 184 (82%) recién nacidos, y grupo II, con 40 (18%) niños grandes de 2 meses a 8 años de edad. A todos se les realizó cierre quirúrgico: 3 por toracoscopía y 221 por toracotomía posterolateral izquierda. Presentaron complicaciones 36 pacientes, lo que representa el 16% del total; solo el 5.3% fueron complicaciones mayores. Fallecieron 24 pacientes en el posoperatorio, lo que representa una mortalidad del 10.7%; ninguno falleció por complicaciones transquirúrgicas. El CAP es un defecto cardíaco congénito que se presenta en alto porcentaje en pacientes prematuros. El cierre farmacológico es el principal tratamiento por tener excelentes resultados en recién nacidos; sin embargo, en aquellos casos en los que no sea posible está indicado el cierre quirúrgico. Todos los pacientes fueron operados por cirujanos pediatras generales, con una sobrevida global del 92%. Conclusiones: En los hospitales donde no hay cirujano cardiovascular pediátrico ni cardiólogo intervencionista, la corrección quirúrgica del CAP puede ser llevada a cabo por un cirujano pediatra. La técnica es reproducible, fácil de realizar y con mínimas complicaciones.

Abstract Background: The Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is congenital heart defect and is considered a public health problem. It occurs in a high percentage of newborns and in some older than 1 month. Pharmacological closure is the preferred initial treatment, as it has had excellent results; however, in those cases where it is not possible, surgical closure is indicated. Objective: The objective is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the surgical closure of the patent PDA when it is carried out by pediatric surgeons without specialization in cardiovascular surgery. Methods: This study was conducted at the West General Hospital, a 2nd level public hospital, with the diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus that required surgical correction. For the collection of the information, the files from January 2001 to December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: 224 patients were included; divided into two groups: Group I: 184 (82%) "newborns" and Group II: 40 (18%) "big children" with ages from 2 months to 8 years. All had a surgical closure; 3 by thoracoscopy and 221 by left posterolateral thoracotomy. 36 patients presented complications representing 16% of the total of patients, only 5.3% were major complications. 24 patients died in the postoperative period, representing a mortality of 10.7%, none died due to trans-surgical complications. PDA is a congenital heart defect that occurs in a high percentage of premature patients. The pharmacological closure is the principal treatment because it has had excellent results in newborns; however, in those cases where it is not possible, surgical closure it´s indicated. All patients were operated by general pediatric surgeons, with a global survival of 92%. Conclusions: We conclude that in hospitals where there is no pediatric cardiovascular surgeon or interventional cardiologist, the surgical correction of the PDA can be carried out by a general pediatric surgeon. The technique is reproducible, easy to perform and with minimal complications.

Acute kidney injury after heart valve surgery in elderly patients: any risk factors to modify?

Abstract Introduction: Postoperative acute kidney injury contributes to longer hospital stays and increased costs related to cardiac surgery in the elderly. We analyse the influence of the patient's age on risk factors for acute kidney injury after cardiac valve surgery. Methods: We evaluated the prevalence and risk factors for acute kidney injury in 939 consecutive patients undergoing valve surgery, between 2013 and 2018. Results: The prevalence of acute kidney injury was 19.5%. Hypertension (P=0.017); RR (95% CI): 1.74 (1.10-3.48), age ≥70 years (P=0.006); RR (95% CI): 1.79 (1.17-2.72), preoperative haematocrit <33% (P=0.009); RR (95% CI): 2.04 (1.19-3.48), glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (P<0.0001); RR (95%) CI: 2.36 (1.54-3.62) and cardiac catheterization <8 days before surgery (P=0.021); RR (95% CI): 2.15 (1.12-4.11) were identified as independent risk factors. In patients older than 70 years, with no kidney disease diagnosed preoperatively, glomerular filtration rate <70 ml/min/1.73 m2, male gender, cardiopulmonary bypass time, preoperative haematocrit <36% and preoperative therapy with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors were risk factors for acute kidney injury after valve surgery. Conclusions: In elderly patients, postoperative acute kidney injury develops with higher values of preoperative glomerular filtration rate than those observed in a younger population. Preoperative correction of anaemia, discontinuation of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and surgical techniques reducing cardiopulmonary bypass time would be considered to reduce the prevalence of renal failure.