Evaluation of Parameters Affecting the Occurrence of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome in Patients Operated on Due to Kidney Tumors

The application and prognostic nature of systemic inflammatory reaction syndrome (SIRS) is still being researched, as using SIRS parameters to predict patient status is cheap, efficient, fast, and easy. The study aimed to determine SIRS markers and postoperative complications occurrence in patients undergoing kidney tumor surgery, and to verify if SIRS occurrence depends on age, sex, BMI (body mass index), comorbidities, patients' general condition before the surgery, type of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, or intraoperative ischemia time. Body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and leukocyte count were measured in patients (n = 285) operated on due to a kidney tumor on the first (T0) and third (T3) postoperative day. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to analyze the factors affecting postoperative SIRS and complications occurrence. T0: SIRS developed in patients with higher BMI, >2 ASA points, and more substantial intraoperative blood loss. T3: SIRS developed in obese or overweight patients, with >2 ASA points, significantly higher relative HR change, lower relative body temperature change, respiratory rate, and leukocyte count. BMI values, preoperative general health status, and the amount of intraoperative blood loss in patients undergoing surgery due to a kidney tumor can contribute to SIRS occurrence. Patient's sex, age, tumor size, type of surgery, operated side, and time of intraoperative ischemia do not affect SIRS occurrence.

Spontaneous dissection of the superior mesenteric artery related to COVID-19

Background: Spontaneous peripheral dissections are rare, and in a substantial number of cases, the underlying aetiology remains unclear. Patients and methods: We report the case of a 63-year-old male patient with a recent asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection who presented with sudden-onset intermittent abdominal pain. Imaging studies revealed a dissection of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and large-vessel vasculitis involving the SMA as well as the carotid, subclavian, axillary and femoropopliteal arteries. In the absence of other predisposing factors, we supposed an association with prior COVID-19 and performed a systematic review of the literature to search for similar cases with arterial dissection related to acute or recent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results: We identified 25 cases, including ours: 13 males and 12 females, with a median age of 48 years. In 22/25 patients, arterial dissection occurred within 4 weeks after the diagnosis of COVID-19 and involved the cerebral (11/25; 44%), coronary (10/25; 40%), splanchnic (3/25; 12%) and renal (2/25; 8%) arteries. Conclusions: Although initially known for its respiratory manifestations, it has become evident that SARS-CoV-2 not only infects pneumocytes but also enters the vascular endothelium, leading to endothelial dysfunction and hypercoagulability and - as shown in our case - large-vessel vasculitis, which may predispose patients to intramural haemorrhage and arterial dissection.

Impact of Revascularization Technique on the Outcomes of Peripheral Graft Revision Procedures

BACKGROUND

The acute occlusion of a peripheral bypass graft leads to acute limb ischemia (ALI) and threatens the viability of the limb if left untreated. The aim of the present study was to analyze the results of surgical and hybrid revascularization techniques for patients with ALI due to peripheral graft occlusions.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 102 patients undergoing treatment for ALI due to peripheral graft occlusion between 2002 and 2021 was carried out at a tertiary vascular center. Procedures were classified as surgical when only surgical techniques were used and as hybrid when surgical procedures were combined with endovascular techniques such as balloon or stent angioplasty or thrombolysis. Endpoints were primary and secondary patency and amputation-free survival after 1 and 3 years.

RESULTS

Of all patients, 67 met the inclusion criteria, 41 were treated surgically and 26 by hybrid procedures. There were no significant differences in the 30-day patency rate, 30-day amputation rate, and 30-day mortality. The 1- and 3-year primary patency rates were 41.4% and 29.2% overall, respectively; 45% and 32.1% in the surgical group, respectively; and 33.2% and 26.6% in the hybrid group, respectively. The 1- and 3-year secondary patency rates were 54.1% and 35.8% overall, respectively; 52.5% and 34.2% in the surgical group, respectively; and 54.4% and 43.5% in the hybrid group, respectively. The 1- and 3-year amputation-free survival rates were 67.5% and 59.2%, overall, respectively; 67.3% and 67.3% in the surgical group, respectively; and 68.5% and 48.2% in the hybrid group, respectively. There were no significant differences between the surgical and the hybrid groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of surgical and hybrid procedures after bypass thrombectomy for ALI to eliminate the cause of infrainguinal bypass occlusion are comparable with good midterm results in terms of amputation-free survival. New endovascular techniques and devices need to be established in comparison to the results of these proven surgical revascularization methods.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of New-Onset Diabetes After Transplantation (NODAT)

Background

New-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is a serious complication after a solid organ transplant. NODAT occurs in 2% to 53% of all solid organ transplant recipients. The identification of high-risk patients and the implementation of measures to limit the development of NODAT can improve the long-term patient prognosis.

Material/Methods

Our study group consisted of 336 patients undergoing heart transplant. Patients with prior diabetes (60 patients) were excluded from analysis. The remaining 276 patients were divided in 2 groups: with NODAT (n=109) and without NODAT (n=167). Logistic regression analysis was used for NODAT risk factor assessment.

Results

NODAT occurred in 109 (32%) out of 336 patients without diagnosed diabetes before heart transplantation. Risk factors for post-transplant diabetes mellitus, which was shown by the analysis of the collected data, were BMI at discharge (OR=1.082, CI 1.011–1.158, p=0.0233), history of diagnosed CMV infection (OR=1.464, CI 1.068–2.007, p=0.0179), and age over 51 years (OR=1.634, CI 1.274–2.095, p=0.0001).

Conclusions

1. New-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) or long-lasting hypoglycemia (over 2 years after transplantation) was diagnosed in 32% patients after heart transplantation developed. 2. The risk factors of NODAT were BMI at discharge and history of diagnosed CMV infection, and age over 51 years was an independent risk factor.

Vascular access site complications after transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation in the POL-TAVI Registry: surgical versus percutaneous approach

BACKGROUND

Transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TF TAVI) has recently become an established treatment option for intermediate and high-risk surgical patients with severe aortic stenosis. Despite significant reduction in diameter of valvular delivery systems, access related vascular complications remain a major safety concern. The aim of this study was to evaluate impact of femoral access techniques: surgical versus percutaneous on in-hospital outcomes.

METHODS

Polish National TAVI Registry (POL-TAVI) was used as a data source. The analysis included 1680 patients treated with TF TAVI in years 2013-2016. 677 patients were treated using percutaneous technique (Group PC) and 1003 using open surgical access (Group S). The two groups were matched and compared. All-cause mortality, length of hospital stay, procedure time and potential risk factors for vascular access site complications after TF TAVI were analyzed.

RESULTS

Vascular access site complications were reported in 162 (9.64%) of 1680 patients and were found significantly more often in PC group (13.15% vs. 7.28% P>0.001). There was a significant difference between groups regarding Body Mass Index, arterial hypertension, transient ischemic attack history and NYHA classification. The data analysis showed that increased probability of all vascular complications was associated with percutaneous access. In addition, left-side access and female sex were independent risk factors for all vascular complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical cut-down in the groin with exposure of the artery and manual suture after the procedure seems to be a safer option for TF TAVI patients.