The Effects of Pulmonary Artery Catheter on the Short-Term Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Background: Pulmonary artery catheters (PAC) are widely used in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) grafting surgery. However, primary data suggested that the benefits of PAC in surgical settings were limited. Therefore, the present study sought to estimate the effects of PAC on the short-term outcomes of patients undergoing OPCAB surgery. Methods: The characteristics, intraoperative data, and postoperative outcomes of consecutive patients undergoing primary, isolated OPCAB surgery from November 2020 to December 2021 were retrospectively extracted. Patients were divided into two groups (PAC and no-PAC) based on PAC insertion status. Data were analyzed with a 1:1 nearest-neighbor propensity score matched-pair in PAC and no-PAC groups. Results: Of the 1004 Chinese patients who underwent primary, isolated OPCAB surgery, 506 (50.39%) had PAC. Propensity score matching yielded 397 evenly balanced pairs. Compared with the no-PAC group (only implanted a central venous catheter), PAC utilization was not associated with improved in-hospital mortality in the entire or matched cohort. Still, the matched cohort showed that PAC utilization increased epinephrine usage and hospital costs. Conclusions: The current study demonstrated no apparent benefit or harm for PAC utilization in OPCAB surgical patients. In addition, PAC utilization was more expensive.

Hemostatic effects of tranexamic acid in cardiac surgical patients with antiplatelet therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the current study was to assess the efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) on reducing bleeding in cardiac surgical patients with preoperative antiplatelet therapy (APT). METHODS: Five electronic databases were searched systematically for randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of intravenous TXA on post-operative bleeding on cardiac surgical patients with preoperative APT until May 2024. Primary outcome of interest was post-operative blood loss. Secondary outcomes of interest included the incidence of reoperation due to post-operative bleeding, post-operative transfusion requirements of red blood cells (RBC), fresh-frozen plasma (FFP), and platelet concentrates. Mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) or odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI was employed to analyze the data. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to assess the possible influence of TXA administration on reducing bleeding and transfusion requirements. RESULTS: A total of 12 RCTs with 3018 adult cardiac surgical patients (TXA group, 1510 patients; Control group, 1508 patients) were included. The current study demonstrated that TXA significantly reduced post-operative blood loss (MD = - 0.38 L, 95% CI: - 0.73 to - 0.03, P = 0.03; MD = - 0.26 L, 95% CI: - 0.28 to - 0.24, P < 0.00001; MD = - 0.37 L, 95% CI: - 0.63 to - 0.10, P = 0.007) in patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), aspirin, or clopidogrel, respectively. Patients in TXA group had significantly lower incidence of reoperation for bleeding as compared to those in Control group. The post-operative transfusion of RBC and FFP requirements was significantly lower in TXA group than Control group. Subgroup analyses showed that studies with DAPT discontinued on the day of surgery significantly increased the risk of post-operative blood loss [(MD: - 1.23 L; 95% CI: - 1.42 to - 1.04) vs. (MD: - 0.16 L; 95% CI: - 0.27 to - 0.05); P < 0.00001 for subgroup difference] and RBC transfusion [(MD: - 3.90 units; 95% CI: - 4.75 to - 3.05) vs. (MD: - 1.03 units; 95% CI: - 1.96 to - 0.10); P < 0.00001 for subgroup difference] than those with DAPT discontinued less than 5-7 days preoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis demonstrated that TXA significantly reduced post-operative blood loss and transfusion requirements for cardiac surgical patients with preoperative APT. These potential clinical benefits may be greater in patients with aspirin and clopidogrel continued closer to the day of surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022309427.

The effects of tranexamic acid on platelets in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis was designed to evaluate the effects of tranexamic acid (TXA) on platelets in patients undergoing cardiac surgery (CS). Relevant trials were identified by computerized searches of PUBMED, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, OVID, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data and VIP Data till Jun 4th, 2022, were searched using search terms "platelet", "Tranexamic acid", "cardiac surgery", "randomized controlled trial" database search was updated on Jan 1st 2023. Primary outcomes included platelet counts, function and platelet membrane proteins. Secondary outcome included postoperative bleeding. Search yielded 49 eligible trials, which were finally included in the current study. As compared to Control, TXA did not influence post-operative platelet counts in adult patients undergoing on- or off-pump CS, but significantly increased post-operative platelet counts in pediatric patients undergoing on-pump CS [(WMD = 16.72; 95% CI 6.33 to 27.10; P = 0.002)], significantly increased post-operative platelet counts in adults valvular surgery [(WMD = 14.24; 95% CI 1.36 to 27.12; P = 0.03). Additionally, TXA improved ADP-stimulated platelet aggression [(WMD = 1.88; 95% CI 0.93 to 2.83; P = 0.0001)] and improved CD63 expression on platelets [(WMD = 0.72; 95% CI 0.29 to 1.15; P = 0.001)]. The current study demonstrated that TXA administration did not affect post-operative platelet counts in adult patients undergoing either on- or off-pump CABG, but significantly increased post-operative platelet counts in pediatric patients undergoing on-pump CS and adults valvular surgery. Furthermore, TXA improved ADP-stimulated platelet aggression and improved CD63 expression on platelets. To further confirm this, more well designed and adequately powered randomized trials are needed.

Clostridium perfringens Liver Abscess Disguised as Biliary Disease: A Report of Two Cases and a Review of the Literature.

Liver abscesses caused by Clostridium perfringens are rare but rapidly fatal. In only a few days, patients progress from liver abscess to sepsis, intravascular hemolysis, multiple organ failure, and even death. These abscesses often occur in patients after trauma or surgery or in those with immunodeficiency. Because patients only show non-specific symptoms such as fever and abdominal pain in the early stage, they can easily be misdiagnosed and miss the therapeutic window, resulting in a poor prognosis. The diagnosis of Clostridium perfringens liver abscess mainly depends on computed tomography (CT), needle aspiration, and/or blood culture. After diagnosis, treatments such as antibiotic therapy, surgical abscess drainage, blood transfusion as needed, and correction of metabolic disturbances must be immediately administered to prevent severe complications. Here, we present two cases of liver abscess due to Clostridium perfringens infection. Both patients initially presented only with fever, abdominal pain, and jaundice, symptoms that were easily confused with cholangitis caused by cholelithiasis. The patients then progressed rapidly and, despite receiving antimicrobial and multimodal sepsis treatment, both eventually died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Clinicians should be on high alert for Clostridium perfringens liver abscesses disguised as biliary disease. Early diagnosis and treatment with the appropriate antibiotics and surgery are fundamental for the survival of the affected patients.

The efficacy and safety of intravenous administration of tranexamic acid in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: Evidence from a single cardiovascular center.

BACKGROUND: The current study was performed to systemically review the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery at a single large-volume cardiovascular center. METHODS: A computerized search of electronic databases was performed to identify all relevant studies using search terms till December 31st, 2021. The primary outcomes were postoperative blood loss and the composite incidence of mortality and morbidities during hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included postoperative massive bleeding and transfusion, postoperative recovery profiles, coagulation functions, inflammatory variables, and biomarkers of vital organ injury. RESULTS: Database search yielded 23 qualified studies including 27,729 patients in total. Among them, 14,136 were allocated into TXA group and 13,593 into Control group. The current study indicated that intravenous TXA significantly reduced total volume of postoperative bleeding in both adult and pediatric patients, and that medium- and high-dose TXA were more effective than low-dose TXA in adult patients (P < .05). The current study also demonstrated that intravenous TXA, as compared to Control, remarkably reduced postoperative transfusion incidences and volume of red blood cell and fresh frozen plasma, and reduced postoperative transfusion incidence of platelet concentrates (PC) (P < .05) without obvious dose-effects (P > .05), but TXA did not reduce PC transfusion volume postoperatively in adult patients (P > .05). For pediatrics, TXA did not significantly reduce postoperative transfusion incidence and volume of allogenic red blood cell, fresh frozen plasma and PC (P > .05). Additionally, the current study demonstrated that intravenous TXA did not influence the composite incidence of postoperative mortality and morbidities in either adults or pediatrics during hospitalization (P > .05), and that there was no obvious dose-effect of TXA in adult patients (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: This current study suggested that intravenous TXA significantly reduced total volume of postoperative bleeding in both adult and pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery at the single cardiovascular center without increasing the composite incidence of mortality and morbidities.

Corrigendum: Anesthesia management of patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: A retrospective study of single center.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.1067750.].

Intravenous Tranexamic Acid Reduces Post-Operative Bleeding and Blood Transfusion in Patients Undergoing Aortic Surgery: A PRISMA-Compliant Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Tranexamic acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic agent, has been demonstrated to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements in both cardiac and non-cardiac surgery. However, the evidence regarding the efficacy of intravenous TXA in aortic surgery has been seldomly analyzed. Therefore, the current study was performed to address this question. Methods: Searches of PubMed, EMBASE, OVID, Cochrane Library and CNKI were conducted comprehensively for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing intravenous TXA versus no-TXA. Independently and in duplicate, we reviewed titles, abstracts and full-text articles, extracted data and evaluated bias risks. A random effect or fixed effect model was utilized to pool data. Results: The database search yielded 4 RCTs involving 273 patients. Meta-analysis revealed that, there was a significant reduction in bleeding volume within the first 4 hours post-operatively [(weighted mean difference (WMD) = -74.33; 95% confidence interval (CI): -133.55 to -15.11; p = 0.01)], and the first 24 hours post-operatively [(WMD = -228.91; 95% CI: -352.60 to -105.23; p = 0.0003)], post-operative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion volume [(WMD = -420.00; 95% CI: -523.86 to -316.14; p < 0.00001)], fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion volume [(WMD = -360.35; 95% CI: -394.80 to -325.89; p < 0.00001)] and platelet concentrate (PC) transfusion volume [(WMD = -1.27; 95% CI: -1.47 to -1.07; p < 0.0001)] following intravenous TXA administration. In addition, intravenous TXA administration significantly decreased the incidence of postoperative complications (53/451 (8.2%) vs. 75/421 (13.9%); odds ratio (OR) = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.75; p = 0.001), according to this present meta-analysis. Conclusions: The current study preliminarily demonstrated that, TXA significantly reduced postoperative bleeding, blood transfusion requirements and postoperative complications among patients undergoing aortic surgery. More well-designed studies are warrant to confirm the efficacy and safety of intravenous TXA in patients undergoing aortic surgery.

Effects of pre-operative oral carbohydrates on insulin resistance and postoperative recovery in diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: study protocol for a prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative carbohydrates (CHO) supplement has been widely investigated in nondiabetic patients undergoing a variety of surgeries. It has been proved that preoperative CHO could alleviate postoperative insulin resistance (IR) and improve patients' well-being in nondiabetic patients. However, it remains controversial whether preoperative CHO could yield similar effects in diabetic patients. Till now, seldom has the administration of preoperative CHO been investigated in diabetic patients and there are limited studies reporting IR and postoperative recovery of diabetic patients undergoing cardiac surgery. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We present a prospective, single-center, single-blind, randomized, no-treatment controlled trial of preoperative CHO on diabetic patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). A total of 62 patients will be enrolled and randomized to either Group CHO or Group control (CTRL). Patients in Group CHO will consume CHO fluid containing 50 g carbohydrates orally the evening before surgery (20:00-24:00) while their counterparts in Group CTRL will be fasted after 20:00 the evening before surgery. The primary endpoint is postoperative IR assessed via homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). The secondary endpoints are postoperative levels of potential mediators relating to IR including inflammatory factors and stress reaction characterized by serum cortisol. Exploratory endpoints are in-hospital clinical endpoints. Continuous variables will be compared by Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Categorical variables will be compared with χ2 test or Fisher's exact test. All tests in the present study are two-tailed and P<0.05 is considered statistically significant. All analyses will be performed with R 4.0.4. DISCUSSION: This is the first prospective randomized controlled trial of preoperative CHO in diabetic patients undergoing cardiac surgery, with the hypothesis that preoperative CHO could improve postoperative IR and promote postoperative recovery. The research may assist in improving the clinical outcomes of diabetic patients undergoing OPCAB. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial has been prospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov ( https://register. CLINICALTRIALS: gov ) and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( http://www.chictr.org.cn ). Registry number is NCT05540249 and ChiCTR2000029664 respectively. Registered on Sept. 14, 2022. CLINICAL TRIALS UNIT: Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.

Anesthetic management of patients undergoing mediastinal mass operation.

Objectives: To summarize the anesthetic management of patients undergoing mediastinal mass operation. Methods: Electronic databases were searched to identify all case reports of patients undergoing mediastinal mass operation. Information such as clinical characteristics, perioperative management and patients' outcomes were abstracted and analyzed. Results: Seventy-seven case reports with 85 patients aging from 34 days to 81 years were included. Mediastinal masses were located in anterior (n = 48), superior (n = 15), middle (n = 9) and posterior (n = 9) mediastinum, respectively. Clinical manifestations included dyspnea (n = 45), cough (n = 29), chest or radiating pain (n = 12), swelling (n = 8), fever (n = 7) and chest distress (n = 4). Most patients (n = 75) had signs of compression or invasion of vital structures. General anesthesia (n = 76) was the most commonly used method of anesthesia. Muscle relaxants were administered in 35 patients during anesthesia induction and spontaneous respiration was maintained in 37 patients. Mediastinal mass syndrome (MMS) occurred in 39 cases. Extracorporeal circulation was utilized in 20 patients intraoperatively. Three patients experienced cardiac arrest after ventilation failure and two patients died intraoperatively and one postoperatively. Conclusions: Peri-operative management of patients undergoing mediastinal mass operation could be challenging. Pre-operative multi-disciplinary discussion, well-planned anesthetic management and pre-determined protocols for emergency situations are all vital to patient safety.

Furosemide does not reduce the incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of cardiac surgical patients, the occurrence of which is multifactorial. Furosemide is the most common loop diuretic and widely used in cardiac surgery to reduce fluid overload, increase tubular flow and urine output. It remains unknown whether furosemide affects the incidence or prognosis of cardiac surgery-induced acute kidney injury (CS-AKI). Therefore, the current study was performed to address this question. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant studies. Primary outcomes of interest included postoperative CS-AKI incidence, need for renal replacement therapy (RRT) rate. Secondary outcomes of interest included postoperative serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, postoperative mechanical ventilation duration (MVD), length of stay (LOS) in intensive care unit (ICU) and in hospital, and mortality. The odds ratio (OR) and/or the weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to pool the data. RESULTS: Database search yielded six studies including 566 adult patients, and 283 patients were allocated into Group Furosemide and 283 into Group Control (Placebo). Heterogeneity between studies was deemed acceptable, and the publication bias was low. Meta-analysis suggested that furosemide administration in adult cardiac surgical patients had no effect on CS-AKI incidence (n = 4 trials; OR = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.37-2.30; p = .86; I2 = 57%) and need for RRT rate (n = 2 trials; OR = 4.13; 95% CI: 0.44-38.51; p = .21; I2 = 0%). Diversely, furosemide administration in adult cardiac surgical patients significantly decreased postoperative BUN level (n = 3 trials; WMD = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.10-1.33; p = .02; I2 = 0%), postoperative MVD (n = 2 trials; WMD = -3.13; 95% CI: -3.78 to -2.49; p < .00001; I2 = 0%) and postoperative LOS in ICU (n = 3 trials; WMD = -0.47; 95% CI: -0.76 to -0.18; p = .001; I2 = 0%). However, it had no significant impact on postoperative Scr level, postoperative LOS in hospital, and postoperative mortality. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggested that furosemide administration in adult cardiac surgical patients had no significant effect on CS-AKI incidence, need for RRT rate, postoperative Scr level, LOS in hospital and mortality, but could reduce postoperative BUN level, MVD, and LOS in ICU. As only a limited number of studies were included, these results should be interpreted carefully and cautiously. Future high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to define the role of furosemide in CS-AKI prevention and management.

Anti-inflammatory effect of tranexamic acid on adult cardiac surgical patients: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of tranexamic acid (TXA) on adult cardiac surgical patients. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Ovid, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, and WANFANG databases were systematically searched using the related keywords for cardiac surgical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from their inception to February 1, 2022. The primary outcomes were postoperative inflammatory biomarkers levels. The secondary outcomes were postoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome and other major postoperative outcomes. The odds ratios and/or the weighted mean difference (WMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to pool the data. Results: Ten RCTs with 770 adult cardiac surgical patients were included. Compared with placebo, TXA achieved statistically significant inhibition of the postoperative interleukin (IL)-6 level (postoperative 6 h: n = 6 trials; WMD -31.66; 95% CI: -45.90, -17.42; p < 0.0001; I 2 = 93%; postoperative 24 h: n = 8 trials; WMD, -44.06; 95% CI: -69.21, -18.91; p = 0.006; I 2 = 100%); IL-8 level postoperative 24 h, TNF-α level postoperative 24 h, NE level postoperative 6 h: n = 3 trials; WMD, -36.83; 95% CI: -68.84, -4.83; p = 0.02; I 2 = 95%); tissue necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) level (postoperative 6 h: n = 3 trials; WMD, -7.21; 95% CI: -12.41, -2.01; p = 0.007; I 2 = 47%; postoperative 24 h: n = 5 trials; WMD, -10.02; 95% CI: -14.93, -5.12; p < 0.0001; I 2 = 94%); and neutrophil elastase (NE) level (postoperative 6 h: n = 3 trials; WMD, -66.93; 95% CI: -111.94, -21.92; p = 0.004; I 2 = 86%). However, TXA achieved no statistically significant influence on the postoperative 24 h NE level. Conclusions: TXA had a significant anti-inflammatory effect in adult cardiac surgical patients, as evidenced by the reduction of multiple postoperative proinflammatory biomarkers levels, but these results should be interpreted carefully and cautiously, as only a limited number of studies were included and there was high heterogeneity between them. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#recordDetails, identifier: CRD42022312919.

The effect of tranexamic acid on myocardial injury in cardiac surgical patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is one of the most commonly used antifibrinolytic agents for surgical patients. However, the effect of TXA on myocardial injury remains controversial. We systemically reviewed literature regarding the effectiveness of TXA on myocardial injury in patients who have undergone a cardiac surgery. We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing TXA and control (saline) in cardiac surgical patients. Relevant studies were identified by a comprehensive electronic literature search from database inception to 15 August 2021. A standardized data extraction form was used to collect methodological and outcome variables from each eligible study. We conducted a meta-analysis to estimate the pooled effect size of TXA administration on myocardial injury. In total, eight RCTs were identified, with 292 patients in the TXA group, and 241 patients in saline or control group. The meta-analysis demonstrated that patients in the TXA group had lower levels of CK-MB and cTnI within 24 h postoperatively (CK-MB: P  = 0.005; cTnI: P  = 0.01), compared with the saline group. No significant difference was found with respect to AST level ( P  = 0.71) between TXA and saline groups within 24 h postoperatively. TXA administration was found to be associated with less myocardial injury among patients who have undergone cardiac surgery. High-quality randomized controlled trials are warranted to further examine the cardioprotective effects of TXA.

EMT-Related Gene Signature Predicts the Prognosis in Uveal Melanoma Patients.

Background: Uveal melanoma (UVM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an essential regulator of the UVM's immune microenvironment. However, the precise role of EMT in UVM remains to be explored and the development of a related treatment strategy is urgently needed. Methods: Multiomics data and clinical information for TCGA-UVM were used to identify the EMT subtypes and analyze their regulatory role in the immune microenvironment in UVM. A machine-learning method based on the identified subtypes was utilized to construct the EMT feature-based prognostic model. External validation cohorts GSE84976 and GSE22138 were employed to validate the model's robustness. Immunotherapy cohort IMvigor210 was used to explore the model's potential to predict immunotherapy responsiveness. Results: Two EMT subtypes were identified in UVM. The role of EMT in shaping the immune microenvironment and regulating cancer-immunity circle of UVM was analyzed. A robust prognostic model was presented and validated to predict patient prognosis. The model also predicted patient's immune features and immunotherapy responsiveness. Conclusion: The EMT-mediated immune features in UVM were illustrated, providing a reliable model to facilitate precise UVM treatment. This research may assist in decision-making during clinical UVM therapy.

Mn2+ doped AgInS2 photocatalyst for formaldehyde degradation and hydrogen production from water splitting by carbon tube enhancement.

In this work, AgInS2 and Mn2+ doped AgInS2 (Mn-AgInS2) with different Mn2+: (Ag+ + In3+) ratios were synthesized via a low temperature liquid method. The photocatalytic activity of the obtained samples was followed by taking formaldehyde as the target pollutant under visible light irradiation. The photocatalysts were passed through various characterization procedures to investigate their morphological, structural and photophysical characteristics. The optimal proportion sample [with the ratio n (Mn2+): n (Ag+ + In3+) = 1:100] photodegraded about 79% formaldehyde in 150 min. These upgraded activities are attributed to the enhanced visible light absorption and superior charge separation due to the presence of Mn2+ as confirmed site from charge separation measurements. In addition, a possible mechanism for the photodegradation of formaldehyde is proposed based on the experimental results. Furthermore, the photocatalytic water splitting performance of Mn-AgInS2 and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) modified Mn-AgInS2 is investigated and compared under simulated sunlight irradiation, and remarkable hydrogen production is achieved (105 µmol h-1 g-1) by using the latter.

Tranexamic acid reduces postoperative blood loss in Chinese pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Tranexamic acid has been increasingly used for blood conservation in cardiac surgery. However, the evidence supporting the routine use of tranexamic acid in Chinese pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery remains weak. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically review the efficacy of tranexamic acid when applying to Chinese pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery. PARTICIPANTS: Chinese pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Tranexamic acid or control drugs (saline/blank). METHODS: PUBMED, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, and VIP Data till May 4, 2021, database search was updated on August 1. Primary outcomes of interest included postoperative bleeding, allogeneic transfusion, and reoperation for bleeding. Secondary outcomes of interest included postoperative recovery. For continuous/dichotomous variables, treatment effects were calculated as weighted mean difference (WMD)/odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: A database search yielded 15 randomized controlled trials including 1641 patients, where 8 studies were allocated into non-cyanotic congenital group, 5 were allocated into cyanotic congenital group, and the other 2 were allocated into combined cyanotic/non-cyanotic group. This meta-analysis demonstrate that tranexamic acid administration can reduce the postoperative 24 hours blood loss in non-cyanotic, cyanotic, and combined cyanotic/non-cyanotic patients, the red blood cell transfusion in non-cyanotic and cyanotic patients, and the fresh frozen plasma transfusion in non-cyanotic and combined cyanotic/non-cyanotic patients. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis demonstrates that tranexamic acid is highly effective in reducing the blood loss in Chinese pediatric cardiac surgery, but it behaves poorly when it comes to the transfusion requirement. To further confirm this, more well-designed and adequately-powered randomized trials are needed.

Patient Blood Management: Single Center Evidence and Practice at Fuwai Hospital.

Blood loss and blood transfusion requirement are important quality control indicators of cardiovascular surgery and cardiovascular anesthesia. Patient blood management (PBM) is an evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach to optimizing the care of patients who may need transfusion, which encompasses anemia management, hemodilution, cell salvage, hemostatic treatment, and other approaches to reducing bleeding and minimizing blood transfusion. PBM in cardiovascular surgery is a "team sport" that involves cardiac and vascular surgeons, anesthesiologists, perfusionist, intensivists, and other health care providers. The current work provides an overview of evidence and practice of PBM at Fuwai Hospital. Implementation of PBM should also take local resource availability and cost-effectiveness of different devices, drugs, technologies, and techniques into consideration.

Anesthesia management of patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: A retrospective study of single center.

Background: To summarize the current practice of anesthesia management for Chinese patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery at a large-volume cardiovascular center. Materials and methods: The clinical data of consecutive patients undergoing isolated, primary OPCAB surgery during the period from September 2019 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patient characteristics, intraoperative data, and short-term outcomes were extracted from the Hospital Information System and the Anesthesia Information Management System. Results: A total of 255 patients who underwent OPCAB surgery were enrolled in the current study. High-dose opioids and short-acting sedatives were the most commonly administrated anesthetics intraoperatively. Pulmonary arterial catheter insertion is frequently performed in patients with serious coronary heart disease. Goal-directed fluid therapy, a restricted transfusion strategy, and perioperative blood management were routinely used. Rational usages of inotropic and vasoactive agents facilitate hemodynamic stability during the coronary anastomosis procedure. Four patients underwent re-exploration for bleeding, but no death was observed. Conclusions: The study introduced the current practice of anesthesia management at the large-volume cardiovascular center, and the short-term outcomes indicated the efficacy and safety of the practice in OPCAB surgery.

Anesthesia Management at Fuwai Hospital:Practice, Evidence and Outcomes.

Fuwai Hospital was established in 1956 and the Anesthesia Department of Fuwai Hospital was one of the earliest anesthesia departments then in China. Under the leadership of several department directors and with the concerted efforts of all generations of colleagues, the Anesthesia Department of Fuwai Hospital has dramatically transformed, upgraded and modernized. For more than six decades, the Anesthesia Department has been providing high-quality peri-operative anesthesia care for cardiovascular surgeries, conducting innovative experimental and clinical researches, and offering comprehensive training on cardiovascular anesthesiology for professionals across China. Currently, Fuwai Hospital is the National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases of China and one of the largest cardiovascular centers in the world. The present review introduces the Anesthesia Department of Fuwai Hospital, summarizes its current practice of anesthesia management, the outcomes of cardiovascular surgeries at Fuwai Hospital, accumulates relevant evidence, and provides prospects for future development of cardiovascular anesthesiology.

Anesthetic Induction With Etomidate in Cardiac Surgical Patients: A PRISMA-Compliant Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis aimed to systematically review the effects of etomidate (ETM) during anesthetic induction on patients undergoing cardiac surgery. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. SETTING: Operating room. PARTICIPANTS: Patients undergoing cardiac surgery. INTERVENTIONS: ETM or control drugs. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: PubMed, Cochrane Library, OVID, and EMBASE were searched through August 31, 2020. Primary outcomes included hemodynamic profiles and stress responses. Secondary outcomes included morbidity, mortality, and postoperative recovery. For continuous/dichotomous variables, treatment effects were calculated as weighted mean difference (WMD)/odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). A database search yielded 18 randomized controlled trials including 1,241 patients. The present meta-analysis demonstrated that ETM-anesthetized patients had lower heart rates (WMD, -3.31; 95% CI -5.43 to -1.19; p = 0.002), higher blood pressures (systolic blood pressure: WMD, 12.02; 95% CI 6.24 to 17.80; p < 0.0001; diastolic blood pressure: WMD, 5.23; 95% CI 2.39 to 8.08; p = 0.0003; mean arterial pressure (MAP): WMD, 8.64; 95% CI 5.85 to 11.43; p < 0.00001), less requirement for vasopressor (OR, 0.26; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.44; p < 0.00001), and more nitroglycerin usage (OR, 14.89; 95% CI 4.92 to 45.08; p < 0.00001) during anesthetic induction. Current meta-analysis also demonstrated that single-dose ETM lowered cortisol levels transiently and did not have a significant effect on endogenous norepinephrine and epinephrine levels and was not associated with increased postoperative inotrope and/or vasopressor requirement. Additionally, the meta-analysis suggested that ETM anesthesia was associated with neither increased mortality nor morbidity, except a higher incidence of transient adrenal insufficiency in ETM recipients. CONCLUSION: The present meta-analysis suggested that single-dose ETM during anesthetic induction could be associated with more stable hemodynamics, transient and reversible lower cortisol levels, and a higher adrenal insufficiency incidence, but not worse outcomes in cardiac surgical patients.