Patients Undergoing Valve Replacement Surgery Research Articles

The Role of Global Longitudinal Strain in Predicting Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling After Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery in Patients With Primary Mitral Regurgitation.

This study aimed to identify the utility of global longitudinal strain (GLS) as a reliable parameter that can accurately forecast left ventricle reverse remodeling (LVRR) in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery for severe chronic primary mitral regurgitation (MR), thereby aiding in assessing mortality and morbidity risk. This retrospective observational study involved severe primary MR patients who underwent valve replacement surgery between 2018 and 2023. Pre- and postsurgery echocardiography data were collected, with GLS measurements utilized to assess left ventricular function. Various echocardiography parameters, including MR severity and LV dimensions, were analyzed. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to explore relationships between GLS and LVRR. This study enrolled 103 patients (54.4% male; mean age 45.4 ± 13.6 years). Statistical analyses revealed GLS to be an independent predictor of LVRR, with a threshold of -16.25% showing 89% sensitivity and 50% specificity. Each 1% increase in GLS corresponded to a 1.14-fold (odds ratio [OR]: 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.31; p<0.05) increased likelihood of LVRR. These findings highlight GLS's potential as a prognostic marker for postsurgical outcomes in severe MR patients.

Early Acute Kidney Injury Recovery in Elderly Patients Undergoing Valve Replacement Surgery

This study was designed to determine the incidence, contributing factors, and prognostic implications of acute kidney injury (AKI) recovery patterns in patients who experienced AKI after valve replacement surgery (VRS). A retrospective cohort study was conducted. The work took place in a postoperative care center in a single large-volume cardiovascular center. Patients undergoing VRS between January 2010 and December 2019 were enrolled. Patients were categorized into three groups based on their postoperative AKI status: non-AKI, AKI with early recovery (less than 48 hours), and persistent AKI. The primary outcome was in-hospital major adverse clinical events. The secondary outcomes included in-hospital and 1-year mortality. A total of 4,161 patients who developed AKI following VRS were included. Of these, 1,513 (36.4%) did not develop postoperative AKI, 1,875 (45.1%) experienced AKI with early recovery, and 773 (18.6%) had persistent AKI. Advanced age, diabetes, New York Heart Association III-IV heart failure, moderate-to-severe renal dysfunction, anemia, and AKI stages 2 and 3 were identified as independent risk factors for persistent AKI. In-hospital major adverse clinical events occurred in 59 (3.9%) patients without AKI, 88 (4.7%) with early AKI recovery, and 159 (20.6%) with persistent AKI (p < 0.001). Persistent AKI was independently associated with an increased risk of in-hospital adverse events and 1-year mortality. In contrast, AKI with early recovery did not pose additional risk compared with non-AKI patients. In patients who develop AKI following VRS, early AKI recovery does not pose additional risk compared with non-AKI. However, AKI lasting more than 48 hours is associated with an increased risk of in-hospital and long-term adverse outcomes.

Prognostic value of perioperative change of neutrophil elastase and myeloperoxidase in coronary circulation on perioperative myocardial injury and clinical outcome of patients underwent surgical valve replacement

Objective: To investigate the clinical value of observing perioperative changes of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and neutrophil elastase (NE) in coronary artery circulation in patients underwent valve replacement surgery. Methods: This perspective cohort study was performed in patients who underwent valvular surgery in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital and Fuwai Hospital from June 2021 to June 2022. Patients were divided into perioperative myocardial injury group and age-, sex- and type of cardiac procedure-matched non-perioperative myocardial injury control group in the ratio of 1∶1. Perioperative myocardial injury was defined as cardiac troponin T (cTnT)>0.8 μg/L on the first postoperative day (POD), and the cTnT level on the second POD increased by more than 10% compared with the cTnT level on the first POD. During the operation, blood samples were collected from the coronary sinus before clamping ascending aorta, and within 5 minutes after de-clamping ascending aorta. Then, the levels of MPO and NE on coronary sinus were continuously measured. The death, severe ventricular arrhythmia, pneumonia, re-intubation, repeat cardiac surgery, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), mechanical ventilation time and the duration of intensive care unit (ICU) were recorded. The levels of MPO and NE and the incidence of clinical outcomes were compared between the myocardial injury group and the control group. The independent risk factors of myocardial injury were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. Results: A total of 130 patients were enrolled, aged (60.6±7.6) years old, with 59 males (45.4%). There were 65 patients in the myocardial injury group and 65 patients in the control group. During hospitalization, there was no death, ECMO, IABP and CRRT cases in both groups. Compared with the control group, the incidence of severe ventricular arrhythmia (13.8%(9/65) vs. 3.1%(2/65), P=0.03), pneumonia (20.0%(13/65) vs. 3.1%(2/65), P=0.03), re-intubation (6.2%(4/65) vs. 0, P=0.04) was significantly higher in myocardial injury group. The mechanical ventilation time (16.8(10.7, 101.7) h vs. 7.5(4.7, 15.1) h, P<0.01), and the duration of ICU (3.7(2.7, 18.9) vs. 2.7(1.8, 6.9)d, P<0.01) were significantly longer in myocardial injury group compared with the control group. There was no significant difference in the levels of MPO and NE in coronary sinus blood between the two groups before aortic clamping (all P>0.05). However, MPO ((551.3±124.2) μg/L vs. (447.2±135.9) μg/L, P<0.01) and NE ((417.0±83.1)μg/L vs. (341.0±68.3)μg/L, P<0.01) after 5 min aortic de-clamping were significantly higher in myocardial injury group than in the control group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the levels of NE (OR=1.02, 95%CI: 1.01-1.02, P<0.01), MPO (OR=1.00, 95%CI: 1.00-1.01, P=0.02) and mechanical ventilation time (OR=1.03, 95%CI: 1.01-1.06, P=0.02) were independent risk factors of myocardial injury in patients after surgical valvular replacement. Conclusion: Perioperative myocardial injury is related poor clinical outcomes, perioperative NE and MPO in coronary artery circulation are independent risk factors of perioperative myocardial injury in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery.

Effect of Education Based on the Health Belief Model on Treatment Adherence in Patients With Heart Valve Replacement Surgery

Background: Adherence to the treatment regimen reduces complications of surgery after heart valve replacement. Educating the patient can improve treatment adherence. This study thus aimed to evaluate the effect of education based on the health belief model (HBM) on treatment adherence in patients with heart valve replacement surgery. Methods: In this quasi-experimental research, a total of 90 patients undergoing valve replacement surgery were studied. The subjects were selected randomly and then divided into an intervention and a control group using the permutation blocks method. The data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, an HBM- based questionnaire, and a treatment adherence questionnaire during two stages before and one month after the education. Three 60-minute sessions on HBM- based education were held based on a need assessment for the intervention group. The collected data were analyzed using the chi-square test, paired t test, independent t test, and linear regression in SPSS software version 16.0. Results: Most of the patients in the two groups were male, married, and employed, had reading and writing literacy and lived in an urban area. Both groups were similar in terms of demographic data except for marital status, disease history, and familial disease history. The mean scores of knowledge, HBM constructs (e.g., perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, perceived self-efficacy, and cues to action), and treatment adherence were greater in the control group than in the intervention group pre-intervention. However, the mean scores of all variables improved in the intervention group, and there were significant differences in the knowledge, all HBM constructs (except for perceived susceptibility and perceived self-efficacy), and medical adherence between the two groups post-intervention (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Considering the positive effect of HBM-based educational intervention on the patients’ treatment adherence, HBM-based education could be suggested for patients with heart valve replacement surgery.

Expressions of mRNA and encoded proteins of mitochondrial uncoupling protein genes (UCP1, UCP2, and UCP3) in epicardial and mediastinal adipose tissue and associations with coronary artery disease.

To evaluate the expression of UCP1, UCP2, and UCP3 mRNA and encoded proteins in epicardial and mediastinal adipose tissues in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). We studied 60 patients with CAD and 106 patients undergoing valve replacement surgery (controls). Expression levels of UCP1, UCP2, and UCP3 mRNA and encoded proteins were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. : We found increased UCP1, UCP2, and UCP3 mRNA levels in the epicardial adipose tissue in the CAD versus the control group, and higher UCP1 and UCP3 mRNA expression in the epicardial compared with the mediastinal tissue in the CAD group. There was also increased expression of UCP1 protein in the epicardial tissue and UCP2 protein in the mediastinum tissue in patients with CAD. Finally, UCP1 expression was associated with levels of fasting plasma glucose, and UCP3 expression was associated with levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density cholesterol in the epicardial tissue. Our study supports the hypothesis that higher mRNA expression by UCP genes in the epicardial adipose tissue could be a protective mechanism against the production of reactive oxygen species and may guard the myocardium against damage. Thus, UCP levels are essential to maintain the adaptive phase of cardiac injury in the presence of metabolic disorders.

Effect of remimazolam tosilate versus etomidate on hemodynamics in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPatients with a history of cardiac disease are prone to develop cardiovascular adverse events such as hypotension, hypertension, and tachycardia during anesthesia induction. Therefore, hemodynamic stability is one of the most important concerns for induction of anesthesia in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Remimazolam tosilate is a new, ultra-short-acting benzodiazepine agent, with the advantages of rapid onset, rapid offset, and minimal cardiorespiratory depression. We aim to compare the effect of remimazolam tosilate and etomidate on hemodynamics during anesthesia induction in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery.Methods/designThe trial is a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, controlled, single-center trial to compare the effect of remimazolam tosilate and etomidate on hemodynamics in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery. One hundred seventeen patients undergoing selective valve replacement surgery between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023, will be enrolled and randomly allocated into one of three groups: low-dose remimazolam group (Group LR), high-dose remimazolam group (Group HR), or etomidate group (Group E). The primary outcome is hemodynamic fluctuations during anesthesia induction (the difference between mean arterial pressure [MAP] to baseline, ▴MAP; and the difference between maximum or minimum heart rate [HR] and baseline, ▴HR). Secondary outcomes include the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events (hypotension, severe bradycardia, hypertension, tachycardia, and arrhythmia), the cumulative doses of vasoactive drugs used per patient, incidence and degree of injection pain and myoclonus, blood glucose values, and vital signs at different time points.DiscussionThis research will determine the effectiveness and safety of remimazolam tosilate induction on hemodynamics in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery.Trial registrationwww.chictr.org.cn identifier ChiCTR2100052535. Registered on 17th Dec 2021, http://www.chictr.org.cn/).

Efficacy and safety of remimazolam for non-obese patients during anesthetic induction in cardiac surgery: study protocol for a multicenter randomized trial

BackgroundValvular heart disease remains common in both developed and developing countries, and it requires timely surgical treatment when necessary. However, the stability of hemodynamics during anesthesia induction in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery is difficult to maintain due to their impaired cardiac function. Remimazolam, a novel and ultrashort-acting intravenous sedative-hypnotic, may be beneficial to stable hemodynamics, but the evidence is limited. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effect of remimazolam induction on hemodynamics compared with midazolam and etomidate in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery.MethodsThis is a prospective, multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT). Three hundred and sixty-three non-obese adult patients aged 45 to 80 years old undergoing valve surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass will be randomly allocated to receive remimazolam tosilate, midazolam, or etomidate during anesthetic induction. The primary outcome is the incidence of hypotension within 20 min after the administration of investigated drugs. The hypotension is defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 90 mmHg or a 30% reduction in SBP from baseline or the application of vasoactive drugs. Secondary outcomes include incidence of successful sedation, time to successful sedation, incidence of delirium and postoperative low cardiac output syndrome within 7 days after surgery, hospital mortality, mechanical ventilation time, ICU length of stay, and hospital length of stay.DiscussionTo our knowledge, this is the first prospective RCT to investigate the efficacy and safety of remimazolam induction in adult cardiac surgery compared with midazolam and etomidate. This study will provide important information on the application of remimazolam in cardiac surgery in the future.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry chictr.org.cn ChiCTR2100050122. Registered on August 16, 2021.

Cognitive function and delirium following sevoflurane or propofol anesthesia for valve replacement surgery: A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Cognitive dysfunction is a common postoperative neurological complication in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery. This study aimed to compare the effects of sevoflurane versus propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia on the incidence of cognitive dysfunction following valve replacement surgery. This multicenter, randomized, controlled double-blinded study was conducted in three teaching hospitals in China. Patients receiving on-pump valve replacement surgery were enrolled. Stratified block randomization was used to randomly assign patients 1:1 to receive sevoflurane (1.0-1.5 MAC) or propofol (2.0-3.0mg/kg/h) for anesthesia maintenance. The primary outcome was the incidence of cognitive dysfunction assessed by four cognitive tests before, as well as 7-14 days after surgery. Patients were randomly assigned to receive sevoflurane anesthesia (n=144) or propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (n=145). The incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction in the sevoflurane anesthesia group (31.9%) was significantly lower than that in the total intravenous anesthesia group (43.4%; relative risk 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.38-0.97, p=0.044). There was no difference in the incidence of delirium between patients receiving sevoflurane and total intravenous anesthesia (27.8% [35/144] vs. 25.9% [35/145], 1.10, 95% CI: 0.64 to 1.90, p=0.736). There was a significant difference in the Katz Index on day 3 after surgery (3 [0.9) vs. 3 (1.0], 0.095, 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.43, p=0.012). No difference was observed in other outcomes between the two groups. For patients undergoing on-pump valve replacement surgery, sevoflurane anesthesia had a smaller effect on cognitive function and independence in daily life activities compared with propofol anesthesia.

Differences in mortality between emergency and elective valve exchange surgeries in a tertiary hospital between 2010 and 2021

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Main funding source(s): Public institutions. Introduction The natural history of valvular heart disease is very heterogeneous and varies according to the etiology and valve affected. It is well established that the presence of symptoms or some alarm signs indicates interventions to improve the patient’s prognosis. In some cases, the patient is subjected to at a late time of the natural history of his disease, sometimes during clinical instability and this can get a much worse prognosis. Therefore, follow-up of the valvopathic patient is essential to indicate the best moment of intervention. The aim of this study was to analyze the difference in mortality in patients submitted to valve replacement in an elective and in a tertiary hospital. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of morbidity and mortality when comparators the use of biological and metallic prostheses in elective surgeries and emergencies. Methods Medical records were reviewed of patients undergoing valve replacement surgery in an aortic and mitral position in an emergency and elective character between 2010 and 2021. Results A total of 5,340 valve replacement surgeries were performed in an aortic and mitral position, of which 945 were emergency surgical and 4395 in an elective scenario. Among the emergency procedures, there were a total of 270 deaths (28.57%). While in elective procedures mortality was 535 deaths (12.17%). Regarding the nature of the prosthesis, 91.57% were placed biological, where 874 (17.87%) of these procedures were emergency and of these, 255 deaths (29.17%) were recorded. In elective nature, 4,016 prostheses (82.12%) were, among these cases, 499 deaths (12.42%). In relation to mechanical prostheses, the total was 8.42%, 71 of which were placed as an emergency with 15 deaths (21.12%). Valve surgery with mechanical prosthesis was performed in 379 patients and 36 deaths were recorded (9.49%). Conclusion Valve replacement in an emergency context has mortality 2.34 times higher than when performed electively. This data reflects that the intervention at a late stage of the natural history of valvopathies, especially in situations of clinical instability brings the patient a worse prognosis and this shows us the importance of accompanying the valvopathic patient appropriately in an outpatient context to indicate the most opportune moment of valve replacement if the procedure is necessary.

Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Mortality Risk in Elderly Patients Undergoing Valve Replacement Surgery: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

BackgroundThe prognostic value of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in elderly patients is controversial. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between the preoperative LDL-C and adverse outcomes in elderly patients undergoing valve replacement surgery (VRS).MethodsA total of 2,552 aged patients (age ≥ 60 years) undergoing VRS were retrospectively recruited and divided into two groups according to LDL-C level on admission: low LDL-C (<70 mg/dL, n = 205) and high LDL-C groups (≥ 70 mg/dL, n = 2,347). The association between the preoperative LDL-C with in-hospital and one-year mortality was evaluated by propensity score matching analysis and multivariate analysis.ResultsThe mean age was 65 ± 4 years and 1,263 (49.5%) were men. Patients in the low LDL-C group were significantly older (65.9 ± 4.6 vs. 64.9 ± 4.1, p = 0.002), with more male (65.4 vs. 48.1%, p < 0.001), higher alanine transaminase (ALT) (21 vs. 19, p = 0.001), lower serum albumin (35.3 ± 4.6 vs. 37.1 ± 4.1, p < 0.001), higher serum creatinine (92.2 ± 38.2 vs.84.6 ± 26.1, p = 0.006), lower lymphocyte count (1.7 ± 0.7 vs. 1.9 ± 0.6, p < 0.001), lower hemoglobin (121.9 ± 22.3 vs. 130.2 ± 16.5, p < 0.001), lower platelet count (171.3 ± 64.3 vs. 187.7 ± 58.7, p < 0.001), lower prognostic nutrition index (44 ± 6.2 vs. 46.7 ± 5.8, p < 0.001), and more severe tricuspid regurgitation (33.7 vs. 25.1%, p = 0.008). The rates of in-hospital death (11.2 vs. 3.7%, p < 0.001) and major adverse clinical events (17.6 vs. 9.6%, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the low LDL-C group. The cumulative one-year death rate was significantly higher in the low LDL-C group (Log-Rank = 16.6, p < 0.001). After matching analysis and multivariate analysis, no association between LDL-C level and adverse outcomes was detected (all p > 0.05).ConclusionOur study did not support the negative relationship between LDL-C level and mortality risk in elderly patients undergoing VRS.

Complications and Predictors of Postoperative Mortality in Patients Undergoing Valve Replacement Surgery

Introduction: Valvulopathies continue to be an important cause of medical consultation and hospitalization. Objective: to identify the main complications and predictors of postoperative mortality in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery.

Significant Coronary Artery Disease in Patients Undergoing Valve Replacement Surgery

Objective: To determine the frequency of angiographically significant coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery and referred for Coronary angiography. Study Design: Cross Sectional Descriptive Study. Study Setting&amp; duration: From 14th February 2016 to 14th August 2016 in the Department of Cardiology, Tabba Heart Institute, Karachi. Material and Methods: Total 127 patients of both genders with age 40-75 years undergone referred for coronary angiography and as a pre requisite of required valve replacement surgery were included and significant findings were noted. The history of comorbid, family history of premature CAD, smoking and basal metabolic index were noted. Results: There were 58.3% male and 41.7% female patients. Average age was 54.60±8.91 years. Mean BMI was 28.64±4.62 Kg/m2. 75.6% patients were obese. Angiographically significant CAD was observed positive in 27.6% patients. Significant association was found with hypertension and premature family history of CAD. The prevalence was high in patients with MVR followed in patients with AVR. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of angiographically significant coronary artery disease was 27.6%.in cases going through valve replacement is substantial. The prevalence was high in patients with MVR followed in patients with AVR. Keywords: CAD, Angiography, Significant Coronary Artery Disease, Valve Replacement Surgery

The effect of preoperative statin treatment on acute kidney injury in elderly patients undergoing valve replacement surgery.

The effects of preoperative statin treatment on acute kidney injury (AKI) remain controversial, and current clinical evidence regarding statin use in the elderly undergoing valve replacement surgery (VRS) is insufficient. The present study aimed to investigate the association between preoperative statin treatment and AKI after VRS in the elderly. Three thousand seven hundred ninety-one elderly patients (≥ 60years) undergoing VRS were included in this study and divided into 2 groups, according to the receipt of statin treatment before the operation: statin users (n = 894) and non-users (n = 2897). We determined the associations between statin use, AKI, and other adverse events using a multivariate model and propensity score-matched analysis. After propensity score-matched analysis, there was no difference between statin users and non-users in regard to postoperative AKI (72.5% vs. 72.4%, p = 0.954), in-hospital death (5.7% vs. 5.1%, p = 0.650) and 1-year mortality (log-rank = 0, p = 0.986). The multivariate analysis showed that statin use was not an independent risk factor for postoperative AKI (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.90-1.17, p = 0.733), in-hospital mortality (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.75-1.68, p = 0.568), or 1-year mortality (HR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.70-1.28, p = 0.715). Preoperative statin treatment did not significantly affect the risk of AKI among elderly patients undergoing VRS.

Sex Differences in the Utilization and Outcomes of Cardiac Valve Replacement Surgery for Infective Endocarditis: Insights From the National Inpatient Sample.

BackgroundThe data on the differential impact of sex on the utilization and outcomes of valve replacement surgery for infective endocarditis are limited to single‐center and small sample size patient population.Methods and ResultsWe utilized the National Inpatient Sample database to identify patients with a discharge diagnosis of infective endocarditis from 2004 to 2015 to assess differences in the characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients hospitalized with infective endocarditis stratified by sex. We also evaluated trends in utilization of cardiac valve replacement and individual valve replacement surgeries in women versus men over a 12‐year period, and compared in‐hospital mortality after surgical treatment in women versus men. A total of 81 942 patients were hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of infective endocarditis from January 2004 to September 2015, of whom 44.31% were women. Women were less likely to undergo overall cardiac valve replacement (6.92% versus 12.12%), aortic valve replacement (3.32% versus 8.46%), mitral valve replacement (4.60% versus 5.57%), and combined aortic and mitral valve replacement (0.85% versus 1.81%) but had similar in‐hospital mortality rates. From 2004 to 2015, the overall rates of cardiac valve replacement increased from 11.76% to 13.96% in men and 6.34% to 9.26% in women and in‐hospital mortality declined in both men and women. Among the patients undergoing valve replacement surgery, in‐hospital mortality was higher in women (9.94% versus 6.99%, P<0.001).ConclusionsDespite increased utilization of valve surgery for infective endocarditis in both men and women and improving trends in mortality, we showed that there exists a treatment bias with underutilization of valve surgeries for infective endocarditis in women and demonstrated that in‐hospital mortality was higher in women undergoing valve surgery in comparison to men.

Effect of remimazolam induction on hemodynamics in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

BackgroundThe stability of hemodynamics during anesthesia induction in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery is particularly important. Remimazolam is a new type of benzodiazepine drug, with supposed advantages of rapid induction, rapid recovery, stable hemodynamics, and mild respiratory inhibition.AimTo evaluate the effect of remimazolam anesthesia induction on hemodynamics in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery.MethodsThis randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial enrolled consecutive patients undergoing mitral valve replacement (MVR)/aortic valve replacement (AVR)/double‐valve replacement (DVR) surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The study was conducted according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either remimazolam or propofol induction of 30 patients each. All patients, data collectors, and data analyzers were blinded to the group allocation. The primary outcomes were the fluctuations in hemodynamic parameters (the difference of maximum or minimum heart rate to baseline, ▲HR, the difference of maximum or minimum mean arterial pressure to baseline, ▲MAP), the occurrence of cardiovascular events (hypotension, severe bradycardia), and the cumulative norepinephrine doses used per patient, averaged per group during induction. The secondary outcomes were hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, HR, mean arterial pressure, MAP, bispectral index, BIS, plasma lactic acid, Lac, and blood glucose, Glu values).ResultsA total of 60 patients with heart valve replacement were included in the final analysis, with 30 patients in each group. The ▲MAP was significantly lower in the remimazolam group than in the propofol group during induction (p < .05). The incidences of hypotension and the cumulative norepinephrine doses used per patient, averaged per group during induction were significantly lower in the remimazolam group than in the propofol group (p < .05).ConclusionRemimazolam may be safe and effective for induction and may as an alternative to propofol during anesthesia induction in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery.

Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis Diagnosis and Management- New Paradigm Shift Narratives.

Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is a major infectious disease problem due to the increasing numbers of patients undergoing valve replacement surgery. PVE can present diagnostic difficulties echocardiographically, especially when complicating transvascular placement techniques. Moreover, outbreaks of unusual PVE pathogens, such as Mycobacterium chimaera, have presented major diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas.

Impact of early ambulation on functionality in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery

Cardiac surgery is a highly complex procedure that aims to increase and prolong the quality of life of patients. The role of physiotherapy in early mobilization after cardiac surgery has shown several benefits to the patient when he presents impairments in terms of functionality. To evaluate the impact of early ambulation on the functionality of patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement surgery. Prospective cohort study in patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement surgery. Patients had their functionality assessed preoperatively using the Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) and Perme Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Mobility Score scales. At ICU discharge, they were divided into two groups: walking group (WG) and non-WG (NWG). At discharge, the two functional scales were reapplied in these patients. Pre- and postoperative values were assessed using the independent Student's t-test. It was considered statistically significant when P<0.05. One hundred and seventy patients were evaluated, 110 (65%) male, with a mean age of 48±2 years. In relation to Perme Score, the WG had a decrease of 11±2 and the NWG had a decrease of 13±2 (P=0.34). Regarding FIM, those who walked had a decrease of 27±3 against those who did not walk, which showed a reduction of 36±5, with a significance level of P<0.001. Based on the FIM data found, patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement surgery who underwent early mobilization had less decrease of functionality compared to patients who did not ambulate. Based on this article, we can demonstrate that walking while still in the ICU environment favors less loss of functionality for patients after valve replacement surgery.

Short-term Effects of Alfacalcidol on Hospital Length of Stay in Patients Undergoing Valve Replacement Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial

PurposeVitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in critically ill patients, and has been associated with more prolonged length of hospital stay and poor prognosis. Patients undergoing open-heart surgery are at higher risk due to the associated life-threatening postoperative complications. This study investigated the effect of alfacalcidol treatment on the length of hospital stay in patients undergoing valve-replacement surgery. MethodsThis single-center, randomized, open-label, controlled trial was conducted at El-Demerdash Cardiac Academy Hospital (Cairo, Egypt), from April 2017 to January 2018. This study included adult patients undergoing valve-replacement surgery who were randomized to the intervention group (n = 47; alfacalcidol 2 μg/d started 48 h before surgery and continued throughout the hospital stay) or to the control group (n = 42). The primary end points were lengths of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU) and in the hospital. Secondary end points were the prevalence of postoperative hospital-acquired infections, cardiac complications, and in-hospital mortality. FindingsA total of 86 patients were included in the final analysis, with 51 (59.3%) being vitamin D deficient on hospital admission. Treatment with alfacalcidol was associated with a statistically significant decrease in ICU LOS (hazard ratio = 1.61; 95% CI, 1.77–2.81; P = 0.041) and hospital LOS (hazard ratio = 1.63; 95% CI, 1.04–2.55; P = 0.034). Treated patients had a significantly lower postoperative infection rate than did the control group (35.5% vs 56.1%; P = 0.017). The median epinephrine dose was lower in the intervention group compared to that in the control group (5.9 vs 8.2 mg; P = 0.019). The rate of in-hospital mortality was not significantly different between the 2 groups. ImplicationsEarly treatment with 2 μg of alfacalcidol in patients undergoing valve-replacement surgery is promising and well tolerated. This effect may be attributed to its immunomodulatory and cardioprotective mechanisms. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04085770.

Is Bridging Anticoagulation with Heparin after Valve Replacement Surgery Mandatory? - A Prospective Observational Study in a Centre of Bangladesh

Background: This is a prospective observational single center study to determine whether bridging anticoagulation with heparin along with warfarin is mandatory in a heterogenous group of patients undergoing valve replacement surgery either single or multiple valve (with mechanical or tissue valve) in the post-operative period.&#x0D; Methods: Perioperative data were collected in 41 patients undergoing multiple valve replacement at this center from July/2019 to September/2019 irrespective of age, sex, number and type of valve replaced. No bridging anticoagulation was given in preoperative and postoperative period in these patients. They were prospectively observed for the incidence of any thromboembolic end bleeding events with daily measurement of International Normalized Ratio (INR) till INR reached at therapeutic level for oral anticoagulant warfarin and complications of warfarin therapy.&#x0D; Results: All the patient suffered from chronic Rheumatic heart disease. Single valve disease was in 70.73% and multiple valve disease was in 29.27% cases. Two patients had left atrial thrombus, seven patient (14.63%) had preoperative atrial fibrillation (AF). Postoperative new onset AF was present in 10 (24.39%) cases. No thromboembolism occurred in these patients and warfarin over anticoagulation was found in 1/41 patient.&#x0D; Conclusion: Patients undergoing valve replacement surgery without concomitant postoperative bridging anticoagulation with heparin do not suffer from any thromboembolic and bleeding complications even at lower level of INR. This study also shows that single and multiple valve (both mechanical and tissue valve) have the same in hospital outcome in relation to thromboembolism and bleeding complications.&#x0D; Cardiovasc. j. 2020; 13(1): 27-34

Cardiac manifestations and effects of enzyme replacement therapy for over 10 years in adults with the attenuated form of mucopolysaccharidosis type I

BackgroundMucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme α-L-iduronidase. Cardiac manifestations such as valvular heart disease are associated with poor prognosis. There have been only a few reports on the effect of long-term enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for adult patients with the attenuated form of MPS I (Scheie syndrome) and cardiac involvement. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed four adult patients of Scheie syndrome for which ERT was performed in our hospital. We investigated the findings of electrocardiography and echocardiography for the four patients performed before and 10 years after the initiation of ERT to evaluate the efficacy for ERT in Scheie syndrome. ResultsThe ages of the patients at the initiation of ERT ranged from 26 to 46 years. The mean follow-up period was 129 months (121 to 134 months). Two patients underwent valve replacement surgery before the initiation of ERT. One patient had gradual progressive aortic valve stenosis and mitral valve stenosis during the course of ERT, and double valve replacement was finally performed. The patient who had started ERT at the youngest age did not develop significant cardiovascular disease. Regarding clinical courses with ERT for a period of 10 years, all four patients survived and they showed relatively stable cardiac conditions although two patients developed sick sinus syndrome after the valvular surgery. ConclusionsValvular disease in patients with Scheie syndrome occur at a young age. In a limited number of the four patients, ERT might contribute the stability of cardiac condition.