Postoperative Pulmonary Hemodynamics and Systemic Inflammatory Response in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Surgery for Congenital Heart Defects.

There is scarce information about the relationships between postoperative pulmonary hemodynamics, inflammation, and outcomes in pediatric patients with congenital cardiac communications undergoing surgery. We prospectively studied 40 patients aged 11 (8-17) months (median with interquartile range) with a preoperative mean pulmonary arterial pressure of 48 (34-54) mmHg who were considered to be at risk for postoperative pulmonary hypertension. The immediate postoperative pulmonary/systemic mean arterial pressure ratio (PAP/SAPIPO, mean of first 4 values obtained in the intensive care unit, readings at 2-hour intervals) was correlated directly with PAP/SAP registered in the surgical room just after cardiopulmonary bypass (r = 0.68, p < 0.001). For the entire cohort, circulating levels of 15 inflammatory markers changed after surgery. Compared with patients with PAP/SAPIPO ≤ 0.40 (n = 22), those above this level (n = 18) had increased pre- and postoperative serum levels of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (p = 0.040), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (p = 0.020), interleukin-6 (p = 0.003), and interleukin-21 (p = 0.047) (panel for 36 human cytokines) and increased mean platelet volume (p = 0.018). Using logistic regression analysis, a PAP/SAPIPO > 0.40 and a heightened immediate postoperative serum level of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (quartile analysis) were shown to be predictive of significant postoperative cardiopulmonary events (respective hazard ratios with 95% CIs, 5.07 (1.10-23.45), and 3.29 (1.38-7.88)). Thus, the early postoperative behavior of the pulmonary circulation and systemic inflammatory response are closely related and can be used to predict outcomes in this population.

Blood cell adhesion to arterial filters analysis by scanning electron microscopy and real-time PCR assay: observational clinical study in cardiac surgery patients.

INTRODUCTION: Arterial filter is the part of the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit where blood cells are exposed to high mechanical stress and where cellular aggregates may fasten in large quantities. The aim of this study was to analyse blood cell adhesiveness in the arterial filter through scanning electron microscopy and real-time PCR assay. METHODS: Prospective, clinical and observational study performed on 28 patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Arterial filters were analysed by scanning electron microscopy. Real-time PCR assay was performed in extracted material from the arterial filters for analysis of platelet GPIb and CD45 leucocyte gene expression. Blood coagulation was analysed during cardiopulmonary bypass. Patients were followed until hospital discharge or 28 days after surgery. RESULTS: All studied arterial filters used in the subject patients showed a degree of adhesion from blood elements at scanning electron microscopy. All studied filters were positive for platelets GPIb gene expression and 15% had CD45 leucocyte gene expression. The GPIb platelet gene expression in blood lowered at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass (p = 0.019). There was negative correlation between blood GPIb platelet gene expression and Clot SR (HEPSCREEN2 ReoRox®) (rho = 0.635; p = 0.027). The filter fields count was correlated to the D-dimer dosage (rho = 0.828; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There was adhesion of blood elements, especially nucleated platelets, on all arterial filters studied. Although the arterial filter worked as a safety device, that possibly prevented arterial embolisation, it may also have caused greater hyperfibrinolysis during cardiopulmonary bypass.

COVID-19 complicating perioperative management of LVAD implantation: A case report and systematic review.

The coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) affected 125 million people worldwide and caused 2.7 million deaths. Some comorbidities are associated with worse prognosis and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients are probably part of this high-risk population. We report a 31-year-old male patient who developed COVID-19 during LVAD implantation. His postoperative period was complicated by severe pneumonia and mechanical ventilation (MV) leading to right ventricular failure (RVF) and inotrope necessity. He experienced multiple complications, but eventually recovered. We present a systematic review of LVAD recipients and COVID-19. Among 14 patients, the mean age was 62.7 years, 78.5% were male. A total of 5 patients (35.7%) required MV and 3 patients (21.4%) died. A total of 2 patients (14.2%) had thromboembolic events. This case and systematic review suggest LVAD recipients are at particular risk of unfavorable outcomes and they may be more susceptible to RVF in the setting of COVID-19, particularly during perioperative period.

Use of Noninvasive Ventilation in Respiratory Failure After Extubation During Postoperative Care in Pediatrics.

The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of failure of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) after cardiac surgery in pediatric patients with respiratory failure after extubation and to identify predictive success factors. This was a prospective cohort study of pediatric patients diagnosed with congenital heart disease who underwent heart surgery and used NIV. Data were collected from 170 patients with a median age of 2 months. No patient presented cardiorespiratory arrest nor any other complication during the use of NIV. The success rate for the use of NIV was 61.8%. Subjects were divided for analysis into successful and failed NIV groups. Statistical analysis used Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, and Student's t tests, which were performed after univariate and multivariate logistic regression for p < 0.05. In the multivariate analysis, only the minimal pressure gradient (OR 1.45 with p = 0.007), maximum oxygen saturation (OR 0.88 with p = 0.011), and maximum fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) (OR 1.16 with p < 0.001) influenced NIV failure. The following variables did not present a statistical difference: extracorporeal circulation time (p = 0.669), pulmonary hypertension (p = 0.254), genetic syndrome (p = 0.342), RACHS-1 score (p = 0.097), age (p = 0.098), invasive mechanical ventilation duration (p = 0.186), and NIV duration (p = 0.804). In conclusion, NIV can be successfully used in children who, after cardiac surgery, develop respiratory failure in the 48 h following extubation. Although the use of higher pressure gradients and higher FiO2 are associated with a greater failure rate for NIV use, it was found to be generally safe.

Vasopressin Versus Norepinephrine for the Management of Septic Shock in Cancer Patients: The VANCS II Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVES: Previous trials suggest that vasopressin may improve outcomes in patients with vasodilatory shock. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether vasopressin could be superior to norepinephrine to improve outcomes in cancer patients with septic shock. DESIGN: Single-center, randomized, double-blind clinical trial, and meta-analysis of randomized trials. SETTING: ICU of a tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS: Two-hundred fifty patients 18 years old or older with cancer and septic shock. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were assigned to either vasopressin or norepinephrine as first-line vasopressor therapy. An updated meta-analysis was also conducted including randomized trials published until October 2018. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 28 days after randomization. Prespecified secondary outcomes included 90-days all-cause mortality rate; number of days alive and free of advanced organ support at day 28; and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score 24 hours and 96 hours after randomization. We also measure the prevalence of adverse effects in 28 days. A total of 250 patients were randomized. The primary outcome was observed in 71 patients (56.8%) in the vasopressin group and 66 patients (52.8%) in the norepinephrine group (p = 0.52). There were no significant differences in 90-day mortality (90 patients [72.0%] and 94 patients [75.2%], respectively; p = 0.56), number of days alive and free of advanced organ support, adverse events, or Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score. CONCLUSIONS: In cancer patients with septic shock, vasopressin as first-line vasopressor therapy was not superior to norepinephrine in reducing 28-day mortality rate.

Lactated Ringer's Versus 4% Albumin on Lactated Ringer's in Early Sepsis Therapy in Cancer Patients: A Pilot Single-Center Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of the administration of 4% albumin on lactated Ringer's, when compared with lactated Ringer's alone, in the early phase of sepsis in cancer patients. DESIGN: Single-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled-parallel trial. SETTING: A tertiary care university cancer hospital. PATIENTS: Cancer patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. INTERVENTIONS: Between October 2014 and December 2016, patients were randomly assigned to receive either bolus of albumin in a lactated Ringer's solution or lactated Ringer's solution alone during the first 6 hours of fluid resuscitation after intensive care medicine (ICU) admission. Primary outcome was defined as death from any cause at 7 days. Secondary outcomes were defined as death from any cause within 28 days, change in Sequence Organ Failure Assessment scores from baseline to day 7, days alive and free of mechanical ventilation, days alive and free of vasopressor, renal replacement therapy during ICU stay, and length of ICU and hospital stay. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 360 patients were enrolled in the trial. At 7 days, 46 of 180 patients (26%) died in the albumin group and 40 of 180 (22%) died in the lactated Ringer's group (p = 0.5). At 28 days, 96 of 180 patients (53%) died in the albumin group and 83 of 180 (46%) died in the lactated Ringer's group (p = 0.2). No significant differences in secondary outcomes were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Adding albumin to early standard resuscitation with lactated Ringer's in cancer patients with sepsis did not improve 7-day survival.

Effect of a Perioperative Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump in High-Risk Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of perioperative intra-aortic balloon pump use in high-risk cardiac surgery patients. DESIGN: A single-center randomized controlled trial and a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. SETTING: Heart Institute of São Paulo University. PATIENTS: High-risk patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomized to receive preskin incision intra-aortic balloon pump insertion after anesthesia induction versus no intra-aortic balloon pump use. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was a composite endpoint of 30-day mortality and major morbidity (cardiogenic shock, stroke, acute renal failure, mediastinitis, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and a need for reoperation). A total of 181 patients (mean [SD] age 65.4 [9.4] yr; 32% female) were randomized. The primary outcome was observed in 43 patients (47.8%) in the intra-aortic balloon pump group and 42 patients (46.2%) in the control group (p = 0.46). The median duration of inotrope use (51 hr [interquartile range, 32-94 hr] vs 39 hr [interquartile range, 25-66 hr]; p = 0.007) and the ICU length of stay (5 d [interquartile range, 3-8 d] vs 4 d [interquartile range, 3-6 d]; p = 0.035) were longer in the intra-aortic balloon pump group than in the control group. A meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials confirmed a lack of survival improvement in high-risk cardiac surgery patients with perioperative intra-aortic balloon pump use. CONCLUSIONS: In high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery, the perioperative use of an intra-aortic balloon pump did not reduce the occurrence of a composite outcome of 30-day mortality and major complications compared with usual care alone.

Effect of postoperative goal-directed therapy in cancer patients undergoing high-risk surgery: a randomized clinical trial and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative goal-directed hemodynamic therapy (GDHT) has been advocated in high-risk patients undergoing noncardiac surgery to reduce postoperative morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that using cardiac index (CI)-guided GDHT in the postoperative period for patients undergoing high-risk surgery for cancer treatment would reduce 30-day mortality and postoperative complications. METHODS: A randomized, parallel-group, superiority trial was performed in a tertiary oncology hospital. All adult patients undergoing high-risk cancer surgery who required intensive care unit admission were randomly allocated to a CI-guided GDHT group or to a usual care group. In the GDHT group, postoperative therapy aimed at CI ≥ 2.5 L/min/m2 using fluids, inotropes and red blood cells during the first 8 postoperative hours. The primary outcome was a composite endpoint of 30-day all-cause mortality and severe postoperative complications during the hospital stay. A meta-analysis was also conducted including all randomized trials of postoperative GDHT published from 1966 to May 2017. RESULTS: A total of 128 patients (64 in each group) were randomized. The primary outcome occurred in 34 patients of the GDHT group and in 28 patients of the usual care group (53.1% vs 43.8%, absolute difference 9.4 (95% CI, - 7.8 to 25.8); p = 0.3). During the 8-h intervention period more patients in the GDHT group received dobutamine when compared to the usual care group (55% vs 16%, p < 0.001). A meta-analysis of nine randomized trials showed no differences in postoperative mortality (risk ratio 0.85, 95% CI 0.59-1.23; p = 0.4; p for heterogeneity = 0.7; I2 = 0%) and in the overall complications rate (risk ratio 0.88, 95% CI 0.71-1.08; p = 0.2; p for heterogeneity = 0.07; I2 = 48%), but a reduced hospital length of stay in the GDHT group (mean difference (MD) - 1.6; 95% CI - 2.75 to - 0.46; p = 0.006; p for heterogeneity = 0.002; I2 = 74%). CONCLUSIONS: CI-guided hemodynamic therapy in the first 8 postoperative hours does not reduce 30-day mortality and severe complications during hospital stay when compared to usual care in cancer patients undergoing high-risk surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.clinicaltrials.gov , NCT01946269 . Registered on 16 September 2013.

Nitric Oxide in Cardiac Surgery: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy and safety of perioperative administration of nitric oxide in cardiac surgery. DESIGN: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). PARTICIPANTS: Cardiac surgery patients. INTERVENTIONS: A search of Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase, and MEDLINE for RCTs that compared nitric oxide with placebo or other comparators. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and secondary outcomes were mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, and reduction of mean pulmonary artery pressure. The study included 18 RCTs comprising 958 patients. The authors calculated the pooled odds ratio (OR) and the mean difference (MD) with random-effects model. Quantitative synthesis of data demonstrated a clinically negligible reduction in the length of ICU stay (MD -0.38 days, confidence interval CI [-0.65 to -0.11]; p = 0.005) and mechanical ventilation duration (MD -4.81 hours, CI [-7.79 to -1.83]; p = 0.002) compared with all control interventions with no benefit on mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative delivery of inhaled nitric oxide resulted to be of no or minimal benefit in patients with pulmonary hypertension undergoing cardiac surgery. Large, randomized trials are needed to further assess its effect on major clinical outcomes and its cost-effectiveness.

Liberal Versus Restrictive Transfusion Strategy in Critically Ill Oncologic Patients: The Transfusion Requirements in Critically Ill Oncologic Patients Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether a restrictive strategy of RBC transfusion reduces 28-day mortality when compared with a liberal strategy in cancer patients with septic shock. DESIGN: Single center, randomized, double-blind controlled trial. SETTING: Teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Adult cancer patients with septic shock in the first 6 hours of ICU admission. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to the liberal (hemoglobin threshold, < 9 g/dL) or to the restrictive strategy (hemoglobin threshold, < 7 g/dL) of RBC transfusion during ICU stay. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patients were randomized to the liberal (n = 149) or to the restrictive transfusion strategy (n = 151) group. Patients in the liberal group received more RBC units than patients in the restrictive group (1 [0-3] vs 0 [0-2] unit; p < 0.001). At 28 days after randomization, mortality rate in the liberal group (primary endpoint of the study) was 45% (67 patients) versus 56% (84 patients) in the restrictive group (hazard ratio, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.53-1.04; p = 0.08) with no differences in ICU and hospital length of stay. At 90 days after randomization, mortality rate in the liberal group was lower (59% vs 70%) than in the restrictive group (hazard ratio, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.53-0.97; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: We observed a survival trend favoring a liberal transfusion strategy in patients with septic shock when compared with the restrictive strategy. These results went in the opposite direction of the a priori hypothesis and of other trials in the field and need to be confirmed.

Vasopressin versus Norepinephrine in Patients with Vasoplegic Shock after Cardiac Surgery: The VANCS Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Vasoplegic syndrome is a common complication after cardiac surgery and impacts negatively on patient outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether vasopressin is superior to norepinephrine in reducing postoperative complications in patients with vasoplegic syndrome. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, double-blind trial was conducted at the Heart Institute, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil, between January 2012 and March 2014. Patients with vasoplegic shock (defined as mean arterial pressure less than 65 mmHg resistant to fluid challenge and cardiac index greater than 2.2 l · min · m) after cardiac surgery were randomized to receive vasopressin (0.01 to 0.06 U/min) or norepinephrine (10 to 60 µg/min) to maintain arterial pressure. The primary endpoint was a composite of mortality or severe complications (stroke, requirement for mechanical ventilation for longer than 48 h, deep sternal wound infection, reoperation, or acute renal failure) within 30 days. RESULTS: A total of 330 patients were randomized, and 300 were infused with one of the study drugs (vasopressin, 149; norepinephrine, 151). The primary outcome occurred in 32% of the vasopressin patients and in 49% of the norepinephrine patients (unadjusted hazard ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.38 to 0.80; P = 0.0014). Regarding adverse events, the authors found a lower occurrence of atrial fibrillation in the vasopressin group (63.8% vs. 82.1%; P = 0.0004) and no difference between groups in the rates of digital ischemia, mesenteric ischemia, hyponatremia, and myocardial infarction. CONCLUSIONS: The authors' results suggest that vasopressin can be used as a first-line vasopressor agent in postcardiac surgery vasoplegic shock and improves clinical outcomes.

Effect of Intensive vs Moderate Alveolar Recruitment Strategies Added to Lung-Protective Ventilation on Postoperative Pulmonary Complications: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Perioperative lung-protective ventilation has been recommended to reduce pulmonary complications after cardiac surgery. The protective role of a small tidal volume (VT) has been established, whereas the added protection afforded by alveolar recruiting strategies remains controversial. Objective: To determine whether an intensive alveolar recruitment strategy could reduce postoperative pulmonary complications, when added to a protective ventilation with small VT. Design, Setting, and Participants: Randomized clinical trial of patients with hypoxemia after cardiac surgery at a single ICU in Brazil (December 2011-2014). Interventions: Intensive recruitment strategy (n=157) or moderate recruitment strategy (n=163) plus protective ventilation with small VT. Main Outcomes and Measures: Severity of postoperative pulmonary complications computed until hospital discharge, analyzed with a common odds ratio (OR) to detect ordinal shift in distribution of pulmonary complication severity score (0-to-5 scale, 0, no complications; 5, death). Prespecified secondary outcomes were length of stay in the ICU and hospital, incidence of barotrauma, and hospital mortality. Results: All 320 patients (median age, 62 years; IQR, 56-69 years; 125 women [39%]) completed the trial. The intensive recruitment strategy group had a mean 1.8 (95% CI, 1.7 to 2.0) and a median 1.7 (IQR, 1.0-2.0) pulmonary complications score vs 2.1 (95% CI, 2.0-2.3) and 2.0 (IQR, 1.5-3.0) for the moderate strategy group. Overall, the distribution of primary outcome scores shifted consistently in favor of the intensive strategy, with a common OR for lower scores of 1.86 (95% CI, 1.22 to 2.83; P = .003). The mean hospital stay for the moderate group was 12.4 days vs 10.9 days in the intensive group (absolute difference, -1.5 days; 95% CI, -3.1 to -0.3; P = .04). The mean ICU stay for the moderate group was 4.8 days vs 3.8 days for the intensive group (absolute difference, -1.0 days; 95% CI, -1.6 to -0.2; P = .01). Hospital mortality (2.5% in the intensive group vs 4.9% in the moderate group; absolute difference, -2.4%, 95% CI, -7.1% to 2.2%) and barotrauma incidence (0% in the intensive group vs 0.6% in the moderate group; absolute difference, -0.6%; 95% CI, -1.8% to 0.6%; P = .51) did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients with hypoxemia after cardiac surgery, the use of an intensive vs a moderate alveolar recruitment strategy resulted in less severe pulmonary complications while in the hospital. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01502332.

Effect of Perioperative Goal-Directed Hemodynamic Resuscitation Therapy on Outcomes Following Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial and Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of goal-directed therapy on outcomes in high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery. DESIGN: A prospective randomized controlled trial and an updated metaanalysis of randomized trials published from inception up to May 1, 2015. SETTING: Surgical ICU within a tertiary referral university-affiliated teaching hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred twenty-six high-risk patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery or valve repair. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to a cardiac output-guided hemodynamic therapy algorithm (goal-directed therapy group, n = 62) or to usual care (n = 64). In the goal-directed therapy arm, a cardiac index of greater than 3 L/min/m was targeted with IV fluids, inotropes, and RBC transfusion starting from cardiopulmonary bypass and ending 8 hours after arrival to the ICU. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was a composite endpoint of 30-day mortality and major postoperative complications. Patients from the goal-directed therapy group received a greater median (interquartile range) volume of IV fluids than the usual care group (1,000 [625-1,500] vs 500 [500-1,000] mL; p < 0.001], with no differences in the administration of either inotropes or RBC transfusions. The primary outcome was reduced in the goal-directed therapy group (27.4% vs 45.3%; p = 0.037). The goal-directed therapy group had a lower occurrence rate of infection (12.9% vs 29.7%; p = 0.002) and low cardiac output syndrome (6.5% vs 26.6%; p = 0.002). We also observed lower ICU cumulative dosage of dobutamine (12 vs 19 mg/kg; p = 0.003) and a shorter ICU (3 [3-4] vs 5 [4-7] d; p < 0.001) and hospital length of stay (9 [8-16] vs 12 [9-22] d; p = 0.049) in the goal-directed therapy compared with the usual care group. There were no differences in 30-day mortality rates (4.8% vs 9.4%, respectively; p = 0.492). The metaanalysis identified six trials and showed that, when compared with standard treatment, goal-directed therapy reduced the overall rate of complications (goal-directed therapy, 47/410 [11%] vs usual care, 92/415 [22%]; odds ratio, 0.40 [95% CI, 0.26-0.63]; p < 0.0001) and decreased the hospital length of stay (mean difference, -5.44 d; 95% CI, -9.28 to -1.60; p = 0.006) with no difference in postoperative mortality: 9 of 410 (2.2%) versus 15 of 415 (3.6%), odds ratio, 0.61 (95% CI, 0.26-1.47), and p = 0.27. CONCLUSIONS: Goal-directed therapy using fluids, inotropes, and blood transfusion reduced 30-day major complications in high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Transfusion requirements in surgical oncology patients: a prospective, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have indicated that a restrictive erythrocyte transfusion strategy is as safe as a liberal one in critically ill patients, but there is no clear evidence to support the superiority of any perioperative transfusion strategy in patients with cancer. METHODS: In a randomized, controlled, parallel-group, double-blind (patients and outcome assessors) superiority trial in the intensive care unit of a tertiary oncology hospital, the authors evaluated whether a restrictive strategy of erythrocyte transfusion (transfusion when hemoglobin concentration <7 g/dl) was superior to a liberal one (transfusion when hemoglobin concentration <9 g/dl) for reducing mortality and severe clinical complications among patients having major cancer surgery. All adult patients with cancer having major abdominal surgery who required postoperative intensive care were included and randomly allocated to treatment with the liberal or the restrictive erythrocyte transfusion strategy. The primary outcome was a composite endpoint of mortality and morbidity. RESULTS: A total of 198 patients were included as follows: 101 in the restrictive group and 97 in the liberal group. The primary composite endpoint occurred in 19.6% (95% CI, 12.9 to 28.6%) of patients in the liberal-strategy group and in 35.6% (27.0 to 45.4%) of patients in the restrictive-strategy group (P = 0.012). Compared with the restrictive strategy, the liberal transfusion strategy was associated with an absolute risk reduction for the composite outcome of 16% (3.8 to 28.2%) and a number needed to treat of 6.2 (3.5 to 26.5). CONCLUSION: A liberal erythrocyte transfusion strategy with a hemoglobin trigger of 9 g/dl was associated with fewer major postoperative complications in patients having major cancer surgery compared with a restrictive strategy.

Strategies to reduce blood transfusion: a Latin-American perspective.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Anemia has been demonstrated to be detrimental in several populations such as high-surgical-risk patients, critically ill elderly, and cardiac patients. Red blood cell transfusion is the most commonly prescribed therapy for anemia. Despite being life-saving, it carries a risk that ranges from mild complications to death. The aim of this review is to discuss the risks of anemia and blood transfusion, and to describe recent developments in the strategies to reduce allogeneic blood transfusion. RECENT FINDINGS: In the past decades, clinical studies comparing transfusion strategies in different populations were conducted. Despite the challenges imposed by the development of such studies, evidence-based medicine on transfusion medicine in critically ill patients is being created. Different results arising from these studies reflect population heterogeneity, specific circumstances, and difficulties in measuring the impact of anemia and transfusion in a clinical trial. SUMMARY: An adequate judgment of a clinical condition associated with proper application of the available literature is the cornerstone in the management of transfusion in critical care. Apart from this individualized strategy, the institution of a patient blood management program allows goal-directed approach through preoperative recognition of anemia, surgical efforts to minimize blood loss, and continuous assessment of the coagulation status.

Markers of Tissue Perfusion as Predictors of Adverse Outcomes in Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery. / Marcadores de Perfusão Tecidual como Preditores de Desfechos Adversos em Pacientes com Disfunção Ventricular Esquerda Submetidos à Revascularização Miocárdica (Bypass Coronário).

BACKGROUND: Cardiac surgery patients may be exposed to tissue hypoperfusion and anaerobic metabolism. OBJECTIVE: To verify whether the biomarkers of tissue hypoperfusion have predictive value for prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay in patients with left ventricular dysfunction who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery. METHODS: After approval by the institution's Ethics Committee and the signing of informed consent, 87 patients with left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction < 50%) undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery were enrolled. Hemodynamic and metabolic biomarkers were collected at five time points: after anesthesia, at the end of the surgery, at ICU admission, and at six and twelve hours after. An analysis of variance for repeated measures followed by a Bonferroni post hoc test was used for repeated, continuous variables (hemodynamic and metabolic variables) to determine differences between the two groups over the course of the study period. The level of statistical significance adopted was 5%. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients (43.7%) who presented adverse outcomes were older, higher Euro score (p<0.001), and elevated ΔpCO2 as analyzed 12 hours after ICU admission (p<0.01), while increased arterial lactate concentration at 6 hours postoperatively was found to be a negative predictive factor (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Euro SCORE, six-hour postoperative arterial lactate, 12-hour postoperative ΔPCO2, and eRQ are independent predictors of adverse outcomes in patients with left ventricular dysfunction after cardiac surgery.

FUNDAMENTO: Pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca podem estar expostos à hipoperfusão tecidual e metabolismo anaeróbico. OBJETIVO: Verificar se os biomarcadores de hipoperfusão tecidual têm valor preditivo para permanência prolongada na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) em pacientes com disfunção ventricular esquerda submetidos à cirurgia de bypass da artéria coronária. MÉTODOS: Após aprovação pelo comitê de ética institucional e assinatura do termo de consentimento, 87 pacientes com disfunção ventricular esquerda (fração de ejeção <50%) submetidos à cirurgia de bypass coronário foram incluídos. Biomarcadores hemodinâmicos e metabólicos foram coletados em cinco momentos: após anestesia, ao final da cirurgia, na admissão na UTI, e a seis e 12 horas depois. Uma análise de variância para medidas repetidas seguida de um teste post-hoc de Bonferroni foi usado para variáveis contínuas repetidas (variáveis metabólicas e hemodinâmicas) para determinar diferenças entre os dois grupos ao longo do estudo. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: Trinta e oito pacientes (43,7%) que apresentaram desfechos adversos eram mais velhos, apresentaram um Euroscore mais alto (p<0,001), e gradiente venoarterial de CO2 (ΔPCO2) elevado, analisados 12 horas após a admissão na UTI (p<0,01), enquanto uma concentração de lactato arterial aumentada seis horas após a cirurgia foi um fator preditivo negativo (p<0,01). CONCLUSÕES: EuroSCORE, lactato arterial seis horas após a cirurgia, ΔPCO212 horas após a cirurgia e QRe são preditores independentes de desfechos adversos em pacientes com disfunção ventricular esquerda após cirurgia cardíaca.

In-hospital and Post-discharge Status in COVID-19 Patients With Acute Respiratory Failure Supported With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

Few data from Latin American centers on clinical outcomes in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome who required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are published. Moreover, clinical and functional status after hospital discharge remains poorly explored in these patients. We evaluated in-hospital outcomes of severe COVID-19 patients who received ECMO support in two Brazilian hospitals. In one-third of the survivors, post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS), quality of life, anxiety, depression, and return to work were evaluated. Eighty-five patients were included and in-hospital mortality was 47%. Age >65 years (HR: 4.8; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4-16.4), diabetes (HR: 6.0; 95% CI: 1.8-19.6), ECMO support duration (HR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.05-1.12) and dialysis initiated after ECMO (HR: 3.4; 95% CI: 1.1-10.8) were independently associated with higher in-hospital mortality and mechanical ventilation (MV) duration before ECMO was not (HR: 1.18; 95% CI: 0.71-2.09). PACS-related symptoms were reported by two-thirds and half of patients at 30- and 90-days post-discharge, respectively. The median EQ-5D score was 0.85 (0.70-1.00) and 0.77 (0.66-1.00) at 30 and 90 days. Of the 15 responders, all previously working patients, except one, have returned to work at 90 days. In conclusion, in-hospital mortality in a large Latin American cohort was comparable to the Global extracorporeal life support organization registry.

Post-COVID-19 Cardiopulmonary Symptoms: Predictors and Imaging Features in Patients after Hospital Discharge. / Sintomas Cardiopulmonares Pós-COVID-19: Preditores e Características de Imagem de Pacientes após a Alta Hospitalar.

BACKGROUND: Most of the evidence about the impact of the post-acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) reports individual symptoms without correlations with related imaging. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate cardiopulmonary symptoms, their predictors and related images in COVID-19 patients discharged from hospital. METHODS: Consecutive patients who survived COVID-19 were contacted 90 days after discharge. The Clinic Outcome Team structured a questionnaire evaluating symptoms and clinical status (blinded for hospitalization data). A multivariate analysis was performed to address the course of COVID-19, comorbidities, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress during hospitalization, and cardiac rehabilitation after discharge. The significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS: A total of 480 discharged patients with COVID-19 (age: 59±14 years, 67.5% males) were included; 22.3% required mechanical ventilation. The prevalence of patients with PACS-related cardiopulmonary symptoms (dyspnea, tiredness/fatigue, cough, and chest discomfort) was 16.3%. Several parameters of chest computed tomography and echocardiogram were similar in patients with and without cardiopulmonary symptoms. The multivariate analysis showed that PACS-related cardiopulmonary-symptoms were independently related to female sex (OR 3.023; 95% CI 1.319-6.929), in-hospital deep venous thrombosis (OR 13.689; 95% CI 1.069-175.304), elevated troponin I (OR 1.355; 95% CI 1.048-1.751) and C-reactive protein during hospitalization (OR 1.060; 95% CI 1.023-1.097) and depression (OR 6.110; 95% CI 2.254-16.558). CONCLUSION: PACS-related cardiopulmonary symptoms 90 days post-discharge are common and multifactorial. Beyond thrombotic and markers of inflammation/myocardial injury during hospitalization, female sex and depression were independently associated with cardiopulmonary-related PACS. These results highlighted the need for a multifaceted approach targeting susceptible patients.

FUNDAMENTO: A maioria da evidência sobre o impacto da síndrome COVID pós-aguda (PACS, do inglês, post-acute COVID-19 syndrome) descreve sintomas individuais sem correlacioná-los com exames de imagens. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar sintomas cardiopulmonares, seus preditores e imagens relacionadas em pacientes com COVID-19 após alta hospitalar. MÉTODOS: Pacientes consecutivos, que sobreviveram à COVID-19, foram contatados 90 dias após a alta hospitalar. A equipe de desfechos clínicos (cega quanto aos dados durante a internação) elaborou um questionário estruturado avaliando sintomas e estado clínico. Uma análise multivariada foi realizada abordando a evolução da COVID-19, comorbidades, ansiedade, depressão, e estresse pós-traumático durante a internação, e reabilitação cardíaca após a alta. O nível de significância usado nas análises foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 480 pacientes (idade 59±14 anos, 67,5% do sexo masculino) que receberam alta hospitalar por COVID-19; 22,3% necessitaram de ventilação mecânica. A prevalência de pacientes com sintomas cardiopulmonares relacionados à PACS (dispneia, cansaço/fadiga, tosse e desconforto no peito) foi de 16,3%. Vários parâmetros de tomografia computadorizada do tórax e de ecocardiograma foram similares entre os pacientes com e sem sintomas cardiopulmonares. A análise multivariada mostrou que sintomas cardiopulmonares foram relacionados de maneira independente com sexo feminino (OR 3,023; IC95% 1,319-6,929), trombose venosa profunda durante a internação (OR 13,689; IC95% 1,069-175,304), nível elevado de troponina (OR 1,355; IC95% 1,048-1,751) e de proteína C reativa durante a internação (OR 1,060; IC95% 1,023-1,097) e depressão (OR 6,110; IC95% 2,254-16,558). CONCLUSÃO: Os sintomas cardiopulmonares relacionados à PACS 90 dias após a alta hospitalar são comuns e multifatoriais. Além dos marcadores trombóticos, inflamatórios e de lesão miocárdica durante a internação, sexo feminino e depressão foram associados independentemente com sintomas cardiopulmonares relacionados à PACS. Esses resultados destacaram a necessidade de uma abordagem multifacetada direcionada a pacientes susceptíveis.

Impact of Preoperative Functional Capacity on Postoperative Outcomes in Congenital Heart Surgery: An Observational and Prospective Study. / Impacto da Capacidade Funcional Pré-operatória nos Resultados Pós-Operatórios de Cirurgia de Cardiopatia Congênita: Estudo Observacional e Prospectivo.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in surgical technique and postoperative care in congenital heart disease, cardiovascular morbidity is still high. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between preoperative cardiovascular fitness of children and adolescents, measured by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and Heart Rate Variability (HRV), and the occurrence of cardiogenic, septic shock and death in the postoperative period. METHODS: Prospective, observational clinic study including 81 patients aged from 8 to 18 years. In the preoperative period, the 6MWT (distance walked and SpO2) and HRV were performed. The adjusted risk score for surgeries for congenital heart disease (RACHS-1) was applied to predict the surgical risk factor for mortality. The occurrence of at least one of the listed complications was considered as a combined event. P values < 0.05 were considered as significant. RESULTS: Of the patients, 59% were male, with mean age of 12 years; 33% were cyanotic; and 72% had undergone previous cardiac surgery. Cardiogenic shock was the most common complication, and 31% had a combined event. Prior to surgery, type of current heart disease, RACHS-1, SpO2at rest, during the 6MWT and recovery were selected for the multivariate analysis. The SpO2at recovery by the 6MWT remained as an independent risk factor (OR 0.93, 95%CI [0.88 - 0.99], p=0.02) for the increasing occurrence of combined events. CONCLUSION: SpO2after the application of the 6MWT in the preoperative period was an independent predictor of prognosis in children and adolescents undergoing surgical correction; the walked distance and the HRV did not present this association.

FUNDAMENTO: Apesar de avanços em técnicas cirúrgicas e cuidados pós-operatórios em cardiopatia congênita, a morbidade cardiovascular permanece elevada. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação do condicionamento pré-operatório de crianças e adolescentes com cardiopatias, mensurado por teste de caminhada de 6-minutos (TC6M) e variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC), com a ocorrência de choque cardiogênico, séptico e morte no período pós-operatório. MÉTODOS: Estudo clínico prospectivo e observacional de 81 pacientes de 8 a 18 anos. No período pré-operatório foram realizados o TC6M (distância caminhada e SpO2) e a VFC. O escore de risco ajustado para cirurgia de cardiopatia congênita ( RACHS-1 ) foi aplicado para predizer o fator de risco cirúrgico para mortalidade. A ocorrência de pelo menos uma das complicações citadas foi considerada como evento combinado. Valores de p<0,05 foram considerados significantes. RESULTADOS: Dos 81 pacientes, 59% eram do sexo masculino, com idade média de 12 anos; 33% eram cianóticos; e 72% já tinham realizado cirurgias prévias. O choque cardiogênico foi a complicação mais comum, e 31% apresentaram evento combinado. Cirurgia prévia, tipo de cardiopatia atual, RACHS-1 , SpO2 em repouso, durante e após recuperação do TC6M foram selecionados para o estudo multivariado. A SpO2 após o TC6M permaneceu como fator de risco independente para aumentar a ocorrência de evento combinado no pós-operatório (OR: 0,93, IC95% [0,88 ­ 0,99], p=0,02). CONCLUSÃO: O SpO2 após o TC6M no período pré-operatório foi o fator independente preditor de prognóstico no pós-operatório em crianças e adolescentes submetidos à correção cirúrgica; a distância caminhada e as variáveis da VFC não tiveram a mesma associação.