Clinical Research Directory

Predictors Of Outcome After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery Using Cardiopulmonary Bypass

In cardiac operations, high values of blood lactate have been associated with bad outcomes if detected both during CPB and at the arrival in the intensive care unit (ICU) in adult patients. Many studies highlighted the potential role of hyperlactatemia on admission to the ICU as a marker for adverse outcome, and one study linked hyperlactatemia during CPB with postoperative morbidity and mortality. Evidence that both CENTRAL VENOUS SATURATION (ScVO2) and blood lactates during CPB are potential early predictors of morbidity and mortality in adult cardiac operations are still lacking.

Dietary Supplements in Patients With Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Improving the Quality of Healthcare Delivery.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Prevention of CAD by targeting modifiable factors remains a key public health priority. L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C - Vit. C) and Omega 3 fatty acids, Eicosapentaenoic / Docosahexaenoic Acid (EPO/DHA), powerful but also necessary antioxidants for the human body, after observational studies as well as randomized studies seem to have a beneficial effect in the direction of the prevention of CVD with pleiotropic mechanisms. Lignin, a polymer of plant origin that is considered a dietary fiber, has a developed porous structure and can retain exogenous and endogenous toxins, and pathogenic microorganisms. Lactulose considered a prebiotic provides a selective substrate for the metabolism of saccharolytic bacteria with bifidogenic activity and multiple benefits to the host's gut health. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is an established surgical intervention and treatment of symptoms of myocardial ischemia that improves patient survival Optimal Medical Therapy (OMT) after coronary arterial bypass grafting (CABG) as described in current clinical practice could be made even better by the addition of these beneficial food supplements. A randomized controlled trial is proposed in an intervention group of 54 post-CABG patients who will be given daily orally in addition to the usual medication, 1000 mg Vitamin C, 840 mg EPO/DHA, 2130 mg Lignin \& 720 mg Lactulose and a control group of 54 patients (Control Group) in which only usual medication will be administered. The intervention will take place from the 15th postoperative day when CAGB patients are discharged and lasts for 2.5 months (10 weeks) postoperatively. The data will be collected on the 15th, 80-90th postop day in 6 months and 12 months postop and then the statistical analysis of the data will be performed. Considering the number of CABG surgeries performed electively in our clinic, this study is expected to be completed in approximately 2-3 years from the day of initiation. The expected knowledge through the expected results such as these will emerge from this study is the potentially beneficial effect of our food supplements administration (intervention), i.e. Vitamin C, EPO/DHA, Lignin \& Lactulose, on the postoperative course of our patients. Some degree of improvement in the well-being and clinical picture of our patients postoperatively is expected, which will be thoroughly investigated in each phase of the study.

A Monitoring System Based on the Multifactorial Dynamic Perfusion Index to Predict and Prevent the Onset of Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury After Cardiac Surgery, Based on a Dynamic Collection of Hemodynamic and Clinical Parameters During Cardiopulmonary Bypass

This project is based on a predictive alghorithm (Multifactorial Dynamic Perfusion Index-MDPI) already published and covered by a patent. The MDPI is based on a dynamic collection of 7 different variables during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and provides a probability index for postoperative acute kidney injury. The study design is a multicenter observational prospective trial developed through 3 work packages, addressing (1) external validation of the MDPI in a series of 800 adult cardiac surgery patients collected in 2 Institutions (2) development of a novel MDPI to be applied in infants \< 20 kg undergoing cardiac surgery (200 patients) and (3) verification of of other possible outcomes that may be predicted by the MDPI. Since many of the predictive variables are modifiable by the perfusionist/anesthesiologist during CPB, it is a tool that allows therapeutic manouvres. Ultimately, the MDPI will be incorporated in a dedicated monitor to provide an on-line "flight control" during CPB. Work package 1 will be performed at Units 1 and 2; the parameters composing the MDPI will be collected using the existing CPB monitors that routinely measure the hematocrit, the oxygen delivery, the time of exposure to a pre-defined critical oxygen delivery, the mean arterial pressure, and the CPB duration. Blood lactates and transfusions will be manually inputed. The MDPI will be calculated off-line and tested for association and predictivity (discrimination and calibration) with respect to postoperative AKI defined according to the K-DIGO classification. Workpackage 2 is dedicated to infants, with the purpose of developing an MDPI dedicated to low-weight infants (I-MDPI). This will be develop in Unit 1 that performs congenital heart surgery. The same variables of the MDPI will be collected, plus additional variables specific for infants (blood to prime the oxygenator, plasma for the same purpose; venous oxygen saturation, and others). The variables being independently associated with AKI will enter a logistic regression equation that will be the basis for the I-MDPI. Workpackage 3 considers that AKI is associated with a prolonged mechanical ventilation time, prolonged stay in the intensive care unit and in the hospital; and mortality. Therefore, the MDPI may be predictive of other postoperative complications, apart from AKI, and even of mortality. Some of the factors included in the MDPI may directly (low hematocrit) or indirectly (prolonged CPB duration, excessive hemodilution, low mean arterial pressure) affect the hemostatic system and/or trigger packed red cells transfusions. Additionally, CPB itself is a determinant of a coagulophatic state with associated postoperative bleeding which, in turns, increases the mortality. The specific aim 3 is to confirm the hypothesis that the MDPI may be predictive of one or more of this non-AKI postoperative complications and of 30-days mortality. In the same series of work package and aim 1, these complications will be collected and the MDPI tested for predictive ability of each one of these complications and 30-days mortality. At present, the MDPI can only be calculated off-line, and this greatly limits its applicability. The last step of the aim 3 is based on the involvement of software experts and partnership with companies interested in including the MDPI into their existing monitors; as such, the MDPI patent would be given under licence of the existing patent owned by the IRCCS Policlinico San Donato.

Protective Effect of Angong Niuhuang Against Negative Inflammatory Response and Neurologic Dysfunction After Cardiovascular Surgery

Neurologic Dysfunction is one of the main factors contributing to poor outcomes in cardiac surgery patients, except for heart failure. Atherosclerosis of the aorta, a history of cerebral infarction, and cervical artery disease are common clinical risk factors for cerebral neurological dysfunction after cardiac surgery. Results of preclinical studies suggested that Angong Niuhuang Pills (ANPs), a traditional Chinese patent medicine, including realgar, cinnabaris, Bovis Calculus, artificial Moschus, and powdered buffalo horn extract, decreased infarct volume and cerebral edema, and presented anti- atherosclerosis and cardio-protective effects in clinical and preclinical studies. The PANDA X trial is designed as a pilot study to explore the safety and efficacy of ANP in patients with moderate-to-severe neurologic dysfunction after cardiovascular surgery.

Protective Effect of EECP Against Negative Inflammatory Response and Organ Dysfunction After Cardiovascular Surgery

Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a noninvasive, non-pharmacologic intervention proven to increase nitric oxide bioavailability in patients with coronary artery disease. Although EECP showed short-term effects in improving coronary flow in patients with coronary slow flow, whether such improvement is durable remains uncertain, and the relationships between such improvement and changes in multiple organ functions as well as inflammatory markers have not been elucidated. The purpose of this study will be to evaluate the potential clinical benefits of EECP on organ function and proinflammatory cytokine concentrations during post-acute sequela of cardiovascular surgery.