Preoperative Renal Replacement Therapy Research Articles

Association Between Liver Graft to Recipient Weight Ratio and Acute Kidney Injury Following Liver Transplantation: A Historical Cohort Study.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication following liver transplantation (LT) that has a multifactorial etiology. While some perioperative risk factors have been associated with postoperative AKI, the impact of liver graft weight to recipient body weight ratio (GW/RBW) has been poorly explored. We hypothesized that a high GW/RBW ratio would be associated with AKI after LT. This single-center historical cohort study included all consecutive adults who had LT at Paul Brousse Hospital between 2018 and 2022. Patients requiring preoperative renal replacement therapy, combined solid organ transplantation, retransplantation, split or domino graft were excluded, as well as those with missing graft weight and creatinine values during the first postoperative week. The primary exposure was GW/RBW ratio expressed as a proportion. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative AKI within 7 days after surgery, defined using the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. The secondary outcome was the AKI severity (KDIGO grades). We estimated logistic and ordinal regression models adjusted for potential confounding factors and explored nonlinear associations. Of 467 patients analyzed, 211 (45%) developed AKI. A high GW/RBW ratio was associated with both the risk of postoperative AKI and the severity of AKI (KDIGO grades), especially above a threshold of 2.5% (non-linear effect). A high GW/RBW ratio was associated with an exponential increase in the risk of AKI after LT. A high GW/RBW ratio was also associated with an increased AKI severity. Our findings may help improve graft allocation in patients undergoing LT.

Risk factors for renal impairment after liver transplantation in Mongolia: a retrospective single-center study.

Renal impairment (RI) is a frequent complication of liver cirrhosis and is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Liver transplantation (LT) serves as an effective treatment method for patients with cirrhosis who have impaired renal function. However, renal function often declines after LT, influenced by various factors. This study aimed to investigate the factors contributing to RI following LT in our cases. We analyzed the demographic data, preoperative and perioperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes of patients who underwent LT at the First Central Hospital of Mongolia from September 2011 to December 2022. Renal function was assessed by measuring the glomerular filtration rate using the Cockcroft-Gault creatinine clearance formula pretransplantation and at 24 hours, 72 hours, 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days post-LT. Several factors increased the risk of RI among recipients. These included female sex (odds ratio [OR], 3.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.58-5.91), Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) scores of B and C (OR, 4.23; 95% CI, 0.92-19.41 and OR, 7.68; 95% CI, 1.67-35.30, respectively), preoperative continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT; OR, 5.86; 95% CI, 1.1-31.21), and a high graft-to-recipient weight ratio (GRWR; OR, 3.45; 95% CI, 1.23-9.63). Additionally, the survival rates for recipients with RI post-LT were 93.4% at 1 year and 78.1% at 3 years. Female sex, a high CTP score, preoperative CRRT, and high GRWR were identified as risk factors for RI after LT in Mongolia.

Survival and renal outcomes of direct heart transplant from veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support

Abstract Backgrounds Patients on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support are given the highest priority for cardiac transplantation (OHT) in the new UNOS heart allocation policy adopted in October 2018. Although patients may receive an organ quicker there may not be enough time to recover end-organ function. To date, little is known about survival and renal outcomes of direct OHT in patients that have been supported with VA-ECMO as a bridge to transplant due to limited experience in most transplant centers. Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate survival and renal outcomes of direct OHT in patients supported with VA-ECMO prior to transplant. Methods From January 2010 to February 2022, 23 patients who received single organ OHT alone directly from VA-ECMO support were retrospectively analyzed (16 patients after the new allocation policy). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate event-free survival. Results The median age of recipients was 48 years. The median length of pre-transplant VA-ECMO support was 5 days. Additional pre-transplant support with intra-aortic balloon pump or Impella was utilized in 15 patients (65.2%) and 2 patients (9%) respectively. There was a trend toward improvement of serum creatinine after initiation of VA-ECMO support (Pre-ECMO: 1.66±1.22 mg/dl vs. Pre-OHT: 1.20±0.74 mg/dl, P=0.084). Four patients required preoperative renal replacement therapy (RRT); three were on RRT at the time of OHT. The median ischemic time of donor hearts was 168 minutes. VA-ECMO support was continued in 10 patients (43.5%) after OHT. Hospital mortality was 8.7% (2 patients). Post-transplant RRT was required in 9 patients (39.1%), and, of these, 5 patients were transitioned to permanent dialysis. Among the 14 patients who did not require post-transplant RRT, none required RRT during the follow-up period (median, 21.5 months). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that estimated survival at 1 year and 3 years were 86.1%, and 77.5%, respectively (Figure 1A). The freedom from dialysis rate was 82.4% at 1 year, and 74.9% at 3 years (Figure 2A). Both survival (100% vs. 66.7%, P=0.008, Fig.1B) and dialysis free rate (100% vs. 55.6%, P=0.002, Figure 2B) at one-year were significantly worse in patients who required postoperative RRT. Conclusions To our knowledge this is the largest single center study of OHT in patients that were supported with VA-ECMO. VA-ECMO as a bridge to end-organ recovery and OHT resulted in excellent outcomes. Patients who required post-transplant RRT more likely to require long-term dialysis, while those that did not receive RRT showed favorable outcomes. Overall survival in this patient population is comparable to patients that were not on VA-ECMO prior to transplant. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Impact of Recovery from Acute Kidney Injury After Aortic Arch Repair

BackgroundThe impact of recovery from acute kidney injury (AKI) after open thoracic aortic surgery on follow-up outcomes is unclear. MethodsThis retrospective study included 214 patients who underwent aortic arch surgery requiring hypothermic circulatory arrest between 2007 and 2019. Patients who required preoperative renal replacement therapy and patients who died within 7 postoperative days were excluded. The incidence of recovery from AKI was examined. Renal outcomes were compared among patients with no AKI (Group N), recovery from AKI (Group R), and persistent AKI (Group P). ResultsPreoperative kidney function was similar among the 3 groups. Among the 115 patients who developed postoperative AKI, 80.9% recovered from AKI at discharge. The 5-year cumulative mortality rate was 18.0%, 24.5%, and 68.4% in Group N, R, and P, respectively (P < .001, Group R vs Group P). The 5-year cumulative incidence of renal replacement therapy dependency was 0.0%, 5.4%, and 22.7%, respectively (P = .04, Group N vs Group R; P = .01, Group R vs Group P). The medians (interquartile range) of estimated glomerular filtration rate (mL/min/1.73 m2) 2 years after surgery were 65.2 (50.4–80.2), 54.3 (41.4–65.9), and 56.9 (40.2–67.5), respectively (P = .03, Group N vs Group R). ConclusionsThe majority of patients recovered from AKI after thoracic aortic repair by discharge. However, the prolonged impact of AKI recovery on kidney function was observed during the follow-up period. Diligent follow-up after discharge is warranted for early identification of patients at high risk of kidney disease progression.

Clinical Factors Associated with Renal Outcome After Heart Transplantation.

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) frequently occurs in end-stage heart failure patients waiting for heart transplantation (HT). Decision-making regarding simultaneous heart and kidney transplantation is an unresolved issue in these patients. We investigated clinical factors associated with renal outcome after HT. A total of 180 patients who received HT from 1996 to 2015 were included. Factors associated with early post-HT chronic kidney disease (CKD, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] < 60 mL/minute/1.73 m2 within 1 year post-HT), post-HT end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), and significant renal function improvement (%ΔeGFR > 15%) at 1 year post-HT were analyzed. Early post-HT CKD and post-HT ESKD developed in 61 (33.9%) and 8 (4.4%) of 180 patients, respectively. Old age was only independently associated with early post-HT CKD and preexisting CKD tended to be associated with early post-HT CKD. Old age and preexisting CKD were independently associated with post-HT ESKD. Low pre-HT eGFR and preoperative renal replacement therapy were not associated with early post-HT CKD or post-HT ESKD. Young age, low pre-HT eGFR, and high %ΔeGFR 1 month post-HT were independently associated with significant renal function improvement. Preoperative renal function, including preoperative RRT, was not associated with post-HT mortality. In conclusion, preexisting CKD may impact renal outcomes after HT, but preoperative severe renal dysfunction, even that severe enough to require RRT, may not be a contraindication for HT alone. Our data suggest the necessity of early HT in end-stage heart failure patients with CRS and the importance of careful management during the early postoperative period.

Outcomes of Orthotopic Heart Transplantation in the Setting of Acute Kidney Injury and Renal Replacement Therapy

Heart transplantation in the setting of renal insufficiency is controversial. The objective of this study was to perform a descriptive analysis of patients who underwent orthotopic heart transplantation and renal replacement therapy (RRT) due to acute kidney injury (AKI). An observational cohort study with retrospective data collection. A tertiary care hospital. Fifty-one patients underwent orthotopic heart transplantation with cardiogenic shock under inotrope dependence, with nine patients having preoperative RRT and 42 patients not having preoperative RRT. There were no interventions. Hospital mortality occurred in eight (15.6%) patients. Although there were no significant differences between the study groups (preoperative RRT 33.3% v controls 11.9%, p=0.1), this study was underpowered to detect differences in mortality. Dialysis also was required in 52.4% of patients who were not on preoperative RRT. All survivors had full recovery of kidney function with similar timing after transplant (18.5 days v 15 days, p=0.75). Actuarial survival was 82.4%, 76.5%, and 66.5% at six months, one year, and five years, respectively. A cold ischemic time greater than 180 minutes (hazard ratio [HR] 4.37 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.51-12.6; p=0.006) and pretransplant RRT (HR=7.19 95% CI 1.13-45.7; p=0.04) were independent predictors of long-term mortality. In a health system with limited funding and availability of mechanical circulatory support, heart transplantation in the setting of AKI, RRT, and low Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support profile was associated with important hospital mortality. Among hospital survivors, however, all patients had full renal recovery and by 25 months there was no difference in mortality between those who required preoperative RRT and those who did not.

Impact of preoperative renal replacement therapy on the clinical outcome of heart transplant patients

Renal dysfunction is considered as a relative contraindication for heart transplantation (HTx). However, in the real world setting, many patients with advanced heart failure (HF) experience worsening of renal function and some even require renal replacement therapy (RRT) by the time they undergo HTx. We aimed to investigate the prognosis and clinical outcomes of HTx patients who required RRT during the perioperative period. The Korean Organ Transplant Registry (KOTRY) is a nationwide organ transplant registry in Korea. A total of 501 HTx patients had been prospectively enrolled in the KOTRY registry during 2014–2018. Among the 501 patients, 13 underwent combined heart and kidney transplantation (HKTx). The 488 patients who underwent isolated HTx were grouped according to their pre- and postoperative RRT status. The primary outcome was progression to dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease (ESRD) after HTx. The secondary outcome was all-cause mortality after HTx. The median follow-up was 22 months (9–39 months). Patients who needed preoperative RRT but were free from postoperative RRT showed comparable overall survival and renal outcome to patients who were free from both pre- and postoperative RRT. In multivariable analysis, preoperative RRT was not associated with progression to ESRD or all-cause mortality after HTx; however, postoperative RRT was a significant predictor for both progression to ESRD and all-cause mortality after HTx. Preoperative creatinine or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were not predictive of progression to ESRD after HTx. The present analysis suggests that preoperative RRT requirement does not indicate irreversible renal dysfunction in patients waiting for HTx. However, postoperative RRT was associated with progression to ESRD and mortality after HTx.

Predictors of renal replacement therapy in patients with continuous flow left ventricular assist devices.

Renal replacement therapy (RRT) after continuous flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) implantation significantly affects patients' quality of life and survival. To identify preoperative prognostic markers in patients requiring RRT after CF-LVAD implantation, we retrospectively reviewed data from patients who underwent implantation of a CF-LVAD at our institution during 2012-2017. Patients who required preoperative RRT were excluded. Preoperative and operative characteristics, as well as survival and adverse events, were compared between 74 (22.2%) patients requiring any duration of postoperative RRT and 259 (77.8%) not requiring RRT. Patients requiring RRT experienced more postoperative complications than patients who did not, including respiratory failure necessitating tracheostomy (35.7% vs 2.5%, p < 0.001), reoperation for bleeding (34.3% vs 11.7%, p < 0.001), and right heart failure necessitating perioperative mechanical circulatory support (32.4% vs 6.9%, p < 0.001). Patients requiring postoperative RRT also had poorer survival at 30days (74.7% vs 98.8%), 6months (48.2% vs 95.1%), and 12months (45.3% vs 90.2%) (p < 0.001). Significant predictors of RRT after CF-LVAD implantation included urine proteinuria (odds ratio [OR] 3.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.7-7.6], p = 0.001), estimated glomerular filtration rate < 45mL/min/1.73m2 (OR 3.4, 95% CI [1.5-17.8], p = 0.004), and mean right atrial pressure to pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ratio ≥ 0.54 (OR 2.6, 95% CI [1.3-5.], p = 0.01). Of the 74 RRT patients, 11 (14.9%) recovered renal function before discharge, 36 (48.6%) still required RRT after discharge, and 27 (36.5%) died before discharge. We conclude that preoperative renal and right ventricular dysfunction significantly predict postoperative renal failure and mortality after CF-LVAD implantation.

Risk factors of postoperative delirium after liver transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this study was to summarize the incidence and risk factors of postoperative delirium (POD) after liver transplantation (LT) and associations of POD after LT with outcomes. A literature search of Pubmed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Databases was performed to identify studies reporting POD after LT. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to rate study quality. Effect estimates were extracted and combined using random-effect model. Pooled mean differences and odds ratios for individual risk factors were calculated using inverse-variance method and Mantel-Haenszel method, as appropriate. Eight articles with 1434 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, the pooled estimated incidence rates of POD after LT were 30% (95% confidence interval: 20-39%). Fourteen statistically significant risk factors were identified in the pooled analysis: alcohol excess, preoperative renal replacement therapy (RRT), preoperative hospital length of stay (LOS), depression, hepatic encephalopathy, alcohol etiology of liver failure, Child-Turcotte-Pugh Score, APACHE II Score, MELD Score, preoperative INR, preoperative bilirubin, intraoperative use of fentanyl, intraoperative RBC transfusion, postoperative ammonia. Patients with POD had a significantly increased mechanical ventilation, postoperative RRT, LOS and mortality rate compared with those without POD. POD after LT was common and multifactorial in etiology. There are significant associations of POD after LT with some clinical outcomes. Effective interventions during perioperative period may be promising to reduce the risk of POD after LT.

Acute Kidney Injury After Acute Repair of Type A Aortic Dissection

The aim of this study was to examine the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) after surgery for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) using the Nordic Consortium for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection registry. Patients who underwent ATAAD surgery at 8 Nordic centers from 2005 to 2014 were analyzed for AKI according to the RIFLE criteria. Patients who died intraoperatively, those who had missing baseline or postoperative serum creatinine, and patients on preoperative renal replacement therapy were excluded. AKI occurred in 382 of 941 patients (40.6%), and postoperative dialysis was required for 105 patients (11.0%). Renal malperfusion was present preoperatively in 42 patients (5.1%), of whom 69.0% developed postoperative AKI. In multivariable analysis patient-related predictors of AKI included age (per 10 years; odds ratio [OR], 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-1.48), body mass index >30 kg/m2 (OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.51-3.09), renal malperfusion (OR, 4.39; 95% CI, 2.23-9.07), and other malperfusion (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.55-2.86). Perioperative predictors were cardiopulmonary bypass time (per 10 minutes; OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.07) and red blood cell transfusion (OR per transfused unit, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.06-1.10). Rates of 30-day mortality were 17.0% in the AKI group compared with 6.6% in the non-AKI group (P < .001). In 30-day survivors AKI was an independent predictor of long-term mortality (hazard ratio, 1.86; 95% CI; 1.24-2.79). AKI is a common complication after surgery for ATAAD and independently predicts adverse long-term outcome. Of note one-third of patients presenting with renal malperfusion did not develop postoperative AKI, possibly because of restoration of renal blood flow with surgical repair. Mortality risk persists beyond the perioperative period, indicating that close clinical follow-up of these patients is required.

Predictors and outcomes of postoperative respiratory failure after cardiac surgery.

Postoperative respiratory failure after cardiac surgery (CS-PRF) is a devastating complication and its incidence and predictors vary depending on how it is defined and the patient population. This study was conducted to determine the incidence, predictors and outcomes of CS-PRF defined as prolonged mechanical ventilation >48 hours and reintubation. This is a retrospective chart review of 1257 patients who underwent cardiac surgery between June 2011 and December 2018. The research questions were addressed through bivariate inferential, descriptive and binary logistic regression. The overall incidence of CS-PRF was 15.9% and significant regression predictors included diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.77, P = .001), preoperative renal replacement therapy (OR = 2.07, P = .033), need for intraoperative transfusion (OR = 2.35, P = .000), combined coronary bypass/valvular surgery (OR = 2.61, P = .001) and intra-aortic balloon pump (OR = 3.60, P = .000). CS-PRF patients had increased postoperative blood transfusions (69.5% vs 27.9%, P = .000), reoperation for bleeding (9.0 vs 0.4%, P = .000), pleural effusion (13.5% vs 4.1%, P = .000), pneumonia (33.5% vs 1.6%, P = .000), acute kidney injury (70.9% vs 39.9%, P = .000), atrial fibrillation (42.5% vs 26.3%, P = .000), coma/encephalopathy (21.5% vs 3.3%, P = .000) and cerebrovascular accident (6.0% vs 1.3%, P = .000). They also had longer intensive care (262.1 vs 97.4 hours, P = .000) and hospital lengths of stay (17 vs 8 days, P = .000), and increased in-hospital mortality (17.5% vs 0.4%, P = .000). Survivors of CS-PRF were less likely to be discharged home (38.0% vs 84.4%, P = .000). Knowledge of predictors for CS-PRF may help identify patients who are at risk for this complication and who may benefit from preventive measures to promote early extubation and to avert reintubation.

Short-term safety and effectiveness of sugammadex for surgical patients with end-stage renal disease: a two-centre retrospective study.

Sugammadex is a novel reversal agent for aminosteroid neuromuscular blocking drugs, especially rocuronium. Given its renal excretion, sugammadex is not recommended for patients with end-stage renal disease; however, reports exist of its use in this group of patients. This two-institutional retrospective observational study aimed to review the safety profile and effectiveness of sugammadex in surgical patients with end-stage renal disease who required pre-operative renal replacement therapy. Adult surgical patients with end-stage renal disease requiring pre-operative renal replacement therapy, who received sugammadex between April 2016 and January 2019, were studied. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative tracheal re-intubation within 48h. The secondary outcome was the incidence of deferred tracheal extubation in the operating theatre. One hundred and fifty-eight patients were identified from 125,653 surgical patients: 48 patients (30%) underwent renal transplantation and 110 (70%) underwent non-renal transplantation procedures. There were 22 instances (14%) of deferred tracheal extubation due to surgical and/or pre-existing medical conditions. Out of the 136 patients who had the tracheal tube removed at the end of the procedure, three patients had their trachea re-intubated within 48h: two patients developed pulmonary oedema resulting from volume overload; and one patient had worsening sepsis. No incidence of recurrence of neuromuscular blockade was observed. Of note, 24 (18%) patients were found to have incomplete neuromuscular blockade reversal with neostigmine but administration of sugammadex led to successful tracheal extubation. In conclusion, sugammadex appears to be safe and effective in adult patients with end-stage renal disease receiving pre-operative renal replacement therapy.

Prediction of acute kidney injury after left ventricular assist device implantation: Evaluation of clinical risk scores.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is frequent in patients scheduled for implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and associated with increased mortality. Although several risk models for the prediction of postoperative renal replacement therapy (RRT) have been developed for cardiothoracic patients, none of these scoring systems have been validated in LVADpatients. A retrospective, single center analysis of all patients undergoing LVAD implantation between September 2013 and July 2016 was performed. Primary outcome was AKI requiring RRT within 14 days after surgery. The predictive capacity of the ClevelandClinicScore (CCS), the SocietyofThoracicSurgeonsScore (STS), and the Simplified Renal Index Score(SRI) were evaluated. 76 patients underwent LVADimplantation, 19 patients were excluded due to preoperative RRT. RRT was associated with a prolonged ventilation time, length of stayon the ICU and 180 day mortality (14(60.9%) vs 6(17.6%), P<.01). Whereas the Thakar Score (7.43±1.75 vs 6.44±1.44, P=.02) and the Mehta Score (28.12±15.08 vs 21.53±5.43, P=.02) were significantly higher in patients with RRT than in those without RRT, the SRI did not differ between these groups (3.96±1.15 vs 3.44±1.05, P=.08). Using ROCanalyses, CCS, STS, and SRI showed moderate predictive capacity for RRT with an AUC of 0.661 ± 0.073 (P=.040), 0.637±0.079 (P=.792), and 0.618±0.075 (P=.764), respectively, with comparable accuracy in the Delong test. Using univariate logistic regression analysis, only the De RitisRatio (OR 2.67, P=.034) and MELD (OR 1.11, P=.028) were identified as predictors of postoperative RRT. Risk scores which arepredictive in general cardiac surgery cannot predict RRT in patients after LVAD implantation. Therefore, it seems to be necessary to develop a specific risk score for this patient population.

Neonatal and Paediatric Heart and Renal Outcomes Network: design of a multi-centre retrospective cohort study.

Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury is common. In order to improve our understanding of acute kidney injury, we formed the multi-centre Neonatal and Pediatric Heart and Renal Outcomes Network. Our main goals are to describe neonatal kidney injury epidemiology, evaluate variability in diagnosis and management, identify risk factors, investigate the impact of fluid overload, and explore associations with outcomes. The Neonatal and Pediatric Heart and Renal Outcomes Network collaborative includes representatives from paediatric cardiac critical care, cardiology, nephrology, and cardiac surgery. The collaborative sites and infrastructure are part of the Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium. An acute kidney injury module was developed and merged into the existing infrastructure. A total of twenty-two participating centres provided data on 100-150 consecutive neonates who underwent cardiac surgery within the first 30 post-natal days. Additional acute kidney injury variables were abstracted by chart review and merged with the corresponding record in the quality improvement database. Exclusion criteria included &gt;1 operation in the 7-day study period, pre-operative renal replacement therapy, pre-operative serum creatinine &gt;1.5 mg/dl, and need for extracorporeal support in the operating room or within 24 hours after the index operation. A total of 2240 neonatal patients were enrolled across 22 centres. The incidence of acute kidney injury was 54% (stage 1 = 31%, stage 2 = 13%, and stage 3 = 9%). Neonatal and Pediatric Heart and Renal Outcomes Network represents the largest multi-centre study of neonatal kidney injury. This new network will enhance our understanding of kidney injury and its complications.

Prognostic role of carotid intima-media thickness in off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery

Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is a well-known predictor of adverse outcomes in the ischemic heart disease patients; however, evidence is lacking in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB). Data from 407 patients who underwent OPCAB between April 2013 and August 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. A composite of cardiovascular morbidity endpoints was defined as the presence of stroke, acute myocardial infarction, new cardiac arrhythmia (newly developed atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, or atrioventricular block), cardiovascular death, or cerebrovascular death within 30 days after surgery. Increased carotid IMT was defined as ≥0.9 mm on one or both sides. The incidence of a composite of cardiovascular morbidity endpoints was 24.0% in the normal IMT group (n = 221) and 34.4% in the increased IMT group (n = 186) (p = 0.021). Multivariable analysis revealed increased IMT (odds ratio 1.719, 95% confidence interval 1.108 to 2.666, p = 0.016) and preoperative renal replacement therapy (odds ratio 4.264, 95% confidence interval 1.679 to 10.829, p = 0.002) as independent predictors of a composite of cardiovascular morbidity endpoints. In patients undergoing OPCAB, preoperative assessment of carotid IMT may help predicting the development of a postoperative composite of cardiovascular morbidity endpoints.

Early Right Ventricular Assist Device Use in Patients Undergoing Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: Incidence and Risk Factors From the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support.

To investigate preimplant risk factors associated with early right ventricular assist device (RVAD) use in patients undergoing continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) surgery. Patients in the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support who underwent primary continuous-flow-LVAD surgery were examined for concurrent or subsequent RVAD implantation within 14 days of LVAD. Risk factors for RVAD implantation and the combined end point of RVAD or death within 14 days of LVAD were assessed with stepwise logistic regression. We compared survival between patients with and without RVAD using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards modeling. Of 9976 patients undergoing continuous-flow-LVAD implantation, 386 patients (3.9%) required an RVAD within 14 days of LVAD surgery. Preimplant characteristics associated with RVAD use included interagency registry for mechanically assisted circulatory support patient profiles 1 and 2, the need for preoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or renal replacement therapy, severe preimplant tricuspid regurgitation, history of cardiac surgery, and concomitant procedures other than tricuspid valve repair at the time of LVAD. Hemodynamic determinants included elevated right atrial pressure, reduced pulmonary artery pulse pressure, and reduced stroke volume. The final model demonstrated good performance for both RVAD implant (area under the curve, 0.78) and the combined end point of RVAD or death within 14 days (area under the curve, 0.73). Compared with patients receiving an isolated LVAD, patients requiring RVAD had decreased 1- and 6-month survival: 78.1% versus 95.8% and 63.6% versus 87.9%, respectively (P<0.0001 for both). The need for RVAD implantation after LVAD is associated with indices of global illness severity, markers of end-organ dysfunction, and profiles of hemodynamic instability.

The aspartate transaminase/alanine transaminase (DeRitis) ratio predicts mid-term mortality and renal and respiratory dysfunction after left ventricular assist device implantation.

Preoperative liver dysfunction is a well-known risk factor for adverse events after major surgery. However, there is only little data regarding the precise role of the Model of End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score and the De Ritis ratio (DRR, alanine transaminase/aspartate aminotransferase) as a predictor for outcome after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. A retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing LVAD implantation at our institution between January 2012 and August 2014 was performed. The primary outcome was survival at 180 days after surgery. During the observation period, 63 patients underwent LVAD implantation (mean age 59.9 ± 8.3 years, 50% male). Mean preoperative ejection fraction was 16.3 ± 7.7, 13 patients required preoperative renal replacement therapy and 9 patients were on extracorporeal life support. Mean Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support level was 2.8 ± 1.3, mean preoperative MELD was 12.7 ± 7.2, mean preoperative DRR was 2.01 ± 4.4. Aspartate aminotransferase (102 ± 220.8 vs 57.8 ± 123.4 U/l, P = 0.041), MELD score (16.1 ± 8.8 vs 11.4 ± 6.1, P = 0.017) and DRR (4.2 ± 7.8 vs 1.1 ± 1.1, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors after 180 days. Using logistic regression analyses, a DRR >1.37 was an independent predictor for 30-day mortality [odds ratio (OR) 4.5] and 180-day mortality (OR 4.1). In addition, the DRR was associated with postoperative acute kidney injury with need for renal replacement therapy (OR 4.2) and prolonged postoperative ventilation time >72 h (OR 3.8). Using receiver operator characteristics analyses, DRR showed a sensitivity of 0.80 and a specificity of 0.81 (area under the curve 0.834, cut-off 1.37) for 180-day mortality. The DRR is predictive of early and mid-term mortality as well as relevant morbidities in patients undergoing LVAD implantation. Therefore, the DRR should be considered within the preoperative risk stratification and patient selection for LVAD implantation.

Long-Term Cardiac Morbidity and Mortality in Patients With Aortic Valve Disease Following Liver Transplantation: A Case Matching Study

This retrospective study examined the role of aortic valve (AV) disease in patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) to determine the incidence of postoperative cardiac morbidity and mortality when compared with a matched control group without AV disease. Patients were included in the AV group if diagnosed with aortic stenosis (AS) or aortic regurgitation or had received AV replacement prior to OLT. The AV group (n = 53) was matched to a control group (n = 212) with the following preoperative variables: type of organ transplanted, age, gender, race, body mass index, MELD, redo-transplantation, preoperative renal replacement therapy, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, viral hepatitis, diabetes, and coronary artery disease. A 1:4 ratio was utilized to improve the efficiency and power of the analysis. No significant difference in survival or posttransplant cardiac complications (acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, or dysrhythmia) was observed between groups. However, statistically significantly more patients-11% (6/53)-required coronary intervention following OLT in the AV group, whereas 3% (7/212) required coronary intervention (χ2 = 5.8; P = .0156) in the control group. Following OLT, 9% (5/53) in the AV group required surgical or nonsurgical AV intervention, whereas no valvular events were observed in the control group. Event-free survival in the AV group, with an end point defined as AV intervention (n = 5) and death (n = 10), was 92% (49/53) at 1 year, 83% (44/53) at 3 years, and 72% (38/53) at 5 years. Patients with pretransplant AV replacement or AS have significant cardiac complications (myocardial infarction, AV replacement, or cardiac death) in 1 to 3 years post-OLT.

Outcomes After Cardiac Surgery in Patients With Preoperative Dialysis

Purpose: Haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis as a form of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for chronic renal failure is a life-sustaining therapy which is common in our practice. The median survival of patients undergoing RRT in Australia is only 2.1 to 6.6 years (depending on age), and 29.8% of patients die of cardiovascular disease [[1]ANZDATA Registry 38th Report, Chapter 3: Mortality in End Stage Kidney Disease. Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry, Adelaide, Australia2016Google Scholar]. This situation is even more dire in our Indigenous population [[2]Hoy W. Kidney disease in Aboriginal Australians: a perspective from the Northern Territory.Clin Kidney J. 2014 Dec; 7: 524-553Crossref PubMed Scopus (31) Google Scholar]. Methodology: A retrospective review of prospective data collected from Royal Perth Hospital and Fiona Stanley Hospital in Perth, Western Australia over the previous five years. Patients were selected on the basis of preoperative RRT, excluding kidney transplantation. Fisher's Exact and Student-t tests were used on baseline characteristics and post-operative complications as applicable. Results: 43 of 1,567 patients (2.74%) of patients operated in this period were dialysed preoperatively. Three of these patients had previously received kidney transplants, compared to 8 in the non-dialysis group. The average age of the dialysed group was 59.05 ± 1.51, compared to 60.96 ± 0.39 (p = 0.0008). Indigenous patients were overrepresented (32.6% vs 9.90%, p < 0.001). Thirty-day mortality was higher in the dialysis group (14.0% vs 3.03%, p = 0.002). Conclusion: Preoperative haemodialysis is associated with worse outcomes after cardiac surgery.

The role of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in predicting acute kidney injury in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass graft: A pilot study.

Objective:Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a commonly encountered postoperative complication after cardiac surgery especially in high risk patients. AKI though seen more commonly after conventional on pump coronary artery bypass surgery (CCABG), is not uncommon after off pump coronary bypass surgery (OPCAB). Various biomarkers have shown promise over last one decade as an early marker for predicting AKI postoperatively. NGAL is one such biomarker whose concentration is increased in urine after any nephrotoxic and ischemic insult. The objective of this study was to assess the role of urine NGAL in predicting AKI after OPCAB in patients with increased risk of developing AKI.Design:A prospective cohort study.Setting:A clinical study in a multi specialty hospital.Participants:Eighty patients.Materials and Methods:study was approved by the hospital research ethics committee. 80 patients posted for OPCAB with an increased risk of developing AKI defined as having a Cleveland Clinic Foundation Acute renal failure scoring System score of ≥6 were included in the study. Patients with coronary angiography (CAG) within 48 hrs prior to surgery, pre-existing AKI, preoperative renal replacement therapy (RRT) and CKD stage 5 were excluded. Urine NGAL level before the start of surgery baseline and at 4 hrs post surgery were done. Renal function tests were assessed on the day of surgery (4 hrs post surgery) and on the next three days.Result:Seven patients developed AKI as defined by acute kidney infection network (AKIN) and risk injury failure loss end stage (RIFLE) criteria for AKI. NGAL value at 4 hrs in patients who developed AKI was significantly higher than in those patients who did not develop AKI (P < 0.05).Conclusion:urine NGAL is an early biomarker of acute kidney injury in patients undergoing OPCAB surgeries. However, large multicentre studies may be needed to confirm it.