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The recently discovered selective glomerular hypofiltration syndromes have increased interest in the actual elimination of molecules in the human kidney. In the present study, a novel human model was introduced to directly measure the single-pass renal elimination of molecules of increasing size. Plasma concentrations of urea, creatinine, C-peptide, insulin, pro-BNP, β2-microglobulin, cystatin C, troponin-T, orosomucoid, albumin, and IgG were analysed in arterial and renal venous blood from 45 patients undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI). The renal elimination ratio (RER) was calculated as the arteriovenous concentration difference divided by the arterial concentration. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated by the CKD-EPI equations for both creatinine and cystatin C. Creatinine (0.11 kDa) showed the highest RER (21.0 ± 6.3%). With increasing molecular size, the RER gradually decreased, where the RER of cystatin C (13 kDa) was 14.4 ± 5.3% and troponin-T (36 kDa) was 11.3 ± 4.6%. The renal elimination threshold was found between 36 and 44 kDa as the RER of orosomucoid (44 kDa) was −0.2 ± 4.7%. The RER of creatinine and cystatin C showed a significant and moderate positive linear relationship with eGFR (r = 0.48 and 0.40). In conclusion, a novel human model was employed to demonstrate a decline in renal elimination with increasing molecular size. Moreover, RERs of creatinine and cystatin C were found to correlate with eGFR, suggesting the potential of this model to study selective glomerular hypofiltration syndromes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients treated with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is associated with high mortality. The objective of this study was to investigate whether cytokine levels before the initiation of ECMO treatment could predict AKI. We also aimed to investigate the impact of AKI on 30-day and 1-year mortality. Methods: Serum cytokine levels were analyzed in 100 consecutive VA-ECMO-treated patients at pre-cannulation, at 48 h post-cannulation, and at 8 days. Clinical data to establish the incidence and outcome of AKI after the start of ECMO was retrieved from the local ECMO registry. Setting: The study was conducted at tertiary care, university hospital. Participants included 100 patients treated with VA-ECMO. Interventions: The blood samples for cytokine analysis were collected before VA-ECMO treatment, at 48 h after VA-ECMO treatment was started, and at 8 days. Results: Pre-cannulation serum IL-10 levels were significantly higher in patients who developed AKI (212 [38.9, 620.7]) versus those who did not (49.0 [11.9, 102.2]; p = 0.007), and the development of AKI can be predicted by pre-cannulation IL-10 levels (p = 0.025, OR = 1.2 [1.02–1.32]). The development of AKI during ECMO treatment is associated with increased 30-day mortality (p = 0.049) compared to patients who did not develop AKI and had a pre-cannulation estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥ 45 mL/min. The 1-year survival rate for patients with AKI who survived the first 30 days of ECMO treatment is comparable to that of patients without AKI. Conclusion: Increased pre-cannulation IL-10 levels are associated with the development of AKI during VA-ECMO support. AKI is associated with increased 30-day mortality compared to patients with no AKI and better renal function. However, patients with AKI who survive the first 30 days have a 1-year survival rate similar to those without AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Hemodynamic assessment of prosthetic heart valves using conventional 2D transthoracic Echocardiography-Doppler (2D-TTE) has limitations. Of those, left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) area measurement is one of the major limitations of the continuity equation, which assumes a circular LVOT. (2) Methods: This study comprised 258 patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS), who were treated with the ACURATE neo2. The LVOT area and its dependent Doppler-derived parameters, including effective orifice area (EOA) and stroke volume (SV), in addition to their indexed values, were calculated from post-TAVI 2D-TTE. In addition, the 3D-LVOT area from pre-procedural MDCT scans was obtained and used to calculate corrected Doppler-derived parameters. The incidence rates of prosthesis patient mismatch (PPM) were compared between the 2D-TTE and MDCT-based methods (3) Results: The main results show that the 2D-TTE measured LVOT is significantly smaller than 3D-MDCT (350.4 ± 62.04 mm2 vs. 405.22 ± 81.32 mm2) (95% Credible interval (CrI) of differences: −55.15, −36.09), which resulted in smaller EOA (2.25 ± 0.59 vs. 2.58 ± 0.63 cm2) (Beta = −0.642 (95%CrI of differences: −0.85, −0.43), and lower SV (73.88 ± 21.41 vs. 84.47 ± 22.66 mL), (Beta = −7.29 (95% CrI: −14.45, −0.14)), respectively. PPM incidence appears more frequent with 2D-TTE- than 3D-MDCT-corrected measurements (based on the EOAi) 8.52% vs. 2.32%, respectively. In addition, significant differences regarding the EOA among the three valve sizes (S, M and L) were seen only with the MDCT, but not on 2D-TTE. (4) Conclusions: The corrected continuity equation by combining the 3D-LVOT area from MDCT with the TTE Doppler parameters might provide a more accurate assessment of hemodynamic parameters and PPM diagnosis in patients treated with TAVI. The ACURATE neo2 THV has a large EOA and low incidence of PPM using the 3D-corrected LVOT area than on 2D-TTE. These findings need further confirmation on long-term follow-up and in other studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Patients undergoing cardiac surgery often require transfusions of red blood cells, plasma and platelets. These components differ widely in both indications for use and composition. However, from a statistical point of view there is a significant colinearity between the components. This study explores the relation between the transfusion of different blood components and long-term mortality. Methods A retrospective single-centre study was performed including 5,261 coronary artery bypass grafting patients, excluding patients receiving more than eight units of red blood cells, those suffering early death (7 days) and emergency cases. Patients were followed up for a period of up to 7.5 years. A broad spectrum of potential risk factors was analysed using Cox proportional hazards survival regression. Non-significant risk factors were removed by step-wise elimination, and transfusion of red blood cells, plasma and platelets was forced to remain in the model. Results The transfusion of red blood cells was not associated with decreased long-term mortality (HR = 1.007, p = 0.775), whereas the transfusion of plasma was associated with decreased long-term survival (HR = 1.060, p < 0.001), and the transfusion of platelets was associated with increased long-term survival (HR = 0.817, p = 0.011). The risk associated with transfusion of plasma was mainly attributed to patients receiving large amounts of plasma. All hazard ratios are per unit of blood product transfused. Conclusions No association was found between the transfusion of red blood cells and mortality during the study period. However, transfusion of plasma was associated with increased mortality while transfusion of platelets was associated with decreased mortality during the study period., Author(s): Henrik Bjursten [sup.2], Alain Dardashti [sup.1], Per Ederoth [sup.1], Björn Brondén [sup.1], Lars Algotsson [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.4514.4, 0000000109302361, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Clinical Sciences, Lund [...]

We aimed to investigate a hypothesised association between daily mean temperature and the risk of surgery for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). For the period of 1 January 2005 until 31 December 2019, we collected daily data on mean temperatures and date of 2995 operations for ATAAD at 10 Nordic cities included in the Nordic Consortium for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection (NORCAAD) collaboration. Using a two-stage time-series approach, we investigated the association between hot and cold temperatures relative to the optimal temperature and the rate of ATAAD repair in the selected cities. The relative risks (RRs) of cold temperatures (≤−5°C) and hot temperatures (≥21°C) compared to optimal temperature were 1.47 (95% CI: 0.72–2.99) and 1.43 (95% CI: 0.67–3.08), respectively. In line with previous studies, we observed increased risk at cold and hot temperatures. However, the observed associations were not statistically significant, thus only providing weak evidence of an association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To investigate outcome after septal myectomy and to evaluate long-term hemodynamics with exercise echocardiography. Methods This study included 40 consecutive patients operated with septal myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy from January 1998 to August 2017 at Skane University Hospital, Lund, Sweden. Perioperative clinical data and echocardiography measurements were reviewed retrospectively. Patients (n = 36) who were alive and living in Sweden were invited for exercise echocardiography to evaluate exercise capacity and hemodynamics, of whom 19 patients performed exercise echocardiography. Results Overall survival was 100% at 1 year and 96% at 5 years following surgery. Preoperative median resting peak LVOT (left ventricular outflow tract) gradient was 80 mm Hg. Septum thickness was reduced from 22 ± 4 mm preoperatively to 16 ± 3 mm postoperatively (p < 0.001). During exercise echocardiography, the peak LVOT gradient was 8 mm Hg at rest, and increased to 13 mm Hg during exercise echocardiography (p = 0.002). None of the patients had dynamic LVOT obstruction during exercise echocardiography, and there was no clinically significant systolic anterior motion or severe mitral insufficiency during exercise. Conclusions Long-term survival following septal myectomy is very good. At long-term follow-up, LVOT gradients were low and exercise echocardiography demonstrated good hemodynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Retransfusion of the patient's own blood during surgery is used to reduce the need for allogenic blood transfusion. It has however been found that this blood contains lipid particles, which form emboli in different organs if the blood is retransfused on the arterial side. In this study, we tested whether retransfusion of blood containing lipid micro-particles on the venous side in a porcine model will give hemodynamic effects. Methods Seven adult pigs were used. A shed blood surrogate containing 400 ml diluted blood and 5 ml radioactive triolein was produced to generate a lipid embolic load. The shed blood surrogate was rapidly ( Results A more than 30-fold increase in pulmonary vascular resistance was observed, with subsequent increase in pulmonary artery pressure, and decrease in cardiac output and arterial pressure. This response was transient, but was followed by a smaller, persistent increase in pulmonary vascular resistance. Only a small portion of the infused triolein passed the lungs, and only a small fraction could be recirculated by increasing cardiac output and pulmonary pressure. Conclusion Infusion of blood containing lipid micro-emboli on the venous side leads to acute, severe hemodynamic responses that can be life threatening. Lipid particles will be trapped in the lungs, leading to persistent effects on the pulmonary vascular resistance.

Aims  Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), now a common procedure to treat high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis, has rapidly been expanding into younger and lower-risk populations, creating a need to better understand long-term outcome after TAVI. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the incidence, risk factors for, clinical presentation of, and outcome after prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) in patients treated with TAVI in a nationwide study. Methods and results  Three registries were used: a national TAVI registry, a national diagnosis registry, and a national infective endocarditis registry. Combining these registries made it possible to perform a nationwide, all-comers study with independent and validated reporting of PVE in 4336 patients between 2008 and mid-2018. The risk for PVE after TAVI was 1.4% (95% confidence interval 1.0–1.8%) the first year and 0.8% (0.6–1.1%) per year thereafter. One-year survival after PVE diagnosis was 58% (49–68%), and 5-year survival was 29% (17–41%). Body surface area, estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m2, critical pre-operative state, mean pre-procedural valve gradient, amount of contrast dye used, transapical access, and atrial fibrillation were identified as independent risk factors for PVE. Staphylococcus aureus was more common in early (<1 year) PVE. Infection with S. aureus, root abscess, late PVE, and non-community acquisition was associated with higher 6-month mortality. Conclusion  The incidence of PVE was similar to that of surgical bioprostheses. Compromised renal function was a strong risk factor for developing PVE. In the context of PVE, TAVI seems to be a safe option for patients. Clinical Trial Registration NCT03768180 (http://clinicaltrials.gov/). Open in new tab Download slide Open in new tab Download slide [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shrunken pore syndrome (SPS) is a condition in which estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based upon cystatin C is lower than eGFR based upon creatinine. It has been associated with increased mortality even in the presence of normal GFR in both a cardiac surgical population and a general population. No systematic studies of the variation in eGFRcystatin C/eGFRcreatinine-ratio used for SPS diagnosis have been published. This study aims to evaluate whether early and midterm mortality following elective cardiac surgery varies with the ratio used to identify SPS. Preoperative levels of cystatin C and creatinine were analysed in 4007 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and/or surgical aortic valve replacement (sAVR). The eGFRcystatin C/eGFRcreatinine-ratio was calculated based on the equation pairs CKD-EPIcystatin C/CKD-EPIcreatinine and CAPA/LMrev. The overall 1- and 3-year all-cause mortality was 2.9 and 6.8%, respectively. Mean follow-up time was 3.6 years. Mortality markedly and progressively increased with a decrease in the eGFRcystatin C/eGFRcreatinine-ratio for both equation pairs. An increase in mortality was noted already when the ratio decreased from 1.0 to 0.90. To facilitate the clinical decisions based upon the SPS-defining eGFRcystatin C/eGFRcreatinine-ratio, we calculated both the ratios defining the highest combined sensitivity and specificity and the ratios producing a high specificity of 95%, finding different cut-off for these scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To summarize our findings, transfusion of 1-2 or 3-4 units of RBC was not associated with increased long-term mortality if adjusted for preoperative C-reactive protein, estimated glomerular filtration rate, haemoglobin levels, leucocyte count and leucocyte-depleted RBC transfusion. Keywords: Blood transfusion; Mortality; Comorbidities EN Blood transfusion Mortality Comorbidities 1 1 1 08/03/23 20230701 NES 230701 I read with interest the article by Tang I et al. i [[1]] in the May issue of I EJCTS i . Fewer transfusions are still more - red blood cell transfusions affect long-term mortality in cardiac surgery. [Extracted from the article]

Background: In the evolving field of transcatheter aortic valve replacements a new generation of valves have been introduced to clinical practice. With the complexity of the TAVR procedure and the unique aspects of each TAVR device, there is a perceived risk that changing or adding a new valve in a department could lead to a worse outcome for patients, especially during the learning phase. The objective was to study the safety aspect of introducing a second generation repositionable transcatheter valve (Boston Scientific Lotus valve besides Edwards Sapien valve) in a department.Methods: In a retrospective study, 53 patients receiving the Lotus system, and 47 patients receiving the Sapien system over a period of three years were compared for short-term outcome according to VARC-2 definitions and 1-year survival.Results: Outcome in terms VARC-2 criteria for early safety and clinical efficacy, stroke rate, and survival at 30 days and at 1 year were similar. The Lotus valve had less paravalvular leakage, where 90% had none or trace aortic insufficiency as compared to only 48% for the Sapien system.Conclusions: Introduction of a new generation valve can be done with early device success and safety, and without jeopardizing the outcome for patients up to one year. We found no adverse effects by changing valve type and observed improved outcome in terms of lower PVL-rates. Both existing and new centers starting a TAVR program can benefit from the use of a new generation device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery is common and results in increased morbidity and mortality. One possible mechanism for AKI is ischaemia--reperfusion injury caused by the extracorporeal circulation (ECC), resulting in an opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) in the kidneys, which can lead to cell injury or cell death. Ciclosporin may block the opening of mPTP if administered before the ischaemia--reperfusion injury. We hypothesised that ciclosporin given before the start of ECC in cardiac surgery can decrease the degree of AKI. Methods and analysis: Ciclosporin to Protect Renal function In Cardiac Surgery (CiPRICS) study is an investigator-initiated double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel design, single-centre study performed at a tertiary university hospital. The primary objective is to assess the safety and efficacy of ciclosporin to limit the degree of AKI in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. We aim to evaluate 150 patients with a preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate of 15-90 mL/min/ 1.73 m². Study patients are randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive study drug 2.5 mg/kg ciclosporin or placebo as an intravenous injection after anaesthesia induction but before start of surgery. The primary end point consists of relative P-cystatin C changes from the preoperative day to postoperative day 3. The primary variable will be tested using an analysis of covariance method. Secondary end points include evaluation of P-creatinine and biomarkers of kidney, heart and brain injury. Ethics and dissemination: The trial is conducted in compliance with the current version of the Declaration of Helsinki and the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) Good Clinical Practice guidelines E6 (R1) and was approved by the Regional Ethical Review Board, Lund and the Swedish Medical Products Agency (MPA). Written and oral informed consent is obtained before enrolment into the study. Trial registration number: NCT02397213; Pre-results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Short-term survival in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation is favorable. Our aim was to evaluate late survival and composite clinical endpoints specified by the Valve Academic Research Consortium-2, including rehospitalization for congestive heart failure. Methods Between January 2008 and April 2014, 166 consecutive patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis underwent 168 transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedures at our facility. This cohort was compared with propensity score-matched aortic valve replacement patients. Event rates were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Cox regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of outcome. Results Although 30-day mortality rates following both procedures were similar (4.2% and 4.8%; p = 0.81), significant differences were seen in corresponding rates of survival (51.7% ± 5.8% vs. 72.3% ± 4.3%; p < 0.001) and cumulative rehospitalization for congestive heart failure (41.3% ± 7.2% vs. 23% ± 4.3%; p = 0.006). New York Heart Association functional class IV preoperative status was an independent risk factor for rehospitalization due to congestive heart failure (p = 0.015). Conclusions This study confirms the merit of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in high-risk patients with aortic stenosis, although late survival proved inferior to that of aortic valve replacement in propensity score-matched subjects. Early safety was excellent for both treatment groups, however, patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation had a higher incidence of rehospitalization for congestive heart failure and myocardial infarction during follow-up. Patients with severe congestive heart failure should be carefully monitored and aggressively treated to improve outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shrunken Pore Syndrome was recently suggested for the pathophysiologic state in patients characterized by an estimation of their glomerular filtration rate (GFR) based upon cystatin  C, which is lower or equal to 60% of their estimated GFR based upon creatinine, i.e. when eGFRcystatin  C ≤ 60% of eGFRcreatinine. Not only the cystatin  C level, but also the levels of other low molecular mass proteins are increased in this condition. The preoperative plasma levels of cystatin  C and creatinine were measured in 1638 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting. eGFRcystatin  Cand eGFRcreatininewere calculated using two pairs of estimating equations, CAPA and LMrev, and CKD-EPIcystatin  Cand CKD-EPIcreatinine, respectively. The Shrunken Pore Syndrome was present in 2.1% of the patients as defined by the CAPA and LMrev equations and in 5.7% of the patients as defined by the CKD-EPIcystatin  Cand CKD-EPIcreatinineequations. The patients were studied over a median follow-up time of 3.5 years (2.0–5.0 years) and the mortality determined. Shrunken Pore Syndrome defined by both pairs of equations was a strong, independent, predictor of long-term mortality as evaluated by Cox analysis and as illustrated by Kaplan-Meier curves. Increased mortality was observed also for the subgroups of patients with GFR above or below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Changing the cut-off level from 60 to 70% for the CAPA and LMrev equations increased the number of patients with Shrunken Pore Syndrome to 6.5%, still displaying increased mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Patients undergoing cardiac operations often require transfusions of red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. From a statistical point of view, there is a significant collinearity between the components, but they differ in indications for use and composition. This study explores the relationship between the transfusion of different blood components and long-term mortality in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement alone or combined with revascularization. Methods: A retrospective single-center study was performed including 1,311 patients undergoing aortic valve replacement. Patients who received more than 7 units of red blood cells, those who died early (7 days), and emergency cases were excluded. Patients were monitored for up to 9.5 years. A broad selection of potential risk factors were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression, where transfusion of red blood cells, plasma, and platelets were forced to remain in the model. Results: The transfusion of red blood cells was not associated with decreased long-term survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.01; p = 0.520) nor was the transfusion of platelets (HR, 0.946; p = 0.124); however, the transfusion of plasma was (HR, 1.041; p < 0.001). All HRs are per unit of blood product transfused. No increased risk was found for patients undergoing a combined procedure. Conclusions: No significant risk for long-term mortality was associated with transfusion of red blood cells during the study period. However, the transfusion of plasma was associated with increased mortality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective. Lipid embolizations from retransfused shed blood during cardiac surgery have been shown to enter the circulation and end up in different organs. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate differences in the kinetics and deposition between emulsified and non-emulsified lipid emboli in a porcine model. Design. Twelve animals were anesthetized and put on cardiopulmonary bypass. A shed-blood phantom (6 animals given emulsified and 6 given non-emulsified lipids) was produced from arterial blood, saline, and tritium-labeled triolein. The phantom was infused into the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit. Arterial and venous blood samples were taken at short intervals. Tissue samples were taken post-mortem from examined organs and prepared for scintillation counting. Levels of radioactivity were used to measure lipid emboli content in blood and tissue. Results. Emulsified lipid emboli generated a 5-fold higher embolic load in the arterial and a 12-fold higher in the venous circulation, compared with non-emulsified lipid emboli. Emulsified lipid micro emboli resulted in a 2-15-fold higher tissue deposition in investigated organs compared with non-emulsified lipid micro emboli. Conclusions. This study shows that the state of emulsion significantly alter the kinetics and tissue deposition of lipid emboli. Emulsified lipid emboli give higher embolic load in the arterial and venous circulation, and higher tissue deposition versus non-emulsified lipid emboli. In both groups, the embolic load was higher in the arterial circulation than on the venous side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. Preoperative treatment with anti-coagulants for patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) exposes patients undergoing surgical revascularization to a higher risk of perioperative bleeding. The aim of this study was to compare the effect on bleeding and transfusion needs during cardiac surgery for patients treated with enoxaparin or fondaparinux. Design. Using a combined retrospective and prospective approach, we studied the outcome of 147 patients with NSTE-ACS referred to coronary artery bypass grafting in terms of bleeding, blood transfusions and other complications. Results. Eighty patients were treated preoperatively with enoxaparin, and 67 patients with fondaparinux. There was no significant difference in postoperative bleeding (532 ± 355 for enoxaparin group vs. 580 ± 300 ml for fondaparinux group, p = ns) or transfusion needs for the two groups. A subgroup analysis of the fondaparinux group showed a significantly higher amount of postoperative bleeding after 12 h for patients when preoperative treatment with fondaparinux was discontinued less than 36 h prior to surgery compared to more than 36 h. Discussion. This study suggests that preoperative treatment with fondaparinux for NSTE-ACS is as safe as enoxaparin in terms of postoperative bleeding and transfusion needs. Findings support discontinuation of fondaparinux at 36 h prior to surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiotomy suction blood is used in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery to maintain blood volume in the CPB system, although it is known to contain micro emboli, cytokines and free plasma hemoglobin. Our aim was to investigate whether cell saver washing the cardiotomy suction blood before re-transfusing it is safe.This is a retrospective study of 1671 elective coronary artery bypass patients, 209 of whom had their pericardial blood processed in a cell saver (Ce-S group). PS matching was performed with patients who had their pericardial blood returned back to the CPB-system by the cardiotomy suction (Ca-S group). Perioperative transfusion requirements, surgical outcome, postoperative lab data and mortality were then compared.There were no differences in baseline characteristics or EuroSCORE between the groups. The number of patients requiring transfusions did not differ, but the patients in the Ca-S group received more platelets (0.34 ± 1.0 vs 0.16 ± 0.7 units, p = .03) than in the Ce-S group. CRP (c-reactive protein) levels at day 2 and 4 were higher in the Ca-S group (174.8 ± 67.2 and 148.9 ± 74.3 mg/L vs 160.1 ± 64.6 and 125.9 ± 67.2 mg/L, p = .03, p = .002) and so were ASAT (aspartate aminotransferase) levels (0.97 ± 0.8 vs 0.81 ± 0.6 μkat/L, p = .03). Mortality, postoperative ventilation time, stroke, mediastinal infections and length of stay in the ICU were the same in both groups.In this retrospective study of patients undergoing elective CABG surgery, washing the cardiotomy suction blood before re-transfusion was not associated with higher risk of allogenic blood transfusion, postoperative stroke, mediastinal infections, or 30- and 365-days mortality.LU EPN 2016/4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]