C-Reactive Protein Kinetics After Major Surgery

C-reactive Protein Kinetics During In-Patient Treatment of COVID-19-Associated Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study in a Tertiary Hospital in Central India

COVID-associated rhino-orbito-cerebral Mucormycosis (CA-ROCM), henceforth referred to as Covid-Associated Mucormycosis (CAM), is a serious and fatal condition unless treated promptly and completely. The main treatment of the CAM is complete surgical debridement and administration of systemic antifungals. The first line antifungal recommended for CAM is Amphotericin-B. Since Amphotericin-B has systemic side effects mainly on the renal system, a timely decision to start and end Amphotericin-B therapy is very essential. Besides the Computed Tomography (CT) scan, serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are a good indicator of CAM-associated inflammation levels in the patient's body. By monitoring the CRP levels, we can titrate amphotericin treatment to cause minimal harm to the kidneys. Our study was done to analyze the kinetics of C-reactive protein in patients of CAM admitted in a tertiary-care hospital and compare it with the CRP levels in COVID-associated non-Mucormycosis Sinusitis patients. Aim and objective To study the kinetics of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels among patients undergoing in-patient care for COVID-associated rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis and compare with serum CRP levels in COVID-19 patients suffering from sinusitis without rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis.  Materials and methods This was a retrospective cohort study. The source of data was post-COVID sinusitis patients who were admitted during 2nd wave of COVID-19 in India in our hospital whose medical records were accessed by the Medical Records Department. The subjects were recruited into the two study groups namely the Mucormycosis group and the non-Mucormycosis group based on the histopathological report of the nasal biopsy specimen. The medical records of each member of the two groups were studied for the levels of serum C-reactive protein measured at the time of admission and every 5(+1) days thereafter till the time of discharge. The kinetics of serum C-reactive protein levels, which is a marker of inflammation is studied in each of the two groups and compared using statistical methods. Results There was a significant difference between Mucormycosis and Non-Mucormycosis groups in CRP-level kinetics. However, there was no significant trend of decrease or increase over time in Mucormycosis as well as non-Mucormycosis cases. Conclusion CRP is an important biomarker in assessing the septic response to COVID-associated rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis. Detection of raised CRP levels helps in prompt early initiation of anti-fungal treatment. Also, monitoring the levels of serum CRP will guide in deciding the time to stop the antifungals at an appropriate time. CRP monitoring is commonly available and affordable. Hence, we recommend CRP monitoring of in-patients of CAM.

Impact of the blood group on postoperative CRP and leukocyte levels after primary total hip and knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

C-reactive protein (CRP)- and leukocyte levels are common parameters to evaluate the inflammatory response after orthopaedic surgery and rule out infectious complications. Nevertheless, both parameters are vulnerable to disturbing biases and therefore leave room for interpretation.

OBJECTIVE

Since blood groups are repeatedly discussed to influence inflammatory response, our aim was to observe their impact on CRP and leukocyte levels after total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA).

METHODS

Short term postoperative CRP and leukocyte levels of 987 patients, who received either primary TKH (n= 479) or THA (n= 508), were retrospectively correlated with their blood group. ABO, Rhesus and a combination of both blood groups were differentiated.

RESULTS

CRP levels after TKA were significantly higher in blood type AB than in type A and O on day 2-4 and also than in type A on day 6-8. Leukocyte levels after THA were significantly higher in blood group type O than in type A on day 6-8 while still remaining in an apathological range. We observed no significant differences between Rhesus types and Rhesus types and CRP or leukocyte levels.

CONCLUSION

We observed significantly increased CRP levels after TKA in patients with blood group AB. Since the elevated CRP levels do not account for early periprosthetic infection, surgeons should include this variation in their postoperative evaluation.

Postoperative systemic inflammation after major abdominal surgery: patient-centred outcomes

Postoperative systemic inflammation is strongly associated with surgical outcomes, but its relationship with patient-centred outcomes is largely unknown. Detection of excessive inflammation and patient and surgical factors associated with adverse patient-centred outcomes should inform preventative treatment options to be evaluated in clinical trials and current clinical care. This retrospective cohort study analysed prospectively collected data from 3000 high-risk, elective, major abdominal surgery patients in the restrictive vs. liberal fluid therapy for major abdominal surgery (RELIEF) trial from 47 centres in seven countries from May 2013 to September 2016. The co-primary endpoints were persistent disability or death up to 90 days after surgery, and quality of recovery using a 15-item quality of recovery score at days 3 and 30. Secondary endpoints included: 90-day and 1-year all-cause mortality; septic complications; acute kidney injury; unplanned admission to intensive care/high dependency unit; and total intensive care unit and hospital stays. Patients were assigned into quartiles of maximum postoperative C-reactive protein concentration up to day 3, after multiple imputations of missing values. The lowest (reference) group, quartile 1, C-reactive protein ≤ 85 mg.l-1 , was compared with three inflammation groups: quartile 2 > 85 mg.l-1 to 140 mg.l-1 ; quartile 3 > 140 mg.l-1 to 200 mg.l-1 ; and quartile 4 > 200 mg.l-1 to 587 mg.l-1 . Greater postoperative systemic inflammation had a higher adjusted risk ratio (95%CI) of persistent disability or death up to 90 days after surgery, quartile 4 vs. quartile 1 being 1.76 (1.31-2.36), p < 0.001. Increased inflammation was associated with increasing decline in risk-adjusted estimated medians (95%CI) for quality of recovery, the quartile 4 to quartile 1 difference being -14.4 (-17.38 to -10.71), p < 0.001 on day 3, and -5.94 (-8.92 to -2.95), p < 0.001 on day 30. Marked postoperative systemic inflammation was associated with increased risk of complications, poor quality of recovery and persistent disability or death up to 90 days after surgery.

Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Postoperative Inflammatory Response: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Initial evidence indicates that preoperatively initiated administration of omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) attenuates the postoperative inflammatory reaction. The effects of immunonutrition containing omega-3 FAs, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on the inflammatory response to abdominal surgery continues to be unclear, although improved outcomes have been reported. Therefore, we determined the effectiveness of preoperatively initiated omega-3 FAs administration on postoperative inflammation defined as CRP (C-Reactive Protein), IL-6 (Interleukin 6), and WBC (White Blood Count) and potential effects on postoperative length of hospital stay (LOS) due to an improved inflammatory response.

METHODS

a literature search of Cochrane Library was conducted to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of preoperatively initiated omega-3 to standard care, placebo, or other immunonutrients excluding omega-3 FAs in patients undergoing abdominal surgery until the end of December 2022.

RESULTS

a total of 296 articles were found during the initial search. Thirteen RCTs involving 950 patients were identified that met the search criteria. These were successively analyzed and included in this meta-analysis. There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to inflammatory markers IL-6: -0.55 [-1.22; 0.12] p = 0.10, CRP: -0.14 [-0.67; 0.40] p = 0.55, WBC: -0.58 [-3.05; 1.89] p = 0.42, or hospital stay -0.5 [-1.43; 0.41] p = 0.2.

CONCLUSION

although reduced inflammatory markers were observed, preoperative administration of omega-3 FAs immunonutrients had no significant effect on the postoperative inflammatory response in patients undergoing abdominal surgeries. Yet, results obtained from this study are inconclusive, likely attributed to the limited number of trials and patients included. Further studies are required to obtain a better educated verdict.

A nomogram to predict postoperative deep vein thrombosis in patients with femoral fracture: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

The implementation of more active anticoagulant prevention and treatment measures has indeed led to a significant reduction in the incidence of perioperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) among patients with bone trauma. However, it is important to note that despite these efforts, the incidence of DVT still remains relatively high. According to the Caprini score, all patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery were defined as the high-risk group for DVT. Stratifying the risk further within high-risk groups for DVT continues to present challenges. As a result, the commonly used Caprini score during the perioperative period is not applicable to orthopedic patients. We attempt to establish a specialized model to predict postoperative DVT risk in patients with femoral fracture.

METHODS

We collected the clinical data of 513 patients undergoing femoral fracture surgery in our hospital from May 2018 to December 2019. According to the independent risk factors of DVT obtained by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, the corresponding nomogram model was established and verified internally. The discriminative capacity of nomogram was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC). The calibration curve used to verify model consistency was the fitted line between predicted and actual incidences. The clinical validity of the nomogram model was assessed using decision curve analysis (DCA) which could quantify the net benefit of different risk threshold probabilities. Bootstrap method was applied to the internal validation of the nomogram model. Furthermore, a comparison was made between the Caprini score and the developed nomogram model.

RESULTS

The Caprini scores of subjects ranged from 5 to 17 points. The incidence of DVT was not positively correlated with the Caprini score. The predictors of the nomogram model included 10 risk factors such as age, hypoalbuminemia, multiple trauma, perioperative red blood cell infusion, etc. Compared with the Caprini scale (AUC = 0.571, 95% CI 0.479-0.623), the calibration accuracy and identification ability of nomogram were higher (AUC = 0.865,95% CI 0.780-0.935). The decision curve analysis (DCA) indicated the clinical effectiveness of nomogram was higher than the Caprini score.

CONCLUSIONS

The nomogram was established to effectively predict postoperative DVT in patients with femoral fracture. To further reduce the incidence, more specialized risk assessment models for DVT should take into account the unique risk factors and characteristics associated with specific patient populations.

Prediction of Delirium in the Critically Ill Obstetric Patients: An Old Friend to the Rescue?

How to cite this article: Sinha S, Bhattacharjee S. Prediction of Delirium in the Critically Ill Obstetric Patients: An Old Friend to the Rescue? Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(5):301-302.

C-reactive protein as an early marker of postoperative leakage in patients after endoscopic laser assisted Zenker's diverticulotomy

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Minimally invasive endoscopic techniques are the treatment of choice for Zenker's diverticulum (ZD). Our objective was to evaluate the results and efficacy of endoscopic and open approaches, to determine whether postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) serum levels can be used as a marker to exclude the presence of esophageal leakage, and to identify risk factors for development of postoperative leakage and complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent transcervical myotomy and diverticulotomy (TMD) or endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy (ECM) with CO₂ laser for ZD in years 2008-2021 at our department were included in this retrospective study.

RESULTS

Of the 101 patients enrolled, 83 patients underwent ECM and 18 TMD. The procedure time of the endoscopic technique was significantly shorter compared to that of transcervical method (p < 0.001). The median time to oral intake was 6 days for ECM and 10.5 days in the TMD group (p < 0.001). There was a 13% (n = 11) and 16.7% (n = 3) symptomatic recurrence rate and 3.6% (n = 3) and 16.7% (n = 3) major complications rate for ECM and TMD groups, respectively. The incidence of contrast leak (CL) evaluated by postoperative swallow study was 8.9% (9 from 83 patients in the ECM group only). In patients with CL, a significant increase in CRP levels on postoperative day (POD) 2 and 3 was detected when compared to patients without CL.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic diverticulotomy with CO₂ laser represents a safe and efficient treatment of ZD. Elevation of postoperative CRP serum levels over 123.8 mg/L on POD2 and 98.8 mg/L on POD3 may indicate presence of an esophageal leakage.

Postoperative systemic inflammatory dysregulation and corticosteroids: a narrative review

In some patients, the inflammatory-immune response to surgical injury progresses to a harmful, dysregulated state. We posit that postoperative systemic inflammatory dysregulation forms part of a pathophysiological response to surgical injury that places patients at increased risk of complications and subsequently prolongs hospital stay. In this narrative review, we have outlined the evolution, measurement and prediction of postoperative systemic inflammatory dysregulation, distinguishing it from a healthy and self-limiting host response. We reviewed the actions of glucocorticoids and the potential for heterogeneous responses to peri-operative corticosteroid supplementation. We have then appraised the evidence highlighting the safety of corticosteroid supplementation, and the potential benefits of high/repeated doses to reduce the risks of major complications and death. Finally, we addressed how clinical trials in the future should target patients at higher risk of peri-operative inflammatory complications, whereby corticosteroid regimes should be tailored to modify not only the a priori risk, but also further adjusted in response to markers of an evolving pathophysiological response.

Concomitant elevated serum levels of tenascin, MMP-9 and YKL-40, suggest ongoing remodeling of the heart up to 3 months after cardiac surgery after normalization of the revascularization markers

BACKGROUND

The recovery from cardiac surgery involves resolving inflammation and remodeling with significant connective tissue turnover. Dynamics of smoldering inflammation and injury (white blood cells, platelets, CRP, IL-8, IL-6), vascular inflammation (IL-15, VEGF, RANTES), connective tissue remodeling (tenascin, MMP-9), cardiac injury and remodeling (YKL-40), and vascular remodeling (epiregulin, MCP-1, VEGF) were assessed up to 3 months after cardiac surgery. We hypothesize that at 3 months, studied markers will return to pre-surgical levels.

METHODS

Patients (n = 139) scheduled for non-emergent heart surgery were included, except for patients with pre-existing immunological aberrancies. Blood was collected before surgery(t_baseline), 24 h later(t_24h) after the first sample, 7 days(t_7d), and 3 months(t_3m) after t_baseline. Serum markers were measured via multiplex or ELISA. Electronic medical records (EMR) were used to extract demographical, pre-existing conditions and clinical data. Disposition (discharge home, discharge to facility, death, re-admission) was determined at 28 days and 3 months from admission.

RESULTS

Not all inflammatory markers returned to baseline (CRP↑↑, leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, IL-8↓, IL-6↓). Tenascin and YKL-40 levels remained elevated even at t_3m. YKL-40 serum levels were significantly elevated at t_24h and t_7d while normalized at t_3m. VEGF returned to the baseline, yet MCP-1 remained elevated at 3 months. CCL28 increased at 3 months, while RANTES and IL-15 declined at the same time. Disposition at discharge was determined by serum MMP-9, while YKL-40 correlated with duration of surgery and APACHE II_24h.

CONCLUSIONS

The data demonstrated an ongoing extracellular matrix turnover at 3 months, while acute inflammation and vascular remodeling resolved only partially.

Utility of Plasma Protein Biomarkers and Mid-infrared Spectroscopy for Diagnosing Fracture-related Infections: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVES

To compare a large panel of plasma protein inflammatory biomarkers and mid-infrared (MIR) spectral patterns in patients with confirmed fracture-related infections (FRIs) with those in controls without infection.

DESIGN

Prospective case-control study.

SETTING

Academic, Level 1 trauma center.

PATIENTS

Thirteen patients meeting confirmatory FRI criteria were matched to 13 controls based on age, time after surgery, and fracture region.

INTERVENTION

Plasma levels of 49 proteins were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of dried films was used to obtain MIR spectra of plasma samples.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The main outcome measurements included plasma protein levels and MIR spectra of samples.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis-based predictive model developed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based biomarkers had sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 69.2% ± 0.0%, 99.9% ± 1.0%, and 84.5% ± 0.6%, respectively, with platelet-derived growth factor-AB/BB, C-reactive protein, and MIG selected as the minimum number of variables explaining group differences ( P &lt; 0.05). Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the predictive model based on MIR spectra were 69.9% ± 6.2%, 71.9% ± 5.9%, and 70.9% ± 4.8%, respectively, with 6 wavenumbers as explanatory variables ( P &lt; 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of using a select panel of plasma proteins and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to diagnose FRIs. Preliminary data suggest that the measurement of these select proteins and MIR spectra may be potential clinical tools to detect FRIs. Further investigation of these biomarkers in a larger cohort of patients is warranted.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

C-Reactive Protein as Predictor for Infectious Complications after Robotic and Open Esophagectomies

Introduction: The value of C-reactive protein (CRP) as a predictor of anastomotic leakage (AL) after esophagectomy has been addressed by numerous studies. Despite its increasing application, robotic esophagectomy (RAMIE) has not been considered separately yet in this context. We, therefore, aimed to evaluate the predictive value of CRP in RAMIE. Material and Methods: Patients undergoing RAMIE or completely open esophagectomy (OE) at our University Center were included. Clinical data, CRP- and Procalcitonin (PCT)-values were retrieved from a prospectively maintained database and evaluated for their predictive value for subsequent postoperative infectious complications (PIC) (AL, gastric conduit leakage or necrosis, pneumonia, empyema). Results: Three hundred and five patients (RAMIE: 160, OE: 145) were analyzed. PIC were noted in 91 patients on postoperative day (POD) 10 and 123 patients on POD 30, respectively. Median POD of diagnosis of PIC was POD 8. Post-operative CRP-values in the robotic-group peaked one and two days later, respectively, and converged from POD 5 onward compared to the open-group. In the group with PIC, CRP-levels in the robotic-group were initially lower and started to differ significantly from POD 3 onward. In the open-group, increases were already noticed from POD 3 on. Procalcitonin levels did not differ. Best Receiver operating curve (ROC)-results were on POD 4, highest negative predictive values at POD 5 (RAMIE) and POD 4 (OE) with cut-off values of 70 mg/L and 88.3 mg/L, respectively. Conclusion: Post-operative CRP is a good negative predictor for PIC, after both RAMIE and OE. After RAMIE, CRP peaks later with a lower cut-off value.

Methylomic and transcriptomic characterization of postoperative systemic inflammatory dysregulation

In this study, we define and validate a state of postoperative systemic inflammatory dysregulation (PSID) based on postoperative phenotypic extremes of plasma C-reactive protein concentration following major abdominal surgery. PSID manifested clinically with significantly higher rates of sepsis, complications, longer hospital stays and poorer short, and long-term outcomes. We hypothesized that PSID will be associated with, and potentially predicted by, altered patterns of genome-wide peripheral blood mononuclear cell differential DNA methylation and gene expression. We identified altered DNA methylation and differential gene expression in specific immune and metabolic pathways during PSID. Our findings suggest that dysregulation results in, or from, dramatic changes in differential DNA methylation and highlights potential targets for early detection and treatment. The combination of altered DNA methylation and gene expression suggests that dysregulation is mediated at multiple levels within specific gene sets and hence, nonspecific anti-inflammatory treatments such as corticosteroids alone are unlikely to represent an effective therapeutic strategy.

C-reactive protein identifies patients at risk of postpancreatectomy hemorrhage

Background

Postpancreatectomy hemorrhage grade C (PPH C) is a dreaded complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with high mortality rate. Concurrent risk factors for PPH C have been difficult to recognize. Connection between postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPF) and PPH C is well known, but POPF is often unknown prior to the PPH. The aim of this retrospective study was to define potential predictive factors for PPH C.

Methods

Retrospectively, 517 patients who underwent PD between 2003 and 2018 were included in the study. Twenty-three patients with PPH C were identified, and a matched control group of 92 patients was randomly selected. Preoperative data (body mass index, cardiovascular disease, history of abdominal surgery, biliary stent, C-reactive protein (CRP), ASA-score), perioperative data (bleeding, pancreatic anastomosis, operation time), and postoperative data (CRP, drain amylase, POPF, biliary fistula) were analyzed as potential predictors of PPH C.

Results

High postoperative CRP (median 140 mg/L on day 5 or 6) correlated with the development of PPH C (p < 0.05). Postoperative drain amylase levels were not clinically relevant for occurrence of PPH C. Grade C POPF or biliary leak was observed in the majority of the PPH C patients, but the leaking anastomoses were not detected before the bleeding started.

Discussion

High postoperative CRP levels are related to an increased risk of PPH C.

Antibiotic-Impregnated Calcium Sulfate vs. Wound Irrigation-Suction to Treat Chronic Calcaneal Osteomyelitis

BACKGROUND

Chronic osteomyelitis of calcaneus is not rare but is very hard to treat. Irrigation-suction and antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate following debridement are commonly used in managing chronic osteomyelitis, but their effects have rarely been compared. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate with irrigation-suction in the treatment of patients with chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis.

METHODS

From January 2011 to June 2018, adult patients at our institute with chronic osteomyelitis receiving treatment of either antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate (CS group) or irrigation-suction (IS group) following thorough debridement were screened and selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The clinical presentation, laboratory tests, complications, and the ultimate single-staged cure rate and recurrence were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 61 patients, including 41 in the CS group and 20 in the IS group, were included in our study. Of the patients, 85.4% in the CS group and 60.0% in the IS group (P = .006) were successfully cured in the single stage, respectively, without infection recurrence. Lower infection recurrence rates with shorter hospital stay were found in the CS group than the IS group. Inflammatory biomarkers after surgery with both treatments were slightly decreased and not significantly different from preoperative or between-groups postoperative. Exudate from incision was found primarily in the CS group.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that both antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and irrigation-suction after careful and thorough surgical debridement are generally effective in treating chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis. Antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate achieved a higher single-staged cure rate but was associated with an increased postoperative wound exudate.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Severity of early diagnosed organ/space surgical site infection in elective gastrointestinal and hepatopancreatobiliary surgery

Background

Organ/space surgical site infection (SSI) is a significant clinical problem. The postdiagnosis course of organ/space SSIs and the impact of its early diagnosis on clinical outcomes are yet to be clarified. Thus, we aimed to investigate the association between the timing of diagnosis and the clinical outcome of organ/space SSI.

Methods

This retrospective, single‐center cohort study evaluated patients who underwent elective gastrointestinal or hepatopancreatobiliary surgery between 2016 and 2020. Clinical outcomes were compared between the early group (ie, SSI diagnosed until postoperative day [POD] 4) and normal‐late group (ie, SSI diagnosed after POD 5). The primary outcome was the final C‐reactive protein (CRP) level within 14 d after organ/space SSI diagnosis.

Results

In total, 110 patients were evaluated. The median time of diagnosis was 7 d postoperatively (interquartile range, 5–9 d postoperatively). Compared with the normal‐late group, the early group included a higher proportion of patients with Clavien–Dindo grade ≥IIIb (8/21 vs 11/89, P = .01), higher final CRP value within 14 d after SSI diagnosis (mean, 4.49 mg/dL vs 2.27 mg/dL, P = .01), longer postoperative length of hospitalization (median, 45.0 d vs 33.0 d; P = .028), and worse 1‐y overall survival rate (74.8% vs 89.3%, P = .08).

Conclusion

Early diagnosed organ/space SSI are originally severe and may therefore be detected earlier. Importantly, early diagnosed organ/space SSI is likely to be severe and refractory.

Postoperative Natural Killer Cell Dysfunction: The Prime Suspect in the Case of Metastasis Following Curative Cancer Surgery

Surgical resection is the foundation for the curative treatment of solid tumors. However, metastatic recurrence due to the difficulty in eradicating micrometastases remain a feared outcome. Paradoxically, despite the beneficial effects of surgical removal of the primary tumor, the physiological stress resulting from surgical trauma serves to promote cancer recurrence and metastasis. The postoperative environment suppresses critical anti-tumor immune effector cells, including Natural Killer (NK) cells. The literature suggests that NK cells are critical mediators in the formation of metastases immediately following surgery. The following review will highlight the mechanisms that promote the formation of micrometastases by directly or indirectly inducing NK cell suppression following surgery. These include tissue hypoxia, neuroendocrine activation, hypercoagulation, the pro-inflammatory phase, and the anti-inflammatory phase. Perioperative therapeutic strategies designed to prevent or reverse NK cell dysfunction will also be examined for their potential to improve cancer outcomes by preventing surgery-induced metastases.

Machine learning identification of specific changes in myeloid cell phenotype during bloodstream infections

The early identification of bacteremia is critical for ensuring appropriate treatment of nosocomial infections in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The aim of this study was to use flow cytometric data of myeloid cells as a biomarker of bloodstream infection (BSI). An eight-color antibody panel was used to identify seven monocyte and two dendritic cell subsets. In the learning cohort, immunophenotyping was applied to (1) control subjects, (2) postoperative heart surgery patients, as a model of noninfectious inflammatory responses, and (3) blood culture-positive patients. Of the complex changes in the myeloid cell phenotype, a decrease in myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cell numbers, increase in CD14⁺CD16⁺ inflammatory monocyte numbers, and upregulation of neutrophils CD64 and CD123 expression were prominent in BSI patients. An extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) algorithm called the “infection detection and ranging score” (iDAR), ranging from 0 to 100, was developed to identify infection-specific changes in 101 phenotypic variables related to neutrophils, monocytes and dendritic cells. The tenfold cross-validation achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) of 0.988 (95% CI 0.985–1) for the detection of bacteremic patients. In an out-of-sample, in-house validation, iDAR achieved an AUROC of 0.85 (95% CI 0.71–0.98) in differentiating localized from bloodstream infection and 0.95 (95% CI 0.89–1) in discriminating infected from noninfected ICU patients. In conclusion, a machine learning approach was used to translate the changes in myeloid cell phenotype in response to infection into a score that could identify bacteremia with high specificity in ICU patients.

Inflammatory response, fluid balance and outcome in emergency high-risk abdominal surgery

BACKGROUND

The main disease etiologies requiring emergency high-risk abdominal surgery are intestinal obstruction and perforated viscus and the differences in immune response to these pathologies are largely unexplored. In search of improvement of patient assessment in the perioperative phase, we examined the inflammatory response in this setting, focusing on potential difference in pathophysiology.

METHODS

The electronic medical records of 487 patients who underwent emergency abdominal surgery from year 2013-2015 for intestinal obstruction and perforated viscus were reviewed. We evaluated the relationship between pre- and postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) trajectory, fluid balance, and perioperative morbidity and mortality according to type of surgery, intervention, and surgical pathology.

RESULTS

A total of 418 patients were included. Pre- and postoperative absolute CRP values were significantly higher in patients with perforated viscus (n = 203) than in intestinal obstruction (n = 215) (P < .0001). Relative changes at hour 6 and POD 1 were non-significant (P = .716 and P = .816 respectively). There was significant association between both pre- (quartile 1 vs 4, OR 5.11; P < .01) and postoperative (quartile 1 vs 4, OR 4.10; P < .001) CRP and adverse outcome, along with fluid balance and adverse outcome in patients with obstruction but not in those with perforation. Fluid balance and CRP had statistically significant positive correlation in patients with obstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

In this explorative study, a high pre- and postoperative CRP and a high positive fluid balance were associated with worse outcome in patients with intestinal obstruction, but not in patients with perforated viscus. Future studies should address the different inflammatory and fluid trajectories in these specific pathologies.

Distinguishing septic shock from non-septic shock in postsurgical patients using gene expression

OBJECTIVES

To obtain a gene expression signature to distinguish between septic shock and non-septic shock in postoperative patients, since patients with both conditions show similar signs and symptoms.

METHODS

Differentially expressed genes were selected by microarray analysis in the discovery cohort. These genes were evaluated by quantitative real time polymerase chain reactions in the validation cohort to determine their reliability and predictive capacity by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

RESULTS

Differentially expressed genes selected were IGHG1, IL1R2, LCN2, LTF, MMP8, and OLFM4. The multivariate regression model for gene expression presented an area under the curve value of 0.922. These genes were able to discern between both shock conditions better than other biomarkers used for diagnosis of these conditions, such as procalcitonin (0.589), C-reactive protein (0.705), or neutrophils (0.605).

CONCLUSIONS

Gene expression patterns provided a robust tool to distinguish septic shock from non-septic shock postsurgical patients and shows the potential to provide an immediate and specific treatment, avoiding the unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and the development of antimicrobial resistance, secondary infections and increase health care costs.

Identification of Plasma Proteome Signatures Associated With Surgery Using SOMAscan

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the proteomic signature of surgery in older adults and association with postoperative outcomes.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Circulating plasma proteins can reflect the physiological response to and clinical outcomes after surgery.

METHODS

Blood plasma from older adults undergoing elective surgery was analyzed for 1305 proteins using SOMAscan. Surgery-associated proteins underwent Ingenuity Pathways Analysis. Selected surgery-associated proteins were independently validated using Luminex or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods. Generalized linear models estimated correlations with postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

Plasma from a subcohort (n = 36) of the Successful Aging after Elective Surgery (SAGES) study was used for SOMAscan. Systems biology analysis of 110 proteins with Benjamini-Hochberg (BH) corrected P value ≤0.01 and an absolute foldchange (|FC|) ≥1.5 between postoperative day 2 (POD2) and preoperative (PREOP) identified functional pathways with major effects on pro-inflammatory proteins. Chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were independently validated in separate validation cohorts from SAGES (n = 150 for CRP, IL-6; n = 126 for CHI3L1). Foldchange CHI3L1 and IL-6 were associated with increased postoperative complications [relative risk (RR) 1.50, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.21-1.85 and RR 1.63, 95% CI 1.18-2.26, respectively], length of stay (RR 1.35, 95% CI 0.77-1.92 and RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.52-1.45), and risk of discharge to postacute facility (RR 1.15, 95% CI 1.04-1.26 and RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04-1.18); POD2 and PREOP CRP difference was associated with discharge to postacute facility (RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04-1.25).

CONCLUSION

SOMAscan can identify novel and clinically relevant surgery-induced protein changes. Ultimately, proteomics may provide insights about pathways by which surgical stress contributes to postoperative outcomes.

Albumin and the fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio: Biomarkers for the acute phase response following total knee arthroplasty

PURPOSE

Complications following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) lead to patient morbidity and cost. While acute phase reactants, such as c-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen, have been used to predict complications following TKA, the extent and duration of changes in albumin levels following TKA are unknown. It is hypothesized that like CRP and fibrinogen, albumin, and the fibrinogen/albumin ratio (FAR) represent useful measures of the acute phase response (APR) following TKA. The purpose of this study was to describe the longitudinal course of albumin and FAR in healthy patients following TKA, relative to established biomarkers, and examine if the variance in albumin or FAR correlates with patient comorbidities.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing TKA at a tertiary medical center. CRP, fibrinogen, and albumin values were collected pre- and post-operatively. An age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) was utilized as a measure of patient comorbidity status.

RESULTS

The median preoperative albumin value was 4.3 g/dL, which dropped to 3.6 g/dL on postoperative day 1 following TKA. The albumin value returned to 93% of the baseline by postoperative week 2. The course of albumin inversely mirrored the course of CRP (r = -0.41). Median preoperative FAR was 0.087 g/L, which rose to 0.130 g/L by postoperative week 2 and returned to baseline by postoperative week 6. While preoperative FAR strongly correlated with postoperative week 2 values (r = 0.74), there was a weak positive correlation between age-adjusted CCI and pre-operative FAR (r = 0.24) in patients undergoing primary TKA.

CONCLUSION

Albumin levels follow a predictable postoperative decline that inversely correlates with CRP in healthy patients following TKA. Given the low cost and abundance of laboratories offering albumin levels, direct albumin levels and/or albumin ratios such as FAR may be underutilized biomarkers for monitoring the APR following TKA.

The predictive power of C-reactive protein- lymphocyte ratio for in-hospital mortality after colorectal cancer surgery

BACKGROUND

The relation between immunity, inflammation, and tumor development and progression has been emphasized in colorectal cancer widely and the prognosis is linked to the inflammatory reaction of the host as well as the biological behavior of the tumor.

AIM

In this study, we aimed to find out the predictive power of C-reactive protein- lymphocyte ratio (CLR) for in-hospital mortality after colorectal surgery.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A series of 388 CRC patients were enrolled in the present retrospective study which was conducted in a tertiary state Hospital in Ankara, Turkey. In-hospital mortality was the main outcome to evaluate the predictive power of inflammatory markers, while the other outcomes that would be evaluated as separate variables were LOS in hospital and LOS in ICU. In this study, there were 260 males and 128 females, and the mean age was 60.9. The in-hospital mortality rate was 3.4% (n = 13) and age, APACHE II score and Charlson comorbidity index score were related to in-hospital mortality statistically. The mean LOS in the hospital was 13.9 days and LOS in ICU was 4.5 days. The CRP levels and the CLR levels were higher both in the preoperative and postoperative periods in the mortality (+) group and the difference was significant statistically (P = .008/ .002 and .004/ <.001, respectively). CLR in the postoperative period had the best predictive power with AUC: 0.876.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, within the context of our study there appears to be a relationship between CLR, as measured on day 2 postoperatively, and in-hospital mortality. It is observed to be more effective than NLR, ALC, and CRP.

Expression of Pancreatic Stone Protein is Unaffected by Trauma and Subsequent Surgery in Burn Patients

BACKGROUND

Altered levels of pro-inflammatory markers secondary to trauma or surgery present a major problem to physicians in being prone to interfere with the clinical identification of infectious events.

METHODS

Patients admitted to Zurich Burn Center between May 2015 and October 2018 with burns ≥10% total body surface area (TBSA) and without infection. Longitudinal analysis of the time course of PSP and routine inflammatory biomarkers [procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cells (WBC)] over two days after (a) trauma with initial debridement and (b) subsequent burn surgeries was performed. The influence of TBSA, abbreviated burn severity index (ABSI), age and length of operation was investigated using a linear mixed effect regression model.

RESULTS

Sixty-six patients (15 female) were included with a mean age of 45.5 ± 18.3 years, median TBSA of 22% (IQR 17) and mean ABSI score 6.8 ± 2.7. PSP was the only biomarker that showed no association with any of the baseline characteristics. Additionally, PSP serum levels did not change over time neither after the burn trauma (p = 0.832) nor after secondary procedures (p = 0.113), while PCT levels increased significantly after the trauma (p < 0.001). Similarly, CRP serum levels were elevated significantly after both trauma and surgery (p < 0.001), whereas WBC values demonstrated a significant decline after the trauma (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Established biomarkers (WBC, CRP and PCT) demonstrate decisive alterations after tissue destruction caused by burn injuries and subsequent surgical interventions. The robustness of PSP serum levels toward these inflammatory insults is a quality criterion for an upcoming sepsis biomarker.

Biomaker evaluation for major adverse cardiovascular event development in patients undergoing cardiac Surgery

Objectives

The postoperative period of cardiac surgery (CS) is associated with the development of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). However, the evaluation of MACE after CS by means of biomarkers is poorly developed. We aimed to evaluate postoperative biomarkers that could be associated with MACE.

Methods

Two Hundred and ten patients who underwent CS were enrolled during the study period. The diagnosis of MACE was defined as the presence of at least one of the following complications: acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke presented during intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and 30-day mortality after CS. High-sensitive troponin T (hs-TnT), C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, interleukin-6, and immature platelet fraction (IPF) were measured on ICU admission and after 24 h. The difference between both measurements (Δ) was calculated to assess their association with MACE. Early infected patients (n=13) after CS were excluded from final analysis.

Results

The most frequent surgery was single-valve surgery (n=83; 38%), followed by coronary artery bypass graft (n=72; 34%). Postoperative MACE was diagnosed in 31 (14.8%) patients. Biomarker dynamics showed elevated values at 24 h compared with those at ICU admission in patients with MACE versus no-MACE. Multivariate analysis showed that ΔIPF (OR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.110-1.960; p=0.008) and Δhs-TnT (OR: 1.001; 95% CI: 1.0002-1.001; p=0.008) were independently associated with MACE.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that postoperative ΔIPF and Δhs-TnT may be useful biomarkers for the identification of patients at risk of MACE development.

The Effects of Surgery on Plasma/Serum Vitamin C Concentrations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water soluble vitamin with an array of biological functions. A number of proposed factors contribute to the vitamin’s plasma bioavailability and ability to exert optimal functionality. The aim of this review was to systematically assess plasma vitamin C levels post-surgery compared with pre-surgery/ the magnitude and timeframe of potential changes in concentration. We searched the PUBMED, SCOPUS, SciSearch and the Cochrane Library databases between 1970 to April 2020 for relevant research papers. Prospective studies, control groups and true placebo groups derived from controlled trials that reported means and standard deviations of plasma vitamin C concentrations pre and post operatively were included into the meta-analysis. Data were grouped into short-term (≤7 days) and long term (> 7 days) post-operative follow-up. 23 of 31 studies involving 642 patients included in the systematic review were suitable for meta-analysis. Pooled data from the meta-analysis revealed a mean depletion of plasma vitamin C concentration of -17.99 µmol/L (39% depletion) (CI = -22.81, -13.17) (trial arms = 25, n = 565, p < 0.001) during the first post-operative week and -18.80 µmol/L (21% depletion) (-25.04, -12.56) (trial arms = 6, n = 166, p < 0.001) 2-3 months post-operatively. Subgroup analyses revealed that these depletions occurred following different types of surgery, however, high heterogeneity was observed amongst trials assessing concentration change during the first post-operative week. Overall, our results warrant larger, long term investigations of changes in post-operative plasma vitamin C concentrations and their potential effects on clinical symptomology.

Inflammatory response markers in rats undergoing abdominal surgical procedures

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of cortisol, interleukin (IL)-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell (WBC) count as inflammatory markers to evaluate the postoperative inflammatory response associated with various abdominal surgical procedures in rats.

Methods

Wistar albino rats (N=152) were randomly assigned to 7 groups: control, hepatectomy, splenectomy, nephrectomy, colectomy, gastrectomy, and sham. Apart from the control group, each group was then divided into 3 subgroups: 6th, 24th and 48th h. Thus, a total of 19 groups were defined, each including 8 rats. At the 6th, 24th and 48th h following the surgical procedures blood samples from each rat were collected. The plasma concentrations of IL- 6, cortisol, CRP, and WBC were measured.

Results

Both the surgery category and the elapsed time after the surgery had a significant effect on IL-6 levels (P<0.0001). Blood CRP levels were primarily determined by the surgery category (P<0.0001). Neither surgery nor the elapsed time had a significant effect on the cortisol levels. The elapsed time after surgery was the major factor that influenced the differences in WBC count among the surgery groups (P<0.0001).

Conclusions

Our results cumulatively indicate that the levels of IL-6, CRP, and cortisol and WBC count change at different time points after several abdominal surgical procedures. Cortisol level is not related to the type of surgical procedure or the elapsed time, while WBC count decreases with the elapsed time. None of the changes in the markers investigated in this study is specifically related to the category of abdominal surgical procedure.

The effect of intraoperative goal-directed crystalloid versus colloid administration on perioperative inflammatory markers - a substudy of a randomized controlled trial

Background

Excessive perioperative fluid administration may result in iatrogenic endothelial dysfunction and tissue edema, transducing inflammatory markers into the bloodstream. Colloids remain longer in the circulation, requiring less volume to reach similar hemodynamic endpoints compared to crystalloids. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that a goal-directed colloid regimen attenuates the inflammatory response compared to a goal-directed crystalloid regime.

Methods

Patients undergoing moderate- to high-risk open abdominal surgery were randomly assigned to goal-directed lactated Ringer’s solution (n = 58) or a hydroxyethyl starch 6% 130/0.4 (n = 62) fluid regimen. Our primary outcome was perioperative levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Secondary outcome was perioperative levels of white blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP). Measurements were performed preoperatively, immediate postoperatively, on postoperative day one, two and four.

Results

The areas under the curve of Interleukin (IL) 6 (p = 0.60), IL 8 (p = 0.46), IL 10 (p = 0.68) and tumor necrosis factor α (p = 0.47) levels did not differ significantly between the groups. WBC, CRP and PCT values were also comparable. LBP, although significantly higher in the crystalloid group, remained in the normal range. Patients assigned to crystalloids received a median (IQR) amount of 3905 mL (2880–5288) of crystalloid. Patients assigned to colloids received 1557 mL (1207–2116) of crystalloid and 1250 mL (750–1938) of colloid.

Conclusion

Cytokine and inflammatory marker levels did not differ between goal-directed crystalloid and colloid administration after moderate to high-risk abdominal surgery.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00517127). Registered 16th August 2007.

Acute and Chronic Impact of Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch Surgery on Plasma Lipoprotein(a) Levels in Patients with Severe Obesity

BACKGROUND

Elevated lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) level is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Lifestyle intervention studies targeting weight loss revealed little to no significant changes in Lp(a) levels. The impact of interventions that induce substantial weight loss, such as bariatric surgery, on Lp(a) levels is currently unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the acute and long-term impact of bariatric surgery on Lp(a) levels in patients with severe obesity.

METHODS

Sixty-nine patients with severe obesity underwent biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) surgery. The lipid profile was evaluated and Lp(a) levels were measured before surgery and at 6 and 12 months after BPD-DS surgery.

RESULTS

Median Lp(a) levels at baseline were 11.1 (4.1-41.6) nmol/L. Six months and 12 months after the BDP-DS surgery, we observed an improvement of lipid profile. At 6 months, we observed a 13% decrease in Lp(a) levels (9.7 (2.9-25.6) nmol/L, p < 0.0001) but this decrease was not sustained at 12 months (11.1 (3.9-32.8) nmol/L, p = 0.8). When the patients were separated into tertiles according to Lp(a) levels at baseline, we observed that the Lp(a) reduction at 12 months after BPD-DS surgery remained significant but modest in patients of the top Lp(a) tertile.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that BPD-DS surgery modestly reduces Lp(a) levels in the short term (6 months) in patients with severe obesity but this improvement is sustained over time only in patients with higher Lp(a) levels.

C-reactive protein after coronary artery bypass graft surgery and its relationship with postoperative atrial fibrillation

Aims

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF), a common complication following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Inflammation may be an important factor for the pathogenesis of POAF, and increased preoperative levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with the development of POAF. However, the relationship between postoperative CRP and POAF is less well established.

Methods and results

Patients undergoing first-time isolated CABG surgery (1 January 2000–31 December 2016) were identified using the Eastern Danish Heart Surgery Database and nationwide administrative registries. Patients with no history of atrial fibrillation and with available CRP measurements from postoperative day (POD) 4 were included. The study population was divided into quartiles based on CRP. The association between CRP levels and the odds of developing POAF was investigated using multivariable logistic regression analysis. We included 6711 patients. The CRP intervals on POD 4 for the CRP groups (lowest to highest) were ≤90, &gt;90 to ≤127, &gt;127 to ≤175, and &gt;175 mg/L, respectively. Patients in the highest CRP group were older and more often men compared with patients in the lowest CRP group [median age 67 years (P25–P75: 61–73) and 84.7% men vs. median age 64 years (P25–P75: 56–70) and 77.9% men]. In the lowest and highest CRP groups, 25% and 35% developed POAF, respectively. In adjusted analysis, the highest CRP group, compared with the lowest CRP group, was associated with greater odds of developing POAF (odds ratio 1.31; 95% confidence interval 1.12–1.54).

Conclusion

Increased postoperative CRP levels after CABG surgery was associated with the development of POAF.

Influence of intraoperative oxygen content on early postoperative graft dysfunction in living donor liver transplantation: A STROBE-compliant retrospective observational study

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of intraoperative oxygen content on the development of early allograft dysfunction (EAD) in patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).This retrospective review included 452 adult patients who underwent elective LDLT. Our study population was classified into 2 groups: EAD and non-EAD. Arterial blood gas analysis was routinely performed 3 times during surgery: during the preanhepatic phase (ie, immediately after anesthetic induction); during the anhepatic phase (ie, at the onset of hepatic venous anastomosis); and during the neohepatic phase (ie, 1 hour after graft reperfusion). Arterial oxygen content (milliliters per deciliters) was derived using the following equation: (1.34 × hemoglobin [gram per deciliters] × SaO2 [%] × 0.01) + (0.0031 × PaO2 [mmHg]).The incidence of EAD occurrence was 13.1% (n = 59). Although oxygen contents at the preanhepatic phase were comparable between the 2 groups, the oxygen contents at the anhepatic and neohepatic phases were lower in the EAD group than in the non-EAD group. Patients with postoperative EAD had lower oxygen content immediately before and continuously after graft reperfusion, compared to patients without postoperative EAD. After the preanhepatic phase, oxygen content decreased in the EAD group but increased in the non-EAD group. The oxygen content and prevalence of normal oxygen content gradually increased during surgery in the non-EAD group, but not in the EAD group. Multivariable analysis revealed that oxygen content during the anhepatic phase and higher preoperative CRP levels were factors independently associated with the occurrence of EAD (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve: 0.754; 95% confidence interval: 0.681-0.826; P < .001 in the model). Postoperatively, patients with EAD had a longer duration of hospitalization, higher incidences of acute kidney injury and infection, and experienced higher rates of patient mortality, compared to patients without EAD.Lower arterial oxygen concentration may negatively impact the functional recovery of the graft after LDLT, despite preserved hepatic vascular flow. Before graft reperfusion, the levels of oxygen content components, such as hemoglobin content, PaO2, and SaO2, should be regularly assessed and carefully maintained to ensure proper oxygen delivery into transplanted liver grafts.

Early prediction model of organ/space surgical site infection after elective gastrointestinal or hepatopancreatobiliary cancer surgery

BACKGROUND

Organ/space SSI is a significant clinical problem. However, early detection of organ/space SSI is difficult, and previous predictive models are limited in their prognostic ability. We aimed to develop and validate a prediction model of organ/space surgical site infection (SSI) using postoperative day 3 laboratory data in patients who underwent gastrointestinal or hepatopancreatobiliary cancer resection.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study using a single-center hospital data from April 2013 to September 2017 included all adult patients who underwent elective gastrointestinal or hepatopancreatobiliary cancer resection. The primary outcome was a presence of organ/space SSI including anastomotic leakage, pancreatic fistula, biliary fistula, or intra-abdominal abscess. We developed and validated a logistic regression model to predict organ/space SSI using laboratory data on postoperative day (POD) 3. Similar models using laboratory data on POD 1 or 5 were developed to compare the predictive ability of each model.

RESULTS

A total of 1578 patients were included. Organ/space SSI was diagnosed in 107 patients, with median diagnosis days of 6 (interquartile range, 4-9 days) after surgery. A prediction model using five commonly measured variables on POD 3 was created with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.883 (95%CI 0.819-0.946). The AUC of a model with POD 1 laboratory data was 0.751 (95%CI 0.655-0.848), while that of POD 5 laboratory data was 0.818 (95%CI 0.730-0.906).

CONCLUSIONS

Laboratory data on POD 3 could forecast organ/space SSI precisely. Further prospective studies are warranted to investigate the clinical impact of this model.

Precision multiparameter tracking of inflammation on timescales of hours to years using serial dried blood spots

Aim: High-frequency longitudinal tracking of inflammation using dried blood microsamples provides a new window for personalized monitoring of infections, chronic inflammatory disease and clinical trials of anti-inflammatory drugs. Results/methodology: Using 1662 dried blood spot samples collected by 16 subjects over periods of weeks to years, we studied the behavior of 12 acute phase response and related proteins in inflammation events correlated with infection, vaccination, surgery, intense exercise and Crohn's disease. Proteins were measured using SISCAPA mass spectrometry and normalized to constant plasma volume using low-variance proteins, generating high precision within-person biomarker trajectories with well-characterized personal baselines. Discussion/conclusion: The results shed new light on the dynamic regulation of APR responses, offering a new approach to visualization of multidimensional inflammation trajectories.

The case for statin use to reduce perioperative adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events

Ischaemic heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death worldwide at 119 per 100,000 and 85 per 100,000 population. For the USA, heart disease is leading cause of death at 165 per 100,000 population. In developed countries, strokes and acute myocardial infarction in the general population have fallen from smoking reduction, lifestyle modifications and therapeutic interventions including statins. In a population-based stroke study in the UK involving primary care practices, of in-hospital strokes 90% were ischaemic, and 37% occurred within 1 week of an operation. Approximately 50% of the patients were not on a statin. In the UK, there is a national screening initiative for the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) offered to people aged 40-74 yr old. The QRISK3 tool calculates the risk of developing heart disease or stroke over 10 yr, from which recommendations are made on interventions for the prevention of ASCVD up to age 84 yr, with similar screening and assessment tools in Europe and the US. If the QRISK3 score tool for calculating cardiovascular risk is considered sufficiently robust for population screening in primary care, should anaesthetists not use the same screening for secondary care? We present a case for statin use over the perioperative period, to reduce early vascular adverse events based on statins' early pleiotropic actions, using the primary care QRISK tool for screening of ASCVD risk.

Persistent Inflammation, Immunosuppression and Catabolism Syndrome (PICS) after Polytrauma: A Rare Syndrome with Major Consequences

Nowadays, more trauma patients develop chronic critical illness (CCI), a state characterized by prolonged intensive care. Some of these CCI patients have disproportional difficulties to recover and suffer from recurrent infections, a syndrome described as the persistent inflammation, immunosuppression and catabolism syndrome (PICS). A total of 78 trauma patients with an ICU stay of ≥14 days (CCI patients) between 2007 and 2017 were retrospectively included. Within this group, PICS patients were identified through two ways: (1) their clinical course (≥3 infectious complications) and (2) by laboratory markers suggested in the literature (C-reactive protein (CRP) and lymphocytes), both in combination with evidence of increased catabolism. The incidence of PICS was 4.7 per 1000 multitrauma patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the laboratory markers was 44% and 73%, respectively. PICS patients had a longer hospital stay (median 83 vs. 40, p < 0.001) and required significantly more surgical interventions (median 13 vs. 3, p = 0.003) than other CCI patients. Thirteen PICS patients developed sepsis (72%) and 12 (67%) were readmitted at least once due to an infection. In conclusion, patients who develop PICS experience recurrent infectious complications that lead to prolonged hospitalization, many surgical procedures and frequent readmissions. Therefore, PICS forms a substantial burden on the patient and the hospital, despite its low incidence.

How can biomarkers be used to differentiate between infection and non-infectious causes of inflammation?

Diagnosis of sepsis is based on recognition of systemic inflammation and organ failure in the context of an inciting infection. Since none of the diagnostic criteria are specific to sepsis, it is easy to confound sepsis with noninfectious causes of systemic inflammation, including pancreatitis, cardiac ischemia, bowel perforation, vasculitis, and pulmonary embolism amongst others. Two widely used biomarkers, C-reactive protein and procalcitonin, have proven promising in sepsis diagnosis. Each has found varying success in the clinical context, with some centers relying heavily on these markers and others eschewing their use almost entirely. In this chapter, we present the evidence for their use in the diagnosis of sepsis and management of antibiotic therapy in the intensive care unit context.

C-reactive protein kinetics post elective cranial surgery. A prospective observational study

Introduction: Post cranial surgery readmission, largely caused by surgical site infection (SSI), is a marker of patient-care quality requiring comprehensive discharge planning. Currently, discharge assessment is based on clinical recovery and basic laboratory tests, including C-reactive protein (CRP). Although CRP kinetics have been examined postoperatively in a handful of papers, the validity of CRP as a standalone test to predict SSI is yet to be explored.Methods: A prospective observational study was performed on adult patients undergoing elective cranial surgery over a 3-month period. Laboratory data; CRP, white cell count (WCC), neutrophil cell count (NCC), and clinical data were assessed pre and post-operatively and were evaluated as predictors for safe discharge. Readmission rates within 1 month were recorded.Results: In this study, 68 patients were included. About 8.6% were readmitted due to SSI. A postoperativepeak in CRP was seen on day 2 with a value of 57 in the non-readmitted group, and 115 in the readmitted group. CRP dropped gradually to normal levels by day 5 in the non-readmitted group. A secondary CRP rise at day 5 was noted in the readmitted group with a sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value of 71%, 90%, and 96%, respectively. Interestingly, our ROC analysis indicates that a CRP value of less than 65 predicts safe discharge with a sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 89% and negative predictive value of 98% of safe discharge (area under the curve, AUC: 0.782). No significant difference in other inflammatory markers was found between both groups.Conclusions: CRP increases postoperatively for 4-5 d which could be a physiological response to surgery, however, prolonged elevation or a secondary increase in CRP may indicate an ongoing infection. Our data validate the potential use of CRP levels to predict SSI. A multicentre study is warranted to investigate the role of CRP in predicting SSI.

Management of Osteomyelitis-Induced Massive Tibial Bone Defect by Monolateral External Fixator Combined with Antibiotics-Impregnated Calcium Sulphate: A Retrospective Study

AIM

The present study is aimed at evaluating the effect of combined treatment on massive bone defect using radical debridement, antibiotic calcium sulphate, and monolateral external fixator.

METHODS

35 patients with tibial osteomyelitis received radical debridement, and during surgery antibiotics-impregnated calcium sulphate was used for filling the bone defect. Monolateral external fixator was used to manage the bone defect of average 95 (61-185) cm.

RESULTS

Bone union was achieved in 34 patients (97.1%) with no reinfection. One case was presented with reinfection and further debridement was conducted. The average time for the utility of external fixation was 17 (7-32) months, and external fixation index (EFI) was 1.79 mon/cm. The mean follow-up duration after surgery was 33.7 (21-41) months. 19, 13, and 3 patients got excellent, good, and fair bone results, respectively. Meanwhile, functional results were excellent, good, fair, and poor in 13, 15, 6, and 1 patient. The most common complication was pain (100%) and superficial pin-tract infection (22.8%). Delayed maturation was incurred in 2 patients.

CONCLUSION

Our study reveals that radical debridement combined with antibiotics-impregnated calcium sulphate can suppress infection, and distraction osteogenesis using monolateral external fixators plays an effective role in managing osteomyelitis-induced massive tibial bone defect.

The Inflammatory Response to Ventricular Assist Devices

The therapeutic use of ventricular assist devices (VADs) for end-stage heart failure (HF) patients who are ineligible for transplant has increased steadily in the last decade. In parallel, improvements in VAD design have reduced device size, cost, and device-related complications. These complications include infection and thrombosis which share underpinning contribution from the inflammatory response and remain common risks from VAD implantation. An added and underappreciated difficulty in designing a VAD that supports heart function and aids the repair of damaged myocardium is that different types of HF are accompanied by different inflammatory profiles that can affect the response to the implanted device. Circulating inflammatory markers and changes in leukocyte phenotypes receive much attention as biomarkers for mortality and disease progression. However, they are seldom used to monitor progress during and outcomes from VAD therapy or during the design phase for new devices. Even the partial reversal of heart damage associated with heart failure is a desirable outcome from VAD use. Therefore, improved understanding of the interplay between VADs and the recipient's inflammatory response would potentially increase their uptake, improve patient lives, and fuel research related to other blood-contacting medical devices. Here we provide a review of what is currently known about inflammation in heart failure and how this inflammatory profile is altered in heart failure patients receiving VAD therapy.

Effects of dexamethasone on early cognitive decline after cardiac surgery: A randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Postoperative cognitive decline (POCD), a very common complication after cardiac surgery, is characterised by impairment of both memory function and intellectual ability as well as being associated with increased use of healthcare resources. The investigators focused on the role of the inflammatory response to a surgical procedure as a potential factor involved in the pathogenesis of POCD.

OBJECTIVE

The use of prophylactic dexamethasone to attenuate the inflammatory response was hypothesised to reduce the risk of POCD.

DESIGN

Randomised controlled study.

SETTING

Single university teaching hospital, from March 2015 to January 2016.

PATIENTS

A total of 169 patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery were enrolled, and 161 patients were included in the analyses.

INTERVENTION

Patients were randomised to receive a single intravenous bolus of 0.1 mg kg dexamethasone (n = 85) or placebo (n = 84) 10 h before the surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure in both groups was the incidence of POCD on the 6th day after surgery. The investigators also evaluated the effect of dexamethasone on the incidence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome, postoperative C-reactive protein levels and postoperative serum S100β protein levels.

RESULTS

Compared to the placebo group, the dexamethasone group showed statistically significant reductions in the incidence of POCD (relative risk, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.21 to 0.89; P = 0.02), the incidence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (30.0 versus 58.0%, P < 0.001) and postoperative C-reactive protein levels (P < 0.001). Postoperative S100β levels were insignificantly lower (P = 0.56) in the dexamethasone group.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative administration of dexamethasone reduced the inflammatory response and thereby decreased the risk of early POCD after cardiac surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02767713.

Factors influencing early postoperative complications following surgery for symptomatic spinal metastasis: a single-center series and multivariate analysis

Patients presenting with neurological deficits and/or pain due to spinal metastasis usually require immediate or subacute surgical treatment. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether or not side effects of primary cancer location might influence postoperative complication rate. We therefore analyzed our spinal database to identify factors influencing early postoperative complications after surgery for symptomatic spinal metastases. From 2013 to 2017, 163 consecutive patients suffering from symptomatic spinal metastases were treated at our department. Early postoperative complications were defined as any postoperative event requiring additional medical or surgical treatment within 30 days of spinal surgery. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors for postoperative complications after surgery for spinal metastasis. Overall, 39 of 163 patients who underwent spinal surgery for spinal metastasis developed early postoperative complications throughout the treatment course (24%). Preoperative ASA score ≥ 3 (p = 0.003), preoperative C-reactive protein level > 10 mg/l (p = 0.008), preoperative Karnofsky Performance Score < 60% (p = 0.03), radiation treatment within 2 months of surgery (p = 0.01), presence of diabetes mellitus (p = 0.008), and preoperative complete neurological impairment (p = 0.04) were significant and independent predictors for early postoperative complications in patients with surgery for spinal metastasis. The ability to preoperatively predict postoperative complication risk is valuable to select critically ill patients at higher risk requiring special attention. Therefore, the present study identified several significant and independent risk factors for the development of early postoperative complication in patients who underwent surgery for spinal metastasis.

Serum procalcitonin levels in incisional surgical site infections requiring a secondary suture after cesarean sections

Purpose: Surgical site infections (SSIs) after cesarean section cause maternal morbidity and economic and emotional burdens on society. Our aim is to measure procalcitonin (PCT) levels in patients who developed incisional SSIs after cesarean section while also comparing PCT concentrations between patients who underwent a secondary suture and who did not require a secondary suture.Methods: Ninety-four patients who developed incisional SSI after cesarean section were enrolled in our study. At the time of admission, serum PCT, C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell (WBC) counts were measured. The study population was grouped into two, based on the need of a secondary suture and the patients baseline blood tests were compared.Results: The mean serum CRP level was not significant among the groups; however, the median serum PCT level was significantly higher in patients who required a secondary suture (0.21 vs. 0.05 ng/ml, p ≤ .0001). Serum PCT levels were positively correlated with the length of hospital stay (r = 0.72, p = .0001). Area under the curve (AUC) for PCT in predicting the need of a secondary suture was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.772-0.922) and the cutoff point was 0.142 ng/ml with a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 97.8% (p = .0001).Conclusion: Serum PCT is a promising marker for both diagnosing and predicting the severity of SSIs after cesarean sections.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03223233.

Dissociation of C-Reactive Protein Localizes and Amplifies Inflammation: Evidence for a Direct Biological Role of C-Reactive Protein and Its Conformational Changes

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a member of the pentraxin superfamily that is widely recognized as a marker of inflammatory reactions and cardiovascular risk in humans. Recently, a growing body of data is emerging, which demonstrates that CRP is not only a marker of inflammation but also acts as a direct mediator of inflammatory reactions and the innate immune response. Here, we critically review the various lines of evidence supporting the concept of a pro-inflammatory “CRP system.” The CRP system consists of a functionally inert circulating pentameric form (pCRP), which is transformed to its highly pro-inflammatory structural isoforms, pCRP* and ultimately to monomeric CRP (mCRP). While retaining an overall pentameric structure, pCRP* is structurally more relaxed than pCRP, thus exposing neoepitopes important for immune activation and complement fixation. Thereby, pCRP* shares its pro-inflammatory properties with the fully dissociated structural isoform mCRP. The dissociation of pCRP into its pro-inflammatory structural isoforms and thus activation of the CRP system occur on necrotic, apoptotic, and ischemic cells, regular β-sheet structures such as β-amyloid, the membranes of activated cells (e.g., platelets, monocytes, and endothelial cells), and/or the surface of microparticles, the latter by binding to phosphocholine. Both pCRP* and mCRP can cause activation of platelets, leukocytes, endothelial cells, and complement. The localization and deposition of these pro-inflammatory structural isoforms of CRP in inflamed tissue appear to be important mediators for a range of clinical conditions, including ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury of various organs, cardiovascular disease, transplant rejection, Alzheimer’s disease, and age-related macular degeneration. These findings provide the impetus to tackle the vexing problem of innate immunity response by targeting CRP. Understanding the “activation process” of CRP will also likely allow the development of novel anti-inflammatory drugs, thereby providing potential new immunomodulatory therapeutics in a broad range of inflammatory diseases.

Proteasome and C-reactive protein inflammatory response in children undergoing shorter and longer lasting laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Operations of varying duration cause the release of a number of inflammatory mediators, in particular cytokines which lead to proteasome and acute-phase reactions. The purpose of this novel human study, was to characterize inflammatory response in children undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, by analyzing changes in selected inflammatory mediators: C-reactive protein concentration and circulating 20S proteasome activity following surgical injury and to correlate them with the duration of the surgical procedure. Plasma C-reactive protein concentration (CRP) was determined by standard biochemical laboratory procedures. Proteasome activity in the plasma of children was assessed using Suc-Leu-Leu-Val-Tyr-AMC peptide substrate. Statistically significant increase in the plasma proteasome activity and C-reactive protein concentration, was noted (p < .05) in children after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We found the correlation between the 20S proteasome activity and the length of the procedure. In children undergoing longer lasting laparoscopic cholecystectomy the proteasome activity was much higher than in patients having shorter surgical procedure. The CRP concentration and 20S proteasome activity significantly increase after surgery, but only 20S proteasome activity correlate with the length of the surgery. This may confirm that CRP is only an indicator of pathological state, while the function of the proteasomes is more complex because of their participation in the processes of repair and wound healing, and in the removal of damaged proteins.

White Blood Cell Count and C-Reactive Protein Variations After Posterior Surgery With Intraoperative Radiotherapy for Spinal Metastasis

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of blood test parameters [white blood cell (WBC) count and C-reactive protein (CRP)] for predicting and diagnosing postoperative infection after posterior surgery with intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) for spinal metastasis.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Posterior surgery with IORT is effective for treating spinal metastasis, as we previously reported. However, the procedure requires that the patient be transferred from the operating room to the irradiation room. In addition, the patient's general status is often poor, and the risk of postoperative infection is high.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 279 patients who underwent IORT for the treatment of spinal metastasis between August 2004 and June 2013 were included in this study. The WBC count (/10 μL) and CRP level (mg/dL) were recorded in all patients preoperatively and on alternative days for up to 7 days after surgery. We assessed the development of surgical-site infection (SSI) for up to 1 month after surgery.

RESULTS

SSI occurred in 41 patients (14.7%). The preoperative WBC count and CRP level did not differ between the infected and noninfected patients. The WBC counts on postoperative day (POD) 1 and POD 7 and the CRP levels on POD 7 were significantly higher in the infected patients (8.8 vs. 10.0, P=0.04; 6.1 vs. 8.8, P=0.002; 3.89 vs. 9.50, P<0.001). A receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis of the WBC count and CRP level for detecting SSI showed cutoff values of 9.6 (WBC count, POD 1), 6.5 (WBC count, POD 7), and 5.0 (CRP level, POD 7).

CONCLUSIONS

A high WBC count and CRP level on POD 7 may be used to predict or detect SSI. In particular, a CRP level of 5.0 mg/dL on POD 7 strongly suggests the future development of SSI (sensitivity: 78%, specificity: 74%).