Impact of Preoperative Functional Capacity on Postoperative Outcomes in Congenital Heart Surgery: An Observational and Prospective Study. / Impacto da Capacidade Funcional Pré-operatória nos Resultados Pós-Operatórios de Cirurgia de Cardiopatia Congênita: Estudo Observacional e Prospectivo.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in surgical technique and postoperative care in congenital heart disease, cardiovascular morbidity is still high. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between preoperative cardiovascular fitness of children and adolescents, measured by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and Heart Rate Variability (HRV), and the occurrence of cardiogenic, septic shock and death in the postoperative period. METHODS: Prospective, observational clinic study including 81 patients aged from 8 to 18 years. In the preoperative period, the 6MWT (distance walked and SpO2) and HRV were performed. The adjusted risk score for surgeries for congenital heart disease (RACHS-1) was applied to predict the surgical risk factor for mortality. The occurrence of at least one of the listed complications was considered as a combined event. P values < 0.05 were considered as significant. RESULTS: Of the patients, 59% were male, with mean age of 12 years; 33% were cyanotic; and 72% had undergone previous cardiac surgery. Cardiogenic shock was the most common complication, and 31% had a combined event. Prior to surgery, type of current heart disease, RACHS-1, SpO2at rest, during the 6MWT and recovery were selected for the multivariate analysis. The SpO2at recovery by the 6MWT remained as an independent risk factor (OR 0.93, 95%CI [0.88 - 0.99], p=0.02) for the increasing occurrence of combined events. CONCLUSION: SpO2after the application of the 6MWT in the preoperative period was an independent predictor of prognosis in children and adolescents undergoing surgical correction; the walked distance and the HRV did not present this association.

FUNDAMENTO: Apesar de avanços em técnicas cirúrgicas e cuidados pós-operatórios em cardiopatia congênita, a morbidade cardiovascular permanece elevada. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação do condicionamento pré-operatório de crianças e adolescentes com cardiopatias, mensurado por teste de caminhada de 6-minutos (TC6M) e variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC), com a ocorrência de choque cardiogênico, séptico e morte no período pós-operatório. MÉTODOS: Estudo clínico prospectivo e observacional de 81 pacientes de 8 a 18 anos. No período pré-operatório foram realizados o TC6M (distância caminhada e SpO2) e a VFC. O escore de risco ajustado para cirurgia de cardiopatia congênita ( RACHS-1 ) foi aplicado para predizer o fator de risco cirúrgico para mortalidade. A ocorrência de pelo menos uma das complicações citadas foi considerada como evento combinado. Valores de p<0,05 foram considerados significantes. RESULTADOS: Dos 81 pacientes, 59% eram do sexo masculino, com idade média de 12 anos; 33% eram cianóticos; e 72% já tinham realizado cirurgias prévias. O choque cardiogênico foi a complicação mais comum, e 31% apresentaram evento combinado. Cirurgia prévia, tipo de cardiopatia atual, RACHS-1 , SpO2 em repouso, durante e após recuperação do TC6M foram selecionados para o estudo multivariado. A SpO2 após o TC6M permaneceu como fator de risco independente para aumentar a ocorrência de evento combinado no pós-operatório (OR: 0,93, IC95% [0,88 ­ 0,99], p=0,02). CONCLUSÃO: O SpO2 após o TC6M no período pré-operatório foi o fator independente preditor de prognóstico no pós-operatório em crianças e adolescentes submetidos à correção cirúrgica; a distância caminhada e as variáveis da VFC não tiveram a mesma associação.

Impacto da Capacidade Funcional Pré-operatória nos Resultados Pós-Operatórios de Cirurgia de Cardiopatia Congênita: Estudo Observacional e Prospectivo / Impact of Preoperative Functional Capacity on Postoperative Outcomes in Congenital Heart Surgery: An Observational and Prospective Study

Resumo Fundamento Apesar de avanços em técnicas cirúrgicas e cuidados pós-operatórios em cardiopatia congênita, a morbidade cardiovascular permanece elevada. Objetivo Avaliar a associação do condicionamento pré-operatório de crianças e adolescentes com cardiopatias, mensurado por teste de caminhada de 6-minutos (TC6M) e variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC), com a ocorrência de choque cardiogênico, séptico e morte no período pós-operatório. Métodos Estudo clínico prospectivo e observacional de 81 pacientes de 8 a 18 anos. No período pré-operatório foram realizados o TC6M (distância caminhada e SpO2) e a VFC. O escore de risco ajustado para cirurgia de cardiopatia congênita ( RACHS-1 ) foi aplicado para predizer o fator de risco cirúrgico para mortalidade. A ocorrência de pelo menos uma das complicações citadas foi considerada como evento combinado. Valores de p<0,05 foram considerados significantes. Resultados Dos 81 pacientes, 59% eram do sexo masculino, com idade média de 12 anos; 33% eram cianóticos; e 72% já tinham realizado cirurgias prévias. O choque cardiogênico foi a complicação mais comum, e 31% apresentaram evento combinado. Cirurgia prévia, tipo de cardiopatia atual, RACHS-1 , SpO2 em repouso, durante e após recuperação do TC6M foram selecionados para o estudo multivariado. A SpO2 após o TC6M permaneceu como fator de risco independente para aumentar a ocorrência de evento combinado no pós-operatório (OR: 0,93, IC95% [0,88 - 0,99], p=0,02). Conclusão O SpO2 após o TC6M no período pré-operatório foi o fator independente preditor de prognóstico no pós-operatório em crianças e adolescentes submetidos à correção cirúrgica; a distância caminhada e as variáveis da VFC não tiveram a mesma associação.

Abstract Background Despite advances in surgical technique and postoperative care in congenital heart disease, cardiovascular morbidity is still high. Objective To evaluate the association between preoperative cardiovascular fitness of children and adolescents, measured by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and Heart Rate Variability (HRV), and the occurrence of cardiogenic, septic shock and death in the postoperative period. Methods Prospective, observational clinic study including 81 patients aged from 8 to 18 years. In the preoperative period, the 6MWT (distance walked and SpO2) and HRV were performed. The adjusted risk score for surgeries for congenital heart disease (RACHS-1) was applied to predict the surgical risk factor for mortality. The occurrence of at least one of the listed complications was considered as a combined event. P values < 0.05 were considered as significant. Results Of the patients, 59% were male, with mean age of 12 years; 33% were cyanotic; and 72% had undergone previous cardiac surgery. Cardiogenic shock was the most common complication, and 31% had a combined event. Prior to surgery, type of current heart disease, RACHS-1, SpO2at rest, during the 6MWT and recovery were selected for the multivariate analysis. The SpO2at recovery by the 6MWT remained as an independent risk factor (OR 0.93, 95%CI [0.88 - 0.99], p=0.02) for the increasing occurrence of combined events. Conclusion SpO2after the application of the 6MWT in the preoperative period was an independent predictor of prognosis in children and adolescents undergoing surgical correction; the walked distance and the HRV did not present this association.

Physiological abnormalities and adverse events during physical therapy in the intensive care unit after cardiac surgery: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: After cardiac surgery, physiological abnormalities or adverse events might occur in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) during physical therapy care. Identifying these events may help improve patient safety and care. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the incidence and the degree of severity of physiological abnormalities or adverse events during physical therapy interventions provided in the ICU after cardiac surgery. To explore the relationship between these events and patients' characteristics and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Prospective observational study of adult patients in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery admitted to the ICU of a referenced university hospital. Physical therapy interventions were observed by a team trained to evaluate and register the occurrence of physiological abnormalities or adverse events and grading their consequences. We compared baseline characteristics and outcomes of patients with versus without these events. RESULTS: We observed 935 physical therapy interventions in 323 patients, of which 189 (20%, 95% confidence interval: 18, 23%) resulted in physiological abnormalities or adverse events. The highest incidences of these events were observed during endotracheal suctioning (44%), walking (40%), and noninvasive ventilation (37%). Hemodynamic changes were the most frequent events accounting for 74% of all events. Only 2% of interventions resulted in mild harm and 0.2% in moderate harm. The presence of comorbidities was associated (p = 0.03) with the occurrence of these events. CONCLUSION: Physiological abnormalities or adverse events occurred in 20% of physical therapy interventions in patients in the ICU after cardiac surgery, with 10% of those resulting in negative effects. Only the presence of comorbidities was associated with the occurrence of these events.

Efeitos da supressão da aspiração endotraqueal na incidência de complicações pulmonares no pós operatório de cirurgia cardíaca / Effects of suppression of endotracheal suctioning in the incidence of pulmonary complications on the postoperative cardiac surgery

Aspiração traqueal é utilizada rotineiramente após cirurgia cardíaca para garantir adequada ventilação. OBJETIVO: Verificar se a ausência da aspiração traqueal antes da extubação em pacientes sem sinais de secreção brônquica influencia na incidência de complicações pulmonares, além de repercussões hemodinâmicas e ventilatórias do procedimento e custos. MÉTODOS: Pacientes foram avaliados entre agosto/2012 e julho/2014, divididos igualmente em Grupo ASP (aspiração traqueal prévia à extubação) e NASP (sem aspiração prévia). Foram incluídos indivíduos com: primeira cirurgia cardíaca, idade entre 18 e 75 anos, IMC ≤ 30 kg/m² e sem doença pulmonar prévia. Foram excluídos indivíduos com tempo de CEC > 120 minutos, necessidade de assistência circulatória mecânica, relação PaO2/FiO2 < 200, SpO2 < 92%, tempo de intubação > 12 horas, PAM < 60 mmHg e sinais de secreção pulmonar. Variáveis hemodinâmicas, ventilatórias, complicações pulmonares e custos hospitalares foram avaliados. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 228 pacientes (ASP= 114 NASP= 114). FC, PAS, PAD e PAM elevaram-se após aspiração e pós extubação nos grupos, retornando aos valores basais no decorrer do tempo. Não houve diferença estatística na FR e SpO2. Complicações pulmonares representaram 7,8%, sem diferença entre os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: A supressão da aspiração traqueal nos pacientes em pós-operatório imediato de cirurgia cardíaca não influenciou na incidência de complicações pulmonares e evolução clínica pós-operatória. Durante aspiração, houve alterações hemodinâmicas e respiratórias, sem repercussões clínicas, porém estas mesmas alterações ocorreram no grupo NASP após extubação, em menor intensidade. Aspiração endotraqueal sem indicação mostrou-se custosa e com desperdício de tempo dos profissionais.

Endotracheal suction is routinely used after cardiac surgery to ensure adequate ventilation. OBJECTIVE: To verify if that the absence of endotracheal suctioning before extubation in patients without signs of bronchial secretion have influence on the incidence of pulmonary complications, beyond hemodynamic and ventilatory repercussions of the procedure and costs. METHODS: Patients were evaluated between August/2012 and July/2014, divided equally into ASP Group (tracheal aspiration prior to extubation) and NASP (without prior aspiration). Individuals with: first cardiac surgery, age between 18 and 75 years, BMI ≤ 30 kg / m² and without previous lung disease were included. Individuals with ECC time > 120 minutes, need for mechanical circulatory assistance, PaO2 / FiO2 ratio <200, SpO2 <92%, intubation time> 12 hours, MBP <60 mmHg and signs of pulmonary secretion were excluded. Hemodynamic, ventilatory variables, pulmonary complications and hospital costs were assessed. RESULTS: 228 patients were analyzed (ASP = 114 NASP = 114). HR, SBP, DBP and MBP increased after aspiration and post extubation in the groups, returning to baseline values over time. There was no statistical difference in RR and SpO2. Pulmonary complications accounted for 7.8%, with no difference between groups. CONCLUSION: The suppression of tracheal suctioning in patients in the immediate postoperative period of cardiac surgery did not influence the incidence of pulmonary complications and postoperative clinical evolution. During aspiration, there were hemodynamic and respiratory changes, with no clinical repercussions, but these same changes occurred in the NASP group after extubation, to a lesser extent. Endotracheal suctioning

Infra-Abdominal Muscles Activation Brings Benefits to the Pulmonary Function of Patients with Sternal Instability after Cardiac Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare physical therapy strategies involving abdominal muscle stabilization, with and without upper limb movement, in patients with sternal instability after heart surgery and during in-hospital care. METHODS: This prospective, longitudinal, randomized, and comparative clinical study included 20 patients, which were divided into two groups: ARM, the arm group (n=10), and LEG, the leg group (n=10). The study involved the evaluation of scores of visual analog scales for sternal instability, pain, discomfort, functional impairment, lung function, and maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) before and after the interventions. Two protocols consisting of abdominal exercises in both groups with upper limb movements (ARM) and just abdominal activation with leg movements (LEG) were used for three weeks. RESULTS: There were statistically significant (P≤0.01) improvements in pain, discomfort, and functional impairment scores, and in MIP (P=0.04) and MEP (P≤0.01) after intervention in both groups and just LEG showed improvement in forced vital capacity (P=0.043) and forced expiratory volume in one second (P=0.011). CONCLUSION: Both strategies promoted improvement in pain, discomfort, and functional impairment scores and in the values of inspiratory and expiratory pressures. Perhaps they were influenced by the time and resolution of the infection process, although exercises with upper limb movements seem to be safe in this population. The activation of the infra-abdominal muscles through leg movements seems to bring more benefits to lung function.

Infra-abdominal muscles activation brings benefits to the pulmonary function of patients with ternal instability after cardiac surgery

Abstract Objective: To compare physical therapy strategies involving abdominal muscle stabilization, with and without upper limb movement, in patients with sternal instability after heart surgery and during in-hospital care. Methods: This prospective, longitudinal, randomized, and comparative clinical study included 20 patients, which were divided into two groups: ARM, the arm group (n=10), and LEG, the leg group (n=10). The study involved the evaluation of scores of visual analog scales for sternal instability, pain, discomfort, functional impairment, lung function, and maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) before and after the interventions. Two protocols consisting of abdominal exercises in both groups with upper limb movements (ARM) and just abdominal activation with leg movements (LEG) were used for three weeks. Results: There were statistically significant (P≤0.01) improvements in pain, discomfort, and functional impairment scores, and in MIP (P=0.04) and MEP (P≤0.01) after intervention in both groups and just LEG showed improvement in forced vital capacity (P=0.043) and forced expiratory volume in one second (P=0.011). Conclusion: Both strategies promoted improvement in pain, discomfort, and functional impairment scores and in the values of inspiratory and expiratory pressures. Perhaps they were influenced by the time and resolution of the infection process, although exercises with upper limb movements seem to be safe in this population. The activation of the infra-abdominal muscles through leg movements seems to bring more benefits to lung function.

Effect of Intensive vs Moderate Alveolar Recruitment Strategies Added to Lung-Protective Ventilation on Postoperative Pulmonary Complications: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Perioperative lung-protective ventilation has been recommended to reduce pulmonary complications after cardiac surgery. The protective role of a small tidal volume (VT) has been established, whereas the added protection afforded by alveolar recruiting strategies remains controversial. Objective: To determine whether an intensive alveolar recruitment strategy could reduce postoperative pulmonary complications, when added to a protective ventilation with small VT. Design, Setting, and Participants: Randomized clinical trial of patients with hypoxemia after cardiac surgery at a single ICU in Brazil (December 2011-2014). Interventions: Intensive recruitment strategy (n=157) or moderate recruitment strategy (n=163) plus protective ventilation with small VT. Main Outcomes and Measures: Severity of postoperative pulmonary complications computed until hospital discharge, analyzed with a common odds ratio (OR) to detect ordinal shift in distribution of pulmonary complication severity score (0-to-5 scale, 0, no complications; 5, death). Prespecified secondary outcomes were length of stay in the ICU and hospital, incidence of barotrauma, and hospital mortality. Results: All 320 patients (median age, 62 years; IQR, 56-69 years; 125 women [39%]) completed the trial. The intensive recruitment strategy group had a mean 1.8 (95% CI, 1.7 to 2.0) and a median 1.7 (IQR, 1.0-2.0) pulmonary complications score vs 2.1 (95% CI, 2.0-2.3) and 2.0 (IQR, 1.5-3.0) for the moderate strategy group. Overall, the distribution of primary outcome scores shifted consistently in favor of the intensive strategy, with a common OR for lower scores of 1.86 (95% CI, 1.22 to 2.83; P = .003). The mean hospital stay for the moderate group was 12.4 days vs 10.9 days in the intensive group (absolute difference, -1.5 days; 95% CI, -3.1 to -0.3; P = .04). The mean ICU stay for the moderate group was 4.8 days vs 3.8 days for the intensive group (absolute difference, -1.0 days; 95% CI, -1.6 to -0.2; P = .01). Hospital mortality (2.5% in the intensive group vs 4.9% in the moderate group; absolute difference, -2.4%, 95% CI, -7.1% to 2.2%) and barotrauma incidence (0% in the intensive group vs 0.6% in the moderate group; absolute difference, -0.6%; 95% CI, -1.8% to 0.6%; P = .51) did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients with hypoxemia after cardiac surgery, the use of an intensive vs a moderate alveolar recruitment strategy resulted in less severe pulmonary complications while in the hospital. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01502332.

Randomized and comparative study between two intra-hospital exercise programs for heart transplant patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of two physical therapy exercise in-hospital programs in pulmonary function and functional capacity of patients in the postoperative period of heart transplantation. METHODS: Twenty-two heart transplanted patients were randomized to the control group (CG, n=11) and training group (TG, n=11). The control group conducted the exercise program adopted as routine in the institution and the training group has had a protocol consisting of 10 stages, with incremental exercises: breathing exercises, resistance training, stretching and walking. The programs began on the first day after extubation and stretched until hospital discharge. Assessed pulmonary function, distance walked in six minutes walk test (6MWT) and peripheral muscle strength by one repetition maximum test (1RM). RESULTS: Similar behavior was observed between the two groups treated, with statistically significant increases between the first and second test of the following variables: FVC (59% in CG and 35.2% in TG); MIP (8.6% in CG and 53.5% in TG), MEP (28.8% in CG and 40.7% in TG) and 6MWT (44.5% in CG and 31.4% in TG). There was an increase of peripheral strength by 1RM test, over time, to the muscle groups of the elbow flexors, shoulder flexors, hip abductors and knee flexors. CONCLUSION: Heart transplant patients benefit from exercise programs in hospital, regardless of the program type applied. A new training proposal did not result in superiority compared to routine programme applied. Exercise protocols provided improves in ventilatory variables and functional capacity of this population.

Randomized and comparative study between two intra-hospital exercise programs for heart transplant patients / Estudo randomizado e comparativo entre dois programas de exercícios intra-hospitalares para pacientes de transplante de coração

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of two physical therapy exercise in-hospital programs in pulmonary function and functional capacity of patients in the postoperative period of heart transplantation. METHODS: Twenty-two heart transplanted patients were randomized to the control group (CG, n=11) and training group (TG, n=11). The control group conducted the exercise program adopted as routine in the institution and the training group has had a protocol consisting of 10 stages, with incremental exercises: breathing exercises, resistance training, stretching and walking. The programs began on the first day after extubation and stretched until hospital discharge. Assessed pulmonary function, distance walked in six minutes walk test (6MWT) and peripheral muscle strength by one repetition maximum test (1RM). RESULTS: Similar behavior was observed between the two groups treated, with statistically significant increases between the first and second test of the following variables: FVC (59% in CG and 35.2% in TG); MIP (8.6% in CG and 53.5% in TG), MEP (28.8% in CG and 40.7% in TG) and 6MWT (44.5% in CG and 31.4% in TG). There was an increase of peripheral strength by 1RM test, over time, to the muscle groups of the elbow flexors, shoulder flexors, hip abductors and knee flexors. CONCLUSION: Heart transplant patients benefit from exercise programs in hospital, regardless of the program type applied. A new training proposal did not result in superiority compared to routine programme applied. Exercise protocols provided improves in ventilatory variables and functional capacity of this population.

OBJETIVO: Comparar os efeitos de dois programas fisioterapêuticos de exercícios intra-hospitalares na função pulmonar e na capacidade funcional de pacientes no período pós-operatório de transplante cardíaco. MÉTODOS: Vinte e dois transplantados de coração foram randomizados em Grupo Controle (GC, n=11) e Grupo de Treinamento (GT, n=11). O GC realizou o programa de exercícios adotado como rotina na instituição e o GT realizou protocolo constituído de 10 fases, com exercícios incrementais: exercícios respiratórios, resistidos, alongamentos e caminhada. Os programas tiveram início no primeiro dia após a extubação e se estenderam até a alta hospitalar. Avaliou-se função pulmonar, distância percorrida no teste de caminhada dos seis minutos (TC6M) e força muscular periférica pelo teste de uma repetição máxima (1RM). RESULTADOS: Observou-se comportamento semelhante entre os dois grupos tratados, com aumentos estatisticamente significantes entre o primeiro e o segundo teste das variáveis: CVF (59% no GC; 35,2% no GT); PIMax (8,6% no GC; 53,5% no GT, PEMax (28,8% no GC; 40,7% no GT) e TC6M (44,5% no GC; 31,4% no GT). Houve aumento de força periférica pelo teste de 1RM para os músculos flexores de cotovelo, flexores de ombro, abdutores de quadril e flexores de joelho ao longo do tempo. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes transplantados de coração se beneficiam da aplicação de programas de exercícios no período intra-hospitalar, independente do tipo de programa aplicado. Uma nova proposta de treinamento não resultou em superioridade em relação ao programa aplicado de rotina. Os protocolos de exercícios proporcionaram melhora das variáveis ventilatórias e da capacidade funcional dessa população.

High levels of B-type natriuretic peptide predict weaning failure from mechanical ventilation in adult patients after cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The failure to wean from mechanical ventilation is related to worse outcomes after cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the serum level of B-type natriuretic peptide is a predictor of weaning failure from mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, observational cohort study of 101 patients who underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. B-type natriuretic peptide was measured postoperatively after intensive care unit admission and at the end of a 60-min spontaneous breathing test. The demographic data, hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, fluid balance, need for vasopressor or inotropic support, and length of the intensive care unit and hospital stays were recorded. Weaning failure was considered as either the inability to sustain spontaneous breathing after 60 min or the need for reintubation within 48 h. RESULTS: Of the 101 patients studied, 12 patients failed the weaning trial. There were no differences between the groups in the baseline or intraoperative characteristics, including left ventricular function, EuroSCORE and lengths of the cardiac procedure and cardiopulmonary bypass. The B-type natriuretic peptide levels were significantly higher at intensive care unit admission and at the end of the breathing test in the patients with weaning failure compared with the patients who were successfully weaned. In a multivariate model, a high B-type natriuretic peptide level at the end of a spontaneous breathing trial was the only independent predictor of weaning failure from mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: A high B-type natriuretic peptide level is a predictive factor for the failure to wean from mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery. These findings suggest that optimizing ventricular function should be a goal during the perioperative period.

High levels of B-type natriuretic peptide predict weaning failure from mechanical ventilation in adult patients after cardiac surgery

OBJECTIVE: The failure to wean from mechanical ventilation is related to worse outcomes after cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the serum level of B-type natriuretic peptide is a predictor of weaning failure from mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, observational cohort study of 101 patients who underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. B-type natriuretic peptide was measured postoperatively after intensive care unit admission and at the end of a 60-min spontaneous breathing test. The demographic data, hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, fluid balance, need for vasopressor or inotropic support, and length of the intensive care unit and hospital stays were recorded. Weaning failure was considered as either the inability to sustain spontaneous breathing after 60 min or the need for reintubation within 48 h. RESULTS: Of the 101 patients studied, 12 patients failed the weaning trial. There were no differences between the groups in the baseline or intraoperative characteristics, including left ventricular function, EuroSCORE and lengths of the cardiac procedure and cardiopulmonary bypass. The B-type natriuretic peptide levels were significantly higher at intensive care unit admission and at the end of the breathing test in the patients with weaning failure compared with the patients who were successfully weaned. In a multivariate model, a high B-type natriuretic peptide level at the end of a spontaneous breathing trial was the only independent predictor of weaning failure from mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: A high B-type natriuretic peptide level is a predictive factor for the failure to wean from mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery. These findings suggest that optimizing ventricular function should be a goal during the perioperative period.

Alveolar recruitment maneuver in refractory hypoxemia and lobar atelectasis after cardiac surgery: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: This case report describes an unusual presentation of right upper lobe atelectasis associated with refractory hypoxemia to conventional alveolar recruitment maneuvers in a patient soon after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. METHOD: Case-report. RESULTS: The alveolar recruitment with PEEP = 40 cm H2O improved the patient's atelectasis and hypoxemia. CONCLUSION: In the present report, the unusual alveolar recruitment maneuver with PEEP 40 cm H2O showed to be safe and efficient to reverse refractory hypoxemia and uncommon atelectasis in a patient after cardiac surgery.

Caracterização dos octogenários submetidos à cirurgia cardiovascular sob intervenção fisioterapêutica / Characterization of the octogenarian patients submitted to cardiovascular surgery with physiotherapy interventions

Objetivo:Caracterizar a evolução de octogenários submetidos à cirurgia cardiovascular sob intervenção fisioterapêutica. Métodos:Estudo prospectivo e quantitativo, desenvolvido a partir de levantamento dos prontuários de octogenários submetidos à cirurgia cardiovascular, sendo identificados a partir da programação cirúrgica e acompanhados até a alta hospitalar ou óbito. Resultados: Estudaram-se 50 pacientes, idade média de 82±2 anos, 64% do sexo masculino. Antecedentes pré-operatórios predominantes incluíam hipertensão arterial sistêmica (84%), tabagismo (36%), dislipidemia (36%) e infarto agudo do miocárdio prévio (30%). Revascularização do miocárdio foi o procedimento cirúrgico mais frequente (58%)...Observou-se alta incidência de complicações pós-operatórias, principalmente arritmias cardíacas (44%), derrame pleural e pneumonia (24%), e delirium (24%). O grupo reitubação orotraqueal tinha menores valores de fração de ejeção de ventrículo esquerdo e as pneumonias (80%), arritmias (70%), derrame pleural (60%) e delirium (50%) foram as complicações de maior incidência, o que elevou os tempos de intubação, de unidades de terapia intensiva, de internação hospitalar e a taxa de óbitos na comparação ao grupo sem reitubação orotraqueal (p<0,05). A fisioterapia foi aplicada em um maior número de sessões e de estratégias de pressão positiva não invasiva, principalmente naqueles com complicações pulmonares e neurológicas (p<0,05). Conclusão: A cirurgia cardíaca em octogenários, apesar da alta incidência de comorbidades, tem resultados positivos. As complicações pós-operatórias de maior morbimortalidade ocorreram, sobretudo, naqueles pacientes que não conseguiram permanecer sem suporte ventilatório invasivo. Embora as complicações cardiovasculares tenham sido as mais frequentes, foram as pulmonares e neurológicas que demandaram maior atenção da equipe de fisioterapia

Objective: To characterize the evolution of octogenarian patients undergoing cardiovascular urgery followed by physiotherapy interventions. Methods This is a prospective and quantitative study developed from the information in the patients’ medical records; the subjects were identified from the list of surgical patients and received follow-up until hospital discharge or until they deceased. Results: A total of 50 patients were studied; the mean age was 82±2 years old, 64% were men. Main preoperative conditions were hypertension (84%), smoking (36%), dyslipidemia (36%), and previous acute myocardial infarction (30%). The coronary artery bypass graft was the most frequent surgical procedure (58%). Of all patients in the study, one deceased during the transoperative period, 40 patients were successfully extubated (group without orotracheal reintubation) and 9 required eintubation (group with orotracheal reintubation). There was a high incidence of postoperative complications, particularly arrhythmia (44%), pneumonia and pleural effusion (24%), and delirium (24%). The orotracheal reintubation group had lower left ventricular ejection fraction and the most frequent complications neumonia were (80%), arrhythmia (70%), pleural effusion (60%) and delirium (50%), which increased duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay in ICU, number of hospitalization days and mortality rate in...

Particularidades clínicas e fisioterapêuticas de crianças submetidas à cirurgia de cardiopatias congênitas / Clinical and physical therapy particularities of children after congenital heart disease surgeries

Os avanços importantes nas últimas décadas que ocorreram no campo das cardiopatias congênitas, sobretudo na melhoria implantada nas unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos, a melhor compreensão e o diagnóstico preciso das alterações hemodinâmicas associados aos avanços nos procedimentos cirúrgicos têm apresentado repercussões importantes na melhora da expectativa de vida destes pacientes. O atendimento cardiológico pediátrico torna-sedesafio para toda equipe multiprofissional, uma vez que o impacto das cardiopatias tem repercussões significativas na qualidade de vida destes. A fisioterapia, como membro desta equipe, deve buscar o aperfeiçoamento constante de suas técnicas para contribuir coma otimização com cuidados destes pacientes. Foi realizada uma revisão com diferentes elementos abordando aspectos clínicos e cirúrgicos, bem(AU) como a atuação da fisioterapia diante de pacientes com cardiopatias congênitas.

The important advances in recent decades that occurred in the field of congenital heart disease, especially in improving in pediatric intensive care units, better understanding and accurate assessmentof hemodynamic changes associated with advances in surgical procedures have shown significant impact in increasing survival ofthese patients. The pediatric cardiac care becomes an important issueto multidisciplinary team, since the impact of heart disease has a significant impact on quality of life. Physical therapy, as a memberof this team, should search and propose the constant improvement of its techniques to contribute to optimizing care of these patients.A review was made with different elements addressing clinical and surgical aspects and the role of physical therapy on patients with congenital heart disease.

Efeitos da posição sentada na força de músculos respiratórios durante o desmame de pacientes sob ventilação mecânica prolongada no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardiovascular / Effects of sitting position on the strength of respiratory muscles during weaning of patients under prolonged mechanical ventilation in the postoperative period of cardiovascular surgery

O objetivo do estudo foi investigar os efeitos da posição sentada, nos parâmetros ventilatórios e hemodinâmicos, em pacientes com suporte ventilatório mecânico prolongado, estáveis hemodinamicamente. Participaram do estudo 40 pacientes que foram randomizados em grupo controle (n=17) e grupo intervenção (n=23). Foram mensurados parâmetros hemodinâmicos, gasometria arterial, força muscular respiratória e ventilometria, realizados em dois momentos: primeira e segunda avaliação, com intervalo de 30 minutos entre as medidas. No grupo controle, as duas avaliações foram realizadas no leito, com a cabeceira elevada a 30°. No grupo intervenção, a primeira avaliação foi realizada no leito (30°) e a segunda, 30 minutos após transferência para a poltrona, na posição sentada (90°). A idade média da amostra foi de 64,7±11,2 anos. O resultado do estudo demonstrou que não houve diferenças em relação às variáveis, hemodinâmicas, gasométricas, capacidade vital forçada, volume minuto e volume de ar corrente. Entretanto, ocorreu aumento significativo da pressão inspiratória máxima (PImáx) no grupo intervenção (p<0.01). Concluímos que pacientes em pós-operatório de cirurgia cardiovascular em ventilação mecânica podem se beneficiar da posição sentada durante o desmame do suporte ventilatório, observado pela melhora da força muscular inspiratória (PImáx). Além disso, não foram observadas alterações hemodinâmicas com a troca de postura, sendo considerado um procedimento seguro.

The purpose was to study the effects of sitting position, in ventilatory and hemodynamic parameters, in patients under prolonged mechanical ventilation, in the postoperative of cardiovascular surgery. Participated 40 postoperative cardiovascular patients, intubated and mechanically ventilated, were randomized into control group (n=17) and intervention group (n=23). Hemodynamic parameters, arterial blood gases, respiratory muscle strength and ventilometry, were measured in two moments: first and second evaluation, with 30-minute interval between measurements. In the control group, both evaluations were performed at head of the bed elevated at 30°. In the sitting group, the first evaluation was developed at 30° and the second, (30 minutes after transfer to the armchair) in the sitting position (90°). The mean age of patients was 64.7±11.2 years. There were no differences regarding the hemodynamic parameters, blood gas analysis, forced vital capacity, minute ventilation and tidal volume. However, a significant increase in maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) in the intervention group was observed (p<0.01). We conclude that stable patients in the postoperative period of cardiovascular surgery, mechanically ventilated, maybe benefits of the sitting position observed of increased inspiratory muscle strength. Furthermore, no significant hemodynamic changes, and it was well tolerated when the patients were transferred to the sitting position, so it was considered a safe procedure.

Benefits of non-invasive ventilation after extubation in the postoperative period of heart surgery.

OBJECTIVE: to show the benefits of the use of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) in the process of weaning from mechanical ventilation in the immediate postoperative period of heart surgery. METHODS: A prospective, randomized and controlled study was performed involving 100 consecutive patients submitted to coronary artery bypass grafting or valve surgery. The subjects were admitted into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) under mechanical ventilation and randomized in a study group (n=50), which used NPPV with bilevel pressure for 30 minutes after extubation, and a control group (n=50) which only used a nasal O2 catheter. Anthropometric variables and the times of the intra-operative periods corresponding to anesthesia, surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass, as well as the time required for weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation were analysed. The arterial blood gases and hemodynamic variables were also assessed before and after extubation. RESULTS: The evolution was similar for the control and study groups without statistically significant differences of the variables analyzed except for the PaO2. On comparing the groups, the PaO2 improved significantly (p = 0.0009) with the use of NPPV for 30 minutes after extubation, but there was no statistically significant difference in the PaCO2 (p = 0.557). CONCLUSION: The use of NPPV for 30 minutes after extubation improved oxygenation in the immediate postoperative period of heart surgery.

Benefícios da ventilação não-invasiva após extubação no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca / Benefits of non-invasive ventilation after extubation in the postoperative period of heart surgery

OBJETIVO: Demonstrar os benefícios da utilização da ventilação não-invasiva (VNI) no processo de interrupção da ventilação mecânica, no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, randomizado e controlado, com 100 pacientes submetidos a cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio ou cirurgia valvar. Os pacientes foram admitidos na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI), sob ventilação mecânica e randomizados posteriormente em grupo estudo (n= 50) que utilizou VNI com dois níveis pressóricos após a extubação por 30 minutos, e grupo controle (n= 50) que fez uso apenas de cateter nasal de O2. Foram analisadas as variáveis antropométricas, os tempos correspondentes à anestesia, cirurgia e circulação extracorpórea, bem como o tempo necessário para a supressão da ventilação mecânica invasiva. As variáveis gasométricas e hemodinâmicas também foram avaliadas antes e após a extubação. RESULTADOS: Os grupos controle e estudo evoluíram de forma semelhante e não apresentaram diferença estatisticamente significante na análise das variáveis, exceto para a PaO2. A utilização da VNI por 30 minutos após a extubação promoveu melhora na PaO2 quando comparados os grupos, com p= 0,0009, mas não apresentou diferença estatisticamente significante na PaCO2 (p=0,557). CONCLUSÃO: O uso da VNI por 30 minutos após extubação produziu melhora na oxigenação do pacientes em pósoperatório imediato de cirurgia cardíaca.

OBJECTIVE: to show the benefits of the use of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) in the process of weaning from mechanical ventilation in the immediate postoperative period of heart surgery. METHODS: A prospective, randomized and controlled study was performed involving 100 consecutive patients submitted to coronary artery bypass grafting or valve surgery. The subjects were admitted into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) under mechanical ventilation and randomized in a study group (n=50), which used NPPV with bilevel pressure for 30 minutes after extubation, and a control group (n=50) which only used a nasal O2 catheter. Anthropometric variables and the times of the intra-operative periods corresponding to anesthesia, surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass, as well as the time required for weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation were analysed. The arterial blood gases and hemodynamic variables were also assessed before and after extubation. RESULTS: The evolution was similar for the control and study groups without statistically significant differences of the variables analyzed except for the PaO2. On comparing the groups, the PaO2 improved significantly (p = 0.0009) with the use of NPPV for 30 minutes after extubation, but there was no statistically significant difference in the PaCO2 (p = 0.557). CONCLUSION: The use of NPPV for 30 minutes after extubation improved oxygenation in the immediate postoperative period of heart surgery.

Perfil de fisioterapeutas brasileiros que atuam em unidades de terapia intensiva / A profile of Brazilian physical therapists in intensive care units

Este estudo visou investigar o perfil dos fisioterapeutas que atuam nas unidades de terapia intensiva (UTIs) no Brasil, focalizando a direção do serviço, técnicas fisioterapêuticas empregadas e nível de autonomia em relação à ventilação mecânica invasiva e não-invasiva...

The purpose of this study was to outline a profile of physical therapits who work in intensive care units (ICU) in Brazil, focusing on service manegement, techniques used, and the degree of therapists'autonomy regarding invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation...

Application of noninvasive ventilation in acute respiratory failure after cardiovascular surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To examine ventilatory response, oxygenation-related, and hemodynamics of patients with hypoxemic acute respiratory failure (ARF) submitted to noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) during the postoperative phase of cardiovascular surgery in order to identify predictive variables of success, and to compare the different types of NIV. METHODS: Seventy patients with hypoxemic ARF were randomized to one of three modalities of NIV--continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and ventilation with two pressure levels (PEEP + SP and BiPAP). Ventilation, oxygenation-related, and hemodynamics variables were analyzed at pre-application, and 3, 6, and 12 hours after the protocol began. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were excluded. Thirty-one patients progressed to independence from ventilatory support and comprised the success group, and 26 required orotracheal intubation and were considered the nonsuccess group. Age, initial heart rate (HR), and respiratory rate (RR) showed elevated levels in the nonsuccess group (p=0.042, 0.029, and 0.002, respectively). A greater number of intraoperative complications were seen in the nonsuccess group (p=0.025). Oxygenation variables increased only in the success group. Among the NIV types, 57.9% of patients in the ventilator group, 57.9% in the two-pressure levels group, and 47.3% in the CPAP group progressed with success. Oxygenation and RR variables showed improvement only in the groups with two pressure levels. CONCLUSION: Patients with hypoxemic ARF in the postoperative stage after cardiovascular surgery showed better oxygenation, RR, and HR during NIV application. In older patients and those with higher baseline RR and HR values, NIV was not sufficient to reverse ARF. The two-pressure level modes showed better results.