Renato Oliveira Albuquerque Lima

Risk factors for mediastinitis after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery

OBJECTIVE Mediastinitis is a serious complication of median sternotomy and is associated to significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to identify risk factors for mediastinitis in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), without the use of bilateral internal thoracic artery (ITA), at the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery of Pronto Socorro Cardiológico de Pernambuco - PROCAPE. METHODS A retrospective study of 500 consecutive patients operated on between May 2007 and April 2010. Ten preoperative variables, seven intraoperative variables and seven postoperative variables possibly involved in the development of postoperative mediastinitis were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS The incidence of mediastinitis was 5.6% (n=28), with a lethality rate of 32.1% (n=9). In multivariate analysis using logistic regression, five variables remained as independent risk factors: obesity (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.11 to 6.68), diabetes (OR 2.71, 95% CI 1.18 to 6.65), smoking (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.12 to 4.67), use of pedicled internal thoracic artery (OR 5.17, 95% CI 1.45 to 18.42) and on-pump CABG (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.14 to 5.85). CONCLUSION This study identified the following independent risk factors for mediastinitis after CABG: obesity, diabetes, smoking, use of pedicled ITA and on-pump CABG.

Skeletonized left internal thoracic artery is associated with lower rates of mediastinitis in diabetic patients

BACKGROUND Mediastinitis is a serious complication of median sternotomy and is associated to significant morbidity and mortality. Diabetes is a feared risk factor for mediastinitis and viewed with caution by cardiovascular surgeons. OBJECTIVE To identify risk factors for mediastinitis in diabetics undergoing CABG surgery with use of unilateral ITA in the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery of Pronto Socorro Cardiológico de Pernambuco - PROCAPE. METHODS Retrospective study of 157 diabetics operated between May 2007 and April 2010. Nine preoperative variables, five intraoperative variables and seven postoperative variables possibly involved in the development of postoperative mediastinitis were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied. RESULTS The incidence of mediastinitis was 7% (n=11), with a lethality rate of 36.1% (n=4). Variables associated with increased risk of mediastinitis were: use of pedicled ITA (OR 8.25, 95% CI 2.03 to 66.10, P=0.016), postoperative renal complications (OR 5.10, 95% CI 1.03 to 25.62, P=0.049) and re-operation (OR 7.45, 95% CI 1.24 to 42.17, P=0.023). In multivariate analysis using backward logistic regression, only one variable remained as independent risk factor: use of pedicled ITA (OR 7.64, 95% CI 1.95 to 61.6, P=0.048), in comparison to skeletonized ITA. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that diabetics should be considered for strategies to minimize risk of infection. In diabetics that undergo unilateral ITA, the problem seems to be related to how ITA is harvested. Diabetics should always be considered for use of skeletonized ITA.

EuroSCORE and mortality in coronary artery bypass graft surgery at Pernambuco Cardiologic Emergency Medical Services [Pronto Socorro Cardiológico de Pernambuco]

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate the applicability of EuroSCORE in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery at the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery of Pernambuco Cardiologic Emergency Medical Services--PROCAPE. METHODS A retrospective study involving 500 patients operated between May 2007 and April 2010. The registers contained all the information used to calculate the EuroSCORE. The outcome of interest was death. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis by backward logistic regression were applied to assess the association between each variable in the EuroSCORE and deaths. The following parameters were calculated: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. The power of concordance between the predicted mortality by the EuroSCORE and the observed mortality was measured using the Kappa coefficient. The accuracy of the model was evaluated by the ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve. RESULTS The incidence of death was 13%. In multivariate analysis, nine variables remained independent predictors of death: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, creatinine >2,3mg/dL, active endocarditis, preoperative critical state, unstable angina, ejection fraction 30% to 50%, acute myocardial infarction < 90 days, emergency surgery and additional surgery. The score had a sensitivity of 88.4%, specificity of 79.3%, positive predictive value of 40.7%, negative predictive value of 97.7% and 80.6% concordance. The accuracy measured by the area under the ROC curve was 0.892 (95% CI 0.862-0.922). CONCLUSIONS The EuroSCORE proved to be a simple and objective index, revealing a satisfactory discriminator of postoperative evolution in patients undergoing CABG surgery at our institution.

Risk factors for low cardiac output syndrome after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery

OBJECTIVES Low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) is a serious complication after cardiac surgery and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to identify risk factors for LCOS in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery of Pronto Socorro Cardiológico de Pernambuco - PROCAPE (Recife, PE, Brazil). METHODS A historical prospective study comprising 605 consecutive patients operated between May 2007 and December 2010. We evaluated 12 preoperative and 7 intraoperative variables. We applied univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS The incidence of LCOS was 14.7% (n = 89), with a lethality rate of 52.8% (n = 47). In multivariate analysis by logistic regression, four variables remained as independent risk factors: age > 60 years (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.20 to 6.14, P = 0.009), on-pump CABG (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.40 to 7.08, P = 0.006), emergency surgery (OR 4.71, 95% CI 1.34 to 26.55, P = 0.028), incomplete revascularization (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.32 to 5.86, P = 0.003), and ejection fraction <50%. CONCLUSIONS This study identified the following independent risk factors for LCOS after CABG: age> 60 years of off-pump CABG, emergency surgery, incomplete CABG and ejection fraction <50%.

Validation of MagedanzSCORE as a predictor of mediastinitis after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate the applicability of a new score for predicting mediastinitis - MagedanzSCORE - in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery of Pronto Socorro Cardiológico de Pernambuco - PROCAPE. METHODS Retrospective study involving 500 patients operated between May/2007 and April/2010. The registers contained all the information used to calculate the MagedanzSCORE. The outcome of interest was mediastinitis. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, concordance and accuracy. The accuracy of the model was evaluated by ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve. RESULTS The incidence of mediastinitis was 5.6%, with a lethality rate of 32.1%. In univariate analysis, the five variables of the MagedanzSCORE were predictors of postoperative mediastinitis: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 6.42; 95.0% CI 2.76-14.96; P<0.001), obesity (OR 3.06; 95.0% CI 1.32-7.09; P=0.009), surgical reintervention (OR 82.40; 95.0% CI 30.40-223.30; P<0.001), multiple transfusion (OR 3.33; 95.0% CI 1.52-7.29; P=0.003) and stable angina class IV or unstable (OR 2.59; 95.0% CI 1.19-7.64; P=0.016) according to Canadian Cardiovascular Society. The score had a sensitivity of 96.4%, specificity of 90.0%, positive predictive value of 36.5%, negative predictive value of 99.8% and 90.4% concordance. The accuracy measured by the area under the ROC curve was 96.2% (95.0% CI 94.5%-97.9%). CONCLUSIONS The MagedanzSCORE proved to be a simple and objective index, revealing a satisfactory predictor of development of postoperative mediastinitis in patients undergoing CABG surgery at our institution.

Predictors of transfusion of packed red blood cells in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery

Objectives: Finding predictors of blood transfusion may facilitate the most efficient approach for the use of blood bank services in coronary artery bypass grafting procedures. The aim of this retrospective study is to identify preoperative and intraoperative patient characteristics predicting the need for blood transfusion during or after CABG in our local cardiac surgical service. Methods: 435 patients undergoing isolated first-time CABG were reviewed for their preoperative and intraoperative variables and analyzed postoperative data. Patients were 255 males and 180 females, with mean age 62.01 ± 10.13 years. Regression logistic analysis was used for identifying the strongest perioperative predictors of blood transfusion. Results: Blood transfusion was used in 263 patients (60.5%). The mean number of transfused blood products units per patient was 2.27 ± 3.07 (0-23) units. The total number of transfused units of blood products was 983. Univariate analysis identified age >65 years, weight <70 Kg, body mass index <25 Kg/m2, hemoglobin ≤ ≤ ≤ ≤ ≤13mg/dL, hematocrit ≤ 40% and ejection fraction <50%, use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), not using an internal thoracic artery as a bypass, and multiple bypasses as significant predictors. The strongest predictors using multivariate analysis were hematocrit ≤ ≤ ≤ ≤ ≤ 40% (OR 2.58; CI 1.62-4.15; P<0.001), CPB use (OR 2.00; CI 1.27-3.17; P=0.003) and multiple bypasses (OR 2.31; CI 1.31-4.08; P=0.036). Conclusions: The identification of these risk factors leads to better identification of patients with a grater probability of using blood, allocation blood bank resources and costeffectiveness use of blood products.OBJECTIVES Finding predictors of blood transfusion may facilitate the most efficient approach for the use of blood bank services in coronary artery bypass grafting procedures. The aim of this retrospective study is to identify preoperative and intraoperative patient characteristics predicting the need for blood transfusion during or after CABG in our local cardiac surgical service. METHODS 435 patients undergoing isolated first-time CABG were reviewed for their preoperative and intraoperative variables and analyzed postoperative data. Patients were 255 males and 180 females, with mean age 62.01 ± 10.13 years. Regression logistic analysis was used for identifying the strongest perioperative predictors of blood transfusion. RESULTS Blood transfusion was used in 263 patients (60.5%). The mean number of transfused blood products units per patient was 2.27 ± 3.07 (0-23) units. The total number of transfused units of blood products was 983. Univariate analysis identified age >65 years, weight <70 Kg, body mass index <25 Kg/m2, hemoglobin <13mg/dL, hematocrit < 40% and ejection fraction <50%, use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), not using an internal thoracic artery as a bypass, and multiple bypasses as significant predictors. The strongest predictors using multivariate analysis were hematocrit < 40% (OR 2.58; CI 1.62-4.15; P<0.001), CPB use (OR 2.00; CI 1.27-3.17; P=0.003) and multiple bypasses (OR 2.31; CI 1.31-4.08; P=0.036). CONCLUSIONS The identification of these risk factors leads to better identification of patients with a greater probability of using blood, allocation blood bank resources and cost-effectiveness use of blood products.

Skeletonized internal thoracic artery is associated with lower rates of mediastinitis in elderly undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery

Background and Objectives: Mediastinitis is a serious complication of median sternotomy and is associated to significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to identify which option of harvesting internal thoracic artery (ITA), pedicled or skeletonized, is associated with lower rates of mediastinitis after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) in elderly, in the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery of PROCAPE. Methods: Retrospective study of 160 elderly who underwent consecutive CABG between May 2007 and June 2011. Eleven preoperative variables, four intraoperative variables and eight postoperative variables possibly involved in the development of postoperative mediastinitis were evaluated between two groups: CABG with skeletonized ITA (n=80) and pedicled ITA (n=80). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied. Results: The incidence of mediastinitis was 6.8% (n=11), with a lethality rate of 54.5% (n=6). The skeletonized ITA group were more exposed than pedicled ITA group to obesity (n=12 vs. n=4; 15% vs. 5%; P=0.035) and multiple transfusions (n=25 vs. n=11; 31.2% vs. 13.7%; P=0.008). The pedicled ITA group presented a greater risk of mediastinitis after CABG than skeletonized ITA group (n=10 vs. n=1; 12.5% vs. 1.2%; Unadjusted OR 11.3; 95% CI 1.4 - 241.5; P=0.008). In multivariate analysis, this difference maintained statistically significant (Adjusted OR 5.2; 95% CI 1.5-495.8; P=0.012), being considered an independent association. Conclusions: We suggest that elderly should be considered for strategies to minimize risk of infection. In elderly that undergo unilateral ITA, the problem seems to be related to how ITA is harvested. Elderly should always be considered for use of skeletonized ITA.BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Mediastinitis is a serious complication of median sternotomy and is associated to significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to identify which option of harvesting internal thoracic artery (ITA), pedicled or skeletonized, is associated with lower rates of mediastinitis after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) in elderly, in the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery of PROCAPE. METHODS Retrospective study of 160 elderly who underwent consecutive CABG between May 2007 and June 2011. Eleven preoperative variables, four intraoperative variables and eight postoperative variables possibly involved in the development of postoperative mediastinitis were evaluated between two groups: CABG with skeletonized ITA (n=80) and pedicled ITA (n=80). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied. RESULTS The incidence of mediastinitis was 6.8% (n=11), with a lethality rate of 54.5% (n=6). The skeletonized ITA group were more exposed than pedicled ITA group to obesity (n=12 vs. n=4; 15% vs. 5%; P=0.035) and multiple transfusions (n=25 vs. n=11; 31.2% vs. 13.7%; P=0.008). The pedicled ITA group presented a greater risk of mediastinitis after CABG than skeletonized ITA group (n=10 vs. n=1; 12.5% vs. 1.2%; Unadjusted OR 11.3; 95% CI 1.4 - 241.5; P=0.008). In multivariate analysis, this difference maintained statistically significant (Adjusted OR 5.2; 95% CI 1.5-495.8; P=0.012), being considered an independent association. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that elderly should be considered for strategies to minimize risk of infection. In elderly that undergo unilateral ITA, the problem seems to be related to how ITA is harvested. Elderly should always be considered for use of skeletonized ITA.

Mitral valve replacement combined with coronary artery bypass graft surgery in patients with moderate-to-severe ischemic mitral regurgitation

INTRODUCTION Ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) is associated with increased mortality. Even after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), IMR reduces survival. Several studies have shown increased perioperative mortality for mitral valve replacement (MVR) in this situation, but the subject remains controversial. OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of MVR on immediate outcomes in patients with moderate-to-severe IMR undergoing concomitant CABG compared with those undergoing CABG only. METHODS We performed a retrospective study of 42 patients undergoing CABG+MVR (n=16) or CABG only (n=26) at the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery of PROCAPE, between May 2007 and April 2010. Preoperative clinical characteristics, procedural characteristics, major and minor complications after surgery, preoperative and postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by echocardiography, and outcome (survivor or death) were assessed. RESULTS Mean patient age was 63.4 ± 8.5 years, and 64.8% (n=23) were male. The CABG+MVR group showed lower rates of postoperative low cardiac output (6.3% vs. 42.3%, p=0.014) and atrial fibrillation (6.3% vs. 38.5%, p=0.021). Both groups had higher mean LVEF in the postoperative compared with the preoperative period, but the average gain in LVEF in the CABG+MVR group was higher than in the CABG-only group (8.88 ± 2.39 vs. 4.31 ± 1.23, p<0.001). There was no significant difference in operative mortality (6.3% vs. 7.7%, p=0.679). CONCLUSIONS CABG+MVR can be performed safely in patients with moderate-to-severe IMR. CABG+MVR resulted in lower rates of complications than CABG only. Both surgical approaches resulted in significant improvement of postoperative LVEF. However, there was greater improvement in the CABG+MVR group.

Mortalidade perioperatória em diabéticos submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica

OBJECTIVE To investigate the risk factors for in-hospital death in diabetic patients undergoing isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG). METHODS We conducted a retrospective study with 305 consecutive diabetic patients undergoing CABG in the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery of our institution from April 2004 to April 2010. Univariate analysis for categorical variables was performed with the chi-square or Fishers exact test, as appropriate. Potential risk factors with p <0.05 in the univariate analysis were included in the multivariate analysis, which was performed by backward logistic regression. Values of p <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS The study population had a mean age of 61.44 years (± 9.81) and 65.6% (n=200) were male. The in-hospital mortality rate was 11.8% (n=36). The following independent risk factors for death were identified: on-pump CABG (OR 6.15, 95% CI 1.57 to 24.03, P=0.009) and low cardiac output in the postoperative period (OR 34.17, 95% CI 10.46 to 111.62, P <0.001). The use of internal thoracic artery (ITA) was an independent protective factor for death (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.093, P=0.038). CONCLUSION This study identified the following independent risk factors for death after CABG: on-pump CABG and low cardiac output syndrome. The use of ITA was an independent protective factor.