Molecular Detection of Leishmania spp. and Blood Source of Female Sand Flies in the Parque Estadual do Rio Doce and Municipality of Timóteo, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Leishmaniasis is a group of diseases caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania and is transmitted by the bite female sand fly. The present work is characterized as a descriptive study in two areas: a forest area located in the Parque Estadual do Rio Doce, and another urban area located in the municipality of Timóteo-MG, with the objective of identifying the presence of Leishmania spp. and the blood source of the collected female sand flies. Part of the females were obtained from the Parque Estadual do Rio Doce, and part was collected using 19 ligth traps distributed in residences of Timóteo. For molecular studies of Leishmania spp. DNA, the ITS1 gene was used, and in the search for blood source, the CytB gene was used and positive samples were sequenced. The study demonstrated that there are at least three species of Leishmania circulating in the study areas: Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis, and Leishmania (V.) guyanensis. Nyssomyia whitmani was the predominant sand fly species in the urban area of Timóteo with a positive diagnosis for the presence of Leishmania braziliensis DNA. We found the presence of blood from Gallus gallus (Chicken) and Sus scrofa (Pig) in sand flies. The present study demonstrates that Leishmania braziliensis is the main agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the study area, with the effective participation of Nyssomyia whitmani as the vector and both Gallus gallus and Sus scrofa acting as a food source for female sand flies, and helping maintaining the sand fly life.

Three-Dimensional Printing: is it useful for Cardiac Surgery?

INTRODUCTION: The medical use of three-dimensional (3-D) images has been a topic in the literature since 1988, but 95% of papers on 3-D printing were published in the last six years. The increase in publications is the result of advances in 3-D printing methods, as well as of the increasing availability of these machines in different hospitals. This paper sought to review the literature on 3-D printing and to discuss thoughtful ideas regarding benefits and challenges to its incorporation into cardiothoracic surgeons' routines. METHODS: A comprehensive and systematic search of the literature was performed in PubMed and included material published as of March 2020. RESULTS: Using this search strategy, 9,253 publications on 3-D printing and 497 on "heart" 3-D printing were retrieved. CONCLUSION: 3-D printed models are already helping surgeons to plan their surgeries, helping patients and their families to understand complex anatomy, helping fellows and residents to practice surgery, even for rare cases, and helping nurses and other health care staff to better understand some conditions, such as heart diseases.

Effect of Preoperative Creatinine Levels on Mortality after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery: an Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION: Renal function is an independent risk factor for mortality among on-pump coronary bypass grafting (ONCABG) patients. This association is well known in the international literature, but there is a lack of knowledge of how admission creatinine (AC) levels modulate each cardiovascular risk factor. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper was to assess the effect of different AC levels on mortality among ONCABG patients. METHODS: 1,599 patients who underwent ONCABG between December 1999 and February 2006 at Hospital de Base in São José do Rio Preto/SP-Brazil were included. They were divided into quartiles according to their AC levels (QI: 0.2 ≤AC < 1.0 mg/dL; QII: 1.0 ≤ AC < 1.2 mg/dL; QIII: 1.2 ≤ AC < 1.4 mg/dL; and QIV: 1.4 ≤ AC ≤ 2.6 mg/dL). Seven risk factors were then evaluated in each stratum. RESULTS: Mortality was higher in the QIV group than QI or QII groups. Factors such as age (≥ 65 years) and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time (≥ 115 minutes) in QIV, as well preoperative hospital stay (≥ 5 days) in QIII, were associated with higher mortality rates. Creatinine variation greater than or equal to 0.4 mg/dL increased mortality rates in all groups. The use of intra-aortic balloon pump and dialysis increased mortality rates in all groups except for QII. Type I neurological dysfunction increased the mortality rate in the QII and III groups. CONCLUSION: Creatinine levels play an important role in ONCABG mortality. The combination of selected risk factors and higher AC values leads to a worse prognosis. On the other hand, lower AC values were associated with a protective effect, even among elderly patients and those with a high CPB time.

Long-term outcomes after endovascular aortic treatment in patients with thoracic aortic diseases / Resultados a longo prazo após tratamento endovascular da aorta em pacientes com doenças da aorta torácica

Abstract Background Endovascular treatments for thoracic aortic diseases have been adopted rapidly, and long-term studies are relevant for durability evaluation. Objective To evaluate the long-term results of a prospective observational study of endovascular treatment in patients with thoracic aortic diseases who underwent percutaneous implantation of self-expandable endoprostheses. Methods Procedural success was defined as the absence of endoleak into the aneurysm or dissection-induced false lumen, no migration, and no conversion to open surgery. Intraoperative, postoperative, and late postoperative outcomes were evaluated in terms of complications, mortality, and evolution of the endoprosthesis over a follow-up of up to 179 months (median: 46 months). Results A total of 150 endoprostheses were implanted in 112 patients. Primary success was observed in 100 (82.14%) patients. Immediate mortality occurred in 7 patients (6.25%). Late mortality occurred in 31 patients (27.68%), 10 (8.93%) of whom died from cardiovascular causes, 12 (10.71%) from non-cardiovascular causes, and 2 (1.78%) from natural causes, while 7 (6.25%) had no diagnosis for cause of death. Types I, II, and IV endoleaks occurred during hospitalization in 4 (3.57%), 5 (4.46%), and 3 (2.68%) patients, respectively. Late types I and IV endoleaks occurred in 5 (4.46%) and 3 (2.68%) patients respectively. Twenty-two patients (19.64%) had clinical complications in the immediate postoperative period. Actuarial survival free from death from cardiovascular causes was 79.3% (95% confidence interval, 67.0-91.7%) at 132 months. Conclusions The low levels of intraoperative and postoperative complications demonstrate that endovascular treatment is safe and effective. The high rate of late survival for these critically ill patients indicates that the endovascular technique is beneficial for treatment of thoracic aortic diseases in terms of long-term outcomes.

Resumo Contexto Os tratamentos endovasculares para doenças da aorta torácica têm sido adotados rapidamente e estudos de longo prazo são relevantes para avaliação de durabilidade. Objetivo Avaliar através de estudo observacional e prospectivo, os resultados a longo prazo do tratamento endovascular em pacientes com doenças da aorta torácica submetidos a implante percutâneo de endoprótese autoexpansível. Métodos O sucesso do procedimento foi definido como ausência de vazamento interno para o aneurisma ou falso lúmen induzido por dissecção, ausência de migração e sem necessidade de conversão para cirurgia aberta. Os resultados intraoperatórios, pós-operatórios e tardios foram avaliados quanto a complicações, mortalidade e evolução da endoprótese em um seguimento de até 179 meses (mediana de 46 meses). Resultados Um total de 150 endopróteses foram implantadas em 112 pacientes. Sucesso primário foi observado em 100 (82,14%) pacientes. Mortalidade imediata ocorreu em sete pacientes (6,25%). A mortalidade tardia ocorreu em 31 pacientes (27,68%), dos quais 10 (8,93%) morreram por causas cardiovasculares; 12 (10,71%), por causas não cardiovasculares; dois (1,78%), por causas naturais e sete (6,25%) não tiveram a causa da morte diagnosticada. Vazamentos tipo I, II e IV ocorreram durante a internação em quatro (3,57%), cinco (4,46%) e três (2,68%) pacientes, respectivamente. Vazamentos tardios tipo I e IV ocorreram em cinco (4,46%) e três (2,68%) pacientes, respectivamente. Complicações clínicas no pós-operatório imediato foram observadas em 19,64% dos pacientes. A sobrevida atuarial por causas cardiovasculares foi de 79,3% em 132 meses. Conclusões Os baixos índices de complicações intra e pós-operatórias demonstram que o tratamento endovascular é seguro e eficaz. A alta taxa de sobrevida em 132 meses em pacientes críticos indica que a técnica é benéfica para o tratamento de doenças da aorta torácica em resultados a longo prazo.

Chemical, physical, structural and morphological characterization of the electric arc furnace dust.

Electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) is a hazardous industrial waste generated in the collection of particulate material during steelmaking process via electric arc furnace. Important elements to the industry such as, Fe and Zn are the main ones in EAFD. Due to their presence, it becomes very important to know how these elements are combined before studying new technologies for its processing. The aim of this work was to carry out a chemical, physical, structural and morphological characterization of the EAFD. The investigation was carried out by using granulometry analysis, chemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy via SEM (EDS), X-ray mapping analysis via SEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Mössbauer spectroscopy. By XRD the following phases were detected: ZnFe(2)O(4), Fe(3)O(4), MgFe(2)O(4), FeCr(2)O (4), Ca(0.15)Fe(2.85)O(4), MgO, Mn(3)O(4), SiO(2) and ZnO. On the other hand, the phases detected by Mössbauer spectroscopy were: ZnFe(2)O(4), Fe(3)O(4), Ca(0.15)Fe(2.85)O(4) and FeCr(2)O(4). Magnesium ferrite (MgFe(2)O(4)), observed in the XRD pattern as overlapped peaks, was not identified in the Mössbauer spectroscopy analysis.

Endnote Web tutorial for BJCVS/RBCCV.

At present, many useful tools for reference management are available for use. They can be either off-line softwares or accessible Websites to all users in the internet. Their target is to facilitate the production of scientific text. But, to accomplish that, the featured bibliographic style should be effectively inserted, and the program has to be free. Here in this tutorial, we present Endnote Web®, a bibliographic reference management program comprising these two requirements: it contains the Brazilian Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery reference format and its use is free for charge after sign-in in IP registered terminal in Web of Science®.

Three-dimensional printing: is it useful for cardiac surgery?

Abstract Introduction: The medical use of three-dimensional (3-D) images has been a topic in the literature since 1988, but 95% of papers on 3-D printing were published in the last six years. The increase in publications is the result of advances in 3-D printing methods, as well as of the increasing availability of these machines in different hospitals. This paper sought to review the literature on 3-D printing and to discuss thoughtful ideas regarding benefits and challenges to its incorporation into cardiothoracic surgeons' routines. Methods: A comprehensive and systematic search of the literature was performed in PubMed and included material published as of March 2020. Results: Using this search strategy, 9,253 publications on 3-D printing and 497 on "heart" 3-D printing were retrieved. Conclusion: 3 -D printed models are already helping surgeons to plan their surgeries, helping patients and their families to understand complex anatomy, helping fellows and residents to practice surgery, even for rare cases, and helping nurses and other health care staff to better understand some conditions, such as heart diseases.

Modes of induced cardiac arrest: hyperkalemia and hypocalcemia--literature review.

The entry of sodium and calcium play a key effect on myocyte subjected to cardiac arrest by hyperkalemia. They cause cell swelling, acidosis, consumption of adenosine triphosphate and trigger programmed cell death. Cardiac arrest caused by hypocalcemia maintains intracellular adenosine triphosphate levels, improves diastolic performance and reduces oxygen consumption, which can be translated into better protection to myocyte injury induced by cardiac arrest.

Comparison of the solution of histidine-tryptophan-alfacetoglutarate with histidine-tryptophan-glutamate as cardioplegic agents in isolated rat hearts: an immunohistochemical study.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac arrest during heart surgery is a common procedure and allows the surgeon to perform surgical procedures in an environment free of blood and movement. Using a model of isolated rat heart, the authors compare a new cardioplegic solution containing histidine-tryptophan-glutamate (group 2) with the histidine-tryptophan-alphacetoglutarate (group 1) routinely used by some cardiac surgeons. OBJECTIVE: To assess caspase, IL-8 and KI-67 in isolated rat hearts using immunohistochemistry. METHODS: 20 Wistar male rats were anesthetized and heparinized. The chest was opened, cardioctomy was performed and 40 ml/kg of the appropriate cardioplegic solution was infused. The hearts were kept for 2 hours at 4ºC in the same solution, and thereafter, placed in the Langendorff apparatus for 30 minutes with Ringer-Locke solution. Immunohistochemistry analysis of caspase, IL-8, and KI-67 were performed. RESULTS: The concentration of caspase was lower in group 2 and Ki-67 was higher in group 2, both P<0.05. There was no statistical difference between the values of IL-8 between the groups. CONCLUSION: Histidine-tryptophan-glutamate solution was better than histidine-tryptophan-alphacetoglutarate solution because it reduced caspase (apoptosis), increased KI-67 (cell proliferation), and showed no difference in IL-8 levels compared to group 1. This suggests that the histidine-tryptophan-glutamate solution was more efficient than the histidine-tryptophan-alphacetoglutarate for the preservation of hearts of rat cardiomyocytes.

Risk factors for mortality of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Coronary artery bypass grafting is a safe procedure performed worldwide with low rates of mortality and morbidity in general population. OBJECTIVE: To investigate risk factors for mortality of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. METHODS: A total of 1,628 consecutive patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting were retrospectively studied from December 1999 to February 2012. Data analysis involved paired Student t test, Mann-Whitney test and Fisher's exact test for the categorical data. Logistic regression, Odds Ratio and 95%CI were used for definition of risk factors for mortality. RESULTS: Of a total of 1,628 patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, 141 (8.7%) died. The following risk factors for mortality were identified after logistic regression: dialysis (OR=7.61; 95%CI 3.58-16.20), neurologic dysfunction type I (OR=4.42; 95%CI 2.48-7.81), use of IABP (OR=3.38; 95%CI 1.98-5.79), cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR=3.09; 95%CI 2.04-4.68), serum creatinine on admission and peak values > 0.4mg/dL (OR=2.67; 95%CI 1.79-4.00), age > 65 years (OR=2.31; 95%CI 1.55-3.44), and time between hospital admission and and surgical procedure (OR=1.53; 95%CI 1.03-2.27). CONCLUSION: Dialysis, type I neurologic dysfunction, use of IABP, cardiopulmonary bypass time (> 115 minutes), serum creatinine on admission and peak values>0.4mg/dL, age > 65 years and time between hospital admission and surgical procedure were considered as risk factors for mortality in patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.

Comparison of fractal dimension and Shannon entropy in myocytes from rats treated with histidine-tryptophan-glutamate and histidine-tryptophan cetoglutarate.

INTRODUCTION: Solutions that cause elective cardiac arrest are constantly evolving, but the ideal compound has not yet been found. The authors compare a new cardioplegic solution with histidine-tryptophan-glutamate (Group 2) and other one with histidine-tryptophan-cetoglutarate (Group 1) in a model of isolated rat heart. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the fractal dimension and Shannon entropy in rat myocytes subjected to cardioplegia solution using histidine-tryptophan with glutamate in an experimental model, considering the caspase markers, IL-8 and KI-67. METHODS: Twenty male Wistar rats were anesthetized and heparinized. The chest was opened, the heart was withdrawn and 40 ml/kg of cardioplegia (with histidine-tryptophan-cetoglutarate or histidine-tryptophan-glutamate solution) was infused. The hearts were kept for 2 hours at 4ºC in the same solution, and thereafter placed in the Langendorff apparatus for 30 min with Ringer-Locke solution. Analyzes were performed for immunohistochemical caspase, IL-8 and KI-67. RESULTS: The fractal dimension and Shannon entropy were not different between groups histidine-tryptophan-glutamate and histidine-tryptophan-acetoglutarate. CONCLUSION: The amount of information measured by Shannon entropy and the distribution thereof (given by fractal dimension) of the slices treated with histidine-tryptophan-cetoglutarate and histidine-tryptophan-glutamate were not different, showing that the histidine-tryptophan-glutamate solution is as good as histidine-tryptophan-acetoglutarate to preserve myocytes in isolated rat heart.

Effect of preoperative creatinine levels on mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: an observational study

Abstract Introduction: Renal function is an independent risk factor for mortality among on-pump coronary bypass grafting (ONCABG) patients. This association is well known in the international literature, but there is a lack of knowledge of how admission creatinine (AC) levels modulate each cardiovascular risk factor. Objective: The aim of this paper was to assess the effect of different AC levels on mortality among ONCABG patients. Methods: 1,599 patients who underwent ONCABG between December 1999 and February 2006 at Hospital de Base in São José do Rio Preto/SP-Brazil were included. They were divided into quartiles according to their AC levels (QI: 0.2 ≤AC < 1.0 mg/dL; QII: 1.0 ≤ AC < 1.2 mg/dL; QIII: 1.2 ≤ AC < 1.4 mg/dL; and QIV: 1.4 ≤ AC ≤ 2.6 mg/dL). Seven risk factors were then evaluated in each stratum. Results: Mortality was higher in the QIV group than QI or QII groups. Factors such as age (≥ 65 years) and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time (≥ 115 minutes) in QIV, as well preoperative hospital stay (≥ 5 days) in QIII, were associated with higher mortality rates. Creatinine variation greater than or equal to 0.4 mg/dL increased mortality rates in all groups. The use of intra-aortic balloon pump and dialysis increased mortality rates in all groups except for QII. Type I neurological dysfunction increased the mortality rate in the QII and III groups. Conclusion: Creatinine levels play an important role in ONCABG mortality. The combination of selected risk factors and higher AC values leads to a worse prognosis. On the other hand, lower AC values were associated with a protective effect, even among elderly patients and those with a high CPB time.

Surgical treatment for thrombus straddling a patent foramen ovale

Abstract We present a case of a 41-year-old female with deep vein thrombosis after abdominal surgery. The patient quickly developed severe pulmonary embolism and stroke representative of paradoxical embolism. Echocardiography showed a thrombus straddling a patent foramen ovale, which was confirmed intraoperatively. An accurate diagnosis and rapid treatment decisions are crucial for preventing patient deterioration in the form of new pulmonary embolisms or stroke.

Atendimento odontológico domiciliar ao idoso e a necessidade de tratamento endodôntico / The home dental care to elderly and the need for endodontic treatment

O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar um estudo transversal dos pacientes atendidos pelo Serviço Integrado de Atendimento Domiciliar do Hospital Naval Marcílio Dias e relatar a necessidade que eles apresentam de tratamento endodôntico. Duzentos e setenta e cinco pacientes foram avaliados através de exame clínico (visual-tátil), sendo avaliada a presença ou ausência de dentes e a necessidade de intervenção. Assim, os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos: grupo indicado para extração, outro para Endodontia e restauração e um terceiro para extração e Endodontia em elementos dentários diferentes. Os dados da avaliação odontológica foram levantados e os percentuais avaliados.

The aim of this study was a cross-sectional study of patients seen by the Integrated Home Care Service, linked to the Hospital Naval Marcílio Dias and the need they have of endodontic treatment. Were evaluated by clinical examination (visual-tactile) 275 patients. These patients were divided into three groups, extraction was indicated, designated endodontics and subsequent restoration and indicated extraction and endodontics in different dental elements. The dental evaluation data were collected and evaluated percentage.

Exposure of pregnant rats to shortwave electromagnetic athermal radiation does not adversely affect their fetuses / Exposição de ratas prenhes a ondas curtas de radiação eletromagnética atérmica não afeta adversamente os seus fetos

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine whether shortwave electromagnetic radiation in pulsed mode with a frequency of 45 Hz, promotes teratogenic changes, stillbirths and changes in organ weight at birth in the fetuses of pregnant rats exposed to this radiation. METHOD: Ten black Macole pregnant female rats were studied, 5 in a test group, subjected to electromagnetic radiation with an average power of 4.5 W for 15 minutes, on a daily basis, during the entire period of pregnancy and 5 in a control group that was not exposed to radiation. At day 21, the animals were euthanized for analysis of fetuses. To assess the thermal effect of the radiation the abdominal temperature was measured before and after application, together with prevailing ambient temperature. The fetuses were evaluated through the Galant reflex to assess the existence of stillbirths. The fetuses were removed and weighed; through a midline laparotomy their hearts, stomachs, kidneys and livers were excised and weighed, wet and dry. Twenty-nine fetuses were harvested in the control group and 59 in the test group, with no cases of stillbirth, teratogenesis or malformation of internal organs. RESULTS: The analysis found no differences in birthweight and weight of dehydrated organs when compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The results in our findings suggest that exposure to shortwave therapy without significant heat buildup, does not lead to teratogenic changes and did not affect the mass and weight of dehydrated internal organs.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar se a radiação eletromagnética de ondas curtas em modo pulsado com uma frequência de 45 Hz, promove mudanças teratogênicos, natimortos, mudanças no peso do órgão ao nascimento em fetos de ratas grávidas expostas a essa radiação. METODO: Foram estudados dez ratas grávidas da raça Marcole, cinco num grupo teste, submetidas a radiação eletromagnética com uma potência média de 4,5W, durante 15 minutos, diariamente, durante todo o período da gravideze cinco num grupo controle, não expostas a radiação. No 21º dia, os animais foram sacrificados para análise dos fetos. Para avaliar o efeito da radiação térmica, a temperatura abdominal foi medida antes e depois da aplicação, em conjunto com a temperatura ambiente prevalente. Os fetos foram submetidos ao reflexo de Galant para avaliara existênciade natimortos. Os fetos foram removidos e pesados; através de uma laparotomia mediana seus corações, estômagos, rins e fígados foram extirpados e pesados, frescose secos. RESULTADOS: Vinte e nove fetos foram colhidos no grupo controle e 59 no grupo de teste, sem casos de natimortos, teratogênese ou malformação dos órgãos internos. A análise não encontrou diferenças no peso ao nascer e peso de órgãos desidratados quando comparados com o grupo controle. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem que a exposição a terapia de ondas curtas, sem o acúmulo significativo de calor, não levou a alterações teratogênicos e não afetou o peso dos fetos ou o peso dos órgãos internos desidratados.

Modalidades de parada cardíaca induzida: hipercalemia e hipocalcemia - revisão de literatura / Modes of induced cardiac arrest: hyperkalemia and hypocalcemia - Literature review

A entrada de sódio e cálcio desempenham efeito chave no miócito submetido à parada cardíaca por hiperpotassemia. Eles provocam edema celular, acidose, consumo de trifosfato de adenosina e desencadeiam processo de morte celular programada. A parada cardíaca provocada por hipocalcemia mantém os níveis intracelulares de trifosfato de adenosina, melhora o rendimento diastólico e reduz o consumo de oxigênio, o que pode ser traduzido em melhor proteção do miócito às lesões provocadas pela parada cardíaca induzida.

The entry of sodium and calcium play a key effect on myocyte subjected to cardiac arrest by hyperkalemia. They cause cell swelling, acidosis, consumption of adenosine triphosphate and trigger programmed cell death. Cardiac arrest caused by hypocalcemia maintains intracellular adenosine triphosphate levels, improves diastolic performance and reduces oxygen consumption, which can be translated into better protection to myocyte injury induced by cardiac arrest.

Paradoxo do cálcio - o que temos a temer? / The calcium paradox - What should we have to fear?

O paradoxo do cálcio foi pela primeira vez citado em 1966 por Zimmerman et al. A partir daí, ganhou grande interesse por parte da comunidade científica internacional devido ao fato da ausência do íon cálcio produzir na célula muscular cardíaca dano semelhante à lesão de isquemia-reperfusão. Apesar de não serem conhecidos todos os mecanismos envolvidos no processo da lesão celular no paradoxo do cálcio, a conexão intercelular mantida somente pelo nexus parece ter papel chave na fragmentação celular. A adição de pequenas concentrações de cálcio, bloqueadores de canal de cálcio, hiponatremia ou hipotermia são importantes para evitar que haja lesão celular no momento da reperfusão com soluções com concentração fisiológica de cálcio.

The calcium paradox was first mentioned in 1966 by Zimmerman et al. Thereafter gained great interest from the scientific community due to the fact of the absence of calcium ions in heart muscle cells produce damage similar to ischemia-reperfusion. Although not all known mechanisms involved in cellular injury in the calcium paradox intercellular connection maintained only by nexus seems to have a key role in cellular fragmentation. The addition of small concentrations of calcium, calcium channel blockers, and hyponatraemia hypothermia are important to prevent any cellular damage during reperfusion solutions with physiological concentration of calcium.

The importance of troponin I in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction in the postoperative of coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to establish a cut-off value for troponin I by correlating it to occurrence of postoperative myocardial infarction. METHODS: 180 consecutive patients with coronary disease referred for surgery were included. The mean age of the patients were 60.6 (+/-9.3) years, with 119 (66.1%) males and 61 (33.9%) females. The patients were divided into two groups: group without myocardial infarction (A)--170 patients--and with myocardial infarction (B)--10 patients.The troponin I was collected from each patient at the beginning of anesthesia and on the second postoperative day by correlating it to presence or not of postoperative myocardial infarction. StatsDirect 1.6.0 for Windows was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Preoperative troponin I was 1.0 (+/-6) ng/ml as mean. Univariate logistic regression showed correlation of troponin I of the second postoperative day with myocardial infarction (P=0.0005). ROC curve was used to define the cutoff value, and 6.1 ng/ml (sensitivity=90.0%, specificity=82.1%, OR=49.8 with CI=95% 6.1- 410.4, P<0.0001) were found. CONCLUSION: The chance of a patient with postoperative myocardial infarction to present troponin I equal to or higher than 6.1 ng/ml is 49.8-fold higher than the chance of a patient without infarction to present troponin I higher than this value.

Acute kidney injury after on-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

BACKGROUND: The acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complex disease for which there is no accepted standard definition nowadays. The Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) represents an attempt to standardize the criteria for diagnosis and staging of acute renal dysfunction based on recently published RIFLE criteria, that means, (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, and End-stage kidney disease). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence and associated mortality of AKI in patients submitted to on-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery (on-pump CABG). METHODS: A total of 817 patients were divided into two groups: negative AKI (-), with 421 patients (51.5%), and positive AKI (+), with 396 patients (48.5%). Increase of 0.3 mg/dL in creatinine or of 50% in creatinine's basal value was considered as AKI. RESULTS: The rate of patient's mortality with or without AKI within 30 days after cardiac surgery was 12.6% and 1.4%, respectively (p<0.0001). In a multivariate logistic regression model, AKI after on-pump CABG was an independent predictor of death within 30 days (OR=6.7; p=0.0002). This group of patients presented a longer period of permanency in intensive care unit (ICU) [median 2 days (2 to 3) versus 3 days (2 to 5); p=0.0001] and a bigger proportion of patients with prolonged permanence in intensive care (>14 days) (14 versus 2%; p=0.0001). CONCLUSION: In the studied population, even a discrete alteration in renal function, based on AKIN criteria, was an independent predictor of death in 30 days after on-pump CABG.