High Postoperative C-reactive Protein Research Articles

Factors Influencing CRP levels in Laparoscopic and Robotic Total Hysterectomy.

Patients with high postoperative C-reactive protein levels are known to have a high risk of complications such as intestinal injuries than those with low levels. However, the factors that influence postoperative C-reactive protein levels in patients without complications are unknown. In this study, we aimed to determine the factors affecting postoperative C-reactive protein levels in patients undergoing laparoscopic and robotic total hysterectomy. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who had undergone laparoscopic or robotic total hysterectomy for uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, or cervical neoplasia. The study was conducted between July 2016 and December 2022 at our hospital. In total, 185 patients underwent laparoscopic or robotic total hysterectomy during the relevant period. Of these, 180 patients were included, excluding 3 who underwent laparotomy, 1 who developed an abscess, and 1 who did not have a postoperative blood draw. The measured outcome was the C-reactive protein level on the first postoperative day. Patient age, body mass index, operative time, blood loss, and uterine weight were deemed the possible influencing factors. Multiple regression analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of these factors on the postoperative C-reactive protein values. Statistical significance was defined as a P value less than .05. The median value was 1.72 (interquartile range, 1.11-2.52). Body mass index and operative time were determined to be the most significant factors. Patients' body mass index and operative time were found to be associated with first postoperative day C-reactive protein levels in uncomplicated cases.

Postoperative ratio of C-reactive protein to albumin is an independent prognostic factor for gastric cancer

ObjectiveThe role of postoperative of the ratio of c-reactive protein to albumin (CRP/Alb ratio) in the prognosis of gastric cancer is rarely evaluated. Our purpose was to investigate the correlation of the postoperative CRP/Alb ratio and long-term prognosis of gastric cancer.MethodsWe enrolled 430 patients who suffered from radical gastrectomy. The commonly used inflammatory indices, clinical-pathological characteristics and oncologic outcomes were recorded. The median was used to the cut-off value for preoperative and postoperative CRP/Alb ratio, respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression model were performed to determine its prognostic significance.ResultsIn univariate analysis, there were significant differences were observed in overall survival (OS) according to perioperative CRP/Alb ratio, c-reactive protein (CRP), serum albumin (Alb), respectively. According to the multivariate analysis, higher postoperative CRP/Alb ratio (HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.55–2.66, P < 0.001), lower postoperative albumin (Alb), higher preoperative c-reactive protein (CRP) and higher postoperative CRP were indicated a shorter overall survival.ConclusionPostoperative inflammatory factors in patients with gastric cancer should be pay attention, especially postoperative CRP/Alb ratio may be an independent predictor of long-term prognosis of gastric cancer.

A Comparative Analysis of Perioperative Complications in Octogenarians and Patients under 60 Years of Age after Primary Cemented Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Introduction: Knee arthroplasty is exposed to demographic changes as patients age. An analysis of risk factors for surgical treatment decisions in patients over 80 years old is crucial. This study compared perioperative complications between groups of patients undergoing primary knee arthroplasty, under 60 years old and over 80 years old.Materials and Methods: For this retrospective study, data from 400 patients with primary cemented bi- and unicondylar total knee endoprosthesis during inpatient stay from 2017 to 2018 were analyzed. Patients aged 61-79 years (257) were excluded. An analysis of the remaining 143 patients was performed. The incidence of surgery-related and systemic complications (eg, urinary tract infections, electrolyte imbalances, and cases of pneumonia), the blood supply and C-reactive protein (CRP) as well as hemoglobin progression were compared across both age groups. Furthermore, a correlation between prevalent diseases and systemic complications were investigated. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS (Armonk, US).Results: Data analyses showed a significant difference in the occurrence of systemic complications and blood transfusion between the age groups (P = 0.001, phi = 0.44; phi= 0.55, P = 0.001). Surgical complications did not differ significantly between the age groups. Age-typical pre-existing conditions, especially arterial hypertension (P = 0.003), showed a significant association with the occurrence of systemic complications. In addition, high postoperative CRP values in elderly patients revealed an association to systemic complications (P = 0.008).Discussion and Conclusion: The study shows that primary cemented knee arthroplasty is a safe procedure without an increased incidence of surgical complications, even in elderly patients. The increased incidence of internal complications in octogenarians, in turn, should receive more attention in the perioperative course. The interdisciplinary preoperative optimization of pre-existing conditions and drug therapy, as well as close interdisciplinary assessments of elderly patients, should be ensured.

Factors associated with surgical-site infection after total laparoscopic hysterectomy

ObjectiveIn recent years, minimally invasive surgery has been emphasized in gynecological surgery, and total laparoscopic hysterectomy has been increasingly reported. In this retrospective single-center study, the main objective was to identify risk factors for the development of surgical-site infection (SSI) after total laparoscopic hysterectomy. The secondary objective was to investigate the efficacy of transvaginal drainage as a treatment for SSI. MethodsThis retrospective study investigated 377 patients who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Japan between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2019. Patients were divided into the SSI group and non-SSI group based on whether they suffered from SSI. The data of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative risk factors for SSI were collected and analyzed. ResultsOf the 377 patients who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy, 21 patients were in the SSI group and 356 patients were in the non-SSI group. After the comparison between the two groups and the multivariate analysis, only the C-reactive protein level on postoperative day 3 (OR = 1.556, 95% CI: 1.233–1.964, p < 0.001) showed a significant correlation with SSI. The receiver operating characteristic curve revealed that the C-reactive protein level >7.6 mg/dL on postoperative day 3 could detect the SSI onset early. In the SSI group, the hospital stay was longer for patients with transvaginal drainage than for patients without (17.40 ± 3.21 d vs. 10.90 ± 2.39 d, p = 0.0027). However, none required reoperation. ConclusionsPatients with a high postoperative C-reactive protein level may be experiencing SSI, and ultrasonography and other imaging procedures should be performed immediately. If a vaginal abscess is confirmed on imaging, transvaginal drainage should be performed early, which may prevent reoperation.

A High C-Reactive Protein Level on Postoperative Day 7 Is Associated With Poor Survival of Patients With Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma After Resection.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a common malignancy. While inflammation-related biomarkers influence patient survival after resection, it has not been known whether postoperative inflammations affect the survival of PDAC patients or not. It was investigated whether the universal biomarkers on postoperative day (POD) 7 affect the survival of PDAC patients in the retrospective view, and univariate and multivariate analyses were performed via the Cox regression method. Overall, 108 consecutive patients underwent resection; 98 (90.7%) had T3 disease and 73 (67.6%) had lymph node metastases. Thirty-four patients (31.5%) experienced postoperative complications. Compared with preoperative values, the white blood cell count and C-reactive protein (CRP) level on POD 7 were significantly elevated (P < .001 for both); conversely, the lymphocyte count was significantly reduced (P < .001). Among 108 patients, 72 received adjuvant chemotherapy. The median overall survival was 21.0 months; the 5-year survival rate was 22.3%. On multivariate analysis, receiving adjuvant chemotherapy and low CRP levels on POD 7 (<7.6mg/dL) were prognosticators of better survival. However, the CD classification was not a prognosticator of survival after resection. Adjuvant chemotherapy and postoperative low CRP levels on POD 7 were prognosticators of better survival of PDAC patients after resection. Surgeons should be aware of managing postoperative infections because a high postoperative CRP level is related with unfavorable survival.

C-reactive protein is a predictive factor for complications after incisional hernia repair using a biological mesh

The introduction of biological or absorbable synthetic meshes has provided an alternative to conventional repair for incisional hernia. The ability to predict the development of complications after hernia surgery is important, as it guides surgical planning and patient management. This retrospective study assessed whether the postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) level can predict complications after incisional hernia repair using biological mesh reinforcement. Patients who underwent incisional hernia repair surgery using biological meshes between February 2009 and February 2015 were screened for study inclusion. Patients included in the study were divided into two groups: those with and without postoperative complications. The two groups were analysed based on sex, surgical operation, length of intensive care unit stay (ICU), complications and mortality. Laboratory values, including white blood cell (WBC) count and CRP levels, were determined preoperatively and up to postoperative day (POD) 10. Postoperative complications requiring further management occurred in 32 of the 60 patients (53.3%). Among 47 patients, the mean CRP and WBC levels were 6.6 mg/L and 9.073 G/L in the group without complications vs. 141.0 mg/L, 16.704 G/L in the group with complications (p < 0.001). Patients with complications also had a longer ICU stay (10.1 vs. 0.6 days, p < 0.0001). A cut-off was 101 mg/L and offered 80.00% sensitivity (IC 61.43% to 92.29) and 95.24% specificity (76.18% to 99.88%) for postoperative complication. The rate of postoperative complications before POD10 was 95% in the group with CRP > 100 mg/L vs. 46% in the group with CRP < 100 mg/L (p = 0.000372). A high postoperative CRP level (> 100 mg/L) up to POD10 may serve as a predictor of postoperative complications in patients undergoing incisional hernia using biological meshes.

Predictors of Acute Kidney Injury After Hip Fracture in Older Adults.

Introduction:This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of acute kidney injury (AKI) following hip fracture surgery in geriatric patients and to identify predictors for development of AKI with a focus on possible preventable risk factors.Methods:In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed electronic medical records of all patients above 65 years of age who underwent hip fracture surgery at Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg, Denmark, in 2018. Acute kidney injury was assessed according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for AKI.Results:Postoperative AKI developed in 28.4% of the included patients (85/299). Acute kidney injury was associated with increased length of admission (11.3 vs 8.7 days, P < .001) and 30-day mortality (18/85 vs 16/214, P = .001). In multivariable analysis, higher age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.08, P = .004), heart disease (OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.01-3.11, P = .045), and postoperative blood transfusion (OR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.01-3.36, P = .048) were associated with AKI. Moreover, a higher postoperative C-reactive protein (199.0 ± 99.9 in patients with AKI, 161.3 ± 75.2 in patients without AKI) and lower postoperative diastolic blood pressure were observed in patients developing AKI.Discussion and Conclusion:Acute kidney injury was common following hip fracture surgery and associated with longer admissions and increased mortality. Patients developing AKI were older and showed several postoperative similarities, including higher C-reactive protein, lower postoperative diastolic pressure, and the need for blood transfusion.

High postoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a poor prognostic marker in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

Previously, the preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been demonstrated to be a beneficial prognostic marker in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). However, to the best of our knowledge, the postoperative NLR has rarely been investigated. Therefore, the present study evaluated the prognostic significance of postoperative NLR in patients with UTUC. Data of patients with UTUC who underwent surgical treatment at Kurume University hospital (Kurume, Japan) between 2004 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed, including pre- and postoperative NLRs. Overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with a log-rank test. Multivariate proportional Cox regression models were applied for both endpoints to identify the independent prognostic significance of NLR. The median age of the 134 enrolled patients was 70 years. The postoperative NLR was elevated in 35 patients (26.1%). A high postoperative NLR of ≥2.5 was significantly associated with a high postoperative C-reactive protein level of ≥0.3 mg/dl, an advanced pathological T stage and positive lymphovascular invasion in surgical specimens (P<0.001, P=0.019 and P=0.024, respectively). The 5-year OS rates in patients with high and low postoperative NLR were 33.7 and 70.2%, respectively (P<0.001), and the 5-year CSS rates in patients with a high and low postoperative NLR were 33.7 and 80.7%, respectively (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that a high postoperative NLR was an independent prognostic marker for OS (hazard ratio, 4.66; 95% confidence interval, 2.11-10.00; P<0.001) and CSS (hazard ratio, 10.90; 95% confidence interval, 4.32-28.40; P<0.001), and the preoperative NLR was not identified as a prognostic marker. In conclusion, a high postoperative NLR is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with UTUC. Therefore, postoperative NLR may be a potential prognostic marker in patients with UTUC undergoing nephroureterectomy.

Clinical Analysis on the Effectiveness of Transvaginal Cervical Cerclage in Singleton Pregnancies and Its Predictive Factors

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of transvaginal cervical cerclage in singleton pregnancies with cervical incompetence, determine the predictive factors of success and failure, and then compare elective and emergency cerclage. Study Design: This was a retrospective study of 62 patients who underwent cervical cerclage in The First Hospital of Jilin University, China, between May 2015 and January 2018. Successful group was defined as those who delivered live babies and failure group who experienced abortion or stillbirth. Results: Out of 104 patients, 62 met inclusion criteria. In 62 cases, 47 (75.8%) succeeded and 15 (24.2%) failed. In successful group, 21 (44.7%) women delivered pretermly and 26 (55.3%) termly. No severe complications occurred except cervical laceration (2, 3.23%), premature rupture of membranes (13, 20.97%). In 62 cases, 40 (64.5%) have ≤2 previous second-trimester losses and 22 (35.5%) have >2 previous second-trimester losses. No significant differences were found in neonatal outcomes. Analysis revealed that higher postoperative C-reactive protein and presence of premature rupture of membranes were the strongest predictors of cerclage failure. Among 62 cases, 48 (77.4%) were allocated in elective and 14 (22.6%) in emergency cerclage. Pregnancy prolongation was significantly more (P = 0.014) in elective group with no significant differences in premature rupture of membranes, neonatal outcomes (all P > 0.05) except Apgar score at 5 min (P = 0.042). Conclusion: Achieving 75.8% live births proves that transvaginal cervical cerclage is an effective and safe technique in prolonging the gestational age, improving the obstetric outcomes in singleton pregnancies with cervical incompetence under various cerclage indications. Postoperative C-reactive protein and premature rupture of membranes are the predictive factors related to success or failure. Elective cerclage is more effective in prolonging the pregnancy compared to emergency cerclage, no significant differences are seen regarding neonatal outcomes and complications.

Postoperative C-reactive protein concentration and clinical outcome: comparison of open cystectomy to robot-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy with extracorporeal or intracorporeal urinary diversion in a prospective study

Objective: This study aimed to compare clinical outcome and postoperative systemic inflammatory response using C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, to quantify the degree of tissue injury in open mini-laparotomy cystectomy (OMC) versus robot-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy with extracorporeal (RALC-EUD) or intracorporeal urinary diversion (RALC-IUD).Materials and methods: From September 2012 to September 2015, 309 patients diagnosed with bladder cancer underwent radical cystectomy with urinary diversion. Of these, 175 patients were eligible for the study and underwent OMC (n = 125), RALC-EUD (n = 12) or RALC-IUD (n = 38). Blood samples were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively on days 1–7. Clinical and perioperative parameters, including demographics, comorbidity, tumour stage and postoperative outcomes, were collected from medical records.Results: Age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score and Charlson score were significantly higher in OMC than in the robotic groups (p = 0.020, 0.012 and 0.008, respectively). Other demographic data showed no significant group differences. Estimated blood loss and blood transfusion volume were higher in OMC (p < 0.001) and operative time was longer in the robotic groups (p < 0.001); no difference was found between RALC groups. Postoperative CRP levels changed over time (p < 0.001) and RALC-IUD appeared to have significantly higher CRP levels on postoperative days 3–7 compared to OMC and RALC-EUD (p < 0.031), but OMC CRP levels were higher than RALC-EUD.Conclusions: In this study, robotic techniques seem less traumatic overall than open surgery, as OMC had higher postoperative CRP levels than RALC-EUD. The higher CRP levels in RALC-IUD may be more reflective of the urinary diversion technique than the true tissue trauma.

Effect of Red Blood Cell Transfusion on Unfavorable Neurologic Outcome and Symptomatic Vasospasm in Patients with Cerebral Aneurysmal Rupture: Old versus Fresh Blood

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, especially with "old" blood, is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. We compared the effects of fresh blood versus old blood transfusion on poor neurologic outcomes and symptomatic vasospasm in patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms. In this retrospective study, 211 patients with aneurysmal rupture were divided into 3 groups: nontransfusion (n = 136), fresh blood (RBC storage ≤ 14 days) transfusion (n = 39), and old blood (RBC storage >14 days) transfusion (n = 36). Unfavorable neurologic outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score ≥ 3) and symptomatic cerebral vasospasm were assessed. The incidence of unfavorable neurologic outcomes was significantly higher in the fresh blood and old blood transfusion groups compared with the nontransfused group (71.8% and 58.3% vs. 21.3%; P < 0.01); the incidence of symptomatic vasospasm was significantly higher in the old blood group compared with the fresh blood and nontransfusion groups (57.1% vs. 26.7% and 22.2%; P < 0.05). On binary logistic regression, old age, Hunt and Hess grade 3-4, high postoperative C-reactive protein level, RBC transfusion, delayed infarction, and hydrocephalus were independent predictors of unfavorable neurologic outcomes. Young age, Fisher grade 3-4, old RBC transfusion, and surgical clipping were independent predictors of postoperative symptomatic vasospasm. RBC transfusion itself, regardless of the duration of RBC storage, was associated with unfavorable neurologic outcomes in patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms. Also, old blood transfusion, but not fresh blood transfusion, was associated with increased symptomatic cerebral vasospasm.

The Impact of the Preoperative Serum Albumin Level and Postoperative C-Reactive Protein Nadir on the Survival of Patients with Non-Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma with Vessel Thrombus after Nephrectomy

Purpose: To evaluate the predictors for survival in non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma (non-mRCC) associated with tumor thrombus following surgical resection. Patients and Methods: Between February 1983 and December 2009, a total of 40 patients with a diagnosis of non-mRCC (23 with pT3a pN0M0, 15 with pT3b pN0M0 and 2 patients with pT3c pN0M0) were enrolled. Various preoperative and postoperative parameters were assessed as prognostic factors. Results: In the multivariate analysis, a low level of preoperative albumin less than 35 g/l [hazard ratio (HR) 8.06] and high postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP): CRP nadir greater than 2 mg/l (HR 1.78) were identified significant risk factors for cause-specific survival. For the risk of progression-free survival, 3 factors proved to be significant independent predictors: a low preoperative albumin (HR 25.5), a high postoperative CRP nadir (HR 18.71) and low preoperative hemoglobin (HR 17.4). In 24 cases with the high preoperative CRP (> 2 mg/l), the progression-free survival rates in the low postoperative CRP nadir group achieved a significant better survival rate than the high CRP nadir group after nephrectomy (p = 0.048). Conclusion: In non-mRCC with tumor thrombus after surgical resection, a low preoperative albumin level and an elevated postoperative CRP nadir were significant independent predictors of survival.

Role of Preoperative Atorvastatin Administration in Protection Against Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation Following Conventional Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common postoperative arrhythmias in patients who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of preoperative atorvastatin on postoperative atrial fibrillation following coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass (CCABG). One hundred consecutive patients undergoing elective CCABG, without history of AF or previous statin treatment, were enrolled and randomly assigned to a statin group (atorvastatin 20 mg/d, n = 49) or a control group (placebo, n = 51) starting 7 days preoperatively. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of postoperative AF. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were assessed in all selected patients before surgery and every 24 hours postoperatively until discharge from hospital. Atorvastatin significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative AF and postoperative peak CRP level versus placebo (18% versus 41%, P = 0.017; 129.3 ± 24.3 mg/L versus 149.3 ± 32.5 mg/L, P < 0.0001). Kaplan-Meier curves confirmed a significantly better postoperative atrial fibrillation-free survival in the statin group (χ(2) = 7.466, P = 0.006). Logistic regression analysis showed preoperative atorvastatin treatment was an independent factor associated with a significant reduction in postoperative AF (OR = 0.235, P = 0.007), whereas high postoperative CRP levels were associated with increased risk (OR = 2.421, P = 0.015). Preoperative atorvastatin administration may inhibit inflammatory reactions to prevent atrial fibrillation following coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass.

Effect of Preoperative Atorvastatin Therapy on Atrial Fibrillation Following Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is still the most common postoperative arrhythmic complication. Previous studies report that patients undergoing preoperative statin therapy had a lower incidence of postoperative AF. This study aimed to assess the effect of preoperative atorvastatin therapy on preventing AF following off-pump CABG in a randomized, controlled trial. The 140 consecutive patients undergoing elective off-pump CABG, without a history of AF or previous statin treatment, were enrolled and randomly assigned to a statin (atorvastatin 20 mg/day, n=71) or a control group (placebo, n=69) starting 7 days preoperatively. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of postoperative AF; secondary endpoints were major adverse in-hospital cardiac and cerebrovascular events and identification of variables predicting postoperative AF. Atorvastatin significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative AF and the postoperative peak C-reactive protein (CRP) level vs placebo (14% vs 34%, P=0.009; 126.5 +/-22.3 vs 145.2 +/-31.6 mg/L, P<0.0001). Logistic regression analysis showed preoperative atorvastatin treatment was an independent factor associated with a significant reduction in postoperative AF (odds ratio (OR) 0.219, P=0.005), whereas a high postoperative CRP level was associated with increased risk (OR 2.011, P=0.013). Administration of atorvastatin 20 mg/day, initiated 1 week before elective off-pump CABG and continued in the postoperative period, significantly decreases postoperative AF.

Randomized Trial of Atorvastatin for Reduction of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Atrial fibrillation (AF) after cardiac surgery is associated with increased risk of complications, length of stay, and cost of care. Observational evidence suggests that patients who have undergone previous statin therapy have a lower incidence of postoperative AF. We tested this observation in a randomized, controlled trial. Two hundred patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, without previous statin treatment or history of AF, were enrolled. Patients were randomized to atorvastatin (40 mg/d, n=101) or placebo (n=99) starting 7 days before operation. The primary end point was incidence of postoperative AF; secondary end points were length of stay, 30-day major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, and postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) variations. Atorvastatin significantly reduced the incidence of AF versus placebo (35% versus 57%, P=0.003). Accordingly, length of stay was longer in the placebo versus atorvastatin arm (6.9+/-1.4 versus 6.3+/-1.2 days, P=0.001). Peak CRP levels were lower in patients without AF (P=0.01), irrespective of randomization assignment. Multivariable analysis showed that atorvastatin treatment conferred a 61% reduction in risk of AF (odds ratio 0.39, 95% confidence interval 0.18 to 0.85, P=0.017), whereas high postoperative CRP levels were associated with increased risk (odds ratio 2.0, 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 7.0, P=0.01). The incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events at 30 days was similar in the 2 arms. Treatment with atorvastatin 40 mg/d, initiated 7 days before surgery, significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative AF after elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass and shortens hospital stay. These results may influence practice patterns with regard to adjuvant pharmacological therapy before cardiac surgery.

Severe Secondary Peritonitis following Gastrointestinal Tract Perforation

Early prognostic evaluation of abdominal sepsis is useful in the assessment of the severity of the disease and to select high-risk patients for early surgical reintervention. The aim of this study was to identify prognostic factors in a well-defined patient population most likely to benefit from early reoperation. Retrospective analysis of 66 consecutive patients with secondary peritonitis caused by gastrointestinal tract perforation and requiring postoperative treatment in an intensive care unit was performed using univariate and multivariate analysis to identify risk factors for hospital mortality. The overall hospital mortality rate was 36 %. Significant risk factors in the univariate analysis included advanced age (p = 0.000), pre-existing illness (p = 0.000), chronic medication (p = 0.028), hospital transfer (p = 0.036), non-traumatic cause of perforation (p = 0.031), high Mannheim peritonitis index (MPI) score (p = 0.001), and high C-reactive protein (CRP) level in the early postoperative phase (p = 0.015). In a multivariate analysis, only advanced age (odds ratio 1.1008, p = 0.000) and high postoperative CRP level (odds ratio 1.0095, p = 0.008) were identified as independent prognostic factors for hospital mortality. In addition to factors associated with the physiological reserve of the patient, type of peritonitis and high MPI score, elevated CRP levels in the early postoperative phase in patients operated for severe secondary peritonitis have prognostic significance. However, before a properly designed randomized study on the value of planned relaparotomy in secondary peritonitis can be initiated, more reliable methods to identify high-risk patients need to be found.