Surgical correction of an infundibular pulmonic stenosis and ventricular septal defect in a Shetland Sheepdog.

A four-month-old male Shetland Sheepdog presented with exercise intolerance. Physical examination revealed an IV/VI left cranial systolic heart murmur. Echocardiography showed a severe infundibular pulmonic stenosis and a concomitant restrictive ventricular septal defect. As clinical signs of congestive right-sided heart failure worsened and were refractory to medical treatment, surgical correction was advised. Via sternotomy, with cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic cardiac arrest, ventricular septal defect closure and resection of the stenotic infundibular band were performed through right ventriculotomy, followed by patch enlargement. Postoperative recovery was uneventful and echocardiography showed complete resolution of the stenosis and successful closure of the ventricular septal defect. Follow-up echocardiography revealed restenosis after seven weeks and recurrence of right-sided heart failure three months postoperatively. Stenting of the restenosis was attempted via a hybrid procedure with sternotomy and direct transventricular approach. The dog developed fatal ventricular fibrillation during stent deployment. This is the first dog in which surgical right ventricular patch enlargement under cardiopulmonary bypass is reported for the treatment of a primary infundibular pulmonic stenosis.

Comparison of diuretic strategies in diuretic-resistant acute heart failure: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Up to 50% of patients hospitalized for acute heart failure (AHF) show resistance to diuretics. This condition contributes to a prolonged hospital length of stay and a higher risk of death. This review aimed to investigate whether a diuretic therapeutic approach more effective than furosemide alone exists for patients with diuretic-resistant AHF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating diuretic therapy in patients with diuretic-resistant AHF. We searched Pubmed, BioMed Central, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases. RESULTS: Six RCTs were identified, involving a total of 845 patients. The P-score ranges from 0.6663 for furosemide to 0.2294 for the tolvaptan-furosemide. We found no significant differences in efficacy for any drug comparison. CONCLUSIONS: None of the diuretics considered in RCTs performed to date (tolvaptan, metolazone, hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide) appear to be more effective than furosemide therapy alone for the treatment of patients with diuretic-resistant AHF.

Which regional anesthesia technique is the best for arthroscopic shoulder surgery in terms of postoperative outcomes? A comprehensive literature review.

OBJECTIVE: The literature offers numerous reviews and meta-analyses assessing the different regional anesthesia techniques employed for arthroscopic shoulder surgery (ATS) in terms of diverse outcome parameters. Most have focused on analgesic efficacy in the limited post-operative period as their primary outcome. Indeed, the most up-to-date guidelines are based on the results of comparisons that focus on analgesic efficacy and analgesic drug consumption. However, a correlation has yet to be demonstrated between post-operative analgesia and functional recovery; indeed, the latter has received relatively less research attention concerning the anesthetic technique despite its clinical importance. Here, we aimed to identify the best loco-regional anesthetic technique for ATS, considering all the evaluation parameters considered to date. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a comprehensive literature review on ATS, searching for all the relative aspects of the regional anesthesia technique employed and the outcome parameters assessed. RESULTS: From the literature, it is not clear which technique is better than the others. No single technique was revealed as being the absolute best, independent of the outcome parameter considered, which included: post-operative analgesic effect, speed of functional recovery, ease, and safety of execution. CONCLUSIONS: The choice of anesthetic technique should be tailored to the patient and type of surgery. When comparing one type of loco-regional anesthesia against another, in addition to analgesic efficacy, a whole plethora of aspects need to be considered (i.e., feasibility, complications, contribution to functional recovery, etc.).

The burden of severe cases of Influenza disease: the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region experience.

INTRODUCTION: Influenza is a matter of serious concern for clinicians, in both outpatient and in-hospital settings. Worldwide, the 2017-18 epidemic proved to be the most severe since 2003-04. We report a real-world experience regarding the management of patients with influenza admitted to a large teaching hospital in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region during the 2017-2018 influenza season. We also provide a practical guide for the management of hospitalized influenza patients. METHODS: A retrospective observational analysis was conducted among all influenza patients requiring admission to our center during the 2017-18 season. RESULTS: Overall, 29 patients were admitted to the University Hospital of Udine during the 2017-18 season with a diagnosis of influenza. B virus was responsible for the majority of cases. More than 65.5% of the subjects presented with a complication. We estimated that 41.4% of the patients admitted were affected by a "severe form". All these cases required admission to the Intensive Care Unit, with 27.6% and 10.3% needing Orotracheal Intubation and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, respectively. The fatality rate was 24.1%. Notably, only 9 subjects in our cohort had been vaccinated. Based on the experience acquired during the past season, we propose a practical guide to the management of influenza cases in everyday hospital practice. CONCLUSION: The cornerstones of the management of all hospitalized influenza patients are the rapid identification and treatment of severe forms. Timely and strict adherence to contact and respiratory precautions are also fundamental to reducing the risk of intra-hospital outbreaks. Despite improvements in antiviral therapies and supportive measures, influenza-related morbidity and mortality remain high. In our opinion, a universal vaccination program is the only safe and effective method of filling the gap.

Use of a right ventricular continuous flow pump to validate the distensible model of the pulmonary vasculature.

In the pulmonary circulation, resistive and compliant properties overlap in the same vessels. Resistance varies nonlinearly with pressure and flow; this relationship is driven by the elastic properties of the vessels. Linehan et al. correlated the mean pulmonary arterial pressure and mean flow with resistance using an original equation incorporating the distensibility of the pulmonary arteries. The goal of this study was to validate this equation in an in vivo porcine model. In vivo measurements were acquired in 6 pigs. The distensibility coefficient (DC) was measured by placing piezo-electric crystals around the pulmonary artery (PA). In addition to experiments under pulsatile conditions, a right ventricular (RV) bypass system was used to induce a continuous pulmonary flow state. The Linehan et al. equation was then used to predict the pressure from the flow under continuous flow conditions. The diameter-derived DC was 2.4%/mmHg (+/-0.4%), whereas the surface area-based DC was 4.1 %/mmHg (+/-0.1%). An increase in continuous flow was associated with a constant decrease in resistance, which correlated with the diameter-based DC (r=-0.8407, p=0.044) and the surface area-based DC (r=-0.8986, p=0.028). In contrast to the Linehan et al. equation, our results showed constant or even decreasing pressure as flow increased. Using a model of continuous pulmonary flow induced by an RV assist system, pulmonary pressure could not be predicted based on the flow using the Linehan et al. equation. Measurements of distensibility based on the diameter of the PA were inversely correlated with the resistance.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to resuscitate a 14-year-old boy after 43min drowning / Oxigenación de la membrana extracorpórea para resucitar a un niño de 14 años después de 43 minutos de ahogamiento

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Protein C zymogen in adults with severe sepsis or septic shock

INTRODUCTION: Activated protein C is associated with a risk of bleeding and its effects on survival in septic shock patients are questionable. Protein C zymogen has no risk of bleeding and improves the outcome of patients with septic shock. We hereby describe the largest published case series of adult patients receiving protein C zymogen. Design, setting and participants: A prospective study on 23 adult patients with severe sepsisor septic shock, two or more organ failures and at high risk for bleeding, treated with protein C zymogen (50 IU/kg bolus followed by continuous infusion of 3 IU/kg/h for 72 h).RESULTS: The Z-test evidenced a significant reduction between the expected mortality (53%)and the observed mortality 30% (Z value = 1.99, p = 0.046) in our sample population. Protein Clevels increased from 34 ± 18% to 66 ± 22% at 6 h after PC bolus (p < 0.001), and kept on increasing during 72 h of administration (p < 0.001 to baseline). Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA), score of organ dysfunction, decreased from baseline to 7 days after administration of protein C from 14 ± 2 to 7 ± 4 (p < 0.001). No adverse event drug related was noted. CONCLUSION: Protein C zymogen administration is safe and its use in septic patients should be investigated through a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCCIÓN: La proteína C activada se asocia a un elevado riesgo de hemorragia, y sus efectos sobre la supervivencia en los pacientes con choque séptico son cuestionables. El zimógeno de proteína C no presenta ningún riesgo de hemorragia, y mejora los resultados en los pacientes con choque séptico. Describimos la serie de casos más amplia publicada de pacientes adultos tratados con zimógeno de proteína C. Diseño, ámbito y participantes: Se ha llevado a cabo un estudio prospectivo en el que han articipado 23 adultos con sepsis grave o choque séptico, 2 o más fallos orgánicos, y un elevado riesgo de hemorragia, tratados con zimógeno de proteína C (dosis en bolo de 50 UI/kg seguida de una infusión continua de 3 UI/kg/h durante 72h). RESULTADOS: La prueba Z puso de manifiesto una disminución significativa entre la mortalidad prevista (53%), y la mortalidad observada 30% (valor Z = 1,99; p = 0,046) en nuestra serie. Las concentraciones de proteína C incrementaron de 34 ±18% a 66 ± 22% a las 6 h de la dosis en bolo (p < 0,001), y siguieron incrementando durante las 72 h siguientes a la administración (p < 0,001 respecto a la situación basal). La puntuación en la evaluación secuencial del fallo orgánico (SOFA) disminuyó entre la situación basal, y 7 días después de la administración de proteína C de 14 ± 2 a 7 ± 4 (p < 0,001). No se registraron reacciones farmacológicas adversas. CONCLUSIÓN: El zimógeno de proteína Z debería investigarse su utilización en los pacientes con sepsis mediante un estudio aleatorizado y controlado

Protein C zymogen in adults with severe sepsis or septic shock.

INTRODUCTION: Activated protein C is associated with a risk of bleeding and its effects on survival in septic shock patients are questionable. Protein C zymogen has no risk of bleeding and improves the outcome of patients with septic shock. We hereby describe the largest published case series of adult patients receiving protein C zymogen. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A prospective study on 23 adult patients with severe sepsis or septic shock, two or more organ failures and at high risk for bleeding, treated with protein C zymogen (50IU/kg bolus followed by continuous infusion of 3IU/kg/h for 72h). RESULTS: The Z-test evidenced a significant reduction between the expected mortality (53%) and the observed mortality 30% (Z value=1.99, p=0.046) in our sample population. Protein C levels increased from 34±18% to 66±22% at 6h after PC bolus (p<0.001), and kept on increasing during 72h of administration (p<0.001 to baseline). Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), score of organ dysfunction, decreased from baseline to 7 days after administration of protein C from 14±2 to 7±4 (p<0.001). No adverse event drug related was noted. CONCLUSION: Protein C zymogen administration is safe and its use in septic patients should be investigated through a randomized controlled trial.

Relation between mixed venous oxygen saturation and cerebral oxygen saturation measured by absolute and relative near-infrared spectroscopy during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that previously reported contradictory results regarding the equivalence of mixed venous (Smv(O(2))) and cerebral (rS(c)O(2)) oxygen saturation might be related to time delay issues and to measurement technology. In order to explore these two factors, we designed a prospective clinical study comparing with relative (INVOS(®)) and absolute (Foresight(®)) rS(c)O(2) measurements. METHODS: Forty-two consenting patients undergoing elective off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting were included. Two INVOS and two Foresight sensors continuously registered rS(c)O(2). Smv(O(2)) was measured continuously via a pulmonary artery catheter. Data were assessed by within- and between-group comparisons and correlation analysis. RESULTS: A similar time delay of 19 (4) and 18 (4) s was found for compared with rS(c)O(2) measurements by Foresight and INVOS, respectively, during haemodynamic changes. After adjusting for this time delay, the correlation between Smv(O(2)) and rS(c)O(2) increased from r=0.25 to 0.75 (P<0.001) for Foresight, and from r=0.28 to 0.73 (P<0.001) for INVOS. Comparison of Foresight and INVOS revealed significant differences in absolute rS(c)O(2) values (range 58-89% for Foresight and 28-95% for INVOS). Changes in rS(c)O(2) in response to acute haemodynamic alterations were significantly more pronounced with INVOS compared with Foresight (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the important time delay with Smv(O(2)), rS(c)O(2) seems to reflect more appropriately acute haemodynamic alterations. This might suggest its use as a valid alternative to invasive monitoring of tissue oxygen saturation. Relative and absolute rS(c)O(2) measurements demonstrated significant differences in measured rS(c)O(2) values and in the magnitude of rS(c)O(2) changes during haemodynamic alterations.

Fenoldopam to prevent renal replacement therapy after cardiac surgery. Design of the FENO-HSR study.

INTRODUCTION: Acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy is a serious complication following cardiac surgery associated with poor clinical outcomes. Until now no drug showed nephroprotective effects. Fenoldopam is a dopamine-1 receptor agonist which seems to be effective in improving postoperative renal function. The aim of this paper is to describe the design of the FENO-HSR study, planned to assess the effect of a continuous infusion of fenoldopam in reducing the need for renal replacement therapy in patients with acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery. METHODS: We're performing a double blind, placebo-controlled multicentre randomized trial in over 20 Italian hospitals. Patients who develop acute renal failure defined as R of RIFLE score following cardiac surgery are randomized to receive a 96-hours continuous infusion of either fenoldopam (0.025-0.3 µg/kg/min) or placebo. RESULTS: The primary endpoint will be the rate of renal replacement therapy. Secondary endpoints will be: mortality, time on mechanical ventilation, length of intensive care unit and hospital stay, peak serum creatinine and the rate of acute renal failure (following the RIFLE score). CONCLUSIONS: This trial is planned to assess if fenoldopam could improve relevant outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery who develop acute renal dysfunction. Results of this double-blind randomized trial could provide important insights to improve the management strategy of patients at high risk for postoperative acute kidney injury.

Acute renal failure and cardiac surgery.

Acute renal failure (ARF) is s a major complication after cardiac surgery and its prevalence still remains high. Even minor changes in serum creatinine are related to an increase morbidity and mortality. Recently two consensus conferences have suggested new diagnostic criteria to define acute kidney injury and risk scores to better identify patients who will probably develop ARF after cardiac surgery. In fact a prompt recognition of high risk patients could allow a more aggressive therapy at a reversible stage of an incoming ARF. To date prophylactic strategies of renal function preservation during surgery include the avoidance of nephrotoxic insult and the prevention or correction of renal hypoperfusion. Although there are still no pharmacological agents able to prevent the perioperative ARF, several trials are investigating new pharmacological approaches. When prophylactic strategies fail and severe ARF occurs, renal replacement therapy becomes mandatory. The timing and the kind of renal replacement therapy remain an open issue. Further randomized case-control studies with adequate statistical power are needed to have more conclusive data. Aim of this paper is to start from the acute renal injury physiopathology to analyze the most common prophylactic and pharmacological strategies.

Prevention of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury.

Numerous strategies have been evaluated to prevent early CSA-AKI. Although correction of hemodynamic problems is paramount, there are no clinical studies that compare different hemodynamic management or monitoring strategies with regard to their effect on kidney function. Pharmacologic strategies including diuretics, different classes of vasodilators and drugs with anti-inflammatory effects such as N-acetyl-cysteine, do not appear to be effective. Most of the studies are underpowered and use physiological rather than clinical endpoints. Further trials are warranted with fenoldopam and nesiritide (rhBNP). Observational and underpowered randomized studies show beneficial renal effects of off-pump technique and avoidance of aortic manipulation. There is very limited evidence for preoperative fluid loading and preemptive RRT. Potentially nephrotoxic agents should be used with caution in patients at risk of CSA-AKI. Tranexamic acid or aminocaproic acid should be preferred over aprotinin. No pharmacologic intervention has been adequately tested in the prevention of late CSA-AKI. A singlecenter study, including a predominance of patients after cardiac surgery, showed a decrease of kidney injury with tight glycemic control.

Acute renal failure after isolated CABG surgery: six years of experience.

BACKGROUND: A prospective observational study was carried out in a Cardiosurgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in order to evaluate the incidence of Acute Renal Failure (ARF) after coronary artery bypass graft surgery and identify its predictors. The effects of ARF on outcome were also investigated. METHODS: The study enrolled 3,013 consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Baseline variables including age, sex, preoperative renal failure, left-ventricular dysfunction, emergency surgery, neurological adverse events, patient history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes mellitus were collected. Intraoperative variables were: type of surgery (on- or off-pump), intra-aortic balloon pump placement, and cardiopulmonary bypass duration. The measured postoperative variables were: low cardiac output syndrome, hemorrhage, transfusion of blood products, and surgical revision. RESULTS: Preoperative renal dysfunction (creatinine >1.4 mg/dL), blood transfusion, low-output syndrome, emergency surgery, low ejection fraction and age were independently associated with ARF. The median (interquartile range) ICU stay was 5.5 (range 4-11.5) days in patients who did and 1 (range 1-2) day in those who did not develop ARF (P<0.001). The median (interquartile range) hospital length of stay was 10 (range 8-21) days in patients who did and 5 (range 4-7) days in those who did not develop ARF (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Preoperative renal dysfunction, blood transfusion, low-output syndrome, emergency surgery, low ejection fraction and age were independently associated with ARF. Length of ICU and hospital stay were reduced in patients not developing ARF.

Is morbidity influenced by staging in the fontan palliation? A single center review.

In a retrospective study of 32 consecutive patients undergoing a total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC), we tried to determine if the trend for decreasing age at Fontan completion and reducing the intervals between the staged procedures during the past decade was associated with a change in morbidity and outcome. In 8 patients the Fontan circulation was completed in one stage and in 24 patients an intermediate step by hemi-Fontan or bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis was performed before Fontan completion. Mean age at TCPC and mean interval since the previous palliation have decreased significantly during the past decade. Although major complications were significantly reduced over time the occurrence and duration of postoperative pleural effusions were not. Decreasing age as well as intervals in staged Fontan palliation have beneficial influence on major complications and outcome, without significantly affecting the duration of pleural effusions at Fontan completion.

Low perioperative mortality for cardiac surgery in octogenarians.

AIM: The number of cardiac operations in octogenarians is steadily increasing. A review of personal 4 years' experience is made in order to identify which variables are associated to a poor prognosis in this high risk population. METHODS: Perioperative variables and short-term outcome of 109 consecutive octogenarians were prospectively collected in a database. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify preoperative risk factors for prolonged mechanical ventilation and ICU stay. RESULTS: The 109 octogenarians represented 1.8% of the 4 940 cardiac operations performed at our University Teaching Hospital in the period January 1998-June 2001: 94 patients had comorbidities (86%); 46 underwent valve surgery (42%), 38 had coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (36%), and combined procedures or aortic arch replacement were performed in 25 patients (22%). Two patients died (1.8%). Postoperative complications included: myocardial infarction (10 patients, 9%), stroke (6 patients, 5%), renal replacement therapy (1 patient, 1%). Sixty nine patients (63%) had an uneventful perioperative period (63%). On a multivariate analysis, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time was associated with prolonged intubation and ICU stay; mitral pathology predicted prolonged intubation while previous cardiac surgery was associated with prolonged ICU stay. CONCLUSION: The 109 octogenarians studied had an excellent course in the immediate postoperative period. Therefore, on the basis of personal experience cardiac surgery could be safely performed in octogenarians.

Operative outcome of minimal access aortic valve replacement versus standard procedure.

BACKGROUND: to determine the advantages and/or risks of minimal access aortic valve replacement compared to standard sternotomy procedure. METHODS: from January 1997 to December 2001, 271 consecutive adult patients underwent isolated aortic valve replacement of which 174 underwent a minimal access procedure (Group 1) and 97 a standard procedure (Group 2). The preoperative variables of both groups were comparable. Retrospective analysis of postoperative outcome was performed. RESULTS: follow-up was complete and ranged from 6 months to 4 years. Overall in-hospital mortality was 3.3% (respectively 2.8 and 4.1%). No statistical difference was noted regarding operative time variables, mortality rate and hospital stay. There was a significant higher incidence of revision (p = 0.018) and late pericardial effusion (p = 0.022) in the minimal access group. Also trends were in favour of the standard group for incidence of postoperative pneumothorax and pericarditis constrictiva. CONCLUSIONS: minimal access aortic valve replacement is a safe and reliable technique, but carries the risk of incision-related morbidity. Proper patient selection and perioperative management is mandatory.