Intracutaneous versus transcutaneous suture techniques: comparison of sternal wound infection rates in open-heart surgery patients

In open-heart surgery, sternal wound infection after median sternotomy is a critical complication. The intracutaneous suture is conventionally used in closing sternal incisions. In this prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial, intracutaneous and transcutaneous suture techniques for closing the sternum were compared with respect to postoperative sternal wound infections and cosmetic results. In this study, we included 100 patients who had undergone open-heart surgery. Skin wounds were closed with intracutaneous suture in 50 patients and with transcutaneous suture in the remaining 50. Superficial or deep sternal infections that developed within 6 postoperative weeks were evaluated. Cosmetic results were similar in the 2 groups. Deep wound infections were not observed in either group. Superficial infection of postoperative sternal wounds occurred at rates of 2% (n=1) and 16% (n=8) for transcutaneous and intracutaneous techniques, respectively (P = 0.016). One patient in the transcutaneous group and 6 patients in the intracutaneous group who developed superficial sternal infections were diabetic. Although the use of the transcutaneous suture technique in closing sternal incisions of cardiac surgery patients provided no cosmetic improvement, it decreased the risk of superficial sternal infection and reduced the length of postoperative hospital stay, particularly in diabetic patients.     

Cardiac surgery in elderly patients

OBJECTIVE: The morbimortality of elderly patients, (age 70 years or older), who underwent surgery for valvular and coronary artery disease in the last 17 years was analyzed. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A total of 1,305 patients (654 valvular, 531 coronary and 120 combined) operated from January 1985 to December 2000 were retrospectively studied. Mean age was 73.7 years. We analyzed the progression of the pathology, comorbidity, and results. A second retrospective analysis was made of patients who underwent surgery in the last three years (436 patients) to determine the relation between preoperative comorbidity and postoperative evolution. RESULTS: The mean hospital mortality was 16% (18% valvular, 11% coronary artery, and 23% combined). In the last three years this mortality was reduced to 11% (15.17, 6.26, and 16.18%, respectively) despite an increase in comorbidity. Comorbidity and complications increased with age (p < 0.05). Mean hospital stay was 15.5 days and the stay in intensive/semi-intensive care was 5 days. Independent risk factors of postoperative complications were creatinine levels > 2 mg/dl, combined surgery, and prior surgery. Predictors of death were prior surgery, valvular surgery, and combined surgery, with a clear tendency in the case of obesity. The presence of any complication in the postoperative period (renal or respiratory failure, infections, or myocardial infarction) was an independent predictor of mortality. Off-pump coronary surgery reduced mortality. In recent years, the mortality of patients operated without extracorporeal circulation has decreased from 5.71% to 4% for those who underwent extracorporeal circulation. CONCLUSIONS: Nowadays, cardiac surgery in older patients accounts for more than 30% of our surgical activity. Mortality is being controlled although comorbidity is increasing. The difference with respect to younger people is due to comorbidity (creatinine > 2 mg/dl, combined surgery, and previous surgery) and the higher probability of complications (infections, renal, and respiratory complications), which worsens prognosis. We believe that off-pump coronary surgery helps to improve results.     

Impact of body mass index on early outcome and late survival in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting or valve surgery or both

The influence of body mass on outcome after cardiac surgery remains controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of body mass index (BMI) on early and late outcomes in a large series of patients who underwent cardiac surgery. We retrospectively analyzed 5,950 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery between January 1998 and September 2006. Patients were divided into 4 groups defined by BMI (weight divided by square of height [kilograms divided by meters squared]): underweight (20 to 25 to 30 kg/m2): 22%, n=1,292. Analysis was further refined by performing subgroup analysis according to the surgical procedure (valve surgery, coronary artery bypass grafting, and combined valve/coronary artery bypass grafting). Main outcome measure was the association between BMI and hospital mortality, postoperative morbidities, and late survival. Hospital mortality was 3.4% (n=203). There was no association between BMI and hospital mortality in the entire patient population. Multivariate analysis revealed obesity as an independent predictor of hospital mortality in patients who underwent valve surgery (odds ratio [OR] 2.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2 to 4.5, p=0.018). Obesity was associated with an increased risk for sternal infection (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.9, p=0.013), whereas underweight correlated with postoperative bleeding (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.6, p=0.017). Underweight was an independent predictor for decreased long-term survival (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.5, p<0.001). In conclusion, cardiac surgery can be performed safely in both underweight and obese patients but carries a higher postoperative rate of major complications.     

Determinants of gastrointestinal complications in cardiac surgery

We designed this study to define determinants of gastrointestinal complications after cardiac surgery. From January 1992 through December 2000, 11,058 patients underwent cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass at our institution. Data were prospectively collected and univariate and multivariate analyses conducted. A total of 147 gastrointestinal complications occurred in 129 patients (129/11,058; 1.2%) including gastroesophagitis (18, 12.2%), upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (42, 28.6%), perforated peptic ulcer (7, 4.7%), cholecystitis (10, 6.8%), pancreatitis (13, 8.8%), intestinal ischemia (17, 11.5%), colitis (18, 12.2%), diverticulitis (5, 3.4%), intestinal occlusion (2, 1.1%), lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage (1, 0.7%), and mixed gastrointestinal complications (14, 9.5%). Patients with gastrointestinal complications were significantly older and had significantly higher comorbidity (unstable angina, chronic renal failure, and peripheral vascular disease), morbidity (prolonged mechanical ventilation, intraaortic balloon pumping, bleeding, acute renal failure, stroke, and infection), and mortality rates (22.5% vs 4%, P < 0.0001). They also had longer cardiopulmonary bypass times and higher valvular surgery rates. Multivariate analysis identified 6 independent predictors for gastrointestinal complications: prolonged mechanical ventilation (odds ratio [OR], 5.5), postoperative renal failure (OR, 4.2), sepsis (OR, 3.6), valve surgery (OR, 3.2), preoperative chronic renal failure (OR, 2.7), and sternal infection (OR, 2.4). Factors such as mechanical ventilation, renal failure, and sepsis are the stronger predictors for GI complications, causing splanchnic hypoperfusion, hypomotility, and hypoxia. Furthermore, excessive anticoagulation after valve replacement may lead to GI hemorrhage. Valve surgery, often requiring anticoagulation, increases bleeding. Monitoring mechanical ventilation and hemodynamic parameters, adopting early extubation and mobilization measures, preventing infections, and strictly monitoring renal function and anticoagulation may prevent catastrophic abdominal complications.     

Use of sternal zipper in open heart surgery]

A sternal zipper was used in 50 patients with an unstable haemodynamic condition after open heart surgery. The patients were 19 women and 31 men (average age 51.6 years, range 7 to 67 years). The indications for surgery were aortocoronary bypass in 25 cases, replacement of the ascending aorta in 7 cases, valve replacement in 16 cases and correction of congenital heart disease in 2 cases. Twenty eight patients required circulatory assistance. The sternal zipper was used for 4 to 72 hours (average 29.5 hours) and mediastinal toilet was performed at least every 24 hours. At each opening of the zipper, 3 bacteriological swabs were taken from 3 different sites in the mediastinum and sent for culture. Global mortality was 36% (N = 18). The cause of death was a low output syndrome in 12 cases, hepatic and renal failure in 2 cases, resistant arrhythmia in 1 case, neurological complication in 1 case and septicaemia in 2 cases. There was one late death 3 months after hospital discharge which was attributed to a cardiac arrhythmia. The sternal zipper would seem to be a valuable option when the operative conditions are difficult, allowing the chest to remain open, so preventing cardiac compression during a critical period.     

Incidence, imaging analysis, and early and late outcomes of stroke after cardiac valve operation

The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence, topography, and mechanisms of stroke, independent predictors, and late outcome after cardiac valve operations. We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data from 2,808 patients (mean age 63 +/- 15 years, n = 1,610, 55% men) who underwent valve surgery with or without concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting from January 1998 to December 2006. Stroke was defined as any new permanent focal neurologic deficit. Overall incidence of stroke was 2.2% (n = 63) and decreased during the study period from 3.3% (1998 to 2002) to 1.3% (2003 to 2006; p = 0.001). The highest stroke rate was observed after double aortic/mitral valve replacement (5.4%) and valve/coronary artery bypass grafting procedures (3.6%). Brain imaging was positive in 74% (n = 43 of 58) and showed ischemic stroke in all patients and hemorrhagic conversion in 28%. Distribution of acute stroke was large territory embolic artery (n = 33, 77%), watershed (n = 7, 16%), and mixed pattern (n = 3, 7%). Multivariate analysis revealed calcified ascending aorta (odds ratio [OR] 2.7), female gender (OR 2.6), ejection fraction <30% (OR 2.3), diabetes (OR 2.2), age >70 years (OR 2.0), and cardiopulmonary bypass time >120 minutes (OR 3.7) as predictors of stroke. Hospital mortality was 24% and 4.6% in patients with and without stroke, respectively. Survival of stroke patients was 78% and 54% at 1 year and 5 years, respectively, and was significantly decreased compared with patients without stroke. Valve pathology including endocarditis did not influence the incidence of stroke. Intraoperative epiaortic scanning may contribute in decreasing the incidence of this complication and may be warranted in all patients undergoing valvular surgery. In conclusion, stroke after valvular surgery is associated with an increased hospital mortality and morbidity and decreased long-term survival.     

Prevalence and diagnostic value of precordial murmurs for valvular regurgitation in obese patients treated with dexfenfluramine

Echocardiography is recommended for the detection of valvular regurgitation in asymptomatic users of anorexigens with a heart murmur. To determine the prevalence and diagnostic value of heart murmurs for valvular regurgitation, 223 patients receiving dexfenfluramine therapy for 6.9 months and 189 matched controls underwent history and cardiac auscultation by experienced noncardiologists unaware of echocardiography. Color Doppler echocardiograms were interpreted by 3 observers unaware of patients' clinical data. The frequency of at least mild regurgitation of any valve and abnormal regurgitation (moderate mitral or tricuspid or mild aortic regurgitation) were determined. Heart murmurs heard in 31 dexfenfluramine users (14%) and in 20 controls (11%) were all systolic and of grade I to II/VI intensity. Mild or worse regurgitation of any valve showed a trend in patients (18% vs 11.6% in controls, odds ratio [OR] 1.66, confidence interval [CI] 0.95 to 2.9, p = 0.08), but abnormal regurgitation (includes Food and Drug Administration grade regurgitation) was more common in patients (9% vs 3% in controls, OR 3.0, CI 1.18 to 7.65, p = 0.02). In dexfenfluramine users, heart murmurs were associated with at least mild or abnormal regurgitation (OR 3.1 and 3.05, 95% CI 1.34 to 7.13 and 1.1 to 8.67; p = 0.008 and 0.036, respectively), had a specificity of 89% and 88%, negative predictive value of 85% and 93%, but sensitivity of 37% and 30%, and positive predictive value of 35% and 19%, respectively. Most valves missed by cardiac auscultation had normal morphology and mild regurgitation. Finally, heart murmurs had better diagnostic value for either type of valvular regurgitation than heart murmurs and clinical variables or clinical variables alone. In summary, in dexfenfluramine users the prevalence of heart murmurs was low and their absence predicted absence of mild or worse regurgitation of any valve or abnormal valvular regurgitation. Therefore, cardiac auscultation should be the screening method of choice for detecting valvular regurgitation in users of anorexigens.     

Effect of obesity on early morbidity and mortality following cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity in most developed nations, including Australia, continues to rise and represent an increasing public health concern. Obesity has been considered a major risk factor in patients undergoing cardiac and other major surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed prospectively collected data of consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery between June 2001 and February 2006 at two Australian public hospitals. Patients were divided into three groups by body mass index (BMI): non-obese (BMI 20-30), obese (BMI>30-40) and morbidly obese (BMI>40). Associations between early mortality and morbidity and obesity were assessed by univariate and multivariate methods. RESULTS: Out of 4053 patients, 85 were excluded for BMI<20. A total of 2743 patients were defined as non-obese, 1136 obese and 89 morbidly obese. There were no significant differences in operative mortality, stroke, pneumonia, new renal failure, atrial fibrillation, prolonged ventilation, reintubation, readmission to intensive care, prolonged length of hospital stay or readmission within 30 days. The morbidly obese group had increased rates of deep sternal infection by univariate (odds ratio [OR] 6.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.1-19.1, p<0.001) and multivariate (OR 13.1, CI 3.4-50.7, p<0.001) analysis. The obese group had a lower rate of re-operation for bleeding by univariate (OR 0.61, CI 0.41-0.91, p=0.01) and multivariate (OR 0.64, CI 0.42-0.99, p=0.04) analysis. CONCLUSION: Apart from an increased rate of deep sternal wound infection, obesity is not associated with early mortality or other post-operative complications. The protective effect of obesity on re-operation for bleeding requires further study.     

Multiple-valve infective endocarditis: clinical, microbiologic, echocardiographic, and prognostic profile

Whether infection in more than 1 valve worsens the prognosis for endocarditis remains untested. We conducted the current study to determine the profile of multiple-valve endocarditis, compare multiple-valve endocarditis with single-valve endocarditis, and determine predictors of outcome. We conducted a prospective and observational study including 680 episodes of infective endocarditis consecutively diagnosed at 3 tertiary centers. Multiple valve involvement was present in 115 episodes (17%), and single valve involvement in 530 (78%). In the remaining 35 cases, valvular involvement could not be documented. Mean age of patients with multiple valve endocarditis was 58 years. Clinical complications were frequent (heart failure 65%, renal failure 44%, systemic embolisms 24%). The microorganism most frequently isolated was Staphylococcus aureus (22%).Factors predictive of in-hospital mortality in the univariate analysis were septic shock, prosthetic endocarditis, heart failure, and persistent infection. In the multivariate analysis, we detected heart failure (odds ratios [OR], 4.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-13.8) and persistent infection (OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.7-10.8) as predictors of in-hospital mortality. Compared to single-valve endocarditis, multiple-valve disease was associated more frequently with heart failure (65% vs. 50%, p = 0.03), perivalvular complications (41% vs. 21%, p < 0.001), and heart surgery (70% vs. 54%, p = 0.002). Despite these differences, in-hospital mortality was similar (28% vs. 30%, p = 0.647). In conclusion, multiple-valve endocarditis has a poor clinical course. Mortality is similar to that of single-valve endocarditis, probably in relation with aggressive therapy including surgery in many patients. Heart failure and persistent infection are independent predictors of death.     

A comparison of cardiac troponin T and creatine kinase-MB for patient evaluation after cardiac surgery

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the role of serum markers of myocardial necrosis after cardiac surgery. BACKGROUND: The role of serum troponin T (TnT) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) for the risk stratification of patients after cardiac surgery remains undefined. METHODS: Serum levels of TnT and CK-MB were measured from 224 patients every 8 h after cardiac surgery. The results of serum cardiac marker testing were correlated with adverse events, including new myocardial infarction (MI), cardiogenic shock or death. Univariable analysis identified factors predictive of complications, while stepwise logistic regression identified independent predictors of postoperative complications. RESULTS: Cardiac marker elevation was universal after cardiac surgery. At all time points measured, compared with those patients without complications, the TnT levels from patients with complications were more significantly elevated (all: p < 0.0005). In contrast, among identically timed specimens, the levels of CK-MB from complicated patients were less reliably discriminatory. Multivariable analysis suggested that a TnT level in the highest quintile (> or = 1.58 ng/ml) was the strongest predictor of complications, including death (post-op, odds ratio [OR] = 31.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.67 to 263.1, p = 0.002) or shock (post-op: OR = 18.9, 95% CI = 2.29 to 156.1, p = 0.006; 18 h to 24 h: OR = 30.7, 95% CI = 3.75 to 250.7, p = 0.001), as well as the composite end points of death/MI (18 h to 24 h: OR = 60.1, 95% CI = 7.34 to 492.1, p < 0.0005), shock/MI (post-op: OR = 23.3, 95% CI = 2.82 to 191.4, p = 0.003; 18 h to 24 h: OR = 37.8, 95% CI = 4.66 to 307.3, p = 0.001) or death/shock/MI (post-op: OR = 20.0, 95% CI = 2.81 to 142.0, p = 0.003; 18 h to 24 h: OR = 67.4, 95% CI = 6.96 to 652.3, p < 0.0005). In contrast, in the presence of TnT, the results of CK-MB measurement added no independent prognostic information. CONCLUSIONS: Troponin T is superior to CK-MB for the prediction of impending complications after cardiac surgical procedures.     

The clinical and economic impact of deep chest surgical site infections following coronary artery bypass graft surgery

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To examine how deep chest surgical site infections following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery impact hospital inpatient length of stay (LOS), costs, and mortality. SETTING: A large, Midwestern community medical center. DESIGN: All CABG patients who developed deep chest infection (n = 41) were compared to a set of control subjects (n = 160) systematically selected as every tenth uninfected CABG patient. Clinical data were abstracted from patient records, and cost information was obtained from the cost accounting database of the hospital. RESULTS: Variables that significantly increased the risk of deep chest surgical site infection included obesity (odds ratio [OR], 11; p = 0. 0001), renal insufficiency (OR, 8.9; p = 0.0001), connective tissue disease (OR, 25.4; p = 0.0003), reexploration for bleeding (OR, 8.2; p = 0.0015), and the timing of antibiotic prophylaxis (> 60 min before incision; OR, 5.3; p = 0.0128). Within 1 year postoperatively, patients with deep chest surgical site infection had a mortality rate of 22%, vs 0.6% for uninfected patients (p = 0.0001). Infected patients also incurred an average of 20 additional hospital days (p = 0.0001). Univariate analysis indicated that patients who developed deep chest surgical site infection incurred $20,012 in additional costs in the first year (p = 0.0001). Infected patients who died incurred on average $60,547 more than infected patients who survived (p = 0.034). Multivariate analysis confirmed the magnitude of the estimate of the cost for deep chest surgical site infection ($18, 938; p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Deep chest surgical site infections following CABG surgery are associated with significant increases in LOS, hospitalization costs, and mortality. These results suggest the need for improved infection control measures to reduce deep chest surgical site infection rates.     

Early detection of sternal dehiscence by conventional chest X-ray

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of sternal dehiscence after sternotomy for cardiac surgery is still made clinically. The aim of this study was to identify radiographic signs of sternal dehiscence by routine chest X-ray (CXR) in patients with and without clinically diagnosed sternal dehiscence. METHODS: 75 patients (group I: 65 +/- 9.3 years, f/m = 12/63) with clinically diagnosed sternal dehiscence, necessitating surgical revision and 75 patients with uneventful sternal healing (matched to group I by age, sex, preoperative risk factors and surgical procedures; group II: 66 +/- 9.0 years, f/m = 12/63) were included in this study. Serial CXRs immediately after surgery until re-intervention or discharge were analyzed by a radiologist, blind to the date of redo surgery. RESULTS: In 39 patients of group I (52%) vs. 8 (10.7%) in group II, abnormalities in the sternal wire and/or a midsternal stripe could be found (p < 0.0001): rotated wires (p = 0.003), shifted wires (p = 0.043), and ruptured wires (p = 0.312). Seven patients presented with combined wire abnormalities in group I vs. 0 in group II. Midsternal stripe sign could be detected in 26 patients of group I vs. 3 in group II (p < 0.0001). Sternal dehiscence was suspected based on the above mentioned abnormalities as early as three days postoperatively (Q1 = 2; Q3 = 8 days) in 39 patients, whereas clinical diagnosis of sternal dehiscence was delayed up to ten days postoperatively (Q1 = 7; Q3 = 13 days). CONCLUSIONS: Radiographic signs of sternal dehiscence could be detected before the clinical diagnosis was apparent and predicted sternal dehiscence in more than half of the patients.     

Does the time of resternotomy for bleeding have any influence on the incidence of sternal infections, septic courses or further complications?

BACKGROUND: Former studies on sternal wound infections indicate predisposing factors like diabetes, obesity, use of bilateral internal mammary grafts, impaired renal function and reoperation. We wanted to evaluate whether the time of resternotomy for postoperative bleeding has any influence on the development of a sternal wound infection and other complications. METHODS: In our department, 12,315 patients underwent median sternotomy for cardiac surgery between 1987 and 1998. We analyzed the clinical data of all patients which were reoperated on for postoperative bleeding, especially patients with subsequent operations caused by sternal wound infections. All data were compared by T-test respectively chi2-test, and p<0.05 was regarded as significant. RESULTS: 406 of the 12,315 patients were re-explored because of postoperative bleeding (3.3%). 57 (14%) of these patients died in the postoperative period of non-infectious complications. The remaining patients were divided into two groups: Group A (286 patients) (70.4%) did not suffer from any sternal wound complications, where as group B patients (n = 63) (15.6%) needed subsequent surgery due to sternal infection. There were no significant differences in either concerning age, clinical data and first operation. All patients had an average blood loss of 223 ml/hr. The time before re-operation for bleeding was 5.3+/-1.7 hours in group A compared to 11.1+/-4.2 hours in group B (p<0.05). A significant delay of reoperation for bleeding could also be found for patients with postoperative septic complications (?: 5.2+/-1.9 hours, +: 12.9+/-5.2 hours), renal failure, mechanical ventilation >48 hours and a stay in hospital >20 days. CONCLUSIONS: Early reoperation for postoperative bleeding decreases the number of subsequent complications, e.g. sternal wound infections, septic complications and prolonged mechanical ventilation.     

Current hospital mortality of aortic valve replacement in octogenarians

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The increasing incidence of cardiovascular disease with age, coupled to a constant extension of life expectancy in industrialized countries, is leading to an ever-increasing number of elderly patients being referred for aortic valve replacement (AVR). In light of advances in surgical technology and cardiac protection, the operative mortality and risk factors have been updated in order to specify surgical indications. METHODS: Between January 2000 and December 2004, a total of 442 patients (203 males, 239 females) aged > or =80 years (mean age 82.7 +/- 2.3 years) underwent AVR at the authors' institution. Surgery was either isolated (n = 344) or associated with coronary revascularization (n = 86), mitral valvuloplasty (n = 5) or aortic surgery (n = 7). Seventeen patients had undergone previous cardiac surgery. The EuroScore was calculated for each patient. RESULTS: Overall operative mortality was 7.5% (n = 33). Independent predictive factors of mortality were: aortic insufficiency (30%, p <0.004), NYHA class IV (20.5%, p < 0.001), left and right heart failure (11.5% and 19.4%, p <0.02), chronic renal insufficiency (18.5%, p <0.04), emergency (37.5%, p <0.001, OR = 4.7), left ventricular ejection fraction (21.1%, p <0.004, OR = 0.9), and redo surgery (35.3%, p <0.001, OR = 6). Mortality was also increased in case of associated coronary revascularization (11.6%), mitral or tricuspid surgery (20%) and ascending aorta procedure (25%). CONCLUSION: Patient functional improvement achieved after valve replacement at the cost of a rather low operative mortality justifies considering octogenarians for surgery. However, decisions should be taken on an individual basis. An earlier referral to surgery before the onset of altered cardiac function could lead to further reductions in hospital mortality.     

Controlling the usage of intranasal mupirocin does impact the rate of Staphylococcus aureus deep sternal wound infections in cardiac surgery patients

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus (S aureus) is the major cause of surgical site infections (SSI). At The Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, S aureus accounted for over 80% of sternal wound infections in cardiac surgery patients. Approximately 700 cardiac surgeries are performed each year, with an associated infection rate of 1.8% per 100 procedures performed. In an attempt to reduce S aureus sternal wound infections, the use of prophylactic intranasal mupirocin was examined. METHODS: Each patient undergoing cardiac surgery was nasally cultured before entering the operating room, and then intranasal mupirocin was applied and continued every 12 hours. Culture results were finalized within 48 hours. Mupirocin was discontinued when the culture returned negative and continued for 7 days when the culture returned positive for S aureus. RESULTS: Cultures showed a S aureus carrier rate of 21%. These patients received mupirocin for 7 days. A decrease in S aureus-associated SSI rates was observed from a case rate of 1.68% to 0.37% per 100 procedures over a 17-month period. CONCLUSION: Identifying and treating S aureus carriers with a full course of mupirocin does impact the rate of S aureus surgical site infections.     

体外循环下心脏瓣膜病换瓣术后ICU延迟脱离呼吸机病例对照研究

目的探讨心脏瓣膜病换瓣术后住ICU延迟脱离呼吸机的危险因素,为制订心脏瓣膜病换瓣术后住ICU延迟脱离呼吸机的防治措施提供依据。方法采用回顾性病例对照研究和非条件logistic多元回归分析方法,收集宜昌市第一人民医院重症医学科2008年1月至2012年1月心脏瓣膜病换瓣术后的71例患者资料,33例住ICU延迟脱离呼吸机患者与脱呼吸机时间无延迟的38例患者进行对照研究。结果心脏瓣膜病换瓣术后住ICU脱呼吸机时间延迟发生率为46．47％。心脏瓣膜病换瓣术后住ICU延迟脱离呼吸机的危险因素有术后低心排、术后。肾功能衰竭、年龄≥50岁、ST—T改变、住ICU〉5d等。心脏瓣膜病换瓣术后住ICU延迟脱离呼吸机的独立危险因素有：术后低心排（OR=5．329,95％CI1．682-16．881）、术后肾功能衰竭（OR=3．163,95％CI1．007-9．931）。结论心脏瓣膜病换瓣术后住ICU延迟脱离呼吸机的独立危险因素是术后低心排和肾功能衰竭。明确心脏瓣膜病换瓣术后住ICU延迟脱离呼吸机的危险因素,以缩短心脏瓣膜病换瓣术后呼吸机机械通气时间。     

Routine application of the omental pedicle graft in 50 consecutive patients at risk for sternal wound infection

After cardiac surgery, healing can be delayed by sternal wound infection, particularly if mediastinitis develops. Because of the technical simplicity of omentopexy, we recommend the use during open-heart surgery of an omental pedicle graft in selected cases to prevent postoperative complications. This article describes our experience over a 4-month period (from 30 March 1989 through 2 August 1989) with this technique in 50 consecutive patients at moderate-to-high risk for postoperative sternal and mediastinal problems. The patients included 39 men (78%) and 11 women (22%), whose ages ranged from 22 to 83 years (mean, 55 years). Preoperative risk factors included extreme obesity, 13 patients (26%); chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 13 patients (26%); diabetes mellitus, 6 patients (12%); obesity and diabetes, 8 patients (16%); and obesity, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 3 patients (6%). Operative risk factors included cardiac reoperation involving prolonged surgery, 6 patients (12%); bilateral mammary grafting, 17 patients (34%); and the need for prolonged (greater than 72-hour) mechanical respiratory assistance, 2 patients (4%). Three of the 50 patients (6%) were considered to be at moderate risk due to an increase in nosocomial infections at the time of their surgical procedures. Although the omentopexy itself caused no complications, 5 patients had major complications related to the cardiac procedure. Two of these patients died, for an operative mortality of 4%; death was caused by progressive peritonitis in 1 case and by cardiac tamponade in the other case. At least 2 of the remaining 3 patients withstood localized mediastinal infection and had thereafter an extremely benign postoperative course. We conclude that an omental pedicle graft, placed prophylactically in patients at risk for sternal wound infection, can serve as a valuable adjunct to healing after cardiac surgery.     

Primary valvular surgery in octogenarians: perioperative outcome

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Cardiac surgery in octogenarians is now performed routinely, and generally results in a good improvement in functional capacity. The study aim was to evaluate operative mortality and to identify preoperative and postoperative risk factors of mortality. METHODS: A total of 200 consecutive patients (79 males, 121 females; mean age 83 years; range: 80-90 years) who underwent valvular surgery at the authors' institution between 1991 and 2002 was reviewed. Among patients, 154 underwent aortic valve replacement (77.0%), 35 mitral surgery (17.5%), and 11 aortic and mitral valve surgery (5.5%). Forty-five patients (22.5%) had concomitant myocardial revascularization, and 23 (11.5%) were operated on in an emergency setting. Preoperative risk factors studied included endocarditis (2.0%), ventricular dysfunction (22.5%), pulmonary hypertension (33.5%), renal dysfunction (31.5%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (7.0%) and arteriopathy (9.0%). The mean EuroSCORE, which was used to assess predicted operative risk, was 9.1; the score was < 9 in 104 patients (52%) and > 9 in 96 (48%). RESULTS: Hospital mortality was 7% (n = 14). There were no significant preoperative risk factors of mortality. Postoperative complications occurred in 115 patients (57.5%), including low cardiac output (16.0%), supraventricular arrhythmia (29.5%), pulmonary complications (9.5%), gastrointestinal ischemia (2.0%), wound infection (2.0%) and surgical re-exploration (5.5%). Low cardiac output (p < 0.001), gastrointestinal ischemia (p = 0.03) and surgical reexploration (p = 0.004) were significant risk factors of mortality. CONCLUSION: Valvular surgery in octogenarians is a safe and low-risk procedure. The present data tended to show that the EuroSCORE overestimates mortality in this group of patients.     

Cardiological aspects of the antiphospholipid syndrome. Part I. Valvular lesions in the primary and secondary antiphospholipid syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus

AIM. To assess prevalence of cardiac valvular lesions in patients with primary (P) antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with and without secondary APLS. MATERIAL AND METHODS. Patients with PAPLS (n=56, 15 men and 41 women), SLE and APLS (n=88, 23 men, 65 women) and SLE without APLS (n=51, 19 men, 32 women) were followed up for 9 years. Serological markers of APLS were anticardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulant. RESULTS. Prevalence of various heart defects was the highest in PAPLS (43%) compared with SLE with APLS (c2=5.6, p=0.001) and SLE without APLS (c2=9.3, p=0.0002). In secondary APLS prevalence of valvular involvement was 27% what was substantially more than in SLE without APLS (4%) (c2=7.2, p=0.0007). Changes of mitral valve cusps and mitral regurgitation were found in 33, 41 and 50% of patients with SLE, SLE with APLS and PAPLS, respectively. Pronounced mitral regurgitation and valve defects were significantly more frequent in patients with any APLS compared with those with SLE without APLS. Thickening of aortic cusps was significantly more frequent in patients with PAPLS compared with patients with SLE (with and without APLS). Changes of tricuspid valve were significantly more frequent in patients with any APLS. Progression of valvular pathology was observed in 2 patients with SLE and APLS after 4 and 5 years of follow up. During 9 years thrombotic complications developed in 8 patients with APLS and valvular lesions (6 strokes, 2 retinal thromboses). CONCLUSION. An association exists between presence of APLS and various cardiac valvular lesions. Lesions of aortic valve are associated with PAPLS. Development of valvular pathology in patients with SLE and PAPLS during follow up dictates the necessity to monitor echocardiographical parameters and titers of anticardiolipin antibodies.     

Cardiac surgery and morbid obesity.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity is considered a risk factor for the occurrence of complications after cardiac surgery. The objective of this study was to analyze mortality and morbidity in patients with morbid obesity following heart surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective study in a tertiary care setting. METHODS: Out of 1815 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery, 50 consecutive patients (3%) with morbid obesity (defined by a body mass index (BMI) > 35 kg/m2) operated on between 7/98 and 3/01 were studied. Mean age was 61.9 +/- 10.4 years, mean BMI was 38.0 +/- 2.7 kg/m2 and mean Parsonnet score was 14.3. Thirty patients had CABG, 14 underwent valve surgery and 6 had combined valve and CABG. RESULTS: Three patients died in the first 30 days (hospital mortality = 6%). Four patients had myocardial infarction (8%), 4 patients had stroke (8%) and 13 required blood transfusion (29%). There were no deep sternal wound infections or reoperations but 9 patients (15%) presented superficial wound infections. Mean ICU and hospital stay were 2.2 +/- 2.2 and 6.8 +/- 4.1 days respectively. With a mean follow up of 13.9 +/- 8.9 months, 4 patients died; 38 (93%) out of the 41 patients reviewed are in NYHA class I or II and 27 (65%) have unrestricted physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac surgery in patients with morbid obesity carries a higher morbidity and mortality risk. Short- and medium-term results were satisfactory with improvement in quality of life in two-thirds of the patients.