[Recommendations of the S3 Guideline "Use of Extracorporeal Circulation (ECLS/ ECMO) for Cardiac and Circulatory Failure" of the Association of Scientific Medical Societies in Germany]. / Empfehlungen der S3-Leitlinie (AWMF) "Einsatz der extrakorporalen Zirkulation (ECLS/ECMO) bei Herz- und Kreislaufversagen".

In recent years, the use of mechanical support for patients with cardiac or circulatory failure has continuously increased, leading to 3,000 ECLS/ECMO (extracorporeal life support/extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) implantations annually in Germany. Due to the lack of guidelines, there is an urgent need for evidence-based recommendations addressing the central aspects of ECLS/ECMO therapy. In July 2015, the generation of a guideline level S3 according to the standards of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF) was announced by the German Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (GSTCVS). In a well-structured consensus process, involving experts from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, delegated by 16 scientific societies and the patients' representation, the guideline "Use of extracorporeal circulation (ECLS/ECMO) for cardiac and circulatory failure" was created under guidance of the GSTCVS, and published in February 2021. The guideline focuses on clinical aspects of initiation, continuation, weaning and aftercare, herein also addressing structural and economic issues. This article presents an overview on the methodology as well as the final recommendations.

Severe Pulmonary Bleeding after Assist Device Implantation: Incidence, Risk Factors and Prognostic Impact.

Background: Continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVAD) improve survival in patients with advanced heart failure but confer risk of bleeding complications. Whereas pathophysiology and risk factors for many bleeding complications are well investigated, the literature lacks reports about pulmonary bleeding. Therefore, it was the aim of the present study to assess incidence, risk factors, and clinical relevance of pulmonary bleeding episodes after LVAD implantation. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed our institutional database of 125 consecutive patients who underwent LVAD implantation between 2008 and 2017. Demographic and clinical variables related to bleeding were collected. The primary endpoint was incidence of severe pulmonary bleeding (SPB). Results: Nine out of 125 patients suffered from SPB during the postoperative course (7.2%) 11 days after surgery in the median. None of them had a known history of lung disease or bleeding disorder. History of prior myocardial infarction (0% vWD. 42.2%, p = 0.012) and ischemic cardiomyopathy (25.0% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.046) were less frequent in the SBP group. Concomitant aortic valve replacement was more common in the group with SPB (33.3% versus 7.0%, p = 0.034). Surgical (blood loss 9950 vs. 3800 mL, p = 0.012) as well as ear-nose-throat (ENT) bleedings (33% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.015) were observed more frequently in patients with SPB. SPB was associated with a complicated postoperative course with a higher incidence of acute kidney failure (100% versus 36.7%, p = 0.001) and delirium (44.4% versus 14.8%, p = 0.045); a higher need for red blood cell (26 packs versus 7, p < 0.001), fresh frozen plasma (18 units versus 6, p = 0.002), and platelet transfusion (8 pools versus 1, p = 0.001); longer ventilation time (1206 versus 171 h, p = 0.001); longer ICU-stay (58 versus 13 days, p = 0.002); and higher hospital mortality (66.7% vs. 29%, p = 0.029). Conclusion: SPB is a rare but serious complication after LVAD implantation and is significantly associated with higher morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiology and potential risk factors are unknown but may include coagulation disorders and frequent suctioning or empiric bronchoscopy causing airway irritation.

Surviving the Struggle of COVID-19: Practical Recommendations for Pediatric/Adult Cardiology and Cardiac Surgical Programs in Resource-Limited Settings: a Review.

INTRODUCTION: The primary aim of this systematic review is to provide perioperative strategies to help restore or preserve cardiovascular services under threat from financial and personnel constraints imposed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: The Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Excerpta Medica dataBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials/CCTR, and Google Scholar were systematically searched using the search terms "(cardiac OR cardiology OR cardiothoracic OR surgery) AND (COVID-19 or coronavirus OR SARS-CoV-2 OR 2019-nCoV OR 2019 novel coronavirus OR pandemic)". Additionally, the webpages of relevant medical societies, including the World Federation Society of Anesthesiologists, the Cardiothoracic Surgery Network, and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, were screened for relevant information. RESULTS: Whereas cardiac surgery and cardiology practices were reduced by 50-75% during the pandemic, mortality of patients with COVID-19 increased significantly. Healthcare workers are among those at high risk of infection with COVID-19. CONCLUSION: Hospitals must provide maximum protective equipment and training on how to use it to healthcare workers for their mutual protection. Triage management of patients - which accounts for patient's clinical status and risk-factor profile relatable to which services are available during the COVID-19 pandemic - is recommended. A strict reorganization of the hospital resources including preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative detailed protective measures is necessary to reduce probability of vector contamination, to protect patients and the cardiovascular teams, and to permit safe resumption of cardiological and cardiac surgical activity.

Prediction of Acute Kidney Injury by Cystatin C and [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP7] after Thoracic Aortic Surgery with Moderate Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest.

(1) Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication following thoracic aortic surgery (TAS), with moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest (MHCA). However, prediction of AKI with classical tools remains uncertain. Therefore, it was the aim of the present study to evaluate the role of new biomarkers in patients after MHCA. (2) Methods: 101 consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled. Measurements of urinary [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP7] and Cystatin C in the blood were performed perioperatively. Primary endpoint was the occurrence of AKI stage 2 or 3 (KDIGO-classification) within 48 h after surgery (AKI group). (3) Results: Mean age of patients was 69.1 ± 10.9 years, 35 patients were female (34%), and 13 patients (13%) met the primary endpoint. Patients in the AKI group had a prolonged ICU-stay (6.9 ± 7.4 days vs. 2.5 ± 3.1 days, p < 0.001) as well as a higher 30-day-mortality (9/28 vs. 1/74, p < 0.001). Preoperative serum creatinine (169.73 ± 148.97 µmol/L vs. 89.74 ± 30.04 µmol/L, p = 0.027) as well as Cystatin C (2.41 ± 1.54 mg/L vs. 1.13 ± 0.35 mg/L, p = 0.029) were higher in these patients. [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP7] increased significantly four hours after surgery (0.6 ± 0.69 mg/L vs. 0.37 ± 0.56 mg/L, p = 0.03) in the AKI group. Preoperative Cystatin C (AUC 0.828, p < 0.001) and serum creatinine (AUC 0.686, p = 0.002) as well as [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP7] 4 h after surgery (AUC 0.724, p = 0.020) were able to predict postoperative AKI. The predictive capacity of Cystatin C was superior to serum creatinine (p = 0.0211) (4) Conclusion: Cystatin C represents a very sensitive and specific biomarker to predict AKI in patients undergoing thoracic surgery with MHCA even before surgery, whereas the predictive capacity of [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP7] is only moderate and inferior to that of serum creatinine.

Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Severe ARDS Requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Incidence, Prognostic Impact and Risk Factors.

(1) Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common but under-investigated complication in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). We aimed to define the incidence and clinical course, as well as the predictors of AKI in adults receiving ECMO support. (2) Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing veno-venous ECMO treatment in a tertiary care center between December 2008 and December 2017. The primary endpoint was the new occurrence of an AKI of stage 2 or 3 according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) classification after ECMO implantation. (3) Results: During the observation period, 103 patients underwent veno-venous ECMO implantation. In total, 59 patients (57.3%) met the primary endpoint with an AKI of stage 2 or 3 and 55 patients (53.4%) required renal replacement therapy. Patients with an AKI of 2 or 3 suffered from more bleeding and infectious complications. Whereas weaning failure from ECMO (30/59 (50.8%) vs. 15/44 (34.1%), p = 0.08) and 30-day mortality (35/59 (59.3%) vs. 17/44 (38.6%), p = 0.06) only tended to be higher in the group with an AKI of stage 2 or 3, long-term survival of up to five years was significantly lower in the group with an AKI of stage 2 or 3 (p = 0.015). High lactate, serum creatinine, and ECMO pump-speed levels, and low platelets, a low base excess, and a low hematocrit level before ECMO were independent predictors of moderate to severe AKI. Primary hypercapnic acidosis was more common in AKI non-survivors (12 (32.4%) vs. 0 (0.0%), p < 0.01). Accordingly, pCO2-levels prior to ECMO implantation tended to be higher in AKI non-survivors (76.12 ± 27.90 mmHg vs. 64.44 ± 44.31 mmHg, p = 0.08). In addition, the duration of mechanical ventilation prior to ECMO-implantation tended to be longer (91.14 ± 108.16 h vs. 75.90 ± 86.81 h, p = 0.078), while serum creatinine (180.92 ± 115.72 mmol/L vs. 124.95 ± 77.77 mmol/L, p = 0.03) and bicarbonate levels were significantly higher in non-survivors (28.22 ± 8.44 mmol/L vs. 23.36 ± 4.19 mmol/L, p = 0.04). (4) Conclusion: Two-thirds of adult patients receiving ECMO suffered from moderate to severe AKI, with a significantly increased morbidity and long-term mortality.

Surviving the Struggle of COVID-19: Practical Recommendations for Pediatric/Adult Cardiology and Cardiac Surgical Programs in Resource-Limited Settings: a Review

ABSTRACT Introduction: The primary aim of this systematic review is to provide perioperative strategies to help restore or preserve cardiovascular services under threat from financial and personnel constraints imposed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: The Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Excerpta Medica dataBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials/CCTR, and Google Scholar were systematically searched using the search terms "(cardiac OR cardiology OR cardiothoracic OR surgery) AND (COVID-19 or coronavirus OR SARS-CoV-2 OR 2019-nCoV OR 2019 novel coronavirus OR pandemic)". Additionally, the webpages of relevant medical societies, including the World Federation Society of Anesthesiologists, the Cardiothoracic Surgery Network, and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, were screened for relevant information. Results: Whereas cardiac surgery and cardiology practices were reduced by 50-75% during the pandemic, mortality of patients with COVID-19 increased significantly. Healthcare workers are among those at high risk of infection with COVID-19. Conclusion: Hospitals must provide maximum protective equipment and training on how to use it to healthcare workers for their mutual protection. Triage management of patients — which accounts for patient's clinical status and risk-factor profile relatable to which services are available during the COVID-19 pandemic — is recommended. A strict reorganization of the hospital resources including preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative detailed protective measures is necessary to reduce probability of vector contamination, to protect patients and the cardiovascular teams, and to permit safe resumption of cardiological and cardiac surgical activity.

Use of extracorporeal circulation (ECLS/ECMO) for cardiac and circulatory failure -A clinical practice Guideline Level 3.

Aims Worldwide applications of extracorporeal circulation for mechanical support in cardiac and circulatory failure, which are referred to as extracorporeal life support (ECLS) or veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (va-ECMO), have dramatically increased over the past decade. In spite of the expanding use and the immense medical as well as socio-economic impact of this therapeutic approach, there has been a lack of interdisciplinary recommendations considering the best available evidence for ECLS treatment. Methods and Results In a multiprofessional, interdisciplinary scientific effort of all scientific societies involved in the treatment of patients with acute cardiac and circulatory failure, the first evidence- and expert consensus-based guideline (level S3) on ECLS/ECMO therapy was developed in a structured approach under regulations of the AWMF (Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany) and under use of GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) criteria. This article presents all recommendations created by the expert panel, addressing a multitude of aspects for ECLS initiation, continuation, weaning and aftercare as well as structural and personnel requirements. Conclusions This first evidence- and expert consensus-based guideline (level S3) on ECLS/ECMO therapy should be used to apply the best available care nationwide. Beyond clinical practice advice, remaining important research aspects for future scientific efforts are formulated.

[Use of extracorporeal circulation (ECLS/ECMO) for cardiac and circulatory failure : Short version of the S3 guideline]. / Einsatz der extrakorporalen Zirkulation (ECLS/ECMO) bei Herz- und Kreislaufversagen : Kurzversion der AWMF-S3-Leitlinie.

In Germany, a remarkable increase regarding the usage of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and extracorporeal life support (ECLS) systems has been observed in recent years with approximately 3000 ECLS/ECMO implantations annually since 2015. Despite the widespread use of ECLS/ECMO, evidence-based recommendations or guidelines are still lacking regarding indications, contraindications, limitations and management of ECMO/ECLS patients. Therefore in 2015, the German Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (GSTCVS) registered the multidisciplinary S3 guideline "Use of extracorporeal circulation (ECLS/ECMO) for cardiac and circulatory failure" to develop evidence-based recommendations for ECMO/ECLS systems according to the requirements of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF). Although the clinical application of ECMO/ECLS represents the main focus, the presented guideline also addresses structural and economic issues. Experts from 17 German, Austrian and Swiss scientific societies and a patients' organization, guided by the GSTCVS, completed the project in February 2021. In this report, we present a summary of the methodological concept and tables displaying the recommendations for each chapter of the guideline.

[Use of extracorporeal circulation (ECLS/ECMO) for cardiac and circulatory failure : Short version of the S3 guideline]. / Einsatz der extrakorporalen Zirkulation (ECLS/ECMO) bei Herz- und Kreislaufversagen : Kurzversion der AWMF-S3-Leitlinie.

In Germany, a remarkable increase regarding the usage of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and extracorporeal life support (ECLS) systems has been observed in recent years with approximately 3000 ECLS/ECMO implantations annually since 2015. Despite the widespread use of ECLS/ECMO, evidence-based recommendations or guidelines are still lacking regarding indications, contraindications, limitations and management of ECMO/ECLS patients. Therefore in 2015, the German Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (GSTCVS) registered the multidisciplinary S3 guideline "Use of extracorporeal circulation (ECLS/ECMO) for cardiac and circulatory failure" to develop evidence-based recommendations for ECMO/ECLS systems according to the requirements of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF). Although the clinical application of ECMO/ECLS represents the main focus, the presented guideline also addresses structural and economic issues. Experts from 17 German, Austrian and Swiss scientific societies and a patients' organization, guided by the GSTCVS, completed the project in February 2021. In this report, we present a summary of the methodological concept and tables displaying the recommendations for each chapter of the guideline.

[Training module extracorporeal life support (ECLS): consensus statement of the DIVI, DGTHG, DGfK, DGAI, DGIIN, DGF, GRC and DGK]. / Ausbildungsmodul Extrakorporaler Life Support (ECLS): Konsensuspapier der DIVI, DGTHG, DGfK, DGAI, DGIIN, DGF, GRC und der DGK.

Mechanical circulatory support using extracorporeal life support systems (ECLS) has significantly increased in recent years. These critically ill patients pose special challenges to the multiprofessional treatment team and require comprehensive, interdisciplinary and interprofessional concepts. For this reason, to ensure the best possible patient care a standardized ECLS training module has been created at national specialist society level, taking emergency and intensive care management into account.

[Training module extracorporeal life support (ECLS): consensus statement of the DIVI, DGTHG, DGfK, DGAI, DGIIN, DGF, GRC and DGK]. / Ausbildungsmodul Extrakorporaler Life Support (ECLS): Konsensuspapier der DIVI, DGTHG, DGfK, DGAI, DGIIN, DGF, GRC und der DGK.

Mechanical circulatory support using extracorporeal life support systems (ECLS) has significantly increased in recent years. These critically ill patients pose special challenges to the multiprofessional treatment team and require comprehensive, interdisciplinary and interprofessional concepts. For this reason, to ensure the best possible patient care a standardized ECLS training module has been created at national specialist society level, taking emergency and intensive care management into account.

The German-Austrian S3 Guideline "Cardiogenic Shock Due to Myocardial Infarction: Diagnosis, Monitoring, and Treatment".

Despite advances in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction with subsequent mortality reduction, which are mainly caused by the early timing of revascularization, cardiogenic shock still remains the leading cause of death with mortality rates still approaching 40 to 50%. Cardiogenic shock is characterized by a multiorgan dysfunction syndrome, often complicated by a systemic inflammatory response syndrome that affects the outcome more than the reduction of the cardiac contractile function. However, both European and American guidelines on myocardial infarction focus on interventional or surgical aspects only. Therefore, experts from eight German and Austrian specialty societies including the German Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery published the German-Austrian S3 guideline "cardiogenic shock due to myocardial infarction: diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment" to provide evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of infarction-related cardiogenic shock in 2010 covering the topics of early revascularization, revascularization techniques, intensive care unit treatment including ventilation, transfusion regimens, adjunctive medical therapy, and mechanical support devices. Within the last 3 years, this guideline was updated as some major recommendations were outdated, or new evidence had been found. This review will therefore outline the management of patients with cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction according to the updated guideline with a major focus on evidence-based recommendations which have been found relevant for cardiac surgery.

[Recommendations for emergency management of patients with permanent mechanical circulatory support : Consensus statement of DGTHG, DIVI, DGIIN, DGAI, DGINA, DGfK and DGK]. / Empfehlungen zum Notfallmanagement von Patienten mit permanenten Herzunterstützungssystemen : Konsensuspapier der DGTHG, DIVI, DGIIN, DGAI, DGINA, DGfK und DGK.

The prevalence of patients living with long-term mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is rapidly increasing due to improved technology, improved survival, reduced adverse event profiles, greater reliability and mechanical durability, and limited numbers of organs available for donation. Patients with long-term MCS are very likely to require emergency medical support due to MCS-associated complications (e.g., right heart failure, left ventricular assist device malfunction, hemorrhage and pump thrombosis) but also due to non-MCS-associated conditions. Because of the unique characteristics of mechanical support, management of these patients is complicated and there is very little literature on emergency care for these patients. The purpose of this national scientific statement is to present consensus-based recommendations for the initial evaluation and resuscitation of adult patients with long-term MCS.

[Recommendations for emergency management of patients with permanent mechanical circulatory support : Consensus statement of DGTHG, DIVI, DGIIN, DGAI, DGINA, DGfK and DGK]. / Empfehlungen zum Notfallmanagement von Patienten mit permanenten Herzunterstützungssystemen : Konsensuspapier der DGTHG, DIVI, DGIIN, DGAI, DGINA, DGfK und DGK.

The prevalence of patients living with long-term mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is rapidly increasing due to improved technology, improved survival, reduced adverse event profiles, greater reliability and mechanical durability, and limited numbers of organs available for donation. Patients with long-term MCS are very likely to require emergency medical support due to MCS-associated complications (e.g., right heart failure, left ventricular assist device malfunction, hemorrhage and pump thrombosis) but also due to non-MCS-associated conditions. Because of the unique characteristics of mechanical support, management of these patients is complicated and there is very little literature on emergency care for these patients. The purpose of this national scientific statement is to present consensus-based recommendations for the initial evaluation and resuscitation of adult patients with long-term MCS.

Prediction of acute kidney injury after left ventricular assist device implantation: Evaluation of clinical risk scores.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is frequent in patients scheduled for implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and associated with increased mortality. Although several risk models for the prediction of postoperative renal replacement therapy (RRT) have been developed for cardiothoracic patients, none of these scoring systems have been validated in LVAD patients. A retrospective, single center analysis of all patients undergoing LVAD implantation between September 2013 and July 2016 was performed. Primary outcome was AKI requiring RRT within 14 days after surgery. The predictive capacity of the Cleveland Clinic Score (CCS), the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Score (STS), and the Simplified Renal Index Score (SRI) were evaluated. 76 patients underwent LVAD implantation, 19 patients were excluded due to preoperative RRT. RRT was associated with a prolonged ventilation time, length of stay on the ICU and 180 day mortality (14(60.9%) vs 6(17.6%), P < .01). Whereas the Thakar Score (7.43 ± 1.75 vs 6.44 ± 1.44, P = .02) and the Mehta Score (28.12 ± 15.08 vs 21.53 ± 5.43, P = .02) were significantly higher in patients with RRT than in those without RRT, the SRI did not differ between these groups (3.96 ± 1.15 vs 3.44 ± 1.05, P = .08). Using ROC analyses, CCS, STS, and SRI showed moderate predictive capacity for RRT with an AUC of 0.661 ± 0.073 (P = .040), 0.637 ± 0.079 (P = .792), and 0.618 ± 0.075 (P = .764), respectively, with comparable accuracy in the Delong test. Using univariate logistic regression analysis, only the De Ritis Ratio (OR 2.67, P = .034) and MELD (OR 1.11, P = .028) were identified as predictors of postoperative RRT. Risk scores which are predictive in general cardiac surgery cannot predict RRT in patients after LVAD implantation. Therefore, it seems to be necessary to develop a specific risk score for this patient population.

[Acute right heart failure on the intensive care unit : Pathophysiology, monitoring and management]. / Akutes Rechtsherzversagen auf der Intensivstation : Pathophysiologie, Monitoring, Therapie.

Right ventricular heart failure is a frequent and serious but often undetected and complex clinical challenge on the intensive care unit. The commonest causes include acute decompensation of pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary embolism, sepsis, acute respiratory distress, and cardiothoracic surgery. The gold standard of bedside diagnosis is a combination of clinical symptoms, biochemical markers (NT-proBNP) and echocardiography. For the purposes of hemodynamic monitoring and treatment management, the indication to place a pulmonary artery catheter should be made generously. The major components of management include treating the underlying disease and triggering factors, reducing pulmonary vascular resistance, increasing contractility, volume optimization, and maintenance of adequate perfusion. Mechanical circulatory support should be considered before irreversible end-organ failure develops.

Multiplex polymerase chain reaction to diagnose bloodstream infections in patients after cardiothoracic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis and other infectious complications are major causes of mortality and morbidity in patients after cardiac surgery. Whereas conventional blood culture (BC) suffers from low sensitivity as well as a reporting delay of approximately 48-72 h, real-time multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based technologies like "SeptiFast" (SF) might offer a fast and reliable alternative for detection of bloodstream infections (BSI). The aim of this study was to compare the performance of SF with BC testing in patients suspected of having BSI after cardiac surgery. METHODS: Two hundred seventy-nine blood samples from 169 individuals with suspected BSI were analyzed by SF and BC. After excluding results attributable to contaminants, a comparison between the two groups were carried out. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to determine the accuracy of clinical and laboratory values for the prediction of positive SF results. RESULTS: 14.7% (n = 41) of blood samples were positive using SF and 17.2% (n = 49) using BC (n.s. [p > 0.05]). In six samples SF detected more than one pathogen. Among the 47 microorganisms identified by SF, only 11 (23.4%) could be confirmed by BC. SF identified a higher number of Gram-negative bacteria than BC did (28 vs. 12, χ2 = 7.97, p = 0.005). The combination of BC and SF increased the number of detected microorganisms, including fungi, compared to BC alone (86 vs. 49, χ2 = 13.51, p < 0.001). C-reactive protein (CRP) (21.7 ± 11.41 vs. 16.0 ± 16.9 mg/dl, p = 0.009), procalcitonin (28.7 ± 70.9 vs. 11.5 ± 30.4 ng/dl, p = 0.015), and interleukin 6 (IL 6) (932.3 ± 1306.7 vs. 313.3 ± 686.6 pg/ml, p = 0.010) plasma concentrations were higher in patients with a positive SF result. Using ROC analysis, IL-6 (AUC 0.836) and CRP (AUC 0.804) showed the best predictive values for positive SF results. CONCLUSION: The SF test represent a valuable method for rapid etiologic diagnosis of BSI in patients after cardiothoracic surgery. In particular this method applies for individuals with suspected Gram-negative blood stream. Due to the low performance in detecting Gram-positive pathogens and the inability to determine antibiotic susceptibility, it should be used in addition to BC only (Pilarczyk K, et al., Intensive Care Med Exp ,3(Suppl. 1):A884, 2015).

The aspartate transaminase/alanine transaminase (DeRitis) ratio predicts mid-term mortality and renal and respiratory dysfunction after left ventricular assist device implantation.

OBJECTIVES: Preoperative liver dysfunction is a well-known risk factor for adverse events after major surgery. However, there is only little data regarding the precise role of the Model of End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score and the De Ritis ratio (DRR, alanine transaminase/aspartate aminotransferase) as a predictor for outcome after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing LVAD implantation at our institution between January 2012 and August 2014 was performed. The primary outcome was survival at 180 days after surgery. RESULTS: During the observation period, 63 patients underwent LVAD implantation (mean age 59.9 ± 8.3 years, 50% male). Mean preoperative ejection fraction was 16.3 ± 7.7, 13 patients required preoperative renal replacement therapy and 9 patients were on extracorporeal life support. Mean Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support level was 2.8 ± 1.3, mean preoperative MELD was 12.7 ± 7.2, mean preoperative DRR was 2.01 ± 4.4. Aspartate aminotransferase (102 ± 220.8 vs 57.8 ± 123.4 U/l, P = 0.041), MELD score (16.1 ± 8.8 vs 11.4 ± 6.1, P = 0.017) and DRR (4.2 ± 7.8 vs 1.1 ± 1.1, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors after 180 days. Using logistic regression analyses, a DRR >1.37 was an independent predictor for 30-day mortality [odds ratio (OR) 4.5] and 180-day mortality (OR 4.1). In addition, the DRR was associated with postoperative acute kidney injury with need for renal replacement therapy (OR 4.2) and prolonged postoperative ventilation time >72 h (OR 3.8). Using receiver operator characteristics analyses, DRR showed a sensitivity of 0.80 and a specificity of 0.81 (area under the curve 0.834, cut-off 1.37) for 180-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The DRR is predictive of early and mid-term mortality as well as relevant morbidities in patients undergoing LVAD implantation. Therefore, the DRR should be considered within the preoperative risk stratification and patient selection for LVAD implantation.