Rivaroxaban in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and a Bioprosthetic Mitral Valve.

BACKGROUND: The effects of rivaroxaban in patients with atrial fibrillation and a bioprosthetic mitral valve remain uncertain. METHODS: In this randomized trial, we compared rivaroxaban (20 mg once daily) with dose-adjusted warfarin (target international normalized ratio, 2.0 to 3.0) in patients with atrial fibrillation and a bioprosthetic mitral valve. The primary outcome was a composite of death, major cardiovascular events (stroke, transient ischemic attack, systemic embolism, valve thrombosis, or hospitalization for heart failure), or major bleeding at 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 1005 patients were enrolled at 49 sites in Brazil. A primary-outcome event occurred at a mean of 347.5 days in the rivaroxaban group and 340.1 days in the warfarin group (difference calculated as restricted mean survival time, 7.4 days; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.4 to 16.3; P<0.001 for noninferiority). Death from cardiovascular causes or thromboembolic events occurred in 17 patients (3.4%) in the rivaroxaban group and in 26 (5.1%) in the warfarin group (hazard ratio, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.35 to 1.20). The incidence of stroke was 0.6% in the rivaroxaban group and 2.4% in the warfarin group (hazard ratio, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.88). Major bleeding occurred in 7 patients (1.4%) in the rivaroxaban group and in 13 (2.6%) in the warfarin group (hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.21 to 1.35). The frequency of other serious adverse events was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with atrial fibrillation and a bioprosthetic mitral valve, rivaroxaban was noninferior to warfarin with respect to the mean time until the primary outcome of death, major cardiovascular events, or major bleeding at 12 months. (Funded by PROADI-SUS and Bayer; RIVER ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02303795.).

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Graft Dysfunction Early After Heart Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is a prevailing option for the management of severe early graft dysfunction. This systematic review and individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis aims to evaluate (1) mortality, (2) rates of major complications, (3) prognostic factors, and (4) the effect of different VA-ECMO strategies on outcomes in adult heart transplant (HT) recipients supported with VA-ECMO. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a systematic search and included studies of adults (≥18 years) who received VA-ECMO during their index hospitalization after HT and reported on mortality at any timepoint. We pooled data using random effects models. To identify prognostic factors, we analysed IPD using mixed effects logistic regression. We assessed the certainty in the evidence using the GRADE framework. We included 49 observational studies of 1477 patients who received VA-ECMO after HT, of which 15 studies provided IPD for 448 patients. There were no differences in mortality estimates between IPD and non-IPD studies. The short-term (30-day/in-hospital) mortality estimate was 33% (moderate certainty, 95% confidence interval [CI] 28%-39%) and 1-year mortality estimate 50% (moderate certainty, 95% CI 43%-57%). Recipient age (odds ratio 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.04) and prior sternotomy (OR 1.57, 95% CI 0.99-2.49) are associated with increased short-term mortality. There is low certainty evidence that early intraoperative cannulation and peripheral cannulation reduce the risk of short-term death. CONCLUSIONS: One-third of patients who receive VA-ECMO for early graft dysfunction do not survive 30 days or to hospital discharge, and one-half do not survive to 1 year after HT. Improving outcomes will require ongoing research focused on optimizing VA-ECMO strategies and care in the first year after HT.

Outcomes of Orthotopic Heart Transplantation in the Setting of Acute Kidney Injury and Renal Replacement Therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Heart transplantation in the setting of renal insufficiency is controversial. The objective of this study was to perform a descriptive analysis of patients who underwent orthotopic heart transplantation and renal replacement therapy (RRT) due to acute kidney injury (AKI). DESIGN: An observational cohort study with retrospective data collection. SETTING: A tertiary care hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-one patients underwent orthotopic heart transplantation with cardiogenic shock under inotrope dependence, with nine patients having preoperative RRT and 42 patients not having preoperative RRT. INTERVENTIONS: There were no interventions. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Hospital mortality occurred in eight (15.6%) patients. Although there were no significant differences between the study groups (preoperative RRT 33.3% v controls 11.9%, p = 0.1), this study was underpowered to detect differences in mortality. Dialysis also was required in 52.4% of patients who were not on preoperative RRT. All survivors had full recovery of kidney function with similar timing after transplant (18.5 days v 15 days, p = 0.75). Actuarial survival was 82.4%, 76.5%, and 66.5% at six months, one year, and five years, respectively. A cold ischemic time greater than 180 minutes (hazard ratio [HR] 4.37 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.51-12.6; p = 0.006) and pretransplant RRT (HR = 7.19 95% CI 1.13-45.7; p = 0.04) were independent predictors of long-term mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In a health system with limited funding and availability of mechanical circulatory support, heart transplantation in the setting of AKI, RRT, and low Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support profile was associated with important hospital mortality. Among hospital survivors, however, all patients had full renal recovery and by 25 months there was no difference in mortality between those who required preoperative RRT and those who did not.

A randomized clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban in patients with bioprosthetic mitral valve and atrial fibrillation or flutter: Rationale and design of the RIVER trial.

The efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban in patients with bioprosthetic mitral valves and atrial fibrillation or flutter remain uncertain. DESIGN: RIVER was an academic-led, multicenter, open-label, randomized, non-inferiority trial with blinded outcome adjudication that enrolled 1005 patients from 49 sites in Brazil. Patients with a bioprosthetic mitral valve and atrial fibrillation or flutter were randomly assigned (1:1) to rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily (15 mg in those with creatinine clearance <50 mL/min) or dose-adjusted warfarin (target international normalized ratio 2.0-30.); the follow-up period was 12 months. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality, stroke, transient ischemic attack, major bleeding, valve thrombosis, systemic embolism, or hospitalization for heart failure. Secondary outcomes included individual components of the primary composite outcome, bleeding events, and venous thromboembolism. SUMMARY: RIVER represents the largest trial specifically designed to assess the efficacy and safety of a direct oral anticoagulant in patients with bioprosthetic mitral valves and atrial fibrillation or flutter. The results of this trial can inform clinical practice and international guidelines.

Does the anthropometric profile influence infection morbidity after coronary artery bypass grafting?

BACKGROUND: Infection after cardiovascular surgery is multifactorial. We sought to determine whether the anthropometric profile influences the occurrence of infection after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: Between January 2011 and June 2016, 1777 consecutive adult patients were submitted to isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. Mean age was 61.7 ± 9.8 years and 1193 (67.1%) were males. Patients were divided into four groups according to the body mass index (BMI) classification: underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 ; N = 17, 0.9%), normal range (BMI: 18.5-24.99 kg/m2 ; N = 522, 29.4%), overweight (BMI: 25-29.99 kg/m2 ; N = 796, 44.8%), and obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2 ; N = 430, 24.2%). In-hospital outcomes were compared and independent predictors of infection were obtained through multiple Poisson regression with a robust variation. RESULTS: Independent predictors of any infection morbidity were female sex (relative ratio [RR], 1.47; p = .002), age > 60 years (RR, 1.85; p < .0001), cardiopulmonary bypass > 120 min (RR, 1.89; p = .0007), preoperative myocardial infarction < 30 days (RR, 1.37; p = .01), diabetes mellitus (RR, 1.59; p = .0003), ejection fraction < 48% (RR, 2.12; p < .0001), and blood transfusion (RR, 1.55; p = .0008). Among other variables, obesity, as well as diabetes mellitus, were independent predictors of superficial and deep sternal wound infection. CONCLUSIONS: Other factors rather than the anthropometric profile are more important in determining the occurrence of any infection after CABG. However, surgical site infection has occurred more frequently in obese patients. Appropriate patient selection, control of modifiable factors, and application of surgical bundles would minimize this important complication.

Penetrated inferior vena cava filter retrieved by open surgery with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Complications of inferior vena cava filters are relatively common, and they vary according to different filter types and designs. We aim to present a case of penetrated inferior vena cava filter into the liver. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 42-year old man with thrombophilia (prothrombin gene mutation) required the insertion of an inferior vena cava filter because of recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding associated with oral anticoagulation. However, it penetrated through the retro-hepatic vena cava into the liver, being manifested by constant, blunt abdominal pain. Endovascular retrieval was considered of extreme risk, though a surgical approach was performed under cardiopulmonary bypass with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. The patient has recovered uneventfully with complete symptom relief. CONCLUSIONS: In symptomatic penetrated vena cava filters in which endovascular retrieval is not feasible, a surgical approach with appropriate planning is a safe and effective treatment.

Is shortage of heart donors a real problem? Insights from a Brazilian Mid-West heart transplant program.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: In developed countries, the shortage of viable donors is the main limiting factor of heart transplantation. The aim of this study is to determine whether the same reality applies to Brazil. METHODS: Between January 2012 and December 2014, 299 adult heart donor offers were studied in terms of donor profiles and reasons for refusal. The European donor scoring system was calculated, being high-risk donors defined as more than 17 points. The donor scoring system was used to objectively determine the donor profile and correlate with donor acceptance and posttransplant primary graft dysfunction and recipient survival. Cox proportional hazard model was used in determining the predictors of long-term mortality. RESULTS: The rates of donor acceptance and heart transplants performed were 45.8% and 19.3%, respectively. Reasons for refusal were mostly nonmedical (53.7%). The majority of donors were classified as high-risk (65.5%). Hearts from high-risk donors did not impact primary graft dysfunction (14.3% vs 10%; P = .6), neither long-term survival (P = .4 by logrank test). Recipient's age was greater than 50 years (hazard ratio, 6.02; 95% confidence interval, 2.41-16.08; P < .0001) and was the only predictor of long-term mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The shortage of donors is not the main limiting factor of heart transplantation in the Mid-West of Brazil. Nonmedical issues represent the main reason for organ discard. Most of the donors are classified as high risk which indicates that an expanded donor pool is a routine practice in our region, and donor scoring does not seem to influence to proceed with the transplant.

Comparative Analysis of Conventional and Speckle Tracking Echocardiographic Variables between Patients with Unrejected Heart Transplants and Healthy Individuals. / Comparacão dos Parâmetros Ecocardiográficos Convencionais e com Speckle Tracking entre Indivíduos Saudáveis e Transplantados Cardíacos sem Rejeição.

BACKGROUND: Echocardiography is essential for the assessment of patients with heart transplants. However, normal values in such individuals are not clearly defined. OBJECTIVES: To compare conventional echocardiographic and speckle tracking variables between patients with unrejected heart transplants and healthy individuals. METHODS: :A prospective study was conducted with adult patients having undergone heart transplantation at least one year earlier and submitted to endomyocardial biopsy followed by transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). Conventional TTE measures and mechanical heart strain assessments using speckle tracking were performed and the results were compared to those of a group of healthy volunteers. Statistical significance was set at 5% (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Thirty-six transplant patients without rejection were analyzed and compared to 30 healthy individuals. Chagas disease was the main reason for transplantation. Lower left ventricular global longitudinal strain expressed in absolute values was found (11.99% in transplant patients vs. 20.60% in controls; p <0.0001), right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (16.67% in transplant patients vs. 25.50% in controls; p <0.0001) and myocardial work indices (p < 0.0001) as well as a larger size of the left atrium (38.17 ml/m2 in transplant patients vs. 18.98 ml/m2 in controls; p <0.0001) and greater mass and relative wall thickness (p <0.0001). CONCLUSION: Stable patients having undergone heart transplants without rejection have differences concerning echocardiographic variables compared to healthy individuals. These findings indicate that conventional echocardiographic measures and heart mechanics are altered in transplant patients even in the absence of rejection. Such findings are relevant to the clinical context and follow-up of the patient.

FUNDAMENTO: A ecocardiografia é essencial para avaliação do coração transplantado. No entanto, os valores de normalidade no transplante cardíaco (TC) não estão claramente definidos. Objetivos: Comparar parâmetros ecocardiográficos convencionais e pela técnica de Speckle Tracking entre pacientes transplantados cardíacos sem rejeição e uma população de indivíduos saudáveis. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados prospectivamente pacientes adultos, com menos de 1 ano de TC, que realizaram biópsia endomiocárdica de vigilância seguido de ecocardiograma transtorácico (ETT). Medidas convencionais de ETT acrescidas da avaliação de mecânica cardíaca por meio do Strain pelo Speckle Tracking foram realizadas e comparadas com um grupo de voluntários saudáveis. A significância estatística adotada para o estudo foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: Avaliou-se 36 pacientes transplantados sem rejeição, os quais foram comparados com 30 indivíduos saudáveis. Observou-se redução nos valores de Strain Global Longitudinal de Ventrículo Esquerdo em valor absoluto (11,99% transplantados, 20,60% controle, p<0,0001), Strain de parede livre de Ventrículo Direito (transplantados 16,67%, controle 25,50%, p<0,0001) e dos índices de trabalho miocárdico (p<0,0001), maior tamanho do átrio esquerdo (38,17 ml/m2 transplantados, controle 18,98 ml/m2, p<0,0001), maior índice de massa e espessura relativa das paredes (p<0,0001) e a presença da Doença de Chagas como principal etiologia para o transplante. CONCLUSÃO: Os transplantados cardíacos estáveis e sem rejeição apresentaram diferenças com relação aos parâmetros ecocardiográficos comparados com indivíduos saudáveis. Estes achados indicam que medidas ecocardiográficas convencionais e de mecânica cardíaca são alteradas em transplantados mesmo na ausência de rejeição e podem ser relevantes para o contexto clínico e acompanhamento dos pacientes.

Metabolomic insights in advanced cardiomyopathy of chronic chagasic and idiopathic patients that underwent heart transplant.

Heart failure (HF) studies typically focus on ischemic and idiopathic heart diseases. Chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC) is a progressive degenerative inflammatory condition highly prevalent in Latin America that leads to a disturbance of cardiac conduction system. Despite its clinical and epidemiological importance, CCC molecular pathogenesis is poorly understood. Here we characterize and discriminate the plasma metabolomic profile of 15 patients with advanced HF referred for heart transplantation - 8 patients with CCC and 7 with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) - using gas chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Compared to the 12 heart donor individuals, also included to represent the control (CTRL) scenario, patients with advanced HF exhibited a metabolic imbalance with 21 discriminating metabolites, mostly indicative of accumulation of fatty acids, amino acids and important components of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. CCC vs. IDC analyses revealed a metabolic disparity between conditions, with 12 CCC distinctive metabolites vs. 11 IDC representative metabolites. Disturbances were mainly related to amino acid metabolism profile. Although mitochondrial dysfunction and loss of metabolic flexibility may be a central mechanistic event in advanced HF, metabolic imbalance differs between CCC and IDC populations, possibly explaining the dissimilar clinical course of Chagas' patients.

Combined Heart and Kidney Transplantation: Initial Clinical Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Combined solid organ transplantation is infrequently performed in Brazil. The objective of this article is to present our initial experience with combined heart and kidney transplantation. METHODS: From January 2007 to December 2019, four patients were submitted to combined heart and kidney transplantation. Their mean age was 55.7±4.4 years, and three (75%) patients were males. All patients had Chagas cardiomyopathy, two were hospitalized and inotrope dependent, and all patients were on preoperative dialysis (median of 12 months prior to transplant). RESULTS: All patients survived and were in New York Heart Association functional class I at the latest follow-up (mean 34.7±17.5 months). Mean retarded kidney graft function was 22.9±9.7 days. One patient lost the kidney graft two years after the transplant due to Polyomavirus infection. CONCLUSION: Our initial experience of combined heart and kidney transplantation was favorable in selected patients with advanced heart failure and end-stage kidney disease. It requires involvement of a dedicated multispecialty team throughout all the diagnostics and treatment steps.

Acute Cellular Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients: Insights of Global Longitudinal Strain, Myocardial Work, and an Exclusive Group of Chagas Disease.

Background: Echocardiographic markers associated with asymptomatic acute cellular rejection (ACR) in patients with orthotopic heart transplant (HT) are still under investigation. The aim of our study was to determine clinical and myocardial strain imaging (MSI) variables evaluated by echocardiography associated with ACR in the first year of HT. A separate analysis was performed to compare variables during the first 6 months of HT, when ACR has a prevalence in 60% of patients. Another analysis evaluated an exclusive population with Chagas disease as the cause of HT. Methods: We prospectively studied 67 patients with less than 1 year of HT, 36 patients without ACR (41% men, age 49 ± 12 years, 52% Chagas disease as the cause of heart failure), and 31 patients with ACR (59% men, age 55 ± 8 years, 74% Chagas disease as the cause of heart failure). Conventional echocardiographic measurements and MSI by global longitudinal strain (GLS) from the left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle free wall (RV-FWLS) and myocardial work (MW) from the left ventricle were obtained by experienced echocardiologists. Clinical variables, such as the presence of diabetes, hypertension, and immunosuppressant drugs, were compared between groups. Results: HT patients with ACR were older and used more cyclosporine for immunosuppression. The positive ACR group had an increased relative wall thickness and LV mass index and similar LVGLS and RV-FWLS compared to the negative ACR group. Nevertheless, MW analysis observed increased global work efficiency (GWE) in positive ACR. Multivariate analysis identified older age, cyclosporine use, LV mass index, and GWE as independent predictors for detecting rejection. A separate analysis was performed for patients with less than 6 months of HT. Similar MSI was observed in both groups, with a trend for increased GWE in patients with ACR and significantly increased LV mass index in the ACR group. An exclusive group of Chagas patients as the primary cause of HT was analyzed, and similar MSI results for LVGLS, RV-FWLS, and MW were observed for both ACR and the no rejection groups. Additionally, the survival rates at 2 years were similar between the Chagas disease groups. Conclusion: LVGLS and RV-FWLS were similar between patients with or without ACR in the first year after HT. Conversely, GWE, a derivative of LVGLS, and LV mass index were increased in positive ACR and could be markers for rejection. Increased LV mass index was also found in a subgroup analysis of patients less than 6 months after HT; however, MSI was similar regardless of ACR. For chagasic patients, rejection in the first year did not increase mortality at the 2-year follow-up, and MSI parameters were similar between patients with or without ACR. In a multivariate analysis to predict ACR, the independent parameters in this study were older age, cyclosporine use, LV mass index, and GWE.

Recurrent Cardiac Sarcoma Resection With Modified Partial Autotransplantation.

Primary cardiac sarcomas are very aggressive, being a challenge to cardio-oncology specialty. Surgical planning and innovative techniques have enhanced the possibility of resection. We have described a case of recurrent primary left atrium angiosarcoma, successfully resected with a modified partial autotransplantation technique, planned using a 3-dimensional model created from computed tomography. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Left Ventricular Remodeling Shortly after Open Mitral Valve Replacement for Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis.

INTRODUCTION: Left ventricular dysfunction after surgical treatment of mitral stenosis is uncommon. We intend to determine the pattern of left ventricular remodeling, shortly after open mitral valve replacement for rheumatic mitral stenosis, with in-hospital postoperative outcomes and the determinants of postoperative worsening of left ventricular ejection fraction. METHODS: From January 2008 to January 2015, 107 adult patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis were submitted to open mitral valve replacement. Their mean age was 45±11 years and 93 (86.9%) were women. Left ventricular morphology and function were studied longitudinally with echocardiography. The end point was postoperative worsening of left ventricular ejection fraction, defined by a decrease of 10% compared to preoperative basal assessment. Determinants of worsening left ventricular ejection fraction were determined by multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The end point occurred in 18 patients (16.8%). We tested clinical and echocardiographic parameters to verify independent variables related to the decrease in postoperative ejection fraction. Lower body weight (P=0.005; odds ratio [OR]=0.89) and smaller preoperative mitral valve area (P=0.02; OR=0.02) were independent predictors of left ventricular dysfunction. These patients presented higher mortality and morbidity rates. CONCLUSION: Left ventricular remodeling patterns differed among patients with predominant rheumatic mitral stenosis undergoing open mitral valve replacement. Lower preoperative body weight and mitral valve area were independent determinants of deteriorating ejection fraction with increased end-systolic volumes, indicating that this specific problem may occur in anthropometric smaller patients with more extensive rheumatic disease.

Mortality risk prediction in high-risk patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: Are traditional risk scores accurate?

BACKGROUND: The performance of traditional scores is significantly limited to predict mortality in high-risk cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of STS, ESII and HiriSCORE models in predicting mortality in high-risk patients undergoing CABG. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis in the international prospective database of high-risk patients: HiriSCORE project. We evaluated 248 patients with STS or ESII (5-10%) undergoing CABG in 8 hospitals in Brazil and China. The main outcome was mortality, defined as all deaths occurred during the hospitalization in which the operation was performed, even after 30 days. Five variables were selected as predictors of mortality in this cohort of patients. The model's performance was evaluated through the calibration-in-the-large and the receiver operating curve (ROC) tests. RESULTS: The mean age was 69.90±9.45, with 52.02% being female, 25% of the patients were on New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV and 49.6% had Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) class 4 angina, and 85.5% had urgency or emergency status. The mortality observed in the sample was 13.31%. The HiriSCORE model showed better calibration (15.0%) compared to ESII (6.6%) and the STS model (2.0%). In the ROC curve, the HiriSCORE model showed better accuracy (ROC = 0.74) than the traditional models STS (ROC = 0.67) and ESII (ROC = 0.50). CONCLUSION: Traditional models were inadequate to predict mortality of high-risk patients undergoing CABG. However, the HiriSCORE model was simple and accurate to predict mortality in high-risk patients.

Correction: Mortality risk prediction in high-risk patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: Are traditional risk scores accurate?

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255662.].

Innovative Approaches to Assess Intermediate Cardiovascular Risk Subjects: A Review From Clinical to Metabolomics Strategies.

Current risk stratification strategies for coronary artery disease (CAD) have low predictive value in asymptomatic subjects classified as intermediate cardiovascular risk. This is relevant because not all coronary events occur in individuals with traditional multiple risk factors. Most importantly, the first manifestation of the disease may be either sudden cardiac death or acute coronary syndrome, after rupture and thrombosis of an unstable non-obstructive atherosclerotic plaque, which was previously silent. The inaccurate stratification using the current models may ultimately subject the individual to excessive or insufficient preventive therapies. A breakthrough in the comprehension of the molecular mechanisms governing the atherosclerosis pathology has driven many researches toward the necessity for a better risk stratification. In this Review, we discuss how metabolomics screening integrated with traditional risk assessments becomes a powerful approach to improve non-invasive CAD subclinical diagnostics. In addition, this Review highlights the findings of metabolomics studies performed by two relevant analytical platforms in current use-mass spectrometry (MS) hyphenated to separation techniques and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) -and evaluates critically the challenges for further clinical implementation of metabolomics data. We also discuss the modern understanding of the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and the limitations of traditional analytical methods. Our aim is to show how discriminant metabolites originated from metabolomics approaches may become promising candidate molecules to aid intermediate risk patient stratification for cardiovascular events and how these tools could successfully meet the demands to translate cardiovascular metabolic biomarkers into clinical settings.

Impact of Donor Positive Blood Culture in Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: In the era of shortage of organs for donation, transplantation from suboptimal donors is an expanding alternative to minimize waitlist mortality. In that sense, the safety of using organs from bacteremic donors has been a recurrent matter of discussion. We aimed to evaluate the influence of donor positive blood culture in the recipient and graft outcomes after liver transplantation from deceased donors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Blood culture results from 255 deceased liver donors were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were categorized into 2 groups based on the recipients who obtained a graft from a donor with negative or positive blood culture. Graft and recipient outcomes were compared between the 2 groups using univariate survival analysis and multivariate regression models. Transmission of bloodstream infection from donor to recipient was assessed by reviewing recipients' microbiologic status when there was evidence of infection. RESULTS: Positive blood culture in donors was not associated with negative outcomes after transplantation. Death within 30 days after transplantation and overall recipient and graft survival did not differ between the 2 groups. Only Child-Pugh score ≥10 and retransplantation status were considered independent predictors of recipient death and graft failure. We identified 1 potential case of bacteremia transmission from donor to recipient. CONCLUSION: Donor positive blood culture was not associated with negative outcomes after liver transplantation. Transmission of infection from donor to recipient is possible, but rare. The results support the usage of bacteremic donors as a safe alternative to the scarcity of optimal donors.

Determinants of Aortic Prosthesis Mismatch in a Brazilian Public Health System Hospital: Big Patients or Small Prosthesis?

BACKGROUND: Prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) is associated with worse outcomes. OBJECTIVE: Determine the frequency and evaluate preoperatory variables independently associated with severe PPM in a tertiary hospital focused on Public Health Care. METHODS: A total of 316 patients submitted to aortic valve replacement, who had echocardiography performed within the first 30 days after surgery, were retrospectively analyzed. The indexed effective orifice area (iEOA) of the prosthesis was used to classify the patients into three groups, according to PPM, considering body mass index (BMI): severe PPM (iEOA) < 0.65 cm2/m2), mild to moderate PPM (iEOA, 0.65 cm2/m2 - 0.85 cm2/m2) and without PPM (iEOA > 0.85 cm2/m2) for a BMI < 30 kg/m2 and severe PPM (iEOA) < 0.55 cm2/m2), mild to moderate (iEOA, 0.55 cm2/m2- 0.70 cm2/m2) and without PPM (iEOA > 0.7 cm2/m2) for a BMI > 30 kg/m2. Statistical significance was considered when p < 0.05. RESULTS: iEOA was obtained in 176 patients. The frequency of severe and moderate PPM was 33.4% and 36.2%, respectively. Severe PPM patients were younger and had larger BMI, but smaller left ventricular outflow tract diameter (LVOTD). The independent variables used to predict severe PPM were male gender, BMI > 25 kg/m2, age < 60 years, LVOTD < 21 mm, and rheumatic etiology with an area under the ROC curve of 0.82. CONCLUSION: The frequency of severe PPM is high in a Brazilian population representative of the Public Health System, and it is possible to predict PPM from preoperative variables such as rheumatic valvular disease, gender, BMI, age and LVOTD.

Autologous pericardium patch aneurysm after ventricular septal defect closure and arterial switch operation.

A neonate with L-transposition of the great arteries with ventricular septal defect underwent complete repair using fresh autologous pericardium to close the ventricular septal defect as well as to reconstruct the neo pulmonary artery sinuses. Four months later, the child came back with right ventricular inflow obstruction related to aneurysmal pericardial patch, severe tricuspid regurgitation, and severe supra-valvular pulmonic stenosis. At reoperation, there was a redundant, aneurysmal pericardial patch densely adherent to the septal and posterior leaflets of the tricuspid valve, which was damaged. The pericardial patch was replaced, the pulmonary artery enlarged, and tricuspid valve repaired. Postoperative course was uneventful, but residual moderate tricuspid regurgitation required intensive medical treatment.