Predictors of Mortality for Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infraction after 2-Year Follow-Up: A ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Cohort in Isfahan Study.

Background: Mortality of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients is increasing in world. This study defines predictors of mortality in patients who have STEMI. Materials and Methods: This study was a part of the ST-elevated myocardial infarction cohort study in Isfahan conducted on 876 acute myocardial infarction (MI) followed for 2 years that 781 patient entered. The effect of predictors of mortality includes demographic, physiological, and clinical characterizes compared in two groups alive and died patients. MACE was defined as nonfatal MI, nonfatal stroke, and atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease-related death was recorded. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. All analyses performed using SPSS 20.0. P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: A total 781 patients, 117 (13%) that 72 (8.5%) was in-hospital died. The mean (standard deviation) age of the patients was 60.92 (12.77) years and 705 (81.3%) patients were males. Significant factors that affected mortality on analysis of demographic and physiological parameters were age (P < 0.001), sex (P = 0.004), transfusion (P = 0.010), STEMI type (P < 0.001), number epicardial territories >50% (P = 0.001), ventilation options (P < 0.001), smoker (P = 0.003), and diabetes (P = 0.026). Significant clinical factors affected mortality were ejection fraction (EF) (P < 0.001), creatinine (P < 0.001), hemoglobin (P < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (P = 0.019), and systolic blood pressure (P < 0.001). Multiple logistics regression model definition significant predictors for mortality were age (P < 0.001), heart rate (HR) (P = 0.007), EF (0.039), LDL-C (P = 0.002), and preangia (P = 0.022). Conclusion: The set of factors can increase or decrease mortality in these patients. Significant predictors of mortality STEMI patients by 2-year follow up were age, HR, EF, LDL-C, and preangia. It seems that more articles need to be done in different parts of Iran to confirm the results.

Evaluation of the Effect of Modafinil on Respiratory and Cerebral Outcomes after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary complications following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) pump during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are relatively common and the incidence of cognitive dysfunction is reported as ranging in rate from 30% to 80% in the early postoperative period. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of modafinil administration on the prevention of pulmonary and cerebral complications and shortening the hospital stay after CABG surgery. METHODS: This randomized double-blind intervention-controlled clinical trial was performed on 74 patients (37 in the intervention group and 37 in the control group) undertaking CABG surgery. The intervention group was orally treated with doses of 200 mg of modafinil on the day of surgery, and on the morning of the day after surgery, the second dose of modafinil 200 mg was given to patients. The control group underwent a placebo with the same intervals. RESULTS: Administration of modafinil in intervention group significantly decreased the time to reach consciousness (P = 0.001), ventilator time in intensive care unit (ICU) (P < 0.001), length of stay in ICU (P = 0.009), duration of hospitalization (P = 0.008), and arterial blood carbon dioxide pressure (PaCO2) (P = 0.047). In the intervention group, no patients with delirium, agitation, respiratory depression, non-invasive respiratory ventilation, and endotracheal re-intubation were observed. CONCLUSION: Modafinil tablet as a respiratory and brain stimulant through the central nervous system (CNS) can improve the quality of breathing and arterial blood gases (ABGs) and also can increase the level of consciousness and shorten the recovery time.

Right Atrial Thrombus in a COVID-19 Child Treated Through Cardiac Surgery.

We herein report a case of large intracardiac thrombus in a child with SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19). The diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed through HRCT and RT-PCR. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a large thrombus in the right atrium treated successfully via cardiac surgery. The underlying mechanisms of this thrombus in the COVID-19 infection may be attributed to the hypercoagulation and inflammatory condition incurred by the COVID-19 virus.

Sharing the power through promoting heart health literacy: A participatory action research in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Low health literacy can act as a barrier to effective disease self-management. The study aimed to promote heart health literacy in Iranian society. METHODS: This study was conducted as a participatory action research (PAR) based on Zuber-Skerritt Model to design and implement a program for promoting heart health literacy in Iranian society. Participants were selected among adults with heart diseases and their family members, as well as their health care providers in Chamran Hospital, Isfahan Heart Friends association and researchers, and Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan, Iran. Data collection was conducted using interviews. Content analysis was used to analyze the data to promote heart health literacy. Promoting of heart health literacy was implemented in different levels in Isfahan from March 2017 to October 2017. The effect of the program was evaluated based on interviews, feedback, and focus groups at the individual level. RESULTS: Finally, at the World Heart Week, a healthy heart campaign was formed with the slogan "Share the power". At the end of this program, participants experienced significant empowerment during the project to promote heart health literacy. The three main themes indicating this feeling of empowerment were "Being worried about the hearts of others", "Sensitization to the care of the heart", and "General understanding of heart health". CONCLUSION: PAR can be an effective way to promote heart health literacy in Iranian society. It integrates the voices of the marginalized group promoting heart health literacy in Iranian society.

Comparison of the incidence and severity of delirium and biochemical factors after coronary artery bypass grafting with dexmedetomidine: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial study.

BACKGROUND: One of the most common postoperative problems, such as open heart surgery, is delirium, which is responsible for increased mortality and morbidity. Therefore, it is necessary to find a way to cure this disease. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of dexmedetomidine administration on the prevention of delirium after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. METHODS: This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed on 88 patients (44 in the intervention group and 44 in the control group) undertaking CABG surgery. The intervention group was subcutaneously treated with doses of 1 µg/kg of dexmedetomidine for 10 minutes, and 0.2-0.7 µg/kg in hour infusion was applied. The control group underwent normal saline infusion as a placebo. Chi-square and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were used to compare the data. RESULTS: Administration of dexmedetomidine in intervention group significantly decreased delirium (P = 0.040) and delirium intensity (P = 0.001). Moreover, patients treated with dexmedetomidine had more stability in laboratory variables and vital signs, and also the duration of hospitalization in these patients was significantly lower than control group (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Considering the efficacy of dexmedetomidine on preventing the incidence and severity of delirium and reducing mortality and morbidity, it is recommended that another study with the larger sample size, with different doses and different prescribing methods be conducted to better understand the effect of this drug and achieve a safe dose with maximum efficacy.

Comparison of the effect of fibrinogen concentrate with fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in management of hypofibrinogenemic bleeding after congenital cardiac surgeries: A clinical trial study.

BACKGROUND: Hypofibrinogenemia is an independent factor of excessive bleeding after congenital cardiac surgeries. Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and fibrinogen concentrate are examples of recommended products for management of hypofibrinogenemic bleedings. Unfortunately, there is no study to compare these treatments in pediatric cardiac surgeries. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effect of fibrinogen concentrate with FFP on postoperative bleeding and clinical outcome after congenital cardiac surgeries in pediatric population. METHODS: Phis prospective clinical trial study was carried out on 90 consecutive pediatric patients who underwent congenital cardiac surgeries. The eligible pediatrics who met our study criteria, randomly received FFP (10 ml/kg) or fibrinogen concentrate (70 mg/kg) to assess postoperative bleeding and blood-products requirements. RESULTS: Each of FFP and fibrinogen concentrate significantly reduced total chest tube drainage (CTD) at 3, 6, 12, and 24 postoperative hours (P = 0.04). The analysis of time*intervention revealed that our intervention (fibrinogen group) significantly reduced CTD more (P = 0.01). Moreover, fibrinogen group had a significantly higher plasma fibrinogen level in first 24 hours (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Nowadays, both of fibrinogen concentrate and FFP product are widely used for management of hypofibrinogenic bleedings after cardiac surgeries. According to our results, we concluded that although the both product had a comparable effect on management of hypofibrinogenemic bleeding in pediatrics undergoing congenital cardiac surgeries, choosing better product depended on general condition of patients such as their body fluid status.

Comparing the effects of adaptive support ventilation and synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation on intubation duration and hospital stay after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

BACKGROUND: Different modes of mechanical ventilation are used for respiratory support after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). This study aimed to compare the effect(s) of using adaptive support ventilation (ASV) and synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) on the length of mechanical ventilation (intubation duration) and hospital stay after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized control trial, 64 patients were ventilated with ASV as the experiment group or with SIMV as the control group after CABG surgery in Chamran Hospital of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The time of tracheal intubation and the length of hospital stay were compared between the two groups. Data were analyzed and described using statistical analysis (independent t-test). RESULTS: The mean time of intubation duration was significantly lower in ASV group compared with SIMV group. (4.83 h vs 6.71 h, P < 0.001). The lengths of hospital stay in the ASV and the SIMV groups were 140.6 h and 145.1 h, respectively. This difference was significant between the two groups (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, using ASV mode for mechanical ventilation after CABG led to a decrease in intubation duration and also hospital stay in comparison with the SIMV group. It is recommended to use ASV mode on ventilators for respiratory support of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Is Admission Serum Sodium Concentration a Clinical Predictor for the Outcome of Therapy in Critically Ill Poisoned Patients?

BACKGROUND: Disorders of serum sodium concentration are some of the most electrolyte abnormalities in the intensive care unit (ICU) patients. These disorders adversely affect the function of vital organs and are associated with increased hospital mortality. PURPOSE: In the present study we aimed to evaluate the effects of serum sodium concentration abnormalities at the time of hospital admission on the clinical outcome of therapy in a cohort of critically ill poisoned patients. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 184 critically ill poisoned patients aged >18 years and in the first 8 hours of their poisoning, hospitalized in the ICU of a tertiary care university hospital (Isfahan, Iran) between 2010-2012, were evaluated at the admission time and 24 hours later for serum sodium concentration abnormalities and its relationship with age, gender, consciousness status, ingested drugs and clinical outcome of therapy. The clinical outcome was considered as recovery and mortality. Logistic Regression analysis was performed for predictive variables including serum sodium concentration abnormalities in patients' clinical outcome. FINDINGS: On admission, 152 patients (82.6%) were eunatremic, 21 patients (11.4%) were hyponatremic and 11 patients (6%) were hypernatremic. In the second day eunatremia, hyponatremia and hypernatremia was observed in 84.4%, 13% and 2.2% respectively. Age (OR=1.92; CI=1.18-3.12) and severity of toxicity (OR=1.32; CI=1.12-2.41) were predicting factors of mortality in ICU poisoning patients. CONCLUSIONS: Serum sodium concentration abnormalities are prevalent in critically ill poisoned patient but do not seem to have a predictive value for the clinical outcome of therapy.

Risk factors and the outcome of therapy in patients with seizure after Carbamazepine poisoning: A two-year cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the frequency of seizure after acute carbamazepine poisoning and the important risk factors related to the outcomes of therapy. METHODS: In this two-year cross-sectional study conducted in a University Hospital in Iran, 114 patients with acute carbamazepine poisoning were divided into two groups of with seizure (n = 8) and without seizure (n = 106) after intoxication. Demographic data, average amount of drug ingestion, time elapsed from ingestion to hospital admission, history of seizure before poisoning, mental status, visual disturbances and nystagmus, duration of hospitalization, the outcomes of therapy, arterial blood gas values and serum biochemical indices were compared between the two groups. FINDINGS: Patients with seizure had an estimated (Mean ± SD) ingestion of 14,300 ± 570 mg carbamazepine, which was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than the seizure-free group (4600 ± 420 mg). The estimated average time between drug ingestion and hospital admission in patients with seizure and the seizure-free group were 515 ± 275 and 370 ± 46 minutes, respectively (P < 0.0001). In this study, 104 out of the total number of patients had recovered without any complication. Need for respiratory support, including airway support or intubation were the most recorded complication. One patient died after status epilepticus and aspiration pneumonia. CONCLUSION: The ingested amount of carbamazepine and the time elapsed from the ingestion of drug to hospital admission may influence the occurrence of seizure after acute carbamazepine poisoning; however, the outcome of supportive care in these patients seems to be positive.

Modified ultrafiltration during cardiopulmonary bypass and postoperative course of pediatric cardiac surgery.

CONTEXT: The use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) provokes the inflammatory responses associated with ischemic/reperfusion injury, hemodilution and other agents. Exposure of blood cells to the bypass circuit surface starts a systemic inflammatory reaction that may causes post-CPB organ dysfunction, particularly in lungs, heart and brain. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We investigated in the MEDLINE, PUBMED, and EMBASE databases and Google scholar for every available article in peer reviewed journals between 1987 and 2013, for related subjects to CPB with conventional or modified ultrafiltration (MUF) in pediatrics cardiac surgery patients. RESULTS: MUF following separation from extracorporeal circulation (ECC) provides well known advantages in children with improvements in the hemodynamic, pulmonary, coagulation and other organs functions. Decrease in blood transfusion, reduction of total body water, and blood loss after surgery, are additional benefits of MUF. CONCLUSIONS: Consequently, MUF has been associated with attenuation of morbidity after pediatric cardiac surgery. In this review, we tried to evaluate the current evidence about MUF on the organ performance and its effect on post-CPB morbidity in pediatric patients.

Evaluation of effect of continuous positive airway pressure during cardiopulmonary bypass on cardiac de-airing after open heart surgery in randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac and pulmonary veins de-airing are of the most important steps during open heart surgery. This study evaluates the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on air trapping in pulmonary veins and on quality of de-airing procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized prospective double blind clinical trial conducted on 40 patients. In the control group: During cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), the ventilator was turned off and adjustable pressure limit (APL) valve was placed in SPONT position. In CPAP group: During CPB, after turning the ventilator off, the flow of oxygen flow was maintained at the rate of 0.5 L/min and the APL valve was placed in MAN position on 20 mbar. During cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) weaning, the patients were observed for air bubbles in left atrium by using transesophageal echocardiography. RESULTS: The mean de-airing time after the start of mechanical ventilation in CPAP group (n = 20) was significantly lower than the control group (n = 20) (P = 0.0001). The mean time of the left atrium air bubbles occupation as mild (P = 0.004), moderate (P = 0.0001) and severe (P = 0.015) grading was significantly lower in CPAP group. CONCLUSIONS: By CPAP at 20 mbar during CPB in open heart surgery, de-airing process can be down in better quality and in significantly shorter time.

Comparative evaluation of the effects of tranexamic acid and low-dose aprotinin on post-valvular heart surgery bleeding and allogenic transfusion.

Bleeding diathesis and allogenic transfusion after complex heart surgery, such as heart valve surgery, may result in complications such as transfusion reaction, viral infection, postoperative infection, haemodynamic disturbance, prolonged stay in the intensive care unit and hospital, renal and respiratory failure and mortality. In this prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 90 patients were randomly divided into three groups: aprotinin, tranexamic acid and control. Chest-tube drainage, transfusion requirements and renal and neurological complications were evaluated. We found that chest-tube drainage during the first (P < 0.0001) and second 24 h (P = 0.001) after admission to the intensive care unit were significantly lower in the aprotinin group. The amounts of transfused packed red blood cells (P < 0.0001) and platelets (P = 0.02) were significantly lower in the aprotinin and tranexamic acid groups. The quantity of transfused fresh frozen plasma (P = 0.034) was significantly lower in the aprotinin group only. We did not find any neurological complications or renal failure in the three groups. Our data suggest that in valvular heart surgery, low-dose aprotinin is significantly better than tranexamic acid or a placebo for reduction of postoperative bleeding and allogenic transfusion, without increasing adverse outcomes.

Methanol poisoning in Iran, from 2000 to 2009.

Methanol poisoning continues to be a serious problem in Iran; however, there is not yet any report of the prevalence of methanol intoxication. This report is a descriptive study of methanol intoxication in Iran. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 51 patients with methanol intoxication who were admitted to Noor Hospital affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Science (Isfahan, Iran) from January 2000 to December 2009. Characteristics of the participants, including age, sex, amount of methanol ingestion, exposure type, time from ingestion to presentation, and patient outcome, were recorded. There were 51 patients (84.3% male and 15.7% female; mean age: 32.5 ± 15.2 and 20.1 ± 7.5 years, respectively). Of the patients, 13.7% were under 20 years in age, 51% were from 20 to 29, 11.8% were from 30 to 39, and 23.5% were above 40. Four patients died, 15 survived with late complications, and 32 survived without any complications. There are a growing number of patients presenting with acute poisonings in Iran. Early diagnosis and treatment is necessary to prevent long-term complications.

A comparison of intraocular pressure and hemodynamic responses to insertion of laryngeal mask airway or endotracheal tube using anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil in cataract surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP) and hemodynamic responses following insertion of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) or endotracheal tube (ETT) after anesthesia induction with propofol and remifentanil in cataract surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized controlled study, 50 adults scheduled for elective cataract extraction procedure under general anesthesia were allocated to LMA insertion (n = 25) or ETT (n = 25) groups. IOP, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) were measured after insertion of the airway device every minute up to 5 min. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between LMA and ETT groups in SBP, DBP, HR, and IOP immediately after airway instrumentation up to 5 min, except in 4th min in DBP, 2nd min in HR, and 5th min in IOP (7.9 ± 2.3 mmHg in LMA and 9.4 ± 2.5 mmHg in ETT group; P = 0.030). There was good surgeon satisfaction for providing acceptable surgical field in both groups (88% in LMA and 80% in ETT group; P = 0.702). CONCLUSION: Propofol combined with remifentanil provides good and excellent conditions for insertion of LMA or ETT with minimal hemodynamic disturbances in cataract surgery. Considering LMA insertion is less traumatic than ETT, using LMA may be better than ETT for airway securing in these patients.