Changes in cardiac cells due to ticagrelor and enoxaparin in a rat ischemia/reperfusion model.

OBJECTIVE: Studies on ischemia/reperfusion injury remain the focus of interest. Ticagrelor and enoxaparin, which are antiaggregant and anticoagulant drugs developed for use in many cardiovascular pathologies, are still included in many ischemia/reperfusion studies. Remarkably, their new protective effects, especially with regard to ticagrelor, continue to be reported in the current literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of ticagrelor and enoxaparin pretreatments on the rat heart with histological and immunohistochemical markers in an ischemia/reperfusion model. METHODS: Wistar-albino rats (weighing 350-400 g) were divided into four groups as follows: Sham-Control (Group 1), Control-Saline+ischemia/reperfusion (Group 2), Ticagrelor+ischemia/reperfusion (Group 3), and Enoxaparin+ischemia/reperfusion (Group 4). The ischemia/reperfusion injury model was applied to Group 2, Group 3 and Group 4. Heart tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological examinations. Caspase 3 immunostaining was evaluated to detect apoptosis in the heart tissue sections. RESULTS: Both pretreatments ameliorated the ischemic damage but especially tissue sections belonging to Group 3 were nearly similar to control levels. The results indicated that ischemia/reperfusion-induced myocardial damage was significantly increased in Group 2, whereas ticagrelor and enoxaparin pretreatments in Group 3 and Group 4 significantly decreased apoptotic scores and the histological appearance of the Group 3 close to the normal myocardium (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: As supported by histological findings in our study, ticagrelor and enoxaparin have protective properties for heart tissue in this ischemia/reperfusion injury model.

Changes in intraocular pressure during coronary artery bypass graft surgery: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: In this study, the effects of pulsatile and non-pulsatile on-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery (CABG) and off-pump CABG techniques on the intraocular pressure were investigated. METHODS: Forty-five patients who planned to elective coronary artery bypass surgery with on-pump pulsatile (n=15), non-pulsatile (n=15), or off-pump (n=15) were included. Intraocular Pressure (IOP) measurements were performed on both eyes at nine time-points: 1) Before the operation, 2) After anesthesia induction, 3) 3 minutes after heparin administration Left Internal Mammary Artery (LIMA) harvesting, 4) End of the first anastomosis, 5) End of LIMA anastomosis, 6) 3 minutes after protamine administration, 7) End of the operation, and 8) Second hour in Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 9) Fifth hour in ICU. Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) and Central Venous Pressure (CVP) were also recorded at the same time points as IOP. RESULTS: In Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB) groups (pulsatile or non-pulsatile CPB) with the beginning of CPB, there were significant decreases in IOP values when compared to baseline (p=0.012). This decrease was more prominent in the non-pulsatile group when compared to the pulsatile group (T4 IOP values: pulsatile, 9.7±2.6; non-pulsatile, 6.8±1.9; p=0.002; T5 IOP values: pulsatile, 9.5±1.9; non-pulsatile, 6.7±2.1; p=0.004). At the end of the surgery (T7), IOP values returned to the baseline and stayed stable at the remaining time-points. In-off pump group, IOP values significantly increased with a head-down position (T4 IOP values: off-pump surgery, 19.7±5.2; p=0.015). IOP values remained high until the normalization of head-down position (T6) and stayed stable through the rest of all remaining time-points. CONCLUSION: During cardiac surgery regardless of the technique (on-pump CABG, off-pump CABG), intraocular pressures remain in the normal ranges. It should be kept in mind that patients should be avoided from long and extreme Trendelenburg position, low CVP, and MAP levels during cardiac surgery to prevent eye-related complications.

Clinical outcomes of single-dose cardioplegia in high-risk coronary bypass.

BACKGROUND: Despite the increasing popularity of single-dose cardioplegia techniques in coronary artery bypass grafting, the time window for successful reperfusion remains unclear. This study aimed to compare different cardioplegic techniques based on early and 30-day clinical outcomes via thorough monitoring. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included high-risk patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and receiving 3 different types of cardioplegia between January 2017 and June 2019. Group 1 (n = 101) had a single dose of del Nido cardioplegia, group 2 (n = 92) had a single dose of histidine-tryptophane-ketoglutarate, and group 3 (n = 119) had cold blood cardioplegia. Patients were examined perioperatively by memory loop recording and auto-triggered memory loop recording for 30 days, with documentation of predefined events. RESULTS: Interleukin-6 and cardiac troponin levels in group 1 were significantly higher than those in groups 2 and 3. The incidence of predefined events as markers of inadequate myocardial protection was significantly higher group 1, with more frequent atrial fibrillation attacks and more hospital readmissions. The readmission rate was 17.6% in group 1, 9% in group 2, and 8% in group 3. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate the long-term efficacy of cardioplegic techniques, which may become more crucial in high-risk patients who genuinely have a chance to benefit from adjunct myocardial protection. Patients given del Nido cardioplegia had a significantly more prominent inflammatory response and higher troponin levels after cardiopulmonary bypass. This group had issues in the longer term with significantly more cardiac events and a higher rehospitalization rate.

Comparative Effects of Single-Dose Cardioplegic Solutions Especially in Repeated Doses During Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare del Nido cardioplegia (DNC) and histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) cardioplegic solutions in minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (mini-AVR) surgery to discuss the safety level of myocardial protection and rationale for redosing intervals. METHODS: During the period from January 2017 to June 2019, 200 patients undergoing mini-AVR (solely or with concomitant procedures) were prospectively randomized to DNC (n = 100) andHTK (n = 100), both up to 90 minutes ischemic time. Patients with ischemic time over 90 minutes, needing a redosing, were further analyzed in 2 subgroups with DNC-R (n = 30) and HTK-R (n = 36). Sensitive biomarkers, in addition to routine biochemistry, were also documented at baseline (T1), after cessation of cardiopulmonary bypass (T2), and on the first postoperative day (T3). Transmural myocardial biopsies were sampled for staining. RESULTS: No statistical differences could be demonstrated in DNC and HTK groups with up to 90 minutes cross-clamp times in routine biochemical measurements and basic perioperative clinical outcomes. DNC-R showed significantly more arrhythmia/AV block incidence resulting in more extended intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Interleukin-6 and syndecan-1 in DNC and DNC-R groups were substantially higher at T2. Aquaporin-4 levels were significantly lower in the DNC-R group, demonstrating unsatisfactory response of cells to an excessive volume at T2. CONCLUSIONS: DNC and HTK provided acceptable myocardial protection as single-dose applications. DNC-R had significantly unbalanced levels of biomarkers, and more arrhythmia/AV block incidence resulting in more extended ICU stay. For patients who may need redosing HTK may be preferable to DNC.

Investigation of the protective effect of enoxaparin and ticagrelor pretreatment against ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat lung tissue.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to reveal the possible protective effects of ticagrelor and enoxaparin pretreatment against ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced injury on the lung tissue of a rat model. METHODS: Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups as follows: group-1 (control-sham), group-2 (control-saline+IR), group-3 (ticagrelor+IR), group-4 (enoxaparin+IR). Before the ischemic period, saline, ticagrelor, and enoxaparin were administered to the 2nd-4th groups, respectively. In these groups, IR injury was induced by clamping the aorta infrarenally for 2 h, followed by 4 h of reperfusion except group-1. After the rats were euthanized, the lungs were processed for histological examinations. Paraffin sections were stained with Haematoxylin&Eosin (H&E) for light microscopic observation. Apoptosis was evaluated by caspase-3 immunoreactivity. Data were statistically analyzed using the SPSS software. RESULTS: In the lung sections stained with H&E, a normal histological structure was observed in group-1, whereas disorganized epithelial cells, hemorrhage, and inflammatory cell infiltration were seen in the alveolar wall in group-2. The histologic structure of the treatment groups was better than that of group-2. Caspase-3(+) apoptotic cells were noticeable in sections of group-2 and were lower in the treatment groups. In group-4, caspase-3 immunostaining was lower than in group-3. In group-2, apoptotic cells were significantly higher than in the other groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Based on the histological results, we suggested that both therapies ameliorated the detrimental effects of IR. Caspase-3 immunohistochemistry results also revealed that pre-treatment with enoxaparin gave better results in an IR-induced rat injury model. In further studies, other parameters such as ROS and inflammatory gene expressions should be evaluated for accurate results.

Investigation of the protective effect of enoxaparin and ticagrelor pretreatment against ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat lung tissue

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to reveal the possible protective effects of ticagrelor and enoxaparin pretreatment against ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced injury on the lung tissue of a rat model. METHODS Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups as follows: group-1 (control-sham), group-2 (control-saline+IR), group-3 (ticagrelor+IR), group-4 (enoxaparin+IR). Before the ischemic period, saline, ticagrelor, and enoxaparin were administered to the 2nd-4th groups, respectively. In these groups, IR injury was induced by clamping the aorta infrarenally for 2 h, followed by 4 h of reperfusion except group-1. After the rats were euthanized, the lungs were processed for histological examinations. Paraffin sections were stained with Haematoxylin&Eosin (H&E) for light microscopic observation. Apoptosis was evaluated by caspase-3 immunoreactivity. Data were statistically analyzed using the SPSS software. RESULTS In the lung sections stained with H&E, a normal histological structure was observed in group-1, whereas disorganized epithelial cells, hemorrhage, and inflammatory cell infiltration were seen in the alveolar wall in group-2. The histologic structure of the treatment groups was better than that of group-2. Caspase-3(+) apoptotic cells were noticeable in sections of group-2 and were lower in the treatment groups. In group-4, caspase-3 immunostaining was lower than in group-3. In group-2, apoptotic cells were significantly higher than in the other groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Based on the histological results, we suggested that both therapies ameliorated the detrimental effects of IR. Caspase-3 immunohistochemistry results also revealed that pre-treatment with enoxaparin gave better results in an IR-induced rat injury model. In further studies, other parameters such as ROS and inflammatory gene expressions should be evaluated for accurate results.

RESUMO OBJETIVOS Este estudo foi realizado para revelar os possíveis efeitos protetores do ticagrelor e do pré-tratamento da enoxaparina no tecido pulmonar contra o modelo de lesão induzida por isquemia-reperfusão (IR). MÉTODOS Ratos albinos Wistar foram randomizados e divididos em quatro grupos: grupo 1 (controle-sham), grupo 2 (controle-salina + IR), grupo 3 (ticagrelor + IR), grupo 4 (enoxaparina + IR). Antes do período isquêmico, salina, ticagrelor e enoxaparina foram administrados nos grupos 2-4, respectivamente. Nesses grupos, a lesão de IR foi induzida pelo clampeamento da aorta na região da infrarrenal por duas horas, seguida por quatro horas de reperfusão, exceto no grupo 1. Após a sacrificação, os pulmões foram processados para exames histológicos. Secções de parafina foram coradas com hematoxilina e eosina (H&E) para observação microscópica de luz. A apoptose foi avaliada pela imunorreatividade da caspase-3. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente pelo programa SPSS. RESULTADOS Nas secções pulmonares coradas com H&E, estrutura histológica normal foi observada no grupo 1, enquanto células epiteliais desorganizadas, hemorragia e infiltração de células inflamatórias foram observadas na parede alveolar no grupo 2. A estrutura histológica dos grupos de tratamento foi melhor que o grupo 2. Células apoptóticas caspase-3 (+) foram notadas em secções do grupo 2, e essas células foram mais baixas nos grupos de tratamento. No grupo 4, a imunocoloração com caspase-3 foi menor que no grupo 3. No grupo 2, as células apoptóticas foram significativamente maiores que nos outros grupos (p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO Com base nos resultados histológicos, sugerimos que ambas as terapias atenuaram os efeitos prejudiciais da RI. Resultados de imuno-histoquímica com caspase-3 também revelaram que o pré-tratamento com enoxaparina proporcionou melhores resultados no modelo de lesão induzida por IR. Em estudos posteriores, outros parâmetros, como ROS e expressões gênicas inflamatórias, devem ser avaliados quanto a resultados precisos.

Circulating microRNAs as Novel Biomarkers for Atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: In this study, we determined the expression of selected circulating microRNAs (miRNA) and their potential roles as biomarkers in patients with atherosclerosis and a control group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In order to obtain insight into miRNA expression levels in atherosclerosis, we analyzed miRNA expression levels by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in case (n=89) and healthy control (n=93) groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic capability of miRNAs. RESULTS: miRNA221 and miRNA221 expression levels were significantly lower in patients than controls (p=0.011 and p=0.004, respectively). Receiver operator curve analysis demonstrated that expression levels of miRNA221 [area under curve (AUC)=0.623, p=0.0086) and miRNA222 (AUC=0.654, p=0.0006) were significantly different between groups. There were positive correlations between miRNA122a and triglyceride (p=0.046) and very-low-density lipoprotein (p=0.029) levels. CONCLUSION: miRNA221 and miRNA222 could be convenient biomarkers for diagnosis of atherosclerosis.

Use of cerebral oxygen saturation and hemoglobin concentration to predict acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery.

Objective Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after cardiac surgery and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive technique for real-time measurement of cerebral tissue oxygenation. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the correlation of AKI with hemoglobin and regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2) measured intraoperatively and postoperatively in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the prospectively collected data of 45 adult patients with normal renal function who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) from January 2014 to May 2014. Kidney injury was assessed according to the Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria. rScO2 and hemoglobin were measured every hour intraoperatively and for the first 24 hours postoperatively. Results The hemoglobin concentration and rScO2 were significantly lower in patients with than without AKI, and no linear trends were observed. No exact cut-off values were obtained. Conclusion This retrospective study shows that a lower rScO2 and hemoglobin concentration are correlated with AKI after CABG in patients with no peripheral vascular disease or recent myocardial infarction. We suggest that cerebral oximetry alone may predict postoperative AKI well.

Hemoglobin A1c Levels Predicts Acute Kidney Injury after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery in Non-Diabetic Patients.

INTRODUCTION:: Elevated hemoglobin A1c levels in patients with diabetes mellitus have been known as a risk factor for acute kidney injury after coronary artery bypass grafting. However, the relationship between hemoglobin A1c levels in non-diabetics and acute kidney injury is under debate. We aimed to investigate the association of preoperative hemoglobin A1c levels with acute kidney injury in non-diabetic patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS:: 202 non-diabetic patients with normal renal function (serum creatinine <1.4 mg/dl) who underwent isolated coronary bypass were analyzed. Hemoglobin A1c level was measured at the baseline examination. Patients were separated into two groups according to preoperative Hemoglobin A1c level. Group 1 consisted of patients with preoperative HbA1c levels of < 5.6% and Group 2 consisted of patients with preoperative HbA1c levels of ≥ 5.6%. Acute kidney injury diagnosis was made by comparing baseline and postoperative serum creatinine to determine the presence of predefined significant change based on the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) definition. RESULTS:: Acute kidney injury occurred in 19 (10.5%) patients after surgery. The incidence of acute kidney injury was 3.6% in Group 1 and 16.7% in Group 2. Elevated baseline hemoglobin A1c level was found to be associated with acute kidney injury (P=0.0001). None of the patients became hemodialysis dependent. The cut off value for acute kidney injury in our group of patients was 5.75%. CONCLUSION:: Our findings suggest that, in non-diabetics, elevated preoperative hemoglobin A1c level may be associated with acute kidney injury in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Prospective randomized studies in larger groups are needed to confirm these results.

Hemoglobin A1c Levels Predicts Acute Kidney Injury after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery in Non-Diabetic Patients

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Elevated hemoglobin A1c levels in patients with diabetes mellitus have been known as a risk factor for acute kidney injury after coronary artery bypass grafting. However, the relationship between hemoglobin A1c levels in non-diabetics and acute kidney injury is under debate. We aimed to investigate the association of preoperative hemoglobin A1c levels with acute kidney injury in non-diabetic patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: 202 non-diabetic patients with normal renal function (serum creatinine <1.4 mg/dl) who underwent isolated coronary bypass were analyzed. Hemoglobin A1c level was measured at the baseline examination. Patients were separated into two groups according to preoperative Hemoglobin A1c level. Group 1 consisted of patients with preoperative HbA1c levels of < 5.6% and Group 2 consisted of patients with preoperative HbA1c levels of ≥ 5.6%. Acute kidney injury diagnosis was made by comparing baseline and postoperative serum creatinine to determine the presence of predefined significant change based on the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) definition. RESULTS: Acute kidney injury occurred in 19 (10.5%) patients after surgery. The incidence of acute kidney injury was 3.6% in Group 1 and 16.7% in Group 2. Elevated baseline hemoglobin A1c level was found to be associated with acute kidney injury (P=0.0001). None of the patients became hemodialysis dependent. The cut off value for acute kidney injury in our group of patients was 5.75%. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that, in non-diabetics, elevated preoperative hemoglobin A1c level may be associated with acute kidney injury in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Prospective randomized studies in larger groups are needed to confirm these results.

Preoperative Low Serum Albumin Levels Increase the Requirement of Renal Replacement Therapy after Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury is a common complication of cardiac surgery that increases morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study is to analyze the association of preoperative serum albumin levels with acute kidney injury and the requirement of renal replacement therapy after isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the prospectively collected data of 530 adult patients who underwent isolated CABG surgery with normal renal function. The perioperative clinical data of the patients included demographic data, laboratory data, length of stay, in-hospital complications and mortality. The patient population was divided into two groups: group I patients with preoperative serum albumin levels <3.5 mg/dL; and group II pateints with preoperative serum albumin levels ≥3.5 mg/dL. RESULTS: There were 413 patients in group I and 117 patients in group II. Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) occured in 33 patients (28.2%) in group I and in 79 patients (19.1%) in group II. Renal replacement therapy was required in 17 patients (3.2%) (8 patients from group I; 9 patients from group II; P = .018). 30-day mortality occurred in 18 patients (3.4%) (10 patients from group I; 8 patients from group II; P = .037). Fourteen of these patients required renal replacement therapy. Logistic regression analysis revealing the presence of lower serum albumin levels preoperatively was shown to be associated with increased incidence of postoperative AKI (OR: 1.661; 95% CI: 1.037-2.661; P = .035). Logistic regression analysis also revealed that DM (OR: 3.325; 95% CI: 2.162-5.114; P = .000) was another independent risk factor for AKI after isolated CABG. CONCLUSION: Low preoperative serum albumin levels result in severe acute kidney injury and increase the rate of renal replacement therapy and mortality after isolated CABG.

Renal Artery Occlusion Due to Aortic Dissection Caused by Blunt Trauma.

In this report, our aim is to present a case of renal artery occlusion due to type-3 acute aortic dissection following blunt trauma. A twenty-four-year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency department of our hospital with pain in his abdomen and on his back 3 hours after a blunt abdominal trauma due to an industrial injury. After consultation with the urology department, the patient was taken to operation to be evaluated for an intervention for aortic dissection and nephrectomy.

Ticagrelor Attenuates Apoptosis of Lung and Myocardial Cells Induced by Abdominal Aorta Ischemia/Reperfusion.

AIM: This study aimed to analyze the effect of ticagrelor pretreatment on the prevention of lung and heart injury induced by abdominal aorta ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) and also to determine the effective dose. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 350-400 g were randomized into five groups. The animals received ticagrelor at doses of 7.5 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg or normal saline 0.1 ml/kg orally via gastric gavage before the ischemic period. In the control and study groups, I/R injury was induced by clamping the aorta infrarenally for 2 hs, followed by 4 h of reperfusion. After sacrifice, hearts and lungs of the animals were extracted for both histopathological and biochemical analysis. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the animals that received 7.5 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg dose of ticagrelor regarding tissue malondealdehyde (MDA), and glutathione reductase levels in both lung and heart Ticagrelor treatment at 25 mg/kg led to significant cardiac remodeling activity and normal lung architecture against I/R induced injury. The number of TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells in alveolar epithelium and myocytes were increased in the sections from saline (I/R) group rats, and decreased following 25 mg/kg ticagrelor treatment. CONCLUSION: Ticagrelor dose-dependently inhibits platelet aggregation, increases cyclooxygenase-2 and also inhibits cellular uptake of adenosine all resulting in attenuation of I/R injury. Ticagrelor at 25 mg/kg was determined as the dose effective against I/R-induced injury in lung and heart in Sprague-Dawley rats in the present study.

Polymorphisms of MMP9 and TIMP2 in Patients with Varicose Veins.

BACKGROUND: Genetic predisposition is a suggested risk factor in the etiology of varicose veins. The matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family degrades extracellular matrix (ECM) and may lead to disturbances in vein wall structure. The activity of MMPs in the ECM are controlled by specific tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMP). The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between MMP9 and TIMP2 gene polymorphisms and varicose vein risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Genotyping of the polymorphisms of MMP9 (1562 C/T) and TIMP2 (418G/C) was performed using polymerase chain reaction and restriction-fragment length polymorphism assays in a group of patients with varicose veins (n=63) and healthy controls (n=70). RESULTS: The frequencies of MMP9 alleles and genotypes did not differ significantly between patient and control groups. However, TIMP2 -418 C allele was associated with increased risk for varicose vein formation (p=0.007). It was also shown that the frequency of the GG genotype was significantly higher in the control group than in the patient group (odds ratio=0.333, 95% confidence interval=0.14-0.78, p=0.012). CONCLUSION: TIMP2 -418 C allele is associated with susceptibility for varicose vein formation and individuals with GG genotype may have a lower risk for varicose vein formation.

Effect of body mass index on early morbidity and mortality after isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Obesity is a risk factor for morbidity after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. This study aimed to analyze the sole effect of body mass index (BMI) on early morbidity and mortality in patients after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. DESIGN: This study was retrospective and used an electronic database of anesthesia information management. SETTING: A single community hospital. PARTICIPANTS: The data of 803 consecutive patients after isolated on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting were analyzed retrospectively; off-pump cases were excluded. INTERVENTION: According to measured BMI, patients were divided into 5 groups: underweight (BMI <20 kg/m(2)), normal weight (BMI 20.0-24.9 kg/m(2)), overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m(2)), obese (BMI 30.0-34.9 kg/m(2)), and morbidly obese (BMI >34.9 kg/m(2)). Early postoperative morbidity and mortality were evaluated using logistic regression analysis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Early cumulative postoperative mortality was 3.9% (32 of 803 patients). Mortality was recorded in 3 underweight (n = 15, 20%, odds ratio [OR] 6.54, p = 0.001), 9 normal-weight (n = 159, 5.7%, OR 1.62, p = 0.228), 12 overweight (n = 371, 3.2%, OR 0.68, p = 0.314), 6 obese (n = 199, 3.0%, OR 0.69, p = 0.421), and 2 morbidly obese (n = 59, 3.4%, OR 0.83, p = 0.808) patients. Prolonged intensive care unit stay (p < 0.001), prolonged hospital stay (p < 0.001), and mortality (p = 0.01) were significantly more common in patients in the underweight group than in the other groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that underweight, hypertension, and chronic renal failure were independent risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Underweight patients with a BMI <20 kg/m(2) are at increased risk of postoperative complications and mortality compared with normal-weight or overweight subjects.

Aortic root aneurysm after off-pump reduction aortoplasty.

We present a patient with aortic root aneurysm and severe aortic regurgitation who had a previous off-pump reduction ascending aortoplasty and external wrapping with concomitant coronary bypass grafting. Preliminary aortic dissection and erosion of the aortic intima were detected during the operation. This complication warrants the re-evaluation of the indications for reduction ascending aortoplasty and emphasizes the necessity for close follow-up.

Furosemide infusion prevents the requirement of renal replacement therapy after cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a devastating complication following cardiac surgery and the ideal management is controversial. This prospective, randomized, open-label and double-blinded study analyzed the renoprotective effects of furosemide infusion and intermittent bolus therapy administered with dopamine infusion in cardiac surgical patients. METHODS: Between August 1, 2007 and July 31, 2008, 100 adult patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) surgery with normal renal function (creatinine <1.4 mg/dl) were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomized for the comparison of intermittent (Group 1, n=50, 1mg-3mg/kg) and continuous infusion of furosemide (Group 2, n=50, 10mg/ml). Continuous variables were expressed as mean+/- SD and compared by unpaired Student's t test or ANOVA for repeated measures. Statistical significance was assumed if p value was <0.05. RESULTS: Renal replacement therapy (RRT) was used in 5% of patients (all in group 1, p=0.028). The 30-day mortality was 5%. Only 2 patients became hemodialysis dependent in group 1. Group 2 patients showed a continuous and higher urine output postoperatively than group 1 (p<0.001). Both groups had significant increase in peak postoperative serum creatinine values (p<0.001), however peak postoperative creatinine-clearance was significantly lower in group 1 (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Acute kidney injury necessitating RRT makes a small percentage of patients undergoing cardiac surgery and if RRT is not required the survival is excellent. Continuous infusion of furosemide seems to be effective in promoting diuresis and decreasing the need for RRT. However further multicenter studies with different doses of furosemide are required to confirm these results.