Does the body mass index predict mortality after isolated aortic valve replacement?

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Surgical Outcomes
• Obesity Research

Background:

• Limited and conflicting data exist on body mass index (BMI) effects on outcomes after isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR).
• Understanding BMI's predictive value is crucial for optimizing patient care and surgical strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of preoperative body mass index (BMI) on early and late mortality after isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 1,758 patients undergoing isolated AVR between 1998 and 2010.
• Patients categorized into five BMI groups: underweight, normal weight, overweight, obese, and morbidly obese.
• Logistic and Cox regression analyses used to identify predictors of early and late mortality.

Main Results:

• No significant association found between BMI groups and early mortality after AVR.
• Underweight status (BMI < 20 kg/m2) emerged as an independent predictor of increased late mortality (HR 2.89, p < 0.0001).
• Morbid obesity (BMI > 34.9 kg/m2) was not a significant predictor of late survival.

Conclusions:

• Preoperative underweight is a significant independent risk factor for late mortality in patients undergoing isolated AVR.
• Surgical outcomes for AVR patients are not adversely affected by morbid obesity regarding late survival.