Clinical outcomes of single-dose cardioplegia in high-risk coronary bypass

Del Nido cardioplegia versus cold blood cardioplegia in adult cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

OBJECTIVE

Systematic evaluation of the safety of del Nido cardioplegia compared to cold blood cardioplegia in adult cardiac surgery.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized clinical trials (published by 14 January 2024) comparing del Nido cardioplegia to cold blood cardioplegia in adult. Our main endpoints were myocardial injury markers and clinical outcomes. We assessed pooled data by use of a random-effects model or a fixed-effects model.

RESULTS

A total of 10 studies were identified, incorporating 889 patients who received del Nido cardioplegia and 907 patients who received cold blood cardioplegia. The meta-analysis results showed that compared with the cold blood cardioplegia, the del Nido cardioplegia had less volume of cardioplegia, higher rate of spontaneous rhythm recovery after cross clamp release, lower levels of postoperative cardiac troponin T and creatinine kinase-myocardial band, all of which were statistically significant. However, there was no statistically significant difference in postoperative troponin I and postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction. The clinical outcomes including mechanical ventilation time, intensive care unit stay time, hospital stay time, postoperative stroke, postoperative new-onset atrial fibrillation, postoperative heart failure requiring intra-aortic balloon pump mechanical circulation support, and in-hospital mortality of both are comparable.

CONCLUSION

Existing evidence suggests that del Nido cardioplegia reduced volume of cardioplegia administration and attempts of defibrillation. The superior postoperative results in CTnT and CK-MB may provide a direction for further research on improvement of the composition of cardioplegia.

Use of del Nido cardioplegia in acute coronary syndrome cases with decreased ejection fraction

BACKGROUND

There has been increasing interest in using del Nido cardioplegia in adult cardiac surgery. However, there is limited evidence for its efficacy in patients with acute coronary syndrome and reduced ejection fraction.

METHODS

This study examined patients with decreased ejection fraction (EF < 40%) who were hospitalized due to acute coronary syndrome and received either del Nido (DN) or cold blood cardioplegia (CB). The patients were matched based on age, gender, myocardial infarction at baseline, and number of conducted surgical procedures. An analysis was conducted on postoperative biomarker release (high-sensitivity troponin T and isoenzyme creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB)), changes in myocardial contractility and perioperative outcomes.

RESULTS

62 pairs of patients with similar baseline characteristics were selected. 51.6% of pairs underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, while 48.4% underwent a complex procedure. Postoperative troponin values did not differ significantly at 12 h (median (IQR): 606.7 (381.4-974.8) pg/mL vs. 552 (231.8-1579.5) pg/mL; p = 0.913), nor did CK-MB (median (IQR): 24.3 (12.6-45.5) ng/mL vs. 23.7 (12.3-49.8) ng/mL; p = 0.972). The postoperative EF was similar between groups (median (IQR): 30% (30-35%) vs. 34% (30-38%); p = 0.323). No difference in perioperative mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, or composite endpoint was noted. In a multivariate analysis, the cardioplegia protocol did not affect biomarker release or changes in ejection fraction. The first stage of acute kidney injury was more frequent in the CB group (28.5% vs. 9.7%, p = 0.033).

CONCLUSIONS

Both del Nido and cold blood cardioplegia provide adequate cardioprotection in patients with acute coronary syndrome with decreased ejection fraction.

Del Nido vs. Cold Blood Cardioplegia for High-Risk Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients with Reduced Ventricular Function

INTRODUCTION

The evidence for using del Nido cardioplegia protocol in high-risk patients with reduced ejection fraction undergoing isolated coronary surgery is insufficient.

METHODS

The institutional database was searched for isolated coronary bypass procedures. Patients with ejection fraction < 40% were selected. Propensity matching (age, sex, infarction, number of grafts) was used to pair del Nido (Group 1) and cold blood (Group 2) cardioplegia patients. Investigation of biomarker release, changes in ejection fraction, mortality, stroke, perioperative myocardial infarction, composite endpoint (major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events), and other perioperative parameters was performed.

RESULTS

Matching allowed the selection of 45 patient pairs. No differences were noted at baseline. After cross-clamp release, spontaneous sinus rhythm return was observed more frequently in Group 1 (80% vs. 48.9%; P=0.003). Troponin values were similar in both groups 12 and 36 hours after surgery, as well as creatine kinase at 12 hours. A trend favored Group 1 in creatine kinase release at 36 hours (median 4.9; interquartile range 3.8-9.6 ng/mL vs. 7.3; 4.5-17.5 ng/mL; P=0.085). Perioperative mortality, rates of myocardial infarction, stroke, or major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events were similar. No difference in postoperative ejection fraction was noted (median 35.0%; interquartile range 32.0-38.0% vs. 35.0%; 32.0-40.0%; P=0.381). There was a trend for lower atrial fibrillation rate in Group 1 (6.7% vs. 17.8%; P=0.051).

CONCLUSION

The findings indicate that del Nido cardioplegia provides satisfactory protection in patients with reduced ejection fraction undergoing coronary bypass surgery. Further prospective trials are required.

Redosing of long acting cardioplegic solutions in adult cardiac surgery: A comparative study

INTRODUCTION

Despite promising results regarding using long-acting cardioplegia in the adult population, little data exists specifically for operations requiring prolonged aortic cross-clamp needing additional doses. In this pilot study, we evaluated the outcomes of patients undergoing surgery with prolonged cross-clamp time based on four different redosing compositions.

METHODS

During the period from January 2019 until June 2022, 288 patients undergoing cardiac surgery with an expected cross-clamp time over 60 min were prospectively randomized regarding the type of the cardioplegia used: Group 1 (N = 150)- single-dose del Nido antegrade cardioplegia and Group 2 (N = 138)- single-dose Histidine-Tryptophane-Ketoglutarate (HTK) antegrade cardioplegia. In patients with ischemic time over 60 min, needing a redosing were further analyzed separately in four subgroups: (A) Cold whole blood (CWB) (4:1) (N = 95); (A1: DN-CWB; A2: HTK-CWB) and (B) St Thomas Solution (N = 92) (B1: DN-St Thomas; B2: HTK-St Thomas. Control groups were C1 (DN redosed by DN) and C2 (HTK by HTK).

RESULTS

Troponin levels in A1 and B1 groups were significantly lower than in DN-control. Respiratory support time and incidence of atrial fibrillation were significantly lower in Group A1 versus DN-control.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-acting cardioplegic techniques are becoming widely utilized in the adult population, with minimal data on redosing methods/compositions for prolonged cases. Due to the small patient population, further investigation is needed to delineate optimal redosing methods, but this report brings to attention the initial success of multiple strategies.

Determinants of Inadequate Cardioprotection in Adult Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction

BACKGROUND

 Perioperative cardioprotection is essential for achieving satisfactory clinical outcomes in heart failure patients. It is important to understand the factors affecting perioperative cardioprotection.

METHODS

 The institutional database was searched for patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF, < 40%) who underwent surgery with cardioplegia-induced arrest. Patients were divided into del Nido cardioplegia (DN) and cold blood cardioplegia (CB) groups. The relationships between age, preoperative blood parameters, creatinine, cross-clamp time (CCT), extracorporeal circulation time (ECT), and postoperative troponin values at 12 hours or deterioration of EF (≥5%) were evaluated. Baseline characteristics, operative parameters, and outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

 There were 508 patients with reduced EF (331 DN and 177 CB). In the entire cohort, anemic patients had greater troponin values (p = 0.004) as well as in the DN group (p = 0.002). However, this was not detected in the CB group (flat regression line; p = 0.674). Patients with high leukocyte values had greater troponin release (entire cohort: p < 0.001; DN group: p < 0.001; CB group: steep regression line with p = 0.042). Longer CCT and ECT were associated with greater troponin release (entire cohort; both groups) and greater risk of fall in EF. In a direct comparison, fewer patients had significant deterioration of EF in the DN group than CB group (3.9 vs. 11.9%; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

 The use of CB cardioplegia may be beneficial in anemic patients, whereas the use of DN cardioplegia may be beneficial for expected long CCT and high leukocytosis.

del Nido versus blood cardioplegia in adult cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis

AIMS

Initially developed for myocardial protection in immature cardiomyocytes, del Nido cardioplegia has been increasingly used over the past decade in adult patients. Our aim is to analyse the results from randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing early mortality and postoperative troponin release in patients who underwent cardiac surgery using del Nido solution and blood cardioplegia.

METHODS

A literature search was performed through three online databases between January 2010 and August 2022. Clinical studies providing early mortality and/or postoperative troponin evaluation were included. A random-effects meta-analysis with a generalized linear mixed model, incorporating random study effects, was implemented to compare the two groups.

RESULTS

Forty-two articles were included in the final analysis for a total of 11 832 patients, 5926 of whom received del Nido solution and 5906 received blood cardioplegia. del Nido and blood cardioplegia populations had comparable age, gender distribution, history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. There was no difference in early mortality between the two groups. There was a trend towards lower 24 h [mean difference -0.20; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.40 to 0.00; I2 = 89%; P = 0.056] and lower peak postoperative troponin levels (mean difference -0.10; 95% CI -0.21 to 0.01; I2 = 0.87; P = 0.087) in the del Nido group.

CONCLUSION

del Nido cardioplegia can be safely used in adult cardiac surgery. The use of del Nido solution was associated with similar results in terms of early mortality and postoperative troponin release when compared with blood cardioplegia myocardial protection.

Del Nido versus cold blood cardioplegia in adult patients with impaired ejection fraction undergoing valvular and complex heart surgery

BACKGROUND

There is sparse evidence on the efficacy of del Nido cardioplegia in high-risk patients with reduced ejection fraction undergoing valvular or complex heart surgery, and further investigation is required.

METHODS

An institutional registry was searched for patients who underwent valvular or complex heart surgery and had an ejection fraction <40%. Subjects who received del Nido cardioplegia (DNC) and cold blood cardioplegia (CBC) were selected. Propensity matching was performed with age, gender, and number of conducted procedures as matching criteria. A comparative analysis was performed on primary endpoints of the troponin rise and changes in ejection fraction (EF). A composite endpoint of a troponin rise of ≥20× baseline or fall of EF≥5% was assessed in a multivariate analysis. Other perioperative complications are reported.

RESULTS

One hundred patients from the DNC group were matched to the 100 patients in the CBC group. There were no differences between groups at baseline. Postoperatively, lower troponin values were observed in the DNC group at 12 hours (median; IQR: 523.2;349.1-740.4 pg/mL vs. 787.6;443.6-1689.0 pg/mL; P=0.016) and 36 hours (median; IQR: 426.1;337.2-492.1 pg/mL vs. 653.7;398.8-1737.5 pg/mL; P=0.044). Fewer patients in the DNC group had a fall in EF≥5% (7% vs. 16%; P=0.046). The multivariable analysis did not reveal a significant predictor of composite endpoint.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with impaired contractility undergoing valvular and complex procedures, the use of del Nido cardioplegia as an alternative to cold blood cardioplegia is associated with lower troponin release and improved preservation of ejection fraction.

One-shot cardioplegia for minimally invasive mitral valve repair-a comparison of del Nido and Bretschneider Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate solutions

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive procedures are demanding in terms of cardioprotection. In many leading centres Bretschneider HTK solution is used for mitral valve surgery. The study was designed to provide comparison of the del Nido and Bretschneider HTK protocol.

METHODS

Patients who underwent minimally invasive mitral valve repair for primary mitral regurgitation and received single delivery of either del Nido (Group 1) or Bretschneider HTK cardioplegia (Group 2) were matched on basis of age, gender and length of the cross-clamp time. The groups were compared in terms of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (death, myocardial infarction, stroke), high sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) and creatine kinase- MB isoenzyme (CK-MB) release at 12 h and 24 h following the surgery, incidence of low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS), postoperative arrhythmia, transfusions and postoperative renal function.

RESULTS

Case control matching selected 38 pairs of patients. None of patients died, nor suffered from myocardial infarction or stroke. Troponin values did not differ at 12 h (median: 281.0 pg/mL vs 313.0 pg/mL; p = .38) and 24 h (median: 261.0 pg/mL vs 299.0 pg/mL; p = .54), as well as CK-MB at 12 h (median: 25.0 ng/mL vs 29.0 ng/mL; p = .31) and 24 h (median: 11.0 ng/mL versus 9.6 ng/mL; p = .46). Difference in occurrence of LCOS was insignificant (2 vs 7; 5.2% vs 18.4%; p =.15). No difference was shown in incidence of postoperative arrhythmia, transfusions and renal function.

CONCLUSIONS

Del Nido cardioplegia can be used safely as an alternative for Bretschneider HTK for minimally invasive mitral valve surgery.