Isolated coronary artery bypass grafting in obese individuals: a propensity matched analysis of outcomes

Mahboob Alam1, Sahar Siddiqui, Vei-Vei Lee

  • 1Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA. malam@bcm.tmc.edu

Insights

Obesity did not increase in-hospital mortality for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients. However, obesity was linked to higher risks of respiratory failure, renal issues, and surgical site infections after CABG.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Obesity Research
  • Patient Outcomes

Background:

  • Conflicting data exists on obesity's effect on morbidity and mortality in isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients.
  • Understanding these risks is crucial for optimizing surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between obesity and in-hospital mortality and morbidity after isolated CABG.
  • To clarify the impact of obesity on various postoperative complications.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort analysis of 13,115 patients undergoing CABG between 1995 and 2010.
  • Patients were classified as obese (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m²) or non-obese (BMI < 30.0 kg/m²).
  • Propensity-matched logistic regression analysis was used to assess outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Obesity was not associated with increased in-hospital mortality (OR = 1.13, 95% CI 0.86-1.48) in propensity-matched analysis (n=8,442).
  • Obesity was linked to higher rates of postoperative respiratory failure, renal insufficiency, sternal wound infection, and leg wound infection.
  • Conversely, obesity was associated with a reduced risk of postoperative bleeding and re-operation for bleeding.

Conclusions:

  • Obesity is not a risk factor for in-hospital mortality following isolated CABG.
  • Obesity increases the risk of specific postoperative complications, including respiratory failure, renal failure, and surgical site infections.
  • The findings highlight the complex relationship between obesity and CABG outcomes, emphasizing the need for targeted postoperative care.
Abstract