In-Hospital Mortality and Glycemic Control in Patients with Hospital Hyperglycemia

BACKGROUNDStress-induced hyperglycemia is a phenomenon that occurs typically in patients hospitalized for acute disease and resolves spontaneously after regression of the acute illness. However, it can also occur in diabetes patients, a fact that is sometimes overlooked. It is thus important to make a proper diabetes diagnosis if hospitalized patients with episodes of hyperglycemia with and without diabetes are studied.AIMSTo estimate the extent of the association between stress-induced hyperglycemia and in-hospital mortality in patients with hospital hyperglycemia (HH), and to explore potential differences between patients diagnosed with diabetes (HH-DBT) and those with stress-induced hyperglycemia (SH), but not diagnosed with diabetes.METHODSA cohort of adults with hospital hyperglycemia admitted to a tertiary, university hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was analyzed retrospectively.RESULTSIn the study, 2,955 patients were included and classified for analysis as 1,579 SH and 1,376 HH-DBT. Significant differences were observed in glycemic goal (35.53% SH versus 25.80% HH-DBT, p < 0.01), insulin use rate (26.66% SH versus 46.58% HH-DBT, p < 0.01), and severe hypoglycemia rate (1.32% SH versus 1.74% HH-DBT, p < 0.01). There were no differences in hypoglycemia rate (8.23% SH versus 10.53% HH-DBT) and hospital mortality. There was no increase in risk of mortality in the SH group adjusted for age, non-scheduled hospitalization, major surgical intervention, critical care, hypoglycemia, oncological disease, cardiovascular comorbidity, and prolonged hospitalization.CONCLUSIONSIn this study, we observed better glycemic control in patients with SH than in those with HH-DBT, and there was no difference in hospital mortality.     

Prognostic nutritional index predicts in-hospital mortality in patients with acute type A aortic dissection

BackgroundThe prognostic nutritional index (PNI) has recently been reported to associate with the surgical prognosis of patients with some cardiovascular diseases. However, the prognosis significance of the preoperative PNI in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) remains unclear.ObjectivesThe present study aimed to explore the relationship between PNI and postoperative in-hospital mortality in patients with AAAD.MethodsBetween June 2013 and December 2019, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 651 patients undergoing AAAD surgery. Patients were divided into two groups according to the median PNI. The risk factors of postoperative in-hospital mortality were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsIn-hospital mortality was significantly more common in the low group (24.8% vs 16.3%: P = .007). The percentage of prolonged mechanical ventilation (58.9% vs 49.8%: P = .020) and the median duration of intensive care unit stays (7.0 vs 6.0 days: P = .003) were also higher and longer in the low group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the PNI, age, hypertension, and operation time independently predicted in-hospital mortality. Besides, compared with patients with a history of hypertension, the low PNI affected in-hospital mortality more than those without (odds ratio [OR]: 2.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20-3.56; P = .009).ConclusionsLower PNI may be independently associated with in-hospital mortality of patients after AAAD surgery.     

Impact of admission blood glucose levels on prognosis of elderly patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Objective Admission hyperglycemia in acute myocardial infarction (MI) is related with increased in-hospital and long term mortality and major cardiac adverse events. We aimed to investigate how admission hyperglycemia affects the short and long term outcomes in elderly patients (> 65 years) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST elevation myocardial infarction. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 677 consecutive elderly patients (mean age 72.2 ± 5.4). Patients were divided into two groups according to admission blood glucose levels. Group 1: low glucose group (LLG), glucose < 168 mg/dL; and Group 2: high glucose group (HGG), glucose > 168 mg/dL. Results In-hospital, long term mortality and in-hospital major adverse cardiac events were higher in the high admission blood glucose group (P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed: Killip > 1, post-thrombolysis in MI < 3 and admission blood glucose levels were independent predictors of in-hospital adverse cardiac events (P < 0.001). Conclusions Admission hyperglycemia in elderly patients presented with ST elevation myocardial infarction is an independent predictor of in-hospital major adverse cardiac events and is associated with in-hospital and long term mortality.     

The impact of glycemic variability on length of stay and mortality in diabetic patients admitted with community-acquired pneumonia or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

AimTo investigate the influence of glycemic variability (GV) on length of stay and in-hospital mortality in non-critical diabetic patients.MethodsA observation retrospective study was performed. Diabetic patients admitted between January and June 2016 with the diagnosis of community-acquire pneumonia (CAP) and/or acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were enrolled and glycemic control (persistent hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, mean glucose level (MGL) and respective standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV)) were evaluated. Primary outcomes were length of stay and in-hospital mortality.ResultsData from 242 patients were analyzed. Fifty-eight percent of the patients were male, with a median age of 77 years (min-max, 29–98). Patients had on average 2.1 glucose readings-day and the MGL was 193.3 mg/dl (min-max, 84.3–436.6). Hypoglycemia was documented in 13.4% of the patients and 55.4% had persistent hyperglycemia. The median length of hospital stay was 10 days (min-max, 1–66) and in-hospital mortality was 7.4%. We found a significant higher in-hospital mortality in older patients, with history of cancer and with nosocomial infections. We did not find any correlation between MGL, SD, CV, hypoglycemia or persist hyperglycemia and in-hospital mortality. A longer length of stay was observed in patients with heavy alcohol consumption and nosocomial infections. The length of stay was negatively correlated with the mean glucose level (r²-0.147; p < 0.05) and positively correlated with the coefficient of variation (p 0.162; p < 0.05).ConclusionThis study confirmed the negative impact of the glycemic variability in the outcomes of diabetic patients admitted with CAP or acute exacerbation of COPD.     

Long-term prognosis after surgery for infective endocarditis: Distinction between predictors of early and late survival

ObjectivesCardiac surgery is a life-saving procedure in patients diagnosed with infective endocarditis (IE). There are several validated risk scores developed to predict early-mortality; nevertheless, long-term survival has been less investigated. The aim of the present study is to analyze the impact of IE-specific risk factors for early and long-term mortality.MethodsAn observational retrospective study was conducted that included all patients who underwent surgery for IE from 2002 to 2016. Median follow-up time after surgery was 53.2 months (IQI 26.2–106.8 months). In-hospital mortality was analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Long-term survival was analyzed after one, two and five years. Cox proportional hazards regression was employed to identify risk factors related to long-term mortality.ResultsOf the 180 patients underwent cardiac surgery, 133 were discharged alive (in-hospital mortality was 26.11%). 6 variables were identified as independent factors associated with in-hospital mortality, most of them closely related to the severity of IE: age, multivalvular involvement, critical preoperative status, preoperative mechanical ventilation, abscess and thrombocytopenia.Long-term survival in patients discharged alive was 89.1%, 87.4% and 77.6% after one, two and five years. Long-term mortality was independent of specific IE factors and 86.51% of deaths were not related to cardiovascular or infectious diseases.ConclusionDespite the high perioperative mortality rate after surgical treatment for active IE, long-term survival after hospital discharge was acceptable, regardless of the severity of the endocarditis episode. Although in-hospital survival depended mainly on several IE factors, long-term survival was not related to the severity of endocarditis baseline affection.     

Factors associated with hypoglycemia in cardiovascular surgery

IntroductionAn inadequate glycemic control in cardiovascular postoperative is a predictor of mortality, postoperative infections and a prolonged hospital stay. This study evaluates the incidence of hypoglycemia in the first 72 h of postoperative and its association with different factors, such as tissue perfusion parameters, and the administration of medicines that induct hypoglycemia during surgery, in patients that undergo cardiovascular surgery in a 4th level hospital in Bogota, Colombia.Methods and materialsA nested cases and controls study was developed, taking as cases the patients that presented hypoglycemia episodes (<70 mg/dl) and the controls were the patients without this outcome. A systematic record of the glycemic control in the first 72 h of postoperative was registered. An univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the factor associated with hypoglycemia.Results327 patients were evaluated (35% with coronary bypass and 27% with valvular replacement). 7.65% of the patients presented at least one episode of hypoglycemia <70 mg/dL (25 episodes). The multivariate analysis showed an association with chronic kidney failure in dialysis (OR6,21; IC:0,97–43.27,p:0.05), administration of preoperative steroids (OR4,41; IC:1,27-15,20,p:0.02), intraoperative insulin (OR2,61; IC:1.09–6,22, p:0.03), and postoperative hydrocortisone (OR 7,15; IC 1,46-34,9 p:0.01).ConclusionsHypoglycemia is frequent in patients that undergo a cardiovascular surgery. The associated factors were chronic kidney failure in dialysis, administration of preoperative steroids, intraoperative insulin and hydrocortisone during postoperative. Other factors such as tissue perfusion, administration of vasoactive or beta blockers substances, showed no association with hypoglycemia.     

Influence of abnormal fasting plasma glucose on left ventricular function in older patients with acute myocardial infarction

We assessed whether the admission fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels were associated with all-cause mortality and left ventricular (LV) function in older patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). A total of 1854 consecutive patients were categorized into 4 groups: hypoglycemia, euglycemia, mild hyperglycemia, and severe hyperglycemia. The primary outcomes were in-hospital/3-year mortality and LV function. There was a near-linear relationship between FPG and Killip class. However, no significant correlation was found between FPG levels and LV ejection fraction. Both FPG levels and Killip classes were all independent significant predictors of mortality. Compared with the euglycemia group, both the hypo- and hyperglycemia groups were associated with higher in-hospital and 3-year mortality. In older patients with AMI, the FPG values had differential influences on LV function and mortality. There was a U-shaped relationship between FPG and in-hospital/3-year mortality, and a near-linear relationship between increased admission glucose levels and higher Killip classification.     

Predictors and in-hospital outcomes of preoperative acute kidney injury in patients with type A acute aortic dissection

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common after surgery for acute aortic dissection (AAD) and increases in-hospital and long-term mortality. However, few data exist on the clinical and prognostic relevance of early preoperative AKI in patients with type A AAD. We aimed to determine the incidence and predictors of preoperative AKI and the impact of AKI on in-hospital outcomes in patients with type A AAD. Methods From May 2009 to June 2014, we retrospectively enrolled 178 patients admitted to our hospital within 48 h from symptom onset and receiving open surgery for type A AAD. The patients were divided into no AKI and AKI groups and staged with AKI severity according to the KDIGO criteria before surgery. Results AKI occurred in 41 patients (23.0%). The incidence of in-hospital complications was significantly higher in patients with preoperative AKI compared to no AKI (41.5% vs. 9.5%, P < 0.001), including renal infarction (7.3% vs. 0, P = 0.012), and it increased with AKI severity (P_trend < 0.001). Patients with AKI had higher in-hospital mortality compared with patients without AKI, although no significant difference was found (14.6% vs. 5.1%, P = 0.079). Multivariate analysis indicated that male gender, diastolic blood pressure on admission and bilateral renal artery involvement were independent predictors of preoperative AKI in patients with type A AAD. Conclusions Early AKI before surgery was common in patients with type A AAD, and was associated with increased in-hospital complications. Male gender, diastolic blood pressure on admission and bilateral renal artery involvement were major predictors for preoperative AKI.     

急性A型主动脉夹层患者围术期血小板动态变化与预后相关性分析

目的:本研究通过回顾性分析急性A型主动脉夹层围术期,血小板水平与死亡率及并发症的相关性。方法:选取首都医科大学附属北京安贞医院,2016年12月至2017年12月,于我院诊断为急性A型主动脉夹层并急诊行手术治疗的患者共211例,收集术前病史资料及术中、术后诊疗资料,术后每日晨6:00抽取全血行血常规检查,收集PLT数据,住院期间并发症、住院生存情况及ICU住院时间。结果:患者围术期血小板水平整体呈下降趋势。术后血小板水平(PLTmin)与住院死亡呈负相关(OR=0.976,95%CI:0.957~0.995,P=0.016),与术后并发症增多风险呈负相关(OR=0.966,95%CI:0.948~0.985,P<0.001),与ICU住院时间延长呈负相关(OR=0.984,95%CI:0.977~0.991,P<0.001)。结论:术后血小板水平越低,术后患者住院死亡率越高,ICU住院时间越长,术后并发症发生可能越多,术后血小板计数每增加1×109/L,住院死亡率约可降低2.4%,ICU住院时间延长风险约降低1.6%,术后并发症增多的风险约降低3.4%。同时,术后血小板水平与手术时间及术中失血量密切相关。     

Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting improves in-hospital mortality in patients with dialysis-dependent renal failure

ObjectivePatients with chronic dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease are increasingly referred for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and their early outcome is less favorable. Off-pump CABG (OPCAB) has achieved encouraging results in high-risk patients. Therefore, we designed this retrospective study to test the hypothesis that OPCAB reduced surgical risks in dialysis patients.MethodsFrom January 2000 to December 2005, 294 dialysis-dependent patients received isolated CABG at the Washington Hospital Center. Among them, 168 underwent OPCAB (off-pump group), and 126, CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) (on-pump group). The in-hospital outcomes were analyzed.ResultsThe two groups were comparable in terms of preoperative characteristics. The Parsonnet's Bedside Score of the off-pump group was similar to that of the on-pump group (32.0 vs. 32.0, P=.57). The in-hospital mortality of the off-pump group was significantly lower than that of the on-pump group (5.4% vs. 11.9%, P=.04). Although the percentage of patients who received transfusions was similar, the on-pump group received more total transfusions. Logistic regression analysis revealed that use of CPB independently predicted in-hospital mortality [odds ratio (OR), 5.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.78–13.85; P<.01] and perioperative myocardial infarction (MI; OR, 5.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.18–22.40; P=.03). No significant difference in long-term survival at 4 years was absorbed between the two groups of hospital survivors.ConclusionsOur data suggest that OPCAB is a safe alternative to on-pump CABG in dialysis patients. Avoiding CPB resulted in less perioperative blood utilization, MI, and hospital mortality.     

围手术期血糖监控的策略与意义

随着全球糖尿病患病率的增加,手术患者中合并高血糖荇也越来越常见.围手术期高血糖可增加患者短期感染、心血管并发症发生率和住院死亡率,延迟术后愈合,延长住院时间.主要与高血糖引起的体内多种蛋白糖基化有关.多数研究表明,强化围手术期血糖控制可使患者获益.临床上,合理的术前评估,严格的术中监测及有效的术后管理,控制血糖稳定,可显著减少手术并发症,提高患并生存率.     

Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Low-Weight or Preterm Neonates: A Retrospective Study Analyzing Early Outcome

Background: Most outcome studies in congenital cardiac surgery for “low weight” neonates include patients undergoing surgery without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The primary objective of our study was to identify risk factors for in-hospital mortality in neonates weighing less than 3 Kg and undergoing surgery with CPB. In addition, we compared the effect of early surgery with CPB (before 37W-gestational age (GA)) for congenital heart disease to delayed surgery until a corrected GA of 37 weeks in an attempt to promote weight gain. Methods: Retrospective single-center study including all patients operated between 1997 and 2017. Uni- and multivariable analysis were used to analyze outcome. Results: 143 patients were included. The median weight was 2.7 Kg and 49 (34.3%) weighted <2.5 Kg. 80% of the patients were Risk stratification STAT categories ≥3. 114 patients (80%) were operated without delay (usual timing, median age 9 days), whereas 29 patients (20%) entered a delayed strategy (median age 30 days). In-hospital mortality was 21.7%. By multivariate analysis, dysmaturity, preoperative positive ventilation, post-operative ECMO requirement or resuscitation, and any residual lesion were predictors of in-hospital death. In-hospital mortality in the usual timing group and the delayed group were 21.1% and 24.1%, respectively (p = 0.71). In-hospital mortality for neonates operated prior to 37W-GA (n = 10) was 27.3%. Conclusions: Predictors of in-hospital mortality in neonates less 3 Kg requiring CPB surgery did not differ from those unveiled in other contemporary studies. Our data demonstrates that a strategy of delaying surgery in selected patients resulted in similar clinical outcome.     

The risk factors and outcomes of preoperative hepatic dysfunction in patients who receive surgical repair for acute type A aortic dissection

BackgroundHepatic dysfunction (HD) is a common complication that can occur after surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) and is associated with poor prognosis. However, the incidence of early preoperative HD and the associated risk factors in patients with ATAAD have not been fully elucidated.MethodsA total of 984 ATAAD patients who received surgical repair within 48 hours of symptom onset at our department from January 2014 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into the non-HD group and the HD groups according to the Model of End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score before surgery. The clinical parameters and clinical outcomes of the 2 groups were collected and compared.ResultsPreoperative HD was detected in 268 patients (27.2%). The incidence of in-hospital complications, including the need for dialysis (34.0% vs. 9.2%; P<0.001), was significantly higher in patients with HD compared to patients without HD (69.8% vs. 51.0%; P<0.001). Patients with HD had a higher 30-day mortality rate compared to patients without HD (20.1% vs. 8.4%; P<0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that preoperative cardiac tamponade, preoperative serum creatinine levels, and serum troponin T levels upon admission were independent predictors for preoperative HD in patients with ATAAD. Interestingly, even though preoperative HD was associated with an increased 30-day mortality rate, it did not significantly affect the long-term mortality rate (log-rank P=0.259).ConclusionsEarly HD before surgery was commonly observed in patients with ATAAD and was associated with increased in-hospital complications after surgery, but did not significantly affect long-term survival.     

Stress hyperglycemia and acute ischemic stroke in-hospital outcome

Background and AimsStress hyperglycemia is frequent in patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, it is unclear whether stress hyperglycemia only reflects stroke severity or if it is directly associated with adverse outcome. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of stress hyperglycemia in acute ischemic stroke.MethodsWe prospectively studied 790 consecutive patients who were admitted with acute ischemic stroke (41.0% males, age 79.4 ± 6.8 years). The severity of stroke was assessed at admission with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Stress hyperglycemia was defined as fasting serum glucose levels at the second day after admission ≥ 126 mg/dl in patients without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The outcome was assessed with adverse outcome rates at discharge (modified Rankin scale between 2 and 6) and with in-hospital mortality.ResultsIn the total study population, 8.6% had stress hyperglycemia. Patients with stress hyperglycemia had more severe stroke. Independent predictors of adverse outcome at discharge were age, prior ischemic stroke and NIHSS at admission whereas treatment with statins prior to stroke was associated with favorable outcome. When the NIHSS was removed from the multivariate model, independent predictors of adverse outcome were age, heart rate at admission, prior ischemic stroke, log-triglyceride (TG) levels and stress hyperglycemia, whereas treatment with statins prior to stroke was associated with favorable outcome. Independent predictors of in-hospital mortality were atrial fibrillation (AF), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), serum log-TG levels and NIHSS at admission. When the NIHSS was removed from the multivariate model, independent predictors of in-hospital mortality were age, AF, DBP, log-TG levels and stress hyperglycemia.ConclusionStress hyperglycemia does not appear to be directly associated with the outcome of acute ischemic stroke. However, given that patients with stress hyperglycemia had higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors than patients with normoglycemia and that glucose tolerance was not evaluated, more studies are needed to validate our findings.     

Hospital related hyperglycemia as a predictor of mortality in non-diabetes patients: A systematic review

Background and aimsHyperglycemia is a condition often found in hospitalized patients due to stress injury, parenteral nutrition or medications administered during hospitalization. According to previous studies, hyperglycemia could be an independent predictor of mortality. The objective of the study is to assess the risk of mortality in non-diabetic patients with hyperglycemia during hospitalization.MethodsIn this systematic review, we conducted literature reviews on several databases. Twelve studies were retrieved and critically reviewed using NOS.ResultsA majority of the studies reported that hospital related hyperglycemia increased the mortality rate.ConclusionsHospital related hyperglycemia is an independent predictor factor for both in-hospital and long-term mortality.     

The Influence of Gender on In-Hospital Clinical Outcome Following Isolated Mitral or Aortic Heart Valve Surgery

BackgroundWith the expected growth in the elderly segment of the U.S. population particularly in women, the prevalence of valvular heart disease is bound to increase in the coming years. We sought to delineate the impact of gender on in-hospital clinical outcomes in Medicare-age patients undergoing isolated left-side heart valve surgery.MethodsUsing the National Inpatient Sample files from 2003 to 2014, we compared the in-hospital major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE: all-cause mortality, stroke, or myocardial infarction) and composite complications (MACCE, permanent pacemaker implantation, bleeding requiring transfusion, iatrogenic vascular complications, acute respiratory failure, acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis, sepsis and prolonged hospital stay) following isolated mitral or aortic surgery between genders with 1:1 propensity score analysis. Further, we examined gender-specific temporal trends of in-hospital clinical outcomes over the study period.ResultsThere were 336,506 isolated left-side heart valve surgeries over the study period. Following propensity score matching, 24,637 unweighted pairs were identified for gender-specific comparison. Female gender was independently associated with a higher in-hospital MACCE (9.4% vs. 8.3%; OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.07–1.21, P < 0.0001) driven mostly by all-cause mortality (5.2% vs. 4.3%; OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.12–1.33, P < 0.0001). The composite complication rate (37.9% vs. 35.3%; OR = 1.12, 95% CI-1.08–1.16, P < 0.0001) was also higher in women. Significant reduction in both in-hospital MACCE and all-cause mortality was observed over time regardless of gender.ConclusionsFollowing isolated left-side heart valve surgery, women experienced higher in-hospital MACCE including all-cause mortality compared to men. Continued temporal improvements in in-hospital clinical outcomes were observed in both genders.Summary for the annotated table of contentsThe influence of gender on surgical aortic or mitral valve replacement/repair outcome is unclear. The current study showed that women fared worse than men including all-cause mortality following isolated left-side valve surgery and significant temporal improvements have been made in in-hospital clinical outcomes in both genders during the 12-year study period. Further research in gender-specific approach in management of valve disease is warranted.     

Surgery for ischemic colitis: outcome and risk factors for in-hospital mortality

Purpose

Surgery for ischemic colitis is associated with high perioperative morbidity and mortality, but the risk factors for mortality and major surgical complications are unclear.

Methods

In this retrospective single institution cohort study of all patients undergoing colorectal surgery for histologically proven ischemic colitis between 2004 and 2010, we evaluated surgical outcomes and risk factors for in-hospital mortality and major surgical complications.

Results

For the 100 patients included in the study, in-hospital mortality was 54 %; major surgical complications, defined as anastomotic leakage or rectal stump and stoma complications, occurred in 16 %. In the multivariable analysis, hospital death was more likely in patients with right-sided (odds ratio [OR] 3.8; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.2, 12; P?=?0.022) or pan-colonic ischemia (OR 11; 95 % CI 2.8, 39; P?<?0.001), both relative to left-sided ischemia. Decreased preoperative pH level (OR 2.5 per 0.1 decrease; 95 % CI 1.5, 4.1; P?<?0.001) and prior cardiac or aortic surgery (OR 2.4; 95 % CI 0.82, 6.8; P?=?0.109) were further important risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Major postoperative surgical complications were more likely in patients with ischemic alterations at the resection margin of the histological specimen (OR 3.7; 95 % CI 1.2, 11; P?=?0.022).

Conclusions

Colonic resection for ischemic colitis is associated with high in-hospital mortality, especially in patients with right-sided or pan-colonic ischemia. In patients developing acidosis, early laparotomy is essential. Since resection margins’ affection seems to be underestimated upon surgery, resections should be performed wide enough within healthy tissue.     

Impact of preoperative intravenous nitroglycerin on in-hospital outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting for unstable angina

Background

Intravenous nitroglycerin (NTG) is an effective therapy for unstable angina (UA), but it may induce endothelial dysfunction and impair vascular nitric oxide signaling. We sought to determine whether preoperative intravenous NTG administration alters in-hospital outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for UA.

Methods and results

All in-hospital patients with Canadian Cardiovascular Society class IV angina who had isolated CABG between March 1995 and July 2002 at two Canadian centers were identified (n = 3976). Of these, 2506 were not receiving intravenous NTG and 1470 were receiving intravenous NTG at the time of CABG. Outcomes assessed were in-hospital mortality (IHM), intraoperative or postoperative aortic balloon pump use, perioperative myocardial infarction, prolonged (≥24 hours) ventilation (p-vent), and a composite outcome, defined as any one or more of the above. Unadjusted IHM (5.9% vs 4.2%, P = .02), p-vent (22.2% vs 10.5%, P = .0001), and composite outcome (26.5% vs 15.2%, P = .0001) were higher in patients receiving intravenous NTG. Logistic regression showed that preoperative intravenous NTG was not an independent predictor of composite outcome (OR, 1.1; P = .49) or IHM (OR, 0.94; P = .69). Propensity score analysis was used to match two subgroups of patients (group 1, intravenous NTG, n = 1176; group 2, no intravenous NTG, n = 1176) on multiple factors. After adjustment with the propensity score, preoperative intravenous NTG use had no significant effect on any of the outcomes assessed.

Conclusions

Despite its potential to induce endothelial dysfunction and impair vascular nitric oxide signaling, preoperative intravenous NTG administration is not associated with altered in-hospital outcomes after CABG for UA.     

Sitagliptin for prevention of stress hyperglycemia in patients without diabetes undergoing general surgery: A pilot randomized study

Aim

We investigated if a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, sitagliptin, can prevent perioperative stress hyperglycemia in patients without prior history of diabetes mellitus undergoing general surgery.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with poor outcome after acute myocardial infarction

BackgroundSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. However, it is not clear whether or not SLE is associated with poor outcomes after acute myocardial infarction (AMI).Methods and resultsUsing the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database, we identified the SLE group as patients with AMI who have a concurrent discharge diagnosis of SLE. We also selected an age-, sex-, hospital level-, and admission calendar year-matched non-SLE group at a ratio of 1:3 from the total non-SLE group. One hundred fifty-one patients with SLE, 113,791 patients without SLE, and 453 matched patients without SLE were admitted with a diagnosis of AMI. Patients with SLE were significantly younger, predominantly female, and more likely to have chronic kidney disease than those without SLE. The in-hospital mortality rates were 12.6%, 9.0%, and 4.2% in the SLE, total non-SLE, and matched non-SLE groups, respectively. The in-hospital mortality was significantly higher in the SLE group than in the total non-SLE group (OR = 1.98; 95% CI = 1.2–3.26) and the matched non-SLE group (mortality OR = 2.20; 95% CI = 1.06–4.58). In addition, the SLE group was associated with a borderline significant risk of prolonged hospitalization when compared with the non-SLE group.ConclusionSLE is associated with a higher risk of in-hospital mortality and a borderline significantly higher risk of prolonged hospitalization after AMI.