Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are useful markers for assessing effects of anti-inflammatory diet in patients before coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: One of the risk factors responsible for coronary artery disease (CAD) is an inadequate diet that is frequently deficient in anti-inflammatory components, such as polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids. The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) are inflammatory markers that may reflect a diet's antiinflammatory potential. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects that CAD patients' nutrition patterns have on NLR and SII. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study assessed the dietary habits and inflammatory marker levels in patients with advanced CAD before they underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (n=101). Patients were divided into subgroups based on their NLR and SII levels. RESULTS: Subgroups with lower NLR and SII levels had consumed significantly more eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (p=0.02). The group with a lower ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids (<4:1) also had lower NLR and SII levels (p=0.007 and p=0.01, respectively). Statistically significant negative correlations were found between EPA and DHA, as well as omega-3 intake, and both NLR and SII values. No statistically significant differences were found between the subgroups with lower and higher NLR and SII values for polyphenol intakes. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory markers such as NLR and SII may reflect an anti-inflammatory diet consumed by cardiac patients. A simultaneous assessment of dietary habits and inflammatory parameters is beneficial in the possible prevention of adverse cardiovascular incidents after CABG. There is also a need to establish reference values for SII and NLR.

Metamizole and Platelet Inhibition by Aspirin Following On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of intravenous metamizole on platelet inhibition by aspirin in patients with coronary artery disease early after on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). DESIGN: Prospective, single-blind, randomized trial. SETTING: Tertiary referal hospital. PARTICIPANTS: The study comprised 43 patients with multivessel coronary artery disease undergoing CABG. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to postoperative intravenous metamizole ± opioids (study group; n = 23) or opioids alone (control group; n = 20). Aspirin was withheld at least 7 days before the surgery and reinitiated (300 mg) immediately after the procedure prior to metamizole use, and continued daily thereafter (150 mg). Platelet function was evaluated using multielectrode impedance aggregometry (acid-induced platelet activation [ASPI] and collagen-induced platelet activation [COL] test), P-selectin expression and urinary 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2 (11-DTXB2) level at baseline, postoperative day (POD) 0, POD 1, POD 2, and POD 6. Residual platelet reactivity (RPR) was defined as ASPI test >400 AU*min. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In all study participants, postoperative ASPI test value moderately decreased (1058.2 v 966.6 AU*min, p = 0.047), urinary 11-DTXB2 level increased (923.4 v 4367.3 pg/mg, p < 0.001), and P-selectin expression and COL test value remained stable postprocedure. The decreases of ASPI (p = 0.146) and COL test (p = 0.642), and P-selectin expression (p = 0.318) did not differ between both groups. Patients in the control group had higher postoperative increase of urinary 11-DTXB2 level (p = 0.001). The prevalence of RPR was high and comparable between study and control groups (day 1, 95.6% v 100%, p = 0.535; day 6, 100% v 90%, p = 0.21). Multivariate analysis revealed that metamizole use did not predict the fluctuations of ASPI and COL test values and P-selectin expression, yet it independently predicted postoperative change of 11-DTXB2 level (b = -0.518, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous metamizole preceded by a loading dose of aspirin did not modify platelet response to aspirin in the postoperative period after CABG.

Detailed insight into the impact of postoperative neuropsychiatric complications on mortality in a cohort of cardiac surgery subjects: a 23,000-patient-year analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the impact of postoperative delirium with/without cerebral ischemia on short- and long-term mortality in a large cohort of cardiac surgery patients. DESIGN: The study constituted a prospective cohort observation of patients following various cardiac surgery procedures. SETTING: The investigation was conducted in a single high-volume tertiary cardiac surgery center. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive candidates for cardiac surgery (n = 8,792) from 2003 to 2008 were subjected to the following exclusion criteria: History of any psychiatric disorders, alcohol abuse and intake of psychoactive drugs and incomplete data. INTERVENTIONS: No additional interventions were performed, except for standard perioperative management. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: 5,781 patients finally were assigned to cohorts depending on the presence of postoperative delirium with/without cerebral ischemia and then prospectively followed up over the median time of 46 months. Overall 30-day mortality in patients with delirium was 15.25%, including 6.43% of patients without and 38.46% of subjects with cerebral ischemia. After adjustment for more than 100 perioperative variables, short-term mortality was associated independently with delirium (OR = 3.735), stroke (OR = 5.698), hypertension (OR = 0.333), urgency of surgery (OR = 13.018), baseline plasma glucose and protein concentrations and blood transfusions (AUROC for the model 0.94). Long-term mortality in patients who developed delirium was 23.31%, including 15.2% of patients without and 44.62% of those with postoperative stroke. Long-term mortality independently corresponded with stroke (HR = 3.968), urgent surgery (HR = 27.643), baseline plasma glucose and protein concentrations, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and blood transfusions. Impact of postoperative delirium was insignificant (p = 0.2). Compared to subjects with cerebral ischemia, death in patients only with delirium was less frequently of cardiovascular cause (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Delirium with/without cerebral ischemia significantly worsened the short-term prognosis. Stroke, yet not delirium, considerably increased the long-term mortality, especially of cardiovascular origin.

Platelet reactivity expressed as a novel platelet reactivity score is associated with higher inflammatory state after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Introduction: Despite therapy, patients operated using a cardiopulmonary bypass demonstrate increased platelet aggregation, which rebounds to above preoperative levels. The aim of the study was to test the interaction between platelet reactivity/activation and selected inflammatory markers in the post-operative period. Material and methods: In total, 103 patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) who were not eligible for percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), and required urgent revascularization, were included. Platelet reactivity was measured using the PFA-100 platelet analyser, multiple electrode aggregometry, and was expressed as a novel platelet reactivity score (PRS). Patients were divided using their PRS scores into high platelet relativity or low platelet reactivity subgroups (HPR or LPR). Platelet basal activation was measured using immunoassays for soluble P-selectin and soluble CD40L. We measured high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), and used immunoassays for tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) as inflammation markers. Results: Significant differences between HPR and LPR groups were found for CRP (mg/l): 81.5 vs. 44.6, p < 0.02; and TNF-α (pg/l): 3.51 vs. 2.37, p < 0.02. A significant association was found between CRP, TNF-α, IL-6 and platelet reactivity (platelet reactivity score). Cohen's k showed: CRP = 0.49, p < 0.0001, TNF-α = 0.37, p < 0.002. Perioperative myocardial infarction and rhythm disturbances occurred more frequently in the high platelet reactivity group: 7 (16.3%) vs. 2 (3.3%), p < 0.04, and 9 (20.9%) vs. 4 (6.7%), p < 0.04, respectively. Conclusions: Inflammatory parameters CRP and TNF-α are strongly associated with platelet reactivity (expressed as PRS) in cardiopulmonary bypass graft patients. Platelet hyperreactivity in the early post-operative period combined with a systemic inflammatory state correlates with a higher risk of post-operative rhythm disturbances and myocardial infarction.

Lower Preoperative Verbal Memory Performance Is Associated with Delirium after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Cognitive impairment constitutes one of the major risk factors of delirium after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery; however, it is unclear whether only patients with global cognitive decline are at increased risk for delirium or if individuals with preserved global cognitive functions but impairments in specific cognitive domains are also more vulnerable to developing delirium. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the neurocognitive status of patients scheduled for CABG surgery with the use of an advanced computerized cognitive battery (CNS Vital Signs) and to investigate possible associations between impaired performance in selective cognitive areas and the risk of postoperative delirium development. METHODS: The study enrolled 127 participants with a median age of 67 years (IQR: 63-71). Postoperative delirium developed in 32 (25%) patients.Before surgery, the patients were screened for global cognitive impairment with the use of the Mini-Mental State Examination Test, and the individuals were asked to perform the CNS Vital Signs battery to investigate 12 specific cognitive domains. The Confusion Assessment Method and the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale were used to screen for a diagnosis of delirium postoperatively. RESULTS: In multivariate models, a lower score of verbal memory-assessed preoperatively was independently associated with the risk of postoperative delirium development. Other independent predictors of delirium included more advanced age, gender female, depression, postoperative pyrexia, and the presence of extracorporeal circulation. CONCLUSIONS: As decreased verbal memory constitutes an independent risk factor for postoperative delirium, a verbal memory test may be a useful predictor of postoperative delirium development.

Increased postoperative myeloperoxidase concentration associated with low baseline antioxidant capacity as the risk factor of delirium after cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Though risk factors of postoperative delirium are well described, its pathophysiology is still undiscovered. The primary objective of the current study is to assess whether increased pre- and postoperative myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels are associated with postoperative delirium in the population of cardiac surgery patients. The secondary objective is to evaluate the correlation between MPO levels and serum antioxidant capacity (AC). METHODS: The patients' cognitive status was assessed one day preoperatively with the use of the Mini-Mental State Examination Test and the Clock Drawing Test. A diagnosis of major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders was established based on DSM-5 criteria. Blood samples for MPO and AC levels were collected both pre- and postoperatively. The Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit was used to screen for a diagnosis of delirium. RESULTS: Delirium occurred in 34% (61 of 177) of patients. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that increased postoperative MPO concentration was independently associated with postoperative delirium development, and negatively correlated with lower baseline serum AC. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac surgery patients with less efficient antioxidative mechanisms experience a higher postoperative peak of serum MPO, which in turn may predispose to postoperative delirium development.KEY MESSAGESMPO is a lysosomal enzyme with strong pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory properties.Cardiac surgery patients who have increased concentration of postoperative MPO are at significantly higher risk of postoperative delirium development.This higher level of postoperative MPO is negatively correlated with baseline antioxidant capacity (AC).It can be hypothesized that individuals with decreased baseline AC experience a higher peak of MPO post-surgery due to less efficient antioxidative mechanisms, which in turn contributes to postoperative delirium development.

Oxidative stress and soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products play a role in the pathophysiology of delirium after cardiac surgery.

Coronary-artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is known to improve cardiac function and decrease mortality, albeit, this method of treatment is also associated with a neuropsychiatric complications including postoperative delirium. The pathophysiology of delirium after cardiac surgery remains poorly understood. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether oxidative stress reflected by decreased preoperative and postoperative plasma antioxidant activity is independently associated with delirium after cardiac surgery. The second aim was to assess whether decreased antioxidant activity is stress-related or mediated by other pathologies such as major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety disorders, and cognitive impairment. Furthermore, the putative relationship between pre- and postoperative soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE) overexpression and plasma antioxidant capacity was evaluated. The patients cognitive status was assessed 1 day preoperatively with the use of the Mini-Mental State Examination Test and the Clock Drawing Test. A diagnosis of MDD and anxiety disorders was established on the basis of DSM-5 criteria. Blood samples for antioxidant capacity and sRAGE levels were collected both preoperatively and postoperatively. The Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit was used within the first 5 days postoperatively to screen for a diagnosis of delirium. Postoperative delirium was diagnosed in 34% (61 of 177) of individuals. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that low baseline antioxidant capacity was independently associated with postoperative delirium development. Moreover, increased risk of delirium was observed among patients with a preoperative diagnosis of MDD associated with antioxidant capacity decreased postoperatively. According to receiver operating characteristic analysis, the most optimal cutoff values of the preoperative and postoperative antioxidant capacity that predict the development of delirium were 1.72 mM and 1.89 mM, respectively. Pre- and postoperative antioxidant capacity levels were negatively correlated with postoperative sRAGE concentration (Spearman's Rank Correlation - 0.198 and - 0.158, p < 0.05, respectively). Patients with decreased preoperative antioxidant activity and those with depressive episodes complicated with lower postoperative antioxidant activity are at significantly higher risk of delirium after cardiac surgery development. sRAGE overexpression may be considered as protective mechanism against increased oxidative stress and subsequent cell damage.

Elevated Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 as the Independent Risk Factor of Delirium after Cardiac Surgery. A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of postoperative delirium is largely unknown. The primary objective of this study is to assess whether increased levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) are associated with postoperative delirium in patients who have undergone cardiac surgery. The secondary objective is to investigate whether any association between raised inflammatory biomarkers levels and delirium is related to surgical and anesthetic procedures or mediated by pre-existing psychiatric conditions associated with raised pro-inflammatory markers levels. METHODS: The patients were screened for cognitive impairment one day preoperatively with the use of the Mini-Mental State Examination Test and the Clock Drawing Test. A diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorders was established on the basis of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria. Blood samples were collected pre- and postoperatively for hsCRP and chemokine levels. RESULTS: Postoperative delirium developed in 34% (61 of 177) of patients. Both pre- and postoperative hsCRP, and preoperative MCP-1 levels were associated with postoperative delirium in univariate comparisons; p = 0.001; p < 0.001; p < 0.001, respectively. However, according to a multivariable logistic regression analysis, only a raised MCP-1 concentration before surgery was independently associated with postoperative delirium, and related to advancing age, preoperative anxiety disorders and prolonged intubation. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that an elevated preoperative MCP-1 concentration is associated with delirium after cardiac surgery. Monitoring of this inflammatory marker may reveal the cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients who are at risk of neuropsychiatric syndromes development.

[Application of HPLC to meropenem determination in plasma samples of patients with infections treated after coronary artery bypass graft surgery]. / Zastosowanie HPLC do oznaczania meropenemu w osoczu krwi pacjentów leczonych z powodu infekcji po przebytym zabiegu pomostowania aortalno-wiencowego.

In performed study the effectiveness of meropenem administration was estimated after therapeutic using in infections treatment after coronary artery bypass graft surgery on the base of antibiotic concentrations determined by HPLC method in the plasma samples of patients. The aim of the present study was to determine pharmacokinetic parameters of meropenem in patients' plasma samples after multiple intravenous antibiotic administration and the estimation of meropenem concentrations to MIC of bacterial pathogens. The biological material to our study was taken in 2; 4; 5 and 6 day of the antibiotic therapy. The solid phase extraction was used to the isolation of meropenem from the plasma samples. Applied chromatographic conditions of antibiotic included the column LiChrisopher 100 RP-18 (5 microm, 250 mm x 4 mm); the mobile phase comprised phosphate buffer pH 7,0/acetonitrile (92:8); DAD with detection at 296 nm. The maximal meropenem concentration in the steady state (Css(max)) in 2 day of treatment 0.25 h after administration of the next dose of antibiotic was 17.58 microg/ml. In the plasma samples which were taken in the end of the dosage regimen (8 h) in subsequent days the antibiotic was not fund. Only in one patient the minimal concentration in the steady state (Css(min)) was 0.87-0.89 microg/ml and exceeded MIC for Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter Escherichia coli i Serratia. The shorter frequency of drug administration has to be consider to assure the therapeutic range of antibiotic concentrations.

[Use of eptifibatide in patients with acute stent thrombosis, requiring urgent surgical revascularisation - report of 2 cases]. / Zastosowanie eptifibatydu jako pomostu w terapii antyagregacyjnej u chorych z ostra zakrzepica w stentach wymagajacych pilnej rewaskularyzacji chirurgicznej - opis dwóch przypadków.

Number of patients requiring intensive antiaggregation therapy in diseases of circulatory system is increasing. Simultaneously many patients are referred to CABG. In the article, based on two case reports, we discuss optimal time frame for performing cardiac surgery, methods to analyze platelet inhibition, and we describe technique of bridging by eptifibatide.

Comparison of effectiveness of coronary artery bypass grafting versus percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.

The REvascularization in Ischemic HEart Failure Trial (REHEAT) is a nonrandomized, case-controlled, prospective study assessing the hypothesis that surgical and percutaneous revascularizations in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy are associated with comparable improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and functional status 12 months after myocardial revascularization. The study population consisted of 141 patients with LVEFs of <40% and angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease. The primary end point was improvement in LVEF 12 months after intervention. Secondary end points were in-hospital major adverse events, length of hospitalization, exercise tolerance of treadmill stress testing after 12 months, 1-year survival, 1-year event-free survival, angina, and heart failure severity after 12 months. The case-controlled study included 55 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and 54 who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The incidence of 30-day major adverse events was higher in the CABG group (40.7% vs 9%, p = 0.0003), whereas duration of hospital stay was shorter in the PCI group (6.8 +/- 3.6 vs 9.2 +/- 2.1 days, p = 0.00001). Increase in LVEF was comparable after PCI and CABG (6.0 +/- 7.2% vs 4.4 +/- 9.0% p = 0.12). Long-term functional status based on treadmill stress testing was better after PCI (Student's t test, p = 0.0003) but, according to Canadian Cardiovascular Society and New York Heart Association classifications, was similar in the 2 treatment arms (Wilcoxon test, p <0.01). Long-term survival was significantly better for patients after PCI (Wilcoxon test, p <0.01); however, major adverse event-free survival was better after CABG (Cox-Mantel test, p = 0.0013). In conclusion, PCI and CABG are associated with comparable improvements in LVEF in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. PCI offers a better 1-year survival rate than CABG, but the incidence of repeat revascularization is lower with CABG.

Eptifibatide infusion versus placebo in high risk patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes managed with urgent coronary artery bypass graft surgery. A prospective multicenter randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: This randomized prospective clinical trial aimed to evaluate safety and efficacy of preoperative use of eptifibatide in high risk patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS), requiring urgent coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). METHODS: A total of 140 patients with NSTE-ACS eligible for urgent surgical revascularization received either eptifibatide (bolus plus infusion) 12-48 hours prior to surgery (N.=72 patients) or placebo (normal saline; N.=68 patients) followed by routinely administered enoxaparin and aspirin. Patients were regarded as unsuitable for percutaneous coronary intervention by the heart team. CABG was performed 4 hours after discontinuation of eptifibatide or placebo infusion. The primary end point was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) defined as death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), stroke and the need for rehospitalization due to recurrent ischemia at 12-month follow-up. Secondary endpoints included MACCE rate at 1 month, bleeding complications, platelet inhibition efficacy and correlation of platelet activity with MACCE rate. RESULTS: Cumulative one year MACCE rate was 35% vs. 14% in the control and treated group respectively (P=0.012). Mortality rate at 30 days follow-up was 10% vs. 3% (P=0.021) and was not changed at 12-month follow-up. There was a significant difference between both groups regarding perioperative MI (22% vs. 8%, P=0.03). The rates of stroke, blood loss and blood transfusion were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Preoperative use of eptifibatide vs. placebo is linked to significantly reduced 12-month MACCE rate in patients with NSTE-ACS requiring urgent CABG, while it simultaneously seems not to confer a greater risk of postoperative bleeding.

[Retrospective assessment of influence of pre-and intra-operative risk factors on early and late surgical results in patients with coronary heart disease and severly impaired left ventricle function who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting]. / Retrospektywna analiza wplywu przed- i sródoperacyjnych czynników ryzyka na wczesne i odlegle wyniki chirurgicznego leczenia choroby wiencowej u chorych ze znacznym uposledzeniem funkcji serca.

Aim of the study was to evaluate retrospectively recent and late results of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with ischaemic heart disease and severe left ventricular dysfunction. 146 patients (125 men, 21 women) aged 58.4 +/- 8.4 years, with angina (Canadian Cardiac Society--CCS class > or = 1), heart failure (New York Heart Association--NYHA class > or = 1), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF < or = 30%), multi-vessel coronary disease were included to the study. All patients underwent CABG. Peri-operative mortality was 6.1%, in-hospital mortality was 8.2%, 1-year survival was 86.5% and 4-year survival--80%. It was shown that CABG improves angina, dyspnoea and LVEF in patients with coronary heart disease and depressed left ventricle function (LVEF < or = 30%). Selected parameters like: unstable angina requiring intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) preoperatively, recent heart infarction, cerebrovascular disease, severly depressed left ventricle function (LVEF < or = 20%), mitral regurgitation and Cleveland score > or = 10 pts significantly influence early surgical results (up to 30 days after surgery). It was shown that independent parameters predicting long-term survival and risk of major cardiac events were: negative dobutamine stress test, significant mitral valve incompetence and Cleveland score > or = 10 pts. Use of crystalloid cardioplegia increases early risk of CABG however none of methods of myocardial protection affects long-term surgical results. The outcomes of procedures using blood cardioplegia or intermittent cross clamp and ventricular fibrillation are comparable.

Complex assessment of the incidence and risk factors of delirium in a large cohort of cardiac surgery patients: a single-center 6-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Previous reports provided inconsistent data on the occurrence of postoperative delirium and emphasized its considerable impact on outcome. This study sought to evaluate the incidence and predictors of delirium, together with its relation to cerebral ischemia in a large cohort of cardiac surgery patients in a tertiary high-volume center. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive patients (n = 8792) were prospectively enrolled from 2003 to 2008. Exclusion criteria were history of psychiatric disorders, use of psychoactive drugs, alcohol abuse, and data incompleteness. Finally, 5781 patients were analyzed in terms of 100 perioperative patient-specific and treatment variables. The incidence of postoperative delirium (DSM IV criteria) was 4.1% and it coexisted with cerebral ischemia in 1.1% of patients. In bivariate analysis, 49 variables were significantly linked to postoperative delirium. Multivariate analysis confirmed that delirium was independently associated with postoperative stroke (logistic odds ratio (logOR) = 2.862, P = 0.004), any blood transfusions (logOR = 4.178, P < 0.0001), age > 65 years (logOR = 2.417, P = 0.002), carotid artery stenosis (logOR = 2.15, P = 0.01), urgent/emergent surgery (logOR = 1.982, P = 0.02), fasting glucose level, intraoperative oxygen partial pressure fluctuations, and hematocrit. Area under ROC curve for the model was 0.8933. CONCLUSIONS: Early identification of nonpsychiatric perioperative determinants of delirium facilitates its diagnosis and might help develop preventive strategies to improve long-term outcome after cardiac surgery procedures.

Diagnostic accuracy of pre-operative NT-proBNP level in predicting short-term outcomes in coronary surgery: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: B-type natriuretic peptides (BNP) are acknowledged markers of acute and chronic heart failure. Insufficient data exist, however, regarding their diagnostic usefulness in cardiac surgery, particularly in coronary patients. AIM: To assess diagnostic accuracy of preoperative value of NT-proBNP level as a predictor of short-term postoperative complications in subjects undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: This pilot study included 100 consecutive patients scheduled for elective CABG, including 24 females and 76 males (mean age 65.9 ± 9.1 years). Exclusion criteria were: significant valvular disorders, off-pump procedure, renal failure (GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2), low ejection fraction (< 30%), intra-aortic balloon pump counterpulsation (IABP), use of inotropic agents, atrial fibrillation (AF), and implanted pacemaker or defibrillator. The NT-proBNP level was measured on the day of the surgery before induction of anaesthesia. We investigated short-term postoperative complications, defined as those occurring within 30 days or before hospital discharge. RESULTS: Median NT-proBNP concentration was 526.0 pg/mL (IQR 156.0-1150.0). None of patients died postoperatively. Excessive drainage (> 850 mL) was found in 13 (13%) patients and 22 (22%) subjects required transfusions. Prolonged mechanical ventilation (> 12 h) was necessary in 15 (15%) patients and respiratory failure occurred in 2 (2%) of them. Postoperative AF was present in 34 (34%) subjects. Perioperative myocardial infarction was diagnosed in 2 (2%) persons. Low cardiac output was present in 9 (9%) patients. Haemodynamic support with the use of IABP was necessary in 7 (7%) patients and inotropic drugs were used in 61 (61%) subjects. Stroke or delirium was diagnosed in 1 (1%) subject. The NT-proBNP level correlated with the operative risk estimated by logistic and additive EuroSCORE: r = 0.558 (95% CI 0.406-0.680; p < 0.001) and r = 0.551 (95% CI 0.397-0.674; p < 0.001), respectively. The NT-proBNP level correlated significantly with the length of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay and hospital stay: r = 0.412 (95% CI 0.238-0.566; p < 0.001) and r = 0.547 (95% CI 0.393-0.672; p < 0.001), respectively. The NT-proBNP level was a predictor of postoperative prolonged mechanical ventilation, respiratory failure, AF, IABP use, inotropic support and postoperative platelet transfusions (p < 0.05 for all). However, good or very good diagnostic accuracy was found only in relation to mechanical ventilation (AUROC = 0.854), respiratory insufficiency (AUROC = 0.867), IABP use (AUROC = 0.889), and milrinone use (AUROC = 0.929). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative assessment of NT-proBNP level in CABG patients could be a valuable diagnostic method for predicting several postoperative complications, especially pulmonary outcomes and requirement for haemodynamic support, and it correlated with the length of ICU stay and hospital stay.

Cardiac myxoma - clinical presentation and long-term post-operative follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Myxoma is the commonest cardiac neoplasm. Due to varying symptomatology, its diagnosis can prove difficult. It is agreed to have an excellent prognosis. AIM: Assessing the clinical course in patients operated on due to cardiac myxoma in two departments of cardiac surgery over the course of a decade. METHODS: The medical records of patients operated on due to cardiac myxoma between 1999 and 2009 were analysed. The patients were then invited for an ambulatory visit, during which transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiographic examinations were performed. RESULTS: There were 61 patients (47 females) with histologically confirmed myxoma operated upon. The commonest symptoms leading to diagnosis were heart failure (16 patients, 26%) and syncope (12 patients, 20%). There were five (8%) in-hospital deaths and two (3%) non-fatal strokes. Follow-up duration ranged between one and ten years (6.1 ± 3.2 years). Nine (15%) deaths occurred during follow-up. In four (7%) patients, myxoma recurred in the original location. Echocardiography performed at follow-up visit revealed one recurrence of myxoma, and minor pathologies in 20 patients. Patients who died perioperatively were significantly older compared to those who survived (69 ± 9.7 years vs 56 ± 13, p = 0.02). Patients who died during the follow-up were also significantly older than those who were alive at the time of the contact visit (65 ± 15 years vs 56 ± 12, p = 0.02). Death during follow-up occurred four times more often in males than females (36% vs 8.5%, p = 0.02). There were more deaths during the follow-up in patients whose initial presenting symptom was dyspnea: five deaths (31%) vs four deaths (9%, p = 0.04). The recurrence of myxoma was significantly more frequent in patients with a shorter duration of symptoms before the operation: 8.6 ± 15 weeks with relapse vs 33.9 ± 40 weeks without relapse (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Both, serious and benign events following myxoma excision are common. Clinical and echocardiographic surveillance should be implemented in all patients who undergo a myxoma operation.

Effect of gender on efficacy of preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump in high risk patients undergoing surgical coronary revascularisation.

BACKGROUND: There is no strong evidence supporting the use of preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in high-risk patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This issue has only been investigated in small studies which analysed the general population of patients, without focusing on specific subgroups, including gender. AIM: We sought to determine if there is any benefit from preoperative IABP in high-risk patients undergoing CABG with the analysis of its determinants including gender. METHODS: We randomly assigned 502 high-risk patients (351 men, 151 women) to the group receiving preoperative IABP support or to the control group with no preoperative IABP. Primary end-point was a major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular event (MACCE), defined as death from any cause, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident or repeat revascularisation within 30 days post-surgery. RESULTS: A significant reduction of MACCE rate in patients with the preoperative IABP counterpulsation in comparison to controls was noticed in the total population of high risk patients (p=0.001) and in the female subgroup (p=0.005). After adjustment for baseline characteristics, the hazard ratio for MACCE was 0.7 (p=0.005) in the total population; 0.6 (p=0.01) for females and 0.8 (p=0.1) for males. CONCLUSIONS: There is a beneficial effect of preoperative IABP use in high-risk patients undergoing CABG, particularly in women and patients with co-morbidities (diabetes, obesity, and peripheral vascular disease).