Preoperative Statin Research Articles

Complications after thoracic endovascular aortic repair for ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysms remain high compared with elective repair

ObjectiveThoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysms is associated with increased perioperative mortality and morbidity compared with intact repair. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the factors associated with the presentation of ruptured aneurysms and adverse outcomes after repair. MethodsThe Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) registry was queried (2010-2020) to identify patients who had undergone TEVAR for ruptured and intact thoracic aortic aneurysms. The primary outcome was to identify the factors associated with ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysms. The secondary outcomes included perioperative mortality and morbidity, 5-year survival, and the identification of factors associated with adverse outcomes after TEVAR. ResultsOf the 3039 patients identified with a thoracic aortic aneurysm, 2806 (92%) had undergone repair for an intact aneurysm and 233 (8%) had undergone repair for a ruptured aneurysm. Chronic kidney disease was associated with a greater odds of a presentation with a ruptured aneurysm (odds ratio [OR], 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0-4.9; P < .001). The factors associated with a lower odds of rupture included prior aortic aneurysm repair (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.49-0.97; P = .05), prior smoker (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.24-0.53; P < .001), preoperative beta-blocker therapy (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.41-0.80; P = .001), and preoperative statin therapy (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.49-0.94; P = .020). TEVAR for ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysms was associated with higher perioperative mortality (rupture vs intact, 27% vs 4.6%; OR, 6.6; 95% CI 4.3-10; P < .001) and the composite outcome of mortality, new dialysis, paralysis, and stroke (38% vs 9.5%; OR, 5.1; 95% CI, 3.5-7.4; P < .001). The 5-year survival was significantly lower after TEVAR for ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysms (50% vs 76%; P < .001; hazard ratio, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.29-0.52; P < .001). Preoperative statin therapy was associated with higher 5-year survival (hazard ratio, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0-1.6; P = .021). ConclusionsTEVAR for ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysms results in increased perioperative mortality and morbidity and lower 5-year survival compared with TEVAR for intact aneurysms. Patients with prior aortic aneurysm repair, prior smoking, and preoperative beta-blocker or statin therapy were less likely to present with ruptured thoracic aneurysms. This correlation might be attributed to increased exposure to cardiovascular healthcare providers and, thus, subsequently increased screening and surveillance, allowing for elective repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms.

Abstract P114: Statins, High-density Lipoprotein, And Acute Kidney Injury After Endovascular Aortic Repair

Acute kidney injury (AKI) after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) occurs in 20% of patients and is an independent predictor of death. Higher preoperative high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration before revascularization of chronic limb ischemia is associated with a lower risk of AKI. Further, preoperative statin use has been shown to be associated with a decreased risk of AKI after EVAR. We hypothesized that both preoperative statin use and higher preoperative HDL are associated with a lower risk of AKI in patients undergoing EVAR. Charts from adult patients that underwent EVAR were selected using the ICD codes (n=251). Each chart was reviewed for demographic and medical information, preoperative and postoperative serum creatinine concentrations, and preoperative HDL concentration. One hundred and three patients had available statin medication, serum creatinine, and HDL concentrations. The associations between statin dose, HDL concentration and maximum serum creatinine change from baseline in the first 48 postoperative hours was assessed using multivariable linear regression models, adjusted for AKI risk factors. Preoperative HDL concentration was not correlated with preoperative statin dose (Pearson’s R=0.0515, p=0.57). Higher preoperative statin doses (atorvastatin equivalents) and higher preoperative HDL concentrations were associated with lower serum creatinine rise (p=0.042 and 0.002 respectively, Figure). When both preoperative statin dose and preoperative HDL concentration were included in the model, both variables lost significance, suggesting HDL may mediate the relationship between preoperative statin dose and postoperative AKI. Higher preoperative HDL concentrations and statin doses were associated with less postoperative AKI. Future work involves identifying the biological mechanism underlying these associations as a first step towards developing new therapies to prevent AKI following EVAR.

Contemporary rates of inferior vena cava filter thrombosis and risk factors

ObjectiveInferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis is an uncommon complication associated with IVC filters (IVCFs), with studies reporting rates ranging from 1% to 31%. Few observational studies have described the risk factors associated with IVCF thrombosis, despite the significant clinical sequelae such as post-thrombotic syndrome, venous claudication, and venous ulceration. To better describe IVCF thrombosis and the risk factors, data were queried from Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) participating centers. MethodsIVCF data were obtained from the international VQI database from 2013 to 2019. The patients included in the present analysis had 2 years of follow-up data available. The baseline demographics, medical comorbidities, medication, and procedural, anatomic, and postoperative variables were assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves with log-rank tests, Student's t tests, or Mann-Whitney U tests for IVCF thrombosis at 2 years. Cox regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of IVCF thrombosis. A subgroup analysis of those who had presented with venous thromboembolism (VTE) was also performed. ResultsA total of 62 U.S. and Canadian VQI-participating centers included 12,874 cases of IVCF placement. Of the 5780 cases with 2 years of follow-up available, 78 (1.3%) had developed IVCF thrombosis. Those who had experienced IVCF thrombosis had had significantly lower rates of diabetes, coronary artery disease, preoperative antiplatelet medications, preoperative statin use, and lower rates of discharge and follow-up antiplatelet medications. On univariable analysis, the cases of IVCF thrombosis also had higher rates of pulmonary embolism and VTE on admission, internal jugular venous access (vs femoral vein access), temporary IVCF use, follow-up anticoagulation, follow-up IVCF complication, follow-up access site thrombosis, and rates of new or propagated deep vein thrombosis at follow-up, and longer postoperative hospital stays. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that the independent predictors of IVCF thrombosis included new or propagated deep vein thrombosis at follow-up (hazard ratio [HR], 16.3; 95% confident interval [CI], 9.8-27.3; P < .001), no antiplatelet therapy at follow-up (HR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.9-12.5; P = .001), internal jugular venous access (HR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.4-3.5; P = .001), the presence of VTE on admission (HR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.4-5.1; P = .002), and temporary IVCF placement (HR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.1-5.6; P = .031). In an analysis of the subgroup of patients with VTE on admission, similar predictive factors were identified in a multivariable model. Massive pulmonary embolism was also predictive of IVCF thrombosis in this subgroup. ConclusionsThe rate of IVCF thrombosis remained low in a contemporary international database. The results from the present study of >5000 patients with IVCFs suggest that antiplatelet therapy should be administered after IVCF placement to decreased the risk of IVCF thrombosis.

Effect of Preoperative Aspirin, Beta-Blocker, and Statin Usage on Perioperative and One-Year Mortality of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Improved perioperative management and surgical techniques have significantly reduced morbidity and mortality after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair in recent years. However, guidelines remain unclear regarding the role of preoperative medical management in long-term outcomes. Aspirin, statins, and beta-blockers have individually shown promising Results, but data assessing the efficacy and combinative effect remain limited. In our study, we evaluated the association between the preoperative use of these pharmacotherapeutic agents and the postoperative and long-term outcomes of AAA repair in the Vascular Quality Initiative Vascular Implant Surveillance and Interventional Outcomes Network.

Association Between Preoperative Statin Exposure and Acute Kidney Injury in Adult Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

The existing literature has shown conflicting results regarding the association between preoperative statin exposure and the risk of postoperative cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI). A single-center retrospective observational study. A single, large, tertiary care center. Adult patients undergoing open cardiac surgery between January 1, 2012 and January 1, 2019. AKI was defined using the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria. A multivariate logistic regression analysis and propensity score-matched analysis were used to study the association. A total of 58,399 patient charts were retrospectively reviewed. The preoperative statin exposure cohort had a lower prevalence of all stages of CSA-AKI (30.7% v 36.3%, p < 0.001) and stage 3 CSA-AKI (0.9% v 2.1%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, preoperative statin exposure was a protective factor against all stages of postoperative CSA-AKI (odds ratio [OR], 0.885, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.852-0.920, p < 0.001) and stage 3 CSA-AKI in adults (OR, 0.671, 95% CI, 0.567-0.795, p < 0.001). A propensity score-matched analysis showed that the preoperative statin exposure cohort had a lower risk of all stages of postoperative CSA-AKI (30.7% v 35.3%, p < 0.001) and stage 3 CSA-AKI (0.9% v 2.2%, p < 0.001) than the control cohort. Preoperative statin exposure was associated with all stages of postoperative CSA-AKI and stage 3 CSA-AKI.

Effect of statins on post-contrast acute kidney injury: a multicenter retrospective observational study

BackgroundPost-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI) is a severe complication of coronary angiography (CAG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Currently, the effect of statins on PC-AKI and its mechanism remains unclear.MethodsThis multicenter retrospective observational study included 4386 patients who underwent CAG or PCI from December 2006 to December 2019 in Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital and its medical consortium hospitals. Serum creatinine pre- or post-procedure within 72 h after PCI was recorded. Multivariate logical regression was used to explore whether preoperative use of statins was protective from PC-AKI. The path analysis model was then utilized to look for the mediation factors of statins.ResultsFour thousand three hundred eighty-six patients were enrolled totally. The median age of the study population was 68 years old, 17.9% with PC-AKI, and 83.3% on preoperative statins therapy. The incidence of PC-AKI was significantly lower in group of patients on statins therapy. Multivariate regression indicated that preoperative statins therapy was significantly associated with lower percentage of elevated creatinine (β: -0.118, P < 0.001) and less PC-AKI (OR: 0.575, P < 0.001). In the preoperative statins therapy group, no statistically significant difference was detected between the atorvastatin and rosuvastatin groups (OR: 1.052, P = 0.558). Pathway model analysis indicated a direct protective effect of preoperative statins therapy on PC-AKI (P < 0.001), but not through its lipid-lowering effect (P = 0.277) nor anti-inflammatory effect (P = 0.596). Furthermore, it was found that “low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)→C-reactive protein (CRP)” mediated the relationship between preoperative statins therapy and PC-AKI (P = 0.007). However, this only explained less than 1% of the preoperative protective effects of statins on PC-AKI.ConclusionPreoperative statins therapy is an independent protective factor of PC-AKI, regardless of its type. This protective effect is not achieved by lipid-lowering effect or anti-inflammatory effect. These findings underscore the potential use of statins in preventing PC-AKI among those at risk.

Preoperative statin therapy is associated with higher 5-year survival after thoracic endovascular aortic repair

ObjectiveStatin use is associated with higher long-term survival after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. However, the association between statin use and survival after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has not been established. MethodsWe performed a review of prospectively collected data of all patients who had undergone TEVAR in the Vascular Quality Initiative between 2014 and 2020. We excluded patients aged <18 years, those who had presented with trauma, and those who had received custom-manufactured or physician-modified devices. We evaluated the association between preoperative statin therapy and in-hospital mortality and complications and 5-year mortality. We also analyzed the trend of preoperative statin use in elective cases for the previous 7 years. To account for nonrandom assignment to treatment, we used propensity score matching of patient characteristics, comorbidities, pathology, and urgency for preoperative statin use. We used logistic regression and Cox regression for the short-term and 5-year outcomes, respectively. ResultsOf 6266 patients who had undergone TEVAR and met the inclusion criteria, 3331 (53%) patients had been taking a statin preoperatively, including 1148 of 2267 (64%) treated for aneurysmal disease. After propensity score matching, 1875 patients were in each cohort. Preoperative statin use was associated with lower rates of any perioperative complication (16.7% vs 19.6%; odds ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69-0.97; P = .022). Overall, preoperative statin use was also associated with lower 5-year mortality (18.8% vs 24.5%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.74; 95% CI, 0.63-0.89; P = .001). When stratified by urgency, preoperative statin use was associated with lower 5-year mortality after elective TEVAR (14.9% vs 22.4%; HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.49-0.79; P < .001) but not after urgent or emergent TEVAR (27.4% vs 29.1%; HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.70-1.14; P = .37). When stratified by pathology, preoperative statin use was associated with significantly lower 5-year mortality for patients with aneurysms (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.48-0.83; P = .001). Although the mortality was also lower for patients with dissection and “other” pathology, these differences did not reach statistical significance. Between 2014 and 2019, a significant increase had occurred in statin use among patients undergoing elective TEVAR, from 56% in 2014 to 64% in 2019 (P = .007). ConclusionsPreoperative statin therapy is associated with lower perioperative complication rates and 5-year mortality for patients undergoing TEVAR. All patients with known thoracic aortic pathology should receive statin therapy unless contraindications for the drug are present. For patients undergoing elective TEVAR, the statin prescription percentage should be considered a quality metric, and further implementation research should occur to improve preoperative statin use.

Pre-operative Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio is Associated With 30 Day Death or Amputation After Revascularisation for Acute Limb Ischaemia

Inflammation is an early feature of acute limb ischaemia (ALI), hence the potential prognostic significance of inflammatory biomarkers. This study aimed to assess the value of pre-operative inflammatory biomarkers, specifically the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), for predicting an adverse outcome after revascularisation for ALI. All patients submitted to lower limb revascularisation for Rutherford IIa or IIb ALI at the authors' institution between 2009 and 2019 were screened retrospectively. Pre-operative NLR and PLR were analysed, along with other known prognostic factors. Primary outcome was the composite endpoint of 30 day death or amputation. A total of 345 patients were included, 84 of whom suffered the primary outcome (24.3%). The median follow up was 23.1 months (3.1 - 52.2). Higher age (OR 1.05 per year increase, 95% CI 1.01 - 1.09), diabetes (OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.14 - 6.06), Rutherford grade IIb vs. IIa (OR 5.51, 95% CI 2.11 - 14.42), higher NLR (OR 1.28 per unit increase, 95% CI 1.12 - 1.47), and fasciotomy need (OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.14 - 10.34) were independently associated with 30 day death or amputation, whereas pre-operative statin or anticoagulant medication were associated with a risk reduction (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.53 - 0.96 and OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.05 - 0.84, respectively). PLR did not show an independent effect on this population. Pre-operative NLR presented a good discriminative ability (AUC 0.86, 95% CI 0.82 - 0.90). A cut off NLR level ≥ 5.4 demonstrated a 90.5% sensitivity and 73.6% specificity for 30 day death or amputation. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with pre-operative NLR ≥ 5.4 had significantly lower 30 day, six month and one year amputation free survival when compared with those with NLR < 5.4 (64.8 ± 4.0%, 44.1 ± 4.1%, and 37.5 ± 4.1% vs. 98.5 ± 0.9%, 91.9 ± 2.0%, and 85.9 ± 2.5%, log rank p < .001). In this study, higher pre-operative NLR was associated with 30 day death or amputation following intervention for Rutherford grade IIa or IIb ALI. NLR potentially stands as a simple, widely available and inexpensive biomarker that can refine decision making and possibly contribute to ALI morbidity and mortality reduction.

Effects of Preoperative Statin on the Frequency of Ventricular Fibrillation and C-Reactive Protein Level in Patients Undergoing Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

To investigate the effects of statin use in preoperative period on the development of ventricular fibrillation (VF) following the removal of aortic cross-clamp (ACC) and on the levels of inflammation biomarker C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients who undergo elective isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Observational study. Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Yuksek Ihtisas Training and Research Hospital, Bursa, Turkey, between May 2019 and January 2020. A total of 104 patients, who underwent elective isolated CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass, were included in this prospective study. Fifty patients, who received statin treatment for at least 16 weeks in preoperative period, were identified as Group S; and 54 patients, who did not receive statin treatment, were identified as Group N. The frequency of VF and defibrillation counter shock (DCS) requirement and postoperative CRP levels were compared in groups after ACC removal. VF development and related DCS counts were lower at significant levels in Group S compared to Group N (p <0.001 for both). Although no statistically significant differences were detected between the median preoperative CRP levels of the groups; median CRP levels, which were measured in postoperative 2nd and 7th days, were found to be significantly lower in Group S (p <0.001 for both). Preoperative statin use significantly reduced VF development after the removal of ACC, and decreased postoperative CRP levels. Key Words: Coronary artery bypass grafting, Statins, Pleiotropic effect, Ventricular fibrillation, C-reactive protein.

Statin therapy and postoperative short-term mortality after rectal cancer surgery.

AimThis study aimed to assess the correlation between regular statin therapy and postoperative mortality following surgical resection for rectal cancer.MethodThis retrospective cohort study included all adult patients undergoing abdominal rectal cancer surgery in Sweden between January 2007 and September 2016. Data were gathered from the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry, a large population‐based prospectively collected registry. Statin users were defined as patients with one or more collected prescriptions of a statin within 12 months before the date of surgery. The statin‐positive and statin‐negative cohorts were matched by propensity scores based on baseline demographics.ResultsA total of 11 966 patients underwent surgical resection for rectal cancer, of whom 3019 (25%) were identified as statin users. After applying propensity score matching (1:1), 3017 pairs were available for comparison. In the matched groups, statin users demonstrated reduced 90‐day all‐cause mortality (0.7% vs. 5.5%, p < 0.001) and also showed significantly reduced cause‐specific mortality due to cardiovascular and respiratory events, as well as sepsis and multiorgan failure. The significant postoperative survival benefit of statin users was seen despite a higher rate of cardiovascular comorbidity.ConclusionPreoperative statin therapy displays a strong association with reduced postoperative mortality following surgical resection for rectal cancer. The results from the current study warrant further investigation to determine whether a causal relationship exists.

Preoperative Statin Use Is Associated With Less Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Myectomy in Patients With Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy

The present study aims to investigate whether preoperative statin use is associated with less postoperative atrial fibrillation occurrence after septal myectomy in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Clinical data of consecutive patients with HOCM who underwent septal myectomy between February 2009 and May 2019 at our institution was retrospectively reviewed. The cohort was divided into 2 groups according to the status of preoperative statin use (statin group vs no statin group). Logistic regression was used to explore associations of clinical variables with postoperative atrial fibrillation occurrence. A total of 1307 patients with HOCM underdoing septal myectomy were included in the present study, with 109 patients in the statin group and 1198 in the no statin group. Among 322 patients (24.6%) developing postoperative atrial fibrillation, 21 cases (19.3%) occurred in the statin group, while 301 cases (25.1%) were in the no statin group (P = 0.202). After propensity score matching with confounding variables at baseline, 91 paired patients were included in the matched cohort. Postoperative atrial fibrillation developed in 17 (18.7%) and 38 (41.8%) in the statin and no statin groups, respectively (P = 0.001). Preoperative statin use was associated with less postoperative atrial fibrillation occurrence (odds ratio 0.220, 95% confidence interval 0.083-0.588, P<0.003). The present study suggested that preoperative statin use was associated with less postoperative atrial fibrillation occurrence after septal myectomy in patients with HOCM. This finding may provide clues for subsequent prospective study to investigate this clinical issue.

Association Between Preoperative Statin Use and Respiratory Complications After Noncardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis.

Statins possess pleiotropic effects, which potentially benefit noncardiovascular conditions. Previous work suggests that statins reduce inflammation and prevent acute respiratory distress syndrome and infections. However, there is a paucity of data regarding potential benefits of statins on respiratory and infectious complications, particularly after noncardiac surgery. We therefore evaluated respiratory and other complications in noncardiac surgery patients taking or not taking statins preoperatively. We obtained data from the Cleveland Clinic Perioperative Health Documentation System and evaluated medical records of 92,139 inpatients who had noncardiac surgery. Among these, 31,719 patients took statins preoperatively. Statin patients were compared to nonstatin patients on incidence of intraoperative use of albuterol and postoperative respiratory complications for primary analysis. Infectious complications, cardiovascular complications, in-hospital mortality, and duration of hospitalization were compared for secondary analyses, using inverse probability of treatment weighting to control for potential confounding. Statin use was associated with lower odds of intraoperative albuterol treatment (odds ratio [OR] = 0.89; 97.5% confidence interval [CI], 0.82-0.97; P = .001; number needed to treat [NNT] = 216). Postoperative respiratory complications were also less common (OR = 0.82; 98.75% CI, 0.78-0.87; P < .001). Secondarily, statin use was associated with lower odds of infections, cardiovascular complications, in-hospital mortality, and shorter duration of hospitalization. The interaction between statin use and sex was significant (with significance criteria P < .10) for all primary and secondary outcomes except intraoperative use of albuterol. Preoperative statin use in noncardiac surgical patients was associated with slightly reduced odds of postoperative respiratory, infectious, and cardiovascular complications. However, the NNTs were high. Thus, despite the fact that statins appeared to be associated with lower odds of various complications, especially cardiovascular complications, our results do not support using statins specifically to reduce noncardiovascular complications after noncardiac surgery.

Preoperative Statin Use before Peripheral Endovascular Interventions Does Not Prevent Postoperative Development of Acute Kidney Injury

Journal of the American College of Surgeons 231(4):p e267, October 2020. | DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2020.08.717

Outcomes of Endovascular Management of Isolated Profunda Femoris Artery Occlusive Disease

Endovascular management of isolated profunda femoris artery occlusive disease has not been well studied. Our aim is to analyze the outcomes of endovascular management of profunda artery occlusive disease. This is a retrospective analysis using data from the Vascular Quality Initiative. All patients from 2013 to 2018 treated percutaneously for isolated profunda artery occlusive disease were included. Endovascular treatment included plain balloon alone, stent, stent graft, atherectomy, and drug-coated balloon without any concomitant endovascular or surgical treatment. Demographic, procedural, and follow-up data were obtained. Primary end points were primary patency, improvement of symptoms, and need for reintervention. Univariate and multivariable analysis was used to assess for significant variables. Of the 105,568 lower extremity endovascular interventions performed during this time period, there were 361 procedures (0.3%) performed on 341 patients for isolated profunda artery occlusive disease. The average age of these patients was 67.8years (+/- 11.8), with 59.8% being men. The most common indication for treatment of the profunda artery was claudication (44.8%), followed by tissue loss (28.5%) and rest pain (26.0%). The most common treatment modality was plain balloon (58.5%), followed by stent (18.6%), drug-coated balloon (10.0%), atherectomy (9.4%), and stent graft (3.6%). At a mean follow-up of 13months (+/-4.6), data were available for 238 patients (69.7%). Overall primary patency at 13months was 92.9%. There was no significant difference in terms of patency for each treatment modality (Table I). Preoperative ambulatory status, aspirin, and statin were significantly associated with patency. At most recent follow-up, 67% of patients had improvement of their symptoms, whereas 29% were unchanged. Reintervention data were available for 247 patients, with a reintervention rate of 15.8% (n=39) and a mean reintervention time of 226days (+/- 173), with the majority of reinterventions (62%) occurring in the plain balloon group. Reinterventions were primarily endovascular (64%) with 9 patients (23%) undergoing surgical reintervention. Endovascular management of profunda femoris artery occlusive disease has acceptable one-year patency rates with low reintervention rates. Endovascular treatment may be an acceptable alternative to selected patients who are high-risk for surgery.

Long-Term Trends in Preoperative Cardiac Evaluation and Myocardial Infarction after Elective Vascular Procedures

Vascular surgery has seen rapid increase in the use of less invasive endovascular therapies along with advancements in cardiac perioperative optimization in the past 2decades. However, a recent American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database study found no improvement in postoperative myocardial infarction (POMI) over a 10-year period in high-risk procedures. The national Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) registry provides a more in-depth characterization of vascular surgery procedures. Here, we sought to evaluate long-term trends in POMI using VQI registry data for patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA), thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), endovascular aortic repair (EVAR), open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (oAAA), suprainguinal bypass (SIB), and infrainguinal bypass (IIB). A retrospective cohort study was performed using data on elective procedures from 2003 to 2017. Procedures were subdivided by date of operation into 3-year era consecutive groups for subanalysis (2003-05, 2006-08, 2009-11, 2012-14, and 2015-17). The incidence of POMI, preoperative risk factors (including individual patient VQI cardiac risk index (CRI)), and demographics were determined over time. A total of 227,837 elective procedures were identified: CEA (n=88,805, 39.0%), TEVAR (n=7,494, 3.3%), EVAR (n=34,376, 15.1%), oAAA (n=7,568, 3.3%), SIB (n=11,354, 5.0%), and IIB (n=34,661, 15.2%). Across all procedures, the overall rate of POMI was 1.3%. POMI rates from 2003-05 to 2015-17 for CEA decreased from 0.9% to 0.7% (P=0.21), EVAR from 2.0% to 0.7%, P=0.003, oAAA from 6.8% to 5.1% (P=0.12), and IIB from 3.8% to 2.4% (P=0.003). SIB POMI decreased from 3.06% to 2.95%, P=0.85 from 2009 to 17. While POMI after TEVAR increased from 2.40% to 2.56% from 2009 to 17, P=0.91. Over these same time periods, only EVAR and IIB had a reduction in CRIs (P=0.059 and P<0.001, respectively). CEA, EVAR, IIB, and oAAA all showed a significant (P<0.001) increase in preoperative statin use. Except for TEVAR, the incidence of POMI has remained unchanged or decreased over the past 15years in VQI registries. Patients undergoing IIB and EVAR demonstrated decreases in POMI rates that correspond with a reduction in CRIs and increased preoperative statin use. CEA and SIB had no significant change in POMI rates nor CRIs. The etiology of decreased POMI rate is uncertain, but increasing statin use, patient-specific factors, and patient selection for procedures may be important drivers of this improvement.

Influence of preoperative statins and aspirin administration on biological and magnetic resonance imaging properties in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Background: Main objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of statins and/or acetylsalicylic acid on biochemical characteristics of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) wall and intraluminal thrombus (ILT). Patients and methods: Fifty patients with asymptomatic infrarenal AAA were analyzed using magnetic resonance imaging on T1w sequence. Relative ILT signal intensity (SI) was determined as a ratio between ILT and psoas muscle SI. Samples containing the full ILT thickness and aneurysm wall were harvested from the anterior surface at the level of the maximal diameter. The concentration of enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9, MMP2 and neutrophil elastase (NE/ELA) were analyzed in ILT and AAA wall; while collagen type III, elastin and proteoglycan 4 were analyzed in harvested AAA wall. Oxidative stress in the AAA wall was assessed by catalase and malondialdehyde activity in tissue samples. Results: Relative ILT signal intensity (1.09±0.41 vs 0.89±0.21, p=0.013) were higher in non-statin than in statin group. Patients who were taking aspirin had lower relative ILT area (0.89±0.19 vs 1.13.±0.44, p=0.016), and lower relative ILT signal intensity (0.85 [0.73-1.07] vs 1.01 [0.84-1.19], p=0.021) compared to non-aspirin group. There were higher concentrations of elastin in AAA wall among patients taking both of aspirin and statins (1.21 [0.77-3.02] vs 0.78 (0.49-1.05) ng/ml, p=0.044) than in patients who did not take both of these drugs. Conclusions: Relative ILT SI was lower in patients taking statin and aspirin. Combination of antiplatelet therapy and statins was associated with higher elastin concentrations in AAA wall.

Predictors and Consequences of Silent Brain Infarction in Patients with Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis

AimSilent brain infarction (SBI) is associated with an increased risk of stroke in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS), and is therefore one of the criteria for performing carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Despite an extensive literature, this issue is still a matter of debate. Aim of the present work was to evaluate incidence and predictors of SBI in patients undergoing CEA for ACS, and to investigate its possible impact on CEA outcome. MethodsAll patients submitted to CEA in a single academic center from 2005 to 2019 were prospectively inserted into a specific database. The presence of SBI was evaluated by preoperative computed tomography (CT), considering exclusively infarctions in the carotid territories from an athero-embolic source. Preoperative characteristics were investigated as possible risk factor for SBI at the uni- and multivariate analysis. The impact of SBI on stroke occurrence after CEA was also evaluated. ResultsIn the designated period, over a total of 1288 ACS considered and submitted to CEA, 105 (8.2%) were associated with SBI. Male sex, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, smoking, contralateral carotid occlusion and severity of carotid stenosis were associated with SBI at the univariate analysis; preoperative statin therapy showed to be a protective factor. At the multivariate analysis, contralateral carotid occlusion and severity of stenosis were independently associated with SBI (OR: 3.16, 95%CI 1.62–6.18, P=.001; OR: 1.04, 95%CI 1.01–1.07, P=.004, respectively), with statin therapy confirmed as a protective factor (OR: 0.60, 95%CI: 0.40–0.92, P=.002). Overall post-CEA stroke rate was 0.9%, with a higher post-operative risk independently predicted by the presence of SBI (OR:4.23, 95%CI: 1.40–12.73, P=.01). ConclusionSBI is present in 8% of patients with ACS, and is significantly associated with contralateral carotid occlusion and severity of the carotid stenosis. Statin therapy reduces the occurrence of this phenomenon. The presence of SBI should be carefully considered in indication to CEA since it significantly increases the surgical risk

Acute Deterioration of Kidney Function after Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Introduction:Post-operative acute kidney injury is a serious complication and identifying modifiable factors could assist in peri-operative management. This study aimed to identify the pre-operative and intra-operative factors associated with the incidence of post-operative acute kidney injury and acute deterioration of kidney function after total hip arthroplasty.Materials and methods: This single-center, retrospective, observational study included 203 patients who underwent unilateral primary total hip arthroplasty. Acute kidney injury was determined using biochemical markers according to the risk, injury, failure, loss of kidney function, and end-stage kidney disease (RIFLE) criteria. Acute deterioration of kidney function was defined as the reduction of estimated glomerular filtration rate by ≥10ml/min/1.73m2.Results:Prior to total hip arthroplasty, 20% of all patients met the chronic renal dysfunction criterion of glomerular filtration rates <60ml/min/1.73m2 (glomerular filtration rate categories G3a-G5). Incidence rates of acute kidney injury and acute deterioration of kidney function after total hip arthroplasty were 0.49% and 6.9%, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis showed that diabetes mellitus and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs before total hip arthroplasty were significant risk factors for acute deterioration of kidney function. Advanced age, preoperative renal dysfunction, antihypertensive, diuretics, or statin use, operation time, total blood loss, type of anesthetic, and body mass index were not significant risk factors.Conclusion:Diabetes mellitus and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were controllable risks, and multidisciplinary approaches are a reasonable means of minimising peri-operative acute kidney injury or acute deterioration of kidney function.

Low visceral adipose tissue regulatory T cells are associated with higher comorbidity severity in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Adipose tissue (AT) inflammation is linked to the development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and atherosclerosis in murine models of obesity. Reduced AT regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are anti-inflammatory immune cells, play an important part in this pathogenesis, and we have shown that AT-Tregs are inversely correlated to increasing body-mass-index. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between AT-Treg abundance and comorbidity status in patients undergoing bariatric surgery (BS). Visceral (intra-abdominal) AT was harvested at that time of primary BS (n = 80) and collagenase digested. AT-Treg abundance (CD4+/CD25+/FOXP3+) was characterized using flow cytometry from the AT stromal vascular fraction. The median AT-Treg abundance (3.03%) was utilized to define high (High-Tregs, n = 39) and low AT-Treg (low-Tregs, n = 38) abundance within this cohort. These two groups were compared in terms of baseline demographic data, preoperative obesity-related comorbidities, glycemic parameters, including insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Age, excess body weight, and sex were not different between groups. Prevalence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or T2DM preoperatively were not different between groups. Compared to High-Tregs, patients with low-Tregs were more likely to have insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes (12.5% vs 2.9%, p = 0.04). Within patients with T2DM, low-Treg patients had higher plasma insulin levels compared to high-Tregs (31.8 (28.4-56.5) vs 15.5 (10.1-23.1), p = 0.04) and trended towards higher insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (9.0 (5.3-18.3) vs 3.5 (2.2-7.7), p = 0.08). Within those diagnosed with hyperlipidemia, preoperative statin use was higher in Low-Treg patients compared to the control cohort (91% vs 50%, p = 0.056). Low-Treg patients with hypertension were more likely to need 2 + anti-hypertensive agents preoperatively compared to their counterparts (71% vs 44%, p = 0.058). Within bariatric candidates, lower visceral AT-Treg abundance was associated with increased baseline medication requirements for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. This suggests that reduced AT-Tregs may be associated with higher obesity-related comorbidity severity.

Preoperative Statin Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation and Renal Failure after Cardiac Surgery.

Performing cardiac surgery in patients with cardiovascular risk factors incorporates a steady risk for the development of postoperative complications. Perioperative statin intake was associated with an improvement of perioperative outcomes in these patients. However, the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery guidelines regarding the perioperative statin treatment were changed recently due to large studies reporting about relevant adverse effects related to statin therapy. All relevant databases were searched including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the metaRegister of Controlled Trials. Various registries were screened (National Research Register, the ClinicalTrials.gov, and gray literature) with search on online conference indices of relevant scientific meetings. No language restrictions were applied. We identified 10 randomized controlled studies summarizing 3,468 participants undergoing various kinds of cardiac surgical procedures. All included studies presented with marked differences regarding study design. Pooled analysis indicated that statin pretreatment was associated with a formally reduced incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) (odds ratio [OR] 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39-1.00; p = 0.05) but with an increased incidence of renal failure (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.01-1.44; p = 0.04) compared with control. Substantial heterogeneity was observed among studies reporting about AF. Current but sparse evidence reveals that statin pretreatment is associated with a higher rate of postoperative renal failure compared with control therapy but is ineffective to substantially reduce postoperative AF. Given the relevant heterogeneity among included studies, statin pretreatment cannot be generally recommended.