Peak C-reactive Protein Research Articles

Impact of Day 2 C‐Reactive Protein on Day 3 and 4 Thresholds Associated With Infective Complications Following Curative Surgery for Colorectal Cancer

The postoperative systemic inflammatory response, as evidenced by C-reactive protein (CRP) on days 3 and 4, has been reported to be associated with the development of infective complications following surgery for colorectal cancer. However, patients in enhanced recovery after surgery require earlier assessment at day 2, the peak CRP response to surgery. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of day 2 CRP on the CRP concentrations on days 3 and 4. Patients with colorectal cancer undergoing elective resection were recorded in a prospective database (n = 357). CRP was measured preoperatively and on days 1-4 postoperatively. Correlations between day 2 CRP and day 3 and day 4 CRP concentrations were examined. The majority of patients were ≥ 65 (72 %), male (53 %), underwent right or left hemicolectomy (63 %), and had node-negative disease (61 %). Day 2 CRP was not significantly associated with age, sex, operation type, or tumor stage. Day 2 CRP was directly associated with day 3 (r (2) = 0.601, p < 0.001) and day 4 (r (2) = 0.270, p < 0.001) CRP. The median day 2 CRP that corresponded with the previously described thresholds for predicting infective complications was ~190 mg/L, and for predicting an anastomotic leak 200 mg/L. A day 2 CRP concentration >190 mg/L was associated with day 3 and 4 CRP concentrations above established CRP thresholds for the development of infective complications.

The safety and efficacy of bedside removal of tunneled hemodialysis catheters by nephrology trainees

Background: Some nephrologists remove tunneled hemodialysis catheters (TDC) at the bedside, but this practice has never been formally studied. Our hypothesis was that bedside removal of TDC is a safe and effective procedure affording prompt removal, including in cases of suspected infection. Methods: We reviewed our consecutive 3-year experience (2007–2009) with bedside TDC removal at the University of Mississippi Renal Fellowship Program. Data were collected on multiple patients and procedure-related variables, success and complication rates. Association between clinical characteristics and biomarkers of inflammation and myocardial damage was examined using correlation coefficients. Results: Of 55 inpatient TDC removals (90.9% from internal jugular location), 50 (90.9%) were completed without hands-on assistance from faculty. Indications at the time of removal included bacteremia, fever or clinical sepsis with hemodynamic instability or respiratory failure. All procedures were successful, with no cuff retention noted; one patient experienced prolonged bleeding which was controlled with local pressure. Peak C-reactive protein (available in 63.6% of cohort) was 12.9 ± 8.4 mg/dL (reference range: <0.49) and median troponin-I (34% available) was 0.534 ng/mL (IQR 0.03–0.9) (reference range: <0.034) and they did not correlate with each other. Abnormal troponin-I was associated with proven bacteremia (p < 0.05) but not with systolic and diastolic BP or clinical sepsis. Conclusion: Our results suggest that bedside removal of TDC remains a safe and effective procedure regardless of site or indications. Accordingly, TDC removal should be an integral part of competent Nephrology training.

Perioperative use of a beta blocker in coronary artery bypass grafting

Atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery is associated with increases in the risk of complications, length of intensive care unit stay, and cost of care. Beta blockers are effective for controlling myocardial ischemia and arrhythmia and suppressing inflammatory cytokines. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of administrating a short-acting beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, landiolol, on postoperative atrial fibrillation. 136 patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting were single-blindly assigned randomly to landiolol (n = 68) and non-landiolol (control, n = 68) groups. In the landiolol group, the beta blocker was administered from the beginning of the operation until postoperative day 2. The primary endpoint was the incidence of atrial fibrillation until postoperative day 7, and the secondary endpoints were the postoperative levels of troponin I, creatine kinase MB-isoenzyme, and C-reactive protein. The incidence of atrial fibrillation was significantly lower in the landiolol group compared to the control group (13/68, 19% vs. 25/68, 37%, p = 0.02, logrank test). Landiolol also significantly reduced the postoperative peak C-reactive protein level compared to the control group (132 ± 55.4 vs. 161 ± 50.9 mgċL(-1), p = 0.004). Low-dose continuous infusion of landiolol reduced the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation, and significantly suppressed inflammation.

Advanced age influences the dynamic changes in circulating C-reactive protein following injury

BackgroundThe concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker of systemic inflammation, is determined by genetic, clinical and demographic factors including gender, smoking and body mass index (BMI). The influence of...

Abdominal adiposity is the main determinant of the C-reactive response to injury in subjects undergoing inguinal hernia repair

BackgroundObesity and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) (a sensitive marker of inflammatory activity) are associated with most chronic diseases. Abdominal adiposity along with age is the strongest determinant of baseline CRP levels in healthy subjects. The mechanism of the association of serum CRP with disease is uncertain. We hypothesized that baseline serum CRP is a marker of inflammatory responsiveness to injury and that abdominal adiposity is the main determinant of this responsiveness. We studied the effect of abdominal adiposity, age and other environmental risk factors for chronic disease on the CRP response to a standardised surgical insult, unilateral hernia repair to not only test this hypothesis but to inform the factors which must be taken into account when assessing systemic inflammatory responses to surgery.Methods102 male subjects aged 24-94 underwent unilateral hernia repair by a single operator. CRP was measured at 0, 6, 24 and 48 hrs. Response was defined as the peak CRP adjusted for baseline CRP.ResultsAge and waist:hip ratio (WHR) were associated both with basal CRP and CRP response with similar effect sizes after adjustment for a wide-range of covariates. The adjusted proportional difference in CRP response per 10% increase in WHR was 1.50 (1.17-1.91) p = 0.0014 and 1.15(1.00-1.31) p = 0.05 per decade increase in age. There was no evidence of important effects of other environmental cardiovascular risk factors on CRP response.ConclusionWaist:hip ratio and age need to be considered when studying the inflammatory response to surgery. The finding that age and waist:hip ratio influence baseline and post-operative CRP levels to a similar extent suggests that baseline CRP is a measure of inflammatory responsiveness to casual stimuli and that higher age and obesity modulate the generic excitability of the inflammatory system leading to both higher baseline CRP and higher CRP response to surgery. The mechanism for the association of baseline CRP and waist:hip ratio to chronic disease outcomes could be through this increase in inflammatory system excitability.

The impact of the peak (day 2) C-reactive protein (CRP) on the day 3 and day 4 CRP thresholds associated with infective complications following curative surgery in colorectal cancer.

595 Background: The postoperative systemic inflammatory response, as evidenced by C-reactive protein (CRP) on day 3 (threshold ~170 mg/L) and day 4 (threshold ~130mg/L), have been reported to be associated with the development of infective complications following surgery for colorectal cancer. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of the peak, day 2 CRP, on CRP concentrations at day 3 and day 4. Methods: Patients with colorectal cancer who were considered to have undergone elective curative resection were recorded in a prospective database (n=396). CRP was measured preoperatively and on days 1 to 4 postoperatively. Correlations between day 2 CRP and other perioperative CRP concentrations were examined. Results: The majority of patients were 65 or older (67%), male (55%), had colonic tumours (66%), had node negative disease (57%) and were from a deprived area (55%). Day 2 CRP was not associated not with age (p=0.055), sex (p=0.185), deprivation (p=0.103), tumour site (p=0.529) or stage (p=0.395). Day 2 CRP was directly associated with day 1 (r2=0.421, p&lt;0.001), day 3 (r2=0.617, p&lt;0.001) and day 4 (r2=0.315, p&lt;0.001) CRP, but not preoperative CRP (r2=0.008, p=0.084). The median day 2 CRP that corresponded with the previously described thresholds (~170mg/L and ~130mg/L at day 3 and 4 respectively) for predicting infective complications was 190mg/L. Similarly, the median day 2 CRP corresponding to the previously described thresholds (~190mg/L and ~140mg/L at day 3 and 4 respectively) for predicting an anastomotic leak was 200mg/L. Conclusions: A day 2 CRP concentration &gt;190 - 200mg/L, was associated with day 3 and 4 CRP concentrations above established CRP thresholds for the development of infective complications. It remains to be determined whether reduction in day 2 CRP concentrations will reduce infective complications following surgery for colorectal cancer.

Novel inflammatory biomarkers in acute coronary syndrome

See Article on Page 165-173 Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is multifactorial and is caused by plaque rupture and subsequent thrombosis [1]. Inflammation in the plaques is one of the driving forces triggering a cascade of events leading to plaque rupture and acute coronary occlusion. C-reactive protein (CRP) is increased after ACS, particularly in association with myocardial necrosis, reflecting the level of inflammation in the myocardium. CRP levels following acute myocardial infarction (MI) peak at 2 to 4 days, then subside to baseline levels over 8 to 12 weeks. Clinical trials have yielded conflicting results on the predictive value of CRP after acute MI. Elevated serum CRP obtained within 12 to 24 hours of symptom onset in a study of 448 patients with acute MI (ST-elevation MI, 76%) was associated with larger echocardiographic infarct size, higher 30-day mortality rate, and development of heart failure [2]. In contrast, CRP measured within 6 hours of symptom onset in 483 patients with acute ST-elevation MI was not associated with 30-day mortality rate or development of heart failure [3]. Similarly, CRP measured 2 months after acute MI in a study of 957 patients was not a predictor of cardiac death or recurrent nonfatal MI during a 2-year follow-up [4]. These discrepancies may be explained, in part, by the timing of CRP measurement, suggesting that the peak CRP level after acute MI may predict early clinical outcome. In addition to CRP, a number of novel biomarkers of inflammatory activity are emerging for clinical use. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a hemoprotein abundantly expressed by polymorphonuclear neutrophils, which has potent proinflammatory properties. MPO is found in atheromatous plaques and may activate metalloproteinases and inactivate plasminogen activator inhibitor contributing directly to tissue injury [5]. MPO levels after acute MI peak early, then decrease over time and are not correlated with cardiac troponin levels or neutrophil counts. Only a small number of clinical studies have addressed the prognostic role of MPO in patients with ACS, and the results indicated that high MPO levels predicted an increased risk for subsequent death and MI at 1 year [6,7]. Further investigations regarding the actual role of MPO and its clinical significance for patients with ACS are needed. Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) is a proatherosclerotic zinc-binding matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), highly expressed in vulnerable plaques. Circulating PAPP-A is increased following ACS and has been shown to be associated with adverse cardiovascular events. One study in 136 ACS patients negative for cardiac troponins indicated that PAPP-A was a strong independent predictor of ischemic cardiac events and need for revascularization during 6-month follow-up [8]. However, current evidence for PAPP-A as a novel marker of atherosclerotic plaque activity is insufficient, and further studies are needed to validate its clinical value. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may degrade myocardial extracellular matrix (ECM) leading to left ventricular dilatation and heart failure. The structural integrity of myocardial ECM is dependent on endogenous zinc-binding MMPs, which are regulated by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), in particular TIMP-1. MMP9 and TIMP1 are known to be predictive of cardiovascular death and heart failure [9]. MMP3 is also elevated after acute MI, and associated with left ventricular dysfunction, adverse left ventricular remodeling, and prognosis [10]. In this issue of The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine, Guzel et al. [11] report an association between elevated levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1, and decreased levels of interleukin-33 (IL-33), indicating their potentially crucial role in the development and progression of ACS. In 55 patients with non-ST-elevation ACS, serum levels of IL-33, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and CRP were measured on admission, and at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after the initial evaluation. Serum levels of IL-33 were decreased in ACS groups, as compared to controls, whereas levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were higher in ACS groups. IL-33 levels were negatively correlated with MMP-9 and CRP levels, supporting the anti-inflammatory and atheroprotective actions of IL-33 in the course of ACS. Although there are many emerging biomarkers of inflammation, their roles in the development and progression of ACS and their clinical utility remain unclear. Currently available biomarkers have not been instrumental in guiding treatment strategies, and current evidence still favors the need for further investigation into the mechanisms through which these inflammatory biomarkers may exert prognostic impact in patients with ACS. Large-scale randomized trials based on the use of a biomarker or of combined biomarkers would prove beneficial in tailoring therapy as well as providing more compelling evidence on their utility as surrogate markers of disease severity and inflammatory activity in ACS.

Neutrophil Elastase Inhibitor Sivelestat Attenuates Perioperative Inflammatory Response in Pediatric Heart Surgery With Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) evokes activation of a systemic inflammatory response. Sivelestat has been used clinically to treat acute lung injury associated with systemic inflammatory response syndrome. This prospective, doubleblind, randomized study was designed to evaluate the effects of sivelestat in the perioperative period of elective pediatric open-heart surgery with CPB. Twenty-six consecutive pediatric patients weighing between 5 and 10 kg and undergoing open-heart surgery with CPB were divided into a sivelestat group (n = 13) and a control group (n = 13). The patients in the sivelestat group were administered a continuous intravenous infusion of 0.2 mg/kg/hour of sivelestat, and the patients in the control group were administered the same volume of 0.9% saline from the initiation of CPB to 24 hours after surgery. Blood samples were drawn for the measurement of cytokines, polymorphonuclear elastase (PMN-E), white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil count (NC), and C-reactive protein (CRP). There were no significant differences in cytokine data between the two groups. The peak PMN-E and WBC levels were significantly increased in the control group (P = 0.049, P = 0.039). The WBC and NC levels immediately after surgery in the control group were significantly greater than those in the sivelestat group (P = 0.049, P = 0.044). The peak CRP level in the control group was significantly greater than the sivelestat group (P = 0.04), and the CRP level on postoperative day 4 in the control group was significantly greater than in the sivelestat group (P = 0.014). This study showed that sivelestat attenuates the perioperative inflammatory response in pediatric heart surgery with CPB.

C-reactive protein (CRP) in different types of minimally invasive knee arthroplasty

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase biomarker responding to surgical trauma. Typically, a first peak is observed at day 2 with a reduction at day 4 and normalization 3-6 weeks after surgery. CRP is often linked to prosthetic joint infection when elevated values are present longer time after surgery. The aim of this study was to analyse the kinetics of CRP in different types of minimally invasive (MI) arthroplasty and to observe if there were significant differences in between MI total knee arthroplasty (TKA), patient-specific instruments (PSI) TKA and unicompartmental arthroplasty (UKA). Three hundred and seventy-two patients were prospectively studied with a blood test measuring CRP at day 2, 4, 21 and 42 in 3 different groups of patients: 257 MI TKA, 55 PSI TKA and 60 UKA. Mean peak values and kinetics were compared in between different groups of MI arthroplasty. There was a significant age difference in the three MI arthroplasty groups. The difference in mean age for the conventional MI TKA group of 68.8 ± 9.8 years, 58.5 ± 11.7 years for the unicompartmental group (P < 0.05) and 63.3 ± 9.6 years for the PSI group (P < 0.05) was significant. Mean CRP level, for the entire study group, on day 2 was 16.7 ± 8.8 mg/dl that gradually decreased to 13.6 ± 7.8 mg/dl on day 4. On day 21 and 42, median CRP level was 0.6 (0-20) and 0.4 (0-7) mg/dl, respectively. Peak CRP values were lower for UKA compared to TKA at day 2 (11.6 vs. 17.5 mg/dl) and day 4 (8.0 vs. 15 mg/dl), but this was not observed for PSI-assisted arthroplasty (18.9 vs. 17.5 mg/dl). There was a trend for faster CRP normalization in UKA compared to the two other groups at day 21 and at day 42 and for PSI TKA to have a lower mean level at 4 days (12.9 vs. 15 mg/dl). There was no statistical difference in the normalization rate of PSI-assisted versus MI TKA. Kinetics of CRP in MI arthroplasty are identical to the published kinetics of conventional TKA. Most patients normalize CRP at 3 weeks; however, 18 % does not by 6 weeks. This is not a sign of early prosthetic joint infection. Peak values are significantly lower for UKA but not for PSI TKA.

1100 C-Reactive Protein Concentrations in Neonates with Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy and Effect of Total Body Hypothermia

Background and AimsProduction of C-reactive protein (CRP), an acute phase reactant of hepatic origin, may be affected by perinatal asphyxia. This study tested hypotheses that circulatory CRP concentrations correlate with...

Effects of Quercetin Supplementation on Markers of Muscle Damage and Inflammation after Eccentric Exercise

The flavonoid quercetin is purported to have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study examined if quercetin supplementation attenuates indicators of exercise-induced muscle damage in a double-blind laboratory study. Thirty healthy subjects were randomized to quercetin (QU) or placebo (PL) supplementation and performed 2 separate sessions of 24 eccentric contractions of the elbow flexors. Muscle strength, soreness, resting arm angle, upper arm swelling, serum creatine kinase (CK) activity, plasma quercetin (PQ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were assessed before and for 5 d after exercise. Subjects then ingested nutrition bars containing 1,000 mg/d QU or PL for 7 d before and 5 d after the second exercise session, using the opposite arm. PQ reached 202 ± 52 ng/ml after 7 d of supplementation and remained elevated during the 5-d postexercise recovery period (p < .05). Subjects experienced strength loss (peak = 47%), muscle soreness (peak = 39 ± 6 mm), reduced arm angle (-7° ± 1°), CK elevations (peak = 3,307 ± 1,481 U/L), and arm swelling (peak = 11 ± 2 mm; p < .0001), indicating muscle damage and inflammation; however, differences between treatments were not detected. Eccentric exercise did not alter plasma IL-6 (peak = 1.9 pg/ml) or CRP (peak = 1.6 mg/L) relative to baseline or by treatment. QU supplementation had no effect on markers of muscle damage or inflammation after eccentric exercise of the elbow flexors.

Fluctuation of systemic immunity in melanoma and implications for timing of therapy

Evidence suggests that immunological response in chronic inflammation is dynamic, oscillating between active immunity and tolerance. We hypothesized that a similar dynamic exists in melanoma and administration of therapy during a unique phase of such oscillation could impact clinical outcome. Patients with metastatic melanoma eligible to undergo temozolomide underwent serial measurements of C-reactive protein (CRP) and immune biomarkers every 2-3 days for 2 weeks before starting therapy. Treatment was initiated prior to the estimated next CRP peak, or on day 14 post-registration if a peak was not identified. Time profiles of measured biomarkers were analyzed by fitting serially measured data points to 9 mathematical functions and were correlated to time of therapy and outcome. Data suggested that metastatic melanoma patients exhibit a dynamic immune response. The fluctuation of several biomarkers fitted cosine functions with periods which were multiples of 3-4 days. Chemotherapy delivery during a unique phase of this cycle seemed to correlate with improved response. Individualized conventional chemotherapy delivery by synchronizing treatment with pre-existing patient-specific biorhythms may improve clinical outcomes in metastatic melanoma.

Revisão sistemática e metanálise sobre o valor preditivo da proteína C-reativa em infecção pós-operatória

Revisão sistemática sobre a proteína C-reativa (PCR) a fim de identificar seu valor preditivo no prognóstico/diagnóstico de infecção em pacientes cirúrgicos. As fontes de busca foram: COCHRANE, EMBASE, LILACS, MEDLINE E OVID, e referências bibliográficas dos estudos encontrados. Em todos os estudos a elevação dos níveis de PCR foi observada após a cirurgia e na presença de infecções pós-operatórias (PO), em oito estudos um pico de PCR entre o segundo e o terceiro PO foi relatado como aspecto normal da curva de PCR, declinando em pacientes sem complicações pós-operatórias, e elevando em pacientes com complicações. A metanálise revelou média de 85% (sensibilidade), 86% (especificidade), a área sob a curva SROC foi de 0,9060, e a Odds Ratio foi de 23,56. A PCR com outras intervenções clínicas apresenta alto valor no prognóstico/ diagnóstico de infecção pós-cirúrgica.

The Inclusion of an Elevated Peak C-Reactive Protein in the Case Definition of Late Neonatal Sepsis Identifies a Significant Number of Culture Negative Septic Episodes

Background and aims: For the purposes of infection surveillance, late-neonatal septic episodes are usually defined as a positive culture from a normally sterile site occurring 72 hours after birth for which a clinician has prescribed five days of antibiotics1. Culture negative septic episodes are, however, not recorded and their contribution to the sepsis burden is unknown. Methods: Over a six month period, all episodes of possible late sepsis on a Level 3 NICU were prospectively identified and classified according to peak C-reactive protein levels, blood and other culture results. Repeat episodes were identified and excluded. Results: 247 unique episodes were identified. Of these, 18 episodes had a positive culture and elevated CRP (Group B positive Streptococcus (1), Klebsiella pneumonia (2), coagulase negative Staphylococci (15)). In 51 episodes, there was an elevated CRP but negative cultures. Of these, 36 were considered to be highly clinically suspicious of sepsis and 11, were considered to result from non-infected causes (e.g. immunisation). 15 of the 22 with positive blood cultures without rise in CRP were treated by the attending clinician with at least 5 days of antibiotics (all coagulase negative Staphylococci). Conclusions: A rise in CRP during a septic episode allowed the identification of additional clinically significant culture negative septic episodes. Table 1

CRP and leukocyte-count after lumbar spine surgery: fusion vs. nucleotomy

Background Despite the fact that C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and white blood cell (WBC) count are routine blood chemistry parameters for the early assessment of wound infection after surgical procedures, little is known about the natural history of their serum values after major and minimally invasive spinal procedures.Methods Pre- and postoperative CRP serum levels and WBC count in 347 patients were retrospectively assessed after complication-free, single-level open posterior lumbar interlaminar fusion (PLIF) (n = 150) for disc degeneration and spinal stenosis and endoscopically assisted lumbar discectomy (n = 197) for herniated lumbar disc. Confounding variables such as overweight, ASA classification, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and perioperative antibiotics were recorded to evaluate their influence on the kinetics of CRP values and WBC count postoperatively.Results In both procedures, CRP peaked 2–3 days after surgery. The maximum CRP level was significantly higher after fusion: mean 127 (SD 57) (p < 0.001). A rapid fall in CRP within 4–6 days was observed for both groups, with almost normal values being reached after 14 days. Only BMI > 25 and long duration of surgery were associated with higher peak CRP values. WBC count did not show a typical and therefore interpretable profile.Conclusion CRP is a predictable and responsive serum parameter in postoperative monitoring of inflammatory responses in patients undergoing spine surgery, whereas WBC kinetics is unspecific. We suggest that CRP could be measured on the day before surgery, on day 2 or 3 after surgery, and also between days 4 and 6, to aid in early detection of infectious complications.

Time Course of C-Reactive Protein and Inflammatory Mediators after Neonatal Surgery

To characterize the perioperative course of C-reactive protein (CRP) and inflammatory mediators in neonates ≤44 weeks' corrected gestational age. Prospective study of CRP and inflammatory mediators interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α in 55 neonates undergoing thoracic or abdominal surgery. In the absence of infection, CRP increased after surgery, peaking on post-operative day 2. The perioperative patterns of CRP differed by diagnosis and inflammatory state. Surgery alone did not cause an increase in CRP because in 13 of 55 infants (24%), CRP remained <1.0 mg/dL at all time points. For thoracic procedures, patent ductus arteriosus ligation showed the least post-operative increase in CRP, and patients undergoing repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia or tracheoesophageal fistula had a greater response. Abdominal procedures with low CRP response included repair of imperforate anus and pyloric stenosis, while gastroschisis repair and bowel reanastomosis after necrotizing enterocolitis were accompanied by a robust CRP response. IL-6 concentrations peaked on post-operative day 1 and correlated with the post-operative day 2 CRP peak (r=0.398, P=.004). The additional inflammatory mediators measured were not informative. The range and time course of perioperative CRP differ by diagnosis. Serial measurements may be more informative than CRP magnitude.

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.

Can the Preprocurement Pancreas Suitability Score Predict Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury and Graft Survival After Pancreas Transplantation?

Background Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is common after pancreas transplantation, leading to pancreatitis or thrombosis with the need for relaparotomy or even graft loss. Optimal donor selection may reduce the postoperative morbidity of IRI. The Eurotransplant preprocurement pancreas suitability score (P-PASS) seeks to identify ideal donors with a value <17. Owing to the organ shortage the waiting time for pancreas transplantation is increasing, a problem that may be addressed with the use of extended-criteria donors. We analyzed our pancreas transplantations regarding postoperative complications according to the P-PASS. To reflect IRI we used the peak C-reactive protein (CRP) levels during the first 3 postoperative days. Methods From January 2009 to July 2010, we transplanted 52 pancreas grafts, including, 50 simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantations (SPK), 1 after a kidney graft, and 1 alone. For 3 SPK donors the P-PASS was not available. All transplantations were performed using systemic venous and enteric drainage. The immunosuppression protocol included antibody induction with antithymocyte globulin and maintenance therapy with steroids, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil. The peak CRP in the first 3 postoperative days was used as a marker for IRI. Results The mean P-PASS of our donors was 16.4 ± 2.6 (range, 12–22). We compared 24 patients receiving organs from “ideal” donors (P-PASS <17; ID) with 25 receiving grafts from extended-criteria donors (P-PASS ≥17; ED). There was no significant difference in the incidence of graft loss among ID versus ED grafts (20.8% vs 20.0%; P = 1.0). Comparing the rates of postoperative complications of patients, we did not observe a significant difference in graft thrombosis (4.2% vs 16.0%; P = .349), relaparotomy (29.2% vs 40.0%; P = .551), a pancreatic fistula (37.5% vs 28.0%; P = .543), or the length of hospital stay (36.5 ± 19.2 vs 37.4 ± 20.8 days; P = .875), respectively. Regarding IRI, there was no significant difference in peak CRP values (14.1 ± 5.5 vs 16.2 ± 6.0 mg/dL; P = .211). Conclusion This single center analysis failed to show that P-PASS significantly predicted pancreas graft survival, postoperative morbidity, or IRI severity. These findings suggested a chance to increase the donor pool using extended-criteria donors.

Incidence and Treatment of Pancreatic Fistula after Simultaneous Pancreas Kidney Transplantation

Background Simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPK) is associated with great postoperative morbidity, including the need for relaparotomy in up to 40% of cases. Because the pancreatic graft is known to be the major cause of the high morbidity, we examined the incidence and treatment of pancreatic fistula (PF) in this retrospective analysis. Methods From January 2004 to July 2010, we transplanted 52 pancreas grafts, including 50 SPK, 1 pancreas after kidney, and 1 pancreas transplantation alone. There were 22 female and 30 male patients with an overall mean age of 42.4 ± 7.4 years. The mean duration of diabetes was 27.3 + 8.1 years, mean duration of dialysis was 24.2 ± 28.6 months, and 14 cases were pre-emptive transplantations. All procedures were performed using systemic venous and enteric drainage. Results The incidence of clinically relevant PF was 16/52 (30.8%), including 11 (68.8%) that were treated conservatively with a drain. Five patients (31.2%) needed relaparotomy: 2 due to enteric leakage, 2 due to acute abdominal pain with graft pancreatitis observed at laparotomy, and 1 due to acute hemorrhage. In 3 cases, graft pancreatectomy was necessary. Comparing the patients with (PF+) versus without (PF−) fistulas, there was no significant difference in cold ischemia time (10.9 ± 2.6 hours vs 10.4 ± 4.4 hours; P = .633), donor age. We found a significantly higher peak C-reactive protein (CRP) level in the patients with pancreatic fistula (3661.4 ± 3474.8 U/L vs 821.8 ± 1293.7 U/L, P = .022). The lipase concentration measured in the drainage fluid postoperatively showed a significant difference between the 2 groups (3661.4 ± 3474.8 U/L vs 821.8 ± 1293.7 U/L; P = 0.006). Also, the amylase concentration was higher in the PF+ group (1747.3 ± 3346.7 U/L vs 265.3 ± 254.9 U/L; P = .097). Graft loss occurred in 4/16 cases (25.0%) of PF+ and 7/36 (19.4%) of PF− ( P = .719). Conclusion The incidence of PF after pancreas transplantation is high and seems to be associated with ischemia-reperfusion injury reflected by peak-CRP. In most cases a conservative treatment is successful. The occurrence of a PF does not significantly impair graft survival.

P67 Outcomes from surgical management of pleural infection: 12-year experience from a tertiary cardiothoracic centre

Introduction and ObjectivesThoracic empyema affects >65 000 patients/year in the US and UK. Up to 50% require surgical drainage, and 15% die. We describe clinical features, microbiology, risk factors and...