Preoperative Concentration Research Articles

Postoperative Prevalence and Risk Factors for Serum Hypokalemia in Patients with Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Regular monitoring of serum potassium after a total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is a form of routine examination that can help detect abnormal serum potassium levels and reduce the incidences of adverse events that may occur on account of postoperative hypokalemia. Previous studies rarely discussed hypokalemia after joint replacement. In the present study, our primary goal was to investigate the incidence and possible risk factors of hypokalemia after a total hip and knee replacement procedure was performed. This study included patients who underwent a unilateral total knee or hip arthroplasty in our department between April 2017 and March 2018. Serum potassium levels pre and post operation were collected and retrospectively analyzed. The differences in age, gender, body mass index (BMI), history of diseases, red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin, hematocrit, glomerular filtration rate, ejection fraction, blood glucose, urine creatinine, urea nitrogen, intraoperative blood loss, operation time, drainage, preoperative potassium, surgery type, were compared between those patients diagnosed with hypokalemia and their non-hypokalemia at different times post surgery. Thereafter, the risk factors of postoperative hypokalemia patients were analyzed using statistical procedure multiple logistic regression model. The risk of hypokalemia after TJA was 53.1%, while, that on the first, third, and fifth day after operation was 12.5%, 40.7%, and 9.6% respectively. The serum potassium level on the first, third, and fifth postoperative days was 3.84 ± 0.32, 3.59 ± 0.34, and 3.80 ± 0.32 mmol/l, respectively. However, the level on the third day appeared to be the lowest (p = 0.015) of them all. The independent risk factors for hypokalemia after a total hip and knee replacement were the level of preoperative serum potassium concentration (p = 0.011), preoperative red blood cells counts (p = 0.027), and history of diabetes (p = 0.007). Regular monitoring of serum potassium concentration should be performed post TJA. We need to pay more attention to the patient's preoperative potassium levels along with their red blood cell counts especially in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Coagulation factor XIII is a critical driver of liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy

BackgroundActivation of coagulation and fibrin deposition in the regenerating liver appears to promote adequate liver regeneration in mice. In humans, perioperative hepatic fibrin deposition is reduced in patients who develop liver dysfunction after partial hepatectomy (PHx), but the mechanism underlying reduced fibrin deposition in these patients is unclear. Methods and ResultsHepatic deposition of cross-linked (ie, stabilized) fibrin was evident in livers of mice after two-thirds PHx. Interestingly, hepatic fibrin cross-linking was dramatically reduced in mice after 90% PHx, an experimental setting of failed liver regeneration, despite similar activation of coagulation after two-thirds or 90% PHx. Likewise, intraoperative activation of coagulation was not reduced in patients who developed liver dysfunction after PHx. Preoperative fibrinogen plasma concentration was not connected to liver dysfunction after PHx in patients. Rather, preoperative and postoperative plasma activity of the transglutaminase coagulation factor (F)XIII, which cross-links fibrin, was lower in patients who developed liver dysfunction than in those who did not. PHx-induced hepatic fibrin cross-linking and hepatic platelet accumulation were significantly reduced in mice lacking the catalytic subunit of FXIII (FXIII−/− mice) after two-thirds PHx. This was coupled with a reduction in both hepatocyte proliferation and liver–to–body weight ratio as well as an apparent reduction in survival after two-thirds PHx in FXIII−/− mice. ConclusionThe results indicate that FXIII is a critical driver of liver regeneration after PHx and suggest that perioperative plasma FXIII activity may predict posthepatectomy liver dysfunction. The results may inform strategies to stabilize proregenerative fibrin during liver resection.

Determinants of postoperative complications in high-risk noncardiac surgery patients optimized with hemodynamic treatment strategies: A post-hoc analysis of a randomized multicenter clinical trial

Study objectiveThis post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial was undertaken to establish the determinants of postoperative complications and acute kidney injury in high-risk noncardiac surgery patients supported with hemodynamic treatment strategies. DesignWe conducted a post-hoc analysis of patients enrolled in the OPtimization Hemodynamic Individualized by the respiratory QUotiEnt (OPHIQUE) trial. SettingOperating rooms in four university medical centers and one non-university hospital from December 26, 2018, to September 9, 2021. PatientsWe enrolled 350 patients with a high risk of postoperative complications undergoing high-risk noncardiac surgery lasting 2 h or longer under general anesthesia. InterventionsAll patients were treated according to hemodynamic treatment strategies which included cardiac output optimization by titration of fluid challenge and targeted systolic blood pressure to remain within ±10% of the reference value. MeasurementsWe assessed the association between pre-operative and intra-operative exposure of interest with a composite primary outcome of major complications or death within seven days following surgery using a multivariable logistic regression model. We also assessed the association between these exposures of interest and acute kidney injury. Main resultsThe data of 341 patients were analyzed. In multivariate analysis, the factors independently associated with the primary outcome were age (OR = 1.04 (1.01–1.06), P = 0.002), preoperative hemoglobin concentration (OR = 0.85 (0.75–0.96), P = 0.012), non-vascular surgery (OR = 0.30 (0.17–0.53), P < 0.0001), and intraoperative surgical complications (OR = 2.08 (1.02–4.24), P = 0.046). The factors independently associated with postoperative acute kidney injury were age (OR = 1.04 (1.01–1.08), P = 0.008), preoperative creatinine concentration (OR = 1.01 (1.00–1.01), P = 0.049), non-vascular surgery (OR = 0.36 (0.20–0.66), P = 0.001), and intraoperative surgical complications (OR = 3.36 (1.50–7.55), P = 0.031). ConclusionsSurgical complications, a lower preoperative hemoglobin concentration, age, and vascular surgery were associated with postoperative complications in a high-risk noncardiac surgery population supported with hemodynamic treatment strategies.

Varicocelectomy outcomes among patients with azoospermia and severe oligasthenoteratozoospermia.

Varicocele is a reversible cause of male infertility. However, there are conflicting data available concerning the benefit of varicocele repair for patients with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) and severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT). To address the benefit of varicocelectomy in patients with severe OAT and NOA with regard to their semen parameters and surgical sperm retrieval rate in those who underwent testicular sperm extraction (TESE) or testicular sperm aspiration (TESA). This retrospective cohort study was conducted on a sample of 13 patients diagnosed with NOA and severe OAT who underwent varicocelectomy for infertility treatment with no prespecified exclusion criteria. Thirteen patients were enrolled. Five patients were diagnosed with NOA; eight were diagnosed with severe OAT. For improvements in the semen parameters postoperatively, the semen concentration of all patients was significantly increased compared to the preoperative concentration (3.59 ± 10.0.8 vs. 0.25 ± 0.31, P = 0.02) and the remaining parameters were unchanged. Regarding sperm retrieval, three patients underwent TESE and two patients underwent TESA, in which all had positive results. Varicocele repair was found to improve the semen parameters in patients with NOA and severe OAT and produced a successful surgical sperm retrieval rate in all patients who underwent TESA or TESE.

The anemia conundrum in contemporary redo cardiac surgery

Abstract Aims Preoperative anemia has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery, but little is known on its prognostic value in the setting of redo procedure. This study aimed to investigate whether preoperative anemia is an independent determinant of adverse events in this augmented risk patients subset. Methods A retrospective, observational, cohort study of prospectively collected data was undertaken on 409 consecutive patients referred for redo cardiac procedures between January 2011 and December 2020 (mean age of 62 ± 12.7 years, octogenarians 5.6%, female sex 52.8%, diabetes 19.5%, chronic kidney disease 30%, urgent/emergent status 34.8%, third-time sternotomy 9.8%). The EuroSCORE II calculated an average mortality risk of 25.7 ± 15.4%. The prevalence of preoperative anemia (according to World Health Organization definition) and its relationships with postoperative morbidity were obtained. Selection bias was assessed with propensity-adjustment method. Results The prevalence of preoperative anemia was 41%. In unmatched analysis, significant differences between the anemic and non-anemic group emerged in the risk of postoperative stroke (0.6% vs 4.4%, p = 0.023), postoperative renal dysfunction (29,7% vs 15.6%, p = 0.001), need for prolonged ventilation (18.1% vs 7.2%, p = 0.002), high dosage inotropes (53.1% vs 32.9%, p &amp;lt; 0.001) along with both length of ICU and hospital stay (8.2±15.9 vs 4.3±5.4 days, p=0.003 and 18.8±17.4 vs 14.9±11.1, p=0.012 ). After propensity matching (143 pairs), preoperative anemia was still significantly associated with postoperative renal dysfunction, stroke and need for high dosage inotropes cardiac morbidity. Anemia proved also a significant predictor of acute kidney injury at univariate analysis. Conclusions Preoperative anemia is significantly associated with acute kidney injury, stroke and need for high dosage inotropes in patients referred for redo procedures. Further studies are warranted to determine whether preoperative low hemoglobin concentration is a marker of severity of illness or a modifiable risk factor.

Ferric derisomaltose and Outcomes in the Recovery of Gynecologic oncology: ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) (FORGE) – a protocol for a pilot randomised double-blinded parallel-group placebo-controlled study of the feasibility and efficacy of intravenous ferric derisomaltose to correct preoperative iron-deficiency anaemia in patients undergoing gynaecological oncology surgery

IntroductionIron-deficiency anaemia is common in gynaecological oncology patients. Blood transfusions are immunosuppressive and carry immediate and long-term risks. Oral iron replacement remains the standard of care but requires prolonged treatment...

Sex-Specific Associations Between Preoperative Hemoglobin and Outcomes After Major Noncardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Preoperative anemia is an established risk factor for morbidity and mortality after surgery. Men and women have different hemoglobin concentrations and are at different risks of postoperative complications. However, sex-stratified analysis on the association between preoperative hemoglobin and outcomes after noncardiac surgery has been limited in previous studies. This was a retrospective cohort study of adult patients undergoing elective major noncardiac surgery in a large academic hospital. The primary outcome was a collapsed composite of postoperative mortality or cardiovascular, renal, pulmonary, and infectious complications during hospitalization. Sex-specific univariable associations between preoperative hemoglobin and the composite outcome were visualized using moving-average and cubic-spline smoothing plots. Multivariable regression models adjusting for patient demographics, comorbidities, medication uses, laboratory tests, and anesthesia/surgery features were used to estimate confounder-adjusted associations. Restricted cubic spline and piecewise linear functions were used to assess the possible nonlinear relationships between preoperative hemoglobin and the outcomes. The interaction between patient sex and hemoglobin on outcomes was assessed using a likelihood-ratio test. We included 22,550 patients, with 6.7% (622 of 9268) of women and 9.7% (1293 of 13,282) of men developing the primary outcome. Lower preoperative hemoglobin was associated with a higher incidence of the primary composite outcome in both men and women. Nonlinearity for the association was not statistically significant in either women (P = .539) or men (P = .165). The multivariable-adjusted odds ratios per 1 g/dL increase in hemoglobin were 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87-0.98; P = .013) for women and 0.94 (95% CI, 0.90-0.97; P < .001) for men, with no interaction by sex (Pinteraction = .923). No hemoglobin thresholds were confirmed at which the associations with the primary outcome changed significantly. Low preoperative hemoglobin was associated with a higher risk of complications or mortality after elective noncardiac surgery in both men and women. No differences in the strength of associations between sexes were found. Further studies are needed to assess whether these associations are linear or there are sex-specific thresholds of preoperative hemoglobin concentrations below which postoperative risks begin to increase.

D-dimer, C-reactive protein and matrix metalloproteinase 9 for prediction of type A aortic dissection patient survival.

Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a life-threatening condition requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. Surgery is an effective treatment for ATAAD, but the in-hospital mortality rate in the 30day perioperative period is still as high as 9-30%. It is critical to identify biological factors for preoperative assessment of post-operative survival in patients with ATAAD. This is a retrospective study, investigating the association of combined measurements of d-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) for 1year of survival in patients with ATAAD. Data from 247 patients who underwent surgery were analysed, including 89 patients who did not survive and 158 patients who survived within 1year after surgery. Pearson's correlation analysis was carried out to determine the correlations between CRP in whole blood, d-dimer in plasma, and CRP in whole blood. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to analyse the value of preoperative whole blood CRP, plasma d-dimer, and serum MMP9 concentration and the combined detection model in predicting death of patients with ATAAD. Deceased patients with ATAAD exhibited higher age, hypertension prevalence, systolic blood pressure, white blood cell count, whole blood CRP, plasma d-dimer, and serum MMP9 levels compared with survivors. Preoperative CRP, d-dimer, and MMP9 levels were significantly higher in patients with ATAAD compared with healthy controls. Positive correlations were observed between CRP and d-dimer, CRP and MMP9, and d-dimer and MMP9 in patients with ATAAD. ROC analysis showed that the combined detection model of CRP, d-dimer, and MMP9 had the highest predictive value for 1year of survival (area under the curve=0.88). Combined measurement of CRP, d-dimer, and MMP9 is associated with 1year of survival in patients with ATAAD.

Preoperative arterial lactate and outcome after surgery for type A aortic dissection: The ERTAAD multicenter study

BackgroundAcute type A aortic dissection (TAAD) is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. In this study we evaluated the prognostic significance of preoperative arterial lactate concentration on the outcome after surgery for TAAD. MethodsThe ERTAAD registry included consecutive patients who underwent surgery for acute type A aortic dissection (TAAD) at 18 European centers of cardiac surgery. ResultsData on arterial lactate concentration immediately before surgery were available in 2798 (71.7 %) patients. Preoperative concentration of arterial lactate was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (mean, 3.5 ± 3.2 vs 2.1 ± 1.8 mmol/L, adjusted OR 1.181, 95%CI 1.129–1.235). The best cutoff value preoperative arterial lactate concentration was 1.8 mmol/L (in-hospital mortality, 12.0 %, vs. 26.6 %, p < 0.0001). The rates of in-hospital mortality increased along increasing quintiles of arterial lactate and it was 12.1 % in the lowest quintile and 33.6 % in the highest quintile (p < 0.0001). The difference between multivariable models with and without preoperative arterial lactate was statistically significant (p = 0.0002). The NRI was 0.296 (95%CI 0.200–0.391) (p < 0.0001) with −17 % of events correctly reclassified (p = 0.0002) and 46 % of non-events correctly reclassified (p < 0.0001). The IDI was 0.025 (95%CI 0.016–0.034) (p < 0.0001). Six studies from a systematic review plus the present one provided data for a pooled analysis which showed that the mean difference of preoperative arterial lactate between 30-day/in-hospital deaths and survivors was 1.85 mmol/L (95%CI 1.22–2.47, p < 0.0001, I2 64 %). ConclusionsHyperlactatemia significantly increased the risk of mortality after surgery for acute TAAD and should be considered in the clinical assessment of these critically ill patients.

Guideline adherence to statin therapy and association with short-term and long-term cardiac complications following noncardiac surgery: A cohort study.

Peri-operative complications are common and associated with high morbidity and mortality. Optimising the use of statins might be of important benefit in peri-operative care and reduce morbidity and mortality. To evaluate adherence to current guideline recommendations regarding statin therapy and its association with peri-operative and long-term cardiac complications. Prospective cohort study. Multicentre study with enrolment from October 2014 to February 2018. Eight thousand one hundred and sixteen high-risk inpatients undergoing major noncardiac surgery who were eligible for the institutional peri-operative myocardial injury/infarction (PMI) active surveillance and response program. Class I indications for statin therapy were derived from the current ESC Clinical Practice Guidelines during the time of enrolment. PMI was prospectively defined as an absolute increase in cTn concentration of the 99th percentile in healthy individuals above the preoperative concentration within the first three postoperative days. Long-term cardiac complications included cardiovascular death and spontaneous myocardial infarction (MI) within 120 days. The mean age was 73.7 years; 45.2% were women. Four thousand two hundred and twenty-seven of 8116 patients (52.1%) had a class I indication for statin therapy. Of these, 2440 of 4227 patients (57.7%) were on statins preoperatively. Adherence to statins was lower in women than in men (46.9 versus 63.9%, P < 0.001). PMI due to type 1 myocardial infarction/injury (T1MI; n = 42), or likely type 2 MI (lT2MI; n = 466) occurred in 508 of 4170 (12.2%) patients. The weighted odds ratio in patients on statin therapy was 1.15 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01 to 1.31, P = 0.036]. During the 120-day follow-up, 192 patients (4.6%) suffered cardiovascular death and spontaneous MI. After multivariable adjustment, preoperative use of statins was associated with reduced risk; weighted hazard ratio 0.59 (95% CI 0.41 to 0.86, P = 0.006). Adherence to guideline-recommended statin therapy was suboptimal, particularly in women. Statin use was associated with an increased risk of PMI due to T1MI and lT2MI but reduced risk of cardiovascular death and spontaneous MI within 120 days. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02573532.

The Predictive Value of Serum NT-proBNP on One-Year All-Cause Mortality in Geriatrics Hip Fracture: A Cohort Study.

Objective This study evaluated the association between N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration and one-year mortality in geriatric patients with intertrochanteric and femoral neck fractures receiving the operative treatment. Methods Consecutive age ≥65 years patients with hip fractures were screened between January 2015 and September 2019. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were collected. The multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify the association between preoperative NT-proBNP concentrations and mortality. All analyses were performed using EmpowerStats and the R software. Result One thousand two hundred nineteen patients were included in the study. The average age was 79.73±6.65 years (range 66-99 years). The mean NT-proBNP concentration was 616.09±1086.85 ng/L (median 313.40 ng/L, range 16.09-20123.00 ng/L). The follow-up was 35.39±15.09 months (median 35.78 months, range 0.10-80.14 months). One hundred and eleven (9.1%) patients died within one year. After adjusting for confounding factors, multivariate logistic regression models showed a curved association between preoperative NT-proBNP concentration and one-year mortality. When the NT-proBNP concentration was below 1099 ng/L, the mortality increased by 10% (OR=1.10, 95%CI: 1.03-1.17, P=0.0025) when NT-proBNP increased by 100 ng/L. When the NT-proBNP concentration was above 1099 ng/L, the mortality did not increase anymore when NT-proBNP increased (OR=1.00, 95%CI: 0.99-1.02, P=0. 7786). Thus, NT-proBNP was a valuable indicator to predict high one-year mortality in practice. Conclusion The NT-proBNP concentrations were nonlinearly associated with mortality in elderly hip fractures with a saturation effect, and NT-proBNP was a risk indicator of all-cause mortality. A well-designed controlled trial to show the role of mortality by decreasing the concentration of NT-proBNP is needed in the future.

Risk factors for intraoperative blood loss in resection of intracranial meningioma: Analysis of 530 cases.

Excision of intracranial meningioma has been associated with major intraoperative blood loss (IBL). The objective of the study was to identify factors affecting IBL during removal of meningioma. We retrospectively studied medical records of 530 adult patients who underwent surgery for intracranial meningioma at Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital between September 2018 and May 2022. We obtained the following data from each patient's medical chart: age, sex, height, weight, comorbidities, blood pressure, history of smoking and alcohol, imaging examination findings, pathologic diagnosis, albumin, creatinine, calcium, magnesium, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit, platelet count, activated partial thromboplastin time, international normalized ratio, fibrinogen concentration and blood transfusion. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for greater IBL during removal of intracranial meningioma. A total of 530 patients were included in our study. Univariate analysis revealed that sex (p = 0.004), two-dimensional (2D) tumor area (p < 0.001), sinus involvement (p = 0.014), World Health Organization grade (p = 0.015), preoperative albumin level (p = 0.032), preoperative Hb level (p = 0.001) and preoperative platelet count (p = 0.004) were significantly associated with greater IBL. Multivariate analysis revealed that greater 2D tumor area (p < 0.001), higher preoperative albumin concentration (p = 0.029) and higher preoperative platelet count (p = 0.03) were independent risk factors for greater IBL in resection of intracranial meningioma. Larger tumor size, higher preoperative albumin concentration and higher preoperative platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for greater IBL in resection of intracranial meningioma.

Occurrence and clinical relevance of postoperative hypernatremia in dogs undergoing cholecystectomy.

Patients undergoing cholecystectomy have not been reported previously to develop clinically relevant postoperative hypernatremia. Describe the frequency of postoperative hypernatremia in dogs undergoing cholecystectomy and its clinical relevance (duration of hospitalization and survival). Thirty-seven dogs undergoing cholecystectomy at 2 private referral hospitals. Retrospective study of dogs undergoing cholecystectomy with available preoperative and postoperative serum sodium concentrations. Postoperative hypernatremia (>150 mEq/L) was common (56%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 40%-70%) and was associated with significantly higher mortality compared to nonhypernatremic patients (52%; 95% CI, 30%-70% vs 12.5%; 95% CI, 2%-40%; P = .02). Nonsurvivors had higher mean postoperative peak serum sodium concentrations (155 mEq/L; range, 146-172) than survivors (150 mEq/L; range, 142-156; P = .01). Dogs developing hypernatremia within 6 hours after surgery had 7.7 higher odds of nonsurvival (odds ratio [OR], 7.7; 95% CI, 5.9-9.4). A delta value (serum sodium concentration on admission [T0] - serum sodium concentration 6 hours postoperatively [T2]) of ≥10 mEq/L carried 3.3 higher odds of mortality (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.6-5.1). All dogs with a postoperative peak sodium concentration >160 mEq/L did not survive. Admission acute patient physiologic laboratory evaluation fast (APPLEfast ) scores were not different between survivors and nonsurvivors or between postoperative hypernatremic and normonatremic patients. Hospitalization time was no different between hypernatremic and normonatremic patients (6 days vs 4.5 days; P = .15). Dogs with gallbladder mucocele were more likely to develop postoperative hypernatremia and have poorer outcomes. Hypernatremia was a common and clinically relevant postoperative complication in dogs after cholecystectomy. Detection of hypernatremia within 6 hours after surgery may be associated with poorer outcomes.

Abstract P103: Higher Preoperative Plasma Aldosterone Concentrations Are Associated With Elevated Risk Of Atrial Fibrillation After Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is associated with poor outcomes in patients with coronary chronic total occlusions (CTO). Aldosterone is a steroid hormone that regulates fluid and electrolyte homeostasis and is known to increase the risk of proarrhythmia. This study aimed to explore the additional value of preoperative plasma aldosterone levels for predicting POAF after CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study involving consecutive patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) greater than 50% requiring CTO-PCI in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College. Patients were excluded if they had a history of AF, preoperative endocarditis and/or a ventricular assist device. Plasma aldosterone levels, echocardiography and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β1) examination were assessed before percutaneous recanalization. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of POAF within 30 days after percutaneous recanalization. New-onset POAF after CTO-PCI was defined as any episode detected via continuous in-hospital electrocardiogram/telemetry monitoring and documented by a physician in the chart, regardless of duration or need for treatment. Results: Thirty-eight of 268 (14.2%) patients had POAF. Compared with controls, patients experiencing POAF were significantly older, had a higher body mass index, had diabetes and hypertension, and had higher preoperative plasma aldosterone levels. In logistic regression analysis, higher plasma aldosterone levels exhibited 1.75-fold higher odds (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-2.32, P=0.004) for the presence of POAF, which was significant in the adjusted model (odds ratio [OR], 1.82 [95% CI, 1.21-2.45], P=0.007). Reverse transcriptase PCR analysis performed on the left atrial appendage and plasma examination revealed that TGF-β1 was activated in POAF patients. Conclusion: Higher plasma aldosterone levels are associated with increased odds for POAF in patients with CTO-PCI, even in the absence of primary aldosteronism, implying that plasma aldosterone levels might be a target for POAF risk stratification after CTO-PCI.

Preoperative protocol for right flank laparotomy affects postoperative serum cortisol concentrations in dairy cows.

To evaluate analgesic efficacy of 3 different preoperative protocols in cows undergoing right flank laparotomy for displaced abomasum. 40 cows diagnosed with displaced abomasum. The cows were assigned by block randomization to 1 of 3 preoperative protocols: inverted L-block using 50 mL of 2% lidocaine (ILB; n = 13), ILB plus preoperative flunixin meglumine (2 mg/kg, IV; ILB-F; 13), and dorsolumbar epidural anesthesia using 2% xylazine (0.8 mL) and 2% lidocaine (4 mL; EPI; 14). Venous blood samples were collected for CBC, serum biochemistry, and cortisol preoperatively and at 0 (immediately after), 3, 17, and 48 hours postoperatively. The mean (95% CI) of the serum cortisol in ILB, ILB-F, and EPI were 108.7 (66.7 to 150.7), 150.7 (116.4 to 185.0), and 139.8 (93.4 to 186.3), respectively. The serum cortisol concentrations decreased over time in all groups (ILB, P = .001; ILB-F and EPI, P < .001). In the ILB group, the cortisol concentration at 17 and 48 hours postoperatively decreased (P = .026 and P = .009, respectively), compared with that preoperatively. In the ILB-F and EPI groups, the preoperative cortisol concentration was the highest and then decreased at 0, 3, 17, and 48 hours postoperatively (ILB-F, 0 hours [P = .001] and 3, 17, and 48 hours [P < .001]; EPI, all [P < .001]). ILB-F and EPI improved intraoperative and immediate postoperative indicators of pain-related stress when compared to standard ILB. EPI requires less anesthetic, which may be beneficial when in short supply.

Preoperative Serum Calcium Level Predicts Postoperative Mortality in Older Adult Patients with Hip Fracture: A Prospective Cohort Study of 2333 Patients

ObjectivesHip fractures are a significant cause of mortality among older adults. However, predictive markers for an unfavorable prognosis are still lacking. Serum calcium is an essential element in several biochemical reactions in the body. This study investigated the role of the preoperative serum calcium level as a prognostic parameter for postoperative mortality in older adult patients with hip fractures. DesignWe conducted a prospective cohort study at the trauma center in our hospital, from January 1, 2015, to September 30, 2019. A total of 2333 older patients with hip fractures were recruited. This prospective cohort study was conducted in accordance with the criteria of STROCSS. Setting and ParticipantsOlder adult patients with hip fractures were screened between January 2015 and September 2019 at the trauma center of our hospital. MethodsDemographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were collected. Linear and nonlinear multivariate Cox regression models were used to identify the association between preoperative serum calcium level and all-cause mortality. All analyses were performed using EmpowerStats and the R software. ResultsA total of 2333 older adult patients with hip fractures were included in the study. The mean follow-up was 37.5 months. Overall, 770 patients (33%) died of all causes. The preoperative serum calcium concentrations were 2.18 ± 0.13 mmol/L. Linear multivariate Cox regression models showed that preoperative serum calcium levels were associated with mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 0.37, 95% CI 0.21-0.67; P = .0009] after adjusting for confounders. However, the linear association was unstable, and nonlinearity was identified. A preoperative serum calcium level of 2.3 mmol/L was an inflection point for prediction. When the preoperative serum calcium concentration was below 2.3 mmol/L, serum calcium concentration increased by 1 mmol/L, and mortality risk decreased by 77% (HR 0.23, 95% CI 0.13-0.43, P < .0001). In contrast, when the preoperative serum calcium concentration was more significant than 2.3 mmol/L, the mortality risk increased with serum calcium concentration (HR 6.27, 95% CI 1.65-23.74, P = .0069). Conclusions and ImplicationsThe preoperative serum calcium level is nonlinearly associated with mortality in older adults with hip fractures, with a U-shaped association, and could be used as a potential predictor of prognosis.

Determining sex-specific preoperative haemoglobin levels associated with intraoperative red blood cell transfusion in cardiac surgery: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundAnaemic cardiac surgery patients are at greater risk of intraoperative red blood cell transfusion. This study questions the application of the World Health Organization population-based anaemia thresholds (haemoglobin <120 g L−1 in non-pregnant females and <130 g L−1 in males) as appropriate preoperative optimisation targets for cardiac surgery. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted on adults ≥18 yr old undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Logistic regression was applied to define sex-specific preoperative haemoglobin concentrations with reduced probability of intraoperative red blood cell transfusion for cardiac surgery patients. ResultsData on 4384 male and 1676 female patients were analysed. Binarily stratified multivariable logistic regression odds of receiving intraoperative red blood cell transfusion increased in cardiac surgery patients >45 yr old (odds ratio [OR] 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33–2.55), surgery urgency <30 days (OR 2.03; 95% CI 1.66–2.48), combined coronary artery bypass grafting and valve surgery, or other surgery types (OR 2.24; 95% CI 1.87–2.67), and female sex (OR 1.92; 95% CI 1.62–2.28). The odds decreased by 8.4% with each 1 g L−1 increase in preoperative haemoglobin (OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.91–0.92). Logistic regression predicted females required a preoperative haemoglobin concentration of 133 g L−1 and males 127 g L−1 to have a 15% probability of intraoperative transfusion. ConclusionsThe World Health Organization female anaemia threshold of haemoglobin <120 g L−1 disproportionately disadvantages female cardiac surgery patients. A preoperative haemoglobin concentration ≥130 g L−1 in adult cardiac surgery patients would minimise their overall probability of intraoperative red blood cell transfusion to <15%.

The Effect of Hyperlipidemia as a Risk Factor on Postoperative Complications in Patients Undergoing Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

Retrospective cohort study. To analyze the effect of hyperlipidemia (HLD) on postoperative complications in patients who underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). ACDF represents the standard procedure performed for focal anterior nerve root or spinal cord compression with low complication rates. HLD is well known as a risk factor for major complications after vascular and transplant surgery, and orthopedic surgery. To date, there have been no studies on HLD as a risk factor for cervical spine surgery. Patients who underwent ACDF from 2010 through quarter 3 of 2020 were enrolled using the MSpine subset of the PearlDiver Patient Record Database. The patients were divided into single-level ACDF and multilevel ACDF groups. In addition, each group was divided into subgroups according to the presence or absence of HLD. The incidence of surgical and medical complications was queried using relevant International Classification of Disease and Current Procedural Terminology codes. Charlson Comorbidity Index was used as a broad measure of comorbidity. χ 2 analysis, with populations matched for age, sex, and Charlson Comorbidity Index, was performed. A total of 24,936 patients who underwent single-level ACDF and 26,921 patients who underwent multilevel ACDF were included. In the multilevel ACDF group, wound complications were significantly higher in the patients with HLD. Among medical complications, myocardial infarction, renal failure, and urinary tract infection/urinary incontinence were significantly higher in the patients with HLD in both groups. Revision surgery and readmission were significantly higher in the patients with HLD who underwent multilevel ACDF. In patients who underwent ACDF, several surgical and medical complications were found to be higher in patients with HLD than in patients without HLD. Preoperative serum lipid concentration levels and management of HLD should be considered during preoperative planning to prevent postoperative complications in patients undergoing ACDF.

Serum CXCL8 Concentration Can Be Used as a Noninvasive Marker of Subclinical Rejection After Pediatric Liver Transplantation.

This study aimed to explore whether serum CXCL8 concentration can be used as a noninvasive marker of subclinical rejection (SCR) after pediatric liver transplantation (pLT). Firstly, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on 22 protocol liver biopsy samples. Secondly, several experimental methods were used to verify the RNA-seq results. Finally, the clinical data and serum samples of 520 LT patients in the Department of Pediatric Transplantation of Tianjin First Central Hospital from January 2018 to December 2019 were collected. RNA-seq results indicated that CXCL8 was significantly increased in the SCR group. The results of the 3 experimental methods were consistent with RNA-seq results. According to the 1:2 propensity score matching, 138 patients were divided into the SCR (n = 46) and non-SCR (n = 92) groups. Serological test results indicated that there was no difference in preoperative CXCL8 concentration between the SCR and non-SCR groups ( P > 0.05). However, during protocol biopsy, CXCL8 in the SCR group was significantly higher than in the non-SCR group ( P < 0.001). In diagnosing SCR, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of CXCL8 was 0.966 (95% confidence interval, 0.938-0.995), sensitivity was 95%, and specificity was 94.6%. In differentiating nonborderline from borderline rejection, the area under the curve of CXCL8 was 0.853 (95% confidence interval, 0.718-0.988), sensitivity was 86.7%, and specificity was 94.6%. This study demonstrates that serum CXCL8 concentration has high accuracy for the diagnosis and disease stratification of SCR after pLT.

Perioperative brain injury marker concentrations in neonatal open-heart surgery: a prospective observational study.

Neonates with critical congenital heart defects undergoing open-heart surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass circulation are at risk for white matter brain injury. This article reports on pre- and postoperative plasma concentrations of brain injury markers glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neurofilament light (NfL) and Tau, and their respective associations with white matter lesions detected on postoperatively performed brain MRI. Forty term newborns with isolated critical congenital heart defects were included in a prospective observational study. Brain injury marker plasma concentrations were determined prior to surgery and at postoperative days 1, 2 and 3. Brain magnetic resonance imaging was performed pre- and postoperatively. Concentrations of brain injury markers were analysed using ultrasensitive single molecule array technology. Absolute pre- and postoperative plasma biomarker concentrations, and postoperative concentrations adjusted for preoperative concentrations were used for subsequent analysis. Plasma concentrations of GFAP, NfL and Tau displayed a well-defined temporal trajectory after neonatal cardiopulmonary bypass circulation. GFAP and Tau reached peak concentrations at postoperative day 2 (median concentrations 170.5 and 67.2 pg/ml, respectively), whereas NfL continued to increase throughout the study period (median concentration at postoperative day 3 191.5 pg/ml). Adjusted Tau at postoperative day 2 was significantly higher in infants presenting with white matter lesions on postoperative MRI compared to infants without white matter injury.