Impact of intraoperative haemoadsorption on outcomes of patients undergoing aortic surgery: a single-centre, prospective, observational study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of a cytokine haemoadsorption (HA) device (CytoSorb®) on inflammatory markers and patients' outcome during aortic root surgery. METHODS: Prospective, observational study including all-comers with quasi-randomization by strictly alternating inclusion (1:1 basis). Sixty patients undergoing elective aortic surgery were assigned to either HA group (n = 30) with intraoperative HA, or a control (C) group (n = 30). Primary outcomes were: (i) impact of HA on haemodynamic stability and need for vasopressors (vasoactive-inotropic score) and (ii) sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score. Secondary parameters included the impact of HA on the course of hyperinflammation using interleukin-6 and procalcitonin, duration of mechanical ventilation, and lengths of intensive care unit and hospital stay. RESULTS: Noradrenaline requirement was significantly reduced in the HA group postoperatively compared to the C group (HA: 0.03 µg/kg/min vs C: 0.08 µg/kg/min, P = 0.004 at 2 h, and HA: 0.02 µg/kg/min vs C: 0.04 µg/kg/min, P = 0.004 at 24 h). This translated into a significantly lower vasoactive-inotropic score in the HA group. SOFA score was less in the HA group at all time points and reached statistical significance 2 h postoperatively (HA: 5.77 vs C: 7.43, P < 0.001). Intraoperative HA significantly reduced interleukin-6 levels (P < 0.05) at all time points, and procalcitonin at 2 h after discontinuation from cardiopulmonary bypass (P = 0.005). The duration of ventilation, intensive care unit and hospital stays were shorter in the HA group compared to the C group. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative HA has the potential to mitigate hyperinflammatory response leading to improved haemodynamics after aortic root surgery, thereby shortening the duration of ventilation, and lengths of intensive care unit and hospital stay. However, it must be evaluated in larger cohorts.

Standardized in vitro bleeding tests in a non-coated novel hybrid prosthesis for frozen elephant trunk demonstrates minimal oozing during full heparinization, supported by clinical data.

Introduction: Recent reports have questioned the blood impermeability of the novel frozen elephant trunk (FET) device E-vita Open NEO© (EO-NEO). Therefore, standardized in vitro bleeding tests using porcine heparinized blood were performed, as well as stress testing on the blood tightness of the collar suture line, to investigate this observation. Material and methods: EO-NEO prostheses were examined in vitro for blood permeability in three test series. Initially, antegrade perfusion with heparinized porcine blood [activated clotting time (ACT) of 500 s, with a 60 min duration] was performed, followed by ante/retrograde testing via the EO-NEO side port. Testing of the collar suture line under a tension of 10 Newton (N) within a suspension device (blood pressure 120 mmHg, ACT of 560 s, 1 min duration) was carried out with the suture material force fiber white (FFWs) yarn, using standard fixation (5 stitches/cm), FFWh yarn in hemostatic fixation (15 stitches/cm), and flow weave yarn (FWYh). Results: Blood permeability testing of EO-NEO through the prosthetic lumen or via the side port demonstrated minor leakage without statistical difference between the standard and hemostatic suture lines or suture materials used, or positioning on the crimped or tapered portion (p > 0.05). The specific collar anastomosis testing demonstrated leakage volumes of 140 ml/min for FFWs vs. 16 ml/min for FFWh (p = 0.02), vs. 9 ml/min with the FWYh (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Different blood leakage tests showed minimal oozing and no difference in blood loss through the fabric and different collar suture lines, but unphysiological pressurized retrograde perfusion of the collar region showed significantly less leakage using FWYh and FFWh, prompting production modification of EO-NEO. Clinical results confirmed low blood loss using this novel FET device.

Successful Extracorporeal Cytokine Hemoadsorption in a Marfan Syndrome Patient with COVID-19 Undergoing Redo Bentall Procedure.

BACKGROUND Patients with COVID-19 undergoing emergency or complex surgical procedures are at increased risk of developing perioperative complications. CytoSorb is a blood purification therapy used to remove circulating cytokines in conditions of hyperinflammation. This report is of a patient with COVID-19 requiring redo replacement of the aortic valve and aorta due to aortic aneurysm of the ascending aorta (Bentall procedure) associated with Marfan syndrome. The patient was successfully treated with extracorporeal cytokine hemoadsorption. CASE REPORT A 34-year-old man with Marfan syndrome, who had undergone a Bentall procedure in 2018, was admitted with symptoms of worsening dyspnea, tachycardia, fever, and confirmed COVID-19. Further diagnostic workup revealed dehiscence of the aortic root as well as moderate aortic regurgitation, in the context of a hyperinflammatory state. Anti-infective treatment was initiated. Given the severity of symptoms, COVID-19, echocardiography findings, and risk of aortic rupture, urgent Bentall surgery was performed. Additionally, a CytoSorb hemoadsorber was integrated into the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit to attenuate the anticipated systemic hyperinflammation. Intraoperatively, several blood products were administered due to excessive bleeding from the friable tissues and the pre-existing anemia and thrombocytopenia. Treatment was associated with marked improvements in vital parameters and inflammatory markers, and weaning from the ventilator and inotropes was possible after 48 hours. The remaining time in hospital was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS This report supports the findings from recent studies and reports that extracorporeal cytokine hemoadsorption has a role to play in reducing the systemic effects of cytokine storm associated with complex surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass alongside severe infections, including COVID-19.

Multinational prospective study of incidence and risk factors for central-line-associated bloodstream infections in 728 intensive care units of 41 Asian, African, Eastern European, Latin American, and Middle Eastern countries over 24 years.

OBJECTIVE: To identify central-line (CL)-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) incidence and risk factors in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). DESIGN: From July 1, 1998, to February 12, 2022, we conducted a multinational multicenter prospective cohort study using online standardized surveillance system and unified forms. SETTING: The study included 728 ICUs of 286 hospitals in 147 cities in 41 African, Asian, Eastern European, Latin American, and Middle Eastern countries. PATIENTS: In total, 278,241 patients followed during 1,815,043 patient days acquired 3,537 CLABSIs. METHODS: For the CLABSI rate, we used CL days as the denominator and the number of CLABSIs as the numerator. Using multiple logistic regression, outcomes are shown as adjusted odds ratios (aORs). RESULTS: The pooled CLABSI rate was 4.82 CLABSIs per 1,000 CL days, which is significantly higher than that reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC NHSN). We analyzed 11 variables, and the following variables were independently and significantly associated with CLABSI: length of stay (LOS), risk increasing 3% daily (aOR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.03-1.04; P < .0001), number of CL days, risk increasing 4% per CL day (aOR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.03-1.04; P < .0001), surgical hospitalization (aOR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03-1.21; P < .0001), tracheostomy use (aOR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.23-1.88; P < .0001), hospitalization at a publicly owned facility (aOR, 3.04; 95% CI, 2.31-4.01; P <.0001) or at a teaching hospital (aOR, 2.91; 95% CI, 2.22-3.83; P < .0001), hospitalization in a middle-income country (aOR, 2.41; 95% CI, 2.09-2.77; P < .0001). The ICU type with highest risk was adult oncology (aOR, 4.35; 95% CI, 3.11-6.09; P < .0001), followed by pediatric oncology (aOR, 2.51;95% CI, 1.57-3.99; P < .0001), and pediatric (aOR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.81-3.01; P < .0001). The CL type with the highest risk was internal-jugular (aOR, 3.01; 95% CI, 2.71-3.33; P < .0001), followed by femoral (aOR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.96-2.68; P < .0001). Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) was the CL with the lowest CLABSI risk (aOR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.02-2.18; P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: The following CLABSI risk factors are unlikely to change: country income level, facility ownership, hospitalization type, and ICU type. These findings suggest a focus on reducing LOS, CL days, and tracheostomy; using PICC instead of internal-jugular or femoral CL; and implementing evidence-based CLABSI prevention recommendations.

Multinational prospective cohort study of rates and risk factors for ventilator-associated pneumonia over 24 years in 42 countries of Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East: Findings of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC).

Objective: Rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) are several times above those of high-income countries. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors (RFs) for VAP cases in ICUs of LMICs. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: This study was conducted across 743 ICUs of 282 hospitals in 144 cities in 42 Asian, African, European, Latin American, and Middle Eastern countries. Participants: The study included patients admitted to ICUs across 24 years. Results: In total, 289,643 patients were followed during 1,951,405 patient days and acquired 8,236 VAPs. We analyzed 10 independent variables. Multiple logistic regression identified the following independent VAP RFs: male sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-1.28; P < .0001); longer length of stay (LOS), which increased the risk 7% per day (aOR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.07-1.08; P < .0001); mechanical ventilation (MV) utilization ratio (aOR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.23-1.31; P < .0001); continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which was associated with the highest risk (aOR, 13.38; 95% CI, 11.57-15.48; P < .0001); tracheostomy connected to a MV, which was associated with the next-highest risk (aOR, 8.31; 95% CI, 7.21-9.58; P < .0001); endotracheal tube connected to a MV (aOR, 6.76; 95% CI, 6.34-7.21; P < .0001); surgical hospitalization (aOR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.17-1.29; P < .0001); admission to a public hospital (aOR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.35-1.86; P < .0001); middle-income country (aOR, 1.22; 95% CI, 15-1.29; P < .0001); admission to an adult-oncology ICU, which was associated with the highest risk (aOR, 4.05; 95% CI, 3.22-5.09; P < .0001), admission to a neurologic ICU, which was associated with the next-highest risk (aOR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.78-3.45; P < .0001); and admission to a respiratory ICU (aOR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.79-3.07; P < .0001). Admission to a coronary ICU showed the lowest risk (aOR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.51-0.77; P < .0001). Conclusions: Some identified VAP RFs are unlikely to change: sex, hospitalization type, ICU type, facility ownership, and country income level. Based on our results, we recommend focusing on strategies to reduce LOS, to reduce the MV utilization ratio, to limit CPAP use and implementing a set of evidence-based VAP prevention recommendations.

Risk factors for mortality over 18 years in 317 ICUs in 9 Asian countries: The impact of healthcare-associated infections.

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for mortality in intensive care units (ICUs) in Asia. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: The study included 317 ICUs of 96 hospitals in 44 cities in 9 countries of Asia: China, India, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. PARTICIPANTS: Patients aged >18 years admitted to ICUs. RESULTS: In total, 157,667 patients were followed during 957,517 patient days, and 8,157 HAIs occurred. In multiple logistic regression, the following variables were associated with an increased mortality risk: central-line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI; aOR, 2.36; P < .0001), ventilator-associated event (VAE; aOR, 1.51; P < .0001), catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI; aOR, 1.04; P < .0001), and female sex (aOR, 1.06; P < .0001). Older age increased mortality risk by 1% per year (aOR, 1.01; P < .0001). Length of stay (LOS) increased mortality risk by 1% per bed day (aOR, 1.01; P < .0001). Central-line days increased mortality risk by 2% per central-line day (aOR, 1.02; P < .0001). Urinary catheter days increased mortality risk by 4% per urinary catheter day (aOR, 1.04; P < .0001). The highest mortality risks were associated with mechanical ventilation utilization ratio (aOR, 12.48; P < .0001), upper middle-income country (aOR, 1.09; P = .033), surgical hospitalization (aOR, 2.17; P < .0001), pediatric oncology ICU (aOR, 9.90; P < .0001), and adult oncology ICU (aOR, 4.52; P < .0001). Patients at university hospitals had the lowest mortality risk (aOR, 0.61; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Some variables associated with an increased mortality risk are unlikely to change, such as age, sex, national economy, hospitalization type, and ICU type. Some other variables can be modified, such as LOS, central-line use, urinary catheter use, and mechanical ventilation as well as and acquisition of CLABSI, VAE, or CAUTI. To reduce mortality risk, we shall focus on strategies to reduce LOS; strategies to reduce central-line, urinary catheter, and mechanical ventilation use; and HAI prevention recommendations.

Perioperative dexmedetomidine reduces delirium after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A prospective, single-blind, observational study.

Background: Delirium is a commonly seen complication of cardiac surgery. Dexmedetomidine, by its anti-inflammatory properties and other effects, can attenuate postoperative delirium. Aims: The aim of this work was to study the incidence of delirium after coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine and propofol on the incidence of postoperative delirium in coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients. Materials and Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted on 180 consecutive patients undergoing off-pump or on-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The patients were administered either intravenous dexmedetomidine (n = 90) or propofol (n = 90) after hemostasis was achieved, till they were ready for weaning from the ventilator. The Confusion Assessment Method was used to assess the incidence of postoperative delirium. Measurements and Main Results: A total of 25 (13.8%) patients developed delirium after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Sedation with dexmedetomidine was associated with a significantly reduced incidence of postoperative delirium (8.9% v 18.9% propofol, P = 0.049). Subgroup analyses showed reduced incidence of postoperative delirium in off-pump patients compared to on-pump coronary artery bypass graft patients (3.3% vs. 20%, P = 0.009 dexmedetomidine group and 11.6% vs. 33.3%, P = 0.047 propofol group respectively). The mean age of the patients who had delirium was significantly more (64.9 ± 8.1 years vs. 52.5 ± 5.8 years, P = 0.046) compared to those who did not have delirium. Conclusion: Administration of dexmedetomidine-based sedation resulted in the reduced incidence of postoperative delirium compared to propofol-based sedation in patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Comparison of the CytoSorb® 300 mL and Jafron HA380 hemoadsorption devices: an in vitro study.

INTRODUCTION: We performed an analysis of two blood purification systems to determine their performance for removing interleukins (ILs)-6 and 10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 from blood. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An in vitro hemoperfusion blood recirculation circuit was used to compare the CytoSorb® 300 mL (CytoSorbents Inc., Princeton, NJ) and Jafron HA 380 (Jafron Biomedical Co., Ltd., Zhuhai City, China) devices. The removal of purified recombinant human IL-6, IL-10, TNFα and MCP-1 by the adsorbers was compared at various timepoints. Three runs were completed and removal was evaluated as the mean area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: Both devices showed effective removal of the tested cytokines. IL-6, IL-10, TNFα and MCP-1 were removed faster and to a higher extent by the CytoSorb® 300 mL device. At maximal time of 12 h, overall removal according to AUC of remaining concentrations was significantly lower with CytoSorb® 300 mL compared with HA 380 (IL-6: 1075.5 ± 665.9 vs. 4345.1 ± 1499.3 (p = 0.01), IL-10: 5065.7 ± 882.5 vs. 11,939.7 ± 4523.1 (p = 0.03), TNF-α: 6519.9 ± 997.6 vs. 10,303.7 ± 2347.0 (p = 0.03) and MCP-1: 278.9 ± 40.7 vs. 607.3 ± 84.4 (p = 0.001)). CONCLUSIONS: Both the CytoSorb® and the Jafron HA 380 devices are capable of removing cytokines from blood in a benchtop model. The CytoSorb® 300 device was significantly more efficient achieving the bulk of the removal in the first 120 min.

Comparative study of cardiac output measurement by regional impedance cardiography and thermodilution method in patients undergoing off pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Background: An ideal CO monitor should be noninvasive, cost effective, reproducible, reliable during various physiological states. Limited literature is available regarding the noninvasive CO monitoring in open chest surgeries. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the CO measurement by Regional Impedance Cardiography (RIC) and Thermodilution (TD) method in patients undergoing off pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery (OPCAB). Settings and Design: We conducted a prospective observational comparative study of CO measurement by the noninvasive RIC method using the NICaS Hemodynamic Navigator system and the gold standard TD method using pulmonary artery catheter in patients undergoing OPCAB. A total of 150 data pair from the two CO monitoring techniques were taken from 15 patients between 40-70 years at various predefined time intervals of the surgery. Patients and Methods: We have tried to find out the accuracy, precision and cost effectiveness of the newer RIC technique. Mean CO, bias and precision were compared for each pair i.e.TD-CO and RIC-CO as recommended by Bland and Altman. The Sensitivity and specificity of cutoff value to predict change in TD-CO was used to create a Receiver operating characteristic or ROC curve. Results: Mean TD-CO values were around 4.52 ± 1.09 L/min, while mean RIC- CO values were around 4.77± 1.84 L/min. The difference in CO change was found to be statistically not significant (p value 0.667). The bias was small (-0.25). The Bland Altman plot revealed a mean difference of -0.25 litres. The RIC method had a sensitivity of 55.56 % and specificity of 33.33 % in predicting 15% change in CO of TD method and the total diagnostic accuracy was 46.67%. Conclusion: A fair correlation was found between the two techniques. The RIC method may be considered as a promising noninvasive, potentially low cost alternative to the TD technique of hemodynamic measurement.

Migration and surgical retrieval of transcatheter aortic valve.

Migration of transcatheter aortic valve can occur during or after the deployment of the valve. We report a case of the migrated transcatheter aortic valve that required surgical intervention for its removal. The case highlights the importance of the availability of a cardiac surgical team and cardiopulmonary bypass machine when the percutaneous technique of retrieval is not feasible.

Intensive Care in India in 2018-2019: The Second Indian Intensive Care Case Mix and Practice Patterns Study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to study organizational aspects, case mix, and practices in Indian intensive care units (ICUs) from 2018 to 2019, following the Indian Intensive Care Case Mix and Practice Patterns Study (INDICAPS) of 2010-2011. METHODS: An observational, 4-day point prevalence study was performed between 2018 and 2019. ICU, patient characteristics, and interventions were recorded for 24 hours, and ICU outcomes till 30 days after the study day. Adherence to selected compliance measures was determined. Data were analyzed for 4,669 adult patients from 132 ICUs. RESULTS: On the study day, mean age, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II), and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores were 56.9 ± 17.41 years, 16.7 ± 9.8, and 4.4 ± 3.6, respectively. Moreover, 24% and 22.2% of patients received mechanical ventilation (MV) and vasopressors or inotropes (VIs), respectively. On the study days, 1,195 patients (25.6%) were infected and 1,368 patients (29.3%) had sepsis during their ICU stay. ICU mortality was 1,092 out of 4,669 (23.4%), including 737 deaths and 355 terminal discharges (TDs) from ICU. Compliance for process measures related to MV ranged between 62.7 and 85.3%, 11.2 and 47.4% for monitoring delirium, sedation, and analgesia, and 7.7 and 25.3% for inappropriate transfusion of blood products. Only 34.8% of ICUs routinely used capnography. Large hospitals with ≥500 beds, closed ICUs, the APACHE II and SOFA scores, medical admissions, the presence of cancer or cirrhosis of the liver, the presence of infection on the study day, and the need for MV or VIs were independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Hospital size and closed ICUs are independently associated with worse outcomes. The proportion of TDs remains high. There is a scope for improvements in processes of care.Registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03631927). HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Divatia JV, Mehta Y, Govil D, Zirpe K, Amin PR, Ramakrishnan N, et al. Intensive Care in India in 2018-2019: The Second Indian Intensive Care Case Mix and Practice Patterns Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(10):1093-1107.

Acute perioperative hyperlactatemia in oncoplastic reconstructive surgeries: What is the significance?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We aim to study the significance of intraoperative hyperlactatemia in reconstructive oncoplastic surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted on a cohort of patients who underwent reconstructive oncoplastic surgery with free flap for oral cancer over a 6-month period. The study population was divided into two groups based on peak lactate levels. Group N with peak lactate level less than 2 mmol/L and Group H peak lactate level more than 2 mmol/L. The various parameter studied were patient's comorbidities; intraoperative events (vasopressor requirement, blood transfusion, and duration of surgery); postoperative parameters including the need for re- exploration and duration of stay in hospital and intensive care unit. RESULTS: The study demonstrates that intraoperative rise of lactate was not influenced by comorbidities. None of the intraoperative parameters studied influenced the lactate levels. Baseline lactate level was found to correlate with peak lactate level intraoperatively. But it was observed that there was normalization of lactate level within 24 hours postoperatively in both the groups. There was no difference in outcome parameters in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative hyperlactatemia is not a significant prognostic factor for outcome in oncoplastic reconstructive surgery.

A rare case of cardiac hydatid cyst.

Hydatid infection of the heart is rare and there is always the lethal hazard of cyst perforation. We present an 18-year-old male from Kashmir valley who was admitted to the emergency department of our hospital with fever and chest pain for the last 4 days. Using echocardiography and cardiac tomography (CT), cardiac Echinococcosis was diagnosed. The results of surgical treatment of cardiac Echinococcosis were better than the conservative strategy. Surgical excision was performed. The patient had an uneventful recovery.

Transcaval aortic valve implantation in a patient with Larsen syndrome: technical and anesthetic challenges.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation has emerged as a therapeutic option for patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis who are inoperable, or at very high risk of open-heart surgery. Recently, we encountered a patient with aortic stenosis and Larsen syndrome, who had short stature, obesity, kyphoscoliosis, multiple musculoskeletal deformities, and severe restrictive lung disease. An open-heart surgery in such a patient involves substantial peri-operative risk. A successful transcaval aortic valve implantation was done under general anesthesia.

Heterotopic caval valve implantation in severe tricuspid regurgitation.

Severe symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation (TR) with right heart failure is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Medical therapy is often ineffective and surgical correction is not feasible due to prohibitive perioperative risk. Transcatheter caval valve implantation (CAVI) is an evolving therapeutic option for this condition. It refers to the heterotopic placement of a valve into the inferior vena cava alone or with a second valve in the superior vena cava to restrict the backflow from the failing tricuspid valve. We hereby describe a patient with previous mitral valve surgery with chronic severe TR who underwent successful CAVI at our institute.

Patient blood management in India - Review of current practices and feasibility of applying appropriate standard of care guidelines. A position paper by an interdisciplinary expert group.

In a developing country like India, with limited resources and access to healthcare facilities, dealing with massive hemorrhage is a major challenge. This challenge gets compounded by pre-existing anemia, hemostatic disorders, and logistic issues of timely transfer of such patients from peripheral hospitals to centers with adequate resources and management expertise. Despite the awareness amongst healthcare providers regarding management modalities of bleeding patients, no uniform Patient Blood Management (PBM) or perioperative bleeding management protocols have been implemented in India, yet. In light of this, an interdisciplinary expert group came together, comprising of experts working in transfusion medicine, hematology, obstetrics, anesthesiology and intensive care, to review current practices in management of bleeding in Indian healthcare institutions and evaluating the feasibility of implementing uniform PBM guidelines. The specific intent was to perform a gap analysis between the ideal and the current status in terms of practices and resources. The expert group identified interdisciplinary education in PBM and bleeding management, bleeding history, viscoelastic and platelet function testing, and the implementation of validated, setting-specific bleeding management protocols (algorithms) as important tools in PBM and perioperative bleeding management. Here, trauma, major surgery, postpartum hemorrhage, cardiac and liver surgery are the most common clinical settings associated with massive blood loss. Accordingly, PBM should be implemented as a multidisciplinary and practically applicable concept in India in a timely manner in order to optimize the use the precious resource blood and to increase patients' safety.

Combined off pump coronary artery bypass graft and liver transplant.

Background: Prospective recipients of liver transplant (LT) have a high prevalence rate of coronary artery disease (CAD) requiring revascularization. In patients of Child Turcot Pugh Class B and C performing LT prior to cardiac revascularization on cardiopulmonary bypass leads to a high risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Whereas, isolated cardiac surgery prior to LT has perioperative risk of coagulopathy, sepsis, and hepatic decompensation. We present four cases of end stage liver disease who underwent concomitant living donor liver transplant (LDLT) with off pump coronary artery bypass graft (OPCAB) in an effort to decrease the morbidity and mortality. Methods: The cases were performed in a tertiary care centre over two years. Four patients scheduled for LDLT, who were diagnosed with significant CAD, underwent single sitting OPCAB and LDLT. Cardiac surgery was performed first and once patient was stable, it was followed by LDLT. The morbidity parameters in terms of duration of intubation, blood transfusion, hospital stay, ICU stay, requirement of dialysis, atrial fibrillation and sepsis was compared with similar studies. Results: The blood transfusion requirement (median 8 units PRBC), incidence of atrial fibrillation (25%), sepsis (25%), and renal dysfunction (0%) was less than the combined surgery conducted on cardiopulmonary bypass. The rate of median intubation time, length of ICU stay, hospital stay, and one year mortality rate was comparable with other studies. Conclusions: Morbidity with combined OPCAB and LDLT is less than combined on pump coronary artery bypass surgery with LDLT. Combined CABG with LDLT may be performed with acceptable outcomes in CTP class B and C cirrhosis.