Atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveNew-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after cardiac surgery is common, with rates up to 60%. POAF has been associated with early and late stroke, but its association with other cardiovascular outcomes is less known. The objective was to perform a meta-analysis of the studies reporting the association of POAF with perioperative and long-term outcomes in patients with cardiac surgery.MethodsWe performed a systematic review and a meta-analysis of studies that presented outcomes for cardiac surgery on the basis of the presence or absence of POAF. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were assessed; 57 studies (246,340 patients) were selected. Perioperative mortality was the primary outcome. Inverse variance method and random model were performed. Leave-one-out analysis, subgroup analyses, and metaregression were conducted.ResultsPOAF was associated with perioperative mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.58-2.33), perioperative stroke (OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.90-2.49), perioperative myocardial infarction (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.06-1.54), perioperative acute renal failure (OR, 2.74; 95% CI, 2.42-3.11), hospital (standardized mean difference, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.53-1.07) and intensive care unit stay (standardized mean difference, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.24-0.86), long-term mortality (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.54; 95% CI, 1.40-1.69), long-term stroke (IRR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.21-1.46), and longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation (IRR, 4.73; 95% CI, 3.36-6.66).ConclusionsThe results suggest that POAF after cardiac surgery is associated with an increased occurrence of most short- and long-term cardiovascular adverse events. However, the causality of this association remains to be established.     

Outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with heart failure with a midrange ejection fraction

BackgroundCoronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) improves survival in patients with heart failure and severely reduced left ventricular systolic function (LVEF). Limited data exist regarding adverse cardiovascular event rates after CABG in patients with heart failure with midrange ejection fraction (HFmrEF; LVEF > 40% and < 55%).MethodsWe analyzed data on isolated CABG patients from the Veterans Affairs national database (2010-2019). We stratified patients into control (normal LVEF and no heart failure), HFmrEF, and heart failure with reduced LVEF (HFrEF) groups. We compared all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization rates between groups with a Cox model and recurrent events analysis, respectively.ResultsIn 6533 veterans, HFmrEF and HFrEF was present in 1715 (26.3%) and 566 (8.6%) respectively; the control group had 4252 (65.1%) patients. HFrEF patients were more likely to have diabetes mellitus (59%), insulin therapy (36%), and previous myocardial infarction (31%). Anemia was more prevalent in patients with HFrEF (49%) as was a lower serum albumin (mean, 3.6 mg/dL). Compared with the control group, a higher risk of death was observed in the HFmrEF (hazard ratio [HR], 1.3 [1.2-1.5)] and HFrEF (HR, 1.5 [1.2-1.7]) groups. HFmrEF patients had the higher risk of myocardial infarction (subdistribution HR, 1.2 [1-1.6]; P = .04). Risk of heart failure hospitalization was higher in patients with HFmrEF (HR, 4.1 [3.5-4.7]) and patients with HFrEF (HR, 7.2 [6.2-8.5]).ConclusionsHeart failure with midrange ejection fraction negatively affects survival after CABG. These patients also experience higher rates myocardial infarction and heart failure hospitalization.     

丙泊酚复合瑞芬太尼喉罩全麻的效果分析与研究

目的 探讨丙泊酚复合瑞芬太尼喉罩全身麻醉(全麻)的效果。方法 62例腹腔镜、泌尿科、骨科、肛肠科、妇科等手术治疗的患者,随机分为实验组和对照组,每组31例。对照组采用常规气管插管静脉复合全麻,实验组给予靶控输注丙泊酚复合瑞芬太尼喉罩全麻。比较两组患者插入喉罩(插管)、插管1 min、插管3 min、拔出喉罩(拔管)1 min、拔管3 min时心率(HR)和平均动脉压(MAP)水平;不良反应发生情况、麻醉效果;全麻起效时间、维持全麻时间、术后苏醒时间。结果 实验组插管时、插管1 min、插管3 min、拔管1 min、拔管3 min的HR水平分别为(77.52±6.36)、(73.26±5.56)、(72.01±4.69)、(75.35±7.63)、(72.34±6.79)次/min,均低于对照组的(92.34±7.85)、(87.97±5.25)、(78.85±5.20)、(95.69±9.21)、(85.63±7.43)次/min,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。实验组插管时、插管1 min、插管3 min、拔管1 min、拔管3 min的MAP水平分别为(90.25±6.73)、(87.65±7.98)、(88.79±7.65)、(88.09±5.61)、(88.52±5.16)mm Hg(1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa),均低于对照组的(109.51±7.85)、(103.27±12.43)、(102.52±8.21)、(106.74±7.68)、(104.62±7.71)mm Hg,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。实验组不良反应发生率3.23%低于对照组的19.35%,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。实验组麻醉总有效率96.77%均高于对照组的80.65%,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。实验组全麻起效、维持全麻、术后苏醒时间分别为(1.61±0.23)、(100.59±6.72)、(17.99±3.52)min,均短于对照组的(2.93±0.41)、(123.61±7.85)、(36.87±4.16)min,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 针对腹腔镜等手术患者应用丙泊酚复合瑞芬太尼喉罩全麻对血液动力学影响小,不良反应发生率低,麻醉效果良好,降低对机体损伤,值得推广应用。     

Association of the time to first epinephrine administration and outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: SOS-KANTO 2012 study

Objective

This study assessed the association between the timing of first epinephrine administration (EA) and the neurological outcomes following out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) with both initial shockable and non-shockable rhythms.

A case of acute heart failure associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome

Abstract Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a disease of the peripheral nervous system, which is caused by aberrant immune responses directed against some components of peripheral nerves. GBS is rarely accompanied by cardiovascular involvement. We describe a case of acute neuropathy complicated by sudden heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction which had a presumably neurogenic origin. Pathogenesis of acute heart failure is probably due to transitorial stunned myocardium and neurogenic cardiac injury. We show a rare case of transitorial and acute cardiac dysfunction by echocardiography and laboratory markers of heart failure.     

塞来昔布对大鼠心脏移植急性排斥反应的抑制作用

目的观察塞来昔布对大鼠心脏移植急性排斥反应的抑制作用。方法以SD大鼠为供者,Wistar大鼠为受者,进行40次腹部异位心脏移植。采用HE染色和原位末端标记(TUN EL)技术检测移植心切片,进行排斥反应的病理分级并计算移植心肌细胞的凋亡指数(AI)。结果移植心的细胞凋亡主要发生于心肌细胞;移植后第3、5d,塞来昔布治疗组心肌细胞凋亡指数分别为:1.03±0.42和3.28±2.42;对照组分别为2.35±1.51和11.35±3.46;两组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001)。结论细胞凋亡是心脏移植急性排斥中组织损伤的重要机制;塞来昔布能明显抑制心肌细胞凋亡。     

Hemodynamic analysis of descending versus ascending aortomyoplasty, and comparison with intra-aortic balloon pump

Objective: Descending and ascending aortomyoplasty are two surgical procedures intended to induce hemodynamic benefits similar to those of the intra-aortic-balloon-pump (IABP). To date, there have been no studies comparing the two surgical techniques. The objective of this study was to compare coronary blood flow augmentation and afterload reduction as produced by descending and ascending aortomyoplasty counterpulsation Methods: Twenty-two mongrel dogs (18–35 kg) underwent IABP application (n=7), descending (n=8), or ascending (n=7) aortomyoplasty. Left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery blood flow was measured using a Transonic Doppler flow probe. Left ventricular pressure as well as aortic pressures proximal and distal to either the aortomyoplasty site or the IABP position were monitored continuously. Results: Descending aortomyoplasty induced higher elevation in the LAD blood flow during assisted beats (27% from 10.8±4 to 13.8±6 ml/min, P<0.001) than that induced by either ascending aortomyoplasty (19% from 11.7±5 to 14±5 ml/min, P<0.001) or IABP counterpulsation (18% from 8.6±3 to 10.2±4 ml/min, P<0.001). Conversely, while ascending aortomyoplasty reduced the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure by 16% (from 60±18 to 50±22 mmHg, P<0.001), similar to the 16% after load reduction achieved by the IABP counterpulsation, descending aortomyoplasty failed to induce afterload reduction. Conclusions: Descending aortomyoplasty produces higher coronary blood flow augmentation than either ascending aortomyoplasty or IABP. However, afterload reduction comparable to that achieved by IABP was observed only with ascending aortomyoplasty and not with descending aortomyoplasty.     

Repeated measurements of mite and pet allergen levels in house dust over a time period of 8 years

BACKGROUND: Studies of the association between indoor allergen exposure and the development of allergic diseases have often measured allergen exposure at one point in time. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the variability of house dust mite (Der p 1, Der f 1) and cat (Fel d 1) allergen in Dutch homes over a period of 8 years. METHODS: Data were obtained in the Dutch PIAMA birth cohort study. Dust from the child's mattress, the parents' mattress and the living room floor was collected at four points in time, when the child was 3 months, 4, 6 and 8 years old. Dust samples were analysed for Der p 1, Der f 1 and Fel d 1 by sandwich enzyme immuno assay. RESULTS: Mite allergen concentrations for the child's mattress, the parents' mattress and the living room floor were moderately correlated between time-points. Agreement was better for cat allergen. For Der p 1 and Der f 1 on the child's mattress, the within-home variance was close to or smaller than the between-home variance in most cases. For Fel d 1, the within-home variance was almost always smaller than the between-home variance. Results were similar for allergen levels expressed per gram of dust and allergen levels expressed per square metre of the sampled surface. Variance ratios were smaller when samples were taken at shorter time intervals than at longer time intervals. CONCLUSION: Over a period of 4 years, mite and cat allergens measured in house dust are sufficiently stable to use single measurements with confidence in epidemiological studies. The within-home variance was larger when samples were taken 8 years apart so that over such long periods, repetition of sampling is recommended.     

Testing for familial aggregation of functional traits

In a genetic epidemiology study of a trait, prior to collecting genotype data the foremost task is to test for familial aggregation and examine heritability. Recently, functional traits have drawn attentions from investigators. Here, to test for familial aggregation of a functional trait in the family studies, a test constructed based on the leading functional principal component of heritability, which is a summary measure of temporal genetic variation in a functional trait, is proposed. The p‐value of the test can be approximated by a permutation procedure given the family structure. The asymptotic distribution of the test statistic is derived. Simulations are carried out to examine the size and the power of the test. The proposed methods are applied to the total cholesterol data in the Framingham Heart Study. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.