Heterotopic ossification in primary total hip arthroplasty: risk factor analysis.

BACKGROUND: Aim is to identify if age, sex, type of posterolateral approach (mini vs standard), surgical time and time from surgery to drainage removal were independent risk factors for heterotopic ossifications after total hip arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent a THA with posterolateral approach during a 15 years period were included. The exclusion criteria were absence of X-rays follow-up or HO prophylaxis protocol adoption. The following data were collected: age, sex, type of approach (classical/minimal-invasive), surgical time, time from surgery to drainage removal. Two orthopedic surgeons independently reviewed the 2 years follow-up X-rays and classified the HO according to Brooker classification. Severe HO was defined if HO were classified as major than grade 2. Correlation between severe HO and risk factor has been tested with multivariable analysis. RESULTS: About 1225 patients were included: mean age of 63.8 years, 504 were men. HO were found in 67.6%. Men showed higher severe HO rate than woman (44.1% vs 29.1%, p = 0.001). Patients older than 65 years showed higher severe HO rate (30.3% vs 39.9%, p = 0.002). Standard posterolateral approach was performed in 75.4% and severe HO rate was 32.8% versus 27.1% in those treated with the minimally invasive approach (p = 0.067). In 75.6% of cases surgery lasted less than 90 min and this group showed a severe HO rate in 29.1%, while patient with longer surgical time showed a rate of 35.7% (p = 0.033). In 47.4% of patients, the drainage was removed in the first post-operative day, in this group severe HO rate was significantly lower than the others: 24.8 versus 36.2% (p = 0.001). DISCUSSION: Male sex, age older than 65 years, surgical time longer than 90 min and delayed drainage removal are risk factors for severe HO. Patients with one or more of those risk factors should be identified as good candidates for HO prophylaxis.

[Preparedness for emergencies: strategies to increase the supply of beds and advanced intensive skills]. / Prepararsi alle emergenze: strategie per aumentare l'offerta di posti letto e di competenze intensive avanzate.

. Preparedness for emergencies: strategies to increase the supply of beds and advanced intensive skills. INTRODUCTION: The recent pandemic has highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness plans. In addition to technological and structural resources, it is essential to have professionals with skills that allow them to safely work in intensive care areas. AIM: The aim of the contribution is to propose an intervention model to develop the skills of nurses of operatory theatres or intensive care to enable them to work safely in critical care settings. METHODS: A plan was devised, involving a multiprofessional group to increase the number of beds in the intensive and semi-intensive care areas, as well as to train staff, hypothesising the activities to be reduced by moving staff to different areas. RESULTS: The proposed organisational model could be implemented in other hospitals; it guarantees emergency preparedness and the expansion of the skills of the staff involved. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing staff with advanced skills should be readily available to safely guarantee the expansion of intensive care beds. The current division between intensive and semi-intensive settings could be revised in favour of a single critical care area.

Sutureless aortic valve replacement through a right minithoracotomy.

During the past decade, interest in the development of less-invasive cardiac valve surgery has undergone a steady increase, with many surgeons having supplanted full sternotomy with minimal-access incisions. While the minimally invasive approaches for the treatment of mitral disease have been standardized, the preferred route for aortic valve replacement (AVR) remains a matter of debate. Although AVR through a right minithoracotomy avoids opening the sternum, it does require a greater surgical ability and may be a challenging procedure, even for expert surgeons. By simplifying the valve implantation, the availability of sutureless prostheses might provide an important incentive for the diffusion of this approach. Herein are reported the details of three patients who received a 3f-Enable sutureless aortic bioprosthesis via a right minithoracotomy. The advantages and possible improvements of this procedure are also discussed.

Transcatheter valve in valve implantation for failed mitral and tricuspid bioprosthesis.

OBJECTIVE: We report our experience with the transapical transcatheter "Valve in valve" implantation (T-VIV) in patients with a failed mitral or tricuspid bioprosthesis; we briefly review the pertinent literature, and discuss some technical aspects of this procedure. BACKGROUND: Redo valve surgery for failure of a mitral or tricuspid bioprosthesis might become extremely challenging, both because of the patients' condition, which is frequently poor, and for the technical aspects of the operation itself, that can be very demanding. T-VIV has been widely employed with good results for the treatment of aortic bioprosthesis failure, and could represent an attractive option in this setting. METHODS: Four patients with multiple comorbidities (age: 63-83 years; logistic Euroscore: 37.2-81.5) underwent T-VIV at our institution for failure of a mitral [3] or tricuspid [1] bioprosthesis. A 26 mm Sapien valve was used in all cases. All the mitral procedures were performed via a transapical approach. The tricuspid procedure was performed via a transjugular approach. RESULTS: The first mitral procedure was complicated by the splaying of the xenograft stents and embolization of the valve. The procedure was converted to conventional surgery, and the patient died on postoperative day 1. In the subsequent procedures, the valve was positioned more atrially, and was fixed to the malfunctioning xenograft sewing ring. All subsequent procedures were successful, all patients were discharged home and were alive and well at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The results of T-VIV procedure in the mitral position have been suboptimal, and four of the sixteen patients reported to date died. However, all patients were extremely diseased, and some of the reported failures were related to amendable technical factors relative to the surgical access or to the valve deployment technique. With increasing experience, this procedure might become indicated as an alternative to conventional surgery in selected patients, encouraging increased use of bioprosthesis, and marking a pivotal change in the management of valvular disease.

Ascending aortic aneurysm in a patient with bicuspid aortic valve, positive history of systemic autoimmune diseases and common genetic factors: a case report.

The bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and specific systemic autoimmune diseases are associated with cardiovascular manifestation, including aortic aneurysm. We reported a case of 64 year-old patient with BAV and a history of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and who developed ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm. The patient presented also the homozygosity for genetic variants of MMP9, ACE, MTHFR and PAI-1 genes. Gene-environmental interactions may represent an additional pathogenetic dimension in the still challenging management of the abnormalities of the aortic wall, including dilatation, aneurysm and dissection.

A new left atrial retractor for minimally invasive mitral valve surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The recent boost of the minimally invasive techniques for mitral valve surgery has led to the development of a dedicated surgical outfit, including retractors, arterial and venous cannulas, and surgical instruments. An effective left atrial retractor is crucial, since an optimal exposure is a prerequisite for a successful mitral valve repair. Most of the available retractors require a supporting arm that is inserted in the chest via a parasternal hole. This maneuver may be associated with significant bleeding from the internal thoracic artery and vein or from their collaterals, especially in patients undergoing redo operations in whom the identification of these vessels may be difficult. The MitraXs is a self-expanding, pliable, left atrial retractor that may be inserted in the atrium from the minithoracotomy, and does not require any supporting arm. We describe its use in a patient with a previous history of esophageal resection and retrosternal colon interposition. METHODS AND RESULTS: The mitral valve was approached via right minithoracotomy with femoral bypass and direct aortic cross-clamping. In this particular case, the MitraXs was used to avoid the blunt insertion of the conventional retractor's supporting arm in order to prevent any possible injury to the neo-esophagus.The mitral valve exposure was excellent, and the operation was easily performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. COMMENT: In our opinion, the described approach allows a safe exposure of the aorta and left atrium, and should be considered the approach of choice in patients with retrosternal anomalies. The use of the MitraXs retractor may represent a helpful addition in selected patients, and should be recommended for redo operations.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Evaluation of the Elastic Properties of Ascending Aortic Aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the aortic wall elasticity using the maximal rate of systolic distension (MRSD) and maximal rate of diastolic recoil (MRDR) and their correlation with the aortic size index (ASI). METHODS: Forty-eight patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm were enrolled in this study. A standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol was used to calculate MRSD and MRDR. Both MRSD and MRDR were expressed as percentile of maximal area/10-3 sec. ASI (maximal aortic diameter/body surface area) was calculated. A correlation between MRSD, MRDR, ASI, and the patient's age was performed using regression plot. RESULTS: A significant correlation between MRSD (t=-4,36; r2=0.29; P≤0.0001), MRDR (t=3.92; r2=0.25; P=0.0003), and ASI (25±4.33 mm/m2; range 15,48-35,14 mm/m2) is observed. As ASI increases, aortic MRSD and MRDR decrease. Such inverse correlation between MRSD, MRDR, and ASI indicates increased stiffness of the ascending aorta. A significant correlation between the patient's age and the decrease in MRSD and MRDR is observed. CONCLUSION: MRSD and MRDR are significantly correlated with ASI and the patient's age. They seem to describe properly the increasing stiffness of aortas. These two new indexes provide a promising, accessible, and reproducible approach to evaluate the biomechanical property of the aorta.

Relationships Between Phenotype and Function of Blood CD4+ T-Cells and Ascending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: an Experimental Study.

INTRODUCTION: Non-familial ascending thoracic aorta dilation and aneurysms (TAAs) are silent diseases in elderly patients. Histopathology revealed that functionally polarized infiltrating CD4+ T-cells play a key role in aortic wall weakening. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the possible associations between phenotype and cytokine production of circulating CD4+ T-lymphocytes and the presence of TAA in patients with aortic valve disease (AVD). METHODS: We studied blood samples from 10 patients with TAA and 10 patients with AVD. Flow cytometry was used to quantify: a) CD4+ T-lymphocytes surface expression of CD25, CD28, and chemokine receptors (CCR5, CXCR3, CX3CR1); b) fractions of in vitro stimulated CD4+ T-cells producing cytokines (interferon gamma [IFN-γ], interleukin [IL]-17A, IL-21, IL-10); c) CD4+CD25highFoxP3+ regulatory T-cells (Treg) fraction. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were performed for cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-23, transforming growth factor beta [TGF-ß]) and chemokines (RANTES, CX3CL1). RESULTS: The total CD4+CD28±CD4+/CX3CR1+ T-cells fraction was higher (P=0.0323) in AVD (20.452±4.673) than in TAA patients (8.633±2.030). The frequency ratio of CD4+ T-lymphocytes producing IFN-γ vs. IL-17A+IL-21 cytokine-producing CD4+ T-cells was higher (P=0.0239) in AVD (2.102±0.272) than in TAA (1.365±0.123) patients. The sum of CD4+CD28±CD4+/CX3CR1+ T-cells correlated positively with values of the previous cytokine ratio (P=0.0002, R=0.732). The ratio of CD4+CD28±CD4+/CX3CR1+ T-cells vs. Treg was higher (P=0.0008) in AVD (20.859±3.393) than in TAA (6.367±1.277) patients. CONCLUSION: Our results show that the presence of TAA in subjects with AVD is associated with imbalance between phenotypic and cytokine-producing subsets of circulating CD4+ T-lymphocytes, prevalently oriented towards a pro-fibrotic and IFN-γ counteracting effect to functional polarization.

Granulocyte- and monocyte-platelet adhesion index in coronary and peripheral blood after extracorporeal circulation and reperfusion.

BACKGROUND: Neutrophil-granulocyte and mononuclear-cell functional changes occur during cardiopulmonary bypass and cardiovascular surgery. In particular, leukocyte-platelet interaction, leading to generation of heterotypic coaggregates, represents an amplification mechanism of the local inflammatory response and tissue damage. METHODS: Samples of 20 patients were drawn from venous coronary sinus before cardioplegic arrest and immediately after reperfusion, as well as from peripheral blood at 5 and 24 h postoperatively. The granulocyte and monocyte surface expression of CD162, CD15s, CD18, and CD11b were quantified by flow cytometry at the different times. Parallel variations of circulating leukocyte-platelet conjugates (percentages) and a derived (cell number-normalized) leukocyte-platelet adhesion index were measured using a combination of antibodies against CD45, CD14, and CD41a. The evaluation of platelet functional state was carried out using antibodies against CD62P (P-selectin) and PAC-1. RESULTS: Monocyte and granulocyte cell number increased markedly in coronary blood at reperfusion and in peripheral blood postoperatively when compared with measurements done before cardioplegia. A very different course characterized the changes of the leukocyte-platelet adhesion index with respect to the variations of circulating leukocyte-platelet coaggregates (percentages). Leukocyte molecules expression showed no significant variations for CD15s on both the leukocyte subsets, while a significant up-modulation for CD162 was observed on monocytes at 24 h after extracorporeal circulation (P = 0.0002), and for CD11b on granulocytes at 5 h postoperatively (P = 0.033). A loss of CD162 expression was observed in coronary blood at reperfusion (P = 0.0038) on granulocytes, associated to a down-modulation of CD18 (P = 0.0033) and CD11b (P = 0.0184) in peripheral blood at 24 h postoperatively. No significant up-regulation of platelet activatory molecules expression was found at coronary reperfusion, as well as postoperatively in the peripheral blood, when compared with the before-cardioplegia derived data. CONCLUSIONS: The over time variations of a normalized leukocyte-platelet adhesion index seem to reflect the cumulative leukocyte-platelet functional interaction more accurately than the parallel measurements of cellular conjugates. The absence of platelet activation suggests that the leukocyte membrane modifications play a main role in controlling the formation and stability of heterotypic leukocyte-platelet coaggregates after cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation.

Biological features (inflammation and neoangiogenesis) and atherosclerotic risk factors in carotid plaques and calcified aortic valve stenosis: two different sites of the same disease?

Neoangiogenesis and inflammation have a pivotal role in atherosclerosis. Observations support the hypothesis that calcified aortic valve stenosis is an inflammatory process, similar to atherosclerosis in tissue features and risk factors. We studied 2 groups of cases: 47 were affected by hemodynamic atherosclerotic carotid plaque (group 1) and 35 by severe calcified aortic valve stenosis (group 2). We compared the groups for atherosclerosis risk factors, morphologic features, and immunohistochemical phenotypes. In both groups, men, smokers, and hypertensive subjects prevailed, and histologic analysis showed an elevated score for T-lymphocyte infiltrates, neoangiogenesis, calcium, and sclerosis. Adhesion molecule expression was present in both lesions. Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 correlated with inflammatory infiltrates (group 1, P = .0007; group 2, P = .06). Neoangiogenesis also correlated with inflammatory infiltrates (group 1, P = .035; group 2, P = .045). In valves, neoangiogenesis correlated with calcium (P = .048). Carotid plaque and calcified valve stenosis showed common risk factors and biologic hallmarks of a chronic inflammatory process. Inflammation and neoangiogenesis have a crucial role in plaque evolution and in the progression of aortic valve stenosis.

Treatment of left anterior descending artery aneurysm.

Coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) are rare and their management is controversial. Their incidence varies from 1,5% to 5% of the coronary angiographies, with predilection of the right coronary artery. Unruptured coronary aneurysms are often silent and may remain undiagnosed. The etiology can be either congenital or acquired. We describe a case of a left anterior descending artery (LAD) aneurysm treated with an off-pump surgical revascularization with a LIMA to LAD without exclusion or ligature of the aneurysm.

Right-Sided Minithoracotomy as a Surgical Approach for the Concomitant Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia diagnosed in humans and therefore causes a high socioeconomic burden. The Cox-Maze IV procedure is the gold standard treatment for atrial fibrillation. Minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of AF is also promising. OBJECTIVES: Our aim is to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and immediate plus medium-term results of concomitant AF ablation therapy in patients undergoing minimally invasive valve surgery through right-sided minithoracotomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective data were collected from January 2012 to December 2013. Seventy-five consecutive patients underwent radiofrequency ablation during valve surgery through a right-sided minithoracotomy. RESULTS: All 75 patients underwent radiofrequency ablation. The pulmonary vein was isolated in 6 (8%) by encircling the left and right pulmonary veins. In 9 (12%) patients, endocardial box lesions were created using a monopolar probe, while in 47 (62.7%), epicardial box lesions were produced with a monopolar probe. Thirteen (17.3%) patients received a box lesion created with a bipolar probe. Finally, in 22 (29.3%) patients, a line of lesions was produced leading up to the posterior mitral annulus. Only 1 (1.3%) perioperative death was observed. At discharge, 43 (57.3%) patients were in sinus rhythm and 30 (40%) were in AF. After a mean follow-up of 21.6 ± 10.1 months, 46 patients (63%) were in a stable sinus rhythm and 27 were in (37%) in AF; 26 (56.5%) patients were free from antiarrhythmic therapy, while 19 (42.2%) were still taking at least one drug. CONCLUSIONS: We can conclude that treatment of AF using a right-sided minithoracotomy approach and RF energy in patients undergoing cardiac surgery for various valve diseases is feasible, safe, and reproducible.

Neoangiogenesis, T-lymphocyte infiltration, and heat shock protein-60 are biological hallmarks of an immunomediated inflammatory process in end-stage calcified aortic valve stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the main biomolecular features in the evolution of aortic stenosis, focusing on advanced lesions. BACKGROUND: "Degenerative" aortic valve stenosis shares risk factors and inflammatory similarities with atherosclerosis. METHODS: We compared nonrheumatic stenotic aortic valves from 26 patients undergoing surgical valve replacement (group A) and 14 surgical control patients (group B). We performed semiquantitative histological and immunohistochemical analyses on valve leaflets to measure inflammation, sclerosis, calcium, neoangiogenesis, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression. We assessed heat shock protein 60 (hsp60) gene expression as an index of cellular stress and C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and fibrinogen as systemic inflammatory markers. RESULTS: In group A valves, we found a prevalence of calcium nodules surrounded by activated inflammatory infiltrates, neovessels, and abundant ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and hsp60 gene expression. Specimens from group B were negative for all of these markers, except 2 of 14 positivity for hsp60. The presence of active inflammatory infiltrates correlated with an abundance of thin neovessels (p < 0.01) and hsp60 gene expression (p = 0.01), whereas neoangiogenesis correlated with inflammation (p = 0.04), calcium (p = 0.01), and hsp60 gene expression (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: "Degenerative" aortic valve stenosis appears to be a chronic inflammatory process associated with atherosclerotic risk factors. The coexistence of neoangiogenesis, T-lymphocyte infiltration, adhesion molecules, and hsp60 gene expression indicates an active immunomediated process in the final phases of the disease.

Post-reperfusion changes of monocyte function in coronary blood after extracorporeal circulation.

BACKGROUND: Neutrophil and mononuclear cell functional changes represent a hallmark of inflammation during cardiopulmonary bypass and cardiovascular surgery. Knowledge of mechanisms underlying monocyte functional modulation in coronary blood may be useful to develop protective interventions that can limit ischemia/reperfusion injury. METHODS: Samples of 13 patients were drawn from venous coronary sinus before cardioplegic arrest and after reperfusion. The following parameters were studied: surface molecules expression (CD18, CD11b, CD44, CD162, CD15s, CD80, CD86, CD16, CD49d, CD29, CD25, HLA-DR, Toll-like receptor-4 [TLR-4], CXCR1, CCR2, CCR5, CX3CR1), oxidative burst response, monocyte-platelet conjugates (using antibodies against CD45, CD14, CD41a), and platelet activation (CD62P, PAC-1). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to measure levels of interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). RESULTS: Coronary reperfusion down-modulated monocyte molecules expression, especially for CD18 (P = 0.048), CD44 (P = 0.0035), CD49d (P = 0.0029), CD29 (P = 0.032), HLA-DR (P < 0.0001), TLR-4 (P = 0.0109), CCR2 (P = 0.0184), CCR5 (P = 0.0396), and CX3CR1 (P < 0.0001). A marginal increase (P = 0.062) of a normalized adhesion index between monocytes and platelets was observed at reperfusion. No variations were detected for the monocyte oxidative burst and platelet activation. Increased levels of IL-6 (P = 0.013), TNF-alpha (P = 0.0272), and IL-10 (P = 0.0008) were measured after cardioplegia. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of CD11b and CD25 variations and of the oxidative burst exclude monocyte activation at reperfusion. The high after-cardioplegia level of IL-10, the decreased expression of HLA-DR and TLR-4, and the absence of IL-1beta and IL-8 suggest an IL-10-mediated functional depression of monocyte, including their adhesive and migratory capacities. The lack of an after-cardioplegia orientation toward IL-10 producing a "macrophage-like" CD14+/CD16+ phenotype might mean that myocardial infiltrating lymphocytes are the main source of IL-10. Moreover, the increased after-cardioplegia levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha might be due to myocardial and endothelial activations. The increased adhesion index between monocyte and platelets, without receptor variations, suggests a monocyte membrane modification induced by extracorporeal circulation.

Minimally invasive septal myectomy for the treatment of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and intrinsic mitral valve disease.

OBJECTIVE: Transaortic left ventricular septal myectomy described by Morrow is a classical procedure for the treatment of systolic anterior motion of the mitral apparatus associated with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). We aimed to review our results of transmitral septal myectomy and mitral valve repair/replacement in patients with intrinsic mitral valve disease associated with HOCM, operated on through a minimally invasive approach. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2014, 19 patients [7 men (37%); mean (SD) age, 69.4 (14.5) years] were treated with minimally invasive approach for degenerative mitral regurgitation and HOCM. Preoperative peak left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient was 66 (24) mm Hg. Severe mitral regurgitation was diagnosed in 16 cases (84%). New York Heart Association functional class III to IV heart failure was present in 13 patients (68%). RESULTS: Fifteen patients (79%) underwent mitral valve replacement, and four patients (21%) underwent mitral valve repair. Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction was corrected directly in all patients via the mitral valve with septal myectomy/myotomy, avoiding aortotomy in majority of the patients. No significant prolongation of extracorporeal circulation/aortic cross-clamping times was observed (P = 0.41 and P = 0.67, respectively) when compared with a similar population without HOCM. No iatrogenic ventricular septal defect developed in treated patients. No hospital mortality occurred. Resting LVOT gradient reduced at discharge to 13 (22) mm Hg (P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Transmitral left ventricular septal myectomy in patients with degenerative mitral valve disease is quite a simple, feasible, and effective technique and does not require aortotomy in most cases. It can be performed with low early mortality and satisfactory resolution of LVOT obstruction in a minimally invasive setting.

Supplemental nitric oxide and its effect on myocardial injury and function in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation.

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary bypass induces a systemic inflammatory response that may contribute to clinical morbidity. Gaseous nitric oxide at relatively low concentrations may elicit peripheral anti-inflammatory effects in addition to a reduction of pulmonary resistances. We examined the effects of 20 ppm of inhaled nitric oxide administered for 8 hours during and after cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-nine consecutive patients undergoing aortic valve replacement combined with aortocoronary bypass were randomly allocated to either 20 ppm of inhaled nitric oxide (n = 14) or no additional inhalatory treatment (n = 15). Blood samples for total creatine kinase, creatine kinase MB fraction, and troponin I measurements were collected at 4, 12, 24, and 48 hours postsurgery. In addition, we collected perioperative blood samples for measurements of circulating nitric oxide by-products and brain natriuretic peptide. Soluble P-selectin was analyzed in blood samples withdrawn from the coronary sinus before and after aortic clamping. The area under the curve of creatine kinase MB fraction (P =.03), total creatine kinase (P =.04), and troponin I (P =.04) levels were significantly decreased in the nitric oxide-treated patients. Moreover, in the same group we observed blunted P-selectin and brain natriuretic peptide release (P =.01 and P =.02, respectively). Nitric oxide inhalation consistently enhanced nitric oxide metabolite levels (P =.01). CONCLUSIONS: Nitric oxide, when administered as a gas at low concentration, is able to blunt the release of markers of myocardial injury and to antagonize the left ventricular subclinical dysfunction during and immediately after cardiopulmonary bypass. The organ protection could be mediated, at least in part, by its anti-inflammatory properties.

Nonthyroidal illness syndrome in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is an established cause of nonthyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS). Off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) has been reported to be less invasive than coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with CPB. We prospectively evaluated thyroid metabolism in OPCAB patients. METHODS: We analyzed free thyroid hormones (FT3 and FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and reverse T3 (rT3) in 20 consecutive patients undergoing CABG surgery. Nine patients underwent CABG with CPB, and 11 underwent OPCAB. Blood samples were taken on admission, on the day of surgery (7:30 AM), after sternotomy, at the end of the operation, and at 2, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 144 hours postoperatively. The concentrations of FT3, FT4, and TSH were determined on each sample. Reverse T3 concentration was measured in 10 patients up to 48 hours and at 144 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: Baseline, operative, and postoperative variables were similar in the two groups. FT3 concentration dropped significantly (p < 0.0001), reaching its lowest value 12 hours postoperatively. There were no significant differences between CPB and OPCAB patients. FT4 varied significantly in both groups (p < 0.0001), but remained in the normal range. TSH variation was not significant. rT3 concentration rose significantly (p = 0.0002) in both groups, peaking 24 hours after surgery. CONCLUSIONS. OPCAB induces a NTIS similar to that observed after CPB, probably due to the inhibition of T4 conversion to T3. This finding suggests that NTIS is a nonspecific response to stress. CPB should not be considered as the sole trigger of NTIS in cardiac surgical patients.

Aortic valve disease with severe ventricular dysfunction: stentless valve for better recovery.

BACKGROUND: Stentless bioprostheses and homografts show better hemodynamic profiles compared with conventional stented bioprostheses and mechanical valves. Few data are available on stentless aortic valve implantation for patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the potential benefits of stentless aortic valve implantation for patients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement with left ventricular ejection fraction < or = 35%. METHODS: From November 1988 through March 2000, 53 patients (45 men and 8 women, aged 64.2 +/- 15.2 years) with a LVEF < or = 35% (mean EF, 28.7 +/- 5.4%) underwent isolated, primary aortic valve replacement for chronic aortic valve disease. Twenty patients received stentless aortic valves and 33 patients received conventional stented bioprostheses and mechanical valves. Predictive factors for LVEF recovery at echocardiographic follow-up (36.2 +/- 32.1 months) were analyzed by simple and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between groups in early and late mortality. Stentless aortic valve implantation required a longer aortic cross-clamp time (p = 0.037). The stentless aortic valve group showed a better LVEF recovery (p = 0.016). Stentless aortic valves had a larger indexed effective orifice area compared with conventional stented bioprostheses and mechanical valves (p < 0.0001). A smaller indexed effective orifice area (p = 0.0008), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p = 0.015), and implantation of a conventional stented bioprosthesis or mechanical valve (p = 0.016) were related to reduced LVEF recovery by univariate analysis. A larger indexed effective orifice area (p = 0.024) was an independent predictive factor for a better LVEF recovery by multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Stentless aortic valve implantation for patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction, even if technically more demanding, is a safe procedure that warrants a larger indexed effective orifice area leading to an enhanced LVEF recovery.

C677T polymorphism of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene is a risk factor of adverse events after coronary revascularization.

BACKGROUND: A common point mutation (C677T) in the gene for 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is associated with hyperhomocysteinemia, an independent risk factor and a strong predictor of mortality in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to investigate whether C677T polymorphism can be a predictor of major adverse cardiac events after myocardial revascularization. METHODS: We determined MTHFR genotype in 159 patients with CAD undergoing myocardial revascularization [72 percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and 87 coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)]. Recurrent angina, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), target vessel revascularization, heart failure and cardiac death were considered major adverse cardiac events that occurred after discharge from index hospitalization. RESULTS: During the follow-up (6.9+/-0.3 months, mean+/-S.E.M.), the composite endpoint accounted for 25.9%, 11.4% and 4.3% for TT, CT and CC genotype (log-rank statistic 5.2, p=0.02), respectively. Subjects with mutant TT genotype had a threefold increase of any cardiac event (hazard ratio [HR]=3.0; 95% [CI], 1.1-8.1). In multiple-variable regression Cox, predictors of events were TT genotype (HR=2.8; 95% CI, 1.01-7.62, p=0.047), low-ejection fraction<40% (HR=4.5; 95% CI, 1.62-12.6, p=0.004) and revascularization procedure (HR=6.1; 95% CI, 1.86-20.34, p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that the TT genotype seems to be significantly associated with major adverse cardiac events after myocardial revascularization in CAD patients, suggesting a potential pathological influence of homocysteine in the clinical outcome.

Free triiodothyronine: a novel predictor of postoperative atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVE: Despite improved perioperative management, atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains a relevant clinical problem, whose pathogenetic mechanisms remain incompletely explained. A reduced incidence of postoperative AF has been described in CABG patients receiving IV tri-iodothyronine (T3). This study was designed to define the role of thyroid metabolism on the genesis of postoperative AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Free T3 (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), and thyroid stimulating hormone were assayed at admission in 107 consecutive patients undergoing isolated CABG surgery. Patients with thyroid disease or taking drugs known to interfere with thyroid function were excluded. A preoperative rhythm other than sinus rhythm was considered an exclusion criterion. Thirty-three patients (30.8%) had postoperative AF. An older age (P=0.03), no therapy with beta-blockers (P=0.08), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P=0.08), lower left ventricle ejection fraction (P=0.09) and lower fT3 concentration (P=0.001), were univariate predictors of postoperative AF. On multivariate analysis, low fT3 concentration and lack of beta-blocking therapy were independently related with the development of postoperative AF (odds ratio, OR, 4.425; 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.745-11.235; P=0.001 and OR 3.107; 95% CI 1.087-8.875; P=0.03, respectively). Postoperative AF significantly prolonged postoperative hospital stay (P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Low basal fT3 concentration can reliably predict the occurrence of postoperative AF in CABG patients.