Is malnutrition associated with postoperative complications after cardiac surgery?

Obesity paradox in coronary artery disease: national inpatient sample analysis

BACKGROUND

Although existing literature highlights obesity as a significant predictor for coronary artery disease (CAD), the impact of BMI on hospital outcomes among CAD patients remains unclear.

METHODS

We extracted data from the National Inpatient Sample database for adult patients with CAD from 2018 to 2020. The study cohort was stratified into six BMI categories: underweight, normal weight, overweight, class I obesity, class II obesity, and class III obesity. Using multivariable logistic and linear regression, we assessed the impact of BMI on in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), and inflation-adjusted total charges.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 3 693 570 hospitalizations (mean age: 69 ± 12 years). Underweight individuals had the highest in-hospital mortality rate (6.8%), followed by normal weight (5.2%), overweight (3.2%), class III obese (2.5%), class I obese (1.9%), and class II obese (1.8%) individuals. After adjusting for covariates, underweight patients had higher odds of in-hospital mortality compared to normal-weight individuals [odds ratio (OR), 1.38; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.31-1.45; P < 0.001], while overweight or obese individuals had lower odds: overweight (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.70-0.79; P < 0.001), obese class I: (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.51-0.57; P < 0.001), obese class II: (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.53-0.59; P < 0.001), obese class III: (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.74-0.82; P < 0.001). Normal weight and underweight patients had the longest median LOS [5 days (3.0-9.0)]. Overweight patients incurred the highest total charges [$53 730 (28 587-105 184)].

CONCLUSION

Underweight patients experienced higher, while overweight and obese patients experienced lower in-hospital mortality than normal-weight patients, suggesting a protective effect of higher BMI against mortality in CAD.

Association between comprehensive geriatric assessment and Days Alive and Out of Hospital at 30 Days After Cardiac Surgery in Older Patients

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association of comprehensive geriatric assessment (related to diverse aspects of frailty) with postoperative recovery as measured by days alive and out of the hospital at 30 days (DAOH30) in older patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study using data retrieved from a prospective registry.

SETTING

Single tertiary hospital in South Korea.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 437 patients aged ≥65 years who underwent cardiac surgery between March 2021 and October 2022 were included.

MEASUREMENTS

Comprehensive geriatric assessment included subjective evaluations of functional frailty (cognitive, emotional, and physical aspects) and objective measurements of malnutrition and anaemia. DAOH30 was analysed using multivariable quantile regression to evaluate its association with these three domains.

RESULTS

In the entire cohort (median age 72 years; median DAOH30, 19 days), 85.1% of participants had functional frailty, 9.8% had malnutrition, and 45.8% had anaemia. Older age, cognitive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation, physical decline, malnutrition, and anaemia were associated with shorter DAOH30 (all p < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, malnutrition had the strongest impact, reducing DAOH30 by 6.0 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: -11.103 to -0.263), followed by anaemia (1.2 days, 95% CI: -2.199 to -0.148) and functional frailty (1.0 days, 95% CI: -1.677 to -0.171). Individual components of functional frailty did not retain an independently significant relationship with DAOH30 after adjustment for confounders.

CONCLUSION

Comprehensive geriatric assessment, incorporating functional frailty, malnutrition, and anaemia, demonstrated a significant association with DAOH30 in older patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Among the assessed aspects, malnutrition showed the strongest association, which may underscore the importance of targeted nutritional interventions to improve outcomes in this patient population.

Malnutrition and perioperative nutritional rehabilitation in major operations

Background

Malnutrition is a potentially preventable risk factor for surgery. This systematic review examines nutritional management strategies aiming to enhance surgical outcomes.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed for English-language studies published between July 1, 2004, and July 1, 2024, involving adult surgical patients. Study selection focused on four key themes: (1) nutritional screening and assessment, (2) preoperative nutritional therapy, (3) nutritional support in critically ill surgical patients, and (4) postoperative nutritional rehabilitation. Studies in non-surgical cohorts, letters, and case reports were excluded. Reference lists of relevant studies were manually screened for additional sources.

Results

Of 2763 studies identified, 251 met the inclusion criteria and 85 were added after manual screening, contributing to a total of 341 papers for the review. The prevalence of malnutrition varied widely by procedure, with the highest rates observed in pancreatic and esophagogastric operations. Preoperative malnutrition was strongly associated with increased postoperative complications, infections, prolonged hospital stay, and higher mortality. The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) was effective in identifying at-risk patients. Preoperative nutritional interventions, including dietitian-led counseling, oral supplementation, and enteral or parenteral nutrition, may reduce complications and improve outcomes. Critically ill patients benefited from structured enteral and parenteral strategies. Early postoperative nutrition within enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are linked to less complications and shorter hospital stay.

Conclusion

Malnutrition significantly impacts surgical outcomes, necessitating early identification and intervention. Standardized management is key to improving recovery and reducing complications. Future research should focus on refining diagnostic tools, assessing nutritional requirements, optimizing perioperative nutritional strategies, and establishing long-term nutritional follow-up guidelines for surgical patients.

Epidemiology, Controversies, and Dilemmas of Perioperative Nutritional Risk/Malnutrition: A Narrative Literature Review

Current perioperative nutrition management is discouraging due to the under-recognition of clinical nutrition and the lagging development of clinical nutriology. This review aimed to identify and explore epidemiology, related adverse outcomes, controversies, and dilemmas of perioperative nutritional risk/malnutrition to call for further development of perioperative nutritional medicine. Databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wanfang Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine disc, and Chongqing VIP Database were searched for articles published between January 1, 2014 and August 31, 2024 using the following MeSH terms: ("nutritional risk"[Title/Abstract] OR "malnutrition"[Title/Abstract] OR "undernutrition"[Title/Abstract]) AND ("surgery"[Title/Abstract] OR "surgical"[Title/Abstract] OR "operative"[Title/Abstract] OR "operation"[Title/Abstract]). The incidence of nutritional risk was in the 20% range in patients undergoing elective surgery, 54% in older adults, 44-70% in patients with tumors or major elective surgeries, and 50-55% in children. The incidence of malnutrition ranged from 11-77% in surgical patients. Nutrition-related perioperative adverse events included mainly infection, wound healing disorders, reoperation and unplanned readmission, prolonged hospital stay, mortality, perioperative neurocognitive dysfunction, and venous thrombosis. Current controversies and dilemmas in this field include the low rates of nutrition screening and medical nutrition therapy, numerous nutrition screening tools and malnutrition diagnostic criteria, no consensus on optimal assessment method, low level of evidence-based clinical nutrition research and lack of in-depth mechanistic studies, inconsistent timing of nutrition assessment, lack of reports for community hospitals, small hospitals, and low/middle-income countries or regions, and under-recognition of micronutrient malnutrition. It is, therefore, necessary for perioperative patients to undergo nutritional screening at the first outpatient visit before surgery and/or on admission. Perioperative nutritional management needs urgent attention and requires a multidisciplinary team, including anesthesia, nursing, nutrition, and surgery.

Predictive value of geriatric nutritional risk index in cardiac and cerebrovascular events after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of malnutrition assessed by the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) on major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in the elderly patients after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of elderly patients who underwent EVAR in a tertiary hospital. Malnutrition status was assessed by the GNRI. The primary outcome was MACCE. The predictive ability of the GNRI was compared with both the Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI) and the modified Frailty Index (mFI) using Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

RESULT

A total of 453 patients underwent EVAR November 2015 and January 2020 was retrospectively analyzed, equally divided into three (low/medium/high) groups according to GNRI values which ranked from low to high. Five (1.10%) patients were lost in follow-up after surgery, and the median length of follow-up was 28.00 (15.00-47.00) months. The high GNRI values reduced length of hospital stay following EVAR in comparison to patients in low GNRI values group (β 9.67, 95% CI 4.01-23.32, p = 0.0113; adjusted β -1.96, 95% CI -3.88, -0.05, p = 0.0454). GNRI status was associated with a significantly increased risk of long-term mortality after EVAR (Medium GNRI, unadjusted HR 0.40, 95%CI 0.23-0.70, p = 0.0014; adjusted HR 0.47, 95%CI 0.26-0.84, p = 0.0107; high GNRI, 0.27 95%CI 0.14-0.55; p = 0.0003; adjusted HR 0.32 95%CI 0.15-0.68, p = 0.0029). Both medium and high GNRI values were linked to significantly reduced risks of MACCE compared to low GNRI score patients (Medium GNRI, unadjusted HR 0.34, 95%CI 0.13-0.88, p = 0.00265; adjusted HR 0.37, 95%CI 0.14-0.96, p = 0.0408; High GNRI, 0.26 95%CI 0.09-0.78; p = 0.0168; adjusted HR 0.21 95%CI 0.06-0.73, p = 0.0029). Compared with the RCRI and mFI, the GNRI had better discrimination in predicting long-term MACCE. An area under the curve (AUC) for GNRI mFI, and RCRI is 0.707, 0.614 and 0.588, respectively. (Z statistic, GNRI vs. mFI, p = 0.0475; GNRI vs. RCRI, p = 0.0017).

CONCLUSION

Malnutrition assessed by the GNRI may serve as a useful predictor of long-term MACCE in elderly patients after EVAR, with preferable discrimination abilities compared with both RCRI and mFI.

CLINICAL APPLICATION OF EARLY POSTOPERATIVE NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT IN PATIENTS WITH HIGH-RISK VALVULAR HEART DISEASE

ABSTRACT

Background : The treatment strategy of early nutritional support after cardiac surgery has gradually been adopted. However, there are no scientific guidelines for the timing and specific programs of early nutritional support. Methods: A retrospective, single-center analysis (2021-2023) was carried out including elderly patients who were admitted for valvular heart disease and received open-heart valve replacement surgery. We designated patients who started the optimized nutritional support after surgery as the optimized enteral nutritional support strategy TN (EN) group and those who received traditional nutritional support as the traditional nutritional support strategy (TN) group. The nutritional and immune indexes, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and hospitalization cost of the two groups were compared and analyzed. Results: We identified 378 eligible patients, comprising 193 (51%) patients in the EN group and 185 (49%) patients in the TN group. There was no significant difference in hospital mortality between the two groups, but the proportion of nosocomial pneumonia was significantly lower in the EN group than in the TN group ( P < 0.001). In the Poisson regression analysis, EN was not associated with an increase in gastrointestinal complications ( P = 0.549). The EN group also seemed to have shorter hospital stays and lower hospitalization expenses ( P < 0.001). In the comparison of postoperative gastrointestinal complications, fewer patients experienced diarrhea ( P = 0.021) and abdominal distension ( P = 0.033) in the EN group compared with the TN group. Conclusion: The optimal nutritional support strategy could effectively improve the clinical outcome of high-risk patients with valvular heart disease.

Preoperative nutritional status and postoperative health outcomes in older adults undergoing spine surgery: Electronic health records analysis

AIM

To examine whether a high nutritional risk status, assessed via the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), is independently associated with postoperative health outcomes, including unplanned intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, infectious complications, and prolonged length of stay in older patients undergoing spine surgery.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective descriptive study analyzing electronic health records from a tertiary hospital, including data from 1,014 patients aged ≥70 undergoing elective spine surgery between February 2013 and March 2023.

RESULTS

High nutritional risk patients had significantly higher odds of unplanned ICU admission, infectious complications, and prolonged length of stay compared to low-risk patients. For each one-point increase in GNRI, there was a significant 0.91- and 0.95-fold decrease in the odds of unplanned ICU admission and infectious complications, respectively.

CONCLUSION

GNRI screening in older patients before spine surgery may have potential to identify those at elevated risk for postoperative adverse outcomes.

Shoulder arthroscopy in elderly patients: malnutrition and early postoperative outcomes

Background

This study investigates the association between the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), a simple, readily available malnutrition risk index, and 30-day postoperative complications following shoulder arthroscopy.

Methods

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify all patients aged ≥65 years who underwent shoulder arthroscopy between 2015 and 2021. The study population was indexed into 3 cohorts of preoperative GNRI: normal/reference (GNRI >98), moderate malnutrition (92≤ GNRI ≤98), and severe malnutrition (GNRI <92). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the connection between preoperative GNRI and postoperative complications.

Results

Severe malnutrition was independently significantly associated with a greater likelihood of any complication (odds ratio [OR]: 11.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.58-15.94; P < .001), sepsis (OR: 26.61, 95% CI: 10.86-65.21; P < .001), septic shock (OR: 7.53, 95% CI: 1.56-36.32; P = .012), blood transfusions (OR: 25.38, 95% CI: 6.40-100.59; P < .001), pulmonary embolism (OR: 7.25, 95% CI: 1.27-41.40; P = .026), surgical site infection (OR: 22.08, 95% CI: 7.51-64.97; P < .001), nonhome discharge (OR: 15.75, 95% CI: 9.83-25.23; P < .001), readmission (OR: 2.69, 95% CI: 1.52-4.74; P < .001), unplanned reoperation (OR: 6.32, 95% CI: 2.23-17.92; P < .001), length of stay >2 days (OR: 23.66, 95% CI: 16.25-34.45; P < .001), and mortality (OR: 14.25, 95% CI: 2.89-70.40; P = .001).

Conclusion

GNRI-based malnutrition is strongly predictive of perioperative complications following shoulder arthroscopy in geriatric patients and has utility as an adjunctive risk stratification tool.

Association of body mass index with perioperative blood transfusion and short-term clinical outcomes in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting

BACKGROUND

Few studies have considered outcomes among low body mass index (BMI) cohorts undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This study aims to investigate the effects of low body weight on blood transfusion and perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing isolated CABG.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled consecutive cases from a single-center between January 2008 and December 2018. Low body weight/underweight was defined as a BMI < 18.5 kg/m², while normal BMI was defined as 18.5 ≤ BMI < 24.0 kg/m². The primary endpoint was the perioperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion rate. Secondary endpoints include platelet and plasma transfusion rates, transfusion volume for all blood components, hospital length of stay, and the occurrence of adverse events including prolonged mechanical ventilation, re-intubation, re-operation, acute kidney injury, and 30-day all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 7,620 patients were included in this study. After 1:1 propensity score matching, 130 pairs were formed, with 61 pairs in the on-pump group and 69 pairs in the off-pump group. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the matched groups. Low body weight independently increased the risk of RBC transfusion (on-pump: OR = 3.837, 95% CI = 1.213-12.144, p = 0.022; off-pump: OR = 3.630, 95% CI = 1.875-5.313, p < 0.001). Moreover, within the on-pump group of the original cohort, BMI of < 18.5 kg/m² was independently correlated with increased risk of re-intubation (OR = 5.365, 95% CI = 1.159 to 24.833, p = 0.032), re-operation (OR = 4.650, 95% CI = 1.019 to 21.210, p = 0.047), and 30-day all-cause mortality (OR = 10.325, 95% CI = 2.011 to 53.020, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

BMI < 18.5 kg/m² was identified as an independent risk factor for increased perioperative RBC transfusion rate in patient underwent isolated CABG with or without CPB. Only on-pump underweight patients in the original cohort exhibited an increased risk for re-intubation, re-operation, and 30-day all-cause mortality. Physicians and healthcare systems should consider these findings to improve management for this population.

An evidence-based review of optimal perioperative practices in minor hand surgery

BACKGROUND

Like many surgical subspecialties, there have been frequent advancements and discoveries in the field of hand and upper extremity surgery. With a rapidly growing literature base, it can be difficult to remain updated on the latest recommendations.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was completed on PubMed using MeSH terms. Topics included nutrition management, anticoagulation, immunosuppressive medication management, antibiotic use, skin preparation, splinting, tourniquet use, and suture choice. Data from articles with a level of evidence 1A-3 C were included.

RESULTS

A total of 42 articles were identified and reviewed to provide evidence for recommendations regarding various aspects of pre-, intra-, and post-operative care.

CONCLUSIONS

The objective of this manuscript is to serve as a resource for evidence-based recommendations by the findings of recent evidence related to perioperative care in elective hand surgery. Additional studies are required in certain areas of the literature in order to provide stronger recommendations.

Exploring the Frailty Components Related to Hospitalization-Associated Disability in Older Patients After Cardiac Surgery Using a Comprehensive Frailty Assessment

BACKGROUND

We investigated the components of frailty associated with hospitalization-associated disability (HAD) after cardiac surgery.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This retrospective, observational study evaluated 1,446 older patients after elective cardiac surgery at the Sakakibara Heart Institute. We examined the association between HAD and 7 domains of frailty assessed by the Kihon Checklist. HAD was defined as a decline in the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) between admission and discharge, as assessed by the Barthel Index. Logistic regression and decision tree analysis were used to identify associations between the number and type of frailty components and HAD. Of the 1,446 patients, 190 were excluded, and 90 (7%) developed HAD. An increase in the number of frailty components was a risk factor for HAD (odds ratio: 1.88, 95% confidence interval: 1.62-2.17). Decision tree analysis identified physical functional decline, depression, and cognitive dysfunction as factors associated with HAD. The incidence of HAD was highest in cases of physical functional decline (21%) and lowest for cases in which the 3 aforementioned factors were absent (2.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

An increased number of frailty factors increased the risk of HAD and the findings also reaffirmed the importance of a comprehensive assessment to evaluate the risk of HAD, including evaluation of physical function, cognitive function, and depression.

Perioperative Optimization of the Cardiac Surgical Patient

Perioperative optimization of cardiac surgical patients is imperative to reduce complications, utilize health care resources efficiently, and improve patient recovery and quality of life. Standardized application of evidence-based best practices can lead to better outcomes. Although many practices should be applied universally to all patients, there are also opportunities along the surgical journey to identify patients who will benefit from additional interventions that will further ameliorate their recovery. Enhanced recovery programs aim to bundle several process elements in a standardized fashion to optimize outcomes after cardiac surgery. A foundational concept of enhanced recovery is attaining a better postsurgical end point for patients, in less time, through achievement and maintenance in their greatest possible physiologic, functional, and psychological state. Perioperative optimization is a broad topic, spanning multiple phases of care and involving a variety of medical specialties and nonphysician health care providers. In this review we highlight a variety of perioperative care topics, in which a comprehensive approach to patient care can lead to improved results for patients, providers, and the health care system. A particular focus on patient-centred care is included. Although existing evidence supports all of the elements reviewed, most require further improvements in implementation, as well as additional research, before their full potential and usefulness can be determined.

Poor nutritional status and frailty associated with acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery: A retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major determinant of short- and long-term morbidity and mortality following cardiac surgery. The present study examines the effect of preoperative nutritional status and frailty on this significant adverse event.

METHODS

The data of 455 patients who underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were analyzed retrospectively. Demographic data were recorded, and intraoperative and postoperative parameters, frailty score, geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) were calculated. Risk factors for AKI within 7 postoperative days were investigated in accordance with the kidney disease improving global outcomes classification.

RESULTS

Preoperative urea and creatinine values were significantly higher (p = .006 vs. p = .006), while hemoglobin, hematocrit, and estimated glomerular filtration rate values were significantly lower (p = .011, p = .008 vs. p = .006) in the AKI group than no AKI group. In the intraoperative period, the cardiopulmonary bypass time was longer in the AKI group (p = .031), and the need for dopamine, steradine, and red blood cells transfusion was greater (p = .026, p = .038 vs. p = .015) than no AKI group. The number of patients with a frailty score of 1-3 was significantly higher in the AKI group (p = .042). Similarly, the GNRI and PNI values, indicating nutritional status, were higher in the AKI group (p = .047 vs. p = .024). The independent risk factors for AKI were a GNRI of <91, the intraoperative need for dobutamine, preoperative serum creatinine of >1.3, and hemoglobin of <10 (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Malnutrition and frailty are strongly associated with AKI after CABG. Clinicians can effectively predict the risk of AKI through an evaluation of frailty and nutritional scores, which can be easily calculated in the preoperative period.

Risk Factors and Outcomes of Protein-Calorie Malnutrition in Chronic Heart Failure Patients Undergoing Elective Cardiac Surgery

INTRODUCTION

Chronic heart failure (CHF) patients are often malnourished. Our aim was to determine the effect of protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) on in-hospital outcomes in CHF patients following elective cardiac surgery and to identify risk factors for PCM in this patient population.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was conducted from 2016 to 2018. In-hospital outcomes in adult patients with CHF undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) with cardiopulmonary bypass-assist or cardiac valve replacement surgeries were analyzed. Propensity-score matching was used to match CHF patients with and without PCM and followed by logistic regression analysis. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the risk factors associated with PCM in this population.

RESULTS

In total 25,940 CHF patients were identified, of which 6,271 underwent elective CABG and 19,669 underwent valve replacement surgeries. The prevalence of PCM in CHF patients undergoing CABG and valve replacement was 3.9% and 2.9%, respectively. CHF patients with PCM had significantly higher risk of in-hospital mortality, post-operative cardiac and gastrointestinal complications compared to CHF patients without PCM. The mean hospital length of stay was twice as high in the PCM group (mean days: 18.6 vs 9.9). Female gender, Black race (vs White race), a high Charlson Comorbidity Index, Medicare/Medicaid insurance status (vs private insurance), and CHF (systolic and combined systolic and diastolic) were independently associated with significantly higher risk of PCM diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

CHF patients with PCM who undergo elective CABG or valve replacement surgeries are at a significantly higher risk of mortality, post-operative cardiac and gastrointestinal complications, and increased duration of hospital stay compared to those without PCM. Future prospective studies should assess the CHF patients who are at a higher risk of PCM and whether correcting pre-operative nutrition in this surgical population can improve outcomes following cardiac surgery.

In-Hospital Outcomes and Predictors of Mortality for Redo Surgical Mitral Valve Replacement Versus Transcatheter Mitral Valve-in-Valve Replacement

Durability is a major limitation with bioprosthetic heart valves. For mitral valve prosthesis dysfunction, redo surgical mitral valve replacement (rSMVR) has been the mainstay of treatment; however, transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve replacement (mViV) has emerged as a viable alternative. Data comparing these procedures remains limited; therefore, we sought to compare the real-world in-hospital mortality, likelihood of adverse peri-operative outcomes, and predictors of mortality between rSMVR versus mViV using the National Inpatient Sample. During the study period, a weighted total of 1,890 patients (78%) underwent rSMVR, and 520 (22%) underwent mViV. After propensity matching, there were 310 patients in each cohort. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality with these procedures (odds ratio 1.53; 95% confidence interval 0.67 to 3.45; p = 0.31). rSMVR was associated with increased length of hospitalization (13 vs 7.5 days; p <0.001), increased medical costs ($324,124 vs $241,147; p <0.001), and increased peri-operative complications compared with mViV. Predictors of mortality unique to rSMVR were age >75 years, cirrhosis, sleep apnea, malnourishment/low body mass index, and obesity, signalizing greater suitability for mViV in these populations.

Development and Validation of Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition for Prognostic Prediction in Patients Who Underwent Cardiac Surgery

The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) has achieved a consensus for the diagnosis of malnutrition in recent years. This study aims to determine the prognostic effect of the GLIM after cardiac surgery. A total of 603 patients in the training cohort and 258 patients in the validation cohort were enrolled in this study. Perioperative characteristics and follow-up data were collected. A nomogram based on independent prognostic predictors was developed for survival prediction. In total, 114 (18.9%) and 48 (18.6%) patients were defined as being malnourished according to the GLIM criteria in the two cohorts, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis showed that GLIM-defined malnutrition was an independent risk factor of total complication (OR 1.661, 95% CI: 1.063–2.594) and overall survival (HR 2.339, 95% CI: 1.504–3.637). The c-index was 0.72 (95% CI: 0.66–0.79) and AUC were 0.800, 0.798, and 0.780 for 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival prediction, respectively. The calibration curves of the nomogram fit well. In conclusion, GLIM criteria can efficiently identify malnutrition and has a prognostic effect on clinical outcomes after cardiac surgery. GLIM-based nomogram has favorable performance in survival prediction.

Risk Factors for Delayed Discharge and Adverse Outcomes Following Outpatient Billed Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The volume of outpatient total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has increased with advances in perioperative protocols, patient selection, and recent policy changes regarding insurance authorization. This study analyzed 30-day outcomes from a national database to better understand risk factors for delayed discharge (length of stay [LOS] ≥1), readmission, and reoperation after outpatient TKA.

METHODS

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was utilized to collect TKA (CPT 27447) billed as outpatient surgery performed from 2013 to 2018. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and short-term outcomes were collected and compared in LOS 0 versus LOS ≥1 cohorts. Subgroup analysis was completed for TKA performed in 2018, after the Center for Medicare Services removal of TKA from the inpatient-only list.

RESULTS

A total of 13,669 patients had outpatient TKA performed from 2013 to 2018. Most patients had LOS ≥1 day (77.1%). The LOS 0 cohort demonstrated a lower 30-day readmission rate (1.8%) compared to LOS ≥1 (2.8%), P > .01. Both groups demonstrated a low 30-day reoperation rate, LOS 0 (0.7%) and LOS ≥1 (1.1%), P = .05. Regression analysis demonstrated risk factors for LOS ≥1 day included COPD, ASA ≥3, age >75, and BMI >35 kg/m². Regression analysis demonstrated male gender, age >75, ASA ≥3, and albumin <3.5 g/dL were risk factors for readmission. Hypertension was a risk factor for 30-day reoperation.

CONCLUSION

Risk factors for LOS ≥1 day include age >75, ASA ≥3, BMI >35 kg/m². In addition, BMI >35 kg/m² was a risk factor for readmission and reoperation. These findings reinforce appropriate patient selection when considering outpatient TKA.

Malnutrition-Inflammation Liaison in Predicting AKI following OPCABG in Diabetics: Role of a Novel Monocyte/High-Density Lipoprotein × Albumin Ratio

Background Monocyte/high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) has been recently proposed as a parsimonious inflammatory marker. Akin to MHR, hypoalbuminemia (a malnutrition marker) has a considerable proinflammatory potential and confers an accentuated risk of postcardiac surgery complications, like acute kidney injury (AKI). The present study evaluated the AKI-predictive value of the preoperative monocyte/high-density lipoprotein × albumin ratio (MHAR) in diabetic patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG).

Methods The retrospective study conducted at our tertiary cardiac care center included 687 diabetic OPCABG patients. Forty-eight hours postoperative data was evaluated for the occurrence of AKI, as defined by the Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria. The perioperative attributes of the AKI and non-AKI groups were compared to evaluate the predictors of AKI, by employing a regression analysis.

Results A total of 109 patients (15.87%) developed AKI postoperatively. On univariate analysis: age, EuroSCORE II, preoperative congestive heart failure, systemic hypertension, serum albumin, MHR, MHAR, intraoperative packed red blood cell transfusion, postoperative low cardiac output syndrome, and vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) predicted AKI. AKI subsequent to multivariate analysis, age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.029), EuroSCORE II (OR: 1.264), MHAR (OR: 1.403), and VIS (OR: 1.07) were the independent predictors (p-values: 0.020, < 0.001, 0.013, 0.002, respectively). The AKI predictive cutoffs of albumin, MHR, and MHAR were ≤ 2.95, ≥ 15.25, and ≥ 4.08 (area under the curve:sensitivity:specificity of 0.761:84.86%:89.62%; 0.754:93.12%:86.68%; 0.798:89.63%:88.34%, respectively). MHAR ≥ 4.08 was also associated with a higher incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation and major adverse cardiac events.

Conclusion Preoperative elevated MHAR independently predicts AKI following OPCABG in diabetics, implying a malnutrition-inflammation liaison at heart of the matter.

Perioperative Nutritional Support: A Review of Current Literature

Since the beginning of the practice of surgery, the reduction of postoperative complications and early recovery have been two of the fundamental pillars that have driven the improvement of surgical techniques and perioperative management. Despite great advances in these fields, the rationalization of antibiotic prophylaxis, and other important innovations, postoperative recovery (especially in elderly patients, oncological pathology or digestive or head and neck surgery) is tortuous. This can be explained by several reasons, among which, malnutrition has a major role. Perioperative nutritional support, included within the ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol, has proven to be a main element and a critical step to achieve better surgical results. Starting with the preoperative nutritional assessment and treatment in elective surgery, we can improve nutritional status using oral supplements and immunomodulatory formulas. If we add early nutritional support in the postoperative scenario, we are able to significantly reduce infectious complications, need for intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay, costs, and mortality. Throughout this review, we will review the latest developments and the available literature.

Simultaneous coronary artery disease and achalasia surgery: A novel approach

A 69-year-old female patient presented to cardiac surgery department with unstable angina due to severe coronary artery disease. Coronary artery bypass grafting was indicated; however, the patient's symptoms of achalasia, previously treated by the pneumatic dilatation, exacerbated. Subsequently, the patient underwent simultaneous surgery. After sternotomy, on cardiopulmonary bypass, esophagus was exposed and Heller myotomy was performed. Following cardioplegia, coronary artery bypass grafting was completed. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative Day 9. In conclusion, this novel surgical technique can be effectively used in such cases.

The utility of geriatric nutritional risk index to predict outcomes in chronic limb-threatening ischemia

OBJECTIVES

To assess geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI).

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of CLTI continues to rise, with major amputation and mortality remaining prominent. Frailty is a vital risk factor for adverse outcomes in cardiovascular care. The GNRI is a nutrition-based surrogate for frailty that has been utilized in Southeast Asia to predict adverse events in CLTI. It has not yet been evaluated in a primarily Western population, nor in the context of wound healing.

METHODS

Between 8August 2017 and April 2019, we identified patients undergoing endovascular interventions for CLTI at our institution, categorized into low GNRI (≤ 94, frail) versus normal GNRI (> 94, reference). We analyzed the risks of major adverse limb events (MALE), its individual components [mortality, major amputation, and target vessel revascularization (TVR)], amputation free survival (AFS), and wound healing using Kaplan-Meier and multivariate cox-proportional hazard regression analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 255 patients were included in the analysis, with follow up of 14 ± 9.1 months. Lower GNRI was associated with higher cumulative event rates for MALE (71.0% vs. 43.3%, p <  0.001), mortality (34.3% vs. 15.2%, p < 0.001), major amputation (31.2% vs. 15.8%, p = 0.002), and freedom from AFS (56.0% vs. 28.2%, p < 0.001). There was a trend toward lower TVR and higher wound healing with higher GNRI score.

CONCLUSIONS

Our single-center, retrospective evaluation of GNRI (as a surrogate for frailty) correlated with increased risks of MALE, mortality, and major amputation. Future directions should focus not only on the recognition of these patients, but risk-factor modification to optimize long-term outcomes.

Phase Angle and Handgrip Strength as Complements to Body Composition Analysis for Refining Prognostic Accuracy in Cardiac Surgical Patients

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to benchmark the prognostic validity of nutritional status, body composition, phase angle, and muscle strength assessment on the basis of morbidity and mortality in the cardiac surgery population.

DESIGN

Prospective, cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients undergoing cardiac surgery procedures.

INTERVENTIONS

Demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data registration, handgrip strength (HGS) measurement, and body composition assessment were performed the day before the scheduled surgery in a cohort of 179 cardiac surgery patients. Body composition parameters and HGS were reassessed on postoperative day seven (POD7). The study endpoints were the hospital length of stay (LOS) and in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

Data from a cohort of 179 patients were analyzed. Significant impairment of nutritional status, body composition parameters, and HGS were recorded on POD seven (p < 0.001), which was associated with prolonged hospital LOS (p < 0.05). Postoperative low phase angle (PhA) (odds ratio [OR] 4.366; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.859-10.255; p = 0.001), reduced fat-free mass index (OR 1.077; 95% CI 1.020-1.137; p = 0.008), and expanded extracellular water (ECW) (OR 1.230; 95% CI 1.080-1.401; p = 0.002) were the most powerful predictors of prolonged hospital LOS, with PhA (hazard ratio [HR] 1.228; 95% CI 1.074-1.403; p = 0.003) and ECW (HR 0.945; 95% CI 0.909-0.982; p = 0.004) serving as predictors of in-hospital mortality. Postoperative PhA, ECW, and total body water presented superior or at least equivalent discrimination of morbidity or mortality to EuroSCORE II.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac surgery patients are at risk of nutritional status deterioration during their hospitalization course, which, in turn, exerts an adverse effect on the outcome. Attenuation of PhA, deterioration of fat-free mass index, and edema development constitute potential surrogates to the prediction of morbidity and mortality.

Decreased Nutritional Risk Index is associated with mortality after heart transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Validated scoring tools, such as the Nutritional Risk Index (NRI), can aid clinicians in quantifying the degree of malnourishment in patients prior to an operation. We evaluated the association between NRI and outcomes after heart transplantation.

METHODS

The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database was used to identify adult patients (age > 18) undergoing heart transplantation between 1987 and 2016. NRI was calculated and categorized into previously established groupings representing severity of malnutrition. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards modeling were used to assess the primary outcome of all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 25,236 patients were included in the analysis. Most patients (75.4%) were male. Malnourishment was absent (NRI ≥ 100) in 11,022 (44%) patients, while 2,898 (12%) were mildly malnourished (97.5 ≤ NRI < 100), 8,685 (34%) were moderately malnourished (83.5 ≤ NRI < 97.5), and 2,631 (10%) were severely malnourished (NRI < 83.5). Moderate-to-severe malnutrition was associated with increased mortality (HR = 1.18, p < .001, 95%CI: 1.13-1.24), and post-transplant renal failure requiring dialysis (OR: 1.13, p < .001, 95%CI: 1.03-1.23).

CONCLUSION

Malnourishment determined by NRI is independently associated with mortality and post-transplant dialysis after heart transplant. This is the largest study of NRI in heart transplant recipients.

Prognostic influence of objective nutritional indexes on mortality after surgical aortic valve replacement in elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis (from the nutrition-SAVR trial)

AIM

Several scoring systems, such as controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score, geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI), have been previously described to show nutritional status. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the value of these scoring systems in predicting in-hospital and long-term mortality in patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).

METHODS

PNI, GNRI, and CONUT were determined using the receiver operator characteristics curve analysis in 150 consecutive elderly patients (age: 70 (66-74) years, male: 78) who underwent SAVR due to degenerative severe aortic stenosis (AS). Patients were divided into two groups according to cutoff values from these indexes.

RESULTS

During the 50 ± 31 months follow-up period, a total of 36 (24%) patients died. 30-day mortality, 1-year mortality, and total mortality were significantly higher in lower PNI, lower GNRI, and higher CONUT groups. PNI cutoff value was 49.2, GNRI cutoff value was 102.5, and CONUT cutoff value was 1.5. PNI ≤ 49.2, GNRI ≤ 102.5, and CONUT > 1.5 values were found to be independent predictors of total mortality even after risk adjustment. In addition, in the mortality group, PNI (53.7 ± 5.9 vs. 47.4 ± 6.3; p < .001) and GNRI (108 ± 10 vs. 99 ± 6.3); p < .001) were significantly lower, while CONUT score (1 [0-2] vs. 2 [0.2-3]; p < .001) was significantly higher.

CONCLUSION

Objective nutritional indexes including CONUT score, PNI, and GNRI are important prognostic factors and those indexes should be part of frailty assessment in patients with severe AS.

Impact of preoperative nutritional scores on 1-year postoperative mortality in patients undergoing valvular heart surgery

OBJECTIVE

Malnutrition is a well-recognized risk factor for poor prognosis and mortality. We investigated whether preoperative malnutrition diagnosed with objective nutritional scores affects 1-year mortality in patients undergoing valvular heart surgery.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort observational study, we evaluated the association among the Controlling Nutritional Status score, Prognostic Nutritional Index, and Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index with 1-year mortality in 1927 patients undergoing valvular heart surgery. We identified factors for mortality using multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis and investigated the utility of nutritional scores for risk stratification.

RESULTS

Malnutrition, as identified by a high Controlling Nutritional Status score and low Prognostic Nutritional Index and Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index, was significantly associated with higher 1-year mortality. Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that mortality significantly increased as the severity of malnutrition increased (log-rank test, P < .001). The predicted discrimination (C-index) was 0.79 with the Controlling Nutritional Status score, 0.77 with the Prognostic Nutritional Index, and 0.73 with the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index. Each nutritional index (Controlling Nutritional Status; hazard ratio, 1.31, 95% confidence interval, 1.21-1.42, P < .001), the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II (hazard ratio, 1.07, 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.09, P < .001), and chronic kidney disease (hazard ratio, 2.26, 95% confidence interval, 1.31-3.90, P = .003) were independent risk factors for mortality. The Controlling Nutritional Status score added to the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II significantly increased the predictive discrimination ability for mortality (C-index 0.82, 95% confidence interval, 0.78-0.87, P = .014) compared with the Controlling Nutritional Status or European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative malnutrition as assessed by objective nutritional scores was associated with 1-year mortality after valvular heart surgery. The Controlling Nutritional Status score had the highest predictive ability and, when added to the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II, provided more accurate risk stratification.

Aortic valve replacement with or without concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting in very elderly patients aged 85 years and older

Degenerative aortic stenosis is the most common structural heart valve disease affecting the aging population. Catheter-based heart valve interventions are less invasive and very useful for very elderly patients. However, we often consider open heart surgery for these patients because of anatomical reasons and co-existing cardiac diseases, i.e., severe coronary artery disease. We aimed to analyze the outcomes of very elderly patients aged ≥ 85 years undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) with or without coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Twenty-nine very elderly patients aged ≥ 85 years who underwent AVR with CABG (n = 11, Group AC) or isolated AVR (n = 18, Group A) were examined. The overall mean age of the patients was 87.2 ± 2.6 (range 85-94) years. The estimated operative mortality rate, calculated using the Japan score, EuroSCORE II, and STS risk score, was 5.72%-10.88% in Group AC and 5.63%-8.30% in Group A. Aortic cross-clamp time (126.5 ± 29.0 vs. 96.9 ± 29.2 min, p = 0.016) was significantly longer in Group AC than in Group A. Although the major morbidity rate was higher in Group AC than in Group A (36% vs. 6%, p = 0.0336), the length of intensive care unit stay and hospital stay was comparable between both groups. There was no 30-day and hospital mortality in both groups. Eleven patients died during follow-up (senility, 5; cerebrovascular events, 2; renal failure, 1; unknown, 3). There were no significant differences in survival rates during follow-up (log-rank p value = 0.1051). The 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-year survival rates were 91%, 80%, 69%, 69% and 69%, respectively, in Group AC and 94%, 94%, 94%, 94% and 88%, respectively, in Group A. In conclusion, AVR with or without CABG could be safely performed in carefully selected very elderly patients with acceptable early- and long-term results. AVR with CABG in very elderly patients aged ≥ 85 offers similar results to isolated AVR in terms of 30-day mortality, hospital mortality, and long-term survival.