The Adherence to an Intraoperative Blood Product Transfusion Algorithm Is Associated With Reduced Blood Product Transfusions in Cardiac Surgical Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts and Aortic and/or Valve Replacement Surgery: A Single-Center, Observational Study

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the value of a viscoelastic-based intraoperative transfusion algorithm to reduce non-RBC product administration in adult cardiac surgical patients.

DESIGN

A prospective observational study.

SETTING

At a quaternary academic teaching hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Cardiac surgical patients.

INTERVENTIONS

Viscoelastic-based intraoperative transfusion algorithm.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The study authors compared intraoperative blood product transfusion rates in 184 cardiac surgical patients to 236 historic controls after implementing a viscoelastic-based algorithm. The authors found a non-significant reduction in transfusion of 23.8% for fresh frozen plasma (FFP) units (0.84 ± 1.4 v 0.64 ± 1.38; p = ns), 33.4% for platelet units (0.90 ± 1.39 v 0.60 ± 131; p = ns), and 15.8% for cryoprecipitate units (0.19 ± 0.54 v 0.16 ± 0.50; p = ns). They found a 43.9% reduction in red blood cell (RBC) units transfused (1.98 ± 2.24 v 0.55 ± 1.36; p = 0.008). There were no statistically significant differences in time to extubation (8.0 hours (4.0-21.0) v 8.0 (4.0-22.3), reoperation for bleeding (15 [12.3%] v 10 [10.6%]), intensive care unit length of stay (ICU LOS) (51.0 hours [28.0-100.5] v 53.5 [33.3-99.0]) or hospital LOS (9.0 days [6.0-15.0] v 10.0 [7.0-17.0]). Deviation from algorithm adherence was 32.7% (48/147). Packed RBC, FFP, platelets, cryoprecipitate, and cell saver were significantly reduced in the Algorithm Compliant Cohort compared with historic controls, whereas times to extubation, ICU LOS, and hospital LOS did not reach significance.

CONCLUSIONS

After the implementation of a viscoelastic-based algorithm, patients received fewer packed RBC, FFP, platelets, cryoprecipitate, and cell saver. Algorithm-compliant patients received fewer transfusions; however, reductions in times to extubation, ICU LOS, and hospital LOS were not statistically significant compared with historic controls.

Development of Comorbidity Index for in-hospital mortality for patients who underwent coronary artery revascularization

BACKGROUND

For myocardial revascularization, coronary artery bypass grafting (CAGB) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are two common modalities but with high in-hospital mortality. A Comorbidity Index is useful to predict mortality or can be used with other covariates to develop point-scoring systems. This study aimed to develop specific comorbidity indices for patients who underwent coronary artery revascularization.

METHODS

Patients who underwent CABG or PCI were identified in the National Inpatient Sample database between Q4 2015-2020. Patients of age <40 were excluded for congenital heart defects. Patients were randomly sampled into experimental (70%) and validation (30%) groups. Thirty-eight Elixhauser comorbidities were identified and included in multivariable regression to discriminate in-hospital mortality. Weight for each comorbidity was assigned and single indices, Li CABG Mortality Index (LCMI) and Li PCI Mortality Index (LPMI), were developed.

RESULTS

Mortality discrimination by LCMI approached adequacy (c-statistic=0.691, 95% CI=0.682-0.701) and was comparable to multivariable regression with comorbidities (c-statistic=0.685, 95% CI=0.675-0.694). LCMI discrimination performed significantly better than Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI) (c-statistic=0.621, 95% CI=0.611-0.631) and can be further improved by adjusting age (c-statistic=0.721, 95% CI=0.712-0.730). All models were well-calibrated (Brier score=0.021-0.022). LPMI moderately discriminated in-hospital mortality (c-statistic=0.666, 95% CI=0.660-0.672) and performed significantly better than ECI (c-statistic=0.610, 95% CI=0.604-0.616). LPMI performed better than the all-comorbidity multivariable regression (c-statistic=0.658, 95% CI=0.652-0.663). After age adjustment, LPMI discrimination was significantly increased and was approaching adequacy (c-statistic=0.695, 95% CI=0.690-0.701). All models were well-calibrated (Brier score=0.025-0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

LCMI and LPMI effectively discriminated and predicted in-hospital mortality. These indices were validated and performed superior to ECI. These indices can standardize comorbidity measurement as alternatives to ECI to help replicate and compare results across studies.

Intraoperative Red Blood Cell Transfusion and Primary Graft Dysfunction After Lung Transplantation

BACKGROUND

In this international, multicenter study of patients undergoing lung transplantation (LT), we explored the association between the amount of intraoperative packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion and occurrence of primary graft dysfunction (PGD) and associated outcomes.

METHODS

The Extracorporeal Life Support in LT Registry includes data on LT recipients from 9 high-volume (>40 transplants/y) transplant centers (2 from Europe, 7 from the United States). Adult patients who underwent bilateral orthotopic lung transplant from January 2016 to January 2020 were included. The primary outcome of interest was the occurrence of grade 3 PGD in the first 72 h after LT.

RESULTS

We included 729 patients who underwent bilateral orthotopic lung transplant between January 2016 and November 2020. LT recipient population tertiles based on the amount of intraoperative PRBC transfusion (0, 1-4, and >4 units) were significantly different in terms of diagnosis, age, gender, body mass index, mean pulmonary artery pressure, lung allocation score, hemoglobin, prior chest surgery, preoperative hospitalization, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation requirement. Inverse probability treatment weighting logistic regression showed that intraoperative PRBC transfusion of >4 units was significantly ( P  < 0.001) associated with grade 3 PGD within 72 h (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 2.2 [1.6-3.1]). Inverse probability treatment weighting analysis excluding patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support produced similar findings (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 2.4 [1.7-3.4], P  < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this multicenter, international registry study of LT patients, intraoperative transfusion of >4 units of PRBCs was associated with an increased risk of grade 3 PGD within 72 h. Efforts to improve post-LT outcomes should include perioperative blood conservation measures.

Portable normothermic ex-vivo lung perfusion, ventilation, and functional assessment with the Organ Care System on donor lung use for transplantation from extended-criteria donors (EXPAND): a single-arm, pivotal trial

BACKGROUND

Donor lung use for transplantation is the lowest among solid organ tranplants because of several complex and multifactorial reasons; one area that could have a substantial role is the limited capabilities of cold ischaemic storage. The aim of the EXPAND trial was to evaluate the efficacy of normothermic portable Organ Care System (OCS) Lung perfusion and ventilation on donor lung use from extended-criteria donors and donors after circulatory death, which are rarely used.

METHODS

In this single-arm, pivotal trial done in eight institutions across the USA, Germany, and Belgium, lungs from extended-criteria donors were included if fulfilling one or more of the following criteria: a ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO₂) to fractional concentration of oxygen inspired air (FiO₂) in the donor lung of 300 mm Hg or less; expected ischaemic time longer than 6 h; donor age 55 years or older; or lungs from donors after circulatory death that were recruited and assessed using OCS Lung. Lungs were transplanted if they showed stability of OCS Lung variables, PaO₂:FiO₂ was more than 300 mm Hg, and they were accepted by the transplanting surgeon. Patients were adult bilateral lung transplant recipients. The primary efficacy endpoint was a composite of patient survival at day 30 post-transplant and absence of The International Society for Heart & Lung Tranplantation primary-graft dysfunction grade 3 (PGD3) within 72 h post-transplantation, with a prespecified objective performance goal of 65%. The primary analysis population was all transplanted recipients. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01963780, and is now complete.

FINDINGS

Between Jan 23, 2014, and Oct 23, 2016, 93 lung pairs were perfused, ventilated, and assessed on the OCS Lung. 12 lungs did not meet OCS transplantation criteria so 81 lungs were suitable for transplantation. Two lungs were excluded for logistical reasons, hence 79 (87%) of eligible lungs were transplanted. The primary endpoint was achieved in 43 (54%) of 79 patients and did not meet the objective performance goal. 35 (44%) of 79 patients had PGD3 within the initial 72 h. 78 (99%) of 79 patients had survived at 30 days post-transplant. The mean number of lung graft-related serious adverse events (respiratory failure and major pulmonary-related infection) was 0·3 events per patient (SD 0·5).

INTERPRETATION

Despite missing the objective primary endpoint, the portable OCS Lung resulted in 87% donor lung use for transplantation with excellent clinical outcomes. Many lungs declined by other transplant centres were successfully transplanted using this new technology, which implies its use has the potential to increase the number of lung transplants performed worldwide. Whether similar outcomes could be obtained if these lungs were preserved on ice is unknown and remains an area for future research.

FUNDING

TransMedics Inc.

Tailored Approach to Surgical Exposure Reduces Surgical Site Complications after Bilateral Lung Transplantation

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the effects of tailoring the operative approach on major surgical site complications and outcomes in lung transplant recipients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Beginning in July 2013, bilateral lung transplants at a single institution were performed either through sternotomy or clamshell depending on proximity of hilar structures by computed tomography (CT), anticipated complexity, past surgical history, and surgeon experience. Patient demographics and outcomes were collected in the institution's Transplant Information Services (TIS). A major surgical site complication was defined as a sterile or infected incision requiring operative intervention.

RESULTS

One hundred six bilateral lung transplants (68 via clamshell and 38 via median sternotomy) were performed between July 2013 and June 2016. Median sternotomy patients were older (mean age 55 vs. 50 y, p = 0.04), and less likely to have cystic fibrosis (5 [13%] vs. 19 [28%], p = 0.21) or diabetes (5 [13%] vs. 26 [38%], p = 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in mean lung allocation score (LAS) (45 vs. 48, p = 0.39) and body mass index (BMI; kg/m²; 25.3 vs. 24.4, p = 0.29) between the sternotomy and clamshell group. Fifteen (14.2%) patients experienced a total of 25 surgical site complications (19 major and 6 minor). No sternotomy patient had a major surgical site complication and 11 (16.2%) clamshell patients had a major surgical site complication (p = 0.01). Of these 11 patients, 5 (45%) required multiple operative revisions related to the surgical site. Freedom from major surgical site complications at three years was 100% for sternotomy patients and 80% for clamshell patients (p = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

Tailoring the operative approach can reduce surgical site complications in lung transplant patients by avoiding a clamshell whenever feasible.

A novel translocation t(11;13) (q21;q14.2) in a child with suprasellar primitive neuroectodermal tumor and retinoblastoma

PURPOSE

To report on a novel translocation related to a suprasellar primitive neuroectodermal tumor (sPNET) and retinoblastoma.

DESIGN

Case report.

METHODS

A 6-year-old girl underwent genetic testing after developing unilateral retinoblastoma subsequent to treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, and stem-cell rescue) for a sPNET found at 1 year of age.

RESULTS

Genetic testing found the girl's karyotype to be 46,XX,t(11;13)(q21;q14.2); a novel translocation not previously reported in patients with either retinoblastoma or sPNET.

CONCLUSIONS

Our patient had a novel translocation affecting the retinoblastoma 1 (RB1) gene, 46,XX,t(11;13)(q21;q14.2) resulting in the late development of unilateral retinoblastoma. Although she only developed unilateral retinoblastoma, her central nervous system was affected at a very early age. How her complex mutation resulted in retinoblastoma and antecedent sPNET remains unknown.

Perioperative outcomes of cardiac surgery in kidney and kidney-pancreas transplant recipients

OBJECTIVE

Cardiovascular disease is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in organ transplant recipients, and cardiac surgery has become more common in this population. We performed a retrospective study of kidney transplant recipients who underwent cardiac surgery over the past 10 years at our institution with an emphasis on evaluating postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

Seventy-four patients with previous abdominal transplants underwent cardiac surgery (93% coronary artery bypass grafting, 5.4% bypass grafting plus valve, and 1.4% valve) between 1995 and 2005. These recipients were compared with 895 adult nontransplant patients undergoing cardiac surgery between 2000 and 2005. Only kidney and kidney-pancreas recipients were included in the analysis (n = 70) because there were only 2 liver and pancreas alone transplants.

RESULTS

As compared with nontransplant patients, kidney transplant patients were younger (mean age 52.1 +/- 10 years vs 61 +/- 13 years; P < .001) and had an increased incidence of diabetes (92.9% vs 39.1%; P < .001), peripheral vascular disease (37.1% vs 19.1%; P < .001), chronic kidney insufficiency (73.0% vs 13.4%; P < 0.001), and unstable angina (44.8% vs 25.7%; P = .005) There was no difference between the two groups in the complication rate at 30 days after surgery, except that transplant patients were more likely to have postoperative kidney dysfunction (32.6% vs 6.1%; P < .001) and require hemodialysis (11.7% vs 1.1%; P < .0001). Thirty-day postoperative mortality was similar between groups (1.4% vs 2.9%; P = not significant). By multivariable analysis, preoperative congestive heart failure, nonelective surgery, prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass times, peripheral vascular disease, and lower creatinine clearance were significant risk factors for postoperative mortality; however, prior kidney transplant was not an independent risk factor for 30-day postoperative mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite their increased incidence of comorbid conditions, the postoperative outcomes of cardiac surgery in kidney transplant recipients are similar to those in the nontransplant population except for a higher incidence of kidney dysfunction in transplant patients.

Adhesive retention dressings are more comfortable than alginate dressings on split skin graft donor sites--a randomised controlled trial

A prospective randomised trial examining the effectiveness, comparative comfort and ease of care of two different split skin graft donor site dressings was performed. One of the dressings was an alginate (Kaltostat), and the other an adhesive retention tape (Mefix). Alginates are the standard plastic surgical dressing, whereas the use of adhesive retention tapes as a donor site dressing presents a novel use of a readily available product. A total of 30 consecutive patients requiring split skin grafts were randomised to receive either alginate or retention donor site dressings. Dressings were assessed by interview and questionnaire at 24 h and 48 h and at 2 weeks, and by wound review at 2 weeks. Retention dressings were found to be more comfortable. They also required less nursing care and attention. The retention dressings allowed the patients easier mobility and a greater range of daily activities, especially washing. There was no significant difference in wound healing nor in complications. Adhesive retention tape applied directly to the split skin graft donor site wound is an effective, cheap and comfortable dressing requiring little postoperative care.

Mood state changes of students enrolled in physical activity classes

74 students enrolled in physical activity classes completed the happiness and sadness scales of the Emotional Assessment Scale each week for the 7-week course. A repeated measures analysis of variance indicated no significant change in mean mood state scores. Subjects' scores remained fairly happy throughout the length of the course, women having significantly happier scores than men.

Influence of fitness on susceptibility to noise-induced temporary threshold shift

PURPOSE

Two earlier reports indicated that cardiovascular fitness attenuates susceptibility to noise-induced temporary threshold shift (TTS) in hearing sensitivity; however, other parameters of fitness also may be related to this phenomenon. This study investigated the association of three different physical fitness indicators on TTS.

METHODS

Maximal aerobic power (VO2max), body composition. and recent activity history were determined in 33 normal-hearing females of various fitness levels. Audiometric thresholds were obtained at 2000, 3000, 4000, and 6000 Hz before and immediately after 10 min of exposure to 108-dB SPL narrow-band noise centered at 2000 Hz.

RESULTS

All postnoise measurements were significantly less than prenoise measurements (P < 0.0001) with the greatest TTS occurring at 3000 Hz. Similarly, the strongest Pearson-product correlations for VO2max, % fat, and recent activity history with TTS occurred at 3000 Hz (r = -0.68, 0.60, -0.59, respectively; P < 0.05). Canonical correlation analysis indicated a moderate correlation between physical fitness and TTS (Rc = 0.71: P < 0.01). Individually, VO2max, % fat, and recent activity history had correlations of -0.70, 0.62, and -0.63, respectively, to the TTS canonical variable.

CONCLUSIONS

From these results, we concluded that there is a moderate association of physical fitness and diminished temporary hearing loss experienced after noise exposure.

The identification and partial characterisation of a novel inducible extracellular thermostable esterase from the archaeon Sulfolobus shibatae

Extracellular esterases have so far only been reported in eubacteria, here we report the first identification and partial characterisation of a novel inducible extracellular esterase from the thermoacidophilic archaeon Sulfolobus shibatae. This esterase exhibits remarkable stability to both acid and heat. Esterase activity is induced by growth on a range of polyoxyethylenesorbitan (Tween) compounds as sole carbon source. Activity occurs over a wide temperature (25-99 degrees C) and pH (pH4.0-9.0) range and is optimal at 90 degrees C and pH6.0. It exhibits high thermal stability, with a half-life of 20 min at 120 degrees C, and shows a transient thermal activation of 60% at 90 degrees C. The thermal inactivation of function occurs by first order kinetics, and after 120 min incubation at 120 degrees C 50% of activity still remains. It is able to hydrolyse mono- and diglycerides, but is unable to hydrolyse the triglycerides olive oil and triolein, which is indicative of an esterase and not a lipase.

Psychometric properties of the Driving Practices Questionnaire: assessment of risky driving

A national public health goal is to reduce injuries and deaths from motor vehicle crashes (MVC). The development and psychometric evaluation of the 10-item Driving Practices Questionnaire (DPQ) to measure risky driving is described. Based on responses from 297 drivers divided into safe, unsafe, and injured groups, the DPQ was evaluated using item and factor analysis, and reliability and validity measures. Principal axis factor analysis isolated one factor with 42.3% of the variance explained. The alpha coefficient for the scale was .87 and test-retest correlation was .94. High DPQ scorers were three times more likely to have prior traffic violations. The identification of driver subtypes will assist the testing of injury prevention interventions.