Comparing the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine plus carvedilol versus carvedilol in the prevention of atrial fibrillation following coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia following open-heart surgery. Agents with antioxidant properties may reduce postoperative complications like postoperative AF (POAF) in patients undergoing open-heart surgery. This study was conducted to assess the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in prevention of AF following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. METHODS: Three hundred patients who underwent CABG surgery were entered in the study. Patients with contraindications for beta-blockers and patients were simultaneously replacing or repairing the valve with open-heart surgery were excluded. The patients were randomly divided into two groups (n = 150) and they were received NAC plus carvedilol or carvedilol. The patients were monitored for 5 days after surgery and the incidence of AF during hospitalization was recorded. RESULTS: AF was detected in 14 patients in the NAC with Carvedilol group (9.33%) and 23 patients in Carvedilol group (15.33%). There was no significant difference in the incidence of POAF between the two groups (p value = 0.112). The result of multivariable regression model represented that although the incidence of POAF was lower in NAC plus carvedilol group, it wasn't statistically significant (p value = 0.10). CONCLUSIONS: NAC was not associated with a decreased incidence of AF following CABG surgery.

The protective effect of hypothermia on postoperative cognitive deficit may be attenuated by prolonged coronary artery bypass time: Meta-analysis and meta-regression.

There is controversy about whether hypothermia during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is effective in reducing postoperative cognitive deficit (POCD). The objective of this study was to determine the effect of hypothermia on POCD and to undertake a meta-regression to determine whether moderator variables mediate the relationship between hypothermia and POCD. We searched the Web of Science, PubMed database, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library database (up to June 2017), and systematically reviewed a list of retrieved articles. Our final review includes only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared administration of hypothermia (34°C). Statistical analysis of the risk ratio (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was used to report the overall effect. Mantel-Haenszel risk ratio (MH RR) and corresponding 95% CI was used to report the overall effect and meta-regression analysis. Eight RCTs were included in this study, with a total of 1,474 patients. The POCD occurred in 36.06% of all cases. A wide range of hypothermia (28-34°C) did not reduce the occurrence of POCD (RR = 0.983 (95% CI = 0.881-1.143); Z = -0.304; P = 0.761; I2 = 38%). Shorter CPB time reduced the occurrence of POCD (MH log risk ratio = -0.011 (95% CI = -0.021--0.0008); Z = -2.123; P = 0.033). Postoperative cognitive deficit is a common event among CABG patients. Contrary to deep hypothermia, mild hypothermia was significantly effective in reducing the risk of POCD. The neuroprotective effect of hypothermia on POCD may be attenuated by prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time.

The Effect of Dexmedetomidine on the Acute Pain After Cardiothoracic Surgeries: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Acute post-operative pain remains a troublesome complication of cardiothoracic surgeries. Several randomized controlled trials have examined the efficacy of dexmedetomidine as a single or as an adjuvant agent before, during and after surgery. However, no evidence-based conclusion has been reached regarding the advantages of dexmedetomidine over the other analgesics. OBJECTIVE: To review the effect of dexmedetomidine on acute post-thoracotomy/sternotomy pain. METHODS: Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were used to search for randomized controlled trials that investigated the analgesia effect of dexmedetomidine on post-thoracotomy/sternotomy pain in adults' patients. The outcomes were postoperative pain intensity or incidence, postoperative analgesia duration, and the number of postoperative analgesic requirements. RESULTS: From 1789 citations, 12 trials including 804 subjects met the inclusion criteria. Most studies showed that pain score was significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group up to 24 hours after surgery. Two studies reported the significant lower postoperative analgesia requirements and one study reported the significant lower incidence of acute pain after surgery in dexmedetomidine group. Ten studies found that the total consumption of narcotics was significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group. The most reported complications of dexmedetomidine were nausea/vomiting, bradycardia and hypotension. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine can be used as a safe and efficient analgesic agent for reducing the postoperative pain and analgesic requirements up to 24 hours after cardiothoracic surgeries. However, further well-designed trials are needed to find the optimal dosage, route, time, and duration of dexmedetomidine administration.

The effect of dexmedetomidine on the acute pain after cardiothoracic surgeries: a systematic review

Abstract Introduction: Acute post-operative pain remains a troublesome complication of cardiothoracic surgeries. Several randomized controlled trials have examined the efficacy of dexmedetomidine as a single or as an adjuvant agent before, during and after surgery. However, no evidence-based conclusion has been reached regarding the advantages of dexmedetomidine over the other analgesics. Objective: To review the effect of dexmedetomidine on acute post-thoracotomy/sternotomy pain. Methods: Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were used to search for randomized controlled trials that investigated the analgesia effect of dexmedetomidine on post-thoracotomy/sternotomy pain in adults' patients. The outcomes were postoperative pain intensity or incidence, postoperative analgesia duration, and the number of postoperative analgesic requirements. Results: From 1789 citations, 12 trials including 804 subjects met the inclusion criteria. Most studies showed that pain score was significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group up to 24 hours after surgery. Two studies reported the significant lower postoperative analgesia requirements and one study reported the significant lower incidence of acute pain after surgery in dexmedetomidine group. Ten studies found that the total consumption of narcotics was significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group. The most reported complications of dexmedetomidine were nausea/vomiting, bradycardia and hypotension. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine can be used as a safe and efficient analgesic agent for reducing the postoperative pain and analgesic requirements up to 24 hours after cardiothoracic surgeries. However, further well-designed trials are needed to find the optimal dosage, route, time, and duration of dexmedetomidine administration.

Lidocaine dose-response effect on postoperative cognitive deficit: meta-analysis and meta-regression.

INTRODUCTION: The true influence of the perioperative intravenous lidocaine on the development of postoperative cognitive deficit (POCD) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains controversial. The principal aim is to undertake a meta-regression to determine whether moderator variables mediate the relationship between lidocaine and POCD. Areas covered: We searched the Web of Science, PubMed database, Scopus and the Cochrane Library database (up to June 2017) and systematically reviewed a list of retrieved articles. Our final review includes only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared infusion of lidocaine and placebo during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Mantel-Haenszel risk ratio (MH RR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to report the overall effect and meta-regression analysis. A total of 688 patients in five RCTs were included. POCD occurred in 34% of all cases. Perioperative lidocaine reduces POCD (MH RR 0.702 (95% CI: 0.541-0.909). Younger age, male gender, longer CPB and higher concentration of lidocaine significantly mediate the relationship between lidocaine and POCD in favour of the neuroprotective effect of lidocaine. Expert commentary: The neuroprotective effect of lidocaine on POCD is consistent in spite of longer CPB time. A higher concentration of lidocaine strengthened the neuroprotective effect of lidocaine.

The effect of intravenous N-acetylcysteine on prevention of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most frequently occurring dysrhythmias after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intravenous N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the prevention of AF after CABG surgery. METHODS: In a double-blind, randomised controlled trial, a total of 150 patients who were scheduled for on-pump CABG surgery were randomly assigned into two groups. In group A, patients received an intravenous NAC infusion (50 mg/kg) after induction of anaesthesia. These patients additionally received two intravenous doses of NAC on postoperative days 1 and 2. Patients in group B received normal saline (as a placebo) with the same volume, during the same time interval. During the first three days after surgery, postoperative AF (POAF) was assessed by continuous electrocardiogram monitoring; serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) level was also assessed before and three days after surgery. RESULTS: During follow-up, 17 patients (17/141, 12.1%) developed POAF. POAF occurred in four (5.6%) patients in the NAC group and 13 (18.8%) patients in the placebo group (OR 0.23; 95% CI 0.08-0.82; p = 0.02). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, the only predictor of AF after CABG surgery was the use of NAC (OR 0.21; 95% CI 0.06-0.73; p = 0.01). Also, the hsCRP level trend in the NAC group was different from the trend in the control group (group time interaction or interaction effect) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that perioperative intravenous NAC therapy can be effectively used to reduce inflammation and the incidence of POAF after CABG surgery. The clinical trial registration number: IRCT2015040921669N1.

Administration of lidocaine to prevent cognitive deficit in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and valve plasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The administration of lidocaine to maintain cognitive function following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and valve plasty is a controversial concept in terms of its effectiveness. We performed a systematic review to determine the effectiveness of treatment with lidocaine in preventing the occurrence of cognitive deficit after cardiac surgery. Area covered: To review the current literature on the subject, we searched the PubMed database and the Cochrane Library database (up to May 2015) and compiled a list of retrieved articles. Our final review includes only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared lidocaine to a control (placebo) following CABG and valve plasty. Statistical analysis of the odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to determine the overall effectiveness of lidocaine for the prevention of cognitive deficit with both procedures. The Mantel-Haenszel method was used to pool data of the outcomes of cognitive deficit occurrence into fixed-effect model meta-analyses. Five RCTs were included in this study, with a total of 688 patients. Perioperative administration of lidocaine in patients undergoing cardiac surgery reduced occurrence of cognitive deficit (OR 0.583 [95% CI 0.438-0.777]; Z = -3.680; P = 0.00; I2 = 52%). No significant difference in the early occurrence of cognitive deficit was revealed in patients after cardiac surgery (OR 0.909 [95% CI 0.600-1.376]; Z = -0.451; P = 0.652; I2 = 11%). Expert commentary: Cognitive deficit associated with cardiac surgery is a common postoperative event. Lidocaine is contributed to a significantly reduced occurrence of cognitive deficit. Cognitive deficit management is recommended.

Predictors of Health-Promoting Behaviors in Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Patients: An Application of Pender's Health Promotion Model.

BACKGROUND: Advances in coronary artery surgery have reduced patient morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, patients still have to face physical, psychological, and social problems after discharge from hospital. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of Pender's health promotion model in predicting cardiac surgery patients' lifestyles in Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study comprised 220 patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in Mazandaran province (Iran) in 2015. The subjects were selected using a simple random sampling method. The data were collected via (1) the health-promoting lifestyle profile II (HPLP II) and (2) a self-designed questionnaire that included two main sections: demographic characteristics and questions based on the health-promoting model constructs. RESULTS: Spiritual growth (28.77 ± 5.03) and physical activity (15.79 ± 5.08) had the highest and lowest scores in the HPLP II dimensions, respectively. All the health promotion model variables were significant predictors of health-promoting behaviors and explained 69% of the variance in health-promoting behaviors. Three significant predictors were estimated using regression coefficients: behavioral feelings (ß = 0.390, P < 0.001), perceived benefits (ß = 0.209, P < 0.001), and commitment to a plan of action (ß = 0.347, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of the study, health-promoting model-based self-care behaviors can help identify and predict cardiac surgery patients' lifestyles in Iran. This pattern can be used as a framework for discharge planning and the implementation of educational interventions to improve the lifestyles of CABG patients.

Primary Cardiac Angiosarcoma in a Middle Aged Woman.

INTRODUCTION: Primary cardiac angiosarcoma is the most common primary sarcoma in adults between the 3rd and 4th decades of life. Nearly 90% of angiosarcomas occur in the right atrium, which is responsible for the late onset of symptoms. CASE PRESENTATION: We presented a 56-year-old woman admitted to our center with lung emboli symptoms. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography (TTE and TEE) demonstrated very large size (more than 10 cm diameter) multilobulated mass with mobile particles extended from the right atrium to the right ventricle and the right ventricular outflow tract which destructed the right atrium (RA) wall and penetrated to the pericardial space. CONCLUSIONS: Unfortunately the tumor was unresectable and just an incisional biopsy was performed. She received chemotherapy as palliative care.

The effectiveness of lavender essence on strernotomy related pain intensity after coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: Considering the side effects of pharmacological methods, there has been a suggestion to use nonpharmacological methods such Aromatherapy following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of lavender 2% aromatherapy on sternotomy pain intensity after coronary artery bypass graft surgery in patients who have undergone surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During this clinical trial, 50 patients who were candidates for CABG, were randomly divided into two equal groups, that is, the control group (n = 25) and the case group (n = 25). Following CABG, the case group received two drops of 2% lavender oil every 15 minutes with supplemental oxygen and the control group received only supplemental oxygen through a face mask. The data collection tools comprised of the demographic check list and visual analog scale (VAS) for evaluating the pain intensity. The pain intensity were assessed pre- and five, 30, and 60 minutes post aromatherapy. The final data were analyzed by the t-test and chi-squared test. RESULTS: The findings showed that the pain perception intensity in the case group was lower than that in the control group at the 30- and 60-minute phases after intervention (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The result indicated that aromatherapy can be used as a complementary method in postoperative pain reduction, as it reduced pain. The patients require two sedative drugs, and moreover, it avoids expenses of treatment.