Symptom progression following on-pump versus off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine whether cardiac surgery leads to symptom progression in the early postoperative period in patients with the peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and evaluate the difference between on-pump (OPCAB) and off-pump (ONCAB) coronary artery bypass graft surgery with regard to the symptom progression. METHODS: This retrospective study included one hundred consecutive adult patients with PAD at Fontaine stage 2b (pain-free walking distance less than 100 m) undergoing ONCAB and one hundred consecutive adult patients with PAD at Fontaine stage 2b (pain-free walking distance less than 100 m) undergoing OPCAB. Symptom progression was defined as the development of ischemic rest pain (Fontaine stage 3). RESULTS: In the first week after surgery, 12 patients in the OPCAB group and 53 patients in the ONCAB group had postoperative symptom progression (p < 0.001). Rest pain resolved in most of these patients on the 15th postoperative day. At the end of the second month, rest pain resolved in all patients. Logistic regression analysis revealed that cardiac surgery with CPB, ABI < 0.5, postoperative nadir hct levels ≤ 25%, and intraoperative tissue hypoxia were independently associated with postoperative symptom progression. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, we found that cardiac surgery may lead to symptom progression in patients with severe claudication in the early postoperative period. Our results suggest that OPCAB may lead to lower rates of symptom progression compared to ONCAB.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Management of a Resistant Hypotension Developing After Reperfusion of a Living-Donor Kidney Transplant.

We present a case of hypotension developing after reperfusion of a living-donor kidney transplant and performing a graft nephrectomy and successful retransplant with the same kidney 12 hours later. Preemptive kidney transplant was performed on a 51-year-old woman who had a chronic kidney disease because of hypertension. Her 55-year-old husband was the living kidney donor. The patient was stable before reperfusion. After declamping, pink color of the transplanted kidney, thrill from the renal artery, and urinary output were seen. But shortly after reperfusion, the invasive arterial blood pressure of the patient abruptly decreased from 130/70 mm Hg to 70/40 mm Hg, her pulse was approximately 80 to 110 beats/minute. The thrill disappeared from the renal artery, but blood flow continued. A graft nephrectomy was performed 45 minutes after reperfusion. Invasive arterial blood pressure of the patient was stabilized at approximately 110/70 mm Hg in the intensive care unit, and the patient was retransplanted with the same kidney. The patient was well, with a serum creatinine level of 1.4 mg/dL, 12 months after the operation. Resistant hypotension that occurs after kidney transplant may cause a loss of the graft and the patient. To prevent graft loss, and to stabilize the patient, a graft nephrectomy and retransplant of the graft under suitable circumstances may be considered.

Rupture of a Subcapsular Hematoma After Kidney Transplant: Case Report.

Subcapsular hematoma after kidney transplant may result in kidney ischemia and graft loss. In this report, we present a patient who had a subcapsular hematoma that had no intraoperative enlargement but ruptured after surgery. A man who had chronic kidney disease secondary to hypertension had a preemptive living-donor kidney transplant from his wife. After declamping, appropriate renal perfusion and urinary output were observed. At perfusion, a subcapsular hematoma (diameter, 3 cm) was observed at the upper pole of the kidney. The hematoma did not enlarge during the surgery. Capsulotomy was not performed due to possible risks, and transplant surgery was completed with the plan for close postoperative ultrasonography and hemodynamic follow-up. Decreased urinary output was observed early after surgery. Renal Doppler ultrasonography showed decreased diastolic flow and a hematoma (width, 9 mm) that completely surrounded the transplanted kidney. The patient had emergency reoperation due to active hemorrhage from his surgical drain at 40 hours after surgery. Rupture of the capsule and hemorrhage from the surface of the kidney were observed. Extended capsulotomy and hemostasis of the kidney were performed. After surgery, urinary flow increased and renal Doppler ultrasonography findings improved. In summary, intervention for a subcapsular hematoma after kidney transplant is controversial. Capsulotomy should be considered for treatment of increased pressure to the graft, risk of permanent damage, and risk of graft loss.

Spontaneous coronary artery rupture without a pericardial effusion: a diagnostic challenge.

Spontaneous coronary artery rupture (CAR) is an extremely rare, life-threatening entity. It is a challenge to make a diagnosis of CAR in the absence of pericardial effusion. We describe a case of a spontaneous rupture of the right coronary artery (RCA) without pericardial effusion that emphasises the benefit of high clinical suspicion and early diagnosis. A 60-year-old man was admitted to the emergency department, with inferior myocardial infarction. Echocardiogram was negative for a pericardial effusion. Coronary angiography revealed complete occlusion of the RCA with intraluminal dissection and extravasation of contrast into the epicardium at the mid-portion of the RCA, which suggested rupture of the RCA. The patient underwent uneventful emergency coronary artery bypass grafting. CAR should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with acute chest pain, even in the absence of pericardial effusion, particularly in case of inferior wall involvement.

Delayed Presentation of Aortic Injury by a Thoracic Pedicle Screw.

Delayed presentation of a thoracic aortic injury is an extremely rare complication after spine surgery. We report a case of delayed presentation of a thoracic aortic injury with a vertebral pedicle screw after posterior spinal surgery without periaortic hematoma, hemorrhage or pseudoaneurysm formation and review the relevant literature.

Paraplegia Due to Spinal Cord Infarction After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.

Paraplegia is an extremely rare complication after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. We report a patient who developed paraplegia after CABG and review the literature on spinal cord ischemia following CABG surgery.

Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio is associated with right ventricular dysfunction in patients with acute inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Acute inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with increased in-hospital morbidity and mortality particularly among patients with coexisting right ventricular (RV) involvement. High neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an independent predictor of major adverse cardiac events and mortality in patients with myocardial infarction. This study evaluated the relationship between the NLR and RV dysfunction (RVD) in patients with inferior STEMI who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: A total of 213 subjects with inferior STEMI were divided into two groups according to the presence of RVD. The groups were compared according to NLR and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to access the predictability of NLR on having RVD. RESULTS: The NLR was significantly higher in the group with RVD compared to that without RVD (p < 0.001). In ROC analysis, NLR > 3.5 predicted RVD with sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 55%. In a multivariate regression analysis, NLR remained an independent predictor of RVD (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.285-1.750, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: NLR was an independent predictor of RVD in patients with inferior STEMI undergoing primary PCI.

The effects of hyperoxaemia on tissue oxygenation in patients with a nadir haematocrit lower than 20% during cardiopulmonary bypass.

UNLABELLED: Excessive haemodilution and the resulting anaemia during CPB is accompanied by a decrease in the total arterial oxygen content, which may impair tissue oxygen delivery. Hyperoxic ventilation has been proven to improve tissue oxygenation in different pathophysiological states of anaemic tissue hypoxia. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of arterial hyperoxaemia on tissue oxygenation during CPB. Records of patients undergoing isolated CABG with CPB were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with nadir haematocrit levels below 20% during CPB were included in the study. Tissue hypoxia was defined as hyperlactataemia (lactate >2.2 mmol/L) coupled with low ScVO2 (ScVO2 <70%) during CPB. One hundred patients with normoxaemia and 100 patients with hyperoxaemia were included in the study. Patients with hyperoxaemia had lower tissue hypoxia incidence than patients with normoxaemia (p<0.001). Compared with patients without tissue hypoxia, patients with tissue hypoxia had significantly lower PaO2 values (p<0.001) and nadir haematocrit levels (p<0.001). Nadir haematocrit levels <18% (OR: 5.3; 95% CI: 2.67-10.6; p<0.001) and hyperoxaemia (OR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.14-0.56; p<0.001) were independently associated with tissue hypoxia. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperoxaemia during CPB may be protective against tissue hypoxia in patients with nadir haematocrit levels <20%.

Impact of Coronary Collateral Circulation on In-Hospital Death in Patients with Inferior ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Objectives. Coronary collateral circulation (CCC) may limit the size of right ventricular (RV) infarcts but does not fully explain the relationship between CCC and clinical adverse events in patients with inferior STEMI. In this study, it was aimed to assess the relationship between preintervention angiographic evidence of CCC and clinical outcomes in patients with inferior STEMI who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods. A total of 235 inferior STEMI patients who presented within the first 12 hours from the symptom onset were included. CCC to the right coronary artery (RCA) before angioplasty were angiographically assessed, establishing two groups: 147 (63%) patients without CCC and 88 (37%) with CCC according to presence of CCC. Results. RV infarction, complete atrioventricular block, VT/VF, cardiogenic shock, and in-hospital death were noted less frequently in patients with CCC than in those without CCC. Absence of CCC to RCA was found to be the independent predictor for in-hospital death among them (odds ratio 4.0, 95% CI 1.8-12.6; p = 0.03). Conclusion. Presence of angiographically detectable CCC was associated with better in-hospital outcomes including RV infarction, complete AV block, cardiogenic shock, and VT/VF in patients with inferior STEMI.

Comparison of anti-reflux mechanism between Double-J-Stent and standart Double-J-Stent use for risk of BK nephropathy and urinary tract Infection in kidney transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: There are studies that show that double J stenting (DJS) increase BK nephropathy (BKN) 4 fold. DJS may cause vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) with normal bladder contraction. The aim of this study is to comparison risk of BKN, urinary tract infections (UTI) and postoperative urologic complications with the use DJS with anti-reflux device (ARD-DJS) and standart double J stent (St-DJS). Matherial and methods: Ninety patients (male/female: 50/40) that had undergone kidney transplantations in Diyarbakir Training and Research Hospital and Dicle University, Faculty of Medicine Hospital between January 2012 and April 2015 were enrolled in the study. Demographic data, immunosuppression protocols, presence of rejection, graft loss, postoperative urologic complications, UTI, plasma BK levels of the patients were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Median and IQR follow up time for ARD-DJS and St-DJS patients were 14 (12-18) months and 25 (16-30) months respectively. Five cases (5.5%) had BK viremia (P=0.025). All 5 cases with BK viremia were St-DJS users. CONCLUSION: As a result for postoperative UTI and postoperative urinary complication risk there were no statistically significant difference between ARD-DJS use and St-DJS use during ureteral anastomosis. BKN univariate analysis were significantly less than those st-DJS used. Risc factors were evaluated. But results were not statistically significant in the logistic regression analysis. We think that to demonstrate this benefit, we need randomized controlled studies with more patients and longer follow up.

Relationship between cobalamin deficiency and delirium in elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Delirium is common after cardiac surgery and is independently associated with increased morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospital stays, and higher costs. Cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency is a common cause of neuropsychiatric symptoms and affects up to 40% of elderly people. The relationship between cobalamin deficiency and the occurrence of delirium after cardiac surgery has not been examined in previous studies. We examined the relationship between cobalamin deficiency and delirium in elderly patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients with cobalamin deficiency undergoing CABG were enrolled in this retrospective study. Control group comprised 100 patients without cobalamin deficiency undergoing CABG. Patients aged 65 years or over were included. Diagnosis of delirium was made using Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist. Delirium severity was measured using the Delirium Rating Scale-revised-98. RESULTS: Patients with cobalamin deficiency had a significantly higher incidence of delirium (42% vs 26%; P=0.017) and higher delirium severity scores (16.5±2.9 vs 15.03±2.48; P=0.034) than patients without cobalamin deficiency. Cobalamin levels were significantly lower in patients with delirium than patients without delirium (P=0.004). Delirium severity score showed a moderate correlation with cobalamin levels (ρ=-0.27; P=0.024). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that cobalamin deficiency was independently associated with postoperative delirium (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.03-3.6, P=0.038). CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that cobalamin deficiency may be associated with increased risk of delirium in patients undergoing CABG. In addition, we found that preoperative cobalamin levels were associated with the severity of delirium. This report highlights the importance of investigation for cobalamin deficiency in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, especially in the elderly.

Evaluation of Quality of Life Early and Late After Kidney Transplantation.

BACKGROUND The most important purpose of transplantation is to improve quality of life (QOL) together with increasing life expectancy. The aim of this study was to compare the QOL of both donors and kidney transplant recipients and a control group at the 3rd and 9th postoperative months by using the SF36 health survey, to investigate the changes in this 6-month period and to evaluate descriptive data and satisfaction of patients and donors. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty-seven donors and 47 kidney transplant recipients who were operated on in Diyarbakir Gazi Yasargil Training and Research Hospital between August 2012 and March 2015 and had been followed up for at least 9 months and 47 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. RESULTS Physical functioning (PF) was higher at the 9th postoperative month compared to the 3rd month in the recipient group (p=0.028). Donors had higher PF (p=0.007) and functioning physical role (PR; p=0.01) compared to recipients. Recipients had lower PF (p=0.016), PR (p=0.004), and functional-emotional role (ER; p=0.03) at the 3rd month and had lower PR (p=0.002) at the 9th month postoperatively comparing to the control group. Donors had lower PF (p=0.007) and PR (p=0.01) at the 3rd month and had lower PR (p=0.035) at the 9th month postoperatively comparing to the control group. Donors and recipients had similar QOL at the 9th month. CONCLUSIONS During follow-up, we observed an increase in QOL (in some subgroups) at 9 months postoperatively. Donors and recipients had similar QOL (except for PR) with the control group at the 9th month. QOL was better in younger and male patients and educated persons. Donors did not show any regret regarding their donation.

The relationship between eosinophilia and slow coronary flow.

AIM: The pathophysiology of slow coronary flow (SCF) involves atherosclerosis, small vessel dysfunction, platelet function disorders, and inflammation. It has been known that eosinophils also play a significant role in inflammation, vasoconstriction, thrombosis, and endothelial dysfunction. We propose to evaluate the relationship between eosinophilia and SCF. METHODS: All patients who underwent coronary angiography between January 2011 and December 2013 were screened retrospectively. Of 6,832 patients, 102 patients with SCF (66 males, mean age 52.2±11.7 years) and 77 control subjects with normal coronary angiography (50 males, mean age 50.7±8.1 years) were detected. Baseline characteristics, hematological test results, and biochemical test results were obtained from the hospital database. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of the study groups were comparable between groups. There was no significant difference between groups regarding leukocyte count, paletelet count, and mean platelet volume. However, patients with SCF had a higher eosinophil count than the controls (0.24±0.17×10(3)/µL vs 0.16±0.15×10(3)/µL, P=0.002). In addition, eosinophil count was found to be correlated with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count in the SCF group (r=0.3, P<0.01). There was no significant correlation between eosinophil count and the number of coronary arteries showing slow flow. CONCLUSION: Patients with SCF have higher blood eosinophil count, and this may play an important role in the pathogenesis of SCF. Elevated baseline eosinophil count may indicate the presence of SCF.

Comparison of outcomes of laparoscopic intracorporeal knotting technique in patients with complicated and noncomplicated acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In our study we aimed to compare laparoscopic intracorporeal knotting technique (base of the appendix was ligated with 20 cm of 2.0 silk) in patients with complicated acute appendicitis (CAA) and noncomplicated acute appendicitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety patients (female/male: 40/50, age ranging from 16 to 60 years, median age and interquartile range [IQR]: 25 [20; 32] years) who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy were included in the study. The patients were evaluated for the type of acute appendicitis, duration of operation, duration of hospital stay, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: The number of cases diagnosed as CAA was 28 (31.1%), and the number of noncomplicated cases was 62 (68.9%). We found that there was no significant difference in postoperative complication rates between complicated and noncomplicated appendicitis cases. Incision site infection was seen in seven cases (7.8%) and ileus was seen in two cases (2.2%). Bleeding, intra-abdominal abscess, and appendix stump leakage were not observed in any of the cases. Median and IQR duration of operation were 42 (35; 52) minutes and median and IQR duration of hospital stay were detected as 2 (1; 2) (range 1-10) days. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic intracorporeal knotting technique may be a safe, effective, and reliable technique as the materials needed for closing the appendix stumps are easily available for both CAA cases and noncomplicated cases.

Value of serial platelet indices measurements for the prediction of pulmonary embolism in patients with deep venous thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: To date, no validated biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity have been established for diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT). There is a need to develop simple and reliable noninvasive tests that can accurately identify patients with PE, even in small hospitals or clinics. The aim of this study was to investigate the value of mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) for predicting occurrence of PE in patients with DVT. METHODS: Records of acute DVT patients were reviewed retrospectively. Group 1 consisted of 50 patients with acute DVT and group 2 consisted of 50 patients with acute DVT who developed PE during follow-up. The control group consisted of patients with uncomplicated primary varicose veins of the lower limbs. Venous peripheral blood samples for measurement of MPV, PDW, and platelet count were drawn on admission, before the treatment, and at the time of PE diagnosis. RESULTS: MPV and PDW levels at the time of PE diagnosis were higher in group 2 than group 1 (P<0.001 and P=0.026, respectively). Receiver operating characteristics analysis revealed that a 5.2% increase in admission PDW during follow-up provided 70% sensitivity and 82% specificity (area under the curve, 0.80), and a 6.6% increase in admission MPV during follow-up provided 74% sensitivity and 83% specificity (area under the curve, 0.84) for prediction of PE occurrence in patients with DVT. PDW and MPV levels at the time of PE diagnosis were found to be independent risk factors for the occurrence of PE in patients with DVT. CONCLUSION: Serial measurements of MPV and PDW, and percent change in MPV and PDW appears to be a useful marker for predicting occurrence of acute PE in patients with a first episode of acute proximal DVT.