Nenad Savić

Beyond the Limits: Clinical Utility of Novel Cardiac Biomarkers

Preoperative assessment of cardiovascular risk is essential when it comes to extensive noncardiac surgery procedures. Therefore, accurate and timely diagnosis of myocyte damage is vital. In modern medical practice it is believed that the so-called “multimarker” approach is the most appropriate and most accurate, but new research points out that there are novel biomarkers which could be used independently. Studies that evaluate miRNA, H-FABP, and MR-PAMP give encouraging results. When it comes to miRNA clinical studies show high statistical significance, especially in the case of acute myocardial infarction (P = 0.001). Statistical significance of P = 0.007 was found in acute coronary syndrome, when H-FABP was measured. Biochemical marker MR-PAMP showed statistical significance of P < 0.0001 in most clinical studies.

Risk factors associated with carotid artery puncture following landmark-guided internal jugular vein cannulation attempts.

Objective: The relationship between certain risk factors and carotid artery puncture (CAP) as an early mechanical complication following internal jugular vein cannulation attempts (IJVCAs) was evaluated. Methods: In a retrospective 1-year observational single-center study, 86 IJVCAs conducted in the operating room by 4 competent anesthesiologists were evaluated. Age, gender, puncture side, number of cannulation attempts, circumstances of the procedure and incidence of CAP were obtained from medical records. Results: Of the 86 IJVCAs performed in patients aged 18–75 years, CAP occurred in 8 (9.3%): 5 (5.8%) in patients >65 years and 3 (3.5%) in patients <65 years of age. CAP was not associated with patient’s age (p = 0.11) and gender (p = 0.76). Multiple cannulation attempts (OR = 26.25; 95% CI = 4.52–152.51; p < 0.001) and placement of CVC under emergency conditions (OR = 14.84; 95% CI = 1.73–127.22; p = 0.014) increased the risk for CAP significantly. Also, the risk for CAP was higher when IJVCAs were performed before induction of general anesthesia (OR = 15.75; 95% CI = 1.83–135.1; p = 0.019). CAP was more likely to happen during left-sided than right-sided IJVCA (OR = 5.98; 95% CI = 1.29–27.59; p = 0.022). In addition, left-sided attempts considerably increased the risk for multiple cannulation attempts (OR = 2.782; 95% CI = 1.342–3.965; p < 0.01). Also, manifold cannulation attempts were more frequent if the IJVCA was performed before induction of anesthesia (OR = 4.219; CI = 1.579–11.271; p = 0.004). Conclusions: Our results strongly suggest that left-sided, multiple IJVCAs, performed under emergency conditions in conscious patients in the operating room, represent considerable risks for possible CAP.

Response: “Commentary: Peripartum Cardiomyopathy in Intensive Care Unit: An Update”

We are very glad that our work got the attention of Dr. Biteker, and we wish to thank him for mentioning PPCM definition by ESC.