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BACKGROUND Quality of life (QoL) assessment before and after surgical treatment in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHTP) may be useful for comprehensive evaluation of the treatment effect, as well as for monitoring of the patient' condition after surgery, including in real clinical practice. AIM The aim of the study was to validate and test the Russian version of the PHPQoL questionnaire for assessment of the quality of life (QoL) in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) for further application in clinical practice and research in Russia. MATERIALS AND METHODS The linguistic and cultural adaptation of the PHPQoL questionnaire was carried out in accordance with international guidelines. Psychometric properties of the tool, namely, its reliability, validity and sensitivity were tested in the focus group of patients with PHPTResults: In the whole, 65 patients with PHPT were involved into the study (mean age - 52.3 ± 10.5 years, 97% - -women): 67.7% patients were symptomatic, 35.4% patients had moderate or severe hypercalcemia. All the patients filled out the Russian version of PHPQoL before parathyroidectomy. One third of patients filled out the Russian version of PHPQoL twice - before surgery and 3 months after surgery. Satisfactory external and content validity of the Russian version of PHPQoL was demonstrated. Its stable structure confirmed satisfactory construct validity of the questionnaire. The ability of the tool to determine differences in severity of symptoms/problems due to PHPT before and after treatment was revealed. The positive effect of the surgery on QoL in PHPT patients was shown. CONCLUSION The results obtained during the study confirm that the Russian version of PHPQoL is a reliable, valid and sensitive tool. Feasibility and applicability of its use in research and clinical practice in Russian endocrinology settings has been demonstrated.

Background: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the use of inhalational anesthesia leads to higher suppression of the cell-mediated immunity compared to total intravenous anesthesia in patients undergoing kidney cancer surgery under combined low thoracic epidural analgesia and general anesthesia. Methods: Patients were randomly allocated to either propofol-based (intravenous anesthetic) or sevoflurane-based (volatile anesthetic) anesthesia group with 10 patients in each group, along with epidural analgesia in both groups. Amounts of natural killer cells, total T lymphocytes, and T lymphocyte subpopulations in the blood samples collected from the patients before surgery, at the end of the surgery and postoperative days 1, 3, and 7, were determined by flow cytometric analysis. The natural killer (NK) cell count served as the primary endpoint of the study, whereas the total T lymphocyte count and cell counts for T lymphocyte subpopulations were used as the secondary endpoint. . Results: Our study showed that there were no significant differences in the amount of NK cells, total T lymphocytes, regulatory T cells, and T-helper cells, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and their subpopulations between the propofol- and sevoflurane-based anesthesia groups when the anesthesia was administered in combination with epidural analgesia. Conclusions: The results of this pilot study did not support the hypothesis that the use of inhalational anesthesia leads to higher suppression of the cell-mediated immunity than that of total intravenous anesthesia in patients undergoing kidney cancer surgery under combined low thoracic epidural analgesia and general anesthesia.

Anesthesiology, the branch of medicine concerning anesthesia and management of the vital functions of patients undergoing surgery, has played an important role in the development of cardiac surgery. In the middle of the last century, medical professionals had little experience in the treatment of congenital and acquired heart diseases. Progress of cardiac anesthesiology in Russia, as well as in countries across the globe, was due to requests to increase the safety of surgical procedures and to improve survival rates for the increasing number of patients with complex heart diseases. The development of cardiac surgery and anesthesiology in Russia evolved in 2 directions simultaneously in the mid-1950s. Some surgeons widely accepted the use of perfusionless hypothermia (hypothermia caused by surface cooling without perfusion); others were in favor of cardiopulmonary bypass technology. This review focuses on major historic milestones of cardiac anesthesiology in Russia, including its current status and the major problems it faces today.

Introduction: Weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a critical step of any cardiac surgical procedure and often requires pharmacologic intervention. Calcium ions are pivotal elements for the excitation-contraction coupling process of cardiac myocytes. Thus, calcium administration might be helpful during weaning from CPB. Methods: We describe a multicenter, placebo-controlled, double blind randomized clinical trial to assess the effect of calcium chloride on the need for inotropic support among adult patients during weaning from CPB. The experimental group (409 patients) will receive 15 mg/kg of calcium chloride. The control group (409 patients) will receive an equivalent volume of 0.9% sodium chloride. Both drugs will be administered intravenously as a bolus at the beginning of weaning from CPB. Results: The primary outcome will be the need for inotropic support between termination of CPB and completion of surgery. Secondary outcomes will be: duration of inotropic support, vasoactive-inotropic score 30 min after transfer to intensive care unit and on postoperative day 1, plasma alpha-amylase on postoperative day 1, plasma Ca2+ concentration immediately before and 10-15 min after calcium chloride administration, non-fatal myocardial infarction, blood loss on postoperative day 1, need for transfusion of red blood cells, signs of myocardial ischemia on electrocardiogram after arrival to intensive care unit, all-cause mortality at 30 days or during hospital stay if this is longer than 30 days. Discussion: This trial is designed to assess whether intravenous calcium chloride administration could reduce the need for inotropic support after cardiopulmonary bypass weaning among adults undergoing cardiac surgery.

Hyperglycemia may contribute to the progression of carcinomas by triggering epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Some proteostasis systems are involved in metastasis; in this paper, we sought to explore the mechanism of Hsp70 chaperone in EMT. We showed that knockdown of Hsp70 reduced cell migration capacity concomitantly with levels of mRNA of the Slug, Snail, and Twist markers of EMT, in colon cancer cells incubated in high glucose medium. Conversely, treatment of cells with Hsp70 inducer U-133 were found to elevate cell motility, along with the other EMT markers. To prove that inhibiting Hsp70 may reduce EMT efficiency, we treated cells with a CL-43 inhibitor of the HSF1 transcription factor, which lowered Hsp70 and HSF1 content in the control and induced EMT in carcinoma cells. Importantly, CL-43 reduced migration capacity, EMT-linked transcription factors, and increased content of epithelial marker E-cadherin in colon cancer cells of three lines, including one derived from a clinical sample. To prove that Hsp70 chaperone should be targeted when inhibiting the EMT pathway, we treated cancer cells with 2-phenylethynesulfonamide (PES) and demonstrated that the compound inhibited substrate-binding capacity of Hsp70. Furthermore, PES suppressed EMT features, cell motility, and expression of specific transcription factors. In conclusion, the Hsp70 chaperone machine efficiently protects mechanisms of the EMT, and the safe inhibitors of the chaperone are needed to hamper metastasis at its initial stage.

Journal of parenteral and enteral nutrition : JPEN 43(6), 768-779 (2019). doi:10.1002/jpen.1486, Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ

The aim of the present study was to test a hypothesis that baseline systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) assessed by method of transpulmonary thermodilution predicts perioperative requirement for vasoactive drugs. The primary outcomes were: (1) peak vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) and (2) peak dose of hypotensive drugs at any stage of surgery. The main exposure variable was baseline SVRI. Hemodynamics were retrospectively assessed by transpulmonary thermodilution in 50 adults who had undergone posterior retroperitoneal surgery for pheochromocytoma. Univariate linear regression analysis showed predictive value of SVRI on VIS [regression coefficient, 95% CI; 0.024 (0.005, 0.4), p=0.015]. Other significant factors were the history of peak diastolic pressure, baseline MAP, baseline betablocker therapy, and history of coronary artery disease (CAD). After adjustment of SVRI for the history of CAD, its prognostic value became non-significant [0.018 (0.008, 0.03), p=0.063 and 29.6 (19, 40.2), p=0.007 for SVRI and history of CAD, respectively]. Requirements of vasodilators were predicted by baseline adrenergic activity [0.37 (0.005, 0.74), p=0.047]. In conclusion, baseline SVRI is associated with perioperative requirement of vasopressor drugs, but history of CAD is a stronger prognostic factor for vasopressor support. Perioperative requirement in vasodilators is associated with baseline adrenergic activity.

Data in Brief 34, 106651 (2021). doi:10.1016/j.dib.2020.106651, Published by Elsevier, Amsterdam [u.a.]

Objectives To describe international practices on the use of calcium salts during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) weaning in adult cardiac surgery patients. Design Multiple-choice survey on current practice of CPB weaning. Setting Online survey using the SurveyMonkey platform. Participants Departments of cardiac anesthesiology worldwide. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results Out of 112 surveys sent, 100 centers from 32 countries replied. The majority of centers (88 of 100 = 88%) administer calcium salts intraoperatively: 71 of 100 (71%) are using these drugs for CPB weaning and 78 of 100 (78%) for correction of hypocalcemia. Among the 88 centers that use calcium salts intraoperatively, 66% (58 of 88) of respondents use calcium chloride, 22% (19 of 88) use calcium gluconate, and 12% (11 of 88) use both drugs. Calcium salts are routinely used during normal (47 of 71 centers = 66%) and difficult (59 of 71 centers = 83%) weaning from CPB. Doses of 5 to 15 mg/kg during termination of CPB were used by 55 of 71 centers (77%) either by bolus (39 of 71, 55%) or over a time period longer than 1 minute (32 of 71 = 45%). Norepinephrine is the most commonly used first line vasopressor or inotropic agent used to support hemodynamics during termination of CPB in 32 out of 100 centers (32%), and calcium is the second one, used by 23 out of 100 centers (23%). Conclusion This survey demonstrates that the majority of cardiac centers use calcium in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery, especially during weaning from CPB. There is variability on the type of drug, dose, and modality of drug administration.

Pulmonary complications are common after cardiac surgery and are closely related to postoperative heart failure and adverse outcomes. Lung ultrasonography (LUS) is currently a widely accepted diagnostic approach with well-established methodology, nomenclature, accuracy, and prognostic value in numerous clinical conditions. The advantages of LUS are universally recognized and include bedside applicability, high diagnostic sensitivity and reproducibility, no radiation exposure, and low cost. However, routine perioperative ultrasonography during cardiac surgery generally is limited to echocardiography, diagnosis of pleural effusion, and as a diagnostic tool for postoperative complications in different organs, and few studies have explored the clinical outcomes in relation to LUS among cardiac patients. This narrative review presents the clinical evidence regarding LUS application in intensive care and during the perioperative period for cardiac surgery. Furthermore, this review describes the methodology and the diagnostic and prognostic accuracies of LUS. A summary of ongoing clinical trials evaluating the clinical outcomes related to LUS also is provided. Finally, this review discusses the rationale for upcoming clinical research regarding whether routine use of LUS can modify current intensive care practice and potentially affect the clinical outcomes after cardiac surgery.

Objective To test the feasibility and investigate possible cardiovascular effects of a sustained high-dose intravenous thiamine protocol in patients undergoing combined valvular and coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Design Randomized, placebo-controlled, pilot feasibility trial. Setting Cardiac surgery department of a tertiary hospital. Participants Forty patients undergoing combined valvular and coronary artery bypass surgery. Interventions Intravenous thiamine (600 mg on the day of surgery, and 400 mg/day on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3) or placebo. Measurements and Main Results The primary feasibility endpoints were recruitment rate and protocol compliance. Secondary endpoints included markers of possible biological and physiological effects. The mean recruitment rate was 8 patients per month and protocol compliance was 97.5%. There were no differences in median peak postoperative lactate (2.7 mmol/L [interquartile range [IQR] 1.4-4.6] for thiamine v 2.5 mmol/L [IQR 1.4-3.6] for placebo; p = 0.53), median peak postoperative creatinine (104 µmol/L [IQR 92.5-129] for thiamine v 99 µmol/L [IQR 86.5-109.5] for placebo; p = 0.53), median nadir postoperative cardiac index (1.8 L/min/m2 [IQR 1.5-2.1] for thiamine v 2.2 L/min/m2 [IQR 1.5-2.5] for placebo; p = 0.25), or the number of patients on vasopressor/inotropic agents (thiamine, 12 [63%]; placebo, 12 [60%]; p = 0.80), or in the total inotrope/vasopressor dose 0.14 µg/kg for thiamine v 0.12 µg/kg for placebo; p = 0.88). Conclusions A double-blind trial of sustained high-dose intravenous thiamine supplementation in higher-risk cardiac surgery patients was feasible and appeared to be safe. However, such treatment did not demonstrate evidence of biological or physiological effects.

Nutrition support is increasingly recognized as a clinically relevant aspect of the intensive care treatment of cardiac surgery patients. However, evidence from adequate large-scale studies evaluating its clinical significance for patients’ mid- to long-term outcome remains sparse. Considering nutrition support as a key component in the perioperative treatment of these critically ill patients, led us to review and discuss our understanding of the metabolic response to the inflammatory burst induced by cardiac surgery. In addition, we discuss how to identify patients who may benefit from nutrition therapy, when to start nutritional interventions, present evidence about the use of enteral and parenteral nutrition and the potential role of pharmaconutrition in cardiac surgery patients. Although the clinical setting of cardiac surgery provides advantages due to its scheduled insult and predictable inflammatory response, researchers and clinicians face lack of evidence and several limitations in the clinical routine, which are critically considered and discussed in this paper.

Nutrition support is increasingly recognized as a clinically relevant aspect of the intensive care treatment of cardiac surgery patients. However, evidence from adequate large-scale studies evaluating its clinical significance for patientsrsquo; mid- to long-term outcome remains sparse. Considering nutrition support as a key component in the perioperative treatment of these critically ill patients led us to review and discuss our understanding of the metabolic response to the inflammatory burst induced by cardiac surgery. In addition, we discuss how to identify patients who may benefit from nutrition therapy, when to start nutritional interventions, present evidence about the use of enteral and parenteral nutrition and the potential role of pharmaconutrition in cardiac surgery patients. Although the clinical setting of cardiac surgery provides advantages due to its scheduled insult and predictable inflammatory response, researchers and clinicians face lack of evidence and several limitations in the clinical routine, which are critically considered and discussed in this paper.

Introduction Numerous studies showed that relative thiamine depletion in critically ill patients and in patients undergoing cardiac surgery may contribute to cardiac dysfunction and hyperlactatemia leading to adverse outcomes. Thus, in preparation for a larger trial, we performed a pilot, randomized, placebo-controlled feasibility trial of sustained thiamine supplementation in high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery under CPB. Methods Forty patients who underwent high-risk cardiac surgery under CPB were randomly assigned to receive either 200 mg of Thiamine or placebo intravenously after anesthesia induction; after CPB; on the evening of the day of surgery; on three postoperative days (twice a day). Primary endpoints were successful compliance with protocol and successful recruitment of patients. Secondary endpoints included: vasoinotropic score and norepinephrine equivalent dose, postoperative peak lactate and creatinine levels, incidence of acute kidney injury, daily SOFA score, rate of postoperative complications, incidence of adverse events, 7-day and 30-day mortality. Results The mean recruitment rate was 6.6 patients per month (1.6 patients per week). Compliance with protocol was excellent as all patients enrolled into the study received all assigned intervention. No patients develop allergic reactions to the study drug. All patients completed the 30-day follow-up. There were no differences in secondary endpoints. Statistical analysis performed with the Stata Statistical Software using Mann-Whitney U test, T test of Student and ANOVA. Discussion The rationale for thiamine administration in patients undergoing cardiac surgery comes from results of several studies that showed a high incidence of thiamine deficiency postoperatively. Our study implies that it is feasible to achieve an acceptable recruitment rate in a typical tertiary institution with full compliance with the protocol and it's not associated with major safety concerns in patients receiving complex cardiac surgery.

Nutrients 9(11), 1264 (2017). doi:10.3390/nu9111264 special issue: "Special Issue "Nutritional Approach to Critically Ill Patients"", Published by MDPI, Basel

Objective To test the hypothesis that perioperative OMEGA-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid infusion would reduce the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting as assessed by an implantable continuous cardiac monitor. Design Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Setting Tertiary cardiothoracic referral center. Participants Thirty-nine patients with coronary artery disease who underwent surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Interventions Patients were assigned randomly to receive either OMEGA-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (200 mg/kg/day starting before anesthesia induction for 24 hours followed by 100 mg/kg/day for 7 days) or placebo. The primary outcome was freedom from atrial fibrillation at 2-year follow-up. Reveal ® cardiac monitor was implanted subcutaneously in all patients. Data from the cardiac monitor were collected on the 10th day and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Measurement and Main Results Postoperative atrial fibrillation developed in 4 (19%) patients in the control group and in 5 (27.8%) patients in the study group at 10-day follow-up (p = 0.88). At 2-year follow-up, 5 (27.8%) patients in the control group and 6 (35.3%) patients in the study group had atrial fibrillation (p = 0.9). Atrial fibrillation duration predicted risk of cardiovascular hospitalization at the 2-year follow-up (regression coefficient estimate = 0.24, standard error 0.02, p 2 = 0.74). Conclusions Infusion of OMEGA-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids failed to prevent the occurrence of atrial fibrillation in 2 years after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. The cumulative atrial fibrillation duration registered by the continuous cardiac monitor at the 2-year follow-up was a significant predictor of an adverse outcome.

Background To build a predictive model for patients with dialysis-dependent acute kidney injury (AKI-D) after cardiac surgery with the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), according to disease severity. Methods A single-centre, retrospective cohort study was performed to determine the demographic and clinical parameters (including the specific factor, CPB duration) for risk of poor outcome in patients requiring RRT after cardiac surgery with CPB. A new model was built for mortality prediction in these patients on the basis of the identified risk factors and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score. Results The newly developed model showed good discriminatory ability for predicting death in patients with AKI-D after cardiac surgery with CPB. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the score was 0.892 (95% confidence interval, 0.852–0.925). We also determined the criterion for the choice of RRT modality by applying this model. On applying the new model in intermittent haemodialysis patients, a score of ≤3.2 was found safe for selecting the RRT modality. Conclusions The new scoring system was valid and accurate in predicting death for AKI-D patients after open-heart surgery. This system and value for choice of RRT were determined for guidance only, to facilitate decision-making in difficult situations.

Background We hypothesised, that perioperative use of N (2)-l-alanyl-l-glutamine confers cardioprotection and improves insulin resistance in diabetic patients with coronary artery disease operated under cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised study included 64 patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 who were scheduled for on-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The protocol group (32 patients) and the control group (32 patients) glutamine (0.4g/kg/day of 20% solution of N (2)-l-alanyl-l-glutamine ("Dipeptiven ® " Fresenius Kabi, Germany)) and placebo (0.9% NaCl), respectively. Perioperative concentration of troponin I in plasma was considered as the primary end-point. Whereas the secondary end-points were insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity, β-cell function, blood glucose, plasma triglycerides and free fatty acids concentrations. Insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity and β-cell function were measured using HOMA equation. Thermodilution method was used to measure haemodynamics in all the patients. Results No differences have been found in perioperative dynamics of troponin I, insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity, β-cell function, blood glucose, plasma triglycerides free fatty acids concentrations and haemodynamics. Conclusion Our results have failed to confirm the cardioprotective properties and modulatory effect on perioperative insulin resistance that are thought to be attributable to parenteral glutamine administration in dose 0.4g/kg/day among cardiac patients with DM operated on under CPB.

The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of different nutritional screening tools in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass with regard to an adverse clinical course.This prospective cohort study analyzed 894 adult patients who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass. Patients were screened using four nutritional screening tools: Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002), the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA), and the Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire (SNAQ). Nutritional status was assessed using the Subjective Global Assessment. In-hospital mortality, postoperative complications, length of stay in the intensive care unit, and length of hospitalization were analyzed.The sensitivities of the SNAQ, MUST, and NRS-2002 to detect the malnutrition confirmed by the Subjective Global Assessment were 91.5%, 97.9%, and 38.3%, respectively, and the MNA showed a sensitivity of 81.8% for the elderly. Malnutrition detected by the SNAQ, MUST, and NRS-2002 was associated with postoperative complications (odds ratios [ORs] 1.75, 1.98, and 1.82, respectively) and a stay in the intensive care unit longer than 2 d (ORs 1.46, 1.56, and 2.8). Malnutrition as detected by the SNAQ and MUST was also associated with prolonged hospitalization (ORs 1.49 and 1.59). According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, postoperative complications were independently predicted by the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (OR 1.1, P0.0001), cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR 1.01, P0.0001), and malnutrition identified by the MUST (OR 1.2, P = 0.01).The MUST independently predicts postoperative complications. The SNAQ and MUST have comparable accuracy in detecting malnutrition. Whether preoperative nutritional therapy would improve the outcome in malnourished patients needs to be studied.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of different nutritional screening tools in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass, with regard to adverse clinical outcome. METHODS: This prospective cohort study analysed 1193 adult patients who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass. Patients were screened using five nutritional screening tools: Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002), Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire (SNAQ). In-hospital mortality, postoperative complications, length of stay in intensive care unit and length of hospitalization were analysed. Multivariate backward logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent predictive value of the studied screening tools. RESULTS: In accordance with univariate analysis, malnutrition detected by SNAQ, MUST, NRS-2002 and MNA was associated with postoperative complications (odds ratio [OR] 1.8, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.3–2.4; OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.4–2.6; OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2–2.9 and OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.4–2.6). Malnutrition detected by MUST, NRS-2002, MNA and SGA was associated with intensive care unit stay >2 days (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.1; OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.5–3.7; OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2–2.2 and OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.6–4.6). Prolonged hospitalization (>20 days) was predicted by SNAQ, MUST and MNA (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1–1.9; OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2–2.2 and OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2–2.2). In accordance with multivariate analysis, only MUST and MNA independently predicted postoperative complications (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1– 2.3 and OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.2). Other independent factors influencing postoperative complications were well-known logistic EuroSCORE (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1–1.1) and the duration of cardiopulmonary bypass in minutes (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1–1.01). CONCLUSIONS: MUST and MNA both have independent predictive values with regard to postoperative complications. Taking into account simplicity, MUST is preferable for the cardiac surgical population.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the perioperative use of methylprednisolone in medium doses on markers of endothelial cell activation in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.In this prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomised study, 44 patients, undergoing a coronary artery bypass graft surgery received either methylprednisolone 20 mg/kg or a placebo intraoperatively after anaesthesia induction. The primary endpoint was endothelin-1, and secondary endpoints were E-selectin, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10, PaO(2)/FiO(2) coefficient, and microalbuminuria.Endothelin-1 was higher in the study group postoperatively at 10 min (p=0.0008), 2 h (p=0.02), 4 h (p=0.005), and 24 h (p=0.004). IL-6 was lower in the study group postoperatively at 2 h (p=0.03), 4 h (p=0.04), and 24 h (p0.0001). IL-10 was higher in the study group postoperatively at 10 min (p0.0001), 2 h (p=0.009), and 4 h (p=0.001). PaO(2)/FiO(2) was lower in the study group at 24 h after surgery (p=0.03). Microalbuminuria was similar in both groups.Despite an obvious anti-inflammatory effect, methylprednisolone causes endothelial cell activation in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of the preoperative total lymphocyte count in peripheral blood as a predictor of postoperative complications and mortality in cardiac surgery.A retrospective, observational study.The Novosibirsk State Research Institute of Circulation Pathology (single institution).All adults undergoing primary cardiopulmonary bypass in 2009.None.The cohort size was 1,368 patients operated upon with cardiopulmonary bypass. Patient characteristics, hospital mortality, postoperative complications, ventilation time, intensive care unit, and hospital stay were analyzed. A preoperative total lymphocyte count1,500 cells/μL was associated with significantly higher mortality by univariate (p0.0001) and multivariate (p0.044) analyses. A low preoperative total lymphocyte count was associated with more frequent inotropic support (p0.001); postoperative heart arrhythmia (p0.001); dialysis-dependent acute renal failure (p0.001); and a prolonged ventilation time (p = 0.001), intensive care unit stay (p0.001), and hospital stay (p = 0.007).A low preoperative total lymphocyte count in peripheral blood is a useful prognostic criterion for the evaluation of a complicated postoperative period in cardiac patients operated under cardiopulmonary bypass.

Background This study tested the accuracy of resting energy expenditure (REE) equations among patients who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass and developed/validated a more accurate cardio-specific equation (CSE). Materials and methods Prospective observational cohort of 240 adults (derivation data set, 170 patients; validation data set, 70 patients). REEs were calculated with 6 equations-Penn State 2003a, Penn State 2003b, Ireton-Jones, Swinamer, Faisy, and American College of Chest Physicians-and results were compared with indirect calorimetry (IC). Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to develop the CSE. Agreement between measured and calculated REEs was assessed with Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (LCCC), Bland-Altman plot, and regression analysis. Results LCCCs present poor agreement between measured and calculated REEs: 0.24 (95% CI, 0.19-0.29), for the Faisy equation; 0.15 (95% CI, 0.1-0.19), Ireton-Jones; 0.31 (95% CI, 0.25-0.37), Swinamer; 0.17 (95% CI, 0.13-0.21), Penn State 2003a; 0.19 (95% CI, 0.14-0.23), Penn State 2003b; and 0.11 (95% CI, 0.07-0.15), American College of Chest Physicians. Based on the derivation data set, REEs are explained by the following equation: CSE = 616 - 8 × age in years + 13 × weight in kilograms + 450 if on ventilator + 159 × MV in liters + 145 if on inotropes. Based on the validation study results, the LCCC between IC and the CSE was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.73-0.88). Conclusion The CSE has adequate precision and could be used for REE estimation for patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass if IC is unavailable.

Background NaCl 7.2%/6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 200/0.5 (HSH) has shown its beneficial effects in cardiac surgery and immunomodulatory values in experiment and human studies. However, there is concern regarding detrimental renal effects of chloride and HES in the intensive care setting. Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of HSH on kidney integrity and the level of inflammatory mediators in on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery patients. Design This was a single-center, prospective, randomized, single-blind pilot study. Setting This work was performed at a tertiary cardiothoracic referral center during the period from February to August 2012. Patients Forty patients scheduled for on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery were included. Interventions PATIENTS were randomized to receive once either 7.2% NaCl/6% HES 200/0.5 (HSH group, n = 20) or placebo (0.9% NaCl; control group, n = 20) at a dose of 4 mL·kg for 30 min after anesthesia induction. Main outcome measures The primary end point was the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) defined according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes. Secondary end points were peak serum cystatin C, peak urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, plasma levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-10, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule (E-selectin). Results The incidence of AKI within 48 h was similar between the groups (HSH: four patients [20%]; control: six patients [30%]). There was a significantly lower peak value for serum cystatin C in the HSH group (0.83 [0.73-0.89] mg·L) compared with the control group (1.02 [0.88-1.15] mg·L; P = 0.001). PATIENTS in both groups had similar peak postoperative urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin concentrations. NaCl 7.2%/6% hydroxyethyl starch 200/0.5 significantly reduces levels of IL-6 and IL-10 at 4 h after cardiopulmonary bypass and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and E-selectin at 4 h after cardiopulmonary bypass and on postoperative day 1 (P Conclusions NaCl 7.2%/6% hydroxyethyl starch 200/0.5 does not lead to the increase in AKI incidence when used for the volume therapy in on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery patients. NaCl 7.2%/6% hydroxyethyl starch 200/0.5 usage enhanced neither tubular injury nor alteration of glomerular filtration. In addition, HSH can reduce the level of the inflammatory mediators after surgery.

Objective: to evaluate the safety of using 7.2% NaCl/6% hydroxyethyl starch 200/0.5 solution to develop acute renal injury (ARI) in patients after aortocoronary bypass surgery (ACBS) under extracorporeal circulation (EC). Subjects and methods. This was a single-center prospective, randomized, single-blind clinical trial. The patients singly received either 7.2% NaCl/6% hydroxyethyl starch 200/0.5 solution (a NC/HES group, n=20) or 0.9% NaCl (a control group, n=20) in a dose of 4 ml/kg for 30 min after induction of anesthesia. The primary endpoint was the rate of ARI diagnosed according to the recommendations of the International Organization KRIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes). The secondary endpoints were serum cystatin C (sCys С), and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL). Results. The rate of ARI was comparable in both patient groups. Thus, ARI was found in 4 (20%) patients in the NC/HES group and in 6 (30%) cases in the control group (p=0.72). During the first two postoperative days, the peak concentration of creatinine was significantly lower in the NC/HES group (101 (range 94—107) ^l/l) than in the control one (117 (range 100—127) ^l/l) (p=0.02). That of sCys C was substantially lower in the NC/HES group (0.83 (range 0.73—0.89) mg/l) than in the control one (1.02 (range 0.88—1.15) mg/l) (p=0.001). The patients of the NC/HES group had comparable peak of uNGAL concentrations (33 (range 5—38) ng/ml) versus the controls (30 (range 21—50) ng/ml). Conclusion. The use of NC/HES does not cause any increase in the rate of ARI, increased renal injury, or a more significant decrease in glomerular filtration in patients after ACBS under EC. Key words: hypertonic solution, hydroxyethyl starch, acute renal injury, aortocoronary bypass surgery.

The study aim was to detect the most sensitive nutritional screening tool and to assess its prognostic value with regards to an adverse clinical course in patients with heart valve disease undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).This prospective cohort study included 441 adult patients who were screened using four nutritional screening tools: Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002); Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST); Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA); and Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire (SNAQ). Nutritional assessment was performed using a Subjective Global Assessment (SGA). In-hospital mortality, postoperative complications, and duration of hospital stay were each analyzed.With regards to the detection of malnutrition, the sensitivities of MUST, SNAQ, MNA and NRS-2002 were 100%, 92%, 84.6% and 43.6%, respectively. Malnutrition identified by MUST and MNA were associated with postoperative complications (OR 1.63, p = 0.033 and OR 1.6, p = 0.035) and prolonged hospitalization (OR 1.57, p = 0.048 and OR 1.7, p = 0.02). According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, along with well-known age and duration of CPB, malnutrition identified by MUST and MNA was associated with a risk of development of complications (OR 1.6, p = 0.049 and OR 1.6, p = 0.04, respectively). The sensitivities of SNAQ, MUST, NRS-2002 and MNA with regards to postoperative complications were 26.8%, 28.8%, 10%, and 31.6%, respectively.The MUST tool is preferable with regards to the detection of malnutrition. Both, MUST and MNA independently predicted postoperative complications. SNAQ and NRS-2002 proved insensitive with regards to the postoperative course among patients with heart valve disease who were scheduled for cardiothoracic surgery.

Objective The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is as effective as hypothermic CPB in terms of cardiac protection (cTnI level) and outcome in patients with valvular heart disease. Design Prospective randomized study. Setting A tertiary cardiothoracic referral center. Participants 140 patients who had valvular heart disease, with/without coronary artery disease, surgically treated under CPB. Interventions The patients were allocated randomly to undergo either hypothermic (temperature [T], 31°C–32°C) or normothermic CPB (T>36°C). Measurements and Main Results The primary endpoint was the dynamics of troponin I. The secondary endpoints were ventilation time, the need for inotropic support, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay durations, complications, and mortality. There were no significant intergroup differences in dynamics of troponin I. Ventilation time was significantly lower in the hypothermic group (6 (5-9) and 8 (5-12); p = 0.01). Conclusions Normothermic CPB in patients with valvular heart disease was as effective as hypothermic perfusion in terms of myocardial protection after the surgery assessed by cTnI release. The short ventilation duration in patients who underwent hypothermic CPB needs to be confirmed in a future investigation.

To test the hypothesis that the infusion of hypertonic solution would decrease extravascular lung water postoperatively and thus improve pulmonary function.Prospective, randomized, blinded trial.Tertiary cardiothoracic referral center.Twenty-six patients with coronary artery disease who underwent surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).Patients were allocated randomly to receive 4 mL/kg of 7.2% NaCl/hydroxyethyl starch, 200/0.5 (HSH group) or an equal volume of 0.9% NaCl (control group) for 30 minutes starting after anesthesia induction. The extravascular lung water index, hemodynamic and biochemical data, and the rate of complications were analyzed.The extravascular lung water index was significantly lower (7 v 9.5 mL/kg) in the HSH group at the first postoperative day (p0.01). The index of arterial oxygenation efficiency was significantly higher at 5 minutes and 2 and 4 hours after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in the HSH group (p0.05). The alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference was significantly lower at 5 minutes and 2 and 4 hours after CPB in the HSH group (p0.01). The cardiac index was significantly higher at 5 minutes after infusion in the HSH group (p0.05).The infusion of HSH leads to significant decreases in the extravascular lung water index during and after cardiac surgery and is associated with better preservation of pulmonary function and transient increases in the cardiac index. Further trials are needed to clarify the clinical advantages of hypertonic solution administration in patients undergoing surgery with CPB.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that levosimendan is more effective than intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support in cardiac surgical patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction to decrease cardiac troponin I levels (primary endpoint) and improve hemodynamics. Design: Prospective randomized trial. Setting: Tertiary cardiothoracic referral center. Participants: Ninety patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular ejection fraction

The aims of present study were to test the hypothesis that early enteral nutrition (EN) with calorie-dense food supplemented with glutamine improves recovery of nutritional status in critically ill cardiac patients and to evaluate their resting energy expenditure (REE).

The paper describes a case of inhaled iloprost use in a female patient with severe respiratory failure after pulmonary artery thromboendarterectomy, who was on venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. To reduce pulmonary hypertension and to prevent reperfusion syndrome, the patient received inhaled iloprost in a dose of 5 ^g every 3 hours during surgery and in the first two days after surgery. On day 14 after surgery, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was stopped as there were satisfactory respiratory and hemodynamic parameters. Four days later, the patient was weaned from mechanical ventilation. The length of stay in the intensive care unit was 24 days. The patient was discharged from hospital in a satisfactory condition. Thus, the perioperative use of iloprost could reduce pulmonary artery pressure by twice; however, reperfusion syndrome could not prevent significant respiratory failure. The data available in the literature on the use of ilo-prost in patients after pulmonary artery thromboendarterectomy are single and their results are ambiguous. There is a need for large-scale multicenter studies in this group of patients. Key words: chronic postthromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary artery thromboendarterectomy, iloprost, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Objective: to compare the informative value of four nutritional screening scales in patients operated on the heart under extracorporeal circulation (EC). Subjects and methods. A prospective cohort study was conducted to examine the results of treatment in 894 adult patients operated on under EC. Nutritional screening was carried out using four scales: Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002), Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), and Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire (SNAQ). Their nutritional status was assessed by the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) scale. Mortality and postoperative complications were analyzed. Results. The MUST scale had the highest sensitivity (97.9%) in identifying malnutrition (MN). Univariate analysis of postoperative complications indicated that all the scales had a similar prognostic value: MUST [OR 2 (95% CI, 1.4—2.8); р = 0.0001], SNAQ [OR 1.8 (1.2—2.5); р=0.002], NRS-2002 [OR 1.8 (1.1—3.1); р=0.03], MNA [OR 1.8 (1.3—2.4); р=0.0007] and lower sensitivity (21.2, 23.3, 8.5, and 25.7% for SNAQ, MUST, NRS-2002, and MNA, respectively). However, multivariate analysis along with the commonly known risk factors (age, gender, EC duration) confirmed the prognostic value of the MUST [OR 1.6 (1.1—2.4); р=0.01] and MNA [OR 1.5 (1.1—2.1); р=0.02] scales. Conclusion. The MUST scale is of the most informative value in terms of its sensitivity in detecting MN and of independent prognostic value as to postoperative complications. All the scales have a poor prognostic value regarding the postoperative complications, which determines the urgency of developing a special cardiac screening scale for the nutritional status. Key words: cardiac surgery, nutritional screening, nutritional assessment, malnutrition.

Background: The aim of the present study was to investigate the cardioprotective effects of the perioperative use of N(2)-L-alanyl-L-glutamine (GLN) in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) who undergo their operations under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).Methods: This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study included 50 patients who underwent cardiac surgery with CPB. Exclusion criteria were a left ventricular ejection fraction Results: On the first postoperative day after the surgery, the median troponin I level was significantly lower in the study group than in the placebo group: 1.280 ng/mL (interquartile range [IQR], 0.840-2.230 ng/mL) versus 2.410 ng/mL (IQR, 1.060-6.600 ng/mL) (P = .035). At 4 hours after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), the median cardiac index was higher in the patients in the study group: 2.58 L/min per m2 (IQR, 2.34-2.91 L/min per m2) versus 2.03 L/min per m2 (IQR, 1.76-2.32 L/min per m2) (P = .002). The median stroke index also was higher in the patients who received GLN: 32.8 mL/m2 (IQR, 27.8-36.0 mL/m2) versus 26.1 mL/m2 (IQR, 22.6-31.8 mL/m2) (P = .023). The median systemic vascular resistance index was significantly lower in the study group than in the placebo group: 1942 dyn�s/cm5 per m2 (IQR, 1828-2209 dyn�s/cm5 per m2) versus 2456 dyn�s/cm5 per m2 (IQR, 2400-3265 dyn�s/cm5 per m2) (P = .001).Conclusion: Perioperative administration of GLN during the first 24 hours has cardioprotective effects in IHD patients following CPB. This technique enhances the troponin concentration at 24 hours after surgery and is associated with improved myocardial function.

Evaluation of operational risk is an important goal of perioperative management of patients in cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of preoperative total lymphocyte count (PTLC) in peripheral blood as a predictor of postoperative complications and mortality in cardiac surgery.