Aterosclerosis en puente venoso aorto-coronario: hallazgos del OFDI: caso clínico / Findings of optical coherence tomography in saphenous grafts failure: report of one case

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of late saphenous vein graft (SVG) failure. Intracoronary images using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in addition to angiography allow a detailed analysis of the lesion beyond the degree of stenosis. We report a 67 years old diabetic male who underwent coronary surgery in 2009, consulting for an acute coronary syndrome. Angiography showed two different lesions on one aortocoronary venous grafts. OCT demonstrates atherosclerosis in different stages identifying the culprit lesion. Stent placement were successfully carried out.

Is Vasoactive-Inotropic Score a Predictor for Mortality and Morbidity in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery?

Abstract Introduction: We aimed to investigate whether vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) is a predictor for early postoperative morbidity and mortality. Methods: This study was planned as a prospective cohort study, between Nov 20 2018 and May 15 2019, including a total of 290 patients aged 20 years or older who underwent elective on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Patients' demographic data, aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times, European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) score, cardiac ejection fraction (EF), VIS, intubation duration, and intensive care unit length of stay were recorded. Postoperative mortality and morbidity were recorded. Hourly doses of inotropes for VIS were recorded for each patient, and VIS was calculated. Results: Among the cases, 222 (77%) were male and 68 (23%) were female. The mean age of our patients was 62.5 years (37-86). Combined morbidity and mortality rates of our patients were 23.8%. An optimal cutoff point for VIS of 5.5 could predict combined morbidity and mortality with 90% sensitivity and 88% specificity. Low EF, prolonged operation time, high EuroSCORE, and high VIS are independent factors in the early postoperative period for the development of combined morbidity and mortality in patients who underwent elective CABG. Conclusion: VIS is the most critical and EuroSCORE is the second most important scoring systems. They independently predict combined morbidity and mortality in undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery.

Visceral Adiposity Index and Prognostic Nutritional Index in Predicting Atrial Fibrillation after On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Operations: a Prospective Study

Abstract Introduction: Rhythm problems are the most observed complications following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), the most common being postoperative atrial fibrillation (PoAF), with an incidence reaching 50% of the patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the predictive importance of prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) in predicting PoAF, which occurs after CABG accompanied by cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: Patients who underwent isolated CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass between June 15 and October 15, 2019, were prospectively included in the study. Patients who did not develop in-hospital PoAF were identified as Group 1, and those who did constituted Group 2. Results: PoAF developed in 55 (27.6%) patients (Group 2). The mean age of the 144 patients included in Group 1 and 55 patients in Group 2 were 56.9±8.7 and 64.3±10.2 years, respectively (P<0.001). In multivariate analysis Model 1, age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.084, confidence interval [CI]: 1.010-1.176, P=0.009), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR: 0.798, CI: 0.664-0.928, P=0.048), and PNI (OR: 1.052, CI: 1.015-1.379, P=0.011) were determined as independent predictors for PoAF. In Model 2, age (OR: 1.078, CI: 1.008-1.194, P=0.012), lymphocyte counts (OR: 0.412, CI: 0.374-0.778, P=0.032), and VAI (OR: 1.516, CI: 1.314-2.154, P<0.001) were determined as independent predictors for PoAF. Conclusion: In this study, we determined that low PNI, a simply calculable and cheap parameter, along with high VAI were risk factors for PoAF.

Does type 2 diabetes mellitus increase postoperative complications in patients submitted to cardiovascular surgeries?

Abstract Objective: To compare the incidence of postoperative complications (PC) between diabetic and nondiabetic patients undergoing cardiovascular surgeries (CS). Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study, based on the analysis of 288 medical records. Patients aged ≥ 18 years, admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) between January 2012 and January 2013, and undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or vascular surgeries were included. The population was divided into those with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and then it was evaluated the incidence of PC between the groups. Results: The sample included 288 patients, most of them being elderly (67 [60-75] years old) male (64%) subjects. Regarding to surgical procedures, 60.4% of them were undergoing vascular surgeries and 39.6% were in the postoperative period of CABG. The incidence of T2DM in this population was 40% (115), just behind hypertension, with 72% (208). Other risk factors were also observed, such as smoking in 95 (33%) patients, dyslipidemias in 54 (19%) patients, and previous myocardial infarction in 55 (19%) patients. No significant difference in relation to PC (bleeding, atrial fibrillation, cardiorespiratory arrest, and respiratory complications) between the groups was observed (P>0.05). Conclusion: T2DM has a high incidence rate in the population of critically ill patients submitted to CS, especially in the elderly. However, in this small retrospectively analyzed study, there was no significant increase in PC related to diabetes for patients undergoing CS.

Predictive value of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio for long-term cardiovascular event following coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract Objective: To investigate the predictive value of preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for long-term major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), which have not yet been well described, in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: The records of 751 consecutive patients who underwent elective CABG between January 2008 and January 2010 were retrospectively enrolled and stratified according to quartiles of preoperative NLR. At 7.8-year follow-up, MACCE was considered as an endpoint. Results: Overall MACCE was 11.6% of all cases. Long-term myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, stroke and cardiovascular mortality were found associated with the upper NLR quartile (P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.005, P<0.001, respectively). In multivariate analysis, NLR on admission remained an independent predictor of long-term MACCE (OR 1.087, 95% CI 1.026-1.151; P=0.004), in all EuroSCORE risk groups (P<0.001; P<0.001; P=0.029). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses revealed an NLR cut-off value of 4.32 predicting MACCE. Conclusion: NLR is a useful and readily available predictive marker of long-term MACCE following CABG, independent of the EuroSCORE.

Is hypoalbuminemia a predictor for acute kidney injury after coronary bypass grafting in diabetes mellitus patients?

Abstract Objective: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most important complications after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedure. Serum albumin, which is an acute phase reactant, is suggested to be associated with AKI development subsequent to various surgical procedures. In this study, we research the relation between preoperative serum albumin levels and postoperative AKI development in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients undergoing isolated CABG. Methods: We included a total of 634 diabetic patients undergoing CABG (60.5±9.1 years, 65.1% male) into this study, which was performed between September 2009 and January 2014 in a single center. The relation between preoperative serum albumin levels and postoperative AKI development was observed. AKI was evaluated and diagnosed using the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) classification. Results: AKI was diagnosed in 230 (36.3%) patients. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent predictors of AKI development. Proteinuria (odds ratio [OR] and 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.066 [1.002-1.135]; P=0.043) and low preoperative serum albumin levels (OR and 95% CI, 0.453 [0.216-0.947]; P=0.035) were found to be independent predictors of AKI. According to the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, albumin level <3mg/dL (area under the curve: 0.621 [0.572-0.669], P<0.001) had 83% sensitivity and 10% specificity on predicting the development of AKI. Conclusion: We observed that a preoperative low serum albumin level was associated with postoperative AKI development in patients with DM who underwent isolated CABG procedure. We emphasize that this adjustable albumin level should be considered before the operation since it is an easy and clinically implementable management for the prevention of AKI development.

Does cha2ds2-vasc score predict mace in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting surgery?

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the prognostic value of CHA2DS2-VASc score in individuals undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Methods: Records of consecutive 464 patients who underwent elective isolated CABG, between January 2015 and August 2017, were retrospectively reviewed. A major adverse cardiac event (MACE) was the primary outcome of this study. MACE in patients with low (L) (<2, n: 238) and high (H) (≤2, n: 226) CHA2DS2-VASc scores were compared. Univariate logistic regression analysis identified preditors of MACE. Results: Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral vascular disease were more frequent in the H group than in the L group. European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) I and SYNTAX I scores were similar in both groups while SYNTAX II-CABG score was significantly higher in the H group than in the L group. Postoperative myocardial infarction, need for intra-aortic balloon pump, acute renal failure, and mediastinitis were more frequent in the H group than in the L group. The H group had significantly higher in-hospital mortality and MACE rates than the L group (P<0.01). EuroSCORE I, SYNTAX II-CABG, and CHA2DS2-VASc scores were predictors for MACE. SYNTAX II-CABG > 25.1 had 68.4% sensitivity and 52.7% specificity (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.653, P=0.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.607-0.696) and CHA2DS2-VASc > 2 had 52.6% sensitivity and 84.1% specificity (AUC: 0.752, P<0.01, 95% CI: 0.710-0.790) to predict MACE. Pairwise comparison of receiver-operating characteristic curves revealed similar accuracy for both scoring systems. Conclusion: CHA2DS2-VASc score may predict MACE in patients undergoing isolated CABG.

Preoperative carotid duplex scanning in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of carotid artery stenosis (CAS) using carotid duplex ultrasound in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between January 2017 and January 2018 and included 166 consecutive patients [130 males (78.31%), 36 females (21.69%); mean age: 64.25±9.78 years] who underwent elective and isolated CABG. Patients who had significant CAS (≥50% stenosis) were compared with patients who had non-significant CAS (<50% stenosis). Logistic regression analysis was applied across the selected parameters to identify risk factors for significant CAS. Results: Of all patients, 36 (21.68%) had CAS ≥50% and 8 (4.81%) had unilateral carotid stenosis ≥70%. Carotid endarterectomy/CABG was performed simultaneously in five (3.01%) patients. None of these patients had cardiac and neurological problems during the postoperative period. The overall incidence of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) after CABG was 1.20% (n=2). Age (P=0.011) and history of CVA (P=0.035) were significantly higher in the CAS ≥50 group than in the CAS <50 group. Significant CAS was identified as a risk factor for postoperative CVA (P=0.013). Conclusion: Age and history of CVA were identified as risk factors for significant CAS. Furthermore, significant CAS was identified as a risk factor for postoperative CVA. For this reason, carotid screening is recommended for patients undergoing CABG even in the absence of associated risk factors.

Effect of using triclosan-impregnated polyglactin suture to prevent infection of saphenectomy wounds in cabg: a prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of triclosan-coated suture for the reduction of infection in saphenectomy wounds of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Methods: A total of 508 patients who underwent saphenectomy in CABG surgery were included in a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial from February/2011 to June/2014. Patients were randomized into the triclosan-coated suture group (n= 251) and the conventional non-antibiotic suture group (n=257). Demographic (gender and age), clinical (body mass index, diabetes, and use of analgesics), and intraoperative (cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp times) variables and those related to the saphenectomy wound (pain, dehiscence, erythema, infection, necrosis, and hyperthermia) were measured and analyzed. Results: Of the 508 patients who underwent saphenectomy, 69.9% were males and 40.2% were diabetic. Thirty-three (6.5%) patients presented infection: 13 (5.3%) with triclosan and 20 (7.9%) with conventional suture (P=0.281). Among diabetic patients (n=204), triclosan suture was used in 45.1% with four cases of infection; conventional suture was used in 54.9% of them, with 11 cases of infection. Most patients (94.3%) underwent on-pump CABG. Wound pain was observed in 9.9% of patients with triclosan-coated suture and in 17.9% with conventional suture (P=0.011). Wound hyperthermia was found in 1.6% of patients with triclosan-coated suture and in 5.4% of those with conventional suture (P=0.028). Conclusion: Triclosan-coated suture shows lower infection rate in saphenectomy of patients undergoing CABG, although the differences were not statistically significant. Pain and wound hyperthermia were less frequent in patients with triclosan-coated sutures compared with conventional sutures.

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery improves survival without increasing the risk of stroke in patients with ischemic heart failure in comparison to percutaneous coronary intervention: a meta-analysis with 54, 173 patients

Abstract Objective: To evaluate whether there is any difference on the results of patients treated with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the setting of ischemic heart failure (HF). Methods: Databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register [CENTRAL/CCTR], ClinicalTrials.gov, Scientific Electronic Library Online [SciELO], Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde [LILACS], and Google Scholar) were searched for studies published until February 2019. Main outcomes of interest were mortality, myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, and stroke. Results: The search yielded 5,775 studies for inclusion. Of these, 20 articles were analyzed, and their data were extracted. The total number of patients included was 54,173, and those underwent CABG (N=29,075) or PCI (N=25098). The hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality (HR 0.763; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.678-0.859; P<0.001), myocardial infarction (HR 0.481; 95% CI 0.365-0.633; P<0.001), and repeat revascularization (HR 0.321; 95% CI 0.241-0.428; P<0.001) were lower in the CABG group than in the PCI group. The HR for stroke showed no statistically significant difference between the groups (random effect model: HR 0.879; 95% CI 0.625-1.237; P=0.459). Conclusion: This meta-analysis found that CABG surgery remains the best option for patients with ischemic HF, without increase in the risk of stroke.

The predictive effects of clinical hematological changes on saphenous graft patency after coronary artery surgery

Abstract Objectives: To investigate the association between clinical hematologic parameters and saphenous vein graft failure after on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. Methods: A total of 1950 consecutive patients underwent isolated on-pump coronary artery surgery between November 2010 and February 2013. Of these, 284 patients met our inclusion criteria; their preoperative clinical hematological parameters were retrospectively obtained for this cohort study. And of them, 109 patients underwent conventional coronary angiography after graft failure was revealed by coronary computed tomography angiography. The primary endpoint was to catch at least one saphenous vein graft stenosis or occlusion following the coronary angiogram. We then analyzed risk factors for graft failure. In sequential or T grafts, each segment was analyzed as a separate graft. Results: In logistic regression analysis, older age, platelet distribution width, and diabetes mellitus were identified as independent predictors of saphenous vein graft failure (P<0.). In contrast, preserved ejection fraction value favored graft patency (P<0.001). Conclusion: Increased platelet distribution width is easily measurable and can be used as a simple and valuable marker in the prediction of saphenous vein graft failure.

Coronary artery bypass surgery in Brazil: analysis of the national reality through the bypass registry

Abstract Introduction: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the most frequently performed heart surgery in Brazil. Recent international guidelines recommend that national societies establish a database on the practice and results of CABG. In anticipation of the recommendation, the BYPASS Registry was introduced in 2015. Objective: To analyze the profile, risk factors and outcomes of patients undergoing CABG in Brazil, as well as to examine the predominant surgical strategy, based on the data included in the BYPASS Registry. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 2292 patients undergoing CABG surgery and cataloged in the BYPASS Registry up to November 2018. Demographic data, clinical presentation, operative variables, and postoperative hospital outcomes were analyzed. Results: Patients referred to CABG in Brazil are predominantly male (71%), with prior myocardial infarction in 41.1% of cases, diabetes in 42.5%, and ejection fraction lower than 40% in 9.7%. The Heart Team indicated surgery in 32.9% of the cases. Most of the patients underwent cardiopulmonary bypass (87%), and cardioplegia was the strategy of myocardial protection chosen in 95.2% of the cases. The left internal thoracic artery was used as a graft in 91% of the cases; the right internal thoracic artery, in 5.6%; and the radial artery in 1.1%. The saphenous vein graft was used in 84.1% of the patients, being the only graft employed in 7.7% of the patients. The median number of coronary vessels treated was 3. Operative mortality was 2.8%, and the incidence of cerebrovascular accident was 1.2%. Conclusion: CABG data in Brazil provided by the BYPASS Registry analysis are representative of our national reality and practice. This database constitutes an important reference for indications and comparisons of therapeutic procedures, as well as to propose subsequent models to improve patient safety and the quality of surgical practice in the country.

Left lateral intercostal region versus subxiphoid position for pleural drain during elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery: randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The pleural drain insertion site after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery may alter lung function, especially respiratory muscle strength. The main objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of use of the left lateral intercostal region versus the subxiphoid position for pleural drainage during elective CABG surgery using extracorporeal circulation (ECC). DESIGN AND SETTING: Randomized trial conducted in a tertiary-level hospital in Porto Alegre, Brazil. METHODS: 48 patients were assigned to group 1 (pleural drain in the left lateral intercostal region) or group 2 (pleural drain in the subxiphoid position). Respiratory muscle strength was measured in terms of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), in cmH2O, by means of manovacuometry preoperatively, 24 and 72 hours after drain removal and before discharge from hospital. Painand dyspnea scales, presence of infections, pleural effusion and atelectasis, duration of drain use, drainage volumes and surgical reinterventions were also evaluated. RESULTS: After adjustments, there were no significant differences between the groups at the end of the study (before discharge), in predicted percentages either for MIP (delta group 1: -17.21% versus delta group 2: -22.26%; P = 0.09) or for MEP (delta group 1: -9.38% versus delta group 2: -13.13%; P = 0.17). Therewere no differences between the groups in relation to other outcomes. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in maximal respiratory pressures in relation to the pleural drain insertion site among patients who underwent CABG surgery using ECC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ReBEc V1111.1159.4447.

Glycated hemoglobin as a predictor of the length of hospital stay in patients following coronary bypass graft surgery in the saudi population

Abstract Objective: The diabetic population has a high prevalence of coronary artery disease, and frequently patients with diabetes undergo coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Elevated glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in diabetics is shown to be associated with morbidity and mortality, but the association of HbA1c with postoperative length of hospital stay (LOS) has conflicting results. In this study, we aim to identify if elevated HbA1c levels are associated with prolonged LOS after CABG surgery. Methods: A retrospective chart review study was performed, using a total of 305 patients who were referred for CABG surgery. HbA1c levels were measured before the day of surgery. Patients were classified into two groups according to HbA1c levels: <7% and ≥7%. A LOS of more than 14 days was proposed as an extended LOS. HbA1c and the LOS relationship were assessed using appropriate statistical methods. Results: Patients who had diabetes mellitus comprised 81.6% of our studied population. Sixty-four percent had HbA1c levels ≥ 7%. There was no significant difference in the total LOS in HbA1c <7% compared to HbA1c ≥7% patients (P=0.367). Conclusion: Our study results rejected the proposed hypothesis that elevated HbA1c levels ≥7% would be associated with prolonged hospital stay following CABG surgery in a Saudi population.

Potentially modifiable predictors for renal replacement therapy in patients with cardiac surgery associated-acute kidney injury: a propensity score-matched case-control study

Abstract Objective: To discover potentially modifiable perioperative predictors for renal replacement therapy (RRT) in patients with cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI). Methods: A cohort of 1773 consecutive cardiac surgery patients with postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) from January 2013 to December 2015 were included retrospectively. AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. The primary outcome was CSA-AKI requiring renal replacement therapy (AKI-RRT). The initiation of RRT was based on clinical judgment regarding severe volume overload, metabolic abnormality (e.g., acidosis, hyperkalemia), and oliguria. Patients with AKI-RRT were matched 1:1 with patients without AKI-RRT by a propensity score, to exclude the influence of patients' demographics, comorbidities, and baseline renal function. Multivariable regression was performed to identify the predictors in the matched sample. Results: AKI-RRT occurred in 4.4% of the entire cohort (n=78/1773), with 28.2% of in-hospital mortality (n=22/78). With the propensity score, 78 pairs of patients were matched 1:1 and the variables found to be predictors of AKI-RRT included the contrast exposure within 3 days before surgery (odds ratio [OR]=2.932), central venous pressure (CVP) >10 mmHg on intensive care unit (ICU) admission (OR=1.646 per mmHg increase), and erythrocyte transfusions on the 1st day of surgery (OR=1.742 per unit increase). Conclusion: AKI-RRT is associated with high mortality. The potentially modifiable predictors found in this study require concern and interventions to prevent CSA-AKI patients from worsening prognosis.

Risk factors and outcome of acute kidney injury after isolated cabg surgery: a prospective cohort study

Abstract Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent event after cardiac surgery with increased mortality and morbidity. We explored frequency, risk factors, and associated morbidity and mortality of AKI after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery at a single institution. Methods: All consecutive adults undergoing CABG surgery from March 2013 to October 2016 were assessed for development and severity of AKI based on Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) criteria. The patients were also investigated regarding their need for renal replacement therapy (RRT), predictive risk factors, and associated outcomes, including duration of mechanical ventilation, mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay. Results: Of 1737 patients in the study, 275 (15.8%) developed AKI. Twenty-five (12.8%) cases required RRT. Patients with AKI had longer ventilation time, ICU and hospital length of stay (P<0.001). Mortality rates were 28 (10.2%) and 22 (1.5%) in patients with and without AKI, respectively (P<0.001). There was a strong association between advanced age (aOR=1.016, 95% CI=1.002-1.030, P=0.028), diabetes (aOR=1.36, 95% CI=1.022-1.809, P=0.035), on-pump surgery (aOR=2.63, 95% CI=1.543-4.483, P<0.001), transfusion of more than 1 unit of red blood cells (aOR=2.154, 95% CI=1.237-3.753, P=0.007), and prolonged mechanical ventilation and development of AKI (aOR=2.697, 95% CI=1.02407.071, P<0.001). AKI was seen less frequently in those with opium abuse (aOR=0.613, 95% CI=0.409-0.921, P=0.018). Conclusion: We demonstrated that advanced age, diabetes, on-pump surgery, red blood cell transfusion, and prolonged mechanical ventilation were independent positive risk factors for the development of AKI after isolated CABG while opium abuse was a protective factor.

Is preoperative clopidogrel resistance a predictor of bleeding and risks in patients undergoing emergency cabg surgery?

Abstract Objective: The aims of this study were to determine whether the detection of preoperative clopidogrel resistance in patients undergoing cardiac surgery while using clopidogrel could play a guiding role in the prediction of postoperative excessive bleeding, transfusion requirements, and risks and to provide clinically significant data. Methods: Two hundred and twenty-two patients [median age: 59.4 (38-83) years; 38 females] undergoing emergency and elective coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgeries in our clinic were evaluated prospectively. Patients with multiple systemic diseases, other than diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HT), were excluded. Patients receiving clopidogrel were also evaluated for clopidogrel resistance and grouped according to the results of this test. Assessments of platelet functions were performed by multiplate impedance aggregometry method and adenosine diphosphate test. Results: The use of postoperative fresh blood replacement and platelet transfusion was higher in patients receiving clopidogrel than in those not receiving it (P=0.001, P=0.018). DM, HT, myocardial infarction, and the number of presentation to the emergency room were significantly higher in patients receiving clopidogrel than in those not receiving it (P<0.05). No significant difference was determined between patients with and without clopidogrel resistance regarding the amount of bleeding during and after surgery, erythrocyte suspension and fresh-frozen plasma transfusion rates, preoperative troponin values, ejection fraction values, and length of hospital stays (P>0.05). Conclusion: We think that resistance studies in patients receiving clopidogrel before cardiac surgery are not efficient to predict bleeding and bleeding-related complications in patients undergoing emergency and elective CABG surgeries.

Preventive effect of preoperative vitamin d supplementation on postoperative atrial fibrillation

Abstract Objective: To assess the relationship between preoperative vitamin D (vitD) supplementation and the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF). Methods: The study group consisted of 328 consecutive patients. The ınfluence of preoperative vitD supplementation on POAF was reviewed in 136 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery with vitD insufficiency (n=80) and vitD deficiency (n=56). Patients were assigned to receive either oral vitD (50.000 U) (treatment group, n=68) or not (control group, n=68) 48 hours before surgery. Patients were followed up during hospitalisation process with respect to POAF. Results: There was no significant difference between treatment and control groups with regards to age, gender, diabetes mellitus, smoking history, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, left atrial diameter, and biochemical parameters. Also, there was no significant difference between these groups with regards to mean vitD level on both insufficiency and deficiency patients (24.6±3.7 vs. 24.9±3.9 ng/ml P=0.837, 11.4±4.9 vs. 10.9±5.2 ng/ml P=0.681, respectively). Although the occurrence of POAF was not significantly different among treatment and control groups in patients with vitD insufficiency (31% vs. 33% P=0.538), there was a significant difference between the two groups regarding to POAF in patients with vitD deficiency (18% vs. 29% P=0.02). Conclusion: Although preoperative vitD supplementation was not found to be associated with prevention of POAF in patients with vitD insufficiency, it was found to be strongly associated with prevention of POAF in those with vitD deficiency.

Predictors of postoperative acute kidney injury after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Abstract Objective: The aims of this study were to identify the risk factors associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) after isolated surgical revascularization with cardiopulmonary bypass and to develop a model to predict the appearance of postoperative AKI. Methods: A total of 435 adult patients who underwent primary isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, from 2012 to 2016, in the Clinic University Hospital of Valladolid (Spain) were enrolled. AKI was defined according to the risk, injury, failure, loss, and end-stage (RIFLE) criteria. Data were collected from hospital electronic medical records. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors. Results: The prevalence of AKI was 12.4%. Multivariate analysis identified age (odds ratio [OR], 1.056; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.016-1.098; P=0.005), hypertension (OR, 3.078; 95% CI, 1.151-8.230; P=0.018), low ejection fraction (EF) (OR, 6.785; 95% CI, 2.080-22.135; P=0.001), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (OR, 1.017; 95% CI, 1.005-1.028; P=0.014), EuroSCORE II (OR, 1.049; 95% CI, 1.004-1.096; P=0.033), and no intake of calcium-channel blockers (CCB) (OR, 4.892; 95% CI, 1.496-16.025; P=0.022) as risk factors for AKI. These risk factors were included in a model to predict postoperative AKI with an area under a receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.783±0.036 (95% CI, 0.713-0.854; P<0.0001). Conclusion: Age, hypertension, low EF, eGFR, EuroSCORE II, and no intake of CCB were independent risk factors for postoperative AKI. These factors provide an easy and accurate model to predict postoperative AKI in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Extended-time of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation improves tissue perfusion after coronary artery bypass surgery: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Objective: To compare the effects of extended- versus short-time noninvasive positive pressure ventilation on pulmonary function, tissue perfusion, and clinical outcomes in the early postoperative period following coronary artery bypass surgery in patients with preserved left ventricular function. Methods: Patients were randomized into two groups according to noninvasive positive pressure ventilation intensity: short-time noninvasive positive pressure ventilation n=20 (S-NPPV) and extended-time noninvasive positive pressure ventilation n=21 (E-NPPV). S-NPPV was applied for 60 minutes during immediate postoperative period and 10 minutes, twice daily, from postoperative days 1-5. E-NPPV was performed for at least six hours during immediate postoperative period and 60 minutes, twice daily, from postoperative days 1-5. As a primary outcome, tissue perfusion was determined by central venous oxygen saturation and blood lactate level measured after anesthetic induction, immediately after extubation and following noninvasive positive pressure ventilation protocols. As a secondary outcome, pulmonary function tests were performed preoperatively and in the postoperative days 1, 3, and 5; clinical outcomes were recorded. Results: Significant drop in blood lactate levels and an improvement in central venous oxygen saturation values in the E-NPPV group were observed when compared with S-NPPV group after study protocol (P<0.01). The E-NPPV group presented higher preservation of postoperative pulmonary function as well as lower incidence of respiratory events and shorter postoperative hospital stay (P<0.05). Conclusion: Prophylactic E-NPPV administered in the early postoperative period of coronary artery bypass surgery resulted in greater improvements in tissue perfusion, pulmonary function and clinical outcomes than S-NPPV, in patients with preserved left ventricular function. Trial Registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical trial - RBR7sqj78 - http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br