Early postoperative beta-blockers are associated with improved cardiac output after late complete repair of tetralogy of Fallot: a retrospective cohort study.

Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease. For decades, our institution has cared for humanitarian patients with late presentation of tetralogy of Fallot. They are characterized by severe right ventricular hypertrophy with consecutive diastolic dysfunction, increasing the risk of postoperative low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS). By right ventricular restrictive physiology, we hypothesized that patients receiving early postoperative beta-blockers (within 48 h after cardiopulmonary bypass) may have better diastolic function and cardiac output. This is a retrospective cohort study in a single-center tertiary pediatric intensive care unit. We included > 1-year-old humanitarian patients with a confirmed diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot undergoing a complete surgical repair between 2005 and 2019. We measured demographic data, preoperative echocardiographic and cardiac catheterization measures, postoperative mean heart rate, vasoactive-inotropic scores, LCOS scores, length of stay, and mechanical ventilation duration. One hundred sixty-five patients met the inclusion criteria. Fifty-nine patients (36%) received early postoperative beta-blockers, associated with a lower mean heart rate, higher vasoactive-inotropic scores, and lower LCOS scores during the first 48 h following cardiopulmonary bypass. There was no significant difference in lengths of stay and ventilation. Conclusion: Early postoperative beta-blockers lower the prevalence of postoperative LCOS at the expense of a higher need for vasoactive drugs without any consequence on length of stay and ventilation duration. This approach may benefit the specific population of children undergoing a late complete repair of tetralogy of Fallot. What is Known: • Prevalence of low cardiac output syndrome is high following a late complete surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot. What is New: • Early postoperative beta-blockade is associated with lower heart rate, prolonged relaxation time, and lower prevalence of low cardiac output syndrome. • Negative chronotropic agents like beta-blockers may benefit selected patients undergoing a late complete repair of tetralogy of Fallot, who are numerous in low-income countries.

Predictores clínicos y ecocardiográficos del síndrome de bajo gasto cardiaco en la cirugía valvular cardiaca

Objetivo: Determinar los posibles elementos predictores clínicos y ecocardiográficos asociados a la aparición del síndrome de bajo gasto cardiaco. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio analítico de casos y controles en pacientes con síndrome de bajo gasto cardiaco posoperatorio atendidos en el Centro de Cardiología y Cirugía Cardiovascular del Hospital Provincial Docente Saturnino Lora de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero 2019 a diciembre 2021. Ambos grupos de estudio formaron parte de la misma población de pacientes operados de cirugía cardiovascular, diferenciados por presentar o no síndrome de bajo gasto cardiaco postoperatorio al ingreso. La variable dependiente fue la presencia de bajo gasto cardiaco; las variables independientes, factores clínicos, hemodinámicos y ecocardiográficos. Resultados: En la serie predominaron los pacientes menores de 65 años tanto en el grupo de casos como de controles (51,2 % y 73,5 %, respectivamente). La fibrilación auricular, la función sistólica del ventrículo derecho y la hemorragia periprocedimiento (p = 0,008) presentaron alta significación estadística p 50 % (102 [91,10 %; p = 0,047]), así como amplio dominio de pacientes (76 [45,24 %; p ≤ 0,05; OR: 2,14]) con cirugías de emergencia. Se realizó una regresión logística, y se determinó que las variables clínicas y ecocardiográficas tales como la edad superior a 65 años, la función de ventrículo derecho deprimida, la circulación extracorpórea ≥90 minutos y la presión sistólica de arteria pulmonar elevada tuvieron una asociación estadísticamente significativa. El AUC mostró que variables como la edad, el tiempo de circulación extracorpórea y la hemorragia perioperatoria tuvieron capacidad predictiva. Conclusiones: Se observó que algunos elementos clínicos y ecocardiográficos, como la edad, la presencia de fibrilación auricular, la función sistólica del ventrículo derecho deprimida y la cirugía de emergencia, se asociaron como predictores de síndrome de bajo gasto cardíaco.

Objective: To determine the possible clinical and echocardiographic predictors associated with the onset of low cardiac output syndrome. Materials and methods: An analytical case-control study was conducted in patients with postoperative low cardiac output syndrome treated at Centro de Cardiología y Cirugía Cardiovascular of Hospital Provincial Docente Saturnino Lora in Santiago de Cuba from January 2019 to December 2021. Both study groups were part of the same population of patients who underwent a cardiovascular surgery but differed in the fact that, at admission, some suffered from postoperative low cardiac output syndrome and others did not. The dependent variable was the presence of low cardiac output and the independent variables were clinical, hemodynamic and echocardiographic factors. Results: In the series, patients under 65 years of age prevailed in both case and control groups (51.2 % and 73.5 %, respectively). Atrial fibrillation, right ventricular systolic function and perioperative bleeding (p = 0.008) were statistically significant (p 50 % and a large number of patients (76 [45.24 %; p ≤ 0.05; OR: 2.14]) had undergone emergency surgeries. A logistic regression analysis determined that the clinical and echocardiographic variables, such as age over 65 years, depressed right ventricular function, extracorporeal circulation ≥ 90 minutes and elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure, had a statistically significant association. The area under the curve (AUC) showed that variables including age, extracorporeal circulation time and perioperative bleeding had predictive capability. Conclusions: It was observed that some clinical and echocardiographic elements, such as age, atrial fibrillation, depressed right ventricular systolic function and emergency surgery, were associated as predictors of low cardiac output syndrome.

Retrospective Evaluation of Platelet-Leukocyte Indices and Cardiac Surgical Outcomes in Acyanotic Heart Disease Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension (REPLICA-PH)

Abstract Introduction: Acyanotic congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) are prone to postoperative complications, and characterization of the risk profile continues to fail in identifying inflammatory predilection. Our objective is to investigate the role of platelet-leukocyte indices (neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio [NLR], platelet-lymphocyte ratio [PLR], and systemic immune-inflammation index [SII] [neutrophil × platelet/lymphocyte]) in predicting poor outcomes following cardiac surgery in ACHD cohort with preoperative PH. Methods: This single-center, retrospective risk-predictive study included ACHD patients undergoing surgical correction at our tertiary cardiac center between January 2015 and December 2019. Standard institutional perioperative management protocol was followed, and poor postoperative outcome was defined as ≥ 1 of: low cardiac output syndrome, new-onset renal failure, prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV > 24 hours), stroke, sepsis, and/or death. Results: One hundred eighty patients out of 1,040 (17.3%) presented poor outcome. On univariate analysis, preoperative factors including right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) (PH-severity marker), congestive heart failure, albumin, NLR, PLR, SII, and aortic cross-clamping (ACC) and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) times predicted poor outcome. However, on multivariate analysis, RVSP, NLR, SII, and ACC and CPB times emerged as independent predictors. An NLR, SII prognostic cutoff of 3.33 and 860.6×103/mm3 was derived (sensitivity: 77.8%, 78.9%; specificity: 91.7%, 82.2%; area under the curve: 0.871, 0.833). NLR and SII values significantly correlated with postoperative MV duration, mean vasoactive-inotropic scores, and length of intensive care unit and hospital stay (P<0.001). Conclusion: Novel parsimonious, reproducible plateletleukocyte indices present the potential of stratifying the risk in congenital cardiac surgical patients with pre-existing PH.

[Levosimendan for preventing low output syndrome in pediatric patients with correction of tetralogy of Fallot]. / Levosimendán para prevenir el síndrome de bajo gasto en pacientes pediátricos con corrección de tetralogía de Fallot.

Background: Tetralogy of Fallot is one of the most frequent cyanotic heart diseases in our country, occupying the second place reported by the national health program 2007- 2012 and its prevalence is around 11%. Patients undergoing correction for tetralogy of Fallot are considered patients with a prolonged ischemic time and a high risk of presenting low cardiac output syndrome. Objective: To compare levosimendan with milrinone to prevent low cardiac output syndrome in patients undergoing tetralogy of Fallot correction. Material and methods: Randomized controlled open, prospective, longitudinal and comparative clinical trial. The sample size consisted of 19 patients, with a 95% confidence level. Group 1: levosimendan 0.1 mcg/kg/min from anesthetic induction. Group 2: conventional management with milrinone 0.5 mcg/kg/min. Results: When comparing the final measurements, it can be observed that the mean arterial pressure of the intervention group (levosimendan) was statistically significant (p = 0.04), both in the intraoperative measurement and in the final measurement. When comparing uresis, we found that the intervention group had a greater amount of uresis (p = 0.03). Regarding lactate, both in the intraoperative measurement (p = 0.002) and in the final measurement (p = 0.02), a lower amount was found in the intervention group. Conclusions: The results in favor of the use of levosimendan were reported, demonstrating the prevention of low cardiac output syndrome.

Introducción: la tetralogía de Fallot es una de las cardiopatías cianóticas más frecuentes de nuestro país, pues ocupa el segundo lugar reportado por el Programa Nacional de Salud 2007-2012 y su prevalencia se sitúa aproximadamente en 11%. Los pacientes sometidos a corrección de tetralogía de Fallot se consideran pacientes con un tiempo de isquemia prolongado y con riesgo alto de presentar síndrome de bajo gasto cardiaco. Objetivo: comparar levosimendán con milrinona para prevenir el síndrome de bajo gasto cardiaco en pacientes operados de corrección de tetralogía de Fallot. Material y métodos: ensayo clínico aleatorizado, controlado, abierto, prospectivo, longitudinal y comparativo. El tamaño de la muestra se estimó en 19 pacientes, con un nivel de confianza del 95%. En el grupo 1 se empleó 0.1 mcg/kg/min de levosimendán desde la inducción anestésica; en el grupo 2 se usó el manejo convencional con milrinona de 0.5 mcg/kg/min. Resultados: al comparar las mediciones finales se pudo observar que la presión arterial media del grupo de intervención (levosimendán) fue estadísticamente significativa (p = 0.04), tanto en la medición transoperatoria como en la medición final. Al comparar la uresis encontramos que el grupo con intervención tuvo mayor cantidad de uresis (p = 0.03). En cuanto al lactato, tanto en la medición transoperatoria (p = 0.002) como en la medición final (p = 0.02) se encontró una menor cantidad en el grupo de intervención. Conclusiones: se reportaron los resultados a favor del uso del levosimendán, pues se demostró que previene el síndrome de bajo gasto cardiaco.

Retrospective Evaluation of Platelet-Leukocyte Indices and Cardiac Surgical Outcomes in Acyanotic Heart Disease Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension (REPLICA-PH).

INTRODUCTION: Acyanotic congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) are prone to postoperative complications, and characterization of the risk profile continues to fail in identifying inflammatory predilection. Our objective is to investigate the role of platelet-leukocyte indices (neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio [NLR], platelet-lymphocyte ratio [PLR], and systemic immune-inflammation index [SII] [neutrophil × platelet/lymphocyte]) in predicting poor outcomes following cardiac surgery in ACHD cohort with preoperative PH. METHODS: This single-center, retrospective risk-predictive study included ACHD patients undergoing surgical correction at our tertiary cardiac center between January 2015 and December 2019. Standard institutional perioperative management protocol was followed, and poor postoperative outcome was defined as ≥ 1 of: low cardiac output syndrome, new-onset renal failure, prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV > 24 hours), stroke, sepsis, and/or death. RESULTS: One hundred eighty patients out of 1,040 (17.3%) presented poor outcome. On univariate analysis, preoperative factors including right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) (PH-severity marker), congestive heart failure, albumin, NLR, PLR, SII, and aortic cross-clamping (ACC) and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) times predicted poor outcome. However, on multivariate analysis, RVSP, NLR, SII, and ACC and CPB times emerged as independent predictors. An NLR, SII prognostic cutoff of 3.33 and 860.6×103/mm3 was derived (sensitivity: 77.8%, 78.9%; specificity: 91.7%, 82.2%; area under the curve: 0.871, 0.833). NLR and SII values significantly correlated with postoperative MV duration, mean vasoactive-inotropic scores, and length of intensive care unit and hospital stay (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Novel parsimonious, reproducible plateletleukocyte indices present the potential of stratifying the risk in congenital cardiac surgical patients with pre-existing PH.

Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure With Hypoperfusion: From Pathophysiology to Clinical Practice.

Trials on intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) use in cardiogenic shock related to acute myocardial infarction have shown disappointing results. The role of IABP in cardiogenic shock treatment remains unclear, and new (potentially more potent) mechanical circulatory supports with arguably larger device profile are emerging. A reappraisal of the physiological premises of intra-aortic counterpulsation may underpin the rationale to maintain IABP as a valuable therapeutic option for patients with acute decompensated heart failure and tissue hypoperfusion. Several pathophysiological features differ between myocardial infarction- and acute decompensated heart failure-related hypoperfusion, encompassing cardiogenic shock severity, filling status, systemic vascular resistances rise, and adaptation to chronic (if preexisting) left ventricular dysfunction. IABP combines a more substantial effect on left ventricular afterload with a modest increase in cardiac output and would therefore be most suitable in clinical scenarios characterized by a disproportionate increase in afterload without profound hemodynamic compromise. The acute decompensated heart failure syndrome is characterized by exquisite afterload-sensitivity of cardiac output and may be an ideal setting for counterpulsation. Several hemodynamic variables have been shown to predict response to IABP within this scenario, potentially guiding appropriate patient selection. Finally, acute decompensated heart failure with hypoperfusion may frequently represent an end stage in the heart failure history: IABP may provide sufficient hemodynamic support and prompt end-organ function recovery in view of more definitive heart replacement therapies while preserving ambulation when used with a transaxillary approach.

Prognostic Value of the Leuko-Glycaemic Index in the Postoperative Period of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

INTRODUCTION: High leuko-glycaemic index (LGI) (> 2000) has been associated with poor prognosis in many critical care settings. However, there is no evidence of LGI's prognostic value in the postoperative period of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This study aims to analyze the prognostic value of LGI in the postoperative period of CABG. METHODS: Single-center retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed. Consecutive adult patients undergoing CABG between 2007 and 2019 were included. Blood glucose levels and white blood cells count were evaluated in the immediate postoperative period. LGI was calculated by multiplying both values and dividing them by 1,000 and analyzed in quartiles. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the best cutoff value. The primary combined endpoint was in-hospital mortality, low cardiac output (LCO), or acute kidney injury (AKI). Secondary endpoints included in-hospital death, AKI, atrial fibrillation, and LCO. RESULTS: The study evaluated 3,813 patients undergoing CABG (88.5% male, 89.8% off-pump surgery, aged 64.6 years [standard deviation 9.6]). The median of LGI was 2,035. Presence of primary endpoint significantly increased per LGI quartile (9.2%, 9.7%, 11.8%, and 15%; P<0.001). High LGI was associated with increased occurrence of in-hospital mortality, LCO, AKI, and atrial fibrillation. The best prognostic cutoff value for primary endpoint was 2,000. In a multivariate logistic regression model, high LGI was independently associated with in-hospital death, LCO, or AKI. CONCLUSION: High LGI was an independent predictor of inhospital mortality, LCO, or AKI in postoperative period of CABG. It was also associated with higher in-hospital death.

Desfechos após inserção de balão intra-aórtico em pacientes de cirurgia cardíaca / Outcomes after intra-aortic balloon pump insertion in cardiac surgery patients

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar se o momento de inserção de um balão intra-aórtico pré-operatório em comparação com o intraoperatório se associa com menor mortalidade em 30 dias ou diminuição do tempo de permanência no hospital entre pacientes que passaram por inserção de um balão intra-aórtico para cirurgia cardíaca. Métodos: Este foi um estudo observacional de pacientes submetidos à inserção de um balão intra-aórtico no período pré-operatório ou intraoperatório de cirurgia cardíaca em nosso departamento entre 2000 e 2012. Avaliamos a associação entre a inserção pré-operatória em comparação com a intraoperatória de um balão intra-aórtico e a mortalidade em 30 dias em uma análise de regressão logística multivariada, incluindo a classificação pré-operatória segundo a New York Heart Association, a presença de fibrilação atrial pós-operatória, a reoperação, a creatinina pós-operatória e a cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio isolada como cofatores. Utilizamos um modelo linear multivariado para avaliar se a inserção pré-operatória do balão intra-aórtico, em comparação com a intraoperatória, associou-se com o tempo de permanência no hospital após a cirurgia, com ajuste para reoperação, cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio isolada, cirurgia valvar, sexo, idade, tempo de bypass cardiopulmonar, tempo de oclusão aórtica, condição pré-operatória do paciente (cirurgia eletiva, de urgência ou emergência) e infarto do miocárdio pré-operatório. Resultados: Foram submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca aberta em nosso departamento 7.540 pacientes consecutivos, tendo sido inserido um balão intra-aórtico em momento pré-operatório ou intraoperatório em 322 (4,2%) pacientes. A média de idade foi 67 ± 10,2 anos, e a mortalidade em 30 dias foi de 12,7%. O tempo mediano de permanência no hospital foi de 9 dias (7 - 13). A inserção pré-operatória de balão intra-aórtico, em comparação com a intraoperatória, não afetou a incidência de mortalidade em 30 dias (RC ajustada = 0,69; IC95% 0,15 - 3,12; p = 0,63) e nem o tempo de permanência no hospital após a cirurgia (β = 5,3; IC95% 1,6 - 12,8; p = 0,13). Conclusão: Em comparação com a inserção intraoperatória, a inserção pré-operatória de um balão intra-aórtico não se associou com menor mortalidade em 30 dias nem reduziu o tempo de permanência no hospital.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess whether preoperative versus intraoperative insertion of an intra-aortic balloon pump is associated with lower 30-day mortality or reduced length of hospital stay among patients who had an intra-aortic balloon pump inserted for cardiac surgery. Methods: This was an observational study of patients who had an intra-aortic balloon pump inserted in the preoperative or intraoperative period of cardiac surgery in our department between 2000 and 2012. We assessed the association between preoperative versus intraoperative insertion of an intra-aortic balloon pump and 30-day mortality in a multivariable logistic regression analysis, including preoperative New York Heart Association class, postoperative atrial fibrillation, reoperation, postoperative creatinine and isolated coronary bypass grafting as cofactors. We used a multivariate linear model to assess whether a preoperative versus intraoperative intra-aortic balloon pump was associated with length of postoperative hospital stay, adjusting for reoperation, isolated coronary bypass grafting, heart valve surgery, sex, age, cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamp time, preoperative patients' status (elective, urgency or emergency surgery) and preoperative myocardial infarction. Results: Overall, 7,540 consecutive patients underwent open heart surgery in our department, and an intra-aortic balloon pump was inserted pre- or intraoperatively in 322 (4.2%) patients. The mean age was 67 ± 10.2 years old, the 30-day mortality was 12.7%, and the median length of hospital stay was 9 days (7 - 13). Preoperative versus intraoperative intra-aortic balloon pump insertion did not affect the incidence of 30-day mortality (adjusted OR = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.15 - 3.12; p = 0.63) and length of postoperative hospital stay (β = 5.3; 95%CI, -1.6 to 12.8; p = 0.13). Conclusion: Preoperative insertion of an intra-aortic balloon pump was not associated with a lower 30-day mortality or reduced length of postoperative hospital stay compared to intraoperative insertion.

[Mechanical circulatory support in terminal heart failure]. / Die mechanische Kreislaufunterstützung in der Herzinsuffizienz.

BACKGROUND: After exhaustion of all conservative measures in the treatment of acute and chronic heart insufficiency, there is the possibility to temporarily or permanently support or replace the pump performance of the heart by mechanical circulatory support (MCS) systems. OBJECTIVE: Presentation of the most important cardiac support systems for intensive care medicine, their indications and important risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Critical review of device manufacturer's specifications, current research and expert opinions. RESULTS: The spectrum of available MCS procedures include mechanical chest compression devices, catheter-based micropumps and complete artificial hearts. Device selection depends on the severity of heart failure (monoventricular or biventricular pump failure), the expected duration of treatment and the degree of lung function impairment. The decision between minimally invasive and open surgical procedures depends on the options established at the specific healthcare institution and whether the heart function is to be temporarily or permanently replaced. Compliance with the anticoagulation regimens defined by the manufacturer is especially important as they differ vastly between devices and are critical to avoid bleeding or thromboembolic complications. CONCLUSION: Due to the increasing number of patients on long-term mechanical circulatory support, the chances are that physicians in the initial emergency admission are unfamiliar with these devices but need to operate them in emergency cases. Therefore, knowledge of these procedures and their complications becomes increasingly important.

Clinical study of different sedative methods in critically ill patients after heart surgery / 天津医药

Objective To study the effect of light sedation and traditional sedation (moderate sedation with daily sedation interruption) on hemodynamic indexes and prognosis in critically ill patients after cardiac surgery. Methods A total of 134 patients who were ventilated delay after heart surgery in our hospital from January to June 2017 were enrolled in this study. The patients were randomly divided into light sedation group (RASS score-1-1, n=65) and traditional sedation group (RASS score -3--2, n=69). All patients received sufentanil for postoperative analgesia. The light sedation group received propofol and/or dexmedetomidine as sedative drugs after operation, and the conventional sedation group used midazolam for postoperative sedation. The hemodynamic indexes, the first time of weaning off the ventilator, the duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay were compared between the two groups. Patients with low cardiac output syndrome after surgery were analyzed in subgroups. Results (1) There were no significant differences in heart function, operative complications and other indicators between the two groups after surgery (all P＞0.05). The low cardiac output syndrome was found in 12 patients in the light sedation group and 10 cases in the traditional sedation group. (2) Hemodynamic monitoring results displayed that the sedation/central venous oxygen saturation (SvO2/ScvO2) and cardiac index (CI) were higher after sedation than before sedation in both groups (all P＜0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (all P＞0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that the SvO2/ScvO2index was higher in patients with low cardiac output syndrome in the traditional sedative group than that in the light sedation group (P＜0.05). There was no difference in the SvO2/ScvO2 index in patients with non-low cardiac output syndrome between two groups. (3) Compared with the traditional sedation group, the first off-line time, the total mechanical ventilation after surgery and the ICU stay time were significantly shortened, and the incidence of postoperative delirium was decreased in the light sedation group (all P＜0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that in patients with non-low cardiac output syndrome, the first off-line time, total postoperative mechanical ventilation time and total ICU stay were significantly shorter in the light sedation group than those in the traditional sedation group (all P＜0.05). There was no significant difference in patients with low cardiac output syndrome between the two groups (P＞0.05). Conclusion Patients with non-low cardiac output syndrome after cardiac surgery benefit significantly from the superficial sedative strategy, and the postoperative mechanical ventilation time and ICU residence time are reduced. The moderate sedation may contribute to the early cardiac function recovery in patients with low cardiac output syndrome.

Effects of Levosimendan on haemodynamics in heart failure patients with low cardiac output / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To investigate effects of Levosimendan on hemodynamics in heart failure patients with low cardiac output. Methods A total of 27 heart failure patients with low cardiac output were recruited in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU)of Beijing Hospital from July 2009 to May 2016. All patients were treated with continuous intravenous infusion of Levosimendan 12.5 mg within 24 h at a rate of 0.1~0.2 μg· kg -1·min-1. Hemodynamic variables were monitored by pulse-indicated continuous cardiac output(PICCO)at baseline ,24 h ,4 d and 7 d after infusion. Results There were no significant differences in systolic blood pressure(SBP) ,diastolic blood pressure(DBP) ,heart rate(HR)and global end diastolic volume index (GEDI)as comparing baseline with 24 h ,4 d and 7 d after infusion of levosimendan. The significant differences were found in central venous pressure (CVP) ,systemic vessel resistance index (SVRI) , extravascular lung water index (EVLWI ) among baseline versus 24 h ,4 d and 7 d after infusion of levosimendan[(8.34± 2.87)mmHg vs.(6.35± 2.31),(6.81± 2.03),(5.92± 2.23)mmHgforCVP ,(2 682.0 ± 388.9)dyn·s-1·cm -5·m-2vs. (2 170.0 ± 410.9) ,(2 062.0 ± 340.6 ) ,(1 960.0 ± 380.2 )dyn ·s-1·cm-5·m-2for SVRI ,(8.90 ± 2.45)ml/kg vs. (6.60 ± 2.66) ,(5.92 ± 2.88) ,(5.46 ± 2.52) ml/kg for EVLWI ,P=0.001 ,0.003 or＜0.01 ,respectively].As compared with hemodynamic variables at baseline ,brain natriuretic peptide levels were decreased ,and cardiac index ,cardiac function index and stroke volume index were increased at 24 h ,4 d and 7 d after infusion of Levosimendan (P＜0.01 ,0.05 or 0.01 , respectively ). Conclusions A single-dose intravenous infusion of Levosimendan can increase cardiac output and decrease systemic vascular resistance in heart failure patients with low cardiac output ,which maintain quite a long time.

Effect comparison of levosimendan and milrinone on treatment of severe heart valve disease patients with postoperative low cardiac output syndrome / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective To compare the effect of levosimendan and milrinone on treatment of severe heart valve disease patients with postoperative low cardiac output syndrome. Methods Fifty-six severe heart valve disease patients with postoperative low cardiac output syndrome were selected, and the patients were divided into levosimendan group and milrinone group according to treatment method with 28 cases each. Both groups received symptom-relieved therapy, including cardiotonic, diuresis and other drugs. The patients in levosimendan group were combined with 24 h of continuous intravenous injection of levosimendan 0.05-0.20 μg/(kg·min) for 1 week, and the patients in milrinone group were combined with 24 h of continuous intravenous injection of milrinone 0.25-1.00 μg/(kg·min) for 1 week, in order to maintain mean arterial pressure ≥ 65 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). The cardiac output, cardiac index, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and the serum levels of lactic acid, creatinine, N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were compared between 2 groups. Results There were no statistical differences in cardiac output, cardiac index, LVEF, and the serum levels of creatinine, lactic acid, NT-proBNP before treatment between 2 groups (P>0.05). The cardiac output, cardiac index, LVEF, and the serum levels of creatinine, lactic acid and NT-proBNP after treatment in 2 groups were significantly better than those before treatment, and there were statistical differences ( P0.05). The serum levels of creatinine, lactic acid and NT-proBNP after treatment in levosimendan group were significantly lower than those in milrinone group: (102.82 ± 21.31) μmol/L vs. (115.64 ± 58.73) μmol/L, (1.7 ± 1.4) mmol/L vs. (2.2 ± 1.0) mmol/L and (1 149 ± 515) ng/L vs. (1 321 ± 472) ng/L, and there were statistical differences (P<0.05). Conclusions Both the two drugs can significantly improve cardiac function in severe heart valve diseases patients with postoperative low cardiac output syndrome, while the levosimendan has more advantages in lowering serum creatinine, lactic acid value and NT-proBNP.

ECMO combined with IABP aiding the treatment of Low Cardiac Output Syndrome after cardiac surgery / 中国基层医药

Objective To summarize the treatment experience of applying ECMO in combination with IABP in the treatment of Low Cardiac Output Syndrome after cardiac surgery.Methods Clinical data of 6 cases of applica-tion of ECMO combined with IABP to aid the treatment of Low Cardiac Output Syndrome after cardiac surgery at Henan Chest Hospital were analyzed;the basic conditions of patients before surgery,clinical diagnosis,causes of ai-ding,time of aiding,and prognosis were investigated;the effects of aiding were evaluated indirectly by observing MAP, LVEF,lactic acid and other indicators.Results 6 patients who received the treatment all separated from the machine successfully.One patient suffered serious arrhythmia in the fifth day after separating from the machine and died after unsuccessful rescue efforts.One patient of cerebral hemorrhage 7 days after weaning,automatic discharge.The other four patients was cured and discharged from the hospital.Conclusion CMO Combined with IABP to aid the treat-ment of Low Cardiac Output Syndrome after cardiac surgery has proved to be effective and can win the time to allow the recovery of cardiac function.

Clinical study for peritoneal dialysis treating low cardiac output syndrome after surgery in children with congenital heart disease / 心血管康复医学杂志

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of peritoneal dialysis on low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) after surgery in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). Methods: A total of 61 CHD children complicated with LCOS after surgery were selected. Echocardiography was used to measure heart chamber diameter, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and pulmonary artery pressure etc. before and after peritoneal dialysis; and central venous pressure (CVP), urine volume, blood gas analysis indexes，plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentration were measured to evaluate influence of peritoneal dialysis. Results: Compared with before treatment, there were significant increase in urine volume [(203.28±15.81) ml vs. (989.11± 54.72) ml], LVEF [(32.94±2.29)% vs. (51.93±2.79)%]；and significant reduction in pulmonary artery pressure [(46.72±3.84) mmHg vs. (34.82±2.92) mmHg], CVP [(17.27±1.47) cm H2O vs. (10.41±1.01) cm H2O] and plasma BNP level [(5928.71±158.27) ng/ml vs. (3851.83± 128.81) ng/ml], P<0.001 all. Conclusion: Peritoneal dialysis may effectively treat low cardiac output syndrome after surgery in children with congenital heart disease, related with its effect of ultrafiltration and relieve cardiac burden.

Feasibility of temporary biventricular pacing after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with reduced left ventricular function.

In selected patients undergoing cardiac surgery, our research group previously showed that optimized temporary biventricular pacing can increase cardiac output one hour after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. Whether pacing is effective after beating-heart surgery is unknown. Accordingly, in this study we examined the feasibility of temporary biventricular pacing after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. The effects of optimized pacing on cardiac output were measured with an electromagnetic aortic flow probe at the conclusion of surgery in 5 patients with a preoperative mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 0.26 (range, 0.15-0.35). Atrioventricular (7) and interventricular (9) delay settings were optimized in randomized order. Cardiac output with optimized biventricular pacing was 4.2 ± 0.7 L/min; in sinus rhythm, it was 3.8 ± 0.5 L/min. Atrial pacing at a matched heart rate resulted in cardiac output intermediate to that of sinus rhythm and biventricular pacing (4 ± 0.6 L/min). Optimization of atrioventricular and interventricular delay, in comparison with nominal settings, trended toward increased flow. This study shows that temporary biventricular pacing is feasible in patients with preoperative left ventricular dysfunction who are undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Further study of the possible clinical benefits of this intervention is warranted.

Hemi-fontan or bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt for right ventricular failure after mitral valve replacement and acute ascending aortic dissection: report of two cases.

Right ventricular failure due to right coronary artery disease, right ventricular hypertrophy, stunning, abnormal septal motion, myocardial infarction, or non-homogeneous distribution of cardioplegia is an uncommon but serious complication of open heart surgery. We report a patient with severe right ventricular hypertrophy secondary to severe mitral valve stenosis and another patient with detachment of the right coronary artery due to the dissection of the ascending aorta. The patients developed right ventricular failure, which persisted after surgery and rendered weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass unsuccessful. Through a hemi-Fontan, or bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt, and an intra-aortic balloon pump, the patients were successfully weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass. This shunt may be an alternative to a right ventricular assist device in some patients with right ventricular failure. The long-term outcome and the indication of bi-directional cavopulmonary shunt has not been confirmed, although it is believed to be effective for saving the life of patients with low cardiac output and acute right ventricular failure. In our cases, six months following the operation, there was some degree of recovery of the right ventricular function. In long-term follow-up, however, it would be interesting for the authors to know if the improved right ventricular function, with better antegrade pulsatile flow in the pulmonary artery, in any way interferes with the functioning of the bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt.

Há evidências favorecendo o uso de betabloqueadores e dobutamina na insuficiência cardíaca aguda? / Is there evidence favoring the use of beta-blockers and dobutamine in acute heart failure?

Diversos estudos relataram os benefícios dos betabloqueadores (BB) para pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca sistólica. No entanto, muitos pacientes hospitalizados em decorrência de insuficiência cardíaca aguda já estão usando os BB e requerem dobutaminas para hipotensão arterial e baixo débito cardíaco. Portanto, deve-se tomar uma decisão a respeito de se o BB deve ser mantido ou até mesmo iniciado nesses casos. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar se há provas que sustentem a segurança e a eficácia dos BB junto com a dobutamina para pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca aguda descompensada (ICAD). Foi realizada uma pesquisa na literatura de língua inglesa nas bases de dados MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Cochrane Library e o Portal de Revistas Científicas do Capes para identificar estudos relacionados. Literatura adicional foi obtida mediante a análise das respectivas referências encontradas nos artigos identificados. Os resultados esperados incluíram informações sobre o prognóstico (intra-hospitalar e na mortalidade no acompanhamento, número de dias de internação e reinternação), eficácia e segurança (agravamento dos sintomas, choque, intolerância) do uso concomitante desses medicamentos em pacientes hospitalizados com ICAD e baixo débito cardíaco. Esta análise incluiu nove estudos. No entanto, não foram encontrados ensaios clínicos randomizados sobre o assunto. A maioria dos estudos inclui baixo número de pacientes, e não foram encontrados estudos que abordem a segurança do uso concomitante desses medicamentos. Os dados resultantes sugerem que uma cuidadosa revisão da literatura não forneceu evidências para o uso sistemático de BB em pacientes com síndrome de baixo débito cardíaco que necessitam de suporte inotrópico com dobutamina.

Several studies have reported the benefits of beta-blockers (BB) for patients presenting with systolic heart failure. however, many patients hospitalized as a result of acute heart failure are already using BB and require dobutamine for arterial hypotension and low cardiac output. Therefore, a decision must be made regarding whether BB should be maintained or even started in such cases. The aim of this study was to establish whether there is evidence supporting the safety andyeffectiveness of BB together with dobutamine for patients presenting with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). We conducted a search of the English-language literature in the databases MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, Virtual Health Library, Cochrane Library and the CAPES Portal of Scientific Journals to identify related studies. Additional literature was obtained through the review of relevant references in the identified articles. The expected outcomes included information on the prognosis (in-hospital and on follow-up mortality, number of days of hospitalization and readmission),yeffectiveness and safety (worsening of symptoms, shock, intolerance) of the concomitant use of these drugs in hospitalized patients with ADHF and low cardiac output. This review included nine studies. however, no randomized clinical trials on this subject were found. Most studies include a low number of patients, and no studies addressing the safety of the concomitant use of these drugs were found. The resulting data suggest that a careful literature review did not supply evidence for the systematic use of BB in patients with low cardiac output syndrome who require dobutamine for inotropic support.

Risk factors for low cardiac output syndrome after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery / Fatores de risco para síndrome de baixo débito cardíaco após cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica

OBJECTIVES: Low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) is a serious complication after cardiac surgery and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to identify risk factors for LCOS in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery of Pronto Socorro Cardiológico de Pernambuco - PROCAPE (Recife, PE, Brazil). METHODS: A historical prospective study comprising 605 consecutive patients operated between May 2007 and December 2010. We evaluated 12 preoperative and 7 intraoperative variables. We applied univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The incidence of LCOS was 14.7% (n = 89), with a lethality rate of 52.8% (n = 47). In multivariate analysis by logistic regression, four variables remained as independent risk factors: age > 60 years (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.20 to 6.14, P = 0.009), on-pump CABG (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.40 to 7.08, P = 0.006), emergency surgery (OR 4.71, 95% CI 1.34 to 26.55, P = 0.028), incomplete revascularization (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.32 to 5.86, P = 0.003), and ejection fraction <50%. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified the following independent risk factors for LCOS after CABG: age> 60 years of off-pump CABG, emergency surgery, incomplete CABG and ejection fraction <50%.

OBJETIVOS: A síndrome de baixo débito cardíaco (SBDC) é uma complicação grave após cirurgias cardíacas, estando associada à significativa morbidade e mortalidade. O objetivo deste estudo é identificar fatores de risco para SBDC em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (CRM), na Divisão de Cirurgia Cardiovascular do Pronto Socorro Cardiológico de Pernambuco - PROCAPE (Recife, PE, Brasil). MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo histórico compreendendo 605 pacientes consecutivos operados entre maio de 2007 e dezembro de 2010. Avaliaram-se 12 variáveis pré-operatórias e sete variáveis intraoperatórias. Aplicaram-se análises univariada e multivariada por regressão logística. RESULTADOS: A incidência de SBDC foi de 14,7% (n = 89), com taxa de letalidade de 52,8% (n = 47). Na análise multivariada por regressão logística, quatro variáveis permaneceram como fatores de risco independentes: idade > 60 anos (OR 2.00, IC 95% 1,20 a 6,14, P = 0,009), CRM com circulação extracorpórea (OR 2,16, IC 95% 1,40 a 7,08, P = 0,006), cirurgia de emergência (OR 4,71, IC 95% 1,34 a 26,55, P = 0,028), CRM incompleta (OR 2,62, IC 95% 1,32 a 5,86, P = 0,003) e fração de ejeção < 50% (OR 1,87, IC 95% 1,17 a 3,98, P = 0,007). CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo identificou os seguintes fatores de risco independentes para SBDC após CRM: idade > 60 anos, CRM com CEC, cirurgia de emergência, CRM incompleta e fração de ejeção < 50%.