Coagulation tests during cardiopulmonary bypass correlate with blood loss in children undergoing cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether coagulation tests, sampled before and during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), are related to blood loss and blood product transfusion requirements, and to determine what test value(s) provide the best sensitivity and specificity for prediction of excessive hemorrhage. DESIGN: Prospective. SETTING: University-affiliated, pediatric medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred ninety-four children. INTERVENTIONS: Coagulation tests. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Demographic, coagulation test, blood loss, and transfusion data were noted in consecutive children undergoing cardiac surgery. Laboratory tests included hematocrit (Hct), prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time (PTT), platelet count, fibrinogen concentration, and thromboelastography. Stepwise linear regression analysis indicated that platelet count during CPB was the variable most significantly associated with intraoperative blood loss (in milliliters per kilogram) and 12-hour chest tube output (in milliliters per kilogram). Other independent variables associated with blood loss were thromboelastography maximum amplitude (MA) during CPB, preoperative PTT, preoperative Hct, and preoperative thromboelastography angle and shear modulus values. Thromboelastography MA during CPB was the only variable associated with total products transfused (in milliliters per kilogram). Of all tests studied, platelet count during CPB (< or = 108,000/microL) provided the maximum sensitivity (83%) and specificity (58%) for prediction of excessive blood loss (receiver operating characteristic analysis). Blood loss was inversely related to patient age; neonates received the most donor units (median, 8 units; range, 6 to 10 units). CONCLUSIONS: During cardiac surgery, coagulation tests (including thromboelastography) drawn pre-CPB and during CPB are useful to identify children at risk for excessive bleeding. Platelet count during CPB was the variable most significantly associated with blood loss.     

The Effect of Multiple Blood Conservation Techniques on Donor Blood Exposures in Adult Coronary and Valve Surgery Performed with a Membrane Oxygenator: A Multivariate Analysis on 1310 Patients.

The object of the study was to retrospectively evaluate protective and risk factors for receiving donor blood products and red cell transfusions after coronary and valve surgery performed with a hollow-fiber oxygenator and with multiple blood-saving techniques. During the period of January 1991 to June 1993, 1310 patients underwent primary coronary and valve surgery using a hollow-fiber oxygenator at our institution; the mean age of this population was 61 ±10 years; 977 patients were men (74.6%). Of these patients, 73.5% (963/1310) underwent coronary, 21.5% (281/1310) valve, and 5% (66/1310) combined surgery. Two hundred seventy-six (21.1%) needed donor blood product transfusions, while 153 (11.7%) patients underwent red cell transfusions. Significant risk factors for homologous blood product exposure after multivariate logistic regression analysis were, in order of importance: (1) postoperative blood loss (O.R. = 1.0009 per mL, p = 0.0000); (2) cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time (O.R. = 1.008 per min, p = 0.0001); (3) age at intervention (O.R. = 1.031 per calendar year, p = 0.0026); and (4) reoperation for bleeding (O.R. = 1.71, p = 0.0078). Protective factors were: (1) male gender (O.R. = 0.56, p = 0.0000); (2) preoperative withdrawal of autologous blood (O.R. = 0.66, p = 0.0018); and (3) a preoperative hematocrit greater than 34% (O.R. = 0.76, p = 0.005). When considering risk factors only for donor red cell exposure, multivariate regression analysis identified the following risk factors: (1) reoperations for bleeding (O.R. = 2.04, p = 0.0002); (2) postoperative blood losses (O.R. = 1.0007 per mL, p = 0.0005); (3) CPB time (O.R. = 1.0075 per min, p = 0.0008); and (4) age at intervention (O.R. = 1.03 per calendar year, p = 0.0160). Protective factors were: (1) intraoperative “high-dose” aprotinin administration (O.R. = 0.61, p = 0.0024); and (2) preoperative donation if autologous blood (O.R. = 0.65, p = 0.0093); and (3) intraoperative withdrawal of autologous blood by phlebotomy (O.R. = 0.67, p = 0.0114). Applying multiple blood-saving techniques, coronary and valve procedures can now be performed with a low incidence of postoperative donor blood products and red cells exposures; autologous blood predonation and aprotinin administration were highly effective in reducing postoperative transfusion needs.     

Simple open-heart surgery protocol for sickle-cell disease patients: a retrospective cohort study comparing patients undergoing mitral valve surgery

OBJECTIVESSickle-cell disease (SCD) patients are considered to be at high risk from open-heart surgery. This study assessed the role of a simple sickling-prevention protocol.METHODSPerioperative non-specific and SCD-specific morbidity and 30-day mortality are investigated in a retrospective cohort study on patients undergoing isolated mitral valve surgery. Patients with and without SCD were compared. In the SCD cohort, a bundle of interventions was applied to limit the risk of sickling: ‘on-demand’ transfusions to keep haemoglobin levels of around 7–8 g/dl, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with higher blood flow and perfusion temperature, close monitoring of acid–base balance and oxygenation.RESULTSTwenty patients with and 40 patients without SCD were included. At baseline, only preoperative haemoglobin levels differed between cohorts (8.1 vs 11.8 g/dl, P < 0.001). Solely SCD patients received preoperative transfusions (45.0%). Intraoperative transfusions were significantly larger in SCD patients during CPB (priming: 300 vs 200 ml; entire length: 600 vs 300 ml and 20 vs 10 ml/kg). SCD patients had higher perfusion temperatures during CPB (34.7 vs 33.0°C, P = 0.01) with consequently higher pharyngeal temperature, both during cooling (34.1 vs 32.3°C, P = 0.02) and rewarming (36.5 vs 36.2°C, P = 0.02). No mortality occurred, and non-SCD-specific complications were comparable between groups, but one SCD patient suffered from perioperative cerebrovascular accident with seizures, and another had evident haemolysis.CONCLUSIONSSCD patients may undergo open-heart surgery for mitral valve procedures with an acceptable risk profile. Simple but thoughtful perioperative management, embracing ‘on-demand’ transfusions and less-aggressive CPB cooling is feasible and probably efficacious.     

Impact of erythropoietin on allogenic blood exposure in orthopedic surgery

Joint reconstruction surgery is associated with significant blood loss, and patients often require perioperative transfusions. Recombinant human erythropoietin (epoetin) can be used in anemic patients scheduled for elective, noncardiac, nonvascular surgery to reduce the need for transfusions. In the study reported here, patients with a preoperative hemoglobin level of 10 to 13 g/dL were treated with epoetin. Our analysis showed that transfusions were given to 3 (8%) of the 38 patients who received epoetin before surgery and 20 (57%) of the 35 historical controls (P<.001) and that length of hospital stay did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. Our results provide further support for use of epoetin as an effective strategy for reducing exposure to allogenic blood in orthopedic surgery.     

Impact of erythropoietin on allogenic blood exposure in orthopedic surgery.

Joint reconstruction surgery is associated with significant blood loss, and patients often require perioperative transfusions. Recombinant human erythropoietin (epoetin) can be used in anemic patients scheduled for elective, noncardiac, nonvascular surgery to reduce the need for transfusions. In the study reported here, patients with a preoperative hemoglobin level of 10 to 13 g/dL were treated with epoetin. Our analysis showed that transfusions were given to 3 (8%) of the 38 patients who received epoetin before surgery and 20 (57%) of the 35 historical controls (P<.001) and that length of hospital stay did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. Our results provide further support for use of epoetin as an effective strategy for reducing exposure to allogenic blood in orthopedic surgery.     

A multivariate analysis of factors affecting blood component requirement in pediatric open heart surgeries

Background

Bleeding in children after Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB) can be an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Multiple perioperative factors have been evaluated to predict bleeding and hence blood and blood component requirements in such children.

Materials and methods

Perioperative blood and blood product transfusion data were recorded for 264 children who underwent open heart procedures. Preoperative factors like patient age, sex, body surface area, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count and cyanosis were compared with the Packed Red Cell (PRC), Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) and Random Donor Platelet (RDP) units transfused. Intraoperative factors like cardiopulmonary bypass time (CPB Time), prime type (heme prime done or not) and core body temperature attained during the surgery were also evaluated for the same. The results were statistically analyzed.

Results

Variables found to have a positive correlation with PRC use (i.e., those with p-value?<?0.05) are CPB time, heme prime and Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT). However, age, hematocrit and cyanosis were negatively associated with PRC use. CPB time also had a positive correlation with Fresh Frozen Plasma and Random donor platelet usage. FFP use was positively correlated with heme prime performed. Cryoprecipitate consumption was positively correlated with preoperative cyanosis and hematocrit of the patient.

Conclusion

We identified patient??s age, preoperative hematocrit and coagulation profile, presence of cyanosis along with intraoperative parameters like prime type and CPB time as significant determinants of blood consumption especially packed red cells.     

Association between bleeding and reduced red cell deformability following cardiopulmonary bypass

In 56 patients undergoing open-heart surgery, red cell trauma during and following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was monitored with a microfiltration method that estimated deformability of the cells. Red cell deformability was reduced by 38% during CPB and at a slower rate thereafter. The lowest filterability rate was reached on the second day, after which improvement began. In patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting, preoperative values of red cell deformability were reached after 6 weeks. Following valve replacement, however, preoperative values were not regained during this period, which was attributed to continuous mechanical trauma by the artificial valves. A 50% reduction of red cell filterability from the end of CPB to 12 and 24 hours from the start of CPB was associated with heavy blood loss (greater than 1,000 ml) from drains. Reduced red cell deformability thus showed relationship with a bleeding tendency following use of CPB.     

Open-heart surgery in patients with liver cirrhosis: indications, risk factors, and clinical outcomes

BACKGROUND: Because of recent advances in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery, there are broadened indications to approach patients with a high operative risk. Meanwhile, there is an increasing number of patients with severe liver dysfunction subjected to open-heart surgery. This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the operative indications and clinical outcomes in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) undergoing open-heart surgery. In addition, determinants influencing their prognosis were assessed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between May 1996 and June 2005, 24 patients with LC underwent CPB open-heart surgery in our institution. The preoperative severity of the LC was determined according to the Child-Pugh classification. Their perioperative data were analyzed. Several perioperative factors were compared by multivariate logistic regression analysis between survivors and nonsurvivors to determine possible risk factors contributing to mortality. RESULTS: There were 14 females and 10 males. Their age ranged from 36 to 72 (mean 53 +/- 13) years. Seventeen cases were classified as having Child-Pugh class A LC, 6 as having Child-Pugh class B, and 1 as having Child-Pugh class C LC. All patients underwent CPB surgery. The mean operation time and the cross-clamp time were 160 +/- 53 and 90 +/- 42 min, respectively. During the first 24 h after the operation, the mean chest tube output was 1,080 +/- 320 ml. The mean duration of mechanical ventilation was 32 +/- 22 h, and the mean intensive care unit stay was 11 +/- 8 days. Sixty-six percent of the patients experienced significant morbidity. Fifty-three percent of the patients with Child-Pugh class A LC and 100% of those with Child-Pugh class B and C LC suffered postoperative complications. The overall mortality rate was 25%. The postoperative mortality rates of the patients with Child-Pugh class A, B, and C LC were 6, 67, and 100%, respectively. Preoperative serum total bilirubin and cholinesterase levels and EuroSCORE (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation) values along with CPB time were identified as the important predictors to differentiate between survivors and nonsurvivors by multivariate logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The Child-Pugh class is associated with hepatic decompensation and mortality after open-heart CPB surgery in patients with LC. Such surgery can be performed safely in patients with a Child-Pugh class A LC. But cardiac interventions using CPB in patients with more advanced LC are associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. The preoperative total plasma bilirubin and cholinesterase concentrations as well as the EuroSCORE along with the CPB time are identified as statistically significant predictors of mortality after open-heart surgery in patients with LC. Our findings indicate that patients with chronic liver disease scheduled for open-heart surgery should be carefully evaluated before the operation and that the CPB duration should be as short as possible.     

Multivariate predictors of blood product use in cardiac surgery

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors associated with an increased risk of post-cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) blood product usage in adult cardiac surgical patients. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Academic hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB were studied over a 7-month period. INTERVENTIONS: The outcomes studied were receipt of more than 2 U of packed red blood cells (PRBCs), receipt of any other blood component products (cryoprecipitate, fresh-frozen plasma [FFP], or platelets), or surgical re-exploration for bleeding. Preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for bleeding were analyzed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Increased age and preoperative creatinine level, low body surface area, preoperative hematocrit, nonelective surgery, lower temperature on bypass, and duration of bypass were associated with an increased risk of transfusion of >2 U of PRBCs. Low body surface area, repeat surgery, nonelective surgery, and CPB time were associated with transfusion of platelets, fresh-frozen plasma, or cryoprecipitate and/or surgical re-exploration. The following factors were associated with neither transfusion of more than 2 U of PRBC nor transfusion of platelets, FFP or cryoprecipitate, or surgical re-exploration: gender, preoperative international normalized ratio, preoperative antiplatelet medications, and preoperative intravenous heparin. CONCLUSION: Therapies aimed at reducing transfusion of blood products should be aimed at those patients with low body surface areas, baseline anemia, and those undergoing long or repeat surgeries.     

Management of intraoperative fluid balance and blood conservation techniques in adult cardiac surgery

Blood transfusions are associated with adverse physiologic effects and increased cost, and therefore reduction of blood product use during surgery is a desirable goal for all patients. Cardiac surgery is a major consumer of donor blood products, especially when cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is used, because hematocrit drops precipitously during CPB due to blood loss and blood cell dilution. Advanced age, low preoperative red blood cell volume (preoperative anemia or small body size), preoperative antiplatelet or antithrombotic drugs, complex or re-operative procedures or emergency operations, and patient comorbidities were identified as important transfusion risk indicators in a report recently published by the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists. This report also identified several pre- and intraoperative interventions that may help reduce blood transfusions, including off-pump procedures, preoperative autologous blood donation, normovolemic hemodilution, and routine cell saver use.A multimodal approach to blood conservation, with high-risk patients receiving all available interventions, may help preserve vital organ perfusion and reduce blood product utilization. In addition, because positive intravenous fluid balance is a significant factor affecting hemodilution during cardiac surgery, especially when CPB is used, strategies aimed at limiting intraoperative fluid balance positiveness may also lead to reduced blood product utilization.This review discusses currently available techniques that can be used intraoperatively in an attempt to avoid or minimize fluid balance positiveness, to preserve the patient's own red blood cells, and to decrease blood product utilization during cardiac surgery.     

Cardiopulmonary bypass induces significant platelet activation in children undergoing open-heart surgery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on platelet function in children undergoing open-heart surgery. METHODS: Data from 16 consecutive children undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB were prospectively collected. Blood samples of 10 mL were collected via the central venous line immediately before and after CPB for CD62 measurements by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Ten children had acyanotic heart disease (median age 3 yr, range 1.8-14) and six had a cyanotic defect (median age 4yr, range 2-14). The platelet count decreased significantly with CPB in both groups: from 163.5 (130-201) to 93.5 (57-186) x 10(3) microL(-1) in acyanotic children and from 139.5 (77-212) to 75 (43-99) x 10(3) microL(-1) in cyanotic children (P < 0.0001). The percentage of activated platelets was significantly lower in acyanotic children at baseline: 1% (0-23%) vs. 5% (3-8%) (P = 0.07). CPB increased the percentage of activated platelets significantly in both groups: post-bypass the values were 10% (range 1-17%) in acyanotic children and 7% (range 1-30%) in cyanotic children (P = 0.03). The increase in the percentage of activated platelets did not differ between the two study groups (P = 0.11). CONCLUSION: CPB induces significant platelet activation in children undergoing open-heart surgery.     

Intraoperative low-volume acute normovolemic hemodilution in adult open-heart surgery

BACKGROUND: Recently, various studies have questioned the efficacy of intraoperative acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) in reducing bleeding and the need for allogeneic transfusions in cardiac surgery. The aim of the present study was to reevaluate the effects of a low-volume ANH in elective, adult open-heart surgery. METHODS: Two hundred four consecutive adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery were prospectively randomized in a nonblinded manner into two groups: ANH group (103 patients), where 5-8 ml/kg of blood was withdrawn before systemic heparinization and replaced with colloid solutions, and a control group, where no hemodilution was performed (101 patients). Procedures included single and multiple valve surgery, aortic root surgery, coronary surgery combined with valve surgery, or partial left ventriculectomy. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of ANH in reducing the need for allogeneic blood components. Routine hematochemical evaluations, perioperative blood loss, major complications, and outcomes were also recorded. RESULTS: No differences were found between the groups regarding demographics, baseline hematochemical data, and operative characteristics. There was no difference in the amount of transfusions of packed red cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelet concentrates, total number of patients transfused (control group, 36% vs. ANH group, 34.3%; P = 0.88), and amount of postoperative bleeding (control group, 412 ml [313-552 ml] vs. ANH group, 374 ml [255-704 ml]) (median [25th-75th percentiles]); P = 0.94. Further, perioperative complications, postoperative hematochemical data, and outcomes were not different. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing elective open-heart surgery, low-volume ANH showed lack of efficacy in reducing the need for allogeneic transfusions and postoperative bleeding.     

Transfusion and bleeding in coronary artery bypass grafting: an on-pump versus off-pump comparison

Blood transfusion rates in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are typically higher compared with off-pump CABG (OPCAB). However, few studies have specifically examined intraoperative hemodilution as a contributing factor. The aim of this retrospective review was to compare the effect of using CPB or OPCAB on red blood cell (RBC) transfusion and postoperative bleeding. The lowest intraoperative hematocrit (Hct) was used as marker of intraoperative hemodilution. We reviewed the perioperative data of all isolated CABG patients at a metropolitan hospital from January 2003 to June 2005. Stepwise regression analyses were performed to determine whether CPB was an independent predictor of RBC transfusion, reoperation for bleeding, or postoperative chest drainage. Of a total of 1043 patients, there were 433 CPB and 610 off-pump cases. CPB use was not significantly related to increased RBC transfusions (odds ratio [OR], 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63-1.52; p = .921) and was associated with a lower incidence of reoperations for bleeding (OR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.8; p = .009). There was less chest drainage over the first 12 hours in patients undergoing CPB (p < .0001); however, total postoperative chest drainage was not significantly related to operative procedure (p = .122). The lowest documented intraoperative Hct was a significant factor in RBC transfusions (OR, 0.89; p < .0001), an increased reoperation rate for bleeding (OR, 0.9; p = .001) and more postoperative chest drainage (log10-transformed: at 12 hours, b = -0.009, p < .0001; total, b = -0.006, p < .0001). CPB is not an independent risk factor in the incidence of RBC transfusions and is not associated with increased postoperative bleeding for isolated CABG. However, intraoperative hemodilution is an independent risk factor, with a lower intraoperative Hct associated with more RBC transfusions, increased reoperations for bleeding, and increased postoperative chest drainage. Addressing intraoperative hemodilution is important in minimizing CPB-associated morbidities.     

Hemostatic consequences of a non-fresh or reconstituted whole blood small volume cardiopulmonary bypass prime in neonates and infants

Objectives: Despite aggressive measures to miniaturize the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit in neonates and infants, the CPB prime volume is often at least as large as the patients’ blood volume. We conducted an observational study to characterize the hemostatic consequences of a CPB prime consisting of either non‐fresh or reconstituted whole blood. Methods: Hematocrit, fibrinogen, platelet count, plasminogen, anti‐thrombin III (AT‐III), and factors (F) II, V, VII, IX, and X of 30 neonates and infants undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB utilizing either a non‐fresh or reconstituted whole blood prime were prospectively evaluated at eight time points. Following protamine administration, microvascular bleeding was treated by protocol. Results: The hemostatic composition of the CPB prime was the same following the use of either non‐fresh or reconstituted whole blood. The CPB prime platelet count (mean ± sd ) was 5.87 ± 2.84 × 10³ μl^?1 when compared to a preoperative platelet count of 298 ± 142 × 10³ μl^?1 (P < 0.0001). Twenty patients received 17.3 ± 9.2 ml·kg^?1 (0.86 ± 0.46 units·kg^?1) of platelets with significant improvement in platelet count. Nine patients received 16.7 ± 13.4 ml·kg^?1 (0.84 ± 0.67 units·kg^?1) of cryoprecipitate with significant improvements in FVIII and fibrinogen. Conclusions: Non‐fresh or reconstituted whole blood as a component of a small volume CPB prime in neonates and infants induces clinically significant dilutional thrombocytopenia in conjunction with less significant reductions in fibrinogen, FII, FV, FVII, FVIII, FIX, FX, plasminogen, and AT‐III.     

Efficacy of a simple intraoperative transfusion algorithm for nonerythrocyte component utilization after cardiopulmonary bypass

BACKGROUND: Abnormal bleeding after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a common complication of cardiac surgery, with important health and economic consequences. Coagulation test-based algorithms may reduce transfusion of non-erythrocyte allogeneic blood in patients with abnormal bleeding. METHODS: The authors performed a randomized prospective trial comparing allogeneic transfusion practices in 92 adult patients with abnormal bleeding after CPB. Patients with abnormal bleeding were randomized to one of two groups: a control group following individual anesthesiologist's transfusion practices and a protocol group using a transfusion algorithm guided by coagulation tests. RESULTS: Among 836 eligible patients having all types of elective cardiac surgery requiring CPB, 92 patients developed abnormal bleeding after CPB (incidence, 11%). The transfusion algorithm group received less allogeneic fresh frozen plasma in the operating room after CPB (median, 0 units; range, 0-7 units) than the control group (median, 3 units; range, 0-10 units) (P = 0.0002). The median number of platelet units transfused in the operating room after CPB was 4 (range, 0-12) in the algorithm group compared with 6 (range, 0-18) in the control group (P = 0.0001). Intensive care unit (ICU) mediastinal blood loss was significantly less in the algorithm group. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that transfusion algorithm use resulted in reduced ICU blood loss. The control group also had a significantly greater incidence of surgical reoperation of the mediastinum for bleeding (11.8% vs. 0%; P = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Use of a coagulation test-based transfusion algorithm in cardiac surgery patients with abnormal bleeding after CPB reduced non-erythrocyte allogeneic transfusions in the operating room and ICU blood loss.     

Analysis of the determinant factors for open heart surgery without blood transfusion by the quantification theory--possibility of application of maximum surgical blood order schedule for open heart surgery]

In order to complete operations without blood transfusion we have chosen means of preoperative autologous blood saving and intraoperative autotransfusion, but we have not always achieved our purpose. We examined 29 patients (13 patients without blood transfusion and 16 with blood transfusion) to analyze the determinant factors as to whether open heart surgery without blood transfusion may be indicated or not, according to the quantification theory (type II) and to examine the possibility to apply the maximum surgical blood order schedule (MSBOS) for the open heart surgery by the quantification theory (type I). The analysis of determinant factors revealed hematocrit (Ht) value before saving of blood (more than 40%) as the best contributor of possibility of non-blood transfusion surgery, followed by the amount of blood loss during operation (less than 600 ml), the amount of saving blood (more than 800 ml), body weight (less than 70 kg), calculated Ht value on the beginning of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) (more than 24%), CPB time (less than 120 minutes) and the amount of postoperative blood loss (less than 600 ml). The prospective using blood volume at the operation was precisely calculated by the values of 4 preoperative factors, that is, the amount of saving blood, calculated Ht value on the beginning of CPB, CPB time and body weight. Therefore it is important to increase the amount of preoperative saving blood and decrease the amount of surgical bleeding in order to perform operations without blood transfusion, and is possible to apply the MSBOS for the open heart surgery.     

Association between perioperative glucose levels and adverse outcomes in infants receiving open-heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass for congenital heart disease

There is no consensus that hyperglycaemia is an independent predictor of morbidity-mortality in children. This retrospective observational study aimed to assess the association between abnormal perioperative glucose levels and adverse outcomes in infants receiving open-heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. The records of a total of 233 infants who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass for a variety of congenital cardiac procedures between January and December 2010 were reviewed. The blood glucose levels, demographic and perioperative information were recorded. Patients who experienced complications (n=91) were compared with those who did not (n=142). We found both intraoperative and postoperative glucose levels increased compared to the preoperative values (P<0.001). Thirty patients (12.8%) experienced hyperglycaemia and 15 patients (6.4%) experienced at least one episode of hypoglycaemia during surgery. Within the first two days after surgery, 12 (5.2%) patients experienced hyperglycaemia and 32 (13.7%) became hypoglycaemic in the paediatric intensive care unit. However, the abnormal perioperative glucose levels were not associated with increased adverse outcomes. After adjusting for other potential variables, lower weight at surgery, longer surgery time and hospital length-of-stay are the independent predictors of morbidity-mortality. Our findings suggest that perioperative hyperglycaemia and mild transient hypoglycaemia do not appear to be detrimental to infants with congenital heart disease, although we did not assess neurological outcomes. Nevertheless, due to the limitations of the retrospective design of this study and its limited power, more thorough clinical randomised controlled trials are needed.     

Factors associated with acute kidney injury or failure in children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass: a case-controlled study

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication that occurs commonly following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in infants and children. Underlying risk factors for AKI remain unclear, given changes in CPB practices during recent years. This retrospective, case–control study examined the relationships between patient, perioperative factors, AKI, and kidney failure in children who underwent CPB. Methods: Cohorts of children with and without AKI were identified from the cardiac perfusion and nephrology consult databases. Demographic, perioperative, and postoperative outcome data were extracted from the databases and from medical records. Children were stratified into groups based on the Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative’s RIFLE definitions for acute kidney risk or injury (AKI‐RI) and kidney failure. Results: The study groups included 308 controls (no AKI‐RI or failure), 161 with AKI‐RI, and 89 with failure. Young age, preoperative need for mechanical ventilation, milrinone, or gentamicin; intraoperative use of milrinone and furosemide; durations of CPB and anesthesia; multiple cross‐clamp and transfusion of blood products were significantly associated with AKI or failure. Young age, perioperative use of milrinone, multiple cross‐clamps, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, cardiac failure, neurological complications, sepsis, and failure significantly increased the odds of mortality. Conclusion: This study identified multiple perioperative risk factors for AKI‐RI, failure, and mortality in children undergoing CPB. In addition to commonly known risk factors, perioperative use of milrinone, particularly in young infants, and furosemide were independently predictive of poor renal outcomes in this sample. Findings suggest a need for the development of protocols aimed at renal protection in specific at risk patients.     

Efficacy of epsilon-aminocaproic acid in children undergoing cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare coagulation test results, blood loss, and blood product transfusions between patients receiving prophylactic epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) and a control group matched for age, resternotomy, and surgery in children undergoing cardiac surgery. DESIGN: Nested case-control study. SETTING: University-affiliated, pediatric medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Same study period; 70 patients in EACA group and 70 patients in control group. INTERVENTIONS: Prophylactic EACA administered intravenously (load, 150 mg/kg, infusion; 30 mg/kg/h) to 70 patients at increased risk for bleeding (reoperation or Ross procedure). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Coagulation test values were measured before, during, and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Intraoperative blood loss, postoperative chest tube output, and allogenic blood product transfusions were recorded. Comparison of demographic and surgical data indicated close matching of the EACA and control groups. The EACA group ([median, 25th to 75th quartile] 15.6 mL/kg; 9.2 to 26.3 mL/kg) had less intraoperative blood loss than the control group (22.2 mL/kg; 14.3 to 36.3 mL/kg; p = 0.02). Postoperative chest tube output at 6 hours (p = 0.08), 12 hours (p = 0.07), and 24 hours (p = 0.08) was not significantly different between groups. Fewer EACA group patients required reexploration for bleeding (p < 0.05). There was no difference between groups in blood products transfused (in milliliters per kilogram or allogenic exposure per patient). Thromboelastography values (maximum amplitude [MA], whole blood clot lysis index at 30 minutes after MA) during CPB were better preserved in the EACA group. CONCLUSION: EACA reduced intraoperative blood loss but did not significantly decrease blood product transfusions. Lack of efficacy may be related to relative underdosing and should be further studied.     

Factor V Leiden Does Not Affect Bleeding in Aprotinin Recipients after Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Background: Carriers of the factor V Leiden mutation (FVL) are resistant to activated protein C proteolysis. Therefore, they are at increased risk of thromboembolic events. Aprotinin is an unspecific proteinase inhibitor frequently used during cardiac surgery procedures to reduce bleeding. However, aprotinin may cause thromboembolic complications after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The primary endpoint of this study was the amount of blood loss after CPB in aprotinin recipients, and secondary endpoints were thromboembolic complications.

Methods: A total of 1,447 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery with CPB were prospectively enrolled. All patients were screened for FVL by a fluorescence-based polymerase chain reaction method. Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to assess associations of FVL on bleeding and thromboembolic complications.

Results: One hundred seven individuals (7.4%) were heterozygous FVL carriers. No difference was found between FVL carriers and noncarriers regarding age, sex, CPB, type of operation, EuroSCORE, antiplatelet treatment, and reoperation. FVL was not significantly associated with postoperative blood loss, whereas a significant influence was found for female sex (P < 0.0001), duration of CPB (P < 0.0001), reoperation (P = 0.001), and preoperative antiplatelet treatment (P < 0.002). Multiple linear regression analysis for total blood loss had an observed power of at least 99%. FVL carriers faced the same risk for postoperative transfusion (P = 0.391), reoperation (P = 0.675), myocardial infarction (P = 0.44), stroke (P = 0.701), and 30-day mortality (P = 0.4) as did noncarriers.