Inter-Individual Different Responses to Continuous and Interval Training in Recreational Middle-Aged Women Runners.

A crucial subject in sports is identifying the inter-individual variation in response to training, which would allow creating individualized pre-training schedules, improving runner's performance. We aimed to analyze heterogeneity in individual responses to two half-marathon training programs differing in running volume and intensity in middle-aged recreational women. 20 women (40 ± 7 years, 61 ± 7 kg, 167 ± 6 cm, and VO2max = 48 ± 6 mL⋅kg-1⋅min-1) underwent either moderate-intensity continuous (MICT) or high-intensity interval (HIIT) 12-week training. They were evaluated before and after training with maximal incremental tests in the laboratory (VO2max) and in the field (time to exhaustion, TTE; short interval series and long run). All the women participated in the same half-marathon and their finishing times were compared with their previous times. Although the improvements in the mean finishing times were not significant, MICT elicited a greater reduction (3 min 50 s, P = 0.298), with more women (70%) improving on their previous times, than HIIT (reduction of 2 min 34 s, P = 0.197, 50% responders). Laboratory tests showed more differences in the HIIT group (P = 0.008), while both groups presented homogeneous significant (P < 0.05) increases in TTE. Both in the short interval series and in the long run, HIIT induced better individual improvements, with a greater percentage of responders compared to MICT (100% vs 50% in the short series and 78% vs 38% in the long run). In conclusion, variability in inter-individual responses was observed after both MICT and HIIT, with some participants showing improvements (responders) while others did not (non-responders) in different performance parameters, reinforcing the idea that individualized training prescription is needed to optimize performance.

Physiological and Biological Responses to Short-Term Intermittent Hypobaric Hypoxia Exposure: From Sports and Mountain Medicine to New Biomedical Applications.

In recent years, the altitude acclimatization responses elicited by short-term intermittent exposure to hypoxia have been subject to renewed attention. The main goal of short-term intermittent hypobaric hypoxia exposure programs was originally to improve the aerobic capacity of athletes or to accelerate the altitude acclimatization response in alpinists, since such programs induce an increase in erythrocyte mass. Several model programs of intermittent exposure to hypoxia have presented efficiency with respect to this goal, without any of the inconveniences or negative consequences associated with permanent stays at moderate or high altitudes. Artificial intermittent exposure to normobaric hypoxia systems have seen a rapid rise in popularity among recreational and professional athletes, not only due to their unbeatable cost/efficiency ratio, but also because they help prevent common inconveniences associated with high-altitude stays such as social isolation, nutritional limitations, and other minor health and comfort-related annoyances. Today, intermittent exposure to hypobaric hypoxia is known to elicit other physiological response types in several organs and body systems. These responses range from alterations in the ventilatory pattern to modulation of the mitochondrial function. The central role played by hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) in activating a signaling molecular cascade after hypoxia exposure is well known. Among these targets, several growth factors that upregulate the capillary bed by inducing angiogenesis and promoting oxidative metabolism merit special attention. Applying intermittent hypobaric hypoxia to promote the action of some molecules, such as angiogenic factors, could improve repair and recovery in many tissue types. This article uses a comprehensive approach to examine data obtained in recent years. We consider evidence collected from different tissues, including myocardial capillarization, skeletal muscle fiber types and fiber size changes induced by intermittent hypoxia exposure, and discuss the evidence that points to beneficial interventions in applied fields such as sport science. Short-term intermittent hypoxia may not only be useful for healthy people, but could also be considered a promising tool to be applied, with due caution, to some pathophysiological states.

Different training programs decrease blood pressure during submaximal exercise.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to study the effects of aerobic, resistance, and mixed (aerobic and resistance) training programs on blood pressure, both at rest and during submaximal exercise in healthy people. METHODS: We randomized 39 physically active, healthy participants into aerobic, resistance, and mixed (aerobic and resistance) exercise groups, and a control group. The exercise groups trained for 60 min three times/week for 6 weeks, and a submaximal cycle ergometer test was performed before and after training, and 3 weeks after detraining. Continuous blood pressure was determined before and during the test. RESULTS: At the submaximal test, both systolic and diastolic blood pressures decreased significantly (p < 0.05) after detraining in the exercise groups. However, between pre-training and detraining, we found significant reductions at rest only in the mixed exercise group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although all exercise had similar effects on blood pressure during submaximal exercise, the mixed aerobic and resistance exercise may be optimal for blood pressure reduction, by the addition of diverse physiological pathways.

Cardiorespiratory Coordination in Repeated Maximal Exercise.

Increases in cardiorespiratory coordination (CRC) after training with no differences in performance and physiological variables have recently been reported using a principal component analysis approach. However, no research has yet evaluated the short-term effects of exercise on CRC. The aim of this study was to delineate the behavior of CRC under different physiological initial conditions produced by repeated maximal exercises. Fifteen participants performed 2 consecutive graded and maximal cycling tests. Test 1 was performed without any previous exercise, and Test 2 6 min after Test 1. Both tests started at 0 W and the workload was increased by 25 W/min in males and 20 W/min in females, until they were not able to maintain the prescribed cycling frequency of 70 rpm for more than 5 consecutive seconds. A principal component (PC) analysis of selected cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory variables (expired fraction of O2, expired fraction of CO2, ventilation, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate) was performed to evaluate the CRC defined by the number of PCs in both tests. In order to quantify the degree of coordination, the information entropy was calculated and the eigenvalues of the first PC (PC1) were compared between tests. Although no significant differences were found between the tests with respect to the performed maximal workload (Wmax), maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), or ventilatory threshold (VT), an increase in the number of PCs and/or a decrease of eigenvalues of PC1 (t = 2.95; p = 0.01; d = 1.08) was found in Test 2 compared to Test 1. Moreover, entropy was significantly higher (Z = 2.33; p = 0.02; d = 1.43) in the last test. In conclusion, despite the fact that no significant differences were observed in the conventionally explored maximal performance and physiological variables (Wmax, VO2 max, and VT) between tests, a reduction of CRC was observed in Test 2. These results emphasize the interest of CRC evaluation in the assessment and interpretation of cardiorespiratory exercise testing.

Physical effects of a reconditioning programme in a group of chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise can be part of treatment in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), where the aim would be to improve strength and endurance through increasing physical exercise (intensity and time) without aggravating symptomatology. The present study examines the effectiveness of a reconditioning programme (focusing on strength, endurance, balance and propioception) for achieving maximum functional capacity according to the clinical status of CFS patients. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients with CFS were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group (CG) comprising 22 patients and an active group (AG) of 46 patients, the latter being invited to take part in a functional reconditioning programme based on 12 weeks of laboratory training followed by a further 12-week home training period. Functional assessments were as follows: before (I) and after (II) the laboratory training and after (III) the home training. RESULTS: In the AG, 22 patients (67%) completed the intervention (laboratory) stage and 20 finished the whole protocol (61%). Patients in the AG showed improved static and dynamic balance, as well as significantly greater maximum strength (F=7.059, P<0.05). Differences in resistance strength were also observed, with the AG showing a 19.9% improvement between functional assessments I and II (P=0.04). We do not found changes in the CG. CONCLUSIONS: A physical exercise programme of this kind might offer CFS patients the opportunity to improve their strength, balance and quality of life, there being only a very small risk of relapse and none of the adverse effects of other treatments.

Five-year mortality in cardiac surgery patients with low cardiac output syndrome treated with levosimendan: prognostic evaluation of NT-proBNP and C-reactive protein.

BACKGROUND: To determine the clinical risk factors predictive of the 5-year mortality in patients with low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) after cardiac surgery. In addition, to assess the influence of inflammation and myocardial dysfunction severity, as measured by C-reactive protein (CRP) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations, on outcome. METHODS: We studied 30 patients who underwent cardiac surgery and developed postoperative LCOS requiring inotropic support for longer than 48 hours after intensive care unit (ICU) admission. All patients received a 24-hour infusion of levosimendan after study enrolment. We measured the following at baseline, 24 h, 48 h and 7 days: clinical data, serum NT-proBNP and serum CRP levels. Patients were followed-up at 5 years for death by any cause. A risk-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression model was used for statistical analysis. Hazard ratios and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) are presented. RESULTS: The 5-year mortality was 36.6% (n.=11). The predictors of 5-year mortality were the presence of dilated cardiomyopathy (HR=36.909; 95% CI: 1.901-716.747; P=0.017), a higher central venous pressure (CVP) at 48 hours (HR=2.686; 95% CI: 1.383-5.214; P=0.004), and lower CRP levels on day 7 (HR=0.963; 95% CI: 0.933-0.994; P=0.021). NT-proBNP levels showed a trend to higher initial levels in survivors without statistical significance, but were not associated with 5-year mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of dilated cardiomyopathy, elevated CVP at 48 h and reduced CRP levels on day 7 predicted 5-year mortality in patients who developed postoperative LCOS after cardiac surgery. NT-proBNP levels in the first postoperative week were not predictors of long-term outcomes.

Cardiorespiratory Coordination after Training and Detraining. A Principal Component Analysis Approach.

Our purpose was to study the effects of different training modalities and detraining on cardiorespiratory coordination (CRC). Thirty-two young males were randomly assigned to four training groups: aerobic (AT), resistance (RT), aerobic plus resistance (AT + RT), and control (C). They were assessed before training, after training (6 weeks) and after detraining (3 weeks) by means of a graded maximal test. A principal component (PC) analysis of selected cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory variables was performed to evaluate CRC. The first PC (PC1) coefficient of congruence in the three conditions (before training, after training and after detraining) was compared between groups. Two PCs were identified in 81% of participants before the training period. After this period the number of PCs and the projection of the selected variables onto them changed only in the groups subject to a training programme. The PC1 coefficient of congruence was significantly lower in the training groups compared with the C group [H (3, N=32) = 11.28; p = 0.01]. In conclusion, training produced changes in CRC, reflected by the change in the number of PCs and the congruence values of PC1. These changes may be more sensitive than the usually explored cardiorespiratory reserve, and they probably precede it.

Evaluation of Serial Arterial Lactate Levels as a Predictor of Hospital and Long-Term Mortality in Patients After Cardiac Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Although hyperlactatemia is common after cardiac surgery, its value as a prognostic marker is unclear. The aim of the present study was to determine whether postoperative serial arterial lactate (AL) measurements after cardiac surgery could predict outcome. DESIGN: Prospective, observational study. SETTING: Surgical intensive care unit in a tertiary-level university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Participants included 2,935 consecutive patients. INTERVENTIONS: AL was measured on admission to the intensive care unit and 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery, and evaluated together with clinical data and outcomes including in-hospital and long-term mortality. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In-hospital and long-term mortality (mean follow-up 6.3±1.7 years) were 5.9% and 8.7%, respectively. Compared with survivors, nonsurvivors showed higher mean AL values in all measurements (p<0.001). Hyperlactatemia (AL>3.0 mmol/L) was a predictor for in-hospital mortality (odds ratio = 1.468; 95% confidence interval = 1.239-1.739; p<0.001) and long-term mortality (hazard ratio = 1.511; 95% confidence interval = 1.251-1.825; p<0.001). Recent myocardial infarction and longer cardiopulmonary bypass time were predictors of hyperlactatemia. The pattern of AL dynamics was similar in both groups, but nonsurvivors showed higher AL values, as confirmed by repeated measures analysis of variance (p<0.001). The area under the curve also showed higher levels of AL in nonsurvivors (80.9±68.2 v 49.71±25.8 mmol/L/h; p = 0.038). Patients with hyperlactatemia were divided according to their timing of peak AL, with higher mortality and worse survival in patients in whom AL peaked at 24 hours compared with other groups (79.1% v 86.7%-89.2%; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The dynamics of the postoperative AL curve in patients undergoing cardiac surgery suggests a similar mechanism of hyperlactatemia in survivors and nonsurvivors, albeit with a higher production or lower clearance of AL in nonsurvivors. The presence of a peak of hyperlactatemia at 24 hours is associated with higher in-hospital and long-term mortality.

Influence of cirrhosis in cardiac surgery outcomes.

Liver cirrhosis has evolved an important risk factor for cardiac surgery due to the higher morbidity and mortality that these patients may suffer compared with general cardiac surgery population. The presence of contributing factors for a poor outcome, such as coagulopathy, a poor nutritional status, an adaptive immune dysfunction, a degree of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, and a degree of renal and pulmonary dysfunction, have to be taken into account for surgical evaluation when cardiac surgery is needed, together with the degree of liver disease and its primary complications. The associated pathophysiological characteristics that liver cirrhosis represents have a great influence in the development of complications during cardiac surgery and the postoperative course. Despite the population of cirrhotic patients who are referred for cardiac surgery is small and recommendations come from small series, since liver cirrhotic patients have increased their chance of survival in the last 20 years due to the advances in their medical care, which includes liver transplantation, they have been increasingly considered for cardiac surgery. Indeed, there is an expected rise of cirrhotic patients within the cardiac surgical population due to the increasing rates of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, especially in western countries. In consequence, a more specific approach is needed in the assessment of care of these patients if we want to improve their management. In this article, we review the pathophysiology and outcome prediction of cirrhotic patients who underwent cardiac surgery.

The influence of body mass index on outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: does the obesity paradox really exist?

PURPOSE: Obesity influences risk stratification in cardiac surgery in everyday practice. However, some studies have reported better outcomes in patients with a high body mass index (BMI): this is known as the obesity paradox. The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of diverse degrees of high BMI on clinical outcomes after cardiac surgery, and to assess the existence of an obesity paradox in our patients. METHODS: A total of 2,499 consecutive patients requiring all types of cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass between January 2004 and February 2009 were prospectively studied at our institution. Patients were divided into four groups based on BMI: normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg∙m-2; n = 523; 21.4%), overweight (25-29.9 kg∙m-2; n = 1150; 47%), obese (≥ 30-≤ 34.9 kg∙m-2; n = 624; 25.5%) and morbidly obese (≥ 35kg∙m-2; n = 152; 6.2%). Follow-up was performed in 2,379 patients during the first year. RESULTS: After adjusting for confounding factors, patients with higher BMI presented worse oxygenation and better nutritional status, reflected by lower PaO2/FiO2 at 24h and higher albumin levels 48 h after admission respectively. Obese patients showed a higher risk for Perioperative Myocardial Infarction (OR: 1.768; 95% CI: 1.035-3.022; p = 0.037) and septicaemia (OR: 1.489; 95% CI: 1.282-1.997; p = 0.005). In-hospital mortality was 4.8% (n = 118) and 1-year mortality was 10.1% (n = 252). No differences were found regarding in-hospital mortality between BMI groups. The overweight group showed better 1-year survival than normal weight patients (91.2% vs. 87.6%; Log Rank: p = 0.029. HR: 1.496; 95% CI: 1.062-2.108; p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: In our population, obesity increases Perioperative Myocardial Infarction and septicaemia after cardiac surgery, but does not influence in-hospital mortality. Although we found better 1-year survival in overweight patients, our results do not support any protective effect of obesity in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Circulating progenitor cells during exercise, muscle electro-stimulation and intermittent hypobaric hypoxia in patients with traumatic brain injury: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Circulating progenitor cells (CPC) treatments may have great potential for the recovery of neurons and brain function. OBJECTIVE: To increase and maintain CPC with a program of exercise, muscle electro-stimulation (ME) and/or intermittent-hypobaric-hypoxia (IHH), and also to study the possible improvement in physical or psychological functioning of participants with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). METHODS: Twenty-one participants. Four groups: exercise and ME group (EEG), cycling group (CyG), IHH and ME group (HEG) and control group (CG). Psychological and physical stress tests were carried out. CPC were measured in blood several times during the protocol. RESULTS: Psychological tests did not change. In the physical stress tests the VO2 uptake increased in the EEG and the CyG, and the maximal tolerated workload increased in the HEG. CPC levels increased in the last three weeks in EEG, but not in CyG, CG and HEG. CONCLUSIONS: CPC levels increased in the last three weeks of the EEG program, but not in the other groups and we did not detect performed psychological test changes in any group. The detected aerobic capacity or workload improvement must be beneficial for the patients who have suffered TBI, but exercise type and the mechanisms involved are not clear.

Influence of acute kidney injury on short- and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: risk factors and prognostic value of a modified RIFLE classification.

INTRODUCTION: The development of acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with poor outcome. The modified RIFLE (risk, injury, failure, loss of kidney function, and end-stage renal failure) classification for AKI, which classifies patients with renal replacement therapy needs according to RIFLE failure class, improves the predictive value of AKI in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Our aim was to assess risk factors for post-operative AKI and the impact of renal function on short- and long-term survival among all AKI subgroups using the modified RIFLE classification. METHODS: We prospectively studied 2,940 consecutive cardiosurgical patients between January 2004 and July 2009. AKI was defined according to the modified RIFLE system. Pre-operative, operative and post-operative variables usually measured on and during admission, which included main outcomes, were recorded together with cardiac surgery scores and ICU scores. These data were evaluated for association with AKI and staging in the different RIFLE groups by means of multivariable analyses. Survival was analyzed via Kaplan-Meier and a risk-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression model. A complete follow-up (mean 6.9 ± 4.3 years) was performed in 2,840 patients up to April 2013. RESULTS: Of those patients studied, 14% (n = 409) were diagnosed with AKI. We identified one intra-operative (higher cardiopulmonary bypass time) and two post-operative (a longer need for vasoactive drugs and higher arterial lactate 24 hours after admission) predictors of AKI. The worst outcomes, including in-hospital mortality, were associated with the worst RIFLE class. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed survival of 74.9% in the RIFLE risk group, 42.9% in the RIFLE injury group and 22.3% in the RIFLE failure group (P <0.001). Classification at RIFLE injury (Hazard ratio (HR) = 2.347, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.122 to 4.907, P = 0.023) and RIFLE failure (HR = 3.093, 95% CI 1.460 to 6.550, P = 0.003) were independent predictors for long-term patient mortality. CONCLUSIONS: AKI development after cardiac surgery is associated mainly with post-operative variables, which ultimately could lead to a worst RIFLE class. Staging at the RIFLE injury and RIFLE failure class is associated with higher short- and long-term mortality in our population.

Does post-cardiac surgery magnesium supplementation improve outcome?

Hypomagnesemia has been linked with increased morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Since the condition is common after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, the objective of this study was to determine whether magnesium supplementation in the immediate postoperative period may improve outcomes of patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in a third-level, cardiac surgery intensive care unit (ICU) at a university hospital. Two hundred and sixteen patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were randomized to receive either an intravenous bolus of 1.5 g of magnesium sulphate followed by an infusion of 12 g of the same salt in 24 h (105 patients), or placebo (111 patients) administered according to the same schedule as the treatment group. No significant differences were found either in the primary end point (hours of intubation) or in the secondary end points (length of inotropic support, new atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, length of intensive care unit stay, or ICU or hospital mortality). Hypomagnesemia was present in 12% of patients on admission to the intensive care unit. The magnesium group had a greater need for pacemaker stimulation. In conclusion, under the conditions of the present study, magnesium supplementation after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass does not favourably affect clinical outcomes.

Age and sex differences in perioperative myocardial infarction after cardiac surgery.

We investigate age and sex differences in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) after cardiac surgery in a prospective study of 2038 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. An age of ≥ 70 years implied changes in the type of AMI from the ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (non-STEMI). Men were more likely than women to suffer from AMI after cardiac surgery (11.8% vs. 5.6%), as a result of the higher frequency of STEMI (6% of men vs. 1.8% of women; P < 0.001) in both age groups. A troponin-I (Tn-I) peak was significantly higher in patients ≥ 70 years old. In-hospital mortality was higher in patients ≥ 70 (7.3%) than in those < 70 years old (3.3%), because of the increased mortality observed in men with non-AMI (2.1% vs. 6.3%) and women with STEMI (0% vs. 28.6%) and non-STEMI (0% vs. 36.8%, P < 0.05). Old age was associated with a higher frequency of non-STEMI, Tn-I peak, mortality and length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). Regardless of age, men more often suffer from AMI (particularly STEMI). AMI in women had a notable impact on excess mortality and ICU stay observed in patients ≥ 70 years of age. Clinical and Tn-I peak differences are expected in relation to age and gender after AMI post-cardiac surgery.

Impact of non-neurological complications in severe traumatic brain injury outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Non-neurological complications in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) are frequent, worsening the prognosis, but the pathophysiology of systemic complications after TBI is unclear. The purpose of this study was to analyze non-neurological complications in patients with severe TBI admitted to the ICU, the impact of these complications on mortality, and their possible correlation with TBI severity. METHODS: An observational retrospective cohort study was conducted in one multidisciplinary ICU of a university hospital (35 beds); 224 consecutive adult patients with severe TBI (initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) < 9) admitted to the ICU were included. Neurological and non-neurological variables were recorded. RESULTS: Sepsis occurred in 75% of patients, respiratory infections in 68%, hypotension in 44%, severe respiratory failure (arterial oxygen pressure/oxygen inspired fraction ratio (PaO2/FiO2) < 200) in 41% and acute kidney injury (AKI) in 8%. The multivariate analysis showed that Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) at one year was independently associated with age, initial GCS 3 to 5, worst Traumatic Coma Data Bank (TCDB) first computed tomography (CT) scan and the presence of intracranial hypertension but not AKI. Hospital mortality was independently associated with initial GSC 3 to 5, worst TCDB first CT scan, the presence of intracranial hypertension and AKI. The presence of AKI regardless of GCS multiplied risk of death 6.17 times (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37 to 27.78) (P < 0.02), while ICU hypotension increased the risk of death in patients with initial scores of 3 to 5 on the GCS 4.28 times (95% CI: 1.22 to 15.07) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Low initial GCS, worst first CT scan, intracranial hypertension and AKI determined hospital mortality in severe TBI patients. Besides the direct effect of low GCS on mortality, this neurological condition also is associated with ICU hypotension which increases hospital mortality among patients with severe TBI. These findings add to previous studies that showed that non-neurological complications increase the length of stay and morbidity in the ICU but do not increase mortality, with the exception of AKI and hypotension in low GCS (3 to 5).

Are there sex-based differences in serum troponin I after cardiac surgery?

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there are sex-based differences in serum troponin I (TnI) after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. DESIGN: Prospective, observational, cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary cardiac surgery intensive care unit (ICU) at a university hospital. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Serum TnI was measured in samples obtained at ICU admission and 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours later. A total of 761 consecutive patients were studied (444 men and 317 women). The characteristics and results of the different sex subgroups were as follows:A) Coronary bypass: 165 men and 38 women. Age, Parsonnet score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III score, prevalence of renal failure, intra-aortic balloon use, and the lengths of cardiopulmonary bypass, mechanical ventilation, and ICU stay were similar in the two groups. Body mass index, red-cell transfusion needs, and use of noradrenaline were significantly higher in women, whereas dobutamine requirements were higher in men. Mortality: 3 men (1.6%) vs. 0 women (p = not significant).The TnI peak was slightly, but significantly, higher in men (6.2 +/- 4.9 vs. 4.5 +/- 2.6 microg/L. p < 0.05).B) Valve surgery: 279 men and 279 women. Some significant differences were found: Women were older than men and had higher Parsonnet score and transfusion needs. The other recorded variables were similar. Mitral prosthesis: 62 men and 125 women (p < 0.05). Mitral valvuloplasty: 24 men, 7 women (p < 0.05). Aortic prosthesis: 162 men, 103 women (p < 0.05). Mitral and aortic prosthesis: 31 men and 44 women (p < 0.05). TnI peaks were similar for both sexes in each valve subgroup. Mortality: 3 men (1%) vs. 11 women (3.4%) (p < 0.05).The TnI peak did not reach any significant differences between sexes (men 7.9 +/- 6.0 vs. 8.5 +/- 6.5 microg/L in women. p = not significant). CONCLUSION: No clinically relevant sex-based differences were found in the TnI peaks after cardiac surgery.

Relationships among haemoglobin level, packed red cell transfusion and clinical outcomes in patients after cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To identify associations among haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations, blood transfusions, and clinical outcomes in patients after cardiac surgery, especially in those who undergo valve replacement or bypass surgery. DESIGN: Prospective observational trial. SETTING: Surgical intensive care unit in a tertiary-level university hospital. PATIENTS: 1216 Consecutive patients. MEASUREMENTS: Haemoglobin at admission and 6, 12, 24, and 48 h later, and then, every 24 h while patients remained in the intensive care unit (ICU); number of transfusions and clinical events. RESULTS: Patients were divided into quartiles according to minimal haemoglobin, the first and second of which (Hb <8.10 and <8.91 g/dL, respectively) differed significantly (P < 0.001) from the other two quartiles in terms of more organ failure, longer ICU stay, and higher mortality. We found associations between being transfused >or=4 packed red cells (PRCs) and a worse clinical outcome and higher mortality. The associated mortality rate was higher for patients who underwent bypass surgery when they had Hb 8.9 g/dL and were transfused >or=4 PRCs. CONCLUSIONS: Low haemoglobin concentrations and transfusions in patients undergoing cardiac surgery are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Also, anemia and transfusions are associated with poor outcome. Therefore, intra- and postoperative bleeding seem to be a risk factor in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Is C-reactive protein a biomarker for immediate clinical outcome after cardiac surgery?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the possible correlation between inflammatory activation after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, measured by postoperative C-reactive protein concentrations, and immediate intensive care unit outcome. DESIGN: A prospective, clinical cohort study. SETTING: A 10-bed surgical intensive care unit at a tertiary university hospital. PATIENTS: Two hundred sixteen consecutive patients undergoing nonemergency cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Parsonnet and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation scores, characteristics of the surgical intervention, intensive care unit length of stay, and mortality were recorded along with the following variables: cardiac (hours requiring inotropic support and new atrial fibrillation), respiratory (oxygenation index and hours requiring intubation), renal (difference between serum creatinine at admission and maximum creatinine), and analytic (C-reactive protein at admission and 6, 24, and 48 hours later; troponin I; CK-MB; and lactate). RESULTS: Postoperative C-reactive protein concentrations did not correlate with variables such as time requiring inotropic support or intubation, oxygenation index, delta serum creatinine, and intensive care unit length of stay (with the exception of cardiopulmonary bypass time and the more frequent norepinephrine requirement in patients with higher C-reactive protein concentration at 48 hours); nor did C-reactive protein correlate with the analytic variables (with the exception of the lactate peak and C-reactive protein concentrations at 24 and 48 hours). There was no correlation between C-reactive protein and postoperative variables for coronary artery bypass graft surgery and valvular groups analyzed separately. CONCLUSION: Postoperative C-reactive protein does not seem to be a useful marker in predicting outcome after 48 hours in the intensive care unit.