Clinical predictors of coronary artery bypass graft surgery in patients hospitalized for Non-ST acute coronary syndrome - Buenos Aires I and ReSCAR22 registries.

Objectives: To identify predictors of coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) requirement as a revascularization method in in real-world non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) patients. Materials and methods: . An individual pre-specified analysis of patients with NSTE-ACS was performed from two prospective Argentine registries between 2017 and 2022. We analyzed the difference in baseline characteristics between patients who required CABG and those who did not require this intervention. Then, a logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors in patients who received CABG as a method of revascularization. Results: A total of 1848 patients with a median age of 54.8 (interquartile range [IQR]: 53.7-56) years and an ejection fraction of 42.1% (IQR: 41.2-43.1) were included. A total of 233 patients required CABG (12.6%). Baseline characteristics between the two groups were similar, except in patients requiring CABG, who were younger (51.5 vs. 55.7 years; p=0.010), more frequently diabetic (38.2% vs. 25.7%; p=0.001) and male (90.1% vs. 73.7%; p=0.001). In addition, they had, to a lesser extent, previous cardiac surgery (2.1% vs. 11.2%; p=0.011). After multivariable analysis, the following were independently associated with CABG: age (Odds Ratio [OR]: 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.98-0.99; p=0.008), male sex (OR: 3.08, 95% CI: 1.87-5.1; p=0.001), history of previous CABG (OR: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.05-0.30; p=0.001) and diabetes (OR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.31- 2.57; p=0.001). Conclusions: In this analysis of two NSTEACS registries, younger age, male sex, a diagnosis of diabetes and the absence of previous surgery were independent predictors of the requirement for inpatient CABG.

Bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting in elderly patients: Any benefit in survival?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to compare survival outcomes in propensity score-matched patients aged 70 years or greater receiving a bilateral internal thoracic artery graft with patients receiving a single internal thoracic artery graft. METHODS: Among 4083 consecutive patients with isolated coronary artery bypass grafting who underwent operation between January 2001 and December 2018, we identified 1300 patients aged 70 years or greater; of these, 968 received a bilateral internal thoracic artery (bilateral internal thoracic artery group) and 332 received a single internal thoracic artery (single internal thoracic artery group). Propensity score matching was used to reduce the preoperative patient differences. The 10-year survival and postoperative complications were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: A Kaplan-Meier curve at 10 years of follow-up showed that crude survival was significantly superior in patients with bilateral internal thoracic artery grafts than in patients with single internal thoracic artery grafts (67.0% ± 2.5% vs 56.0% ± 3.4%, respectively; P < .016). In the actuarial survival, estimates for propensity score-matched patients with a bilateral internal thoracic artery showed a significantly higher rates of survival than patients with a single internal thoracic artery by the end of follow-up (66.0% ± 5.3% vs 53.0% ± 3.9%, respectively; hazard ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.44-0.94; P = .022, univariable Cox Model and multivariable analysis hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.45-0.97; P = .036 Cox model). Postoperative complications were all similar between the single internal thoracic artery and bilateral internal thoracic artery groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting in older patients improves 10-year survival, with similar postoperative morbidity. This surgical technique might have beneficial effects in survival in patients aged more than 70 years. Its use could be considered more frequently.

New combined risk score to predict atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery: COM-AF.

Background and Aims: Atrial fibrillation frequently occurs in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery, associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality. The scores POAF, CHA2DS2-VASc and HATCH demonstrated a validated ability to predict atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery (AFCS). The objective is to develop and validate a risk score to predict AFCS from the combination of the variables with highest predictive value of POAF, CHA2DS2-VASc and HATCH models. Methods: We conducted a single-center cohort study, performing a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. The study included consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery in 2010-2016. The primary outcome was the development of new-onset AFCS. The variables of the POAF, CHA2DS2-VASc and HATCH scores were evaluated in a multivariate regression model to determine the predictive impact. Those variables that were independently associated with AFCS were included in the final model. Results: A total of 3113 patients underwent cardiac surgery, of which 21% presented AFCS. The variables included in the new score COM-AF were: age (≥75: 2 points, 65-74: 1 point), heart failure (2 points), female sex (1 point), hypertension (1 point), diabetes (1 point), previous stroke (2 points). For the prediction of AFCS, COM-AF presented an AUC of 0.78 (95% CI 0.76-0.80), the rest of the scores presented lower discrimination ability (P < 0.001): CHA2DS2-VASc AUC 0.76 (95% CI 0.74-0.78), POAF 0.71 (95% CI 0.69-0.73) and HATCH 0.70 (95% CI: 0, 67-0.72). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that COM-AF score was an independent predictor of AFCS: OR 1,91 (IC 95% 1,63-2,23). Conclusion: From the combination of variables with higher predictive value included in the POAF, CHA2DS2-VASc, and HATCH scores, a new risk model system called COM-AF was created to predict AFCS, presenting a greater predictive ability than the original ones. Being necessary future prospective validations.

Utilización de oxigenación por membrana extracorpórea venoarterial en el shock cardiogénico y paro cardiorrespiratorio refractarios: experiencia inicial de 7 años en un centro de cardiología de adultos / Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Refractory Cardiogenic Shock and Cardiac Arrest: An Initial 7-Year Experience in an Adult Cardiology Center

RESUMEN Introducción: La oxigenación por membrana extracorpórea venoarterial (ECMO VA) es una intervención de rescate en pacientes con shock cardiogénico (SC), y paro cardiorrespiratorio (PCR) refractarios a las terapias convencionales. Objetivo: Describir las características, y resumir nuestra experiencia inicial de 7 años de pacientes que requirieron ECMO VA por SC o PCR. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte unicéntrico. Se analizaron retrospectivamente los pacientes adultos consecutivos que fueron asistidos con ECMO VA por SC o PCR refractarios entre 2014 y 2020 en el ICBA Instituto Cardiovascular. Resultados: Se incluyeron 54 pacientes, (54 ± 12 años). El 36,5% presentó miocardiopatía isquémica, y el 23,1% enfermedad valvular significativa. Las indicaciones para ECMO VA fueron: poscardiotomía (43,4%), SC refractario (28,3%), y falla primaria del injerto (20,8%). La reanimación cardiopulmonar previa a la ECMO VA se realizó en el 18,5%. La canulación fue periférica en el 81,5%, el 83,3% se asistió en INTERMACS 1, y el 87% presentaba balón de contrapulsación intraaórtico. La duración de asistencia en ECMO VA fue de 5,5 días (RIC 2,8-10). La tasa de supervivencia en ECMO VA fue del 63% (37% puente a trasplante cardíaco, y 26% recuperación), y al alta del 42,6%. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron: sangrado (61,1%), infección (51,9%), y complicaciones tromboembólicas (46,3%). Conclusión: La ECMO VA como tratamiento del SC o PCR refractarios en nuestro centro presentó una sobrevida aceptable al alta hospitalaria. La ECMO VA es un tratamiento efectivo cuando las terapias convencionales fallan, siendo aparentemente útil y aplicable en un país donde existe acceso limitado a los dispositivos de asistencia ventricular compleja.

ABSTRACT Background: Venoarterial extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is a rescue intervention used in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) or cardiac arrest (CA) refractory to conventional medical therapies. Objective: The aim of the present study is to describe the characteristics and summarize our 7-year experience in patients with CS or CA supported with VA-ECMO. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective study analyzing consecutive adult patients requiring VA-ECMO due to refractory CS or CA at ICBA, Instituto Cardiovascular between January 2014 and December 2020. Results: A total age 54 patients were included (54 ± 12 years), 36.5% presented ischemic cardiomyopathy and 23.1% significant valvular heart disease. The indications for VA-ECMO implantation were post-cardiotomy (43.4%), refractory CS (28.3%) and primary graft dysfunction (20.8%). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation before VA-ECMO occurred in 18.5% of the cases. Peripheral cannulation was performed in 81.5% of the cases, 83.3% had INTERMACS profile 1 and 87% were on intraaortic balloon pump. Duration of ventricular assistance on VA- ECMO was 5.5 days (IQR 2.8-10). Survival rate on ECMO VA was 63% (37% as a bridge to cardiac transplantation and 26% as a bridge to recovery) and survival to discharge was 42.6%. The most common complications were hemorrhage (61.1%), infections (51.9%), and thromboembolic complications (46.3%). Conclusion: In our center, VA-ECMO as a treatment for refractory CS or CA showed acceptable survival during ventricular support and on hospital discharge. It is an effective life support treatment to rescue critically ill patients when conventional therapies fail, is apparently useful and can be implemented in a country with limited resources and access to complex ventricular assist devices.

Prognostic Value of the Leuko-Glycaemic Index in the Postoperative Period of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Abstract Introduction: High leuko-glycaemic index (LGI) (> 2000) has been associated with poor prognosis in many critical care settings. However, there is no evidence of LGI's prognostic value in the postoperative period of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This study aims to analyze the prognostic value of LGI in the postoperative period of CABG. Methods: Single-center retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed. Consecutive adult patients undergoing CABG between 2007 and 2019 were included. Blood glucose levels and white blood cells count were evaluated in the immediate postoperative period. LGI was calculated by multiplying both values and dividing them by 1,000 and analyzed in quartiles. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the best cutoff value. The primary combined endpoint was in-hospital mortality, low cardiac output (LCO), or acute kidney injury (AKI). Secondary endpoints included in-hospital death, AKI, atrial fibrillation, and LCO. Results: The study evaluated 3,813 patients undergoing CABG (88.5% male, 89.8% off-pump surgery, aged 64.6 years [standard deviation 9.6]). The median of LGI was 2,035. Presence of primary endpoint significantly increased per LGI quartile (9.2%, 9.7%, 11.8%, and 15%; P<0.001). High LGI was associated with increased occurrence of in-hospital mortality, LCO, AKI, and atrial fibrillation. The best prognostic cutoff value for primary endpoint was 2,000. In a multivariate logistic regression model, high LGI was independently associated with in-hospital death, LCO, or AKI. Conclusion: High LGI was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality, LCO, or AKI in postoperative period of CABG. It was also associated with higher in-hospital death.

Prognostic Value of the Leuko-Glycaemic Index in the Postoperative Period of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

INTRODUCTION: High leuko-glycaemic index (LGI) (> 2000) has been associated with poor prognosis in many critical care settings. However, there is no evidence of LGI's prognostic value in the postoperative period of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This study aims to analyze the prognostic value of LGI in the postoperative period of CABG. METHODS: Single-center retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed. Consecutive adult patients undergoing CABG between 2007 and 2019 were included. Blood glucose levels and white blood cells count were evaluated in the immediate postoperative period. LGI was calculated by multiplying both values and dividing them by 1,000 and analyzed in quartiles. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the best cutoff value. The primary combined endpoint was in-hospital mortality, low cardiac output (LCO), or acute kidney injury (AKI). Secondary endpoints included in-hospital death, AKI, atrial fibrillation, and LCO. RESULTS: The study evaluated 3,813 patients undergoing CABG (88.5% male, 89.8% off-pump surgery, aged 64.6 years [standard deviation 9.6]). The median of LGI was 2,035. Presence of primary endpoint significantly increased per LGI quartile (9.2%, 9.7%, 11.8%, and 15%; P<0.001). High LGI was associated with increased occurrence of in-hospital mortality, LCO, AKI, and atrial fibrillation. The best prognostic cutoff value for primary endpoint was 2,000. In a multivariate logistic regression model, high LGI was independently associated with in-hospital death, LCO, or AKI. CONCLUSION: High LGI was an independent predictor of inhospital mortality, LCO, or AKI in postoperative period of CABG. It was also associated with higher in-hospital death.

Cirugía de preservación valvular como alternativa en enfermedad de la raíz aórtica / Aortic Valve Sparing Surgery as Alternative in Aortic Root Disease

RESUMEN Introducción: Desde 1968, la enfermedad aneurismática de la raíz aórtica ha sido tratada mediante el remplazo con tubo valvulado. En las últimas décadas la cirugía de preservación valvular surgió y evolucionó como una opción al remplazo protésico. Objetivo: Reportar la experiencia institucional en la técnica de preservación valvular y sus resultados a largo plazo. Material y métodos: Revisión de 116 casos consecutivos con criterios de reparabilidad, intervenidos entre 2005 y 2019. Previo ecocardiograma transesofágico (ETE) y angiotomografía (AngioTC), se procedió quirúrgicamente acorde a la clasificación anatomofuncional, con la combinación de técnicas. Se realizó control intraoperatorio y conversión a remplazo según el criterio del cirujano interviniente. Se reportan las variables intraoperatorias, la morbimortalidad intrahospitalaria y la mortalidad, la libertad de insuficiencia valvular significativa y la reoperación en el seguimiento clínico y ecocardiográfico. Resultados: La edad media era 56 ± 15,6 años, varones 73%, 59% asintomáticos, intervenidos por diámetro aórtico (52 ± 11,7 mm) o progresión de valvulopatía. En el posprocedimiento, 4% de los casos resultó con insuficiencia leve o nula y 2 conversiones (1,7%); mortalidad hospitalaria 0,9%. A 10 años de seguimiento, sobrevida actuarial del 88% y libertad de insuficiencia significativa (moderada/grave) 79%. Se reintervinieron 5 casos, a un intervalo promedio de 9,1 años, libertad de reoperación de 90% a 10 años. No se registraron eventos tromboembólicos ni hemorrágicos mayores. Conclusión: las técnicas de preservación valvular aórtica, en contexto de enfermedad de la raíz, resultan una opción factible, segura y estable en el tiempo.

ABSTRACT Background: Since 1968, ascending aorta replacement with a valved conduit has been the standard practice for aortic root aneurysm. By the end of the 20th century, aortic valve sparing operation emerged and evolved as an alternative to aortic valve replacement. Objective: The aim of this study was to report our experience with aortic valve sparing technique and its long -term outcomes. Methods: A total of 116 consecutive cases with criteria of repairability operated on between 2005 and 2019 were analyzed. Preopera- tive transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) were used in combination to determine the aortic phenotype based on a previous anatomical and functional classification. Perioperative control was performed and conver- sion to aortic valve replacement was left to the discretion of the attending surgeon. Intraoperative variables, in-hospital morbidity and mortality, freedom from significant aortic regurgitation (AR) and reoperation in the clinical and echocardiographic follow-up were reported. Results: Mean age was 56±15.6 years and 73% were men; 59% were asymptomatic, and the reason for the intervention was the aortic diameter (52±11.7 mm) or progression of AR. After the procedure, 4% of the cases presented mild or trivial AR and 2 patients required conversion to aortic valve replacement (1.7%). In hospital mortality was 0.9%. Actuarial survival was 88% at 10 years, and 79% were free from significant (moderate/severe) AR. Five cases underwent reoperation after a mean interval of 9.1 years and free- dom from reoperation at 10 years was 90%. There were no major thromboembolic or bleeding events. Conclusion: Aortic valve sparing technique in the setting of aortic root disease is a feasible and safe option, and stable over time.

Is the Obesity Paradox in Cardiac Surgery Really a Myth? Effect of Body Mass Index on Early and Late Clinical Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to investigate the obesity paradox and assess the effect of body mass index (BMI) on early and late clinical outcomes after cardiac surgery. DESIGN: Cohort study with a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. DESIGN: Single-institution cardiology medical center. PARTICIPANTS: The study comprised consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery from January 2009 to January 2019. Patients were divided into the following 4 groups defined by BMI: underweight (UW) (≤18.5 kg/m2): 0.5%, n = 27; normal weight (18.5-25 kg/m2): 25.7%, n = 1,393; overweight (OW) (>25-30 kg/m2): 44.7%, n = 2,423; and obese (OB) (≥30 kg/m2): 29.1%, n = 1,576. INTERVENTIONS: No interventions. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A multivariate analysis was used to compare clinical outcomes among the different BMI groups. Overall 1-year survival of patients in the BMI categories was determined by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log rank test. The study included 5,419 patients. The BMI groups were significantly different regarding presurgical variables. Mortality according to BMI exhibited a reverse J-shaped relationship: 7.4% in the UW group, 5.2% in the normal weight group, 3.2% in the OW group, and 4.3% in the OB group (p = 0.016). Low- cardiac- output syndrome and bleeding were more frequent in the UW group, whereas mediastinitis and hyperglycemia were more common in the OB group. After adjusting for other risk factors, BMI was not an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality. One-year follow-up was completed in 95% of the patients, and the analysis of long-term mortality did not show a difference among the BMI categories (p log rank = 0.16). CONCLUSION: OW patients had a lower mortality and better outcomes after cardiac surgery. However, when other preoperative variables were taken into account, BMI did not have independent effect on in-hospital and 1-year mortality.

Postoperative Management of Hyperinflated Native Lung in Single-Lung Transplant Recipients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Review Article.

End-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most common indication for single- or double-lung transplantation. Acute native lung hyperinflation (ANLH) is a unique postoperative complication of single-lung transplantation for COPD patients, with incidence varying in the medical literature from 15 to 30%. The diagnosis is made radiographically by contralateral mediastinal shift and ipsilateral diaphragmatic flattening. ANLH can deteriorate into hemodynamic instability, and respiratory impairment can result from compression of the allograft, which can precipitate atelectasis, hypoxemia, and hypercapnia, necessitating specific ventilatory intervention or volume reduction surgery. Currently, there is consensus for a therapeutic role of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) in acute respiratory failure after lung transplantation as a well-tolerated measure to avoid re-intubation. This manuscript presents a concise review on the diagnosis and treatment of ANLH following unilateral lung transplant, along with a management algorithm created by the authors.

Prognostic value of APACHE II score in postoperative of cardiac surgery. / Valor pronóstico del sistema de calificación APACHE II en el postoperatorio de cirugía cardíaca

Antecedentes y objetivos: El sistema de calificación APACHE II permite predecir la mortalidad intrahospitalaria en terapia intensiva. Sin embargo, no está validado para cirugía cardíaca, ya que no posee buena capacidad diferenciadora. El objetivo es determinar el valor pronóstico de APACHE II en el postoperatorio de procedimientos cardíacos. Materiales y métodos: Se analizó en forma retrospectiva la base de cirugía cardíaca. Se incluyó a pacientes intervenidos entre 2017 y 2018, de los cuales se calculó la puntuación APACHE II. Se utilizó curva ROC para determinar el mejor valor de corte. El punto final primario fue mortalidad intrahospitalaria. Como puntos finales secundarios se evaluó la incidencia de bajo gasto cardíaco (BGC), accidente cerebrovascular (ACV), sangrado quirúrgico y necesidad de diálisis. Se realizó un modelo de regresión logístico multivariado para ajustar a las variables de interés. Resultados: Se analizó a 559 pacientes. La media del sistema de calificación APACHE II fue de 9.9 (DE 4). La prevalencia de mortalidad intrahospitalaria global fue de 6.1%. El mejor valor de corte de la calificación para predecir mortalidad fue de 12, con un área bajo la curva ROC de 0.92. Los pacientes con APACHE II ≥ 12 tuvieron significativamente mayor mortalidad, incidencia de BGC, ACV, sangrado quirúrgico y necesidad de diálisis. En un modelo multivariado, el sistema APACHE II se relacionó de modo independiente con mayor tasa de mortalidad intrahospitalaria (OR, 1.14; IC95%, 1.08-1.21; p < 0.0001). Conclusiones: El sistema de clasificación APACHE II demostró ser un predictor independiente de mortalidad intrahospitalaria en pacientes que cursan el postoperatorio de cirugía cardíaca. Background and objectives: The APACHE II score allows predicting in-hospital mortality in patients admitted to intensive care units. However, it is not validated for patients undergoing cardiac surgery, since it does not have a good discriminatory capacity in this clinical scenario. The aim of this study is to determine prognostic value of APACHE II score in postoperative of cardiac surgery. Materials and methods: The study was performed using the cardiac surgery database. Patients undergoing surgery between 2017 and 2018, with APACHE II score calculated at the admission, were included. The ROC curve was used to determine a cut-off value The primary endpoint was in-hospital death. Secondary endpoints included low cardiac output (LCO), stroke, surgical bleeding, and dialysis requirement. A multivariable logistic regression model was developed to adjust to various variables of interest. Results: The study evaluated 559 patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The mean of APACHE II Score was 9.9 (SD 4). The prevalence of in-hospital death was 6.1%. The best prognostic cut-off value for the primary endpoint was 12, with a ROC curve of 0.92. Patients with an APACHE II score greater than or equal to 12 had significantly higher mortality, higher incidence of LCO, stroke, surgical bleeding and dialysis requirement. In a multivariate logistic regression model, the APACHE II score was independently associated with higher in-hospital death (OR, 1.14; 95CI%, 1.08-1.21; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The APACHE II Score proved to be an independent predictor of in-hospital death in patients undergoing postoperative cardiac surgery, with a high capacity for discrimination.

Valor pronóstico del sistema de calificación APACHE II en el postoperatorio de cirugía cardíaca / Prognostic value of APACHE II score in postoperative of cardiac surgery

Resumen Antecedentes y objetivos: El sistema de calificación APACHE II permite predecir la mortalidad intrahospitalaria en terapia intensiva. Sin embargo, no está validado para cirugía cardíaca, ya que no posee buena capacidad diferenciadora. El objetivo es determinar el valor pronóstico de APACHE II en el postoperatorio de procedimientos cardíacos. Materiales y métodos: Se analizó en forma retrospectiva la base de cirugía cardíaca. Se incluyó a pacientes intervenidos entre 2017 y 2018, de los cuales se calculó la puntuación APACHE II. Se utilizó curva ROC para determinar el mejor valor de corte. El punto final primario fue mortalidad intrahospitalaria. Como puntos finales secundarios se evaluó la incidencia de bajo gasto cardíaco (BGC), accidente cerebrovascular (ACV), sangrado quirúrgico y necesidad de diálisis. Se realizó un modelo de regresión logístico multivariado para ajustar a las variables de interés. Resultados: Se analizó a 559 pacientes. La media del sistema de calificación APACHE II fue de 9.9 (DE 4). La prevalencia de mortalidad intrahospitalaria global fue de 6.1%. El mejor valor de corte de la calificación para predecir mortalidad fue de 12, con un área bajo la curva ROC de 0.92. Los pacientes con APACHE II ≥ 12 tuvieron significativamente mayor mortalidad, incidencia de BGC, ACV, sangrado quirúrgico y necesidad de diálisis. En un modelo multivariado, el sistema APACHE II se relacionó de modo independiente con mayor tasa de mortalidad intrahospitalaria (OR, 1.14; IC95%, 1.08-1.21; p < 0.0001). Conclusiones: El sistema de clasificación APACHE II demostró ser un predictor independiente de mortalidad intrahospitalaria en pacientes que cursan el postoperatorio de cirugía cardíaca.

Abstract Background and objectives: The APACHE II score allows predicting in-hospital mortality in patients admitted to intensive care units. However, it is not validated for patients undergoing cardiac surgery, since it does not have a good discriminatory capacity in this clinical scenario. The aim of this study is to determine prognostic value of APACHE II score in postoperative of cardiac surgery. Materials and methods: The study was performed using the cardiac surgery database. Patients undergoing surgery between 2017 and 2018, with APACHE II score calculated at the admission, were included. The ROC curve was used to determine a cut-off value The primary endpoint was in-hospital death. Secondary endpoints included low cardiac output (LCO), stroke, surgical bleeding, and dialysis requirement. A multivariable logistic regression model was developed to adjust to various variables of interest. Results: The study evaluated 559 patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The mean of APACHE II Score was 9.9 (SD 4). The prevalence of in-hospital death was 6.1%. The best prognostic cut-off value for the primary endpoint was 12, with a ROC curve of 0.92. Patients with an APACHE II score greater than or equal to 12 had significantly higher mortality, higher incidence of LCO, stroke, surgical bleeding and dialysis requirement. In a multivariate logistic regression model, the APACHE II score was independently associated with higher in-hospital death (OR, 1.14; 95CI%, 1.08-1.21; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The APACHE II Score proved to be an independent predictor of in-hospital death in patients undergoing postoperative cardiac surgery, with a high capacity for discrimination.

Development and Validation of A Simple Clinical Risk Prediction Model for New-Onset Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery: Nopaf Score.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAFib) occurs in 20 to 40% of patients following cardiac surgery, and is associated with an increased perioperative morbidity and mortality. We aimed to develop and validate a simple clinical risk model for the prediction of POAFib after cardiac surgery. METHODS: An analytical single center retrospective cohort study was conducted, including consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery between 2004 and 2017 with POAFib. To create the predictive risk score, a logistic regression model was performed using a random sample of 75% of the population. Coefficients of the model were then converted to a numerical risk score, and three groups were defined: low risk (≤1 point), intermediate risk (2-5 points) and high risk (≥6 points). The score was validated using the remaining 25% of the patients. Discrimination was evaluated through the area under the curve (AUC) ROC, and calibration using the Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL) test, calibration plots, and ratio of expected and observed events (E/O). RESULTS: Six thousand five hundred nine patients underwent cardiac surgery: 52% coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), 20% valve surgery, 14% combined (CABG and valve surgery) and 12% other. New-onset AF occurred in 1222 patients (18.77%). In the multivariate analysis, age, use of cardiopulmonary bypass pump, severe reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), chronic renal disease and heart failure were independent risk factors for POAFib, while the use of statins was a protective factor. The NOPAF score was calculated by adding points for each independent risk predictor. In the derivation cohort, the AUC was 0.71 (CI95% 0.69-0.72), and in the validation cohort the model also showed good discrimination (AUC 0.67 IC 0.64-0.70) and excellent calibration (HL P = 0.24). The E/O ratio was 1 (CI 95%: 0.89-1.12). According to the risk category, POAFib occurred in 5% of low; 11% of intermediate and 27.7% of high risk patients in the derivation cohort (P <0.001), and 5.7%; 12.6%; and 23.6% in the validation cohort respectively (P <0.001). CONCLUSION: From a large hospitalized population, we developed and validated a simple risk score named NOPAF, based on clinical variables that accurately stratifies the risk of POAFib. This score may help to identify high-risk patients prior to cardiac surgery, in order to strengthen postoperative atrial fibrillation prophylaxis.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation is associated with higher scores on predictive indices.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the performance of the CHADS VASc, POAF, and HATCH scoring systems to predict new-onset atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery. METHODS: We conducted a single-center cohort study, performing a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. The study included consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery between January 2010 and December 2016. The primary outcome was the development of new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation during hospitalization. RESULTS: A total of 3113 patients underwent cardiac surgery during the study period: coronary artery bypass graft surgery (45%), valve replacement (24%), combined procedure (revascularization-valve surgery) (15%), and other procedures (16%). Twenty-one percent (n = 654) presented postoperative atrial fibrillation. Median scores in patients with postoperative atrial fibrillation were significantly higher (P < .001). The CHAD2DS2-VASc score demonstrated greater discriminative ability to predict the event (C-statistic, 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-0.79) versus the POAF score and the HATCH score (C-statistic, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.69-0.73 and C-statistic, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.67-0.72, respectively). All 3 scores presented good calibration according to the Hosmer-Lemeshow test univariate and multivariable analysis demonstrated that the 3 scores were independent predictors of postoperative atrial fibrillation: CHA2DS2-VASc score odds ratio 1.87 (95% CI, 1.64-2.13), POAF score odds ratio 1.18 (95% CI, 1.01-1.36), and HATCH score odds ratio 1.62 (95% CI, 1.37-1.92). CONCLUSIONS: The POAF, CHA2DS2-VASc, and HATCH scoring systems showed good discrimination and calibration to predict postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Among them, the CHA2DS2-Vasc score presented the best discriminative ability for postoperative atrial fibrillation and has the advantage of being easy to calculate.

Proyecto de mejora de calidad para reducir errores de prescripción en pacientes internados por patologías cardiovasculares / Quality Improvement Project to Reduce Prescription Errors in Patients Hospitalized due to Cardiovascular Diseases

Introducción: Los errores de prescripción son un problema frecuente que amenaza la seguridad de los pacientes internados, especialmente en áreas de cuidados críticos. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de un proyecto de mejora de la calidad para reducir errores de prescripción en pacientes internados por patologías de origen cardiovascular. Material y métodos: Se implementó un proyecto de mejora de la calidad destinado a reducir errores de prescripción intrahos-pitalaria. Los tres componentes principales del proyecto fueron: supervisión obligatoria de las indicaciones, utilización de un software que ordena las indicaciones por sistemas biológicos e implementación de una norma de formato universal de prescripción de medicamentos, que incluyó un diccionario de abreviaturas y de diluciones normalizadas. Con anterioridad a la implementación de estos cambios se midió la cantidad de errores de prescripción semanales, estratificados por área de internación. Se analizó el impacto del proyecto dividiendo las muestras en cuatro períodos consecutivos de 9 semanas cada uno (un período preintervención y tres posintervención) y se comparó luego la cantidad de errores detectados en cada uno de ellos. En cada período se evaluaron de manera aleatoria las indicaciones de 180 pacientes. Resultados: Se analizaron en total 720 prescripciones. La implementación del proyecto de mejora logró reducir la cantidad de errores de manera rápida y sostenida en el tiempo (mediana preintervención de 85, RIC 70-95 y mediana final de 26, RIC 21-37; p = 0,0004). Conclusión: El proyecto de mejora de la calidad implementado permitió reducir significativamente la cantidad de errores de prescripción en pacientes internados por patologías cardiovasculares.

Lung Transplantation and the Routine Use of Cardiopulmonary Bypass and Median Sternotomy: Experience at the Ochsner Multi-Organ Transplant Institute.

BACKGROUND: From 1990-2005 at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, LA, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was used only when necessary during lung transplantation surgeries. Ochsner's lung transplant program was closed for more than 4 years after Hurricane Katrina, and since the program's reestablishment in 2010, the majority of lung transplantation surgeries have been performed with the patient on CPB and with a median sternotomy incision. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of the CPB and non-CPB groups. METHODS: After institutional review board approval, we conducted a retrospective review of the entire program using the Ochsner lung transplant database to identify patients in the non-CPB group from 1990-2005 and in the CPB group from 2010-2014. We calculated 1- and 3-year survival rates for each patient and reviewed medical records for evidence of stroke, the need for operative reexploration, and venous stenosis. We also performed a subgroup analysis of the first 20 consecutive patients undergoing lung transplantation on CPB with median sternotomy from February 2010 through April 2011 to examine intraoperative blood product use, the quantity of blood products administered, CPB cannulation and pump complications, ischemic time, and primary graft dysfunction. RESULTS: Of the 208 patients in the non-CPB group, 74% had 1-year graft survival and 55% had 3-year survival following transplantation. After February 2010, 79 patients underwent lung transplantation on CPB with median sternotomy, and 90% of those patients had 1-year graft survival. Of the 46 patients available for 3-year follow-up, 59% were alive with functional grafts. The difference in 1-year survival rates between the 2 cohorts was statistically significant. Two deaths, 3 strokes, and 5 reexplorations of the chest for bleeding occurred during the perioperative time period in the CPB group, but no mortality was associated with these perioperative events. One patient who had perioperative complications died within the first year; the death was attributable to gastric perforation. CONCLUSION: Patients' early outcomes appear to have improved with the use of CPB and median sternotomy; however, 3-year survival is similar to the non-CPB group. Technical benefits of CPB with median sternotomy include decreased warm ischemia time during graft implantation, controlled hemodynamics and reperfusion, avoidance of single-lung ventilation of a freshly implanted graft, and the option to open the left atrium for implantation of a venous cuff without using a clamp. The surgical exposure facilitated by CPB with median sternotomy for lung transplantation appears to be a safe and feasible approach for lung transplantations.

Vernakalant en la reversión de la fibrilación auricular de reciente comienzo / Vernakalant for the conversion of atrial fibrillation of recent onset

La fibrilación auricular (FA) es la arritmia sostenida más frecuente. La cardioversión es uno de los tratamientos de primera elección para la finalización de la FA de reciente comienzo, especialmente la farmacológica, ya que tiene la ventaja de no utilizar sedación. El vernakalant es un antiarrítmico que actúa selectivamente sobre la aurícula, inhibiendo las corrientes de potasio, con mínimo bloqueo de la corriente ventricular IKr. Este antiarrítmico ha sido aprobado recientemente por la Unión Europea para la cardioversión farmacológica de la FA de reciente comienzo. El objetivo de esta revisión es analizar las características farmacocinéticas y farmacodinámicas del vernakalant, y demostrar la seguridad y eficacia del mismo para la conversión de la FA a ritmo sinusal.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia. Cardioversion is considered one of the best treatments for recent onset AF, especially with drugs for avoiding sedation. Vernakalant is a novel antiarrhythmic that acts selectively in the atrium, and inhibits potassium currents, with minor blockade of IKr currents in the ventricle. It has been recently approved for pharmacological cardioversion of recent-onset AF in the European Union. The aim of this review is to analyze the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic of vernakalant, and to show the efficacy and safety of this drug for the conversion of AF to sinus rhythm.

Nocardia-induced granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor is neutralized by autoantibodies in disseminated/extrapulmonary nocardiosis.

BACKGROUND: Nocardia species cause infections in both immunocompromised and otherwise immunocompetent patients, although the mechanisms defining susceptibility in the latter group are elusive. Anticytokine autoantibodies are an emerging cause of pathogen-specific susceptibility in previously healthy human immunodeficiency virus-uninfected adults, including anti-granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) autoantibodies with cryptococcal meningitis. METHODS: Plasma from patients with disseminated/extrapulmonary nocardiosis and healthy controls was screened for anticytokine autoantibodies using a particle-based approach. Autoantibody function was assessed by intranuclear staining for GM-CSF-induced STAT5 phosphorylation in normal cells incubated with either patient or normal plasma. GM-CSF-mediated cellular activation by Nocardia was assessed by staining for intracellular cytokine production and intranuclear STAT5 phosphorylation. RESULTS: We identified neutralizing anti-GM-CSF autoantibodies in 5 of 7 patients studied with central nervous system nocardiosis and in no healthy controls (n = 14). GM-CSF production was induced by Nocardia in vitro, suggesting a causative role for anti-GM-CSF autoantibodies in Nocardia susceptibility and dissemination. CONCLUSIONS: In previously healthy adults with otherwise unexplained disseminated/extrapulmonary Nocardia infections, anti-GM-CSF autoantibodies should be considered. Their presence may suggest that these patients may be at risk for later development of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis or other opportunistic infections, and that patients may benefit from therapeutic GM-CSF administration.