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Published on: December 11, 2017
The relationship between renal function and outcome from heart valve surgery
Patrick H Gibson1, Bernard L Croal, Brian H Cuthbertson
1Department of Cardiology, University of Aberdeen and Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, UK.
Insights
Renal function is a key predictor of survival after heart valve surgery. Lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) independently indicates a higher risk of death, even when considering other risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Prognostic significance of renal function in valvular heart disease surgery is unclear.
- This study investigates renal function as a predictor of outcomes in cardiac surgery patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prognostic value of renal function, specifically estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), in patients undergoing heart valve surgery.
- To assess if eGFR independently predicts mortality beyond established risk scores like EuroSCORE.
Main Methods:
- Prospective data collection from 514 patients undergoing heart valve surgery (excluding endocarditis/emergency cases).
- Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation.
- All-cause mortality as the primary outcome, with follow-up for a median of 2 years.
Main Results:
- 87 deaths occurred during follow-up.
- Both eGFR and creatinine levels predicted mortality in univariable analysis.
- eGFR remained a significant independent predictor of death in multivariable models, including EuroSCORE.
- Preoperative eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 was associated with significantly increased hazard of death (HR 2.31, P=.001).
Conclusions:
- Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a potent, independent predictor of outcomes in patients undergoing heart valve surgery.
- The prognostic value of eGFR is significant, irrespective of other known risk factors and the EuroSCORE.
- Assessing renal function is crucial for risk stratification in patients undergoing cardiac valve procedures.
Background:
The prognostic importance of renal function in patients undergoing surgery for valvular heart disease is poorly defined. The current study addresses this issue.
Methods:
Baseline demographic and clinical variables, including the European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation (EuroSCORE), were recorded prospectively from 514 consecutive patients undergoing heart valve surgery between April 2000 and March 2004. Patients with active infective endocarditis and/or requiring emergency surgery were excluded. The glomerular filtration rate was estimated (eGFR) using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality.
Results:
During a median follow-up of 2 years, 87 patients died. In univariable analysis, both eGFR (hazard ratio [HR] 0.69 per 10 mL/min per 1.73 m2, P<.001) and creatinine (HR 1.04 per 10 micromol/L, P<.001) predicted mortality. Estimated GFR was a stronger predictor and was used in subsequent multivariable models. It remained a powerful independent predictor of death in a multivariable model including all study variables (HR 0.70 per 10 mL/min per 1.73 m2 increase, P<.001) and in a model including EuroSCORE (HR 0.64 per 10 mL/min per 1.73 m2 increase, P<.001). After correction for preoperative EuroSCORE, an eGFR of <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 was associated with an excess hazard of death of 2.31 (P=.001).
Conclusion:
Renal function, particularly the eGFR, is a powerful predictor of outcome in patients undergoing heart valve surgery. This prognostic utility is independent of other recognized risk factors and the EuroSCORE.
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