The Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index Predicts In-Hospital Mortality in Patients Who Underwent On-Pump Cardiac Surgery. / O Índice de Imuno Inflamação Sistêmica Prevê Mortalidade Hospitalar em Pacientes Submetidos à Cirurgia Cardíaca com Circulação Extracorpórea.

BACKGROUND: Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), a new inflammatory index calculated using platelet, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, has been demonstrated to be an independent risk factor for the identification of high-risk coronary artery disease in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention and cardiovascular surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The relationship between SII and CPB-related mortality rates remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: This research was designed to investigate the use of SII to predict in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB. METHODS: Four hundred eighty patients who underwent a cardiac procedure involving CPB over 3 years, were obtained from the hospital's database. The demographic data, comorbidities, hematological and biochemical profiles, and operative data of the groups were compared. Multiple logistic regression analyses were done to determine independent predictors of mortality. Prognostic factors were assessed by multivariate analysis, and the predictive values of SII, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) for mortality were compared. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Of 480 patients, 78 developed in-hospital mortality after cardiac surgery. SII was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (Odds ratio: 1.003, 95% confidence interval: 1.001-1.005, p<0.001). The cut-off value of the SII was >811.93 with 65% sensitivity and 65% specificity (area under the curve: 0.690). The predictive values of SII, PLR, and NLR were close to each other. CONCLUSION: High preoperative SII scores can be used for early determination of appropriate treatments, which may improve surgical outcomes of cardiac surgery in the future.

FUNDAMENTO: O índice de imuno-inflamação sistêmica (SII), um novo índice inflamatório calculado usando contagens de plaquetas, neutrófilos e linfócitos, demonstrou ser um fator de risco independente para a identificação de doença arterial coronariana de alto risco em pacientes submetidos a intervenção coronária percutânea e cardiovascular e cirurgia com circulação extracorpórea (CEC). A relação entre as taxas de mortalidade relacionadas ao SII e à CEC permanece obscura. OBJETIVO: Esta pesquisa foi desenhada para investigar o uso do SII para prever mortalidade hospitalar em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca com CEC. MÉTODOS: Quatrocentos e oitenta pacientes submetidos a procedimento cardíaco envolvendo CEC durante 3 anos foram coletados do banco de dados do hospital. Foram comparados os dados demográficos, comorbidades, perfis hematológicos e bioquímico e dados operatórios dos grupos. Análises múltiplas de regressão logística foram feitas para determinar preditores independentes de mortalidade. Os fatores prognósticos foram avaliados por análise multivariada e os valores preditivos de SII, relação neutrófilo-linfócito (NLR) e razão plaqueta-linfócito (PLR) para mortalidade foram comparados. Um valor de p <0,05 foi considerado significativo. RESULTADOS: Dos 480 pacientes, 78 desenvolveram mortalidade hospitalar após cirurgia cardíaca. O SII foi um preditor independente de mortalidade hospitalar (odds ratio: 1,003, intervalo de confiança de 95%: 1,001-1,005, p<0,001). O valor de corte do SII foi >811,93 com sensibilidade de 65% e especificidade de 65% (área sob a curva: 0,690). Os valores preditivos de SII, PLR e NLR foram próximos entre si. CONCLUSÃO: Altos escores pré-operatórios do SII podem ser usados para determinação precoce de tratamentos apropriados, o que pode melhorar os resultados cirúrgicos de cirurgia cardíaca no futuro.

Predictive Values of Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index in New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

ABSTRACT Introduction: We investigated the relationship between the newly-defined systemic immune-inflammation index and the new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Method: This study included 392 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. We divided the participants into two groups as those with and without new-onset atrial fibrillation. Prior to coronary artery bypass grafting, we evaluated blood samples, including systemic immune-inflammation index, and other laboratory parameters of the patients. We formulized the systemic immune-inflammation index score as platelet × neutrophil/lymphocyte counts. Results: The findings revealed that new-onset atrial fibrillation occurred in 80 (20.4%) of 392 patients during follow-ups. Such patients had higher systemic immune-inflammation index, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and C-reactive protein levels than those who did not develop new-onset atrial fibrillation (P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.010, respectively). In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, systemic immune-inflammation index levels > 712.8 predicted new-onset atrial fibrillation with a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 61.2% (area under the curve: 0.781, 95% confidence interval: 0.727-0.835; P<0.001). Conclusion: Overall, systemic immune-inflammation index, a novel inflammatory marker, may be used as a decisive marker to predict the development of atrial fibrillation following coronary artery bypass grafting.

Predictive Values of Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index in New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the relationship between the newly-defined systemic immune-inflammation index and the new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. METHOD: This study included 392 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. We divided the participants into two groups as those with and without new-onset atrial fibrillation. Prior to coronary artery bypass grafting, we evaluated blood samples, including systemic immune-inflammation index, and other laboratory parameters of the patients. We formulized the systemic immune-inflammation index score as platelet × neutrophil/lymphocyte counts. RESULTS: The findings revealed that new-onset atrial fibrillation occurred in 80 (20.4%) of 392 patients during follow-ups. Such patients had higher systemic immune-inflammation index, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and C-reactive protein levels than those who did not develop new-onset atrial fibrillation (P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.010, respectively). In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, systemic immune-inflammation index levels > 712.8 predicted new-onset atrial fibrillation with a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 61.2% (area under the curve: 0.781, 95% confidence interval: 0.727-0.835; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Overall, systemic immune-inflammation index, a novel inflammatory marker, may be used as a decisive marker to predict the development of atrial fibrillation following coronary artery bypass grafting.

Thymoquinone regulates nitric oxide synthase enzymes and receptor-interacting serine-threonine kinases in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarcted rats.

This study aims to investigate the protective effects of thymoquinone (THQ) in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. Thirty-two rats were divided into four equal groups. Control, THQ; Intragastric(ig) by dissolved 20 mg/kg in 500 µl olive oil at 24-h intervals for 7 days, ISO; On the 6th and 7th days of the experiment, it was dissolved in 1 ml distilled water, 100 mg/kg, subcutaneously(sb), THQ + ISO; THQ was given 20 mg/kg at 24-h intervals for 7 days, 100 mg/kg was given on days 6 and 7 of the ISO experiment. At the end of the experiment, blood and heart tissues were taken and histological, Western blot and biochemical analyzes were performed. In the ISO group, cardiomyocyte damage and large necrotic areas were observed. While neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) decreased, inducible NOS (iNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS) expression increased. Receptor-interacting serine-threonine kinase (RIP/RIPK) RIP1 and RIP3 protein levels were increased. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatin-kinase (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin I (cTn-I) levels were increased. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were decreased. THQ caused the reduction of necrotic areas caused by ISO. NOS regulated enzyme levels. Increased ISO-induced decreased RIP1 and RIP3 expressions. THQ regulated the biochemical parameter levels. ISO triggers MI-induced necrosis through NOS enzymes by causing severe histological changes in heart tissue. THQ, on the other hand, reveals that it can be an important antinecrotic agent in the prevention of MI-induced damage by regulating both NOS enzyme levels and necrosis markers.

The Importance of HbA1c and Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Predicting the Development of Postoperative Mortality and Complications in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Abstract Introduction: In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between postoperative mortality, morbidity, hospital stay and development of postoperative complications with the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level and low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in diabetic and non-diabetic patients who underwent elective coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery. Methods: The medical records of patients who underwent CABG at our clinic between January 2015 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were divided into two groups according to their diabetes mellitus (DM) diagnosis. Diabetic patients were also divided into two groups according to their HbA1c levels. The HbA1c threshold value was 7%. All patients were divided into two groups in terms of LVEF. The LVEF threshold value was 40%. Results: We analyzed 393 patients, of which 304 (77.4%) were male and 177 (45.04%) patients were diabetic. For lower LVEF and HbA1c values, we found no relationship between postoperative mortality, prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay and development of postoperative complications. Deep surgical site infection (DSSI) was found to be more common in diabetic patients who had a higher HbA1c value. Length of hospital stay was longer in diabetic patients with HbA1c levels <7%. Conclusion: No statistically significant relationship was found between LVEF and HbA1c levels and postoperative mortality, prolonged ICU stay and postoperative complications.

Impact of Single versus Double Clamp Technique on Blood Lactate Levels and Postoperative Complications in Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Abstract Introduction: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with hyperlactatemia, which leads to adverse clinical outcomes. No study has examined the effect of different clamping techniques on postoperative hyperlactatemia (PHL). Thus, we aimed to evaluate the impact of two different techniques on PHL and the clinical outcomes in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass surgery. Methods: This retrospective study included 100 patients who underwent isolated CPB either with single clamp technique (SCT, n=47) or double clamp technique (DCT, n=53). Demographic and preoperative laboratory data, as well as operative features and arterial blood lactate levels at the onset and at the end of CPB, were collected from patient charts. Results: Blood lactate levels collected at the end of CPB did not differ significantly between groups whereas intraoperative lactate increased significantly in both groups (P<0.005). PHL developed in 16 patients (32%). There was no meaningful difference in SCT and DCT in this regard. Left internal mammary artery was used more frequently in the DCT group than in the SCT group. While the cross-clamp time was significantly longer in the SCT group, there was no difference regarding CPB time. Among postoperative complications, only the incidence of stroke was significantly higher in the DCT group than in the SCT group (10.6% vs. 0%, P=0.020). CPB time, cross-clamp time and numbers of proximal saphenous graft and distal anastomosis showed a significant positive correlation with the postoperative lactate level. In the regression analysis, CPB time emerged as the only independent predictor of PHL (OR 1.04, CI 95% 1.01-1.07, P=0.011). Conclusion: There was no difference in postoperative blood lactate levels between SCT and DCT groups.

The Importance of HbA1c and Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Predicting the Development of Postoperative Mortality and Complications in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between postoperative mortality, morbidity, hospital stay and development of postoperative complications with the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level and low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in diabetic and non-diabetic patients who underwent elective coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery. METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent CABG at our clinic between January 2015 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were divided into two groups according to their diabetes mellitus (DM) diagnosis. Diabetic patients were also divided into two groups according to their HbA1c levels. The HbA1c threshold value was 7%. All patients were divided into two groups in terms of LVEF. The LVEF threshold value was 40%. RESULTS: We analyzed 393 patients, of which 304 (77.4%) were male and 177 (45.04%) patients were diabetic. For lower LVEF and HbA1c values, we found no relationship between postoperative mortality, prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay and development of postoperative complications. Deep surgical site infection (DSSI) was found to be more common in diabetic patients who had a higher HbA1c value. Length of hospital stay was longer in diabetic patients with HbA1c levels <7%. CONCLUSION: No statistically significant relationship was found between LVEF and HbA1c levels and postoperative mortality, prolonged ICU stay and postoperative complications.

Impact of Single versus Double Clamp Technique on Blood Lactate Levels and Postoperative Complications in Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with hyperlactatemia, which leads to adverse clinical outcomes. No study has examined the effect of different clamping techniques on postoperative hyperlactatemia (PHL). Thus, we aimed to evaluate the impact of two different techniques on PHL and the clinical outcomes in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass surgery. METHODS: This retrospective study included 100 patients who underwent isolated CPB either with single clamp technique (SCT, n=47) or double clamp technique (DCT, n=53). Demographic and preoperative laboratory data, as well as operative features and arterial blood lactate levels at the onset and at the end of CPB, were collected from patient charts. RESULTS: Blood lactate levels collected at the end of CPB did not differ significantly between groups whereas intraoperative lactate increased significantly in both groups (P<0.005). PHL developed in 16 patients (32%). There was no meaningful difference in SCT and DCT in this regard. Left internal mammary artery was used more frequently in the DCT group than in the SCT group. While the cross-clamp time was significantly longer in the SCT group, there was no difference regarding CPB time. Among postoperative complications, only the incidence of stroke was significantly higher in the DCT group than in the SCT group (10.6% vs. 0%, P=0.020). CPB time, cross-clamp time and numbers of proximal saphenous graft and distal anastomosis showed a significant positive correlation with the postoperative lactate level. In the regression analysis, CPB time emerged as the only independent predictor of PHL (OR 1.04, CI 95% 1.01-1.07, P=0.011). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in postoperative blood lactate levels between SCT and DCT groups.

Cardiac Masses: Pathological and Surgical Features - A Multicenter Study

Abstract Introduction: This study aimed to review the surgical excision results and pathological diagnostic features of rarely observed intracardiac masses in the light of the literature. Diagnosis and treatment approaches and complications were evaluated. Methods: Forty patients (26 females, mean age 52.1±18.1 years, and 14 males, mean age 48.1±20.5 years), who had undergone surgery for intracardiac mass between January 2008 and December 2018, were included in this study. The patients' data were analyzed retrospectively from the medical records of both centers. Results: When the pathological diagnoses were examined, 85.8% of the masses (n=35) were observed to be benign (benign tumor + hydatid cyst) and 14.2% (n=5) were malignant tumors. The masses were most commonly located in the left atrium (75%, n=30), and this was followed by the right ventricle (12.5%, n=5), right atrium (7.5%, n=3), and left ventricle (5%, n=2). Of the patients, 7.5% (n=3) died during the early postoperative period, while the remaining 92.5% (n=37) were discharged with healing. In the histopathological diagnosis of the patients, in whom in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events were observed, there was malignancy in two cases. Conclusion: Intracardiac masses, which have pathological features, are severe life-threatening problems. In-hospital mortality is frequent, especially in malignant tumors.

Cardiac Masses: Pathological and Surgical Features - A Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to review the surgical excision results and pathological diagnostic features of rarely observed intracardiac masses in the light of the literature. Diagnosis and treatment approaches and complications were evaluated. METHODS: Forty patients (26 females, mean age 52.1±18.1 years, and 14 males, mean age 48.1±20.5 years), who had undergone surgery for intracardiac mass between January 2008 and December 2018, were included in this study. The patients' data were analyzed retrospectively from the medical records of both centers. RESULTS: When the pathological diagnoses were examined, 85.8% of the masses (n=35) were observed to be benign (benign tumor + hydatid cyst) and 14.2% (n=5) were malignant tumors. The masses were most commonly located in the left atrium (75%, n=30), and this was followed by the right ventricle (12.5%, n=5), right atrium (7.5%, n=3), and left ventricle (5%, n=2). Of the patients, 7.5% (n=3) died during the early postoperative period, while the remaining 92.5% (n=37) were discharged with healing. In the histopathological diagnosis of the patients, in whom in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events were observed, there was malignancy in two cases. CONCLUSION: Intracardiac masses, which have pathological features, are severe life-threatening problems. In-hospital mortality is frequent, especially in malignant tumors.

Relationship of genetic factors with development of aortic dissection and aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the relationship between the development of aortic dissections and aneurysms with the polymorphisms of angiotensin converting enzyme gene, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 gene, and nitric oxide synthase gene. METHODS: Between April 2009 and July 2014, 38 patients with aortic dissections (28 males, 10 females; mean age 55.1±10.7 years; range, 30 to 78 years) and 67 patients with aortic aneurysms (57 males, 10 females; mean age 63.0±11.4 years; range, 31 to 82 years) were included in this cross-sectional study. The control group consisted of 60 healthy volunteers (41 males, 19 females; mean age 56.3±11.2 years; range, 30 to 82 years) without an aortic aneurysm or dissection, as assessed by thoracoabdominal computed tomography. The prespecified four genes were genotyped with competitive allelespecific polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The aortic dissection group had higher nitric oxide synthase-3 (4b/4b) expression levels, compared to the control group. The aortic aneurysm group had also higher nitric oxide synthase-3 (4b/4a) expression levels, compared to the control group. Compared to the control group, a higher rate of angiotensin converting enzyme I/D gene polymorphism was detected in the aneurysm group, while higher D/D polymorphism rates were found in the dissection group; although not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that the nitric oxide synthase-3 intron 4b/4b and nitric oxide synthase-3 intron 4b/4a gene polymorphisms can be used as a predictor of aortic dissection and aneurysm development.

Nonthermal, Nontumescent Endovenous Treatment of Varicose Veins.

BACKGROUND: Endothermal treatment of the great saphenous vein has become the first line of treatment for superficial venous reflux. A new technique for venous insufficiency is non-thermal ablation with vein sealing system which comprises the endovenous delivery of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive to the vein causing fibrosis. METHODS: This is a single-center prospective study of treatment of great saphenous vein incompetence in 62 patients with vein sealing system (Biolas VariClose® FG Group, Turkey). All cases were implemented under local anesthesia. Tumescent anesthesia was not required. Patients were not given any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug postoperatively; advised to wear elastic bandages for 1 day; and compression stockings were not offered. RESULTS: Treatment success was defined as complete occlusion of treated vein or recanalized segment shorter than 5 cm. Subtotal recanalization was defined as great saphenous vein flow containing 5-10 cm segment of treated vein. A recanalized great saphenous vein or treatment failure was defined as an open part of the treated vein segment more than 10 cm in length. At 1 week and 1 month control, duplex scans showed total occlusion for all patients (100%), total occlusion for 58 patients (93.5%), and subtotal occlusion for 4 patients (6.5%) at third month. At the end of 6 months, total occlusion 56 patients (90.3%) and subtotal occlusion for 2 patients (3.2%). For 4 (6.5%) patients, no occlusion was observed, and the diameter was >11 mm. Embolization of great saphenous vein with cyanoacrylate has been performed since the beginning of this decade. Combined chemical and physical mechanism of action results in permanent vein closure. In a recently published study, a 24-month occlusion rate of 92% was demonstrated. The most commonly reported complications of cyanoacrylate use for the treatment of varicose vein disease, so far, include ecchymosis and phlebitis. Almeida et al. reported that phlebitis is the most frequent side effect at a rate of 16%. In our study, phlebitis rate was not as high as reported. It may be caused due to shorter time of follow-up in the hospital. CONCLUSION: Endovenous ablation of incompetent great saphenous vein with cyanoacrylate-based glue is feasible. Operation time is short, and tumescent anesthesia is unnecessary as postprocedure compression stockings. Lack of significant side effects and an yearly success rate of 100% are benefits of the system.