Predictors of short-term mortality after rheumatic heart valve surgery: A single-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Valve replacement surgeries holds risks of morbidity and mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study cohort included 346 patients who underwent different types of valve surgery, excluding redo and Bentall operations. All operations were performed through a median sternotomy using cardiopulmonary bypass. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 51.6 ± 16.1 years, and 51% were male. Approximately 21% had diabetes, and 44.6% were hypertensive. Aortic valve replacement (AVR) was performed in 125 patients (37%), mitral valve replacement (MVR) in 95 (28%), combined AVR and MVR in 42 (13%), AVR plus coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in 19 (6%), and MVR plus CABG in 32 (10%). Operative mortality was 5.8% (n = 20). In the bivariate-level analysis, older age, operation type, hypertension, emergency surgery, use of a biological valve in the aortic or mitral position, pump time greater than 120 min, and aortic clamp time greater than 60 min were significant predictors of 30-day mortality. Use of medications stratified by duration (less than or more than a month) was also shown to be a predictor of mortality. Use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, digoxin, beta-blockers, statins, and loop diuretics was associated with mortality. Older age, emergency/salvage surgery, use of beta-blockers for less than 1 month preoperatively, and use of a biological valve in the aortic position were significant and independent predictors of 30-day mortality. CONCLUSION: Age, emergency valve surgery, use of a biological valve, use of beta-blockers for less than 1 month before surgery, type of surgery, EF<35%, pump time, and cross clamp time were all found to be independent predictors of mortality in patients undergoing valve surgery. Further prospective multicenter studies may be needed to provide a comprehensive assessment of mortality in patients undergoing valve surgery in Jordan.

COVID-19: an update and cardiac involvement.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infects host cells through angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptors, leading to coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related pneumonia, and also causing acute cardiac injury and chronic damage to the cardiovascular system. The purpose of this review is primarily reviewing the COVID-19 disease, including pathogen, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment with particular attention to cardiovascular involvement based on the current evidence. COVID-19 remains a threat to global public health. The associated extra-pulmonary manifestations and their prolonged consequences are frequently overlooked. Pre-existing cardiovascular disease or acute cardiac complications may contribute to adverse early clinical outcome. At the moment, there is no specific treatment for COVID-19, but multiple randomized controlled trials (RCT) are being conducted. New supportive therapies are being evaluated with promising results.

Coronary artery bypass as a treatment of stent dislodgement: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Stent dislodgement is a known complication during coronary angiography. Different methods are used to retrieve it including open heart surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 71 year-old male with stable angina was scheduled for elective coronary angiography. Angiography showed two significant stenosis: one in the proximal right coronary artery (RCA) and one in the left anterior descending artery (LAD). Upon deployment of the right coronary stent, it got lodged and the cardiologist was unable to retrieve it. The patient started to experience angina and his ECG showed ST segment elevation in the inferior leads. Emergency CABG was performed. CONCLUSION: Stent dislodgement is a rare but serious complication. Most cases are treated by interventional methods; however, CABG is still needed in some cases.

Is Left Atrial Size a Predictor of Mortality after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery? A Single Center Study.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the left atrial (LA) size as an independent predictor of mortality following coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). METHODS: This single center study evaluated determinants of mortality in 1070 patients who underwent isolated CABG from 2005-2014. Clinical, laboratory and demographic data were obtained from medical records. Collinearity between enlarged LA size (diameter ≥ 4 cm) and covariates was identified. The adjusted effects of enlarged LA size on 30-day mortality post CABG were tested using multiple logistic regression models. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. RESULTS: The mean age was 59 ± 9.8 years, and 238 patients were female. Two multivariate logistic regression models were evaluated. In Model A, mitral regurgitation (MR), ejection fraction, intensive care unit length-of-stay and variables found to be collinear with LA size as predictors of mortality were excluded. In model B, the collinear variables were included. By multivariate analysis (Model A), the statistically significant independent predictors of 30-day mortality after CABG were: enlarged LA size (OR 4.82, 95% CI 2.16-10.79), emergency CABG (OR 3.54, 95% CI 1.75-7.18), prolonged inotropic support (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.38-5.6), diuretic use ≥ 1 month (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.3-8.42), and use of clopidogrel within a week before surgery (OR 3.27, 95% CI 1.28-8.36. In Model B, enlarged LA and moderate MR were identified as independent predictors of 30-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Increased LA size is a strong independent predictor of mortality after isolated CABG.

Stroke after coronary artery surgery: a single center report.

Stroke or cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is a devastating complication of coronary surgery. In this report, the incidence, and correlates of CVA following isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery were evaluated. Data were collected retrospectively. Between 2006 and 2009, 855 patients underwent isolated CABG surgery. CVA was defined as any new neurological deficit lasting more than 24 hours. Univariate and multivariate analyses were utilized as appropriate. The incidence of CVA was 1.4% (n = 12). Age, previous CVA, and emergency surgery were correlated by univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed age, previous CVA, and chronic renal impairment as predictors of CVA. Ten (83.3%) of the 12 patients were diagnosed to have CVA in the first 24 hours. Length of hospital stay was 20.9 ± 20.34 days for CVA patients and 9.2 ± 5.17 days for non-CVA patients (p ≤ 0.001). There were 4 (33.3%) deaths in CVA group and 27 (3.2%) for non-CVA patients (p = 0.001). Postoperative CVA is a major contributor to mortality, prolonged hospitalization, and other adverse postoperative complications. Further studies are needed to develop better strategies to minimize the occurrence of CVA among patients undergoing CABG.

Predictors of temporary epicardial pacing wires use after valve surgery.

BACKGROUND: Although temporary cardiac pacing is infrequently needed, temporary epicardial pacing wires are routinely inserted after valve surgery. As they are associated with infrequent, but life threatening complications, and the decreased need for postoperative pacing in a group of low risk patients; this study aims to identify the predictors of temporary cardiac pacing after valve surgery. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of data collected prospectively on 400 consecutive valve surgery patients between May 2002 and December 2012 was performed. Patients were grouped according to avoidance or insertion of temporary pacing wires, and were further subdivided according to temporary cardiac pacing need. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of temporary cardiac pacing. RESULTS: 170 (42.5%) patients did not have insertion of temporary pacing wires and none of them needed temporary pacing. 230 (57.5%) patients had insertion of temporary pacing wires and among these, only 55 (23.9%) required temporary pacing who were compared with the remaining 175 (76.1%) patients in the main analysis. The determinants of temporary cardiac pacing (adjusted odds ratios; 95% confidence interval) were as follows: increased age (1.1; 1.1, 1.3, p=0.002), New York Heart Association class III- IV (5.6; 1.6, 20.2, p=0.008) , pulmonary artery pressure ≥ 50 mmHg (22.0; 3.4, 142.7, p=0.01), digoxin use (8.0; 1.3, 48.8, p=0.024), multiple valve surgery (13.5; 1.5, 124.0, p=0.021), aorta cross clamp time ≥ 60 minutes (7.8; 1.6, 37.2, p=0.010), and valve annulus calcification (7.9; 2.0, 31.7, p=0.003). CONCLUSION: Although limited by sample size, the present results suggest that routine use of temporary epicardial pacing wires after valve surgery is only necessary for high risk patients. Preoperative identification and aggressive management of predictors of temporary cardiac pacing and the possible modulation of intraoperative techniques can decrease the need of temporary cardiac pacing. Prospective randomized controlled studies on a larger number of patients are necessary to draw solid conclusions regarding the selective use of temporary epicardial pacing wires in valve surgery.

Coronary artery bypass grafting: 30-day operative morbidity analysis in 1046 patients.

BACKGROUND: To determine the rate and risk factors of three operative complications (renal failure, pneumonia, and sternal wound infection) within 30 days after isolated coronary artery bypass surgery. METHODS: Medical records of 1,046 consecutive patients between the years 2005 and 2009 were reviewed. Demographic data and peri-operative information were collected and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analysis between different variables were performed. RESULTS: Of all patients 3.6% developed pneumonia, 5.9% developed acute renal failure and 8.5% developed sternal wound infection. Independent predictors of acute renal failure were age > 65 years (P = 0.030), pre-operative renal impairment (P < 0.005), peripheral vascular disease (P = 0.005), emergency surgery (P = 0.043), blood transfusion (P = 0.002) mechanical ventilation > 12 hours (P < 0.005) and prolonged inotropic support (P = 0.035). Pneumonia independent predictors were female gender (P < 0.005), diabetes mellitus (P = 0.024), peripheral vascular disease (P = 0.012), emergency surgery (P = 0.007), blood transfusion (P = 0.001), mechanical ventilation > 12 hours (P = 0.005) and prolonged inotropic support (P < 0.005). Sternal wound infection independent predictors were diabetes mellitus (P = 0.017), intra- and post-operative blood transfusion (P < 0.005), and prolonged inotropic support (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Age, female gender, history of diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, peripheral vascular disease, renal impairment, emergency surgery, per-operative blood transfusion, mechanical ventilation > 12 hours and prolonged inotropic support are associated with the 30-day complication after on-pump isolated coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.

Laparoscopic splenectomy: consensus and debatable points.

INTRODUCTION: The emergence of minimally invasive techniques has broadened interest in splenectomy for a variety of haematological illnesses. Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is currently considered the gold standard for the treatment of various haematological disorders. PURPOSE: The literature was reviewed to highlight points of consensus and debatable points regarding best practice in LS, looking at issues such as bleeding and conversion, splenomegaly, splenic retrieval techniques, types of instruments used, hand-assisted LS (HALS), complications, approaches, accessory spleen and splenosis. Our goal was to share our experience with LS and compare it with other reports. BACKGROUND: LS has emerged as the standard of care for elective splenectomy for benign haematological diseases. However, doubts have been raised regarding the suitability of patients with splenomegaly for LS. There is also uncertainty about its efficacy in major trauma. HALS has emerged as an option for safe manipulation and splenic dissection. METHOD: We performed 25 consecutive LSs at King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH), Jordan, from 2001 to 2008. Patient demographics, operative time, intra- and postoperative complications, conversion rate, additional procedures and length of hospital stay were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 38.8 years (range 11-77 years), mean operative time was 132 minutes (90- 170 minutes), and length of hospital stay was 2.9 (standard deviation 2.7) days. One case was converted to open surgery (5%). There was 1 case of superficial wound infection in the series (5%), and no deaths. CONCLUSION: LS is a well- accepted minimally invasive procedure, but knowledge and skill are required to perform it with minimal morbidity and mortality.

Jejunal disorders: potentially lethal causes of acute abdomen are still overlooked.

OBJECTIVE: To highlight the importance of considering jejunal disorders in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen. Although these conditions are relatively uncommon, we should keep in mind that jejunum still occurs, and deserves consideration. METHOD: This study was carried out at King Abdullah University Hospital, Jordan. Medical records of 7 patients with uncommon jejunal disorders that were encountered between 2001 and 2007 were retrospectively evaluated. We had 1 patient with jejunal diverticulitis, 1 with jejunal intussusception, 2 with jejuno-ileal tuberculosis complicated by intestinal obstruction, and 3 with acute mesenteric ischemia. All of these patients presented with acute abdominal pain of nonspecific features. Radiologic workup, along with surgical intervention, was necessary to reach a final diagnosis. RESULTS: Only 1 patient matched preoperative diagnosis, in which computed tomography scan revealed the presence of intussusception. The remaining patients were diagnosed intraoperatively. Laparoscopy and/or laparotomy with resection were performed. Morbidity was within acceptable range. There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Jejunal disorders are potentially serious, and are underestimated. They are considered important causes of acute abdomen. Although they should not be at the top of a differential diagnostic list, they should always be ruled out when there is no apparent cause.

Safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: The risk of choledocholithiasis is expected to be higher during pregnancy. This is attributed to alteration in bile composition as well as biliary stasis that take place during gestation. There is significant concern regarding application of endoscopic procedures especially the more invasive ones for treatment of choledocholithiasis during pregnancy. Our aim was to provide an additional support to the efficacy and safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the management of biliary diseases during pregnancy. METHODS: The medical records of 10 pregnant patients who underwent ERCP at King Abdullah University Hospital, during the period from 2002 to 2007 were reviewed. Pregnancy course and outcomes were followed up in all cases. Results were analysed and compared with published data on safety and efficacy of this procedure. RESULTS: The mean age for mothers was 24.3 years. The mean duration of gestation was 18.4 weeks. Two patients were in the first trimester, five were in their second trimester and another three in the third trimester. The main indication for ERCP was obstructive choledocholithiasis on ultrasound and liver function tests. Fetal radiation exposure was not routinely measured. During, or after, the procedure there was no need for tocolytic agents. Also there was no intrauterine fetal distress. Screening for congenital anomalies was negative in all cases. CONCLUSION: Major complications of biliary obstruction have been prevented through this procedure. Short-term follow up for all neonates whom mothers underwent ERCP during pregnancy supports its safety. However, specific long-term fetal complications of radiation exposure have not been investigated yet.