Heparin-induced DRESS syndrome in a paediatric patient and successful anaesthetic management in cardiovascular bypass surgery: case report.

BACKGROUND: Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) Syndrome is a severe adverse drug reaction marked by delayed hypersensitivity reactions causing skin and systemic complications. DRESS diagnosis is challenging due to the variety of clinical presentations and symptom overlap with other conditions. The perioperative period in these patients requires precise pharmacological strategies to prevent complications associated with this syndrome. The treatment of DRESS induced by unfractionated heparin during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery presents some challenges that must be considered when selecting an anticoagulant to avoid side effects. In this case, bivalirudin, a direct thrombin inhibitor, is indicated as an alternative to heparin in patients undergoing CPB. However, in contrast to heparin/protamine, there is no direct reversal agent for bivalirudin. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of an 11-year-old male diagnosed with native aortic valve endocarditis and thrombosis in his left lower extremity. During valvular replacement surgery, systemic unfractionated heparin was administered. Postoperatively, the patient developed fever, eosinophilia and pruritic rash. Warm shock and elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels followed, leading to the diagnosis of DRESS syndrome. Treatment with methylprednisolone resulted in complete resolution of symptoms. Seven years later, the patient was readmitted due to insufficient anticoagulation and a thrombus in the prosthetic aortic valve, presenting a recurrent DRESS episode due to the administration of unfractionated heparin, which was later replaced with low-molecular-weight heparin during hospitalization. Treatment with corticosteroids and antihistamines was initiated, resulting in the resolution of this episode. Ultimately, the patient required the Ross procedure. During this intervention the anticoagulation strategy was modified, unfractionated heparin was replaced with bivalirudin during the procedure and fondaparinux was administered during the postoperative period. This resulted in stable transaminases levels and no eosinophilia. CONCLUSION: The severity of DRESS Syndrome underscores the importance of early recognition, heightened monitoring, and a comprehensive approach tailored to each patient's needs. This particular case highlights the significance of this approach and may have a substantial clinical impact since it provides alternatives to heparin, such as bivalirudin and fondaparinux, in the anticoagulation strategy of CPB for patients who have a hypersensibility reaction to this medication; thus, enhancing clinical outcomes by minimizing risks linked to adverse drug reactions.

Repair with a pulmonary neovalve in tetralogy of Fallot: does this avoid ventricular dysfunction?

OBJECTIVES: Given the anatomical variations of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), different surgical techniques can be used to achieve correction. Transannular patches (TAPs) are the most commonly used technique; they are associated with right ventricular dysfunction, the incidence of which can be reduced through pulmonary valve preservation. METHODS: Between January 2010 and July 2019, we performed 274 surgical corrections of tetralogy of Fallot at Fundación Cardioinfantil; 63 patients (23%) underwent repair with a TAP in addition to a pulmonary neovalve (Group I), 66 patients (24.1%) received a TAP without a pulmonary valve (Group II) and 145 patients (52.9%) had a repair with valve preservation (Group III). We analysed patient's characteristics before, during and after surgery at a 30-day follow-up. RESULTS: We found that patients in Group III were older (P = 0.04). Group II had the lowest level of O2 saturation before surgery (82%, P = 0.001). Cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times were longer in Group I (P < 0.001). Right ventricular dysfunction was less frequent in Group III (15.9%, P = 0.011). Severe residual pulmonary regurgitation was more common in Group II (21.9%, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Preservation of the pulmonary valve is an important factor for immediate postoperative management of tetralogy of Fallot. Patients who were repaired with a TAP with or without a pulmonary neovalve had a higher incidence of right ventricular dysfunction than those with pulmonary valve preservation.

Anatomical Engineering and 3D Printing for Surgery and Medical Devices: International Review and Future Exponential Innovations.

Three-dimensional printing (3DP) has recently gained importance in the medical industry, especially in surgical specialties. It uses different techniques and materials based on patients' needs, which allows bioprofessionals to design and develop unique pieces using medical imaging provided by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Therefore, the Department of Biology and Medicine and the Department of Physics and Engineering, at the Bioastronautics and Space Mechatronics Research Group, have managed and supervised an international cooperation study, in order to present a general review of the innovative surgical applications, focused on anatomical systems, such as the nervous and craniofacial system, cardiovascular system, digestive system, genitourinary system, and musculoskeletal system. Finally, the integration with augmented, mixed, virtual reality is analyzed to show the advantages of personalized treatments, taking into account the improvements for preoperative, intraoperative planning, and medical training. Also, this article explores the creation of devices and tools for space surgery to get better outcomes under changing gravity conditions.

2640 Meters Closer to the Stars: Does High Altitude Affect Fontan Results?

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for and postoperative results of the Fontan operation in patients living at high altitude (>2500 meters above sea level) in the Andean region remain unknown. This study was conducted to evaluate immediate postoperative outcomes and to assess short- and long-term functional class after the Fontan operation. METHODS: From June 2003 to February 2019, 104 patients receiving the Fontan procedure at 2640 meters (8661 feet) above sea level were retrospectively studied. Preoperative catheterization, intraoperative variables, and postoperative outcomes were described. Functional class was evaluated in patients living permanently below (group I) and at or higher than 2500 meters (8202 feet) above sea level (group II). Risk factors for mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: Median age at operation was 8.5 ± 4.4 years; pulmonary artery pressure, 16.2 ± 3.6 mm Hg; end-diastolic systemic ventricular pressure, 13.3 ± 3.8 mm Hg; and pulmonary vascular resistance index, 2.1 (interquartile range, 07-3.7) Wood units. Chest tube duration was 8.5 (6-12) days. Mortality was 4.8%, with 0 in the last 5 years. Higher preoperative pulmonary pressure (16.2 ± 3.6 mm Hg vs 21.2 ± 3.40 mm Hg; P = .01), aortic cross-clamp time (P < .001), and renal failure (P < .01) were associated with mortality. Functional class improved to class I in 86.4%. Overall survival was 90.7% at 10 years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Increased pulmonary pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance index are directly related to high altitude. The Fontan-Kreutzer operation performed at high altitude in the Andean region is feasible with good results. We routinely fenestrate all cases to avoid dysfunction in the early postoperative period. Functional status is adequate after the operation.

Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate Solution versus Blood Cardioplegia in Cardiac Surgery: A Propensity-Score Matched Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Choosing a cardioplegic solution is a significant issue in modern cardiac surgery. Although different options are available, the optimal strategy for myocardial protection has not been established. The aim of this study was to compare intraoperative and postoperative effects of histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solution with those of standard blood cardioplegia with St Thomas No 2 solution. The study was conducted using a large cohort of adult patients undergoing complex cardiac surgery. METHODS: This study was a single center retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Between January 2008 and December 2015, 4480 patients underwent cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and cardioplegic arrest. Patients were divided into a blood cardioplegia group (n = 3852) and an HTK solution group (n = 628). Propensity score matching was used to adjust for differences between the two groups, and 292 matched pairs were identified. The primary end point was Intensive Care Unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS). Secondary end points included intraoperative changes in serum sodium concentration, readmission to ICU, transfusion of blood products, 30-day hospital readmission, 30-day mortality, and the incidence of major postoperative complications. Results: No significant differences were found between the matched groups with regard to baseline characteristics. Aortic cross-clamp and CPB times were longer for the blood cardioplegia (147.4 versus 132.8 min; P < .001). Administration of HTK solution was associated with acute and transient hyponatremia (141 versus 130 mmol/L; P < .001). ICU LOS was comparable between the groups (5.4 versus 5.4 days; P = .585). No significant differences were noted in any other secondary end point. CONCLUSIONS: During complex cardiac surgery, both cardioplegia techniques were equivalent in terms of early clinical outcomes.

Factors associated with delayed cardiac tamponade after cardiac surgery.

CONTEXT: Cardiac tamponade (CT) following cardiac surgery is a potentially fatal complication and the cause of surgical reintervention in 0.1%-6% of cases. There are two types of CT: acute, occurring within the first 48 h postoperatively, and subacute or delayed, which occurs more than 48 h postoperatively. The latter does not show specific clinical signs, which makes it more difficult to diagnose. The factors associated with acute CT (aCT) are related to coagulopathy or surgical bleeding, while the variables associated with subacute tamponade have not been well defined. AIMS: The primary objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with the development of subacute CT (sCT). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This report describes a case (n = 80) and control (n = 160) study nested in a historic cohort made up of adult patients who underwent any type of urgent or elective cardiac surgery in a tertiary cardiovascular hospital. Methods: The occurrence of sCT was defined as the presence of a compatible clinical picture, pericardial effusion and confirmation of cardiac tamponade during the required emergency intervention at any point between 48 hours and 30 days after surgery. All factors potentially related to the development of sCT were taken into account. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: For the adjusted analysis, a logistical regression was constructed with 55 variables, including pre-, intra-, and post-operative data. RESULTS: The mortality of patients with sCT was 11% versus 0% in the controls. Five variables were identified as independently and significantly associated with the outcome: pre- or post-operative anticoagulation, reintervention in the first 48 h, surgery other than coronary artery bypass graft, and red blood cell transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified five variables associated with sCT and established that this complication has a high mortality rate. These findings may allow the implementation of standardized follow-up measures for patients identified as higher risk, leading to either early detection or prevention.

Hemoglobin and B-type natriuretic peptide preoperative values but not inflammatory markers, are associated with postoperative morbidity in cardiac surgery: a prospective cohort analytic study.

INTRODUCTION: Risk stratification in cardiac surgery significantly impacts outcome. This study seeks to define whether there is an independent association between the preoperative serum level of hemoglobin (Hb), leukocyte count (LEUCO), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), or B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and postoperative morbidity and mortality in cardiac surgery. METHODS: Prospective, analytic cohort study, with 554 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery in a tertiary cardiovascular hospital and followed up for 12 months. The cohort was distributed according to preoperative values of Hb, LEUCO, hsCRP, and BNP in independent quintiles for each of these variables. RESULTS: After adjustment for all covariates, a significant association was found between elevated preoperative BNP and the occurrence of low postoperative cardiac output (OR 3.46, 95% CI 1.53-7.80, p = 0.003) or postoperative atrial fibrillation (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.45-10.38). For the combined outcome (death/acute coronary syndrome/rehospitalization within 12 months), we observed an OR of 1.93 (95% CI 1.00-3.74). An interaction was found between BNP level and the presence or absence of diabetes mellitus. The OR for non-diabetics was 1.26 (95% CI 0.61-2.60) and for diabetics was 18.82 (95% CI 16.2-20.5). Preoperative Hb was also significantly and independently associated with the occurrence of postoperative low cardiac output (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.13-0.81, p = 0.016). Both Hb and BNP were significantly associated with the lengths of intensive care unit and hospital stays and the number of transfused red blood cells (p < 0.002). Inflammatory markers, although associated with adverse outcomes, lost statistical significance when adjusted for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: High preoperative BNP or low Hb shows an association of independent risk with postoperative outcomes, and their measurement could help to stratify surgical risk. The ability to predict the onset of atrial fibrillation or postoperative low cardiac output has important clinical implications. Our results open the possibility of designing studies that incorporate BNP measurement as a routine part of preoperative evaluation, and this strategy could improve upon the standard evaluation in terms of reducing adverse postoperative events.

Cirugía abierta versus cirugía endovascular en el tratamiento de la patología de la aorta torácica descendente / Open Surgery versus Endovascular Surgery in the Treatment of the Descendent Thoracic Aortic Disease

Introducción: El reparo endovascular de la aorta torácica (REVAT) se ha incrementado en el mundo en los últimos años con relación al abierto. Objetivo: Comparar los resultados clínicos del REVAT frente al reparo abierto en la Fundación Cardio Infantil (Bogotá, Colombia) entre 2002 y 2011. Metodología: Análisis retrospectivo de la cohorte de pacientes sometidos a reparo abierto (grupo 1) en comparación de REVAT (grupo 2). En cada uno de los grupos se evaluó tiempo quirúrgico, tasa de morbilidad, mortalidad, reintervención y estancia hospitalaria. Resultados: Se incluyeron 57 pacientes en el análisis (26 % reparo abierto; 74 % REVAT). Se reintervinieron dos pacientes por endofugas tipo 1 en el grupo 2 y un caso por sangrado en el grupo 1. La mortalidad operatoria fue para el grupo 1 de 20 %, y para el grupo 2, de 2,3 %. El tiempo quirúrgico fue de 398 ± 180 min (grupo 1) versus 85,5 ± 35 min (grupo 2 (p = 0,0001) y el tiempo de estancia hospitalaria promedio fue de 9,8 días (grupo 1) y 5,3 días (grupo 2) [p = 0,01]). El tiempo promedio de seguimiento fue 4,8 ± 3,1 años. Conclusiones: El REVAT parece ofrecer menor morbilidad, mortalidad, tiempo quirúrgico y estancia hospitalaria respecto al reparo abierto, aunque las poblaciones de pacientes incluidos no fueron estrictamente comparables. Se requieren nuevos análisis en un diseño prospectivo, idealmente aleatorizado para documentar los beneficios a largo plazo de este tipo de reparo...

Introduction: Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair(TEVAR) has increased worldwide morethan open repair in the last few years. Objective:To compare clinical outcomes of TEVARversus open surgery at Fundación Cardio Infantil(Bogota, Colombia), between 2002 and 2011.Methods: Retrospective analysis of the cohort ofpatients with open repair (group 1) in comparisonto TEVAR (group 2). In each group, surgicaltime, morbidity rates (infection, hemorrhage,medular ischemia, cerebrovascular event, andpostoperative renal failure), mortality, reintervention,and hospital stay were evaluated. For comparisonsa univariate analysis was used, being a p< 0.05 statistically significant. Results: 57 patientswere included (26 % open repair; 74 % TEVAR).Two type 1 endoleaks on group 2 and 1 bleedingpatient in group 1 required a second surgery. Surgicalmortality was 20 % in group 1, and 2.3 % ingroup 2); surgical time was 398 ± 180 (group 1)versus 85.5 ± 35 min (group 2) (p = 0.0001); andhospital stay was 9,8 days (group 1) and 5.3 days(group 2). Average follow-up time was 4.8 ± 3.1years. Conclusions: TEVAR may be associatedwith less morbidity, mortality, surgical time, andhospital stay than open repair, although the populationsincluded were not strictly comparable.New, prospective studies, ideally randomized,are needed to support the long term benefits ofthis type of repair...

Manejo de la falla hepatica fulminante: experiencia en la Fundacion Santa Fe de Bogota / Fulminant hepatic failure management: experience in Fundacion Santa Fe de Bogota

La falla hepatica fulminante (FHF) conlleva una mortalidad muy elevada en todas las series informadas a nivel mundial, a pesar de un tratamiento medico energico, por lo cual en muchos casos debe recurrirse al trasplante ortotopico de higado (TOH). Se presenta la experiencia en el manejo de FHF en la Fundacion Santa Fe de Bogota (FSFB) entre mayo de 1988 y mayo de 1989 con nueve casos que fueron tratados utilizando un protocolo de manejo. La mortalidad en nuestra serie fue de 66%, incluyendo un caso que requirio TOH y tres que fallecieron esperando donante. Es llamativa la alta frecuencia de hipatitis viral en la etiologia de FHF en este grupo