To describe outcomes of gastrointestinal (GI) complications after cardiac surgery, identify independent predictors, and propose a risk score for predicting their occurrence.
Key Findings:
162 patients analyzed post-matching: 54 with GI complications and 108 controls.
Higher prevalence of smokers and significant coronary artery disease in the GI group (p < 0.005).
GI complications: ischemia (50.6%), hemorrhage (31.5%), pancreatitis (3.7%), obstruction (14.8%), with 24.1% occurring as part of multiorgan failure.
Overall mortality in the GI group was 38.8% compared to 0.9% in controls (p < 0.0001).
Independent predictors of complications included GI complications, NYHA class >2, and preoperative acute myocardial ischemia.
Risk score showed good discrimination (AUC 0.735) and calibration (p = 0.934).
Interpretation:
GI complications after cardiac surgery are rare but associated with significantly higher mortality. The developed risk score can help identify high-risk patients for closer monitoring.
Limitations:
Retrospective design may introduce bias.
Single-center study limits generalizability and may affect the applicability of findings.
High mortality rates in patients with GI complications post-cardiac surgery highlight the need for early identification and intervention. The risk score may aid in preoperative assessments.
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