Standardized Treatment and Diagnostic Approach to Reduce Disease burden in the early postoperative phase in children with congenital heart defects-STANDARD study: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

To explore the effect of a daily goal checklist on pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU) length of stay (LOS) after congenital heart surgery. This study is a prospective randomized single-center study. Group characteristics were as follows: STANDARD group: n = 30, 36.7% female, median age 0.9 years; control group: n = 33, 36.4% female, median age 1.1 years. Invasive ventilation time, STAT categories, mean vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS)24h, maximal (max.) VIS24h, mean VIS24-48h, max. VIS24-48h, VIS category, number of sedatives, analgesics, diuretics, number of deployed diagnostic modalities, morbidities, and mortality did not differ between both groups. Median PCICU LOS was 96.0 h (STANDARD group) versus 101.5 h (control group) (p = 0.63). In the overall cohort, univariate regression analysis identified age at surgery (b = -0.02), STAT category (b = 18.3), severity of CHD (b = 40.6), mean VIS24h (b = 3.5), max. VIS24h (b = 2.2), mean VIS24-48h (b = 6.5), and VIS category (b = 13.8) as significant parameters for prolonged PCICU LOS. In multivariate regression analysis, age at surgery (b = -0.2), severity of CHD (b = 44.0), and mean VIS24h (b = 6.7) were of significance. Within the STANDARD sub-group, univariate regression analysis determined STAT category (b = 32.3), severity of CHD (b = 70.0), mean VIS24h (b = 5.0), mean VIS24-48h (b = 5.9), number of defined goals (b = 2.6), number of achieved goals (b = 3.3), number of not achieved goals (b = 10.8), and number of unevaluated goals (b = 7.0) as significant parameters for prolonged PCICU LOS. Multivariate regression analysis identified the number of defined goals (b = 2.5) and the number of unevaluated goals (b = -3.0) to be significant parameters.   Conclusion: The structured realization and recording of daily goals is of advantage in patients following pediatric cardiac surgery by reducing PCICU LOS. What is known: • Communication errors are the most frequent reasons for adverse events in intensive care unit patients. • Improved communication can be achieved by discussion and documentation of the patients' goals during daily rounds. What is new: • In the overall cohort age at surgery, severity of congenital heart defect and mean vasoactive inotropic score within the first 24 hours had significant impact on pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU) length of stay (LOS). • In the intervention group, the number of defined goals and the number of unevaluated goals were significant parameters for prolonged PCICU LOS.

[Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension]. / Chronisch thromboembolische pulmonale Hypertonie (Gruppe 4).

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease (CTEPD) is an important late complication of acute pulmonary embolism, in which the thrombi transform into fibrous tissue, become integrated into the vessel wall, and lead to chronic obstructions. CTEPD is differentiated into cases without pulmonary hypertension (PH), characterized by a mean pulmonary arterial pressure up to 20 mmHg and a form with PH. Then, it is still referred to as chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).When there is suspicion of CTEPH, initial diagnostic tests should include echocardiography and ventilation/perfusion scan to detect perfusion defects. Subsequently, referral to a CTEPH center is recommended, where further imaging diagnostics and right heart catheterization are performed to determine the appropriate treatment.Currently, three treatment modalities are available. The treatment of choice is pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). For non-operable patients or patients with residual PH after PEA, PH-targeted medical therapy, and the interventional procedure of balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) are available. Increasingly, PEA, BPA, and pharmacological therapy are combined in multimodal concepts.Patients require post-treatment follow-up, preferably at (CTE)PH centers. These centers are required to perform a minimum number of PEA surgeries (50/year) and BPA interventions (100/year).

Endovascular Rescue Aortic Fenestration After Accidental False Lumen TEVAR in Type B Dissection.

PURPOSE: Unintended false-lumen thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is under-reported and often fatal. We present percutaneous endovascular rescue techniques for true-lumen reperfusion with strategies to address the peripheral artery perfusion needs unique to each case. CASE REPORT: Two patients deteriorated 24 hours after uncomplicated and complicated acute aortic type-B dissection TEVAR treatment at a tertiary community hospital. Reevaluation of index and repeated imaging studies revealed inadvertent false-lumen TEVAR with severe visceral and peripheral ischemia. Stepwise subtraction angiography was used to confirm continuous true-lumen catheterization from femoral puncture into the thoracic aorta. Retrograde fenestration distal to the misplaced TEVAR from the true- into the false-lumen allowed for snorkeling by distal stent-extension across the dissection membrane. In one case, TEVAR stent graft extension resulted in true-lumen re-expansion and in the other case, bare-metal stent-extension for stabilization of the dissection membrane resulted in true-lumen re-expansion in addition to preservation of visceral and peripheral perfusion via the false-lumen. Despite excellent acute hemodynamic results and initial signs of recovery, both patients eventually died (multiorgan failure; cerebral hemorrhagic infarction). CONCLUSION: Correct indication and prompt recognition of potential inadvertent false-lumen stenting is critical to avoid disastrous sequelae, for example, malperfusion. Endovascular salvage is feasible for restoration of correct perfusion and must be performed in a timely manner. CLINICAL IMPACT: Clinically apparent, complicated type-B dissection necessitates instantaneous treatment. Prerequisite for an endovascular approach is a true-lumen guidewire continuously from access to the ascending aorta. DSA after TEVAR and prompt clinical re-evaluation are to verify effective visceral and peripheral restoration of blood flow. Despite these measures, inadvertent false-lumen TEVAR may occur rarely. Immediate recognition may allow for timely true-lumen re-expansion using percutaneous endovascular salvage techniques e.g. retrograde fenestration from the true- into the false-lumen for distal snorkeling of the misplaced TEVAR across the dissection membrane. However, morbidity and mortality are very high, if erroneous stent graft placement is not identified early.

Staphylococcus massiliensis isolated from human blood cultures, Germany, 2017-2020.

Clinical and laboratory data on newly described staphylococcal species is rare, which hampers decision-making when such pathogens are detected in clinical specimens. Here, we describe Staphylococcus massiliensis detected in three patients at a university hospital in southwest Germany. We report the discrepancy of microbiological findings between matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, 16S-rRNA polymerase chain reaction, and whole-genome sequencing for all three isolates. Our findings highlight the diagnostic pitfalls pertinent to novel and non-model organisms in daily microbiological practice, in whom the correct identification is dependent on database accuracy.

Aortic Regurgitation Is Associated With Ascending Aortic Remodeling in the Nondilated Aorta.

OBJECTIVE: The probability of aortic complications in patients with bicuspid aortic valve is higher in association with aortic regurgitation (AR) compared with aortic stenosis (AS) or normally functioning valves. The objective of this study was to determine whether this is related to the specific characteristics of aneurysmatic dilatation that includes AR or whether AR itself has a negative impact on the aortic wall, independent of aneurysmatic dilatation. Approach and Results: Nondilated aortic specimens were harvested intraoperatively from individuals with tricuspid aortic valves and either AS (n=10) or AR (n=16). For controls, nondilated aortas were harvested during autopsies from individuals with tricuspid aortic valves and no evidence of aortic valve disease (n=10). Histological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that compared with control aortas, overall medial degeneration was more severe in AR-aortas (P=0.005) but not AS-aortas (P=0.23). This pathological remodeling included mucoid extracellular matrix accumulation (P=0.005), elastin loss (P=0.003), elastin fragmentation (P=0.008), and decreased expression of fibrillin (P=0.003) and collagen (P=0.008). Furthermore, eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) expression was decreased in the intima (P=0.0008) and in vasa vasorum (P=0.004) of AR-aortas but not AS-aortas (all P>0.05). Likewise, subendothelial apoptosis was increased in AR-aortas (P=0.03) but not AS-aortas (P=0.50). CONCLUSIONS: AR has a negative effect on the nondilated ascending aortic wall. Accordingly, our results support the need for more detailed studies of the aortic wall in relation to aortic valve disease and may ultimately lead to more aggressive clinical monitoring and/or surgical criteria for patients with relevant AR. Graphic Abstract: A graphic abstract is available for this article.

Microbiological Surveillance of Heater-Cooler Units Used in Cardiothoracic Surgery for Detection of Mycobacterium chimaera.

Mycobacterium chimaera is a nontuberculous mycobacterium that was identified as causative agent in a global outbreak of severe infections following open-chest cardiothoracic surgery. Heater-cooler units (HCUs), which were contaminated during the manufacturing process, were elucidated as the origin of this outbreak. Regular surveillance of water-containing HCUs used for cardiac surgery was recommended as one preventive measure. We present data on the occurrence of M. chimaera and other mycobacterial pathogens in different HCUs from one surgical center in Germany over a 42-month period. Water samples and swabs from seven different HCUs were taken between 2015 and 2018, and mycobacteria were detected in 50.6% (78/154) of water samples and 21.1% (4/19) of swabs. M. chimaera accounted for the majority of detected pathogens (77/83 isolates in water samples), but other species such as Mycobacterium gordonae were also found. Despite strict adherence to an intensified, regular disinfection procedure, the majority of HCUs remained positive for mycobacteria until the end of the study. In conclusion, additional measures are needed to reduce the risk of intraoperative transmission of M. chimaera, and our observations underscore the inherent infections risks associated with water-containing medical devices.

Management of lung transplantation in the COVID-19 era-An international survey.

It is unknown if solid organ transplant recipients are at higher risk for severe COVID-19. The management of a lung transplantation (LTx) program and the therapeutic strategies to adapt the immunosuppressive regimen and antiviral measures is a major issue in the COVID-19 era, but little is known about worldwide practice. We sent out to 180 LTx centers worldwide in June 2020 a survey with 63 questions, both regarding the management of a LTx program in the COVID-19 era and the therapeutic strategies to treat COVID-19 LTx recipients. We received a total of 78 responses from 15 countries. Among participants, 81% declared a reduction of the activity and 47% restricted LTx for urgent cases only. Sixteen centers observed deaths on waiting listed patients and eight centers performed LTx for COVID-19 disease. In 62% of the centers, COVID-19 was diagnosed in LTx recipients, most of them not severe cases. The most common immunosuppressive management included a decreased dose or pausing of the cell cycle inhibitors. Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and azithromycin were the most proposed antiviral strategies. Most of the centers have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and proposed an active therapeutic strategy to treat LTx recipients with COVID-19.

An Evaluation of the Learning Curve in Pulmonary Endarterectomy Using Propensity Score Matching.

OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is the only causative, but demanding treatment of choice for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). We analyzed our results with PEA to evaluate the learning curve. METHODS: Consecutive 499 patients who underwent PEA between 1995 and 2014 were divided into two groups according to the temporal order: early cohort (n = 200, December 1995-March 2006), and late cohort (n = 299, March 2006-December 2014). We assessed perioperative outcomes after PEA as compared between the early and the late cohort also in propensity-score-matched cohorts. RESULTS: Age at the surgery was older in the late cohort (p = 0.042). Preoperative mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) was 46.8 ± 11.0 mm Hg in the early cohort and 43.5 ± 112.7 mm Hg in the late cohort (p = 0.0035). The in-hospital mortality in the early and late cohorts was 14.0% (28/200) and 4.7% (14/299), respectively (p = 0.00030). The duration of circulatory arrest (CA) became much shorter in the late cohort (42.0 ± 20.5 min in the early and 24.2 ± 11.6 min in the late cohort, respectively, p < .0001). In matched cohorts, the in-hospital mortality showed no significant difference (8.7% in the early cohort and 5.2% in the late cohort, < 0.0001). The CA duration, however, was still shorter in the late cohort (p <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Over time, older patients have been accepted for surgery, more patients were operated for lesser severity of CTEPH. Duration of CA and mortality decreased even beyond the first 200 patients, indicating a long learning curve.

Aortic Root Remodeling in Acute Aortic Dissection.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term results of remodeling in acute aortic dissection type A (AADA) to define operative risk and root and valve stability. METHODS: Between October 1995 and December 2018, a total of 352 patients were treated surgically for AADA. Of these, 90 patients with AADA (<2 weeks from onset; age: 57 ± 15 years; 70 males) with a root diameter of >43 to 45 mm (depending on patient size) (48 ± 4.1 mm) underwent aortic root remodeling and were analyzed further. As the control group, we chose the patients with normally sized aortic roots who had been treated by tubular replacement only (n = 227). Other procedures were performed in 35 cases. RESULTS: Early mortality was 9% in the remodeling group versus 15% in the tubular ascending aortic replacement (TAR). Actuarial survival at 10 and 15 years was 68 ± 5% and 58.3 ± 6.4%, respectively, in the root remodeling group versus 68 ± 4% and 66 ± 4% in the TAR group (p = 0.99). Freedom from reoperation on the aortic valve or root was 95 ± 3% at 10 years and at 89 ± 6% at 15 years. Freedom from proximal reoperation after TAR at 10 and 15 years was 93 ± 3% and 91 ± 3% (n = 31 patients at risk), respectively, not statistically different from that after remodeling (p = 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: The long-term stability of aortic root remodeling for enlarged roots with AADA was comparable to TAR preserving a normal aortic root.

Which Aortic Valve Can Be Surgically Reconstructed?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Preservation or repair of the aortic valve has evolved dynamically in the past 20 years. It leads to a high freedom from valve-related complications if an adequate valve durability can be achieved; it may possibly also improve survival. To date, little structured information is available about which valves can be repaired and which should better be replaced. RECENT FINDINGS: For surgical decision-making, the size of the aortic root is important and the anatomy of the aortic valve must be considered. In the presence of root aneurysm, most tricuspid and bicuspid aortic valves can be preserved. In aortic regurgitation and normal aortic dimensions, the majority of tricuspid and bicuspid aortic valves can be repaired with good long-term durability. In bicuspid aortic valves, the morphologic characteristics must be taken into consideration. Unicuspid and quadricuspid aortic valves can be repaired in selected cases. Generally, cusp calcification is a sign of a poor substrate for repair; the same is true for cusp retraction and cusp destruction due to active endocarditis. They are associated with limited valve durability. Using current concepts, many non-calcified aortic valves can be repaired. Modern imaging, in particular three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), should be able to define repairable aortic valves with a high probability.

Association between urinary dickkopf-3, acute kidney injury, and subsequent loss of kidney function in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: an observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac surgery is associated with a high risk of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) and subsequent loss of kidney function. We explored the clinical utility of urinary dickkopf-3 (DKK3), a renal tubular stress marker, for preoperative identification of patients at risk for AKI and subsequent kidney function loss. METHODS: This observational cohort study included patients who had cardiac surgery in a derivation cohort and those who had cardiac surgery in a validation cohort (RenalRIP trial). The study comprised consecutive patients who had elective cardiac surgery at the Saarland University Medical Centre (Homburg, Germany; derivation cohort) and those undergoing elective cardiac surgery (selected on the basis of a Cleveland Clinical Foundation score of 6 or higher) who were enrolled in the prospective RenalRIP multicentre trial (validation cohort) and who were randomly assigned to remote ischaemic preconditioning or a sham procedure. The association between the ratio of preoperative urinary concentrations of DKK3 to creatinine (DKK3:creatinine) and postoperative AKI, defined according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria, and subsequent kidney function loss, as determined by estimated glomerular filtration rate, was assessed. FINDINGS: In the 733 patient in the derivation cohort, urinary concentrations of DKK3 to creatinine that were higher than 471 pg/mg were associated with significantly increased risk for AKI (odds ratio [OR] 1·65, 95% CI 1·10-2·47, p=0·015), independent of baseline kidney function. Compared with clinical and other laboratory measurements, urinary concentrations of DKK3:creatinine significantly improved AKI prediction (net reclassification improvement 0·32, 95% CI 0·23-0·42, p<0·0001). High urinary DKK3:creatinine concentrations were independently associated with significantly lower kidney function at hospital discharge and after a median follow-up of 820 days (IQR 733-910). In the RenalRIP trial, preoperative urinary DKK3:creatinine concentrations higher than 471 pg/mg were associated with a significantly higher risk for AKI (OR 1·94, 95% CI 1·08-3·47, p=0·026), persistent renal dysfunction (OR 6·67, 1·67-26·61, p=0·0072), and dialysis dependency (OR 13·57, 1·50-122·77, p=0·020) after 90 days compared with DKK3:creatinine concentrations of 471 pg/mg or less. Urinary DKK3:creatinine concentrations higher than 471 pg/mg were associated with significantly higher risk for AKI (OR 2·79, 95% CI 1·45-5·37) and persistent renal dysfunction (OR 3·82, 1·32-11·05) only in patients having a sham procedure, but not remote ischaemic preconditioning (AKI OR 1·35, 0·76-2·39 and persistent renal dysfunction OR 1·05, 0·12-9·45). INTERPRETATION: Preoperative urinary DKK3 is an independent predictor for postoperative AKI and for subsequent loss of kidney function. Urinary DKK3 might aid in the identification of patients in whom preventive treatment strategies are effective. FUNDING: No study funding.

In Vivo Biocompatibility of a Novel Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Suture for Annuloplasty.

BACKGROUND: Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) is a suture material for annuloplasty in aortic valve repair. For this particular application, it should induce minimal local stress and promote rapid tissue incorporation. To achieve this, a novel ePTFE suture with a larger diameter and high porosity in its midsection has been developed. Herein, we analyzed the acute and chronic tissue reaction to this suture material compared with a commercially available control ePTFE suture. METHODS: Novel and control suture samples were implanted into dorsal skinfold chambers of BALB/c mice to analyze the early inflammatory response using intravital fluorescence microscopy over 14 days. Additional suture samples were implanted for 4 and 12 weeks in the flank musculature of mice and analyzed by histology and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The implantation of novel and control ePTFE suture into the dorsal skinfold chamber did not induce an acute inflammation, as indicated by physiological numbers of rolling and adherent leukocytes in all analyzed venules. Chronic implantation into the flank musculature showed a better tissue incorporation of the novel ePTFE suture with more infiltrating cells and a higher content of Sirius red+ collagen fibers when compared with controls. Cell proliferation and viability as well as numbers of recruited CD68+ macrophages, myeloperoxidase+ neutrophilic granulocytes and CD3+ lymphocytes did not significantly differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: The novel ePTFE suture exhibits a good in vivo biocompatibility which is comparable to that of the control suture. Due to its improved tissue incorporation, it may provide a better long-term stability during annuloplasty.

Dobutamine Versus Vasopressin After Mesenteric Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal blood flow may be compromised during and after vasopressor support. Endothelin expression may lead to microcirculatory dysfunction. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of vasopressin and dobutamine after mesenteric ischemia on the gastrointestinal mucosal microcirculation, endothelin expression, and morphologic injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pigs were studied in four groups (six pigs in each group): 1, sham; 2-4 ischemia (1 h superior mesenteric artery occlusion with 30 min reperfusion and 30 min of vehicle [2], dobutamine [3], or vasopressin [4] administration, followed by 30-min break and thiopental-induced hypotension [3, 4]). Blood flow of the gastric, jejunal, and rectosigmoidal mucosa was measured. At the end of the experiment, the mucosal expression of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and its receptor subtypes A (ETA) and B were determined by polymerase chain reaction. Mucosal injury, apoptotic cell death, and leukocytic infiltration were determined by histology and immunohistochemical analysis of cleaved caspase-3 and myeloperoxidase. RESULTS: Mesenteric ischemia increased jejunal mucosal ET-1 gene expression, arterial ET-1, intestinal fatty acid binding protein, and jejunal mucosal injury compared with sham. Dobutamine increased arteriovenous shunting at the cost of the jejunal mucosal blood perfusion. This was associated with an increased expression of ET-1 and ETA and mucosal leukocytic infiltration. In contrast, vasopressin increased postischemic capillary density and tissue blood flow. This was associated with a lower ET-1 gene expression. Vasopressin did not induce jejunal mucosal leukocytic infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: Vasopressin reduces mesenteric ischemia-associated alterations of the microcirculation and tissue integrity, whereas dobutamine does not.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Diabetic Patients: Complete Arterial versus Internal Thoracic Artery and Sequential Vein Grafts-A Propensity-Score Matched Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The optimal choice of conduit and configuration for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in diabetic patients remains somewhat controversial, even though arterial grafts have been proposed as superior. We attempted to clarify the role of complete arterial revascularization using the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) and the radial artery (RA) alone in "T-Graft" configuration on long-term outcome. METHODS AND RESULTS: From 1994 to 2001, 104 diabetic patients with triple vessel disease underwent CABG using LITA/RA "T-Grafts" (Group-A). Using propensity-score matching, 104 patients with comparable preoperative characteristics who underwent CABG using LITA and one sequential vein graft were identified (Group-V). Freedom from all causes of death, cardiac death, major adverse cardiac event (MACE), major adverse cardiac (and cerebral) event (MACCE), and repeat revascularization at 10 years of Group-A was 60 ± 5%, 67 ± 5%, 48 ± 5%, 37 ± 5%, and 81 ± 4%, respectively, compared with 58 ± 5%, 70 ± 5%, 49 ± 5%, 39 ± 5%, and 93 ± 3% in Group-V. There were no significant differences in these end points between groups regardless of insulin-dependency. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards model identified age, left ventricular ejection fraction, renal failure, and hyperlipidemia as independent predictors for all death, age and left ventricular ejection fraction for cardiac death, sinus rhythm for both MACE and MACCE, and prior percutaneous coronary intervention for re-revascularization. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, complete arterial revascularization using LITA/RA "T-Grafts" does not provide superior long-term clinical benefits for diabetic patients compared with a combination of LITA and sequential vein graft.

Establishment of Predictive Models for Nonocclusive Mesenteric Ischemia Comparing 8,296 Control with 452 Study Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop clinical preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative scores for early identification of patients who are at risk of nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI). DESIGN: A retrospective analysis. SETTING: Single center. PARTICIPANTS: From January 2008 to December 2014, all patients from the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery were included on the basis of the hospital database. INTERVENTIONS: All mesenteric angiographically identified NOMI patients were compared with non-NOMI patients. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The study population of 8,748 patients was randomized into a cohort for developing the scores (non-NOMI 4,214 and NOMI 235) and a cohort for control (non-NOMI 4,082 and NOMI 217). Risk factors were identified using forward and backward Wald test and were included in the predictive scores for the occurrence of NOMI. C statistic showed that the scores had a high discrimination for the prediction of NOMI preoperatively (C statistic 0.79; p < 0.001), intraoperatively (C statistic 0.68; p < 0.001), and postoperatively (C statistic 0.85; p < 0.001). A combination of the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative risk scores demonstrated the highest discrimination (C statistic 0.87; p < 0.001). The combined score included the following risk factors: renal insufficiency (preoperative); use of cardiopulmonary bypass and intra-aortic balloon pump support (intraoperative); and reexploration for bleeding, renal replacement therapy, and packed red blood cells ≥ 4 units (postoperative). The results were similar in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: These scores could be useful to identify patients at risk for NOMI and promote a rapid diagnosis and therapy.

Cardiopulmonary bypass reduces myocardial oxidative stress, inflammation and increases c-kit+CD45- cell population in newborns.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to characterize the influence of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on myocardial remodeling in newborns and children. METHODS: Biopsies from the right atrium were taken before and after CPB from 4 newborns (5-11 days old) and 7 children (8 months-16 years old). Immunostainings on 10 µm heart tissue frozen sections were performed to detect c-kit+ cells, leukocytes (CD45+ cells), Ki67+ cycling cells. The percentage of 8-hydroxy-guanosine (8-dOHG)+cardiomyocytes and non-cardiomyocytes [(8-dOHG)+-index] were determined to quantify oxidative stress. RESULTS: Δ c-kit+CD45- cells (resident cardiac stem cells) were increased in newborns (2.2 ± 1.9/mm2) and decreased in children - 1.5 ± 0.7/mm2, p < 0.01. The (8-dOHG)+-index was reduced by 43% in newborns and by 20% in children. CPB did not influence cardiac cell turnover; high cell proliferation was seen in newborns before and after CPB. Cardiopulmonary bypass significantly decreased the leucocyte infiltration in newborns to 40 ± 8%, p < 0.05, but not in children. Infiltration with eosinophils (eosinophils/CD45%) was completely abolished in the myocardium of newborns p < 0.05 and reduced to 22 ± 8% in children after CPB, n.s. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate response and remodeling of the myocardium to CPB differs between newborns, older infants and children. Especially an increased number of c-kit expressing CD45 cells after CPB were seen in neonates in comparison to children. The clinical value of such observation needs to be further assessed in larger cohorts of patients.

Outbreak of Burkholderia cepacia complex infections associated with contaminated octenidine mouthwash solution, Germany, August to September 2018.

Three German patients developed nosocomial pneumonia after cardiac surgery and had Burkholderia cepacia complex detected in respiratory specimens. Two patients died of septic multi-organ failure. Whole-genome sequencing detected genetically identical B. cepacia complex strains in patient samples, from a batch of octenidine mouthwash solution, which had been used for nursing care, as well as in samples obtained from the manufacturer during production. Contamination of medical products during manufacturing may lead to international outbreaks.

Differential expression of microRNAs following cardiopulmonary bypass in children with congenital heart diseases.

BACKGROUND: Children with congenital heart defects (CHDs) are at high risk for myocardial failure after operative procedures with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Recent studies suggest that microRNAs (miRNA) are involved in the development of CHDs and myocardial failure. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine alterations in the miRNA profile in heart tissue after cardiac surgery using CPB. METHODS: In total, 14 tissue samples from right atrium were collected from patients before and after connection of the CPB. SurePrint™ 8 × 60K Human v21 miRNA array and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were employed to determine the miRNA expression profile from three patients before and after connection of the CPB. Enrichment analyses of altered miRNA expression were predicted using bioinformatic tools. RESULTS: According to miRNA array, a total of 90 miRNAs were significantly altered including 29 miRNAs with increased and 61 miRNAs with decreased expression after de-connection of CPB (n = 3) compared to before CPB (n = 3). Seven miRNAs had been validated using RT-qPCR in an independent cohort of 11 patients. Enrichment analyses applying the KEGG database displayed the highest correlation for signaling pathways, cellular community, cardiovascular disease and circulatory system. CONCLUSION: Our result identified the overall changes of the miRNome in right atrium tissue of patients with CHDs after CPB. The differentially altered miRNAs lay a good foundation for further understanding of the molecular function of changed miRNAs in regulating CHDs and after CPB in particular.

Presepsin (sCD14-ST) Is a Novel Marker for Risk Stratification in Cardiac Surgery Patients.

BACKGROUND: Presepsin (soluble cluster-of-differentiation 14 subtype [sCD14-ST]) is a humoral risk stratification marker for systemic inflammatory response syndrome and sepsis. It remains unknown whether presepsin can be used to stratify risk in elective cardiac surgery. The authors therefore determined the usefulness of presepsin for risk stratification in patients having elective cardiac surgery. METHODS: Eight hundred fifty-six cardiac surgical patients were prospectively studied. Preoperative plasma concentrations of presepsin, procalcitonin, N-terminal pro-hormone natriuretic peptide, cystatin C, and the additive European System of Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation 2 were compared to mortality at 30 days (primary outcome), 6 months, and 2 yr. Discrimination was assessed with C statistic. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate univariable and multivariable odds ratios. RESULTS: Thirty-day mortality was 3.2%, 6-month mortality was 6.1%, and 2-yr mortality was 10.4% across the population. Median preoperative presepsin concentrations were significantly greater in 30-day nonsurvivors than in survivors: 842 pg/ml (interquartile range, 306 to 1,246) versus 160 pg/ml (interquartile range, 122 to 234); difference, 167 pg/ml (interquartile range, 92 to 301; P < 0.001). The results were similar for 6-month and 2-yr mortality. Compared to the European System of Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation 2, presepsin concentration provided better discrimination for postoperative mortality at all follow-up periods, including 30 days (C statistic 0.88 vs. 0.74), 6 months (0.87 vs. 0.76), and 2 yr (0.81 vs. 0.74). Presepsin also provided better discrimination than cystatin C, N-terminal pro-hormone natriuretic peptide, or procalcitonin. Elevated presepsin remained an independent risk predictor after adjustment for potential confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated preoperative plasma presepsin concentration is an independent predictor of postoperative mortality in elective cardiac surgery patients and is a stronger predictor than several other commonly used assessments.

Long-Term Outcome of Aortic Root Remodeling for Patients With and Without Acute Aortic Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Valve-preserving aortic surgery is increasingly used in acute aortic dissection type A (AADA). The object of this study was to compare the long-term results of aortic root remodeling (remodeling) for patients with and without AADA.Methods and Results:Between October 1995 and December 2013, 776 patients underwent valve-preserving root replacement, of whom 59 patients with AADA (<2 weeks from onset, 56±16 years, 48 male) underwent remodeling (the remodeling-group); 7 patients had bicuspid anatomy (12%), 3 had Marfan syndrome (5%), and 1 had undergone previous cardiac surgery (2%). For this analysis the control group of patients who underwent remodeling for stable aneurysm (n=59) was generated using a propensity score matching. The long-term outcomes regarding survival and reoperation on the aortic valve were compared between the 2 groups. Pre- and intraoperative patients' characteristics were comparable between groups. Early death was 7% in the AADA group and 3% in the control group (P=0.40). Actuarial survival at 10 years of the AADA group (72±6%) was insignificantly lower than that of the control group (83±5%) (P=0.16). Freedom from reoperation at 10 years was similar (AADA group: 98±2%, control group: 97±3%, P=0.99). Multivariable Cox's proportional hazards model could not identify an independent predictor for late reoperation but advanced age for late death. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term stability of remodeling was comparable between patients with and without AADA.