Coronary artery bypass graft during the covid-19 pandemic

Abstract Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in March 2020, the number of people infected with COVID-19 worldwide increases continuously. Brazil is being followed with great concern in the international media, as it can, very soon, be the epicenter of the pandemic. Initial surgical data suggest that patients who acquire COVID-19 in the perioperative period are prone to a higher morbidity and mortality, however, evidence in cardiac surgery is still scarce. This article aims to aggregate to the growing evidence suggesting that perioperative infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 contributes to a more morbid evolution of the case.

Does cha2ds2-vasc score predict mace in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting surgery?

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the prognostic value of CHA2DS2-VASc score in individuals undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Methods: Records of consecutive 464 patients who underwent elective isolated CABG, between January 2015 and August 2017, were retrospectively reviewed. A major adverse cardiac event (MACE) was the primary outcome of this study. MACE in patients with low (L) (<2, n: 238) and high (H) (≤2, n: 226) CHA2DS2-VASc scores were compared. Univariate logistic regression analysis identified preditors of MACE. Results: Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral vascular disease were more frequent in the H group than in the L group. European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) I and SYNTAX I scores were similar in both groups while SYNTAX II-CABG score was significantly higher in the H group than in the L group. Postoperative myocardial infarction, need for intra-aortic balloon pump, acute renal failure, and mediastinitis were more frequent in the H group than in the L group. The H group had significantly higher in-hospital mortality and MACE rates than the L group (P<0.01). EuroSCORE I, SYNTAX II-CABG, and CHA2DS2-VASc scores were predictors for MACE. SYNTAX II-CABG > 25.1 had 68.4% sensitivity and 52.7% specificity (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.653, P=0.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.607-0.696) and CHA2DS2-VASc > 2 had 52.6% sensitivity and 84.1% specificity (AUC: 0.752, P<0.01, 95% CI: 0.710-0.790) to predict MACE. Pairwise comparison of receiver-operating characteristic curves revealed similar accuracy for both scoring systems. Conclusion: CHA2DS2-VASc score may predict MACE in patients undergoing isolated CABG.

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery improves survival without increasing the risk of stroke in patients with ischemic heart failure in comparison to percutaneous coronary intervention: a meta-analysis with 54, 173 patients

Abstract Objective: To evaluate whether there is any difference on the results of patients treated with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the setting of ischemic heart failure (HF). Methods: Databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register [CENTRAL/CCTR], ClinicalTrials.gov, Scientific Electronic Library Online [SciELO], Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde [LILACS], and Google Scholar) were searched for studies published until February 2019. Main outcomes of interest were mortality, myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, and stroke. Results: The search yielded 5,775 studies for inclusion. Of these, 20 articles were analyzed, and their data were extracted. The total number of patients included was 54,173, and those underwent CABG (N=29,075) or PCI (N=25098). The hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality (HR 0.763; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.678-0.859; P<0.001), myocardial infarction (HR 0.481; 95% CI 0.365-0.633; P<0.001), and repeat revascularization (HR 0.321; 95% CI 0.241-0.428; P<0.001) were lower in the CABG group than in the PCI group. The HR for stroke showed no statistically significant difference between the groups (random effect model: HR 0.879; 95% CI 0.625-1.237; P=0.459). Conclusion: This meta-analysis found that CABG surgery remains the best option for patients with ischemic HF, without increase in the risk of stroke.

The expression of and preoperative correlation between heat-shock protein 70, euroscore, and lactate in patients undergoing cabg with cardiopulmonary bypass

Abstract Objetive: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) improved symptoms and increased survival and quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease. However, it should be the main cause of a complex organic systemic inflammatory response that greatly contributes to several postoperative adverse effects. Methods: We aimed to evaluate heat-shock protein 70 (HSP 70) expression as a morbimortality predictor in patients with preserved ventricular function undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and to determine their association with the lactate as a marker of tissue hypoperfusion and the EuroSCORE risk score. This is a prospective, observational study including 46 patients and occurring between May and July 2016. Patients without ventricular dysfunction undergoing myocardial revascularization with extracorporeal circulation were included. They were divided into (1) complicated and (2) uncomplicated postoperative evolution groups. EuroSCORE, lactate levels, and HSP 70 expression and their correlations were determined. Results: Statistical analysis showed that the group with complicated evolution had higher EuroSCORE values than the other group. HSP 70 protein levels were significantly increased in the group with uncomplicated evolution and showed similar results. According to our results, HSP family proteins may be independent predictors of uncomplicated evolution in patients without ventricular dysfunction undergoing CABG with CPB. Conclusion: HSP 70 should be a good discriminator and protection marker for complications in cardiac surgery.

Effect of preoperative creatinine levels on mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: an observational study

Abstract Introduction: Renal function is an independent risk factor for mortality among on-pump coronary bypass grafting (ONCABG) patients. This association is well known in the international literature, but there is a lack of knowledge of how admission creatinine (AC) levels modulate each cardiovascular risk factor. Objective: The aim of this paper was to assess the effect of different AC levels on mortality among ONCABG patients. Methods: 1,599 patients who underwent ONCABG between December 1999 and February 2006 at Hospital de Base in São José do Rio Preto/SP-Brazil were included. They were divided into quartiles according to their AC levels (QI: 0.2 ≤AC < 1.0 mg/dL; QII: 1.0 ≤ AC < 1.2 mg/dL; QIII: 1.2 ≤ AC < 1.4 mg/dL; and QIV: 1.4 ≤ AC ≤ 2.6 mg/dL). Seven risk factors were then evaluated in each stratum. Results: Mortality was higher in the QIV group than QI or QII groups. Factors such as age (≥ 65 years) and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time (≥ 115 minutes) in QIV, as well preoperative hospital stay (≥ 5 days) in QIII, were associated with higher mortality rates. Creatinine variation greater than or equal to 0.4 mg/dL increased mortality rates in all groups. The use of intra-aortic balloon pump and dialysis increased mortality rates in all groups except for QII. Type I neurological dysfunction increased the mortality rate in the QII and III groups. Conclusion: Creatinine levels play an important role in ONCABG mortality. The combination of selected risk factors and higher AC values leads to a worse prognosis. On the other hand, lower AC values were associated with a protective effect, even among elderly patients and those with a high CPB time.

Risk factors and outcome of acute kidney injury after isolated cabg surgery: a prospective cohort study

Abstract Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent event after cardiac surgery with increased mortality and morbidity. We explored frequency, risk factors, and associated morbidity and mortality of AKI after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery at a single institution. Methods: All consecutive adults undergoing CABG surgery from March 2013 to October 2016 were assessed for development and severity of AKI based on Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) criteria. The patients were also investigated regarding their need for renal replacement therapy (RRT), predictive risk factors, and associated outcomes, including duration of mechanical ventilation, mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay. Results: Of 1737 patients in the study, 275 (15.8%) developed AKI. Twenty-five (12.8%) cases required RRT. Patients with AKI had longer ventilation time, ICU and hospital length of stay (P<0.001). Mortality rates were 28 (10.2%) and 22 (1.5%) in patients with and without AKI, respectively (P<0.001). There was a strong association between advanced age (aOR=1.016, 95% CI=1.002-1.030, P=0.028), diabetes (aOR=1.36, 95% CI=1.022-1.809, P=0.035), on-pump surgery (aOR=2.63, 95% CI=1.543-4.483, P<0.001), transfusion of more than 1 unit of red blood cells (aOR=2.154, 95% CI=1.237-3.753, P=0.007), and prolonged mechanical ventilation and development of AKI (aOR=2.697, 95% CI=1.02407.071, P<0.001). AKI was seen less frequently in those with opium abuse (aOR=0.613, 95% CI=0.409-0.921, P=0.018). Conclusion: We demonstrated that advanced age, diabetes, on-pump surgery, red blood cell transfusion, and prolonged mechanical ventilation were independent positive risk factors for the development of AKI after isolated CABG while opium abuse was a protective factor.

Early and medium outcomes of on-pump beating-heart versus off-pump cabg in patients with moderate left ventricular dysfunction

Abstract Objective: This study aims to compare the early and medium outcomes of on-pump beating-heart (OPBH) coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and off-pump CABG (OPCABG) in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) between 30% and 40%. Methods: This is a retrospective study of ischemic heart disease patients with LVEF between 30% and 40% who underwent surgical revascularization from January 2013 to December 2017. Patients were divided into OPBH group (n=44) and OPCABG group (n=68), according to the surgical method. Clinical material with early and medium outcomes were investigated and compared between these groups. Results: The two groups had similar baseline. Two OPBH patients and 3 OPCABG patients died in the hospital, which had no statistical significance (P>0.05). OPBH patients received a greater number of grafts (3.74±0.84) and presented more improved LVEF (45.92±7.11%) than OPCABG patients (3.36±0.80) and (42.81±9.29%), respectively, which had statistical significance (P<0.05). An increased amount of drainage during the first 12 hours was found in the OPBH group (P<0.05). Reoperation for bleeding, duration of mechanic ventilation, and other early outcomes had no statistical significance between the two groups. During the medium-time follow-up, OPBH patients showed significantly lower major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)-free survival time (P=0.049) than OPCABG patients. Conclusion: The OPBH technique was a safe and an acceptable alternative for surgical revascularization in patients with moderate left ventricular dysfunction which provided better mid-term MACE-free survival compared with OPCABG.

Cirugía coronaria: resultados inmediatos y alejados de la cirugía de revascularización miocárdica en enfermedad coronaria / Early and late results of coronary artery bypass grafting in coronary artery disease in Concepcion, Chile

Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the best treatment for a large group of patients with coronary artery disease. Aim: To describe early and late results of patients treated with CABG at our Center. Patients and Methods: Revision of data bases, surgical protocols and clinical registers of patients operated between January 2006 and December 2008. Results: Of 1.003 cardiac surgeries performed during the period, 658 corresponded to isolated CABG (78% in men). The median age of patients was 62 years. Left common coronary artery lesions was found in 135 cases (20%), 555 patients (84%) had hypertension and 231 (35%) were diabetics. Four-hundred thirty (65%) had stable angina and 211 (32%) had a recent myocardial infarction. Twenty-two had left ventricular ejection fraction < 30%. In 248 (38%), a low Additive EuroSCORE risk was found. Emergency surgery was required in 36 (6%) patients. Use of extracorporeal circulation was required in 466 patients (71%). Within 30 days of surgery, complications were recorded in 105 patients (16%) (15 (2%) stroke, 14 (2%) myocardial infarction, 7 (1%) mediastinitis, and in 14 (2%) a reoperation for bleeding). Thirteen patients died (2%). Among the 303 patients with stable angina and preserved left ventricular function, two died (0,7%). Survival at 1, 3 and 5 years was 97,4%, 93,8% y 90,9% respectively. Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events at five years occurred in 20%, stroke in 4%, myocardial infarction in 3% and reintervention in 2%. Seven percent of patients had recurrence of angina. Conclusions: We describe a heterogeneous series of patients. The immediate and late results are comparable with international communications.

Exceso de mortalidad no cardíaca en pacientes sometidos a angioplastía de puentes coronarios / Excess non cardiac mortality in patients undergoing PCI of venous coronary bypass grafts

Resumen: Introducción Las fallas de los puentes venosos pueden llegar casi al 50% a 10 años y la angioplastía percutánea es el tratamiento de elección. Estos pacientes constituyen un grupo de muy alto riesgo cardiovascular con tasas de mortalidad cercanas al 30% en el mediano plazo. Objetivo Caracterizar a la población sometida a angioplastia de puentes coronarios (APC) y comparar su mortalidad con un grupo pareado de pacientes intervenidos con Infarto agudo al miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST). Métodos Estudio retrospectivo de tipo Caso-Control que incluyó a pacientes con APC entre los años 2010-2016 comparados con igual número de controles con IAMCEST pareados por edad y sexo. Se analizaron características clínicas del procedimiento y mortalidad, tanto global como de causa cardiaca usando T Student, Chi2 y curvas de Kaplan Meier. Resultados Se identificaron 63 pacientes sometidos a APC (total 76 procedimientos). Los puentes más comúnmente intervenidos fueron a la arteria circunfleja 48,7%. Hubo 18 (28,5%) pacientes fallecidos en el grupo APC y 6 (9,5%) pacientes en el grupo con IAM-CEST, lo que resultó en un exceso de mortalidad global en pacientes con APC (HR 3,02; IC 95% 1,11 - 8,22, p=0,02). Esta diferencia se debió a una mayor mortalidad de causa no cardiaca en el grupo APC (12,7% (n=8) vs 3,2% (n= 2) [p=0,04]). Conclusión Los pacientes sometidos a APC presentan una mortalidad 3 veces mayor que aquellos pacientes con IAMCEST, principalmente derivada de una mayor mortalidad no cardíaca.

Abstract: Background Failure rates of saphenous vein grafts can reach almost 50% at 10 years and percutaneous angioplasty is the treatment of choice. This is a group with a very high cardiovascular risk, with mid-term mortality rates close to 30%. Aim To describe the population undergoing coronary bypass angioplasty (CBA) and compare their mortality with an age and gender matched group of patients with acute myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation (STEMI) Methods This was a retrospective case-control study including patients with CBA between 2010-2016. This group was compared with the same number of controls with STEMI matched by age and sex. Clinical characteristics, procedure variables and overall mortality as well as cardiac mortality were analyzed using Student's T test, Chi squared test and Kaplan Meier curves (significance set at p <0.05). Results: We identified 63 patients undergoing CBA (76 procedures). The most commonly intervened bypasses were to the circumflex artery (48.7%). There were 18 (28.5%) patients who died in the CBA group and 6 (9.5%) patients in the STEMI group, which resulted in an excess of global mortality risk in patients with CBA (HR 3.02, 95% CI 1.11 - 8.22, p = 0.02). This difference was driven by a higher non-cardiac mortality in the CBA group (12.7% (n = 8) vs 3.2% (n = 2) [p = 0.04]) Conclusion Patients undergoing CBA have a mortality rate more than three times that of the STEMI patients, mainly due to a higher non-cardiac mortality.

Predictors of postoperative acute kidney injury after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Abstract Objective: The aims of this study were to identify the risk factors associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) after isolated surgical revascularization with cardiopulmonary bypass and to develop a model to predict the appearance of postoperative AKI. Methods: A total of 435 adult patients who underwent primary isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, from 2012 to 2016, in the Clinic University Hospital of Valladolid (Spain) were enrolled. AKI was defined according to the risk, injury, failure, loss, and end-stage (RIFLE) criteria. Data were collected from hospital electronic medical records. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors. Results: The prevalence of AKI was 12.4%. Multivariate analysis identified age (odds ratio [OR], 1.056; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.016-1.098; P=0.005), hypertension (OR, 3.078; 95% CI, 1.151-8.230; P=0.018), low ejection fraction (EF) (OR, 6.785; 95% CI, 2.080-22.135; P=0.001), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (OR, 1.017; 95% CI, 1.005-1.028; P=0.014), EuroSCORE II (OR, 1.049; 95% CI, 1.004-1.096; P=0.033), and no intake of calcium-channel blockers (CCB) (OR, 4.892; 95% CI, 1.496-16.025; P=0.022) as risk factors for AKI. These risk factors were included in a model to predict postoperative AKI with an area under a receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.783±0.036 (95% CI, 0.713-0.854; P<0.0001). Conclusion: Age, hypertension, low EF, eGFR, EuroSCORE II, and no intake of CCB were independent risk factors for postoperative AKI. These factors provide an easy and accurate model to predict postoperative AKI in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Predictive value of mean platelet volume in saphenous vein graft disease

Abstract Objective: To determine whether mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and platelet count could be used as determinants of mortality following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and patency of saphenous vein grafts (SVG). Methods: The records of 128 patients who underwent emergency or elective coronary angiography after CABG surgery, and who died at an early stage were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into three groups as early death, no SVG disease (SVGD), and SVGD group. MPV, PDW, and platelet count were evaluated at different times. Results: MPV was significantly higher in the stenotic group than in the nonstenotic group (9.7±1.8 fl and 8.2±0.9 fl, P<0.05). The postoperative MPV ratio was found to be higher in the stenotic group when compared to the preoperative period (9.6±1.8 fl and 7.8±0.9 fl, P<0.05). MPV values were also found to be higher in patients who died during the early stage than in surviving patients (9.4±1.9 fl and 8.0±1.0 fl, P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference regarding platelet count and PDW ratios between the early deaths group and surviving patients. An MPV value higher than 10.6 predicted SVGD with 85% sensitivity and 45% specificity; and an MPV higher than 7.9 predicted early death with 80% sensitivity and 68% specificity were observed. Conclusion: MPV may be a useful indicator for the prediction of SVGD and mortality following CABG surgery.

On-Pump beating/non-beating cabg in stable angina have similar outcomes

Abstract Objective: On pump beating/non-beating coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG) has been compared in patients with unstable angina and/or severe left ventricular dysfunction. There is scarce evidence regarding the beneficial use of on-pump beating CABG in patients with stable angina and normal left ventricular function. Our aim was to study the postoperative results using both techniques in this group of patients. Methods: One thousand one hundred and forty-five patients with stable angina underwent on-pump isolated CABG in Uruguay from 2011 to 2015. Patients were grouped into beating/non-beating CABG. Operative mortality and long-term survival were evaluated as primary outcome. Logistic regression analysis was performed to define the predictive role of aortic cross clamp (AXC) on prolonged inotropic support, ventilator support and intraoperative glycemia. Results: Among the included patients, 988 underwent aortic cross clamp. No differences were found in operative mortality, stroke and long-term survival among both groups. Patients without AXC showed higher intraoperative values of glycemia and higher incidence of postoperative prolonged mechanical ventilator support (7.6% vs. 2.4%; P=0.001). The need for prolonged inotropic support was lower in this group of patients (27.4% vs. 49.5%; P<0.001). Conclusion: On-pump beating CABG has similar operative mortality and long-term survival compared with conventional AXC. Higher intraoperative glycemia and higher incidence for prolonged mechanical ventilator is associated with on-pump beating CABG. On the contrary, higher incidence for prolonged inotropic support is associated with AXC. Taking these factors into consideration, both techniques are safe and allow the surgeon to choose the most comfortable option.

Outcomes following coronary artery bypass graft surgery in patients with mild preoperative renal insufficiency

Abstract Introduction: Preoperative renal insufficiency is an independent predictor of mortality after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. However, there are few reports aimed to evaluate the impact of mild preoperative renal insufficiency on long-term follow-up outcomes after isolated CABG surgery. This study investigates the effect of mild preoperative renal insufficiency on long-term follow-up outcomes of patients after CABG. Methods: Five hundred eighty-four patients' data that underwent CABG between 1 January 2009 and 1 December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into two groups: normal group [Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 90 ml/min/1.73 m2, n=304] and mild group (eGFR ranges from 60 to 89 ml/min/1.73 m2, n=280). Clinical material and long follow-up outcomes were compared inthe two groups. Results: Two groups had similar baseline and intraoperative data except eGFR. Six (0.01%) patients died in hospital, 15 in normal group and 28 in mild group during the long-term follow-up, which had statistical significance (P<0.05). Univariate factor analysis displayed that the two groups had similar in-hospital outcomes. Kaplan-Meier curves showed a better long-term survival in patients with normal preoperative renal function compared to mild preoperative renal insufficiency (x 2=4.255, P=0.039). Cox proportional model presented the hazard ratio of long-term mortality in patients with mild preoperative renal insufficiency compared to normal preoperative renal function was 1.79 (95% CI 1.17-2.88, P=0.027). Conclusions: Patients with mild preoperative renal insufficiency had a higher mortality rate than normal patients in long-term survival, whereas no evidence of worse in-hospital mortality rate was found. Patients with mild preoperative renal insufficiency showed a higher mortality rate than other studies.

CANG and preoperative use of beta-blockers in patients with stable angina are associated with better cardiovascular survival

Abstract Objective: In contrast to unstable angina, optimal therapy in patients with stable angina is debated. Our aim was to evaluate the outcomes of patients with stable angina scheduled for isolated coronary artery bypass grafts and the effect of preoperative use of beta-blockers. Overall and cardiovascular survivals were our primary outcome. Operative mortality and postoperative complications along with subgroup analysis of diabetic patients were our secondary outcomes. Methods: Retrospective evaluation of patients with stable angina scheduled for isolated coronary artery bypass grafts was included. Pre- and postoperative variables were extracted from the institution database. Survival was obtained from the National Registry. Results: We included 282 patients with stable angina, with a mean age of 65.6±9.5 years. 26.6% were female and 38.7% had diabetes. Three-vessel disease was present in 76.6% of patients. Previous beta-blocker treatment was evident in 69.9% of patients. 10-year overall survival in the whole population was 60.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 50.3-70.7%). Operative mortality during the study period was 3.5%. Patients with preoperative use of beta-blocker therapy had better overall survival (9.0 years, 95%CI: 8.6-9.5) than those without treatment (7.9 years, 95%CI: 7.1-8.8 years; P=0.048). Predictors for overall survival were: hypertension, diabetes, and age. Predictors for cardiovascular survival in diabetic patients were: beta-blocker use, gender, and age. Conclusion: Coronary artery bypass grafts surgery in patients with stable angina carries low operative mortality, postoperative complications, and excellent long-term cardiovascular survival. The preoperative use of beta-blockers in diabetic patients is associated with better cardiovascular survival after coronary artery bypass grafts.

B-Type natriuretic peptide as a predictor of short-term mortality in on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract Objective: The present study refers to a determination of the preoperative B-type natriuretic peptide is a predictor of short-term all-cause mortality in patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgeries. Methods: Two hundred and twenty-one patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgeries were evaluated prospectively during a 30-day postoperative follow-up period. Serum B-type natriuretic peptide concentration was measured without a 24-hour period prior to the surgical procedure and the value obtained was correlated with a short-term all-cause mortality. Results: Data analysis showed that all-cause mortality rates were equal to 9.5% in 30 days. Accuracy analysis by the receiver operating characteristic curve found an ideal cut-off value of B-type natriuretic peptide equal to 150 pg/mL in relation to mortality (AUC=0.82, 95% CI=0.71-0.87, P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that B-type natriuretic peptide value greater than or equal to 150 pg/mL (P=0.030, HR=3.99, 95% CI=1.14-13.98) was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in a 30-day follow-up period. Conclusion: Preoperative serum B-type natriuretic peptide concentration is an independent predictor of short-term all-cause mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass.

Blood transfusion and increased perioperative risk in coronary artery bypass grafts

Abstract Objective: To correlate blood transfusions and clinical outcomes during hospitalization in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG). Methods: Transfusion, clinical and hematological data were collected for 1,378 patients undergoing isolated or combined CABG between January 2011 and December 2012. The effect of blood transfusions was evaluated through multivariate analysis to predict three co-primary outcomes: composite ischemic events, composite infectious complications and hospital mortality. Because higher risk patients receive more transfusions, the hospital mortality outcome was also tested on a stratum of low-risk patients to isolate the effect of preoperative risk on the results. Results: The transfusion rate was 63.9%. The use of blood products was associated with a higher incidence of the three coprimary outcomes: composite infectious complications (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.70 to 4.19; P<0.001), composite ischemic events (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.70 to 3.46; P<0.001) and hospital mortality (OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.53 to 6.13; P<0.001). When only patients with logistic EuroSCORE ≤ 2% were evaluated, i.e., low-risk individuals, the mortality rate and the incidence of ischemic events and infectious complications composites remained higher among the transfused patients [6% vs. 0.4% (P<0.001), 11.7% vs. 24,3% (P<0.001) and 6.5% vs. 12.7% (P=0.002), respectively]. Conclusion: The use of blood components in patients undergoing CABG was associated with ischemic events, infectious complications and hospital mortality, even in low-risk patients.

Off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in frail patients: study protocol for the fragile multicenter randomized controlled trial

Abstract Introduction: Advances in modern medicine have led to people living longer and healthier lives. Frailty is an emerging concept in medicine yet to be explored as a risk factor in cardiac surgery. When it comes to CABG surgery, randomized controlled clinical trials have primarily focused on low-risk (ROOBY, CORONARY), elevated-risk (GOPCABE) or high-risk patients (BBS), but not on frail patients. Therefore, we believe that off-pump CABG could be an important technique in patients with limited functional capacity to respond to surgical stress. In this study, the authors introduce the new national, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial "FRAGILE", to be developed in the main cardiac surgery centers of Brazil, to clarify the potential benefit of off-pump CABG in frail patients. Methods: FRAGILE is a two-arm, parallel-group, multicentre, individually randomized (1:1) controlled trial which will enroll 630 patients with blinded outcome assessment (at 30 days, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and 3 years), which aims to compare adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events after off-pump versus on-pump CABG in pre-frail and frail patients. Primary outcomes will be all-cause mortality, acute myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest with successful resuscitation, low cardiac output syndrome/cardiogenic shock, stroke, and coronary reintervention. Secondary outcomes will be major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, operative time, mechanical ventilation time, hyperdynamic shock, new onset of atrial fibrillation, renal replacement therapy, reoperation for bleeding, pneumonia, length of stay in intensive care unit, length of stay in hospital, number of units of blood transfused, graft patency, rate of complete revascularization, neurobehavioral outcomes after cardiac surgery, quality of life after cardiac surgery and costs. Discussion: FRAGILE trial will determine whether off-pump CABG is superior to conventional on-pump CABG in the surgical treatment of pre-frail and frail patients. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02338947. Registered on August 29th 2014; last updated on March 21st 2016.

Noninvasive ventilation during immediate postoperative period in cardiac surgery patients: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objective: To verify the effectiveness of noninvasive ventilation compared to conventional physiotherapy or oxygen therapy in the mortality rate and prevention of pulmonary complications in patients during the immediate postoperative period of cardiac surgery. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis recorded in the International Prospective Register of Ongoing Systematic Reviews (number CRD42016036441). The research included the following databases: MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, PEDro, LILACS and manual search of the references of studies published until March 2016. The review included randomized controlled trials with patients during the immediate postoperative period of cardiac surgery, which compared the use of noninvasive ventilation, BiLevel modes, continuous positive airway pressure, intermittent positive pressure breathing and positive pressure ventilation with conventional physiotherapy or oxygen therapy, and assessed the mortality rate, occurrence of pulmonary complications (atelectasis, pneumonia, acute respiratory failure, hypoxemia), reintubation rate, ventilation time, time spent in the intensive care unit (ICU), length of hospital stay and partial pressure of oxygen. Results: Among the 479 selected articles, ten were included in the systematic review (n=1050 patients) and six in the meta-analysis. The use of noninvasive ventilation did not significantly reduce the risk for atelectasis (RR: 0.60; CI95% 0.28-1.28); pneumonia (RR: 0.20; CI95% 0.04-1.16), reintubation rate (RR: 0.51; CI95%: 0.15-1.66), and time spent in the ICU (-0.04 days; CI95%: -0.13; 0.05). Conclusion: Prophylactic noninvasive ventilation did not significantly reduce the occurrence of pulmonary complications such as atelectasis, pneumonia, reintubation rate and time spent in the ICU. The use is still unproven and new randomized controlled trials should be carried out.

Are the early postoperative outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting surgery in elderly women worse compared to men's?

Abstract Objective: To investigate the impact of gender difference in early postoperative outcomes in elderly patients (aged 70 or older) undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Methods: Between October 2009 and December 2013, a total of 223 elderly patients (aged 70 or older) undergoing isolated primary coronary artery bypass grafting surgery were included in this retrospective observational cohort study. Patients were divided into two groups according to their gender. The patients' medical records were collected, their baseline preoperative characteristics, operative data, and postoperative outcomes were retrospectively reviewed, and the effect of gender difference in the early postoperative outcomes was analyzed. Results: Group 1 (female patients) and Group 2 (male patients) consisted of 71 and 152 patients, respectively. Mean age of patients was 74.4±3.6 years (range: 70-84 years). The level of EuroSCORE I, the incidence of hypertension and hyperlipidemia were significantly higher in Group 1, while the rate of smoking was significantly higher in Group 2. Mean postoperative intubation time, length of intensive care unit and hospital stay were longer in female patients than in male patients, but these differences were not statistically significant. No statistically significant difference between two groups in terms of the transfusion of blood products was observed. The rates of in-hospital mortality and major postoperative complications were statistically similar between the two groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, the female gender was not associated with worse early postoperative outcomes in elderly patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.

Comparison of Two Central Venous Pressure Control Strategies to Prevent Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting / Comparação de Duas Estratégias de Controle de Pressão Venosa Central na Prevenção de Fibrilação Atrial em Pós-Operatório de Revascularização do Miocárdio

Abstract Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) takes place in 10-40% of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and increases cardiovascular mortality. Enlargement of atrial chambers is associated with increased AF incidence, so patients with higher central venous pressure (CVP) are expected to have larger atrial distension, which increases AF incidence. Objective: To compare post-CABG AF incidence, following two CVP control strategies. Methods: Interventional, randomized, controlled clinical study. The sample comprised 140 patients undergoing CABG between 2011 and 2015. They were randomized into two groups, G15 and G20, with CVP maintained ≤ 15 cmH2O and ≤ 20 cmH2O, respectively. Results: 70 patients were included in each group. The AF incidence in G15 was 8.57%, and in G20, 22.86%, with absolute risk reduction of 14.28%, and number needed to treat (NNT) of 7 (p = 0.03). Mortality (G15 = 5.71%; G20 = 11.42%; p = 0.07), hospital length of stay (G15 = 7.14 days; G20 = 8.21 days; p = 0.36), number of grafts (median: G15 = 3, G2 = 2; p = 0.22) and cardiopulmonary bypass use (G15 = 67.10%; G20 = 55.70%; p = 0.22) were statistically similar. Age (p = 0.04) and hospital length of stay (p = 0.001) were significantly higher in patients who developed AF in both groups. Conclusion: Keeping CVP low in the first 72 post-CABG hours reduces the relative risk of AF, and may be useful to prevent AF after CABG.

Resumo Fundamento: A fibrilação atrial (FA) ocorre em 10-40% dos pacientes submetidos a cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (RM), e eleva a mortalidade cardiovascular. Como o aumento dos átrios está associado ao aumento da incidência de FA, espera-se que pacientes com pressão venosa central (PVC) mais alta tenham maior distensão atrial, o que eleva a incidência dessa arritmia. Objetivo: Comparar a incidência de FA em pós-operatório de RM, seguindo duas estratégias de controle de PVC. Métodos: Estudo clínico randomizado controlado intervencionista. A amostra foi composta por 140 pacientes submetidos a RM entre 2011 e 2015. Os pacientes foram randomizados em dois grupos, G15 e G20, mantidos com PVC máxima de 15 cmH2O e 20 cmH2O, respectivamente. Resultados: Foram incluídos 70 pacientes em cada grupo. A incidência da arritmia em G15 foi de 8,57% e, no G20, de 22,86%, com redução de risco absoluto de 14,28% e número necessário para tratar (NNT) de 7 (p = 0,03). Mortalidade (G15 = 5,71%; G20 = 11,42%; p = 0,07), tempo de internamento (G15 = 7,14 dias; G20 = 8,21 dias; p = 0,36), número de enxertos (medianas: G15 = 3, G2 = 2; p = 0,22) e uso de circulação extracorpórea (G15 = 67,10%; G20 = 55,70%; p = 0,22) mostraram-se estatisticamente semelhantes. A idade (p = 0,04) e o tempo de internamento (p = 0,001) foram significativamente maiores nos pacientes que desenvolveram FA nos dois grupos. Conclusão: Manter a PVC com valores mais baixos nas primeiras 72h após a cirurgia de RM reduz o risco relativo de FA e pode ser uma ferramenta útil na prevenção da FA após RM.