THE EFFECT OF POST-OPERATIVE FLUID BALANCE ON THE OUTCOME OF CARDIAC SURGERY PATIENTS ADMITTED IN THE ICU

Abstract

Bachground: The optimal use of postoperative intravenous (IV) fluid after cardiac surgery remains unclear. The overall effect of post-operative fluid balance on the mortality and morbidity of these patients is yet to be determined. Αim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of post-operative fluid balance, administered by nurses, on the outcomes of cardiac surgery patients during their hospitalization in the ICU. Methods: This retrospective study included patient’s that were admitted to the ICU between July 2013 and February 2014 during their postopreparative recovery period following cardiac surgery. Data included demographic information, comorbidities, preoperative status, preoperative medication, type of surgery, pre- and postoperative laboratory results medical conditions, fluid balance in the ICU, length of mechanical ventilation, duration of stay in the ICU, and overall survival while in the ICU as well as on the 7th and 30th postoperative day. Chi squared test, t-test and Mann-Whitney tests were used for comparisons while p