Anticoagulation early after mechanical heart valve replacement

Objective： To explore the changes of coagulation activity and the characters of anticoagulation early after mechanical heart valve replacement. Methods： All patients only took warfarin orally for anticoagulation. The predicted international normalized ratio （INR） was 1.5 to 2.0. Several coagulation markers were monitored early after valve replacement. Complications associated with anticoagulation were recorded and analyzed. The patients were divided into three groups based on the number and position of mechanical valve prothesis, including group M （mitral valve replacement）, group A （aortic valve replacement） and group D （mitral and aortic valve replacement）.Comparison was made between the three groups. Results： Three events of mild cerebral embolism and five events of mild bleeding occurred during the early postoperative period. One patient suffered from mild cerebral embolism on the 4th day after operation, accompanied by large volume of pericardial drainage. Two patients with bleeding had lower INRs than predicted range. However, INR in one patient with mild cerebral embolism was in the predicted range. There was no significant difference in thrombo time （TT）, activated partial thromboplastin time （APTT） and 1NR on the 3rd day after operation compared to those before operation; meanwhile, plasma fibrinogen （FIB） concentration was higher than that before operation （P〈0.05）. 1NR had no significant changes on the 2nd day after the beginning of anticoagulation compared to that before operation; however, 1NR was significantly elevated on the 4th day （P〈0.05）. Warfarin doses and INRs were similar among the three groups, but FIB concentrations in plasma were higher in groups M and D than in group A （P〈0.01）. Conclusion： Hypercoagulabale state exists early after mechanical heart valve replacement. When anticoagulation begins is determined by the change of coagulation markers, not by the volume of chest or pericardial drainage. INR can not accurately reflect the coagulation state sometimes, especially during the first 3 days after anticoagulation. The number and position of mechanical valve prothesis could affect coagulation state. Therefore, anticoagulation therapy should be regulated accordingly.

Effect of L-carnitine on Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis and Cardiac Function in Patients Undergoing Heart Valve Replacement Operation

Summary： The effects of L-carnitine, as an ingredient of cardioplegia solution, on cardiac function and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in patients undergoing heart valve replacement operation were investigated. Twenty-three cases undergoing heart valve replacement with cardiopulmonary bypass （CPB） were randomly allocated into two groups： L-carnitine group （n=12, 12 g/L L-carnitine was put in the ST. Thomas cardioplegia） and control group （n=11, identical to the L-carnitine group except that normal saline was administered instead of L-carnitine）. Serum cardial troponin I （cTnI） levels, the left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）, and cardiac index （CI） were measured perioperatively. A bit of myocardial tissue obtained from right atria was taken before CPB and by the end of intracardiac procedure to undergo electron microscopy examination and estimate apoptosis by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling （TUNEL）. From the end of CPB to 3 days after operation, the serum levels of cTnI in the L-carnitine group was significantly lower than that in the control group （P〈0.05）. Heart color ultrasonogram showed that the CI index and LVEF at 7th day postoperatively in the L-carnitine group were significantly higher than in the control group （P〈0.05）. Compared to the control group, L-carnitine significantly alleviated the morphologic changes of cardiac muscle cells （electron microscopy examination） and decreased the amounts of apoptotic cardiac muscle cells （TUNEL）. Furthermore, the dosage of vasoactive drugs used after operation was significantly less in the L-carnitine group （P〈0.01）. It was concluded that L-carnitine cardioplegia solution could improve cardiac function in patients undergoing heart valve replacement operation and alleviate CPB-mediated apoptosis of cardiac muscle cells.

Univariate Risk Factors for Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation in Patients Undergoing Prosthetic Heart Valves Replacement Surgery

Data from 736 patients undergoing prosthetic heart valve replacement surgery and concomitant surgery （combined surgery） from January 1998 to January 2004 at Union Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identity risk factors for prolonged mechanical ventilation. The results showed that prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass duration, prolonged aortic cross clamp time and low ejection fraction less than 50 percent （50 %） were found to be independent predictors for prolonged mechanical ventilation. Meanwhile age, weight, and preoperative hospital stay （days） were not found to be associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation. It was concluded that. for age and weight, this might be due to the lower number of old age patients （70 years and above） included in our study and genetic body structure of majority Chinese population that favor them to be in normal weight, respectively.

Body-temperature circadian rhythm in 67 patients after heart valve replacement surgery secondary to valvular heart disease

Purpose:Patient body temperature was monitored after cardiac valve replacement,in order to explore the characteristics of body-temperature circadian rhythm and the factors influencing that rhythm.Methods:A cohort of 67 patients who received cardiac valve replacement in a Fuzhou,Fujian province,China,general hospital underwent temperature measurements and analysis(by cosine curve)of their body-temperature circadian rhythm.A biological rhythm model was established through principal component analysis and evaluation of biological rhythm features.Multiple circadian parameters were included through linear regression analysis.Results:Patients’temperature after cardiac valve replacement exhibited circadian characteristics(p<0.05),among which the scores of temperature mesor,amplitude,and acrophase were respectively(37.61
0.08),(0.10
0.09),and33(e355,e119).Body-temperature rhythms were influenced by both gender and cardiopulmonary bypass time(p<0.05).Conclusion:Although some patients’circadian characteristics disappeared after cardiac valve replacement,circadian rhythms remained intact for most patients.Measures that were found to mitigate body-temperature circadian rhythm disruption included building a natural rhythm of light/darkness and decreasing cardiopulmonary bypass time.

Role of thrombus precursor protein in assessment of anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation after mechanical heart valve replacement

Objective: To explore the role of thrombus precursor protein (TpP) in assessment of anticoagulation and predict the risk of thromboembolism in the patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) after mechanical heart valve replacement. Methods: TpP plasma concentration and international normalization ratio (INR) were measured in 45 patients with atrial fibrillation and 45 patients with sinus rhythm both after mechanical heart valve replacement. Twenty patients with non valvular heart diseases were selected as the control. Furthermore, the patients with AF were divided into groups based on different TpP plasma concentration and TpP plasma concentration and INR were analyzed. Results: After mechanical heart valve replacement, those with AF had higher TpP plasma concentration than those with sinus rhythm. It was found that discordancy existed between INR and TpP plasma concentration in the patients with AF. There were 28 AF patients with TpP plasma concentration lower than 6 μg/ml and without bleeding, who might be at the optimal anticoagulant state. The 95% confidence of the mean INR value was 1.90-2.30 in these patients and TpP plasma concentration was between 2.84-5.74 μg/ml. Conclusion: Patients with AF might face higher risk of thromboembolism after mechanical valve replacement; INR between 1.90-2.30 and TpP plasma concentration between 2.84-6 μg/ml might be the optimal anticoagulant range for patients with AF after mechanical valve replacement.

Effect of Psychological Nursing on the Mental State and Quality of Life of Patients After Heart Valve Replacement for Rheumatic Heart Disease

Objective:To explore the effect of psychological nursing on the mental state and quality of life of patients after heart valve replacement for rheumatic heart disease.Methods:Seventy-four patients with rheumatic heart disease that underwent heart valve replacement in Zhenjiang First People's Hospital from January 2017 to May 2020 were selected as the research subjects.Thirty-seven patients that were treated from January 2017 to September 2018 were included in the control group.Routine care was provided for the patients in the control group.From October 2018 to May 2020,the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery improved their preoperative and postoperative psychological care.Thirty-seven patients that were treated during this period were included in the research group.The research group received psychological nursing care in addition to routine care.The efiects of different nursing modes on the quality of life and postoperative mental state of the patients were determined.Results:The scores for depression,anxiety,somatization,and compulsion in the research group were significantly lower than those in the control group(p<0.05);the scores for the quality of life of patients in the research group were significantly higher than those in the control group(p<0.05).Conclusions:Strengthening psychological nursing for patients with rheumatic heart disease is helpful to improve their quality of life and mental state after heart valve replacement.

Safety and effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in cardiac surgery:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Lack of mobilization and prolonged stay in the intensive care unit(ICU)are major factors resulting in the development of ICU-acquired muscle weakness(ICUAW).ICUAW is a type of skeletal muscle dysfunction and a common complication of patients after cardiac surgery,and may be a risk factor for prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation,associated with a higher risk of readmission and higher mortality.Early mobilization in the ICU after cardiac surgery has been found to be low with a significant trend to increase over ICU stay and is also associated with a reduced duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay.Neuromuscular electrical stimulation(NMES)is an alternative modality of exercise in patients with muscle weakness.A major advantage of NMES is that it can be applied even in sedated patients in the ICU,a fact that might enhance early mobilization in these patients.AIM To evaluate safety,feasibility and effectiveness of NMES on functional capacity and muscle strength in patients before and after cardiac surgery.METHODS We performed a search on Pubmed,Physiotherapy Evidence Database(PEDro),Embase and CINAHL databases,selecting papers published between December 2012 and April 2023 and identified published randomized controlled trials(RCTs)that included implementation of NMES in patients before after cardiac surgery.RCTs were assessed for methodological rigor and risk of bias via the PEDro.The primary outcomes were safety and functional capacity and the secondary outcomes were muscle strength and function.RESULTS Ten studies were included in our systematic review,resulting in 703 participants.Almost half of them performed NMES and the other half were included in the control group,treated with usual care.Nine studies investigated patients after cardiac surgery and 1 study before cardiac surgery.Functional capacity was assessed in 8 studies via 6MWT or other indices,and improved only in 1 study before and in 1 after cardiac surgery.Nine studies explored the effects of NMES on muscle strength and function and,most of them,found increase of muscle strength and improvement in muscle function after NMES.NMES was safe in all studies without any significant complication.CONCLUSION NMES is safe,feasible and has beneficial effects on muscle strength and function in patients after cardiac surgery,but has no significant effect on functional capacity.

Aortic and mitral valve replacement with retrograde perfusion in the beating heart

Objective To estimate the value of aortic valves and combined mitral valve replacement with retrograde perfusion in beating hearts.Methods Continuous retrograde coronary sinus perfusion with beating hearts was used in 83 patients undergoing aortic valve or aortic valve combined with mitral valve replacement,without application of cardioplegia.After aortic valve replacement,the retrograde perfusion wes changed to antegrade perfusion for mitral valve replacement or correction of the other deformities(group A).Cold blood cardioplegia solution(15℃)was infused at intervals in 20 cases(group B).The following parameters were tested:lactate,ET,CTn-T and MDA in blood;myocardial ultra-structure;and cardiac rhythm and cardiac output (co).Results All biochemical values increased after cardiopulmonary bypass(P ＜ 0.05 - 0.01).Empty and beating heart sinus rhythm was maintained in group A.Myocardial ultrastructure did not change significantly.The pump was stopped smoothly as the surgical procedure finished.No postoperative low cardiac output syndrome or arrhythmia was observed.Eight-one patients recovered smoothly,two died from renal failure or infective shock.When the pump stopped,all patients in group B were supported by 5 - 10 μg· kg-1· min-1 dopamine.Transient pacing was used in 9 patients.One patient died from low cardiac output syndrome.Conclusion This method is a good myocardial protection which simulates physiologic status.It is applicable to aortic valve and combined mitral valve replacement of patients with large heart or heart failure and long time aortic cross-clamping.Ideal clinical effect can be achieved.

Early outcomes and analysis of factors influencing in-hospital mortality after concomitant heart valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting

Background Objective:To investigate the perioperative precautions,surgical methods and early clinical efficacy of patients with valvular heart disease complicated by coronary atherosclerotic heart disease treated with coronary artery bypass grafting at the same time as heart valve replacement and to analyze the relevant factors affecting the death of patients during hospitalization after surgery.Methods:Between January 2020 and September 2021,a total of 103 patients who underwent simultaneous heart valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting for heart valve disease in conjunction with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease at the Department of cardiac surgery,Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute were retrospectively evaluated for clinical data,and a systematic review and summary of all preoperative data,surgical methods,intraoperative data,and major complications were performed.The variations in each cardiotocography indicator were examined before and after surgery to determine surgical effectiveness and statistical perioperative patient mortality.After integrating the Sino SCORE risk assessment system and analyzing the case features included in this data,12 alternative risk variables for mortality were identified and submitted to univariate and multivariate analysis using logistic regression.After performing a univariate analysis of the alternative risk factors,the option of P<0.05 was considered a risk factor and included in the multivariate analysis,followed by a multivariate logistic regression analysis in which the factors were determined to be independent risk factors with P<0.05,and their OR values and 95 percent confidence intervals(CIs)were calculated to analyze the associated factors affecting patients’early prognosis systematically.Results:Of the 103 patients,91 were successfully discharged from the hospital,12 died,11.7%of the deaths were due to the following causes:postoperative low cardiac output syndrome,multiple organ failure,and severe infection;Among all the 103 patients,7 patients underwent rebleeding and hemostasis after surgery,6 patients required dialysis after surgery,28 patients underwent IABP supportive care after surgery because of the occurrence of low cardiac output syndrome,1 patient assisted by ECMO after surgery,and patients discharged successfully had significantly less LVEDD and LVESD in the early postoperative period,compared with those before surgery(P=0.000;P=0.000).Age>70 years,preoperative combined hyperlipidemia,and history of the cerebrovascular accident were the three independent risk factors that may have contributed to in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing CABG valve replacement.Conclusions:1.The diastolic function of the majority of patients with valvular heart disease and coronary atherosclerotic heart disease improved significantly in the early stages after coronary artery bypass grafting and heart valve replacement.2.Age>70 years,preoperative combined hyperlipidemia,and a history of the cerebrovascular accident were three independent risk factors for in-hospital death in patients receiving CABG valve replacement.

MULTIPLE ORGAN DYSFUNCTION AFTER HEART VALVE REPLACEMENT

Multiple organ dysfunction (MOD) after valve replacement was studied in a period of 1980-1991. The incidences of MOD involving 2, 3 and 4 organs were 17.1%, 5.6% and 4.3% with corresponding mortalities of 12%, 18.5% and 76.2%. We focused on dysfunction of more than 3 organs, the dreadful complication, which can be divided clinically into three types: acute (type I), deteriorating (type II), and pulmonary infection (type III). In MOD, the function of heart and lung is primarily depressed after surgery. So the predisposing factors of MOD are acute pump failure and hypoxemia, and the possible triggering factor is infection, especially pulmonary infection, which re-endangers the organs recovering from the primary blows. Thus prevention of pulmonary infection is of same importance as treatment of pump failure and hypoxemia.

Prognostic Significance of Prognostic Nutritional Index in Elderly Patients Receiving Heart Valve Replacement

Background Valvular heart disease has become a concerning problem globally and has gradually been solved by valve replacement surgery. However, the prognostic significance of preoperative Prognostic Nutritional Index(PNI) in elderly patients receiving heart valve replacement remains unclear. Method Our study enrolled 3745elderly patients receiving heart valve replacement from January 2010 to December 2017 in Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital. The PNI were calculated at admission and patients were divided into three groups according to the tertiles of PNI: >49(n=1181), 44-49(n=1341) and <44(n=1223). Univariate and multivariable analysis were conducted to explore the relationship between PNI and in-hospital death. Results Patients with lower PNI may be indicated with worse nutritional status and with higher rate of in-hospital death. Age(OR: 1.052, P=0.004), NYHA classification(OR: 2.547, P<0.001), anemia(OR: 1.508, P=0.033), platelet count(OR: 0.994, P<0.001), LVEF(OR: 0.983, P<0.05), tricuspid regurgitation(OR: 1.898, P=0.002), CABG(OR: 2.119, P<0.001), PNI(OR: 1.57,P=0.012) were all independent predictor for in-hospital mortality of patients receiving heart valve replacement after accounting for confounding factors. Kaplan-Meier analysis proved that patients with lower PNI would have higher risk to suffer from one-year mortality compared with the group with higher PNI(Log-rank: 55.682, P<0.001). Conclusions In general, PNI was an independent factor for evaluating nutritional status and could predict in-hospital death in elderly patients receiving heart valve replacement.

Infective Endocarditis-induced Crescentic Glomerulonephritis Dramatically Improved after Removal of Vegetations and Valve Replacement

Infective endocarditis （IE） is associated with poor prognosis and higher mortality. IE-induced glomerulonephritis, especially crescentic glomerulonephritis （IE-CGN） with renal dysfunction, is an independent risk factor for mortality For the treatment of IE-CGN, many therapeutic strategies including antibiotics alone, antibiotics combined with corticosteroid, immunosuppressive agents, plasmapheresis, or cardiac surgery have been applied and obtained various results.C21 Here, we reported a case of CGN with progressive renal failure secondary to IE in which the renal function was dramatically improved by the treatment of surgical valve replacement and antibiotics.

Quality of life and functional capacity in patients after cardiac surgery intensive care unit

Coronary heart disease and aortic stenosis are prevalent cardiovascular diseases worldwide,leading to morbidity and mortality.Coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG)and surgical aortic valve replacement(SAVR)have therapeutic benefits,including improved postoperative quality of life(QoL)and enhanced patient functional capacity which are key indicators of cardiac surgery outcome.In this article,we review the latest studies of QoL outcomes and functional capacity in patients who underwent cardiac surgery.Many standardized instruments are used to evaluate QoL and functional conditions.Preoperative health status,age,length of intensive care unit stay,operative risk,type of procedure,and other pre-,intra-,and postoperative factors affect postoperative QoL.Elderly patients experience impaired physical status soon after cardiac surgery,but it improves in the following period.CABG and SAVR are associated with increases of physical and mental health and functional capacity in the immediate postoperative and the long long-term.Cardiac rehabilitation improves patient functional capacity,QoL,and frailty following cardiac surgery.