Left Main Coronary Artery Revascularization in Patients with Impaired Renal Function: Percutaneous Coronary Intervention versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

INTRODUCTION: The evidence about the optimal revascularization strategy in patients with left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease and impaired renal function is limited. Thus, we aimed to compare the outcomes of LMCA disease revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI] vs. coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG]) in patients with and without impaired renal function. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 2,138 patients recruited from 14 centers between 2015 and 2,019. We compared patients with impaired renal function who had PCI (n= 316) to those who had CABG (n = 121) and compared patients with normal renal function who had PCI (n = 906) to those who had CABG (n = 795). The study outcomes were in-hospital and follow-up major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). RESULTS: Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of in-hospital MACCE was significantly higher in CABG compared to PCI in patients with impaired renal function (odds ratio [OR]: 8.13 [95% CI: 4.19-15.76], p < 0.001) and normal renal function (OR: 2.59 [95% CI: 1.79-3.73]; p < 0.001). There were no differences in follow-up MACCE between CABG and PCI in patients with impaired renal function (HR: 1.14 [95% CI: 0.71-1.81], p = 0.585) and normal renal function (HR: 1.12 [0.90-1.39], p = 0.312). CONCLUSIONS: PCI could have an advantage over CABG in revascularization of LMCA disease in patients with impaired renal function regarding in-hospital MACCE. The follow-up MACCE was comparable between PCI and CABG in patients with impaired and normal renal function.

Impact of left ventricular ejection fraction on outcomes after left main revascularization: g-LM Registry.

AIMS: The impact of left ventricular dysfunction on clinical outcomes following revascularization is not well established in patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease (ULMCA). In this study, we evaluated the impact of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on clinical outcomes of patients with ULMCA requiring revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared with coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). METHODS: The details of the design, methods, end points, and relevant definitions are outlined in the Gulf Left Main Registry: a retrospective, observational study conducted between January 2015 and December 2019 across 14 centres in 3 Gulf countries. In this study, the data on patients with ULMCA who underwent revascularization through PCI or CABG were stratified by LVEF into three main subgroups; low (l-LVEF <40%), mid-range (m-LVEF 40-49%), and preserved (p-LVEF ≥50%). Primary outcomes were hospital major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and mortality and follow-up MACCE and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 2137 patients were included; 1221 underwent PCI and 916 had CABG. During hospitalization, MACCE was significantly higher in patients with l-LVEF [(10.10%), P = 0.005] and m-LVEF [(10.80%), P = 0.009], whereas total mortality was higher in patients with m-LVEF [(7.40%), P = 0.009] and p-LVEF [(7.10%), P = 0.045] who underwent CABG. There was no mortality difference between groups in patients with l-LVEF. At a median follow-up of 15 months, there was no difference in MACCE and total mortality between patients who underwent CABG or PCI with p-LVEF and m-LVEF. CONCLUSION: CABG was associated with higher in-hospital events. Hospital mortality in patients with l-LVEF was comparable between CABG and PCI. At 15 months' follow-up, PCI could have an advantage in decreasing MACCE in patients with l-LVEF.

Female sexual function after repair of uterovaginal prolapse.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of repair of uterovaginal prolapse using sacrospinous hysteropexy on female sexual function. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Urogynecology Clinic of the Suez Canal University Hospital from May 2014 to April 2019. Twenty-seven women with a diagnosis of uterovaginal prolapse and wishing to preserve their uteri were recruited. Sacrospinous ligament fixation was done. Sexual symptoms were assessed using the female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire just before and 6 months after the operation. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 36.5 ± 4 years. Sacrospinous hysteropexy only was performed for three women. Additional procedures included anterior colporrhaphy (12), posterior colporrhaphy (9), and perineorrhaphy (15). There was a significant improvement in pre- and postoperative patients' orgasm (3.1 ± [0.8] vs. 3.7 ± [1.1]; p value = 0.03) and satisfaction (3.4 ± [0.6] vs. 4.2 ± [0.8]; p value < 0.001) while there was worsening of pain (4.3 ± [1.5] vs. 3.2 ± [1.6]; p value = 0.017). There was insignificant improvement in the other three domains as well as total score of FSFI, with all patients having sexual dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Sacrospinous hysteropexy was associated with significant improvement orgasm and satisfaction domains of FSFI and significant worsening of pain.

Longevity of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Antibody Responses in Humans, Saudi Arabia.

Understanding the immune response to Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is crucial for disease prevention and vaccine development. We studied the antibody responses in 48 human MERS-CoV infection survivors who had variable disease severity in Saudi Arabia. MERS-CoV-specific neutralizing antibodies were detected for 6 years postinfection.

Seroprevalence of neutralizing antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) among healthcare workers in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: The new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a major health problem worldwide. The surveillance of seropositive individuals serves as an indicator to the extent of infection spread and provides an estimation of herd immunity status among population. Reports from different countries investigated this issue among healthcare workers (HCWs) who are "at risk" and "sources of risk" for COVID-19. This study aims to investigate the seroprevalence of COVID-19 among HCWs in one of the COVID-19 referral centers in Makkah, Saudi Arabia using three different serological methods. METHODS: In-house developed enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), commercially available electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA), and microneutralization (MN) assay were utilized to determine the seroprevalence rate among the study population. 204 HCWs participated in the study. Both physicians and nurses working in the COVID-19 and non COVID-19 areas were included. Twelve out of 204 were confirmed cases of COVID-19 with variable disease severity. Samples from recovered HCWs were collected four weeks post diagnosis. RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence rate was 6.3% (13 out of 204) using the in-house ELISA and MN assay and it was 5.8% (12 out of 204) using the commercial ECLIA. Among HCWs undiagnosed with COVID-19, the seroprevalence was 2% (4 out 192). Notably, neutralizing antibodies were not detected in 3 (25%) out 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: Our study, similar to the recent national multi-center study, showed a low seroprevalence of SARS-Cov-2 antibodies among HCWs. Concordance of results between the commercial electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA), in-house ELISA and MN assay was observed. The in-house ELISA is a promising tool for the serological diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, seroprevalence studies may underestimate the extent of COVID-19 infection as some cases with mild disease did not have detectable antibody responses.

STEMI and COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia.

The COVID-19 pandemic had significant impact on health care worldwide which has led to a reduction in all elective admissions and management of patients through virtual care. The purpose of this study is to assess changes in STEMI volumes, door to reperfusion, and the time from the onset of symptoms until reperfusion therapy, and in-hospital events between the pre-COVID-19 (PC) and after COVID-19 (AC) period. All acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) cases were retrospectively identified from 16 centers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 period from January 01 to April 30, 2020. These cases were compared to a pre-COVID period from January 01 to April 30, 2018 and 2019. One thousand seven hundred and eighty-five patients with a mean age 56.3 (SD ± 12.4) years, 88.3% were male. During COVID-19 Pandemic the total STEMI volumes was reduced (28%, n = 500), STEMI volumes for those treated with reperfusion therapy was reduced too (27.6%, n= 450). Door to balloon time < 90 minutes was achieved in (73.1%, no = 307) during 2020. Timing from the onset of symptoms to the balloon of more than 12 hours was higher during 2020 comparing to pre-COVID 19 years (17.2% vs <3%, respectively). There were no differences between the AC and PC period with respect to in-hospital events and the length of hospital stay. There was a reduction in the STEMI volumes during 2020. Our data reflected the standard of care for STEMI patients continued during the COVID-19 pandemic while demonstrating patients delayed presenting to the hospital.

Indicators of Critical Illness and Predictors of Mortality in COVID-19 Patients.

COVID-19 is an emerging disease all over the world and spreading at an unpredicted rate, resulting in significant influences on global economies and public health. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging characteristics have been partially described in some observational studies. Not enough systematic reviews on predictors of critical illness and mortality in COVID 19 have been published to date. In this review, we had illustrated the prognostic predictors of COVID-19 by gathering published information on the risk factors related to the outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Carbetocin versus oxytocin for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage in hypertensive women undergoing elective cesarean section.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the efficacy and safety of carbetocin, versus oxytocin in the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage in hypertensive women. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Suez Canal University Hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred and sixty hypertensive pregnant women who underwent CS. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to receive either 10 IU oxytocin or 100 µg carbetocin. Primary outcomes included estimated blood loss, blood transfusion, hemoglobin (HB), and hematocrit changes pre- and post-delivery and the use of additional uterotonics. RESULTS: The postoperative HB was not different from preoperative HB in the carbetocin group (11.8 ± 1.2 vs. 11.2 ± 1.2 g/dL) while it decreased significantly in the oxytocin group (12.1 ± 3.8 vs. 10.4 ± 1.1 g/dL, p < 0.001). Blood loss was significantly more among the oxytocin group (679.5 ± 200.25 vs. 424.75 ± 182.59 ml) in the carbetocin group (p < 0.001). Nausea, vomiting, and sweating were reported more significantly in oxytocin group patients. CONCLUSION: Carbetocin was more effective than oxytocin in reducing intraoperative and postoperative blood loss.

Day 1 change in maternal serum ß-HCG levels as an early predictor of successful medical therapy in ectopic pregnancies.

Objective: To evaluate the role of ß-HCG level changes between days 0 and 1 as an early predictor of methotrexate success in cases of tubal ectopic pregnancy.Methods: A retrospective study included 86 tubal ectopic pregnancies treated with a single-dose methotrexate protocol of 50 mg/m2 of body surface. ß-HCG measurements were taken on days 0, 1, 4 and 7 where day 0 is the day of methotrexate injection. Day 0 ß-HCG and the percentage change in ß-HCG level between days 0 and 1 (HCG index) were calculated and compared between patients who were successfully or unsuccessfully treated. Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curves were plotted to identify the best cutoff levels.Results: The average level of ß-HCG (1416.8 versus 2502.5 IU/L, p=.001) and its increment after 24 hours (12.9 versus 27.1%, p=.001) were significantly lower in the successful treatment group. ROC curves for ß-HCG level and its relative increment revealed that cutoff values of ≤1550 IU/L and ≤13% increment showed a sensitivity of 90 and 70% respectively for successful methotrexate treatment.Conclusion: Day 0 ß-HCG level ≤1550 IU/L and an increment of ≤13% after 24 hours are early predictors of successful methotrexate treatment for tubal ectopic pregnancy.

Late suture site complications of sacrospinous ligament fixation.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the late suture- related complications of sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) as a treatment for uterovaginal prolapse and their impact on the quality of life. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTINGS: The Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Suez Canal University Hospitals, Ismailia, Egypt from January 2014 to June 2018. PATIENTS: We recruited sixty women with uterovaginal prolapse. INTERVENTIONS: Patients underwent SSLF using the Capio suture recapturing device with non-absorbable suture material (0 braided Polyester). Postoperative visits were at six weeks then at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after the procedure. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Outcome measures were the rate and timing of suture- related and the quality of life using the pelvic floor impact questionnaire-7 at 24 months postoperatively. The mean age of the studied population was 45.7 ± 9.8 years. Suture- related complications occurred in 55% (33/60) of patients, with vaginal discharge the most commonly reported symptom. Most of them presented in the 1st year after the procedure 72.7% (24/33), and 25% (15/60) had suture removal. However, there was a significant improvement in patients' quality of life. CONCLUSION: Sacrospinous ligament fixation has a positive impact on the quality of life, yet associated with significant but prominent suture- related complications.

Bladder function after sacrospinous hysteropexy and vaginal wall repair in women with uterovaginal prolapse.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of repair of uterovaginal prolapse using sacrospinous hysteropexy and vaginal wall repair on the bladder function. STUDY DESIGN: The study was conducted at the urogynecology clinic of Suez Canal University Hospitals, Ismailia from January 2014 to March 2016. This study included women with a diagnosis of uterovaginal prolapse and wishing to preserve their uteri. Bladder function was evaluated through assessment of urological symptoms using a standardized questionnaire - the urogenital distress inventory (UDI-6) - in addition to urodynamic studies just before and six-months after the sacrospinous hysteropexy ±â€¯associated vaginal wall repair operation. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients completed the study with a mean age of 36.5 ±â€¯4 years. Only 3 women had sacrospinous hysteropexy with no additional procedures. Other procedures included anterior colporrhaphy (12), posterior colporrhaphy (9) and perineorrhaphy (15). Based on UDI-6, there was no significant difference between the pre- and post-operative symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) [8/27 (29.6%) vs. 9/27 (33.3%) respectively; p value = 0.7]. The pre- and post-operative symptoms of urge urinary incontinence were also insignificantly different [13/27 (48.1%) vs. 15/27 (55.5%); p value = 0.5]. The total score of UDI-6 increased from 24.5 ±â€¯(14.2) to 32.8 ±â€¯(29.4) which was not statistically significant (p value = 0.12). Urodynamically, voiding dysfunction was found less frequently after the operation, however the difference was statistically insignificant [9/27 (33.3%) vs. 8/27 (29.6%); p value = 0.7]. CONCLUSION: Sacrospinous hysteropexy and associated vaginal wall repair do not affect the bladder function either subjectively or objectively.

Recovery from the Middle East respiratory syndrome is associated with antibody and T-cell responses.

The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes a highly lethal pneumonia. MERS was recently identified as a candidate for vaccine development, but most efforts focus on antibody responses, which are often transient after CoV infections. CoV-specific T cells are generally long-lived, but the virus-specific T cell response has not been addressed in MERS patients. We obtained peripheral blood mononuclear cells and/or sera from 21 MERS survivors. We detected MERS-CoV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses in all MERS survivors and demonstrated functionality by measuring cytokine expression after peptide stimulation. Neutralizing (PRNT50) antibody titers measured in vitro predicted serum protective ability in infected mice and correlated with CD4+ but not CD8+ T cell responses; patients with higher PRNT50 and CD4+ T cell responses had longer intensive care unit stays and prolonged virus shedding and required ventilation. Survivors with undetectable MERS-CoV-specific antibody responses mounted CD8+ T cell responses comparable with those of the whole cohort. There were no correlations between age, disease severity, comorbidities, and virus-specific CD8+ T cell responses. In conclusion, measurements of MERS-CoV-specific T cell responses may be useful for predicting prognosis, monitoring vaccine efficacy, and identifying MERS patients with mild disease in epidemiological studies and will complement virus-specific antibody measurements.

Chlorhexidine vaginal wipes prior to elective cesarean section: does it reduce infectious morbidity? A randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of preoperative vaginal cleansing using chlorhexidine 0.25% antiseptic wipes on rates of postcesarean section (CS) infectious morbidities (endometritis, febrile morbidity and wound infection). METHODS: This prospective randomized trial was conducted among 218 pregnant women scheduled for term elective CS. Patients were equally divided into two groups by simple randomization. After spinal anesthesia and catheterization under aseptic technique, the study group had preoperative vaginal cleansing using chlorhexidine 0.25% antiseptic wipes for about 1 min, while the control group did not. All cases received the prophylactic antibiotics and the usual abdominal scrub. All participants received the routine postoperative care without other interventions. Adverse postcesarean infectious morbidities such as endometritis, febrile morbidity and wound infection were observed at the time of hospital discharge and weekly for 6 weeks postpartum. RESULTS: Both groups were matched regarding the baseline patients' characteristics (age, gestational age, BMI, operative time and postoperative hospital stay). Overall, post-CS infectious morbidity were significantly reduced from 24.4% in the control group to 8.8% in the intervention group; p value <0.05. Marked reduction was seen in the incidence of endometritis (13.2% in the control group versus 2.9% in the intervention group; p value <0.05). However, fever and wound infection showed no significant difference between both groups. CONCLUSION: Cleansing the birth canal with chlorhexidine 0.25% wipes prior to elective CS appears to be effective in reducing rates of post-CS infectious morbidity mainly endometritis.

Antibody Response and Disease Severity in Healthcare Worker MERS Survivors.

We studied antibody response in 9 healthcare workers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, who survived Middle East respiratory syndrome, by using serial ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence assay testing. Among patients who had experienced severe pneumonia, antibody was detected for >18 months after infection. Antibody longevity was more variable in patients who had experienced milder disease.

Validation of the close-to-delivery prediction model for vaginal birth after cesarean delivery in a Middle Eastern cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To validate a prediction model for vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) that incorporates variables available at admission for delivery among Middle Eastern women. METHODS: The present prospective cohort study enrolled women at 37weeks of pregnancy or more with cephalic presentation who were willing to attempt a trial of labor (TOL) after a single prior low transverse cesarean delivery at Al-Jahra Hospital, Kuwait, between June 2013 and June 2014. The predicted success rate of VBAC determined via the close-to-delivery prediction model of Grobman et al. was compared between participants whose TOL was and was not successful. RESULTS: Among 203 enrolled women, 140 (69.0%) had successful VBAC. The predicted VBAC success rate was higher among women with successful TOL (82.4%±13.1%) than among those with failed TOL (67.7%±18.3%; P<0.001). There was a high positive correlation between actual and predicted success rates. For deciles of predicted success rate increasing from >30%-40% to >90%-100%, the actual success rate was 20%, 30.7%, 38.5%, 59.1%, 71.4%, 76%, and 84.5%, respectively (r=0.98, P=0.013). CONCLUSION: The close-to-delivery prediction model was found to be applicable to Middle Eastern women and might predict VBAC success rates, thereby decreasing morbidities associated with failed TOL.

Effect of Dietary Weight Loss on Menstrual Regularity in Obese Young Adult Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of dietary weight loss on menstrual regularity in obese adolescent women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN AND SETTING: A randomized controlled trial was held at the Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, and the Obesity Clinic of the Rheumatology Department at Mansoura University Hospitals between July 2011 and January 2013. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty adolescent women with PCOS, body mass index (BMI) greater than 30, and complaints of menstrual irregularities were included in this study. Enrolled women were divided equally and randomly into 2 groups: intervention and control groups. INTERVENTIONS: Women in the intervention group (n = 30) were subject to an intensive dietary educational program with instructions to follow a conventional energy restricted diet, whereas women in the control group were instructed to follow the same healthy diet of the first group without calorie restriction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Menstrual regularity, weight loss, the effect on waist circumference, and hirsutism score. RESULTS: The 2 groups were initially matched in average body weight, BMI, hirsutism score, and waist circumference. Six months later, there were significant decreases in all parameters in the weight reduction group. In addition, more menstrual episodes were recorded in the weight reduction compared with the control group (3.1 ± 1.2 vs. 2.3 ± 1.3; P = .010). Also, BMI, waist circumference, and hirsutism score were all significantly decreased at the end of the study. CONCLUSION: Dietary weight loss in adolescent women with PCOS resulted in significant improvement in menstrual regularity, BMI, waist circumference, and hirsutism score.

Timing of urinary catheter removal after uncomplicated total abdominal hysterectomy: a prospective randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether immediate (0h), intermediate (after 6h) or delayed (after 24h) removal of an indwelling urinary catheter after uncomplicated abdominal hysterectomy can affect the rate of re-catheterization due to urinary retention, rate of urinary tract infection, ambulation time and length of hospital stay. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled trial conducted at Suez Canal University Hospital, Egypt. Two hundred and twenty-one women underwent total abdominal hysterectomy for benign gynecological diseases and were randomly allocated into three groups. Women in group A (73 patients) had their urinary catheter removed immediately after surgery. Group B (81 patients) had the catheter removed 6h post-operatively while in group C (67 patients) the catheter was removed after 24h. The main outcome measures were the frequency of urinary retention, urinary tract infections, ambulation time and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: There was a significantly higher number of urinary retention episodes requiring re-catheterization in the immediate removal group compared to the intermediate and delayed removal groups (16.4% versus 2.5% and 0% respectively). Delayed urinary catheter removal was associated with a higher incidence of urinary tract infections (15%), delayed ambulation time (10.3h) and longer hospital stay (5.6 days) compared to the early (1.4%, 4.1h and 3.2 days respectively) and intermediate (3.7%, 6.8h and 3.4 days respectively) removal groups. CONCLUSIONS: Removal of the urinary catheter 6h postoperatively appears to be more advantageous than early or late removal in cases of uncomplicated total abdominal hysterectomy.

Prevalence of female sexual dysfunction during pregnancy among Egyptian women.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) during pregnancy in a sample of women from Egypt. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted among pregnant women who presented to the Obstetrics Outpatient Clinic - Suez Canal University Hospital for routine antenatal care between February 2012 and February 2013. The 451 women who completed the study attended during their first trimester with a singleton pregnancy and were in a stable relationship with their partners for the last 6 months. Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire during the 4 weeks preceding pregnancy and then in each trimester during the antenatal visits. RESULTS: Prevalence of FSD during pregnancy was estimated to be 68.8%. According to the FSFI, scores of all domains and total score were significantly reduced during the whole period of pregnancy (average 22.5 ± 3.7) compared to the pre-conception period (30.5 ± 5.6). However, there was significant increase of all domains and total score during the second trimester (26.6 ± 3.9) in comparison to the first and third trimesters (22.4 ± 4.1 and 18.6 ± 3.8, respectively). Total FSFI score was found to be positively correlated to pre-conception total FSFI score. However, age, parity and duration of marriage were negatively correlated. CONCLUSION: FSD is a prevalent problem during pregnancy among Egyptian women. The magnitude of the problem is highest during the third trimester while the second trimester represents the peak of sexual function during pregnancy.

Female sex as an independent predictor of morbidity and survival after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to determine whether female sex was an independent risk factor for combined in-hospital morbidity, mortality, and long-term survival after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: Data were collected prospectively for 1,114 (23.5%) women and 3,628 (76.5%) men operated on between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 2004 with median follow-up of 7.9 years (interquartile range 3.55 to 10.5). The combined morbidity end point was defined as in-hospital renal failure, stroke, ventilation for more than 24 hours, deep sternal wound infection, reoperation, myocardial infarction (MI), and mortality less than 30 days after discharge. The long-term all-cause and cardiac mortality outcomes were analyzed using multivariate proportional hazard regression. RESULTS: Females were older, with lower body surface area, and generally had more significant comorbid conditions than did males (p<0.05). Female sex was associated with increased odds of the combined morbidity end point (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=1.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 1.59, p=0.02). There were 868 deaths (18.3% of total sample) during the follow-up period, and 305 deaths (n=305 [35.1%] of deaths) were deemed to be of cardiac causes. In adjusted survival models, female sex was associated with cardiac mortality (hazard ratio [HR]=1.28; 95% confidence interval, 0.96 to 1.73; p=0.10) but not with all-cause mortality (HR=0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.77 to 1.11; p=0.38). CONCLUSIONS: Female sex was associated with early combined morbidity and long-term cardiac mortality but not long-term all-cause mortality. A greater proportion of concomitant risk factors characterize female patients undergoing CABG.

Survival after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: The number of patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction referred for coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) continues to increase. The aim of this study was to document the long-term survival in this group. METHODS: The 30-day mortality and long-term survival outcome of 162 patients with severely depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF [< or = 30%]) who had consecutive isolated CABG between 1996 and 2005 were compared with 661 patients who had impaired LVEF (31% to 59%) and 1,231 patients with normal LVEF (> or = 60%). RESULTS: The 30-day mortality for patients with severely depressed LVEF was 5.6%. The median survival for deceased patients was 3.4 years (interquartile range, 1.3 to 5.9). The risk of all-cause mortality attributable to severe left ventricular dysfunction was increased twofold compared with having normal LVEF (hazard ratio = 2.28; 95% confidence interval: 1.64 to 3.18; p < 0.001). Among the covariates, older age, emergency surgery, mitral incompetence, smoking history, respiratory disease, diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular disease, intensive care unit intubation for 24 hours or more, postoperative renal failure, postoperative pleural effusion, and nonuse of left internal mammary artery were detected as significant predictors of increased mortality risk. CONCLUSIONS: The mortality rate among CABG patients with severely depressed LVEF was comparable to that reported in other series. Severe left ventricular dysfunction carried more than a twofold increased mortality risk compared with patients who had an impaired LVEF, adjusted for traditional risk factors. These data suggest that LVEF has an impact on long-term patient survival even after preoperative covariates and postoperative morbidity outcomes are considered.