Duration Of Extracorporeal Circulation Research Articles

Right ventricular systolic strain evolution during peri-operative management of congenital heart diseases

RV systolic strain evolution during peri-operative management of congenital heart diseases (CHD) is unknown. In this prospective study, RV peak systolic strain (PSS) was measured using 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (Qlab10.0 software, Philips) in 39 children undergoing surgery of a CHD (Median age: 17 months, min. 6 days old, max. 14.3 years old). Three measures were performed the day before surgery, few hours after the surgery and before discharge and compared to conventional echocardiographic parameters of RV and left ventricular (LV) function. The relationships between the evolution of RV-PSS, peri-operative parameters and the type of CHD were assessed. Mean RV-PSS at baseline was –19.5 ± 4.8. RV-PSS was moderately correlated with the heart rate ( r = 0.49), the LV Tmad ( r = –0.48), the TAPSE ( r = –0.54) and the tricuspid S’ wave ( r = –0.44) (all P < 0.05). RV-PSS was decreased in cyanotic CHD ( P < 0.05), in children with congestive symptoms ( P = 0.01) and increased in ASD ( P = 0.02). RV-PSS was higher in RV volume increased condition such as ASD than in RV pressure increased condition such as Fallot tetralogy ( P = 0.006). RV-PSS decreased after surgery ( P < 0.0001). Mean difference between pre- and post-operative RV-PSS was 7.5 ± 4.4. The difference was correlated with initial RV-PSS ( r = –0.80), the weight ( r = 0.54), the ultrafiltration rate ( r = 0.43)(all P < 0.05) but not with the duration of aortic clamp, the duration of extracorporeal circulation, the troponin peak level nor the lactates peak level. A higher difference was associated with a shorter duration of mechanical ventilation ( P = 0.04) and a shorter stay in intensive care unit ( P = 0.03). RV-PSS was better at discharge (median 6 days, P = 0.0009) but remained lesser than at the initial exam ( P < 0.0001). RV-PSS decrease after surgery of CHD. This decrease seems mainly related to loading condition rather than to RV contractility given its relationship with a faster post-operative evolution.

Graft vasculopathy, rejection and mortality predictors in heart transplant patients

E-mail: janaljubas@yahoo.com Purpose: We investigated pretransplant and posttransplant factors that could influence survival and development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) and graft cellular rejection (CR) in heart transplant patients (Pts). Methods: 120 study Pts in the follow-up 10 years, mean age 48,8±13,5. The patient characteristics (age, gender, blood type, diagnosis, pulmonary vascular resistance — PVR), transpulmonary gradient, graft ischemic time and duration of extracorporeal circulation, ECC) and pretransplant comorbidities (diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia) were analysed. Postransplant complications (postHTx hypertension, chronic renal failure — postHTx-RF, steroid diabetes mellitus — SDM) were also correlated with CAV and mortality, as well as biomarkers such as NT-proBNP and troponin T. Immunosuppressive regimens and cellular rejection were also analyzed. For statistical analysis chi-square test, student t-test and ANOVA were used (SPSS vers.21). Results: Higher transpulmonary gradient (but not PVR) correlated significantly with higher mortality (p=0,003), as well as longer ischemic time (p=0.004) and ECC duration (p=0.043). Proπireni saaeetak / Extended abstract

Heart surgery in patients on chronic dialysis

Patients on dialysis for end-stage renal failure are subjected to cardiac surgery with increasing frequency. End-stage renal failure is known to be an important risk factor for complications of cardiac operations performed with cardiopulmonary bypass. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of preoperative clinical status and operative variables on perioperative morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis-dependent patients subjected to a cardiac surgery. The following operative variables were examined: urgency, type and duration of surgery and duration of extracorporeal circulation. The study is a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with end-stage renal failure dependent on maintenance hemodialysis who underwent cardiac surgery during four years. The study included 46 patients. Operations performed included isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG, n = 24), valve surgery alone (n = 6), and combined valve surgery or coronary artery bypass grafting and valve surgery (n = 16). The perioperative mortality rate was 13% with four fatal outcomes in patients who had undergone combined cardiac surgery. We found age > 70 years, preoperative New York Heart Association class IV, preoperative anemia, combined surgery and emergent surgery to be associated with a higher relative risk for perioperative death. Patients on dialysis have an increased morbidity and mortality following cardiac surgery; however, we believe that end-stage renal failure should not be regarded as a contraindication to cardiac surgery or cardiopulmonary bypass.

Computational evaluation of the thrombogenic potential of a hollow-fiber oxygenator with integrated heat exchanger during extracorporeal circulation

The onset of thromboembolic phenomena in blood oxygenators, even in the presence of adequate anticoagulant strategies, is a relevant concern during extracorporeal circulation (ECC). For this reason, the evaluation of the thrombogenic potential associated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenators should play a critical role into the preclinical design process of these devices. This study extends the use of computational fluid dynamics simulations to guide the hemodynamic design optimization of oxygenators and evaluate their thrombogenic potential during ECC. The computational analysis accounted for both macro- (i.e., vortex formation) and micro-scale (i.e., flow-induced platelet activation) phenomena affecting the performances of a hollow-fiber membrane oxygenator with integrated heat exchanger. A multiscale Lagrangian approach was adopted to infer the trajectory and loading history experienced by platelet-like particles in the entire device and in a repetitive subunit of the fiber bundles. The loading history was incorporated into a damage accumulation model in order to estimate the platelet activation state (PAS) associated with repeated passes of the blood within the device. Our results highlighted the presence of blood stagnation areas in the inlet section that significantly increased the platelet activation levels in particles remaining trapped in this region. The order of magnitude of PAS in the device was the same as the one calculated for the components of the ECC tubing system, chosen as a term of comparison for their extensive diffusion. Interpolating the mean PAS values with respect to the number of passes, we obtained a straightforward prediction of the thrombogenic potential as a function of the duration of ECC.

Cardiac myxoma: The influence of surgical technique on long-term prognosis

The aim of our study was to analyze the influence of different surgical techniques (left atriotomy, right atriotomy, biatrial approach and tumor basis solving) on early and late outcomes of patients operated on for cardiac myxoma. We evaluated 74 patients operated on for cardiac myxoma from 1982 through 2011. Sixty-six patients (89.19%) had left atrial myxoma and 8 (10.81%) right atrial myxoma. Histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of atrial myxoma in all patients. In analyzing different surgical techniques we found that they had no influence on the duration of extracorporeal circulation and aortic cross-clamp time. Mortality analysis revealed: no intraoperative mortality; early mortality in 2 patients; late mortality in 12 patients. Survival after 29 years was 81.08%. There were no myxoma recurrences. 83.78% of the patients had functional improvement. In our opinion the best approach for right atrial myxoma is through right atriotomy, for left atrial myxoma through left atriotomy, with a biatrial approach for large tumors of the left atrium or when exploration of all 4 chambers is necessary. Subendocardial excision or thermocauterization was used for small tumors with bases less than 5 mm. Myxoma with a wider basis, depending on the localization, were partially resected at the atrial septum in the whole thickness or subendocardial excision of the tumor basis.

Circulação extracorpórea e complicações no período pós-operatório imediato de cirurgias cardíacas

OBJETIVO: Comparar a frequência de complicações apresentadas pelos pacientes, durante o pós-operatório imediato (POI), de cirurgias cardíacas de acordo com o tempo de circulação extra-corpórea (CEC). MÉTODOS: Estudo de natureza quantitativa, descritivo e correlacional com 83 pacientes adultos divididos em dois grupos de acordo com o tempo de CEC. RESULTADOS: Do total de pacientes, 44 (53%) tiveram o tempo de duração da CEC de até 85 minutos e 39 (47 %) tiveram o tempo acima de 85 minutos. As complicações foram comuns para ambos os grupos, sendo as mais frequentes dor e oligúria. No entanto, hemotórax, pneumotórax e infarto agudo do miocárdio ocorreram apenas no grupo com maior tempo de CEC. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria das complicações ocorridas no POI apresentou frequencia semelhante para os pacientes, independente do tempo de CEC.

Efectos de la circulación extracorpórea sobre el filtrado glomerular en la cirugía cardiovascular pediátrica

Objective: know how extracorporeal circulation affects renal function taking as marker the impairment of the glomerular filtration rate. Material and Method: we performed a prospective analytical observational study in 63 pediatric patients that underwent elective cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation in the Pediatric Cardiac Center ¨William Soler¨ between october 2009 and april 2010. Variations of glomerular filtration rate during extracorporeal circulation were calculated by the Schwartz method and blood samples were taken to determine plasma creatinine values before and after extracorporeal circulation. Data were processed with the SPSS statistical package version 11.5.1. Results were expressed as mean, standard deviation and percentage. We considered that difference or significant association existed if the probability associated to the applied test was less than 0,05 (p<0,05). Analysis was performed by non-parametric testing given n < 30 and through related samples. Results: the decline in glomerular filtration rate post extracorporeal circulation was not associated to the type of cardiopathy (p<0,056) but it was associated to its previous state (p<0,000). The duration of extracorporeal circulation contributes significantly to the deterioration of the glomerular filtration rate (p<0,021); this did not happen with the aortic clamping time (p<0,06). The volume of urine obtained during the duration of extracorporeal circulation (p<0,051) and during the trans-operative period (p<0,056) was not an index of appropriate renal function measured by glomerular filtration rate. Conclusions: extracorporeal circulation affects significantly the renal function taking as a marker the impairment of glomerular filtration rate.

Incidência de complicações pulmonares na cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio

despite the increasingly careful attempts to reduce perioperative risks, pulmonary complications following surgery are still very common, leading to longer length of hospital stays or death.to describe the incidence of pulmonary complications and identify their association with duration of extracorporeal circulation (ECC), surgery and ischemia, number of bypass grafts performed, location of drains and length of drainage following myocardial revascularization (MRV).this contemporaneous cohort consisted of 202 patients undergoing elective myocardial revascularization (MRV) with saphenous vein graft and internal mammary artery graft and ECC, at a referral university cardiology hospital in Southern Brazil, from April 2006 to November 2007. The following outcomes were analyzed: duration of mechanical ventilation; pneumonia onset; atelectasis; pleural effusion; location of drains and time of removal; and length of hospital stay.of the 202 patients, 90 developed some sort of pulmonary complication. The incidence of pleural effusion was 84%, whereas atelectasis was 65%. The following variables were associated with pulmonary complications: duration of ECC (p = 0.003), surgery (p = 0.040) and ischemia (p = 0.001); length of drainage (p = 0.050) and location of pleural drains (p = 0.033); age (p = 0.001); ejection fraction (p = 0.010); diagnosis of asthma (p = 0.047) and preoperative abnormal chest X-ray findings (p = 0.029).variables related to the complexity of the surgery and preexisting comorbidities are associated with a high incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications. These data reinforce the importance of having patients undergo perioperative clinical assessment to detect early respiratory complications after MRV.

Predictors of the Cardiodepressive Effect of Alveolar Opening Maneuver (Mobilization) in Cardiosurgical Patients

Objective : to reveal the predictors of clinically significant deterioration of cardiac pump function resulting from alveolar opening maneuver (AOM) (mobilization) made early after extracorporeal circulation during standard cardiosurgery. Subjects and methods. Hemodynamic, clinical, and laboratory parameters were analyzed in 20 cardiosurgical patients who had undergone AOM in the early postperfusion period. The study inclusion criteria were a PaO 2 /FiO 2 ratio of less than 350 mm Hg, a cardiac index (CI) of more than 2.5 l/min/m 2 , a dosage of dopamine and/or dobutamine of not more than 10 μg/kg/min, and standard AOM performance (P max , 30—35 cm H 2 O; endexpiratory pressure (PEEP), 13—15 cm H 2 O). Regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of a clinically significant reduction in CI (less than 2.5 l/min/m 2 ). Results . Before and after AOM, CI was 3.1±0.1 and 2.9±0.1 l/min/m 2 , respectively ( p >0.05); however, CI was less than 2.5 l/min/m 2 (2.16±0.09 l/min/m 2 ) in 25% of cases. After AOM, CI values were significantly related to those recorded prior to a respiratory procedure ( p =0.039), total peripheral vascular resistance index (TPVRI) ( p =0.00039), and intrapulmonary blood shunt fraction (Qs/Qt) ( p =0.041). There were no relationships to other record ed and estimated hemodynamic parameters (p>0.1). After AOM, CI values were unrelated (p>0.1) to the duration of extracorporeal circulation, the period of myocardial ischemia, and the used dosages of inotropic agents. The predictor of a clinically significant CI reduction after AOM was the only index TPVRI (p=0.00025) recorded before a respiratory procedure. Following AOM, the probability of a significant CI reduction substantially increased (the approximation coefficient R2=0.75) at TPVRI values of 2000 din•sec•cm-5•m2 or more. Conclusion. After AOM performed in the early period after extracorporeal circulation, CI values are related to the baseline level of CI, TPVRI, and Qs/Qt; however, after this procedure only the value of TPVRI is a reliable predictor of clinically significantly depressed cardiac pump function. The risk of persistent cardiodepression is highest at TPVRI values of 2000 din•sec•cm-5•m2 or more. AOM should be carried out early after extracorporeal circulation in cardiosurgical patients, by making an invasive monitoring that makes it possible to maximally correctly evaluate central hemodynamics, including CI and TPVRI.

Oxygen Transport in Pulmonary Oxygenizing Dysfunction in the Early Periods after Extracorporeal Circulation

Objective: to study the specific features of oxygen transport function in patients with various oxygen delivery changes caused by alveolar opening maneuver (mobilization) performed early after extracorporeal circulation. Subjects and methods. Alveolar opening maneuver was made in the presence of relative arterial hypoxemia under the control of dynamic thora-copulmonary compliance. The maximum airway pressure was as high as 31.1±0.3 cm H2O; the positive end-expiratory pressure was 16.0±0.3 cm H2O. According to the changes in oxygen delivery after alveolar opening maneuver, the investigators retrospectively identified the following groups: 1) (n=14) with a lower and 2) (n=15) higher values. The groups did not differ in age (53.6±2.8 and 56.4±1.8 years), extracorporeal circulation duration (106.4±11.2 and 86.8±4 min), and inotropic support intensity (4.7±0.5 and 4.6±0.6 ^g/kh/min for dopamine and/or dobutamine) (p&gt;0.05). The mode of alveolar opening maneuver and its impact on thoracopulmonary compliance and pulmonary oxygenizing function were identical in the groups (p&gt;0.05). Results. 48.3% of the patients with relative arterial hypoxemia show a linear relationship between the oxygen delivery and consumption indices (r=0.73; p=0.003), and there was a close inverse correlation between the oxygen utilization coefficient and intrapulmonary shunting (r=-0.77; p=0.001). After alveolar opening maneuver, the oxygen delivery index decreased in these cases from 440.7±31.7 to 376.9±20.4 ml/min/m2 (p&lt;0.05). The time course °f changes oxygen delivery influenced mixed venous hemoglobin oxygen saturation (r=-0.71; p=0.005), which was related to lactatemia before (r=0.71; p=0.004) and after (r=0.7; p=0.005) alveolar opening maneuver. Conclusion. After extracorporeal circulation, relative arterial hypoxemia may be concurrent with the signs of oxygen transport system tension in patients with impaired pulmonary oxygenizing function. Moreover, regional blood flow impairments in the peripheral tissues and those in the lung are closely related. After alveolar opening maneuver that improves pulmonary oxygenizing function, oxygen delivery decreases, affecting mixed venous hemoglobin oxygen saturation. The findings give grounds to recommend close monitoring and timely correction during alveolar mobilization in the early period after cardiosurgery. The specific features of oxygen transport and utilization during standard interventions into the heart under extracorporeal circulation call for further in-depth studies. Key words: oxygen transport, oxygen delivery and consumption, alveolar opening maneuver (mobilization), arterial hypoxemia in cardiosurgical patients.

Left Heart Pump‐Assisted Myocardial Revascularization Favorably Affects Neutrophil Apoptosis

Granulocyte apoptosis is a key control process in the clearance of neutrophils from inflammatory sites, and its rate is modulated by a number of inflammatory mediators. In this study, we investigated whether the use of left ventricular-assisted technique (LVA) in beating heart myocardial revascularization would exert less impact on neutrophil apoptosis compared with conventional cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Forty consecutive patients who underwent myocardial revascularization were randomly assigned to LVA (group A, 21 patients) or CPB (group B, 19 patients). Blood samples for detection of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were measured at baseline and at various time points postoperatively. Neutrophil apoptosis was detected by light microscopy as well as by the annexin-V assays together with the activity of caspase 3 on postoperative samples. Preoperative clinical and demographic data did not differ between the two groups. The two groups also were similar with respect to mortality, number of grafts performed, duration of extracorporeal circulation, and need for inotropes. However postoperatively, spontaneous apoptosis was significantly delayed in neutrophils from CPB patients compared with LVA patients. Neutrophils were activated, as indicated by increased surface expression of CD11b. Caspase 3 activity was found to be significantly reduced in neutrophils from CPB patients after 18 and 24 hours of culture. Patients who underwent beating heart myocardial revascularization with LVA show a better preserved neutrophil apoptosis than patients treated with the CPB.

Left ventricular-assisted myocardial revascularization favorably affects levels of circulating adhesion molecules and lung function

We investigated whether the use of left ventricular-assisted (LVA) technique in beating heart myocardial revascularization would exert less impact on patients adhesion molecules and oxygenation index as compared with conventional cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Sixty-six consecutive patients undergoing myocardial revascularization were randomly assigned either to LVA (group A, 34 patients) or CPB (group B, 32 patients). Adhesion molecules and oxygenation indexes were measured at baseline and at various time points postoperatively. Pre-operative clinical and demographic data did not differ between the 2 groups. The 2 groups were also similar with respect to mortality, number of grafts performed, duration of extracorporeal circulation, and need for inotropes. However, postoperatively patients treated with LVA had a reduced levels of adhesion molecules compared with patients treated with CPB, as indicated by a significant difference in endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (P = .002), intercellullar adhesion molecule-1 (P = .0001), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (P = .004). The oxygenation index at 1 (P = .04) and 3 hours (P = .03) postoperatively was better in the LVA group than in the CPB group. Patients undergoing beating heart myocardial revascularization with LVA show reduced levels of adhesion molecules and better oxygenation index than patients treated with CPB.

Pentastarch 10% (250 kDa/0.45) is an independent risk factor of acute kidney injury following cardiac surgery*

OBJECTIVE, DESIGN AND PATIENTS: The risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) associated with hydroxyethyl starch may be limited to higher molecular weight agents. We retrospectively evaluated the risk of AKI using pentastarch 10% (250 kDa, 0.45) in a random cohort of 563 patients operated for a cardiac surgery at a university hospital. We assessed previously identified preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative risk factors, and the volume of pentastarch given until the end of the first postoperative day. We defined AKI by a 50% rise in serum creatinine within 4 days after surgery. Different propensity adjustment methods were used to further assess the selection bias. Fifty-four (10%) patients developed AKI. Risk factors of AKI were age, female gender, preoperative creatinine clearance, hypertension, diuretic use, left ventricular ejection fraction, valvular surgery, duration of extracorporeal circulation, duration and dose of postoperative vasopressor support, and the number of red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma transfusions. Patients with AKI received 16 +/- 9 mL/kg of pentastarch as opposed to 10 +/- 7 mL/kg in controls (p < 0.001). Pentastarch remained independently predictive of AKI, with an adjusted odds ratio per mL/kg of 1.08 (95% confidence interval 1.04-1.12, p = 0.001). This risk was dose-dependent, and the optimal cutoff volume predicting AKI was 14 mL/kg. Different propensity adjustment methods were tested, and pentastarch as a risk factor of AKI was identified. This study identified a dose-dependent risk of AKI with pentastarch following cardiac surgery, given until the end of the first postoperative day.

Cardiac surgery in patients with haemophilia

Today the populations of haemophilia patients in many countries have a higher life expectancy than previously known, and age-related disorders such as arterial disease are expected to become more prevalent, calling for surgical intervention. Cardiac surgery constitutes a major haemostatic challenge because of sternotomy, the need of total heparinization, extracorporal circulation, mild hypothermia and cardiac arrest. To evaluate our current experience and results with cardiac surgery in patients with haemophilia the present case series report on six patients with haemophilia A (Severe = 1, Moderate = 1, Mild = 4) undergoing cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting; CABG = 2, aortic valve replacement = 1, CABG + aortic valve replacement = 2, ventricular resection + mitral valve reconstruction = 1). The present paper provides detailed information on the haemostatic treatment regimens adopted (factor concentrate dosages, timing and duration) and postoperative thromboprophylaxis (dosing and duration of low molecular weight heparin). Moreover, we present data on concomitant disorders (hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, atrial fibrillation and diabetes), left ventricle ejection fraction (30-60%), type of anaesthesia, total amount of heparin (34 500-53 500 IU) and duration of extracorporeal circulation (80-115 min). Clinical outcomes included: re-operation because of bleeding (none), transfusion requirements, peri- and postoperative blood loss and complications and postoperative development of inhibitors (none). Clinical outcomes were compared with a control group of patients (n = 5993) without haemophilia and we found no difference in postoperative morbidity. Adopting meticulously supervised haemostatic treatment regimens, we have successfully performed major cardiac surgery in patients with haemophilia A. The clinical outcome as well as the severity and incidence of postoperative complications were similar to patients without haemophilia.

Effect of myocardial protection during beating heart surgery with right sub-axiliary approach

Background Cardiac troponin-I (cTnI) is one of the three regulatory subunits of the cardiac troponin which has the high sensibility and specificity of responding to myocardial injury. Studies have demonstrated that cTnI is released into the blood stream within hours following acute myocardial reperfusion injury. The clinical utility of cTnI for the assessment of myocardial damage is that it is more specific than creatine kinase MB (CKMB). This study investigated cTnI as a sensitive marker of myocardial reperfusion injury and its clinical value on beating heart surgery with right sub-axiliary incision. Methods From December 2002 through December 2004, 100 patients with atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), atrial septal defect and ventricular septal defect (ASD+VSD), and tetralogy of Fallot were randomly divided into two groups: the treatment group (n=50) was operated on with a beating heart under extracorporeal circulation (ECC), and the control group (n=50) on an conventional arresting heart under ECC. The two groups both used a right sub-axillary incision. Blood samples from a central venous catheter (CVC) were collected before, at the end of aortic clamping, immediately after discontinue cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), 3, 6, 24, and 48 hours after operation. The Abbott Axsym system with hol-automation fluorescent immunity analyzer was used for the quantitative determination of cTnI. cTnI was detected to investigate the effect of myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury and the clinical value of beating heart surgery with right sub-axillary incision. Results There were no significant differences between the two groups before operation. At the end of aortic clamping and thereafter, cTnI significantly increased in both groups, and reached the peak point at 6 hours after operation. At all the tested points, cTnI was significantly higher in the control group than the beating heart group (P &lt;0.05), especially at 6 hours post operation (P &lt;0.01). The operating time and ECC duration were shortened and the dosage of dopamine was decreased, when compared with the control group. Conclusions There was less cTnI measured in the beating heart group than in the control group after CPB, demonstrating that beating heart surgery may significantly reduce myocardial reperfusion injury.

Myocardial Revascularization by Left Ventricular Assisted Beating Heart Is Associated With Reduced Systemic Inflammatory Response

The present study was designed to investigate whether use of left ventricular assisted technique (LVA) in beating-heart myocardial revascularization would exert less impact on patients' inflammatory response, as compared with minimal extracorporeal circulation (MECC). Seventy-three consecutive high-risk patients undergoing myocardial revascularization were randomly assigned either to LVA (group A) or to MECC (group B). Monocyte count and plasma concentration of C-reactive protein, inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and polymorphonuclear elastase were measured at baseline and at various time points postoperatively. Preoperative clinical and demographic data did not differ between the two groups. The two groups also were similar with respect to mortality, number of grafts performed, duration of extracorporeal circulation, and need for inotropes. However, LVA was associated with significantly less inflammatory response postoperatively compared with MECC, as indicated by a significant difference in interleukin-6 (p = 0.002), C-reactive protein (p = 0.002), monocyte percentage (p = 0.006), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (p = 0.002), and polymorphonuclear elastase (p = 0.001). High-risk patients undergoing beating-heart myocardial revascularization with LVA show reduced inflammatory response compared with patients treated with the MECC.

The therapeutic efficacy of continuous blood purification for severe acute renal failure after cardiac surgery

Objective To evaluate the efficiency and the timing of continuous blood purification(CBP) in patients with multiple or-gan dysfunction syndrome(MODS) and acute renal failure(ARF) following cardiac surgery. Methods From November,2003 to July,2007,thirty-one patients with MODS and ARF following cardiac surgery were treated with CBP. They were divided into two groups, alive group ( group A) and dead group ( group B). Clinical data of the two groups were reviewed. Before CBP, duration of extracorporeal circulation, du-ated. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), oxygenic index (PaO2/FiO2), white blood cell count (WBC), platelet count (PLT) and renal function (blood urea nitrogen, BUN, ercatinine, Cr) were observed before and after CBP. Results The number of im-paired organs of patients in group B was significantly more than that in group A before CBP ( P＜0.05). MODS scores ( 12.9±3.2 vs 6.9 ±2.3, P＜0.05) and APACHE Ⅱ scores (26.3±10.4 vs 17.2±5.1, P＜0.05)of group B were significantly higher than those of group A before CBP. After treatment of CBP for 24 hours, APACHE Ⅱ scores and MODS scores only significantly decreased in group A (P＜0.05 ). After treatment of CBP, Cr and BUN significantly reduced, while MAP and PaO2/FiO2 increased, in all patients, but HR was signif-icantly lower than that before CBP in group A (P＜0.05). The duration of ARF (34.67±32.79 hours vs 13.05±14.09 hours,P＜cantly higher than those of group A. Conclusion MODS scores and APACHE II scores can be used to evaluate the severity of patients with MODS and ARF after cardiac surgery. CBP is an effective treatment for these patients. It is suggested that early CBP therapy is important for reducing the chances of the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and mortality of these patients. Key words: Hemofiltration; Kidney failure, acute; Cardiac surgical proceduros/AE

TNF +250 polymorphism and hyperdynamic state in cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation

We have investigated genetic and clinical factors associated with hyperdynamic state (HS) after heart surgery with extracorporeal circulation (ECC). We performed a prospective cohort study of consecutive patients who underwent elective heart surgery with ECC. HS was defined as hyperthermia (>38 degrees C), cardiac index (CI) >3.5 l/min/m(2) and systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) <1600 dynes x s/cm(5) x m(2). The study included demographic variables, gene polymorphisms A/G of tumor necrosis factor-beta (TNFbeta+250), G/A-1082 of interleukin-10 (IL-10), polymorphism of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), comorbidity, type of surgery, serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), and postoperative course. We used Pearson chi(2) or Fisher exact test, and Student t-test for univariate analysis, with forward stepwise logistic regression for multivariate adjustment. Eighty patients were studied, of whom 22 (27.5%) developed HS. The presence of allele G of TNFbeta+250 polymorphism was associated with an increased incidence of HS (68% vs. 37%; P=0.011). In the multivariate analysis, a longer duration of ECC, and the presence of the G allele, were associated with the development of HS. The G allele of TNFbeta+250 polymorphism, and prolonged extracorporeal circuit times, may favor the development of a hyperdynamic state after heart surgery with ECC.

Incisional surgical infection in heart transplantation

Incisional surgical site infections (ISSIs) are common bacterial infections in heart transplantation (HT). The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence, etiology, timing, and risk factors for ISSIs. A prospective study was performed, which included all heart transplants carried out in the participating hospitals (pertaining to the Spanish National Hospital Network RESITRA) between August 2003 and February 2005. A population of 292 consecutive patients was included (84.9% males). The definition of ISSI used in the study was based on the Centers for Disease Control criteria. Seventeen episodes of ISSIs were recorded in 14 patients (4.8%; confidence interval [CI] 95% 2.7-7.7%). The median time from transplant to ISSI was 14 days (range 3-75). Two patients (14%) died; fatality was related to ISSI (mediastinitis) in 1 patient (7%). Coagulase-negative staphylococci (7 cases), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (3 cases), Proteus mirabilis, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Candida glabrata, 1 case each, were the isolated pathogens. The duration of extracorporeal circulation was longer in patients with ISSI, although the difference did not reach statistical significance. Antibiotic prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin alone (odds ratio, 15.8; 95% CI, 1.2-216.9) was independently associated with the development of ISSI. ISSIs in HT are frequently caused by resistant bacteria and Candida, but are associated with good prognosis.

Preoperative unintended weight loss and low body mass index in relation to complications and length of stay after cardiac surgery

BackgroundSeveral studies reported increased adverse outcomes after cardiac surgery in patients with low body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2). Little is known yet, however, about the effect of preoperative unintended weight loss (UWL) in cardiac surgery patients. ObjectiveWe explored the prevalence and effect of UWL in view of low BMI and vice versa adjusted for a validated set of preoperative risks, inflammatory activity, and duration of extracorporeal circulation on postoperative adverse outcome. DesignA prospective cohort study was performed. Nutritional data of cardiac surgery patients were collected within 24 h of admission and linked to the standard postoperative complication registration database. ResultsThe cohort consisted of 331 cases. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that preoperative UWL of ≥10% in the past 6 mo (≥10%UWLin6m) was associated with a prolonged length of stay in the hospital independent from low BMI [odds ratio (OR): 7.06; 95% CI: 1.78, 28.04]. Preoperative BMI ≤ 21.0 was associated with an increased incidence of postoperative infections and prolonged stay in the intensive care unit independent from ≥10%UWLin6m (OR: 4.62; 95% CI: 1.20, 17.82; and OR: 5.27; 95% CI: 1.28, 21.76, respectively). Preoperative undernutrition in cardiac surgery patients (≥10%UWLin6m or BMI ≤ 21.0 or both) was present in 9.1% of the study population (4.3% and 4.8%, respectively). ConclusionsFrom this study, we recommend special attention for cardiac surgery patients with preoperative ≥10%UWLin6m or BMI ≤ 21.0 because both variables are independently related to adverse outcomes. Preoperative referral to a dietitian for further diagnostic assessment and nutritional treatment is strongly recommended.