Antje-Christin Deppe

Preoperative statin therapy in cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis of 90 000 patients †

The objective of this systematic literature review with meta-analysis was to determine the strength of evidence for a preoperative statin on the reduction of adverse postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Randomized controlled (RCT) and observational trials were searched in online databases that reported about the effects of preoperative statin therapy on major adverse clinical outcomes after cardiac surgery. Analysed outcomes included early all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation (AF), stroke and renal failure using a priori-defined criteria. Effect estimates were calculated and are given as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using fixed- or random-effect models. Literature search of all major databases retrieved 2371 studies. After screening, a total of 54 trials were identified (12 RCT, 42 observational) that reported outcomes of 91 491 cardiac surgery patients with (n = 46 614; 51%) or without (n = 44 877; 49%) preoperative statin therapy. Preoperative statin use resulted in a 0.9% absolute risk (2.6 vs 3.5%) and a 31% odds reduction for early all-cause mortality (OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.59-0.81; P < 0.0001). In addition, statin treatment before surgery was associated with a substantial reduction (P < 0.01) in the postoperative end-points AF (OR 0.71; 95% CI 0.61-0.82), new-onset AF (OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.54-0.85), stroke (OR 0.83; 95% CI 0.74-0.93), stay on intensive care unit (weighted mean difference [WMD] -0.14; 95% CI -0.23 to -0.03; P < 0.01) and in-hospital stay (WMD -0.57; 95% CI -0.76 to -0.38; P < 0.01). No statistical differences were found between groups with regard to myocardial infarction or renal failure. In conclusion, the current systematic review strengthens the evidence that preoperative statin therapy extends substantial clinical benefit to early postoperative outcomes in cardiac surgery patients.

Current evidence of coronary artery bypass grafting off-pump versus on-pump: a systematic review with meta-analysis of over 16 900 patients investigated in randomized controlled trials†.

In the present systematic review with meta-analysis, we sought to determine the current strength of evidence for or against off-pump and on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with regard to hard clinical end-points, graft patency and cost-effectiveness. We performed a meta-analysis of only randomized controlled trials (RCT) which reported at least one of the desired end-points including: (i) major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), (ii) all-cause mortality, (iii) myocardial infarction, (iv) cerebrovascular accident, (v) repeat revascularization, (vi) graft patency and (vii) cost-effectiveness. The pooled treatment effects [odds ratio (OR) or weighted mean difference, 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs)] were assessed using a fixed or random effects model. A total of 16 904 patients from 51 studies were identified after literature search of the major databases using a predefined keyword list. The incidence of MACCE did not differ between the groups, neither during the first 30 days (OR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.82-1.04) nor for the longest available follow-up (OR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.92-1.12). While the incidence of mid-term graft failure (OR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.09-1.72) and the need for repeat revascularization (OR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.33-1.80) was increased after off-pump surgery, on-pump surgery was associated with an increased occurrence of stroke (OR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.58-0.95), renal impairment (OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.71-0.89) and mediastinitis (OR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.31-0.62). There was no difference with regard to hard clinical end-points between on- or off-pump surgery, including myocardial infarction or mortality. The present systematic review emphasizes that both off- and on-pump surgery provide excellent and comparable results in patients requiring surgical revascularization. The choice for either strategy should take into account the individual patient profile (comorbidities, life expectancy, etc.) and importantly, the surgeons experience in performing on- or off-pump CABG in their routine practice.

Outcomes after peripheral extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND We assessed the short-term outcomes and predictors of 30-d mortality in patients requiring temporary, peripheral extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for postcardiotomy cardiac failure. METHODS The data were retrospectively obtained using our institutional patient database. All patients who had received peripheral ECMO support after surgery for acquired heart disease from 2006 to 2010 were included in the present study. The demographic and perioperative variables of the 30-d survivors and nonsurvivors were compared using the chi-square and t-test, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of 30-d all-cause mortality. RESULTS A total of 77 patients with a mean age of 60 ± 13 years were included in the present analysis. Successful weaning from peripheral ECMO was achieved in 62% after 79 ± 57 h of ECMO support. The overall 30-d mortality rate was 70%, and mortality was reduced to 52% in the patients in whom ECMO support could be weaned successfully. Age (per year) at ECMO implantation was the only independent preoperative predictor of 30-d mortality (odds ratio 1.09, 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.15; P = 0.003). In addition, greater lactate levels after 24 h of ECMO therapy, a longer duration of ECMO support, and the presence of any ECMO-related or gastrointestinal complications were independent predictive factors for 30-d mortality (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS ECMO therapy provides a valuable therapeutic strategy for postcardiotomy myocardial failure but is still limited by high complication rates with fewer than 30% of patients discharged from the hospital. Patient age appears to be an essential preoperative predictor for mortality, and the blood lactate level is a relevant marker for the assessment of efficient ECMO support.

Meta-Analysis of Patients Taking Statins Before Revascularization and Aortic Valve Surgery

Statin intake before cardiac surgery is associated with favorable outcomes. We sought to analyze the evidence for statin pretreatment before isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery and aortic valve replacement surgery. In this meta-analysis, we demonstrate beneficial results for the endpoints mortality, stroke, atrial fibrillation, and length of stay in hospital in 36,053 statin-pretreated coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients compared with control subjects retrieved from 32 studies, but fail to detect relevant advantages through preoperative statin therapy for 3,091 patients undergoing aortic valve replacement from four trials. Strict adherence to guidelines recommending statin treatment before CABG surgery is therefore mandatory.

Minimally invasive direct coronary bypass grafting versus percutaneous coronary intervention for single-vessel disease: a meta-analysis of 2885 patients †

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) grafting are both established therapeutic options for single-vessel disease of the left anterior descending artery (LAD). The present systematic review with meta-analysis aims to determine the current strength of evidence for or against PCI and MIDCAB for revascularization of the LAD. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) and observational trials (OTs) that reported clinical outcome after isolated LAD revascularization. Analysed postoperative outcomes included major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction and stroke. Pooled treatment effects [odds ratio (OR) or weighted mean difference (WMD), 95% confidence intervals (95% CI)] were assessed using a fixed- or random-effects model. A total of 2885 patients from 12 studies (6 RCTs, 6 OTs) were identified after a literature search of major databases using a predefined list of keywords. PCI of the LAD was performed in 60.7% (n = 1751) and MIDCAB in 39.3% of patients (n = 1126). Pooled-effect estimates revealed an increased incidence for MACCEs after PCI (OR 1.98; 95% CI 1.45-2.69; P < 0.0001) 6 months after the procedure. Especially, PCI was particularly associated with an increased odds for target vessel revascularization (OR 2.11; 95% CI 1.00-4.47; P = 0.0295). No differences with regard to stroke, myocardial infarction and all-cause mortality were observed between both revascularization strategies. Patients after PCI had a shorter length of hospital stay (WMD -3.37 days; 95% CI (-)4.92 to (-)1.81; P < 0.0001). In conclusion, the present systematic review underscores the superiority of MIDCAB over PCI for treatment of single-vessel disease of the LAD.

Lactate and lactate clearance as valuable tool to evaluate ECMO therapy in cardiogenic shock

Purpose: ECMO support is an ultimate ratio therapy for patients in refractory cardiogenic shock and is linked to high mortality. We assessed the dynamic characteristics of lactate during ECMO therapy and its predictive role on 30‐day mortality. Materials and methods: Data were retrospectively collected in all patients receiving ECMO support longer than 48 h for cardiogenic shock from 01/2008 to 12/2016. Blood lactate was recorded before ECMO implantation, at prespecified timepoints during ECMO support, 1 h and 6 h post‐ECMO as well as peak lactate during ECMO and peak within 24 h after ECMO support. Statistical analysis included t‐test and ROC‐curves to identify cut‐off levels for lactate levels to predict 30‐day mortality. Results: 139 patients underwent ECMO therapy longer than 48 h for refractory cardiogenic shock resulting in a 30‐day mortality of 68%. Lactate before ECMO and peak lactate level during ECMO support showed no significant connection to mortality, while lactate and lactate clearance at 24 h were predictive for 30‐day mortality with cut‐off values of 2.15 mmol/l and 0.687 respectively. Conclusions: Dynamic course of lactate during ECMO therapy is a valuable tool to assess effective circulatory support and is superior to single lactate measurements as a predictive marker for 30‐day mortality. HighlightsECMO therapy remains an ultima ratio treatment with high mortality.Dynamic lactate behavior is valuable for assessment of effective ECMO support.Course of lactate during and after ECMO allows recognition of clinical problems.

Coagulation disorders do not increase the risk for bleeding during percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy.

BACKGROUND Percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy (PDT) is a common procedure. Coagulation disorders represent a relative contraindication for PDT and, therefore, normalization of hemostasis parameters is recommended. Especially patients undergoing cardiac surgery after valve replacement and with any kind of assist device need to require an adequate anticoagulation. This study investigated the impact of impaired hemostasis as a risk factor for bleeding complications retrospectively. METHODS Patients who underwent PDT (November 2007 to November 2010) were stratified into a high-risk (HR) and low-risk (LR) group in regard to bleeding complications. The following determining factors activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT > 50 seconds, prothrombin time (PT < 50%), international normalized ratio (INR > 1.4), and platelet count (< 50,000/µL) were assessed. RESULTS A total of 213 patients underwent PDT (HR = 5/85; LR = 8/128). There was no difference in demographics or intraoperative data. Patients of both groups showed mild bleeding without the need for surgical intervention or transfusion (p = 0.957). There were no severe bleeding nor other procedure-related complications. CONCLUSION Percutaneous tracheotomy is a safe and feasible procedure in patients with coagulation disorders. Therefore, discontinuation of anticoagulation treatment or normalization of hemostasis prior to the procedure is not necessary.

Preoperative intra‐aortic balloon pump use in high‐risk patients prior to coronary artery bypass graft surgery decreases the risk for morbidity and mortality—A meta‐analysis of 9,212 patients

Prophylactic intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) support for high‐risk patients before coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is controversial. This meta‐analysis sought to determine the current role of preoperative IABP support.

Left ventricular thrombus formation in patients undergoing femoral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Introduction: Profoundly impaired left ventricular (LV) function in patients undergoing femoral veno-arterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can result in intra-cardiac stasis and thrombus formation. There have been several attempts to improve LV unloading in patients with peripheral VA-ECMO, either by improving contractility or by venting the LV. Methods: Data from all patients who underwent femoral VA-ECMO between 2007 and 2015 due to cardiogenic decompensation were retrospectively analysed regarding intra-cardiac thrombus formation. Results: In total, 11 of 281 patients (3.91%) with femoral VA-ECMO developed an intra- or extra-cardiac thrombus despite adequate anticoagulation therapy. None of the patients survived this serious complication. Conclusion: Management strategies for patients with femoral VA-ECMO support and severely impaired LV function must be reassessed to avoid insufficient LV unloading at an early stage of ECMO therapy. Early LV decompression should be considered in patients with insufficient unloading of the LV to prevent intra-cardiac thrombus formation.

Preoperative intraaortic balloon pump before urgent coronary bypass grafting

Background Urgent or emergency coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with acute coronary syndrome is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We investigated the effects of preoperative intraaortic balloon pump support in this high-risk patient cohort. Methods Our institutional database was retrospectively reviewed for patients with acute coronary syndrome and an urgent or emergency indication for coronary artery bypass from April 2010 to December 2016. Data of 1066 patients were analyzed. We assessed the impact of preoperative intraaortic balloon pump therapy on postoperative mortality and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, and performed propensity-score matching. Results Intraaortic balloon pump support was implemented in 223 (20.9%) patients: 55 (5.2%) preoperatively and 168 (15.8%) intra- or postoperatively. Overall hospital mortality was 8.8%. Patients with a preoperative intraaortic balloon pump had increased mortality (11/55, 20%) compared to controls (p = 0.006). After propensity-score matching, all-cause mortality (20.0% vs. 18.2%, p = 0.834), cardiac mortality (18.2% vs. 14.5%, p = 0.651), and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (29.1% vs. 27.3%, p = 0.855) were comparable between groups. Conclusions Preoperative intraaortic balloon pump support does not confer any additional clinical benefit on patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting for acute coronary syndrome.