Peripheral perfusion index stratifies risk in patients with intraoperative anemia: A multicentre cohort study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Evidence for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion thresholds in the intraoperative setting is limited, and current perioperative recommendations may not correspond with individual intraoperative physiological demands. Hemodynamics relevant for the decision to transfuse may include peripheral perfusion index (PPI). The objective of this prospective study was to assess the associations of PPI and hemoglobin levels with the risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality. DESIGN: Multicenter cohort study. SETTING: Bispebjerg and Hvidovre University Hospitals, Copenhagen, Denmark. PATIENTS: We included 741 patients who underwent acute high risk abdominal surgery or hip fracture surgery. INTERVENTIONS: No interventions were carried out. MEASUREMENTS: Principal values collected included measurements of peripheral perfusion index and hemoglobin values. METHODS: The study was conducted using prospectively obtained data on adults who underwent emergency high-risk surgery. Subjects were categorized into high vs. low subgroups stratified by pre-defined PPI levels (PPI: > 1.5 vs. < 1.5) and Hb levels (Hb: > 9.7 g/dL vs. < 9.7 g/dL). The study assessed mortality and severe postoperative complications within 90 days. MAIN RESULTS: We included 741 patients. 90-day mortality was 21% (n = 154), frequency of severe postoperative complications was 31% (n = 231). Patients with both low PPI and low Hb had the highest adjusted odds ratio for both 90-day severe postoperative complications (2.95, [1.62-5.45]) and 90-day mortality (3.13, [1.45-7.11]). A comparison of patients with low PPI and low Hb to those with high PPI and low Hb detected significantly higher 90-day mortality risk in the low PPI and low Hb group (OR 8.6, [1.57-162.10]). CONCLUSION: High PPI in acute surgical patients who also presents with anemia was associated with a significantly better outcome when compared with patients with both low PPI and anemia. PPI should therefore be further investigated as a potential parameter to guide intraoperative RBC transfusion therapy.

Oxidative Stress in Patients before and after On-Pump and Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Relationship with Syntax Score.

OBJECTIVE: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) represents the significant source of increased oxidative stress (OS). We aimed to follow the OS status parameters (i.e., ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide anion, prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and superoxide-dismutase (SOD)) change through the predefined study times in two different surgical procedures, i.e., cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). Additionally, we aimed to investigate those OS status parameters in specific study times according to SYNTAX score (SS), an established angiographic score for evaluating the extensity and severity of coronary artery disease. Patients and Methods. A total of 107 patients that were planned to undergo CABG were included (i.e., 47 patients in OPCAB and 60 patients in CPB group). Blood samples were taken at 6 time intervals: before surgery (t1), immediately after intervention (t2), 6 h (t3), 24 h (t4), 48 h (t5), and 96 h after termination of the operation (t6). RESULTS: IMA levels were higher in CPB than that in OPCAB baseline and rose in CPB group in t2 point. TOS decreased in both study groups, compared to baseline values, but without statistical significance. Superoxide anion and PAB significantly increased in t3-t6 study times, in both groups. MDA significantly increased only in CPB group in t5 and t6 interval. MDA was significantly higher in CPB group compared to OPCAB in t6 study point. CPB patients had significantly lower TAS compared to OPCAB patients at the beginning and in t2 and t3 study points. They also had significantly lower SOD activities compared to OPCAB, baseline, and in several study points. Moreover, TAS, SOD, and TAS/TOS ratio were significantly lower, whereas PAB and TOS/TAS were significantly higher in patients with high SS compared to corresponding groups. SOD activity, IMA, and TAS level were the best predictors of high SS. CONCLUSION: CPB patients were in more severe ischemia baseline than OPCAB group and IMA rose in CPB patients immediately after the surgery end, but not later. Also, the antioxidant status was significantly lower, whereas the prooxidant status was significantly higher in patients with high SS compared to corresponding groups. SOD activity, IMA, and TAS level were the best predictors of CAD (as determined with SS), showing that SOD and IMA had very good discriminatory capability towards higher SS status.

Circulating adrenomedullin and B-type natriuretic peptide do not predict blood pressure fluctuations during pheochromocytoma resection: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Despite adequate presurgical management, blood pressure fluctuations are common during resection of pheochromocytoma or sympathetic paraganglioma (PPGL). To a large extent, the variability in blood pressure control during PPGL resection remains unexplained. Adrenomedullin and B-type natriuretic peptide, measured as MR-proADM and NT-proBNP, respectively, are circulating biomarkers of cardiovascular dysfunction. We investigated whether plasma levels of MR-proADM and NT-proBNP are associated with blood pressure fluctuations during PPGL resection. METHODS: Study subjects participated in PRESCRIPT, a randomized controlled trial in patients undergoing PPGL resection. MR-proADM and NT-proBNP were determined in a single plasma sample drawn before surgery. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were used to explore associations between these biomarkers and blood pressure fluctuations, use of vasoconstrictive agents during surgery as well as the occurrence of perioperative cardiovascular events. RESULTS: A total of 126 PPGL patients were included. Median plasma concentrations of MR-proADM and NT-proBNP were 0.51 (0.41-0.63) nmol/L and 68.7 (27.9-150.4) ng/L, respectively. Neither MR-proADM nor NT-proBNP were associated with blood pressure fluctuations. There was a positive correlation between MR-proADM concentration and the cumulative dose of vasoconstrictive agents (03B2 0.44, P =0.001). Both MR-proADM and NT-proBNP were significantly associated with perioperative cardiovascular events (OR: 5.46, P =0.013 and OR: 1.54, P =0.017, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: plasma MR-proADM or NT-proBNP should not be considered as biomarkers for the presurgical risk assessment of blood pressure fluctuations during PPGL resection. Future studies are needed to explore the potential influence of these biomarkers on the intraoperative requirement of vasoconstrictive agents and the perioperative cardiovascular risk.

The association between intraoperative hyperglycemia and cerebrovascular markers.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hyperglycemia can lead to an increased rate of apoptosis of microglial cells and to damaged neurons. The relation between hyperglycemia and cerebrovascular markers on MRI is unknown. Our aim was to study the association between intraoperative hyperglycemia and cerebrovascular markers. METHODS: In this further analysis of a subgroup investigation of the BIOCOG study, 65 older non-demented patients (median 72 years) were studied who underwent elective surgery of ≥ 60 minutes. Intraoperative blood glucose maximum was determined retrospectively in each patient. In these patients, preoperatively and at 3 months follow-up a MRI scan was performed and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume and shape, infarcts, and perfusion parameters were determined. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine associations between preoperative cerebrovascular markers and occurrence of intraoperative hyperglycemia. Linear regression analyses were performed to assess the relation between intraoperative hyperglycemia and pre- to postoperative changes in WMH volume. Associations between intraoperative hyperglycemia and postoperative WMH volume at 3 months follow-up were also assessed by linear regression analyses. RESULTS: Eighteen patients showed intraoperative hyperglycemia (glucose maximum ≥ 150 mg/dL). A preoperative more smooth shape of periventricular and confluent WMH was related to the occurrence of intraoperative hyperglycemia [convexity: OR 33.318 (95 % CI (1.002 - 1107.950); p = 0.050]. Other preoperative cerebrovascular markers were not related to the occurrence of intraoperative hyperglycemia. Intraoperative hyperglycemia showed no relation with pre- to postoperative changes in WMH volume nor with postoperative WMH volume at 3 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We found that a preoperative more smooth shape of periventricular and confluent WMH was related to the occurrence of intraoperative hyperglycemia. These findings may suggest that a similar underlying mechanism leads to a certain pattern of vascular brain abnormalities and an increased risk of hyperglycemia.

A simple procedure in a complex patient: perioperative takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is a rare but life-threatening condition that is still not completely understood. Characterised by rapidly reversible ventricular dysfunction without any prior coronary artery disease, it can imitate a myocardial infarction and lead to death if not managed appropriately. This report examines a case of intraoperative cardiac arrest in a patient with no previous cardiac disease, and discusses the factors that may have precipitated this event, as well as the ways of distinguishing the cause of the arrest based on clinical course and investigations, eventually leading to a diagnosis of TTC.

Hypothermic circulatory arrest induced coagulopathy: rotational thromboelastometry analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) has been considered to cause coagulopathy during cardiac surgery. However, coagulopathy associated with HCA has not been understood clearly in details. The objective of this study is to analyze the details of coagulopathy related to HCA in cardiac surgery by using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 38 patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery (HCA group = 12, non-HCA group = 26) in our hospital. Blood samples were collected before and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Standard laboratory tests (SLTs) and ROTEM were performed. We performed four ROTEM assays (EXTEM, INTEM, HEPTEM and FIBTEM) and analyzed the following ROTEM parameters: clotting time (CT), clot formation time (CFT), maximum clot firmness (MCF) and maximum clot elasticity (MCE). The amount of perioperative bleeding, intraoperative transfusion and perioperative data were compared between the HCA and non-HCA group. RESULTS: Operation time and hemostatic time were significantly longer in the HCA group, whereas CPB time had no difference between the groups. The amount of perioperative bleeding and intraoperative transfusion were much higher in the HCA group. SLTs showed no difference between the groups both after anesthesia induction and after protamine reversal. In ROTEM analysis, MCE contributed by platelet was reduced in the HCA group, whereas MCE contributed by fibrinogen had no difference. CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed that the amount of perioperative bleeding and intraoperative transfusion were significantly higher in the HCA group. ROTEM analysis would indicate that clot firmness contributed by platelet component is reduced by HCA in cardiac surgery.

Remifentanil and perioperative glycaemic response in cardiac surgery: an open-label randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated whether remifentanil infusion decreased intraoperative hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance compared with intermittent fentanyl administration in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. METHODS: This was a randomised, prospective, open-label trial. Patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery (n=116) were randomised to receive either continuous intravenous remifentanil infusion or intermittent fentanyl boluses. Hourly blood glucose values were obtained for 24 h starting from induction of anaesthesia. The difference in percentage of patients with ≥2 intraoperative blood glucose concentrations >10 mM (180 mg dl-1) between the groups was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures included insulin requirements, select stress hormone and inflammatory cytokine concentrations, and safety events and adverse outcomes. RESULTS: The trial included 106 subjects in the final intention-to-treat analysis. There were fewer patients with ≥2 intraoperative blood glucose values >10 mM (180 mg dl-1) in the remifentanil group (17 [31.5%]) compared with the fentanyl group (33 [63.5%]) (relative risk: 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.32-0.77; P=0.001). The administered intraoperative insulin was a median of 8.1 units (range: 0-46.7) in the fentanyl group and 2.9 units (range: 0-35.1) in the remifentanil group (median difference=5 units; 95% CI: 1-7; P=0.004). Cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone were increased less in the remifentanil group (P<0.001), but there was no relative decrease in this group in select inflammatory cytokines. Postoperative measures of glycaemic control and adverse clinical outcomes were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with patients treated with intermittent fentanyl, patients receiving continuous remifentanil infusion had fewer episodes of hyperglycaemia and less need for insulin administration during the intraoperative period of cardiac surgery. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02349152.

Development of a severe mesenteric traction syndrome during major abdominal surgery is associated with increased postoperative morbidity: Secondary data analysis on prospective cohorts.

PURPOSE: MTS is elicited during open abdominal surgery and is characterized by facial flushing, hypotension, and tachycardia in response to the release of prostacyclin (PGI2) to plasma. MTS seems to affect postoperative morbidity, but data from larger cohorts are lacking. We aimed to determine the impact of severe mesenteric traction syndrome (MTS) on postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing open upper gastrointestinal surgery. METHODS: The study was a secondary analysis of data from three cohorts (n = 137). The patients were graded for severity of MTS intraoperatively, and hemodynamic variables and blood samples for plasma 6-keto-PGF1α, a stable metabolite of PGI2, were obtained at defined time points. Postoperative morbidity was evaluated by the comprehensive complication index (CCI) and the Dindo-Clavien classification (DC). RESULTS: Patients undergoing either esophagectomy (n = 70), gastrectomy (n = 22), liver- (n = 23), or pancreatic resection (n = 22) were included. Severe MTS was significantly associated with increased postoperative morbidity, i.e., CCI ≥ 26.2 (OR 3.06 [95% CI 1.1-6.6]; p = 0.03) and risk of severe complications, i.e., DC ≥3b (OR 3.1 [95% CI 1.2-8.2]; p = 0.023). Furthermore, patients with severe MTS had increased length of stay (OR 10.1 [95% CI 1.9-54.3]; p = 0.007) and were more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit (OR = 7.3 [95% CI 1.3-41.9]; p = 0.027), but there was no difference in 1-year mortality. CONCLUSION: Occurrence of severe MTS during upper gastrointestinal surgery is associated with increased postoperative morbidity as indicated by an increased rate of severe complications, length of stay, and admission to the ICU. It remains to be determined whether inhibition of MTS enhances postoperative recovery.

Ratios of Plasma and Platelets to Red Blood Cells in Surgical Patients With Acute Intraoperative Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: The relationships between the ratios of transfused allogeneic blood products and clinical outcomes in patients with acute intraoperative hemorrhage are poorly defined. METHODS: To better define these ratios, we undertook a single-center, observational cohort study of all surgical patients (≥18 years) who received rapid transfusion defined by a critical administration threshold of 3 or more units of red blood cells (RBCs) intraoperatively within 1 hour between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015. Multivariable regression analyses were used to assess relationships between ratios of plasma to RBCs and platelets to RBCs at 3, 12, and 24 hours and clinical outcomes. The primary outcome was hospital mortality, with secondary outcomes of intensive care unit and hospital-free days. RESULTS: The study included 2385 patients, of whom 14.9% had a plasma-to-RBC ratio of 1.0+, and 47.6% had a platelet-to-RBC ratio of 1.0+. Higher plasma-to-RBC and platelet-to-RBC ratios were observed for patients who underwent cardiac, transplant, and vascular surgery and in patients with greater derangements in hemostatic laboratory values. Ratios did not differ by patient age or severity of illness. Higher ratios were not associated with improved clinical outcomes. Mortality differed by platelet-to-RBC but not plasma-to-RBC ratio, with the highest mortality observed with a platelet-to-RBC ratio of 0.1-0.9 at 24 hours (odds ratio, 3.34 [1.62-6.88]) versus no platelets (P= .001). Higher plasma-to-RBC ratios were associated with decreased hospital-free days, although differences in clinical outcomes were not significant after exclusion of patients receiving only RBCs without component therapies. CONCLUSIONS: Transfusion ratios in surgical patients with critical intraoperative hemorrhage were largely related to surgical and hemostatic features rather than baseline patient characteristics. Higher ratios were not associated with improved outcomes.

Myocardial Injury After Noncardiac Surgery: Preoperative, Intraoperative, and Postoperative Aspects, Implications, and Directions.

Myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) differs from myocardial infarction in being defined by troponin elevation apparently from cardiac ischemia with or without signs and symptoms. Such myocardial injury is common, silent, and strongly associated with mortality. MINS is usually asymptomatic and only detected by routine troponin monitoring. There is currently no known safe and effective prophylaxis for perioperative myocardial injury. However, appropriate preoperative screening may help guide proactive postoperative preventative actions. Intraoperative hypotension is associated with myocardial injury, acute kidney injury, and death. Hypotension is common and largely undetected in the postoperative general care floor setting, and independently associated with myocardial injury and mortality. Critical care patients are especially sensitive to hypotension, and the risk appears to be present at blood pressures previously regarded as normal. Tachycardia appears to be less important. Available information suggests that clinicians would be prudent to avoid perioperative hypotension.

Impact of intraoperative blood pressure, blood pressure fluctuation, and pulse pressure on postoperative delirium in elderly patients with hip fracture: A prospective cohort study.

AIM: Postoperative delirium (PD) is a frequent complication of hip fracture surgery, but its pathophysiology remains poorly understood. We investigated the impact of a single episode of intraoperative hyper/hypotension, blood pressure (BP) fluctuation (ΔMAP), and pulse pressure (PP) on hyper/hypoactive PD in elderly patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture. We also assessed the effect of PD on clinical outcomes. METHODS: This was a prospective 1-year follow-up study of patients over 60 years of age with a primary diagnosis of acute low-energy hip fracture. Perioperative delirium was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM); the development of PD and the type, hyperactive or hypoactive PD, were recorded. Cognitive assessment was evaluated using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ). The lowest and highest BP values were extracted from the patients' anaesthesia charts. Postoperative complications, reinterventions and 1-month mortality were recorded. RESULTS: PD occurred in 148 (53%) patients during the first postoperative week, with 75% of the cases diagnosed as hypoactive PD. Patients developing PD of any type were older, had a lower body mass index, higher SPMSQ and Charlson scores, more severe systemic diseases, a lower lowest intraoperative BP, a higher ΔMAP, a lower PP, and a higher postoperative pain score. They also took more drugs and received more blood transfusion intraoperatively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that a higher MAP min had a protective effect on the occurrence of any type of PD, as well as hypoactive and hyperactive. PD had negative effect on outcomes. CONCLUSION: Our results provide evidence of an association between maximal hypotension, the lowest intraoperative mean blood pressure (MAP), ΔMAP, PP, and PD. A progressive decrease in MAP during surgery was associated with the increased odds of developing either type of PD.

Perioperative diabetic ketoacidosis associated with sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) with near-normal blood glucose concentrations, termed euglycaemic ketoacidosis (EDKA), is an adverse effect associated with sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). Guidelines are still evolving concerning the perioperative management of patients on SGLT2i. We performed a systematic review of published reports of DKA from SGLT2i in the surgical setting to understand better the clinical presentation and characteristics of SGLT2i-associated DKA. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, and ProQuest for reports of perioperative DKA involving SGLT2i up to January 2019. RESULTS: Forty-two reports of EDKA and five cases of hyperglycaemic diabetic ketoacidosis (HDKA) were identified from 33 publications. Canagliflozin was implicated in 26 cases. Presentation time varied from a few hours up to 6 weeks after operation. Precipitating factors may include diabetes medication changes, diet modifications, and intercurrent illnesses. There were 13 cases (12 EDKA and one HDKA) of bariatric surgery, 10 of them noted very-low-calorie diet regimes as a precipitating factor. No precise association between interruption of SGLT2i and the occurrence of DKA could be identified. Seven patients required mechanical ventilation, and acute kidney injury was noted in five. Five cases needed imaging to rule out anastomotic leak and pulmonary embolism, all of them revealed negative findings. Outcome data were available in 32 cases, all of them recovered completely. CONCLUSIONS: EDKA is likely to be under-recognised because of its atypical presentation and may delay the diagnosis. Understanding this clinical entity, vigilance towards monitoring plasma/capillary ketones helps in early identification and assists in the management.

Adrenomedullin Is Associated With Surgical Trauma and Impaired Renal Function in Vascular Surgery Patients.

BACKGROUND:: Patients undergoing vascular surgery are prone to perioperative organ injury because of both higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and the extent of surgery. Early detection of organ failure is essential to facilitate appropriate medical care. Midregional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) has been investigated in acute medical care settings to guide clinical decision-making regarding patient pathways and to identify patients prone to imminent cardiovascular or inflammatory complications. In this study, we evaluated the impact of perioperative MR-proADM levels as an early marker of perioperative cardiovascular and inflammatory stress reactions and kidney injury. METHODS:: The study was conducted as a monocentric, prospective, noninterventional trial at Hannover Medical School, Germany. A total of 454 consecutive patients who underwent open vascular surgery were followed from the day prior to until 30 days after surgery. The composite primary end point was defined as the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), acute kidney injury (AKI), or systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Measurements were correlated with both medical history and postoperative MACE, AKI, or SIRS using univariate and multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS:: One hundred thirty-nine (31%) of the patients reached the primary end point within the study interval. Midregional pro-adrenomedullin change was associated with the combined primary end point and with the intensity of surgical trauma. Midregional pro-adrenomedullin change was increased in patients reaching the secondary end points, SIRS (optimal cutoff: 0.2 nmol/L) and AKI (optimal cutoff: 0.7 nmol/L), but not in patients with MACEs. CONCLUSION:: Increased levels of MR-proADM within the perioperative setting (1) were linked to the invasiveness of surgery and (2) identified patients with ongoing loss of renal function. Increased MR-proADM levels may therefore identify a subgroup of patients prone to excessive cardiovascular stress but did not directly correlate with adverse cardiac events. Consistently low levels of MR-proADM may identify a subgroup of patients with acceptable low risk to guide discharge from high-density care units.

Next generation viscoelasticity assays in cardiothoracic surgery: Feasibility of the TEG6s system.

BACKGROUND: Viscoelastic near-patient assays of global hemostasis have been found useful and cost-effective in perioperative settings. Shortcomings of current systems include substantial laboratory intensity, user-dependent reproducibility, relatively large sample volumes, sensitivity to ambient vibration and limited comparability between techniques and devices. The aim of this study was to assess feasibility of a new, resonance-based viscoelastic whole blood methodology (TEG6s) in cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and to compare the parameters this system produces with the ROTEM delta system and standard coagulation tests. METHODS: In a prospective evaluation study, twenty-three consecutive cardiac surgery patients underwent hemostasis management according to current guidelines, using the ROTEM delta system and standard coagulation tests. Blood samples were collected prior to CPB before anesthetic induction (pre-CPB), during CPB on rewarming (CPB), and 10 minutes after heparin reversal with protamine (post-CPB). ROTEM and standard coagulation test results were compared with TEG6s parameters, which were concurrently determined using its multi-channel microfluidic cartridge system. RESULTS: TEG6s provided quantifiable results pre-CPB and post-CPB, but only R (clotting time) of CKH (kaolin with heparinase) was measurable during CPB (full heparinization). Spearman's correlation coefficient (rs) was 0.78 for fibrinogen levels and MA CFF (functional fibrinogen). Correlation of several TEG6s parameters was good (0.77 to 0.91) with MCF FIBTEM, and poor (<0.56) with prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time (<0.44). Rs with platelet count was moderate (0.70, MA CK; 0.73, MA CRT). Accuracy of MA CFF for detection of fibrinogen deficiency < 1.5 g/L was high (ROC-AUC 0.93). CONCLUSIONS: The TEG6s system, which is based on resonance viscoelastic methodology, appears to be feasible for POC hemostasis assessment in cardiac surgery. Its correlations with standard coagulation parameters are quite similar to those of ROTEM and there is good diagnostic accuracy for fibrinogen levels lower than 1.5 g/L. During full heparinization, TEG6s testing is limited to R measurement. Larger studies are needed to assess superiority over other POC systems.

Implications of deranged activated partial thromboplastin time for anaesthesia and surgery.

Bleeding during and after surgery ranges from trivial to fatal. Bleeding is in part determined by the patient's coagulation status. The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends a pre-operative clotting test for patients with a history of abnormal bleeding. Anaesthetists are familiar with the prothrombin time assay, used to monitor warfarin effect, but anaesthetists may be less familiar with the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), which tests the function of the 'intrinsic' clotting pathway. The activated partial thromboplastin time may be prolonged due to contamination, anticoagulant therapy, clotting factor deficiencies, lupus anticoagulant or acquired inhibitors of specific clotting factors. A prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time should lead to: further testing to exclude heparin contamination or therapy, mixing studies to identify factor deficiencies and if necessary dynamic studies, such as the dilute Russell's viper venom time and the Actin FS-activated partial thromboplastin time, to identify direct factor inhibitors. These tests identify abnormalities and their implications for bleeding, helping anaesthetists and haematologists to manage haemostasis for individual patients.

Correlating Oxygen Delivery During Cardiopulmonary Bypass With the Neurologic Injury Biomarker Ubiquitin C-Terminal Hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1).

OBJECTIVE: The authors sought to assess the relationship between low oxygen delivery (DO2) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and a neuron-specific biomarker of neurologic injury, ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1). DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of patient charts and prospectively collected blood samples. SETTING: University-affiliated tertiary care hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery on CPB. INTERVENTIONS: Serum UCH-L1 levels were drawn at baseline and 6 and 24 hours after CPB cessation. DO2 was computed from perfusion records, with area-under-the-curve (AUC) computations performed to account for distance of DO2 excursions below predefined DO2 thresholds and the amount of time spent below them. Strokes were defined radiographically using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Forty-three adults were included (median age 65 y, interquartile range 59-72). Three patients experienced strokes (imaged at 2, 7, and 8 d postoperatively). Most patients underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (41%, 18 patients) or isolated aortic valve replacement (30%, 13). Median UCH-L1 levels differed from baseline to 6 and 24 hours after CPB (40, 232, and 166 pg/mL, respectively; p < 0.001). On multivariable linear regression analysis controlling for baseline and surgical variables, only DO2 AUC <225 was significantly associated with 6-hour UCH-L1 levels (p = 0.001), whereas only DO2 AUC <300 was significantly associated with 24- hour levels (p < 0.001). The 3 patients who experienced radiographic strokes had nonsignificantly elevated 24-hour UCH-L1 levels compared with control patients (585 v 151 pg/mL, p = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to demonstrate an independent association between DO2 during CPB and elevations of a brain injury biomarker; additional study is needed to clarify the clinical significance of these results.

[The Relevance of Hemolysis in Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine]. / Die Bedeutung der Hämolyse in Anästhesie und Intensivmedizin.

Hemolysis leads to an increase of circulating intravascular cell-free hemoglobin. Increased plasma concentrations of cell-free hemoglobin are relevant in critically ill patients because cell-free hemoglobin causes vasoconstriction by depletion of endothelial nitric oxide, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Furthermore, cell-free hemoglobin contributes to tissue injuries such as renal failure and intestinal mucosa damage after cardiac surgery. High concentrations of cell-free hemoglobin are associated with an increased mortality in patients with sepsis. Currently, it is unclear if hemolysis associated with transfusion of packed red blood cells that have been stored for prolonged periods of time is relevant for the clinical outcome. However, humans possess plasma proteins haptoglobin and hemopexin which bind to plasma hemoglobin and cell-free heme, respectively. The haptoglobin-hemoglobin and hemopexin-heme complexes are then eliminated from the plasma by hepatic or splenic uptake.

The periprocedural myocardial damage prevention during elective percutaneous coronary intervention as a result of pharmacological preconditioning with an oral form of nicorandil in patients with stable coronary artery disease. Pilot study.

AIM: The purpose of the study is to prove the effectiveness of pharmacological preconditioning caused by nicorandil in patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD) during the elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 88 patients with a stable form of CHD, who were going to pass the elective PCI, in the study. As the method of blind randomization envelope method was used. There were formed two groups or patients: the first group involved 45 patients - were treated with nicorandil (Cordinic, PIQ-FHARMA LLC) (the main group) the other group included 43 patients who were treated by the standard therapy (the comparison group). The basic antianginal therapy was allowed to use in both groups: beta-blockers, calcium antagonists, ATE inhibitors / angiotensin II receptor blockers, statins, acetylsalicylic acid, blockers of P2Y12 receptor platelets. The admission of prolonged form of nitrates before the PCI was allowed in the second group. Patients from the 1st group were to take nicorandil 2 days and 1 day before the PCI at the 30 mg/day dose, then 20 mg orally 2 hours just before PCI, and one more time 6 hours after the PCI - 10 mg nicorandil. Highly sensitive troponin (HS-Tp) as a biomarker of irreversible damage to the myocardium was evaluated before PCI and after PCI in 24 hours. Were used highly sensitive troponin (HF-Tr) and creatine phosphokinase-MB as an irreversible myocardial damage biomarkers. The analysis of which was conducted before PCI and 24 hours after the surgery. RESULTS: The obtained data shows the significant differences of an increase in hs-Tp in 24 hours after PCI in patients with no admission of nicorandil (117 ng/l) as compared with the nicorandil group (73 ng/l), p = 0.04. There were significant differences in the 24 hours increment in hs-Tp in the control group, it was higher (112 ng/l) than in the nicorandil group (67 ng/l), p = 0.03. There was also a significant -decrease in CK-MB after 24 hours in the nicorandil group (2.7 ng/L) compared to the control group (2.0 ng/L), p = 0.008. Also the frequency of the troponin increase above the UNL(upper normal level) in the nicorandal group, was significantly (p = 0.03) lower (in 62% of cases compared to 85% of the control group). CONCLUSION: The prevention of the complications during the percutaneous myocardial revascularization should be considered with the position of the most suitable pharmacological support. The appointment of the oral form of nicorandil (Cordinic, PIQ-FHARMA LLC) for 2 days and 1 day before PCI 30 mg/day, then 20 mg 2 hours before the PCI and 10 mg after 6 hours after the surgery reduces the risk of intraoperative myocardial damage. The obtained data give an opportunity to extend the indications for nicorandil's appointment in the drug support during PCI in patients with stable coronary artery disease.