Comparison of Bretschneider HTK cardioplegia solution and blood cardioplegia in terms of postoperative results in patients who underwent isolated supracoronary ascending aortic replacement.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac arrest with cardioplegia is the most common and reliable method of myocardial protection in cardiac surgery, but there is no definite consensus on the use of different types of cardioplegia. Two of the commonly used types of cardioplegia are Bretschneider histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution (Custodiol) and conventional blood cardioplegia. In this study, Custodiol solution and conventional blood cardioplegia used in patients with type A aortic dissection who underwent supracoronary ascending aortic replacement were aimed to be compared in terms of postoperative results. METHODS: 70 patients with type A aortic dissection who underwent supracoronary ascending aortic replacement in our clinic between January 2011 - October 2020 were included. Patients were divided into two groups, blood cardioplegia group (n = 48) and Custodiol group (n = 22) and they were compared regarding preoperative, perioperative and postoperative variables. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between cardiopulmonary bypass time and cross-clamp time (p = 0.17 and p = 0.16, respectively). Mechanical ventilator weaning time, intensive care unit stay and hospital stay were shorter in Custodiol group (p = 0.04,p = 0.03 and p = 0.05, respectively). While inotropic support need was higher in the blood cardioplegia group (p = 0.001), there was no significant difference in terms of mortality, arrhythmia, neurological complications and renal complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that Custodiol cardioplegia solution may be superior to blood cardioplegia in reducing mechanical ventilation weaning period, intensive care and hospital stay, and reducing the use of inotropic agents in patients with type A aortic dissection undergoing supracoronary ascending aorta replacement.

Effects of age on systemic inflamatory response syndrome and results of coronary bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery bypass (CAB) surgery triggers systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) via several mechanisms. Moreover, age is directly correlated with SIRS. We evaluated the effect of age on SIRS and postoperative outcome after CAB surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 229 patients who had undergone CAB surgery. The patients were divided into three groups according to age: group 1, < 40 years (n = 61); group 2, 40-75 years (n = 83); and group 3, > 75 years old (n = 85). Pre- and peri-operative data were assessed in all patients. SIRS was diagnosed according to the criteria established by Boehme. RESULTS: The average pre-operative EuroSCORE value in group 3 was higher than in the other groups and body surface areas were significantly lower in group 3 than in the other groups (p < 0.05). The postoperative SIRS rates were 68.9% in group 1, 84.3% in group 2 and 91.8% in group 3 (group 1 vs group 3; p < 0.05). Mortality rates were not significantly different between the groups (p > 0.05). The predictive factors for SIRS were age, EuroSCORE rate, on-pump CAB surgery and intra-aortic balloon pump use. CONCLUSIONS: Age was an important risk factor for SIRS during the postoperative period after CAB.

The effect of diclofenac on matrix metalloproteinase levels in the rotator cuff.

INTRODUCTION: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in physiological events such as restructuring of the tissue, morphogenesis, wound healing and normal developmental process. Use of diclofenac sodium following rotator cuff repair can disrupt healing of tendon through acting on MMPs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Supraspinatus tendons of rats (n = 84) were detached from their insertion on humerus, and repaired to anatomic footprint. Rats were divided into study group (n = 42) and control group (n = 42). Study group received a dose of 1 mg/kg daily diclofenac sodium subcutaneously. The rats were killed at weeks 1, 3 and 6, and seven rats from each groups were included in biomechanical and immunohistological examinations. Immunohistological staining of MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP13 were used. RESULTS: Maximum load was reduced in the study group at the end of week 1 (8.76 vs. 5.28 N) (p = 0.01). MMP-3 level was statistically significantly lower in the study group at the end of week 1. MMP-13 level and stiffness decreased towards week 6 in the study group while in the control group the level of MMP-2 decreased towards week 6. CONCLUSION: Diclofenac has an impact on the levels of MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-13, which are needed for normal healing process, and it can also lead to disruption of tendon healing.