Nanocrystalline-Coated Silver Dressings for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes after Surgical Coronary Revascularization.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the suitability of nanocrystalline-coated silver dressings versus standard wound dressings in patients with type 2 diabetes after coronary revascularization. METHODS: The study involved 194 patients who were divided into two homogeneous groups. The control group (n = 97) received a standard sterile dressing. The intervention group (n = 97) received silver dressings. Glycosylated hemoglobin, fructosamine, and creatinine were assessed in all patients. The emergence of superficial wound infection within 30 days was the primary endpoint of the study, and deep wound infections were a secondary endpoint. MAIN RESULTS: Superficial wound infections were documented in 26 patients: 11 patients in the study group and 15 in the control group. There were no statistically significant differences between the analyzed groups regarding the occurrence of the primary endpoint. No deep wound infections were found in either the study or control group. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of sternotomy wound infection in patients with type 2 diabetes is comparable between patients treated with traditional dressings and those receiving silver dressings; therefore, to maximize cost savings, providers should consider using standard wound dressings in this patient population.

Mechanical circulatory support restores eligibility for heart transplant in patients with significant pulmonary hypertension.

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of patients with end­stage heart failure implies a wider use of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Irreversible pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a predictor of unfavorable prognosis and a contraindication to orthotopic heart transplant (OHT). AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of continuous­flow LVAD (CF­LVAD) support on pulmonary pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) as well as the impact of pre­LVAD hemodynamic parameters on survival during LVAD support. METHODS: Data collected from 106 patients who underwent CF­LVAD implantation in the years 2009 to 2018 (men, 95.3%; mean [SD] age, 51.8 [12] years; mean [SD] INTERMACS profile, 2.9 [1.6]; mean [SD] LVAD support time, 661 [520] days; follow­up until May 2019) were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Right heart catheterization was performed before LVAD implantation in 94 patients (88.7%), after implantation-in 31 (29.2%), and before and after implantation-in 28 (26.4%). We observed mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) >25 mm Hg in 65 patients (61.3%) and PVR >2.5 Wood units in 33 patients (31.1%) before LVAD implantation. A significant improvement after CF­LVAD implantation was noted in mPAP, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, transpulmonary gradient, PVR, cardiac output (P <0.001 for all parameters), and cardiac index (P = 0.003). All patients with initially irreversible PH became eligible for OHT during LVAD support. Survival during LVAD support did not depend on initial mPAP and PVR. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with end­stage heart failure, CF­LVAD support leads to a significant reduction of pre­ and postcapillary PH. Survival on CF­LVAD support is independent of elevated mPAP and PVR before implantation, which suggests that LVADs decrease the risk associated with PH.

Short- and long-term outcomes of continuous-flow left ventricular assist device therapy in 79 patients with end-stage heart failure.

INTRODUCTION: An increasing number of patients with end­stage heart failure, along with a shortage of heart donors, necessitates the use of mechanical circulatory support. OBJECTIVES: This single­center retrospective study evaluated short- and long term outcomes of continuous­flow left ventricular assist device (CF LVAD) therapy in patients with end stage heart failure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We collected and assessed data of 79 patients (77 men, 2 women; mean age, 50.3 years; mean INTERMACS profile, 3.1) implanted with a CF­LVAD between 2009 and 2017 (HeartMate 3 in 19 patients [24%]; HeartMate 2 in 9 [11.4%]; and HeartWare in 51 [64.6%]). RESULTS: The mean time on CF-LVAD support was 604 days (range, 1­1758 days). There were 2 device exchanges due to pump thrombosis and 1 explantation due to heart regeneration; 9 patients (11.4%) underwent heart transplant. Stroke (nondisabling, 48%) occurred in 27.8% of patients (ischemic in 9 patients; hemorrhagic, in 14; both types, in 1) despite the standardized anticoagulation regimen. Major gastrointestinal bleeding and pump thrombosis were reported in 13 patients (16.5%), while 18 patients (22.8%) developed driveline infections (recurrent in 15 patients [19%]). Hemorrhagic stroke and bacteremia had a negative impact on survival. Hemorrhagic stroke was the main cause of death. Survival probability was 0.9 at 1 month and 0.81, 0.71, 0.61, and 0.53 at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although CF­LVAD support is associated with substantial adverse events, they do not significantly affect mortality (except hemorrhagic stroke and bacteremia). Novel devices seem to overcome these limitations, but larger studies are needed to support these findings.

Off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery surgery in octogenarians (from the KROK Registry).

BACKGROUND: According to the medical literature, both on-pump and off-pump coronary artery surgery is safe and effective in octogenarians. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to examine the epidemiology, in-hospital outcomes and long-term follow-up results in octogenarians undergoing off-pump and on-pump coronary artery surgery utilizing nationwide registry data. METHODS: All octogenarians (≥ 80 years) enrolled in the Polish National Registry of Cardiac Surgical Procedures (KROK Registry), who underwent isolated coronary surgery between January 2006 and September 2017 were identified. Preoperative data, perioperative complications, hospital mortality and long-term mortality were analyzed. Unadjusted and propensity-matched comparisons were performed between octogenarians undergoing off-pump and on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. RESULTS: Octogenarians accounted for 4.1% of the total population undergoing coronary artery surgery in Poland during the analyzed period (n = 152,631) and this percentage is increasing. Among 6,006 analyzed patients, 2,744 (45.7%) were operated on-pump and 3,262 (54.3%) were operated off-pump. Propensity-matched analysis revealed that patients operated on-pump were more often reoperated due to postoperative bleeding and their in-hospital mortality was higher (6.6% vs 4.5%, p = 0.006 and 8.7% vs 5.8%, p = 0.001, respectively). Long-term all-cause mortality was lower among patients operated off-pump (p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: On the basis of our findings we suggest that off pump technique should be considered as perfectly acceptable in octogenarians.

Can the Vulnerable Elders-13 Survey (VES-13) scale replace the EuroSCORE scale in predicting complications in patients over 60 years of age undergoing cardiac surgery?

INTRODUCTION: Before the operation each cardiosurgery geriatric patient is assessed by the Vulnerable Elders-13 Survey (VES-13) and European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) scales. AIM: To compare the applicability of the VES-13 and EuroSCORE scale in the assessment of postoperative risk among operated patients > 60 years old qualified most often for coronary artery bypass grafting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: VES-13 is a questionnaire containing 13 questions, including patient's age and a health self-assessment. The EuroSCORE includes age, sex and cardiological assessment and vascular changes, respiratory diseases, neurological and nephrological disorders. In both scales the risk of death is high when the patient has > 6 points. The study included 100 patients ≥ 60 (60.83 ±6.18) years old who were divided into subgroups with < 6 points and ≥ 6 points. RESULTS: The number of VES-13 points = 3.06 ±2.25, EuroSCORE = 5.50 ±3.19. In patients > 75 years old VES score was 4.32 ±2.6 vs. 2.707 ±2.02 and EuroSCORE 8.09 ±3.02 vs. 4.77 ±2.83. The most frequent postoperative complication was atrial fibrillation. The most frequent complications were the following: death (5%), delirium (3.64%), bleeding (3.54%), stroke (3.54%), renal failure (3.32%), pacemaker implantation (3.28%), difficult healing of the wound (2.64%), intestinal ischemia (2.56%). The correlation between the VES-13 and EuroSCORE was moderate. CONCLUSIONS: In cardiosurgery patients who obtained before the operation ≥ 6 points on the VES-13 or EuroSCORE the risk of postoperative complications is high. VES-13 and EuroSCORE cannot be used interchangeably because the correlation is at a medium level.

Prediction of complications and death in octogenarians with left main coronary artery disease after coronary artery bypass implantation - off-pump, on-pump and minimally invasive techniques comparison.

INTRODUCTION: Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting is considered potentially more effective than on-pump surgery in elderly patients. AIM: To compare the early and long-term results of these techniques in patients ≥ 80 years of age with left main coronary artery disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients ≥ 80 years of age (N = 3648) who were reported to the Polish National Registry of Cardiac Surgery Procedures between 2006 and 2016 and underwent primary, isolated coronary artery bypass surgery were included in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group A - without significant left main stenosis (LMS) (n = 2094) and B group - with LMS ≥ 50% (n = 1524). The groups were compared according to the type of surgery: on-pump (A = 1107 vs. B = 891), off-pump (A = 908 vs. B = 616) and MIDCAB (A = 79 vs. B = 17). RESULTS: There were significant differences in preoperative status between the groups in the whole cohort, which were not observable after propensity score matching. The in-hospital mortality was significantly higher in the LMS group operated on-pump (10.5% vs. 7.0%; p = 0.01) and non-significant in the off-pump group (5.1% vs. 5.7%; p = 0.78), as well as in the MIDCAB subgroup (5.9% vs. 5.1%; p = 0.64). 10-year survival in all subgroups was comparable and remained at a level of 50-60%. The mean entire cohort follow-up was 3.4 ±2.7 vs. 3.7 ±2.8 years (p = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: Off-pump coronary bypass grafting may optimize the outcomes in elderly patients with significant left main stenosis. Octogenarians surgically treated for coronary artery disease, despite increased post-operative risks, present encouraging long-term survival.

Determination of the value of glycated hemoglobin HbA1c and fructosamine in assessing the risk of perioperative complications after cardiac surgery in patients with type 2 diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with diabetes have a worse postoperative course and longer length of hospital stay after surgery. A good indicator of proper long-term (3 months) glycemic control is glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and fructosamine in the short term (2-3 weeks). AIM: To determine the degree of glycemic control evaluated preoperatively by HbA1c and/or fructosamine influence on the postoperative course of patients with diabetes undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in 2014-2015. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Before the operation HbA1c (N < 7.0) and fructosamine (N < 280 µmol/l) were measured and depending on the results the respondents were divided into 4 groups: group I (n = 46) - normal both parameters; group II (n = 22) - high both values; group III (n = 4) - normal fructosamine/HbA1c high; group IV (n = 33) - high HbA1c/fructosamine normal. Statistical analysis was performed using the t-test assuming p < 0.05 to be statistically significant. RESULTS: One hundred and five patients were treated by CABG/OPCAB (39 female, 66 males). The mean age was 65.7 ±7.3, HbA1c: 7.23 ±1.2%, fructosamine: 261.8 ±43.8. There was no difference in the incidence of other postoperative complications between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Glycated hemoglobin and fructosamine levels to a similar extent define the risk of perioperative complications in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. In patients in whom there is a need to quickly compensate for elevated blood glucose consider enabling determination of fructosamine.

Do thyroid disorders affect the postoperative course of patients in the early post-heart transplant period?

BACKGROUND: Thyroid hormones are essential for the correct functioning of the entire body. Diagnosis of thyroid disorders in patients after heart transplant in the early post-operative period and the implementation of correct treatment may prevent life-threatening complications. MATERIAL/METHODS: The aim of the study was to determine whether the complicated postoperative course (ie, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism or low fT3 syndrome) in patients in the first month after heart transplantation was connected with impaired thyroid hormone management. The analysis encompassed material from 98 patients treated with heart transplantation between February 9, 2004 and January 4, 2010. Hyperthyroidism was diagnosed in 21 patients (19M/2F, 52±7 years of age), hypothyroidism in was diagnosed in 13 patients (10M/3F, 46±12 years old), and low fT3 syndrome was diagnosed in 18 patients (14M/4F, 43±12 years old). RESULTS: Patients with fT3 syndrome had the highest mortality (16.7%, NS), highest incidence of acute rejection (38.9%, NS), highest number of reoperations (27.8%, NS), and highest incidence of bacterial (16.7%, NS) and fungal infections (11.1%, NS). Cytomegaloviral infections occurred most frequently in patients with hyperthyroidism (23.8%, NS). Patients with hypothyroidism (84.6%, NS) were hospitalized the longest (>30 days), had the highest tendency towards pleural effusion (23.1%, NS) and pericardial effusion with tamponade (15.5%, NS), bradycardia with pacemaker (15.4%, NS) and renal failure requiring hemodiafiltration (15.4%, NS) (Table 1). CONCLUSIONS: 1. The thyroid test panel should be performed in all patients in the early post-heart transplant period. 2. The diagnosis of thyroid disorders should be immediately followed by correct treatment aimed at restoring the euthyroid state, with a view to facilitate recovery and rehabilitation as well as to shorten the hospitalization time, thereby lowering treatment costs.