Early growth response gene-1 decoy oligonucleotides inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and neointimal hyperplasia of autogenous vein graft in rabbits.

OBJECTIVES: The excess proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and the development of intimal hyperplasia is a hallmark of vein graft failure. This study aimed to verify that a single intraoperative transfection of early growth response gene-1 (Egr-1) decoy oligonucleotide (ODN) can suppress vein graft proliferation of VSMCs and intimal hyperplasia. METHODS: In a rabbit model, jugular veins were treated with Egr-1 decoy ODN, scrambled decoy ODN, Fugene6, or were left untreated, then grafted to the carotid artery. The vein graft samples were obtained 48 h, 1, 2 or 3 weeks after surgery. The thickness of the intima and intima/media ratio in the grafts was analysed by haematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The expression of the Egr-1 decoy ODN transfected in the vein was analysed using fluorescent microscopy. Egr-1 mRNA was measured using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The expression of Egr-1 protein was analysed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Transfection efficiency of the ODN was confirmed by 4', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining. In the grafts treated with Egr-1 decoy ODN, our study achieved statistically significant inhibition of intimal hyperplasia by ∼58% at 3 weeks. Transfection of Egr-1 decoy ODNs decreased the protein expression of Egr-1 and Egr-1 mRNA. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed that gene therapy using in vivo transfection of an Egr-1 decoy ODN significantly inhibits proliferation of VSMC and intimal hyperplasia of vein grafts in a rabbit model.

Protective effects of tight glucose control during cardiopulmonary bypass on myocardium in adult nondiabetic patients undergoing valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the protective effect of tight glucose control during cardiopulmonary bypass on myocardium in adult nondiabetic patients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement in a prospective and randomized trial. METHODS: Sixty-five adult nondiabetic patients undergoing selective isolated aortic valve replacement were enrolled and randomly assigned to an insulin group (patients received a continuous insulin infusion during surgery; n = 33) or a control group (patients were not administered insulin unless their blood glucose level exceeded 200 mg/dL; n = 32). Cardiac troponin I was assayed preoperatively, and then at 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after aortic cross-declamping. The pre-, intra-, and postoperative relevant data of all selected patients were analyzed. RESULTS: Tight glucose control reduced postoperative peak release by 48% for cardiac troponin I compared with the control group (0.48 ± 0.12 vs 0.71 ± 0.17 ng/mL; P < 0.0001). Patients with continuous insulin infusion had lower peak inotropic score during the first postoperative 24 hours and peak level of blood glucose (5.8 ± 2.2 vs 8.2 ± 3.1 µg/kg/min; P < 0.0001; 131.9 ± 23.8 vs 191.1 ± 38.5 mg/dL; P < 0.001, respectively), shorter duration of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit stay and hospital stay compared with the control group (11.6 ± 2.9 hours vs 14.8 ± 3.5 hours; P = 0.0002; 28.4 ± 7.2 hours vs 36.5 ± 7.8 hours; P < 0.0001; 9.4 ± 3.3 days vs 11.5 ± 4.2 days; P = 0.0283, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Tight glucose control during cardiopulmonary bypass might provide myocardial protection in adult nondiabetic patients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement.

Identification of mutant genes with high-frequency, high-risk, and high-expression in lung adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: To identify mutant genes with high-frequency-risk-expression between lung adenocarcinoma and normal samples. METHODS: The ribonucleic acid RNA-Seq data GSE34914 and GSE37765 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, including 12 lung adenocarcinoma samples and six controls. All RNA-Seq reads were processed and the gene-expression level was calculated. Single nucleotide variation (SNV) was analyzed and the locations of mutant sites were recorded. In addition, the frequency and risk-level of mutant genes were calculated. Gene Ontology (GO) functional analysis was performed. The reported cancer genes were searched in tumor suppressor genes, Cancer Genes, and the Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC) database. RESULTS: The SNV annotations of somatic mutation sites showed that 70% of mutation sites in the exon region occurred in the coding sequence (CDS). Thyroid hormone receptor interactor (TRIP)12 was identified with the highest frequency. A total of 118 mutant genes with high frequency and high-risk were selected and significantly enriched into several GO terms. No base mutation of cyclin C (CCNC) or RAB11A was recorded. At fragments per kilobase per million reads (FPKM) ≥ 56.5, reported tumor suppressor genes catenin (cadherin-associated protein), delta (CTNND)1, dual specificity phosphatase (DUSP)6, malate dehydrogenase (MDH)1 and RNA binding motif protein (RBM)5, were identified. Notably, signal transducer and activator of transcription 2 (STAT2) was the only transcription factor (TF) with high-risk mutation and its expression was detected. CONCLUSION: For the mutant genes with high-frequency-risk-expression, CTNND1, DUSP6, MDH1 and RBM5 were identified. TRIP12 might be a potential cancer-related gene, and expression of TF STAT2 with high-risk was detected. These mutant gene candidates might promote the development of lung adenocarcinoma and provide new diagnostic potential targets for treatment.

A new type of aortic valved stent with good stability and no influence on coronary artery.

BACKGROUND: To evaluated the feasibility and safety of new aortic valved stents in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) using retrograde approach by in vitro testing and animal implantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The fluid passing test, expanding and releasing tests, static and releasing tests in tube were performed for new valved stents. Transvalvular pressure gradient, effective orifice area, pre-implantation and post-implantation regurgitant volume for the new stents were detected. Then, the new stents were implanted in six pigs using retrograde approach. These pigs were euthanized 12 h after the implantation for anatomic evaluation. RESULTS: In vitro tests showed that the closure of the new stents leaflets were effective, and stents could be released through catheter, then expanded completely and fixed fast in the tube. The coronary artery flow rates did not changed significantly after implantation (P > 0.05), while aortic regurgitant volumes were obviously reduced (P < 0.05). No significant difference in the transvalvular pressure gradient and effective orifice area of the new stents implanted within or above the valve leaflets was found (P > 0.05). In vivo experiments indicated that TAVI was successfully performed in six pigs using retrograde approach. However, one pig was died 10 h after the implantation since the stent was not expanded completely. The leaflets in stents were opening well and no valvular regurgitation was observed in the other five pigs. And thrombosis was not found. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The new type of aortic valved stent designed in this study was characterized with good stability and could avoid the impact caused by valve leaflets on the coronary artery.

[Risk factors for failure of continuous veno-venous hemodialysis in the treatment of acute kidney injury following cardiac surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the independent risk factors for failure of continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (CVVHD) in the treatment of acute kidney injury (AKI) following cardiac surgery. METHODS: Adult patients without any prior pre-operative history of chronic renal disease suffering AKI following cardiac surgery and undergoing CVVHD at our center from January 2005 to December 2012 were recruited and divided into either a success group or a failure group. All pre-, intra- and post-operative data were collected and retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Ninety-three adult patients were enrolled. Among them, sixty-three patients survived with a failure rate of 32.2% and a mortality rate of 19.4%. Through univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression, independent risk factors for failure of CVVHD in the treatment of post-operative AKI included pre-operative LVEF (OR = 0.61, 95%CI 0.42-0.85) and duration of oliguria until dialysis (OR = 2.76, 95%CI 1.51-5.83). CONCLUSION: Pre-operative impaired left ventricular function is an important risk factor for failure of CVVHD in the treatment of AKI after cardiac surgery. The sooner the implementation of CVVHD, the better prognosis.

Risk factors for pulmonary complications following cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary complications following cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are often associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, few reports have focused on evaluating intra- and post-operative independent risk factors for pulmonary complications following cardiac surgery with CPB. This study aimed to evaluate peri-operative independent risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications through investigating and analyzing 2056 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB. METHODS: From January 2005 to December 2012, the relevant pre-, intra-, and post-operative data of adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB in the department of cardiovascular surgery of Tongji Hospital of Tongji University in Shanghai were investigated and retrospectively analyzed. The independent risk factors for pulmonary complications following cardiac surgery with CPB were obtained through descriptive analysis and then logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-three adult patients suffered from pulmonary complications following cardiac surgery with CPB, with an incidence of 6.96%. Through descriptive analysis and then logistic regression, independent risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications were as follows: older age (>65 years) (OR=3.31, 95%CI 1.71-7.13), preoperative congestive heart failure (OR=2.95, 95%CI 1.41-5.84), preoperative arterial oxygenation (PaO2) (OR=0.67, 95%CI 0.33-0.85), duration of CPB (OR=3.15, 95%CI 1.55-6.21), intra-operative phrenic nerve injury (OR=4.59, 95%CI 2.52-9.24), and postoperative acute kidney injury (OR=3.21, 95%CI 1.91-6.67). Postoperative pulmonary complication was not a risk factor for hospital death (OR=2.10, 95%CI 0.89-4.33). CONCLUSIONS: A variety of peri-operative factors increased the incidence of pulmonary complications following cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.

Early results after surgical treatment of left ventricular aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) is a serious complication of myocardial infarction and reduces the chances of survival. Controversy still exists regarding the optimal surgical technique for LVA repair. We analyze the efficacy of two techniques, linear vs. endoventricular circular patch plasty, for repair of LVA and the efficacy of surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) on beating heart. METHODS: This study included 62 patients who underwent SVR from 1086 consecutive patients were subjected to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) between 2000 and 2009. All selected patients were divided either into group liner or patch according to the choice of the repair technique depended on factors such as localization, size and dimension of the scar. The patients also were divided either into group beating heart or cardioplegia. The pre-, intra- and postoperative relevant data of all selected patients were analyzed. RESULTS: The mortality was not significantly different between linear and patch repair groups, also the actuarial survival rates within 24 months (p= 0.529). Postoperative echocardiographic findings showed significant improvements in left ventricular function in both groups. The beating heart technique reduced postoperative peak release by 27% for Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) compared with the cardioplegia group (0.46 ± 0.06 ng/mL versus 0.63 ± 0.09 ng/mL, p= 0.004), and increased the perioperative survival by 9% (97.2% versus 88.5%), but the actuarial survival rates were not significantly different between the groups from 2 to 24 months (p= 0.151). CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques (linear and patch) achieved good results with respect to mortality, functional status and survival. The choice of surgical technique should be adapted in each patient. The beating heart technique may to some extent relieve myocardial injury in patients undergoing SVR.

Effect of elapsed time from coronary angiography until off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery on postoperative renal function.

BACKGROUND: A new concern in acute kidney injury (AKI) following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the elapsed time from coronary angiography (CAG) until subsequent surgery. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate renal function following elective off-pump CABG (OPCAB). METHODS AND RESULTS: Three hundred and seven patients were divided either into group A (elapsed time between CAG and surgery ≤5 days, n=138) or B (elapsed time >5 days, n=169). The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was obtained on the 1st, 3rd and 7th day following CABG. The pre-, intra-and postoperative relevant data were analyzed. 51 patients (16.6%) developed postoperative AKI. Patients with shorter elapsed time were more likely to present postoperative AKI than those with a longer elapsed time (23.9% vs. 10.7%, P=0.003). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that elapsed time had an independent influence on the development of postoperative AKI (odds ratio 2.35, 95% confidence interval 1.45-5.26, P=0.009). The eGFR reduced gradually after surgery, dropped to a minimum within 3 days, and then increased slowly in both groups. Minimum eGFR following surgery in group B was significantly higher than that in group A (64.3±6.5ml/min vs. 59.2±9.3ml/min, P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Beginning OPCAB early after CAG did affect postoperative renal function and increased the incidence of AKI.

Risk factors for ventilator dependency following coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: Ventilator dependency following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is often associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, few reports have focused on the independent risk factors for ventilator dependency following CABG. This study aimed to evaluate the independent risk factors for ventilator dependency following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: The relevant pre-, intra- and post-operative data of patients without a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease undergoing isolated CABG from January 2003 to December 2008 in our center were retrospectively analyzed. Elapsed time between CABG and extubation of more than 48 hours was defined as postoperative ventilator dependency (PVD). RESULTS: The incidence of PVD was 13.8% (81/588). The in-hospital mortality in the PVD group was significantly higher than that in the non-PVD group (8.6% versus 2.4%, p=0.0092). Besides the length of ICU and hospital stay, PVD correlated with negative respiratory outcomes. The independent risk factors for PVD were preoperative congestive heart failure (OR=2.456, 95%CI 1.426-6.879), preoperative hypoalbuminemia (OR=1.353, 95%CI 1.125-3.232), preoperative arterial oxygen partial pressure (PO(2)) (OR=0.462, 95%CI 0.235-0.783) and postoperative anaemia (OR=1.541, 95%CI 1.231-3.783). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative congestive heart failure, preoperative hypoalbuminemia, low preoperative PO(2) and postoperative anaemia were identified as four independent risk factors for ventilator dependency following CABG.

Effect of ischemic postconditioning in correction of tetralogy of Fallot.

Inappropriate myocardial protection is considered one of the main causes of mortality and morbidity in the correction of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Results of previous reports about the effects of ischemic postconditioning on myocardial protection in animals and humans are very encouraging. This randomized and controlled trial aimed to assess the effect of ischemic postconditioning on protection against myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury in TOF patients receiving cardioplegia. From January 2008 to June 2010, 80 consecutive children undergoing correction of TOF were enrolled and randomly assigned to either a postconditioning group (three cycles of 30 seconds of ischemia and 30 seconds of reperfusion using re-clamping and de-clamping starting 30 seconds after the initial de-clamping of the aorta, n = 41) or a control group (n = 39). Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) was assayed preoperatively, and then 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, 20 hours, and 48 hours after persistent reperfusion. The pre-, intra- and postoperative relevant data of all selected patients were analyzed. As a result, ischemic postconditioning reduced postoperative peak release by 45% for cTnI compared with the control group (0.43 ± 0.18 ng/mL versus 0.78 ± 0.15 ng/mL, P < 0.0001). Ischemic postconditioned patients had a lower peak inotropic score during the first postoperative 24 hours (5.6 ± 2.2 µg/kg/minute versus 8.6 ± 3.6 µg/kg/minute, P < 0.0001), extubation time (21.5 ± 7.3 hours versus 30.2 ± 12.4 hours, P = 0.0002) and length of ICU stay (43.4 ± 12.6 hours versus 56.3 ± 17.8 hours, P = 0.0003), while they had a higher cardiac output on the first postoperative day (1.41 ± 0.26 L/minute versus 1.28 ± 0.25 L/minute, P = 0.0255) as compared to the control group. In conclusion, ischemic postconditioning may to some extent provide myocardial protection in children undergoing correction of tetralogy of Fallot.

Role of preoperative atorvastatin administration in protection against postoperative atrial fibrillation following conventional coronary artery bypass grafting.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common postoperative arrhythmias in patients who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of preoperative atorvastatin on postoperative atrial fibrillation following coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass (CCABG). One hundred consecutive patients undergoing elective CCABG, without history of AF or previous statin treatment, were enrolled and randomly assigned to a statin group (atorvastatin 20 mg/d, n = 49) or a control group (placebo, n = 51) starting 7 days preoperatively. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of postoperative AF. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were assessed in all selected patients before surgery and every 24 hours postoperatively until discharge from hospital. Atorvastatin significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative AF and postoperative peak CRP level versus placebo (18% versus 41%, P = 0.017; 129.3 ± 24.3 mg/L versus 149.3 ± 32.5 mg/L, P < 0.0001). Kaplan-Meier curves confirmed a significantly better postoperative atrial fibrillation-free survival in the statin group (χ(2) = 7.466, P = 0.006). Logistic regression analysis showed preoperative atorvastatin treatment was an independent factor associated with a significant reduction in postoperative AF (OR = 0.235, P = 0.007), whereas high postoperative CRP levels were associated with increased risk (OR = 2.421, P = 0.015). Preoperative atorvastatin administration may inhibit inflammatory reactions to prevent atrial fibrillation following coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass.

Short-term effects of double-layer autologous vein graft on restraint of excessive distension and alleviation of neointimal hyperplasia in a porcine saphenous vein graft model.

Although the use of external vein graft support seems a promising approach to prevent neointimal hyperplasia and wall thickening in vein grafts, its extensive clinical application still has a long way to go. The aim of this study was to evaluate short-term effects of self-designed double-layer autologous saphenous vein graft on restraining excessive distension of vein graft and alleviating neointimal hyperplasia in a porcine model. Left and right hind femoral arteries of 24 white pigs were randomly divided into an experimental group (double-layer vein graft) and a control group (single-layer vein graft). After 1 h of implantation, then 1, 2, and 4 weeks later, the mean inner diameter of the vein grafts in the experimental group measured by Doppler-ultrasound was 2.7 ± 0.1, 2.8 ± 0.1, 2.9 ± 0.1, and 3.1 ± 0.1 mm, respectively; mean peak blood flow velocity measured by Doppler-ultrasound was 96.7 ± 12.8, 93.7 ± 11.5, 89.4 ± 9.6 and 84.6 ± 10.1 cm/s, respectively, while the mean neointimal thicknesses were 47.1 ± 7.7, 93.7 ± 15.1, and 177.4 ± 25.5 µm at 1, 2 and 4 weeks, respectively. As compared to the control group, inner diameter and neointimal thickness of vein grafts in the experimental group were significantly lower, while mean peak blood flow velocity was significantly higher at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after implantation. The proliferation index in the experimental group was also significantly lower within 4 weeks after implantation. The self-designed double-layer autologous saphenous vein graft restrains early excessive distension of vein graft and alleviates early neointimal hyperplasia.

Timing of continuous veno-venous hemodialysis in the treatment of acute renal failure following cardiac surgery.

The purpose was to study optimum timing of continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (CVVHD) for acute renal failure (ARF) after cardiac surgery. CVVHD was performed in two groups [elapsed time between urine output (UO) <0.5 ml/kg/h and dialysis of no more than 12 h in group A and >12 h in group B] with a total of 58 adult patients. Survivors in groups A and B were entered into groups A1 and B1, respectively. Compared to group A, the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation III score, peak values of urea and creatinine before CVVHD, major complications, period of ICU and hospitalization were significantly higher in group B. In-hospital mortality in group B was significantly higher than that in group A (37.5 vs. 8.8%, p = 0.02). Kaplan-Meier curves confirmed significantly better postoperative survival in group A (χ² = 6.966, p = 0.008). Time elapse from UO < 0.5 ml/kg/h until dialysis among the survivors was significantly lower than that among the dead (12.0 ± 6.2 vs. 20.8 ± 9.1 h, p = 0.0002). Additionally, duration of dialysis, length of ICU stay, duration of ventilator support and time elapse from dialysis until UO > 1 ml/kg/h were significantly higher in group B1 as compared to those in group A1. All of them correlated positively with the time elapse from UO < 0.5 ml/kg/h until dialysis. Early beginning of CVVHD is extremely important.

Risk factors for failure of continuous veno-venous hemodialysis in the treatment of acute renal failure following cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk factors for failure of continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (CVVHD) in the treatment of acute renal failure (ARF) after cardiac surgery. METHODS: Adult patients without any prior pre-operative history of chronic renal failure who underwent CVVHD after cardiac surgery in our medical center from January 2005 to December 2008 were divided into a success or a failure group. All selected patients' pre-, intra-, and post-operative data were retrospectively analyzed. ARF was described as post-operative urinary output of less than 0.5ml/kg/h and/or a 50% increase in baseline BUN and serum creatinine levels. RESULTS: Fifty-two adult patients (accounting for 3.04%) who underwent CVVHD after cardiac surgery were entered into this study. Thirty-six patients survived, with a mortality rate of 30.8%. Pre-operative mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in the success group was higher than that in the failure group (46±9% versus 40±7%, p=0.0220). Mean duration of oliguria until dialysis in the failure group was significantly longer than that in the success group (22.1±6.9h versus 11.6±2.5h, p<0.0001). Through univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression, independent risk factors for failure of CVVHD in the treatment of post-operative ARF included pre-operative LVEF (OR=0.635, 95% CI 0.358-0.852) and duration of oliguria until dialysis (OR=2.442, 95% CI 1.563-5.768). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-operative impaired left ventricular function is an important risk factor for failure of CVVHD in the treatment of ARF after cardiac surgery. The sooner CVVHD is instituted the better prognosis may be.

Combination of irbesartan and amiodarone to maintain sinus rhythm in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation after rheumatic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) after rheumatic valve replacement is the most common arrhythmic complication. Previous studies reported angiotensin-II receptor blocker can prevent AF. This study aimed to assess the effect of a combination of irbesartan and amiodarone on the maintenance of sinus rhythm after cardioversion of AF in patients with post-rheumatic valve replacement in a randomized, controlled trial. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eighty-five consecutive patients undergoing rheumatic valve surgery were enrolled and randomly assigned to an irbesartan plus amiodarone (irbesartan 150 mg/d, n=43) or an amiodarone group (n=42) starting 10 days before scheduled electrical cardioversion. The primary end-point was recurrence of AF. Pharmacological conversion was documented in 7 patients, and electrical conversion in 68 patients (87.2%). A higher rate of maintenance of sinus rhythm (69.8% vs 40.5%, P=0.01) and a better AF-free survival (chi(2)=7.466, P=0.006) were observed in the irbesartan plus amiodarone group compared to the amiodarone group during the 1-year follow-up period. Cox regression showed that use of irbesartan was an independent factor associated with the maintenance of sinus rhythm after cardioversion (OR=0.43, P=0.018), whereas increased left atrium diameter was associated with increased risk (OR=1.54, P=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with post-rheumatic valve replacement, the combination of amiodarone and irbesartan demonstrated a lower rate of AF recurrence after cardioversion than amiodarone alone, which might be due to preventing the atrial remodeling.

Effect of preoperative atorvastatin therapy on atrial fibrillation following off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is still the most common postoperative arrhythmic complication. Previous studies report that patients undergoing preoperative statin therapy had a lower incidence of postoperative AF. This study aimed to assess the effect of preoperative atorvastatin therapy on preventing AF following off-pump CABG in a randomized, controlled trial. METHODS AND RESULTS: The 140 consecutive patients undergoing elective off-pump CABG, without a history of AF or previous statin treatment, were enrolled and randomly assigned to a statin (atorvastatin 20 mg/day, n=71) or a control group (placebo, n=69) starting 7 days preoperatively. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of postoperative AF; secondary endpoints were major adverse in-hospital cardiac and cerebrovascular events and identification of variables predicting postoperative AF. Atorvastatin significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative AF and the postoperative peak C-reactive protein (CRP) level vs placebo (14% vs 34%, P=0.009; 126.5 +/-22.3 vs 145.2 +/-31.6 mg/L, P<0.0001). Logistic regression analysis showed preoperative atorvastatin treatment was an independent factor associated with a significant reduction in postoperative AF (odds ratio (OR) 0.219, P=0.005), whereas a high postoperative CRP level was associated with increased risk (OR 2.011, P=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Administration of atorvastatin 20 mg/day, initiated 1 week before elective off-pump CABG and continued in the postoperative period, significantly decreases postoperative AF.

[Coronary flow obstruction in percutaneous aortic valve replacement using self-expandable valved stent: an in vitro study].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of self-expandable and orthotopically implanted percutaneous aortic valved stent on coronary artery flow in vitro. METHODS: Self-expandable valved stent was developed with nitinol stent and bovine pericardium. The ascending aorta of Chinese mini swine hearts was cut proximal to the brachiocephalic trunk. The right and left main coronary arteries were dissected. In vitro coronary flow tests were performed. Firstly, baseline coronary flow with the native aortic valve was measured (n = 12). Secondly, the valved stent was deployed orthotopically. The commissures of prosthesis were positioned randomly. Through an endoscope, the effects of valved stent and native valve on coronary ostium were obtained and coronary flow measurements repeated (valve preservation group, n = 12). Then the distance from coronary ostium to native leaflet free edge was measured. Native leaflets were removed before similar valved stent deployment. Coronary flow measurements and endoscopic inspections were repeated post-implantation (valve removal group, n = 12). RESULTS: In valve preservation group, valved stent implantation resulted in a significant decrease in left coronary flow (29.46%, P < 0.05). The obstruction was due to native leaflets sandwiched between the stent and aortic wall. The left ostia were obstructed totally in 3 and partially in 4. The flow of right coronary decreased 7.34% (P > 0.05). The right ostia were obstructed partially in 3. In valve removal group, 6.82% and 5.37% decrement in left and right coronary flow were observed after valved stent placement (P > 0.05). The distances from right coronary ostia to annulus were farther than from left coronary ostia. In two groups, the commissures of prosthesis obstructed partially left coronary ostia in 4 and right coronary ostia in 1. CONCLUSION: Orthotopic implantation of a percutaneous self-expandable aortic valved stent would obstruct the left coronary ostium with the native valve. Coronary ostium may be obstructed partly by the commissures of prosthesis.

[Effect of atorvastatin on postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of atorvastatin on postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: A cohort of 140 consecutive patients without a history of documented AF or previous statin use, who were scheduled to undergo selective CABG, were enrolled. Included patients were randomly assigned to atorvastatin group (n = 71) who were administered atorvastatin 20 mg/d or to control group (n = 69). After CABG, subjects were monitored continuously by electrocardiographic monitors at least 7 days. During the initial postoperative 7 d, the incidence and duration of AF were recorded. And the levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured before and 24 hours, 72 hours, 7 days after operation, respectively. The statistical software package SPSS (version 13.0) were used to analyze the data. The differences between groups were evaluated by chi(2)-test for discrete variables and student t-test for continuous variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent predictors of early postoperative AF. RESULTS: During initial postoperative 7 d, AF occurred at least once in 10 cases in atorvastatin group, with a prevalence of roughly 14%, and in 23 cases in control group, with a prevalence of approximately 34% (P = 0.009). The mean duration of single AF was 3.6 +/- 0.4 hours in atorvastatin group and 5.7 +/- 0.5 hours in control group (P < 0.01), respectively. The multivariate logistic analysis showed that perioperative atorvastatin administration was an independently risk factor for early postoperative AF (OR = 0.219, 0.076-0.633, P = 0.005). There was also statistical difference in hs-CRP after CABG between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative atorvastatin administration may inhibit inflammatory reaction, reduce the incidence and duration of postoperative AF, hence may prevent and treat postoperative AF.

[Opportunity for treatment of acute renal failure after cardiac vascular operation using continuous blood purification].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect and timing of continuous blood purification (CBP) in treatment of acute renal failure (ARF) following cardiac-vascular surgery. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with ARF following cardiac-vascular surgery were divided into systematic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) Group (n = 13) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) Group (n = 12) according to the illness state prior to CBP and were divided into Group A (n = 5, with the APACHEIII score prior to CBP 90). All of the 25 patients underwent continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH). Before and 24h after the CVVH APACHEIII score was calculated and [peripheral; blood samples were collected to detect the levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Scr) and the plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). RESULTS: The APACHEIII score, BUN, Scr, IL6, IL8, and TNFalpha 24 h after the CBP of the 25 patients were 61 +/- 15 mmol/L, (19 +/- 5) mmol/L, (312 +/- 87) micromol/L, (544 +/- 154) ng/L, (18 +/- 7) ng/L, and (43 +/- 15) ng/L respectively, all significantly lower than those before CBP (81 +/- 20, 26 +/- 5 mmol/L, 458 +/- 107 micromol/L, (842 +/- 132) ng/L, (25 +/- 8) ng/L, and (59 +/- 17) ng/L respectively, all P = 0.000). The survival rate of SIRS Group was 84.62%, significantly higher than that of MODS Group (41.67%, P < 0.05). The APACHEIII score, and the levels of BUN, Scr, IL6, IL8, and TNF-alpha of Group MODS were significantly higher than those of Group SIRS. The higher the level of Scr, IL6, IL8, and TNF-alpha and the APACHEIII score the lower the survival rate. CONCLUSION: CBP has a positive effect on ARF following cardiac-vascular surgery. The APACHEIII score 60 to 90 reflects an opportunity to treat the ARF following cardiac-vascular surgery using CBP.

[Influence of pravastatin on blood lipids and serum high sensitive C-reactive protein in patients undergoing conventional coronary artery bypass grafting under on-pump: a clinical study of 81 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of pravastatin on blood lipids and serum high sensitive C-reactive protein (HsCRP) in patients undergoing conventional coronary artery bypass grafting under on-pump bypass (CCABG). METHODS: Eighty-one patients underwent CCABG. Among which 40 took orally pravastatin 20 mg once daily to at least 28 days after operation, and 41 were used as control group. The serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), HDL-C cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-C cholesterol (LDL-C), and HsCRP were monitored before and 24 h, 72 h, 7 days, 10 days, 14 days, and 28 days postoperatively. RESULTS: In the control group the levels of different blood lipids after operation remarkably decreased after operation compared with those before operation (all P < 0.05), reached the lowest levels 24 h after operation, then gradually increased, however, still lower than those before operation (all P < 0.05), and recovered to the baseline level 28 hours after operation; and the HsCRP level increased 24 h after operation and peaked 72 h after, then gradually decreased, and recovered to the baseline level 28 days after operation. In the pravastatin group the TC level reached its lowest level 24 h after operation, then gradually increased, however, still lower than that before operation, and recovered to the baseline level 28 days after operation; and the TG level reached the lowest level 24 h after operation (P < 0.05), and then gradually increased 3 d after operation (P > 0.05). The TC, TG, and LDL-C levels 7, 10, 14, and 28 d after operation of the pravastatin group were all significantly lower than those of the control group (all P < 0.05). The HsCRP levels at different time points of the pravastatin group were all significantly lower than those of the control group (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of pravastatin in the early stage of CCABG is safe and can decrease systemic inflammatory reaction.