Sex differences in outcomes of patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.

There are controversies regarding the impact of sex on mortality and postoperative complications in patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), although some studies demonstrate comparable outcomes. This study sought to evaluate sex differences regarding risk factors associated with hospital mortality and postoperative clinical outcomes among patients undergoing isolated on-pump CABG. We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of patients who underwent isolated on-pump CABG from January 1996 to January 2020. Patients were divided into two groups (male and female) and compared regarding preoperative characteristics, surgical technical variables, and in-hospital outcomes. All-cause mortality between groups was compared using logistic regression. Risk factors for mortality, along with their respective odds ratios (OR), were separately assessed using a logistic regression model with p-values for interaction. We analyzed 4,882 patients, of whom 31.6% were female. Women exhibited a higher prevalence of age >75 years (12.2% vs 8.3%, p<0.001), obesity (22.6% vs 11.5%, p<0.001), diabetes (41.6% vs 32.2%, p<0.001), hypertension (85.2% vs 73.5%, p<0.001), and NYHA functional classes 3 and 4 (16.2% vs 11.2%, p<0.001) compared to men. Use of the mammary artery for revascularization was less frequent among women (73.8% vs 79.9%, p<0.001), who also received fewer saphenous vein grafts (2.17 vs 2.27, p = 0.002). A history of previous or recent myocardial infarction (MI) had an impact on women's mortality, unlike in men (OR 1.61 vs 0.94, p = 0.014; OR 1.86 vs 0.99, p = 0.015, respectively). After adjusting for several risk factors, mortality was found to be comparable between men and women, with an OR of 1.20 (95% CI 0.94-1.53, p = 0.129). In conclusion, female patients undergoing isolated on-pump CABG presented with a higher number of comorbidities. Previous and recent MI were associated with higher mortality only in women. In this cohort analysis, female gender was not identified as an independent risk factor for outcome after CABG.

Association Between Body Mass Index, Obesity, and Clinical Outcomes Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Brazil: An Analysis of One Year of Follow-up of BYPASS Registry Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between body mass index (BMI), obesity, clinical outcomes, and mortality following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in Brazil using a large sample with one year of follow-up from the Brazilian Registry of Cardiovascular Surgeries in Adults (or BYPASS) Registry database. METHODS: A multicenter cohort-study enrolled 2,589 patients submitted to isolated CABG and divided them into normal weight (BMI 20.0-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m2), and obesity (BMI > 30.0 kg/m2) groups. Inpatient postoperative outcomes included the most frequently described complications and events. Collected post-discharge outcomes included rehospitalization and mortality rates within 30 days, six months, and one year of follow-up. RESULTS: Sternal wound infections (SWI) rate was higher in obese compared to normal-weight patients (relative risk [RR]=5.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.37-17.82; P=0.001). Rehospitalization rates in six months after discharge were higher in obesity and overweight groups than in normal weight group (χ=6.03, P=0.049); obese patients presented a 2.2-fold increase in the risk for rehospitalization within six months compared to normal-weight patients (RR=2.16, 95% CI=1.17-4.09; P=0.045). Postoperative complications and mortality rates did not differ among groups during time periods. CONCLUSION: Obesity increased the risk for SWI, leading to higher rehospitalization rates and need for surgical interventions within six months following CABG. Age, female sex, and diabetes were associated with a higher risk of mortality. The obesity paradox remains controversial since BMI may not be sufficient to assess postoperative risk in light of more complex and dynamic evaluations of body composition and physical fitness.

Association Between Body Mass Index, Obesity, and Clinical Outcomes Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Brazil: An Analysis of One Year of Follow-up of BYPASS Registry Patients

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the association between body mass index (BMI), obesity, clinical outcomes, and mortality following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in Brazil using a large sample with one year of follow-up from the Brazilian Registry of Cardiovascular Surgeries in Adults (or BYPASS) Registry database. Methods: A multicenter cohort-study enrolled 2,589 patients submitted to isolated CABG and divided them into normal weight (BMI 20.0-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m2), and obesity (BMI > 30.0 kg/m2) groups. Inpatient postoperative outcomes included the most frequently described complications and events. Collected post-discharge outcomes included rehospitalization and mortality rates within 30 days, six months, and one year of follow-up. Results: Sternal wound infections (SWI) rate was higher in obese compared to normal-weight patients (relative risk [RR]=5.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.37-17.82; P=0.001). Rehospitalization rates in six months after discharge were higher in obesity and overweight groups than in normal weight group (χ2=6.03, P=0.049); obese patients presented a 2.2-fold increase in the risk for rehospitalization within six months compared to normal-weight patients (RR=2.16, 95% CI=1.17-4.09; P=0.045). Postoperative complications and mortality rates did not differ among groups during time periods. Conclusion: Obesity increased the risk for SWI, leading to higher rehospitalization rates and need for surgical interventions within six months following CABG. Age, female sex, and diabetes were associated with a higher risk of mortality. The obesity paradox remains controversial since BMI may not be sufficient to assess postoperative risk in light of more complex and dynamic evaluations of body composition and physical fitness.

Ventilatory Muscle Training for Early Cardiac Rehabilitation Improved Functional Capacity and Modulated Vascular Function of Individuals Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation with aerobic exercises is the first strategy for nonpharmacological treatment in the postoperative period of individuals undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to improve functional capacity and vascular health. However, other exercise modalities remain uncertain regarding the same benefits. Objectives: Evaluation of the effect of different modalities of exercise, such as early cardiac rehabilitation on subjects submitted to CABG in the six-minute walk test (6-MWT) and on the percentage of flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery. Methods: A randomized clinical trial in which 15 patients (62.7 ± 6.7 years) who underwent CABG were randomly assigned to the following groups: isometric (IG, Handgrip Jamar®), ventilatory muscle training (VG, PowerBreathe®) and control (CG, conventional respiratory and motor physiotherapy). All patients were attended to physically twice a day (20 min/session) for a consecutive week after the CABG (hospital admission). Functional capacity was assessed by 6-MWT and endothelial function was assessed through the technique of FMD, before and after (~7 days) admission to CABG. The doppler ultrasound videos were analyzed by Cardiovascular Suite® software (Quipu, Pisa, Italy) to measure %FMD. Statistics: Generalized estimation equation, followed by Bonferroni post hoc (p < 0.05). Results: Systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure (SBP/DBP/MAP, respectively) were 133, 76 and 95 mmHg. The groups presented walking meters (m) distance before and after intervention of: IGbasal 357.80 ± 47.15 m vs. IGpost 306.20 ± 61.63 m, p = 0.401 (+51 m); VGbasal 261.50 ± 19.91 m vs. VGpost 300.75 ± 26.29 m, p = 0.052 (+39 m); CG basal 487.83 ± 83.23 m vs. CGpost 318.00 ± 31.08, p = 0.006 (−169 m). %FMD before and after intervention was IGbasal 10.4 ± 4.8% vs. IGpost 2.8 ± 2.5%, p = 0.152; VGbasal 9.8 ± 5.1% vs. VGpost 11.0 ± 6.1%, p = 0.825; CGbasal 9.2 ± 15.8% vs. CGpost 2.7 ± 2.6%, p = 0.710 and resting mean basal blood flow was IGbasal 162.0 ± 55.0 mL/min vs. IGpost 129.9 ± 63.7 mL/min, p = 0.662; VGbasal 83.74 ± 12.4 mL/min vs. VGpost 58.7 ± 17.1 mL/min, p = 0.041; CGbasal 375.6 ± 183.7 mL/min vs. CGpost 192.8 ± 115.0 mL/min, p = 0.459. Conclusions: Ventilatory muscle training for early cardiac rehabilitation improved acute functional capacity and modulated mean flow of individuals undergoing CABG.

Transfusion of Blood Products in the Postoperative of Cardiac Surgery

Abstract Background: The indiscriminate use of blood transfusion in surgery has been associated with increased risk of infection and increased length of hospital stay. Objective: To identify the average amount of bleeding and rates of transfusion of blood products in the postoperative period of patients undergoing cardiac surgery in a cardiology center. Methods: Medical records of patients who underwent myocardial revascularization surgery and/or heart valve replacement with use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were analyzed. Perioperative data such as CPB time, hematocrit and hemoglobin values were collected after surgery. The amount of bleeding (mL), blood transfusion (IU), clinical complications and time of hospitalization were also recorded. The correlation between bleeding in the postoperative period and blood transfusion was performed using the Spearman correlation. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 423 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (51.5%) or heart valve replacement (33.6%) were included. During the first 24 hours, the average bleeding volume was 353.3 ± 268.3 mL. Transfusion of blood products was required in 40.1% of cases, most frequently (70.6%) in the immediate postoperative period. Red blood cell concentrate was the most frequently used product (22.9% and 60%). Conclusion: The occurrence of bleeding in the cases was low, and when transfusion of blood components was indicated, red blood cell concentrates were the most widely used component. (Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2021; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Valvuloplasty Without Prosthetic Ring or Band in Patients with Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation: Long-Term Results and Predictive Factors for Outcomes

Abstract Introduction: Mitral valvuloplasty including ring/band support is widely performed despite potential drawbacks of rings. Unsupported valvuloplasty is performed in only a few centers. This study aimed to report long-term outcomes of patients undergoing unsupported valvuloplasty for degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR) and to identify predictive factors for outcomes. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort including patients undergoing mitral valve repair for degenerative MR from 2000 to 2018. The main techniques were Wooler annuloplasty and quadrangular resection. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression models were used for statistical analysis. Results: One hundred fifty-eight patients were included (median age: 64.0 years). In-hospital mortality was 2.5%. Maximum follow-up was 19.6 years, with a median of 4.7 years (992 patient-years). Overall survival at 5, 10, and 15 years was 91.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 85.7-96.3), 87.6% (95% CI: 80.7-94.5), and 78.1% (95% CI: 65.9-90.3), respectively. The European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) II was an independent predictor of late death (hazard ratio [HR] 1.42; P=0.016). Freedom from mitral reoperation at 5, 10, and 15 years was 88.1% (95% CI: 82.0-94.2), 82.4% (95% CI: 74.6-90.2), and 75.7% (95% CI: 64.1-87.3), respectively. Left atrial diameter > 56 mm was associated with late reintervention in univariate analysis (HR 1.06; P=0.049). Conclusion: Degenerative MR can be successfully treated with repair techniques without annular support, thus avoiding the technical and logistical drawbacks of ring/band implantation while maintaining good long-term results. EuroSCORE II was a risk factor for late death, and larger left atrium was associated with late reoperation.

Valvuloplasty Without Prosthetic Ring or Band in Patients with Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation: Long-Term Results and Predictive Factors for Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Mitral valvuloplasty including ring/band support is widely performed despite potential drawbacks of rings. Unsupported valvuloplasty is performed in only a few centers. This study aimed to report long-term outcomes of patients undergoing unsupported valvuloplasty for degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR) and to identify predictive factors for outcomes. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort including patients undergoing mitral valve repair for degenerative MR from 2000 to 2018. The main techniques were Wooler annuloplasty and quadrangular resection. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression models were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-eight patients were included (median age: 64.0 years). In-hospital mortality was 2.5%. Maximum followup was 19.6 years, with a median of 4.7 years (992 patient-years). Overall survival at 5, 10, and 15 years was 91.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 85.7-96.3), 87.6% (95% CI: 80.7-94.5), and 78.1% (95% CI: 65.9-90.3), respectively. The European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) II was an independent predictor of late death (hazard ratio [HR] 1.42; P=0.016). Freedom from mitral reoperation at 5, 10, and 15 years was 88.1% (95% CI: 82.0-94.2), 82.4% (95% CI: 74.6-90.2), and 75.7% (95% CI: 64.1-87.3), respectively. Left atrial diameter > 56 mm was associated with late reintervention in univariate analysis (HR 1.06; P=0.049). CONCLUSION: Degenerative MR can be successfully treated with repair techniques without annular support, thus avoiding the technical and logistical drawbacks of ring/band implantation while maintaining good long-term results. EuroSCORE II was a risk factor for late death, and larger left atrium was associated with late reoperation.

Insulin Use and Clinical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To describe insulin use and postoperative glucose control in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. METHODS: We examined 2,390 patients with and without diabetes enrolled in the Contemporary Analysis of Perioperative Cardiovascular Surgical Care (CAPS-Care) Study who underwent CABG surgery (01/2004 - 06/2005) to describe postoperative insulin use, variation in insulin use across different hospitals, and associated in-hospital complications and clinical outcomes. Logistic regression was used to assess the adjusted relationship between insulin use and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Overall, insulin was used in 82% (n=1,959) of patients, including 95% (n=1,203) with diabetes (n=1,258) and 67% (n=756) without diabetes (n=1,132). Continuous insulin was used in 35.5% of patients in the operating room and in 56% in the intensive care unit. Continuous insulin use varied significantly among centers from 8-100% in patients with diabetes. When compared with all patients not receiving insulin, insulin use in patients without diabetes was associated with a higher rate of death or major complication (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=1.54; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-2.04; P=0.003). In patients with diabetes, insulin use was not associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes (adjusted OR=1.01; 95% CI 0.52-1.98; P=0.98). CONCLUSION: The postoperative use of insulin is high among CABG patients in the United States of America. Insulin use in patients without diabetes was associated with worse clinical outcomes compared to patients (both with and without diabetes) who did not receive insulin. Further investigation is needed to determine the optimal use of postoperative insulin after CABG.

Insulin use and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Abstract Objective: To describe insulin use and postoperative glucose control in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Methods: We examined 2,390 patients with and without diabetes enrolled in the Contemporary Analysis of Perioperative Cardiovascular Surgical Care (CAPS-Care) Study who underwent CABG surgery (01/2004 - 06/2005) to describe postoperative insulin use, variation in insulin use across different hospitals, and associated in-hospital complications and clinical outcomes. Logistic regression was used to assess the adjusted relationship between insulin use and clinical outcomes. Results: Overall, insulin was used in 82% (n=1,959) of patients, including 95% (n=1,203) with diabetes (n=1,258) and 67% (n=756) without diabetes (n=1,132). Continuous insulin was used in 35.5% of patients in the operating room and in 56% in the intensive care unit. Continuous insulin use varied significantly among centers from 8-100% in patients with diabetes. When compared with all patients not receiving insulin, insulin use in patients without diabetes was associated with a higher rate of death or major complication (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=1.54; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-2.04; P=0.003). In patients with diabetes, insulin use was not associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes (adjusted OR=1.01; 95% CI 0.52-1.98; P=0.98). Conclusion: The postoperative use of insulin is high among CABG patients in the United States of America. Insulin use in patients without diabetes was associated with worse clinical outcomes compared to patients (both with and without diabetes) who did not receive insulin. Further investigation is needed to determine the optimal use of postoperative insulin after CABG.

Valve Heart Surgery in Brazil - The BYPASS Registry Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the profile and outcomes of patients who underwent valve heart surgery in Brazil, using information retrieved from the Brazilian Registry of Cardiovascular Surgeries in Adults (BYPASS Registry) database. METHODS: This is a multicenter cohort study, evaluating 920 patients submitted to heart valve surgery. Demographics and postoperative clinical outcomes were assessed and compared to estimate mortality risk using the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE). RESULTS: Isolated aortic valve replacement was the most frequently performed surgery (34%), followed by isolated mitral valve replacement (24.9%). Valve repair was performed in 21% of mitral procedures. Minimally invasive access was performed in 1.6% and the most frequent postoperative complications were arrhythmias (22.6%), infections (5.7%), and low-output syndrome (5.1%). Operations covered by the public health system accounted for 80.8% and the hospital mortality rate was 7.3%. CONCLUSION: The most frequent isolated valve surgery in Brazil is the aortic valve replacement by conventional open access and the rheumatic disease is still the main etiology for valve surgery. The BYPASS Registry has a fundamental role to provide information on the profile of patients with valve heart disease in our country in order to delineate adequate strategies for health promotion and resource allocation for cardiac surgery.

Valve heart surgery in Brazil - the bypass registry analysis

Abstract Objective: To analyze the profile and outcomes of patients who underwent valve heart surgery in Brazil, using information retrieved from the Brazilian Registry of Cardiovascular Surgeries in Adults (BYPASS Registry) database. Methods: This is a multicenter cohort study, evaluating 920 patients submitted to heart valve surgery. Demographics and postoperative clinical outcomes were assessed and compared to estimate mortality risk using the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE). Results: Isolated aortic valve replacement was the most frequently performed surgery (34%), followed by isolated mitral valve replacement (24.9%). Valve repair was performed in 21% of mitral procedures. Minimally invasive access was performed in 1.6% and the most frequent postoperative complications were arrhythmias (22.6%), infections (5.7%), and low-output syndrome (5.1%). Operations covered by the public health system accounted for 80.8% and the hospital mortality rate was 7.3%. Conclusion: The most frequent isolated valve surgery in Brazil is the aortic valve replacement by conventional open access and the rheumatic disease is still the main etiology for valve surgery. The BYPASS Registry has a fundamental role to provide information on the profile of patients with valve heart disease in our country in order to delineate adequate strategies for health promotion and resource allocation for cardiac surgery.

Gene therapy for refractory angina and cell therapy for heart failure: experience of a Brazilian research group.

Cell therapy has shown impressive effects in experimental cardiomyopathy models. To a lesser extent, gene therapy has also been studied. In both cases, translation to clinical therapy has been disappointing. This paper is intended to describe the experience and achievements of a multicenter working group located in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil, in experimental and translational research projects for cell-based and gene therapy methods in the treatment of dilated and ischemic cardiomyopathies. The results of preclinical and clinical studies showed that bone marrow mononuclear stem cells indeed have an effect in improving myocardial perfusion and contractile function, but the overall results are poorly translated to the clinical level. Gene therapy studies with direct myocardial injections of naked VEGF 165 plasmid showed improvement in myocardial perfusion and function in animal models. A randomized clinical trial found that this method is safe and improved myocardial perfusion, but the benefits disappeared after 1 year. An animal experiment associating VEGF 165 with angiopoietin was undertaken in mini pigs to extend the durability of that therapy. In conclusion, our efforts to better understand the mechanisms and functions of gene and cell-based therapies in cardiology resulted in significant findings and propose a future look at cell-free therapeutic approaches.