Anemia as a Risk Factor for Organ Dysfunctions in Patients Operated on Heart Valves

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Anesthesiology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Anemia is a common complication following cardiac surgery.
• The impact of pre- and postoperative anemia on internal organ dysfunction in acquired heart disease (AHD) patients requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the association between pre- and postoperative anemia and the risk of internal organ dysfunction in AHD patients undergoing surgery.
• To analyze the structure of internal organ dysfunction and the likelihood of hemotransfusion in relation to anemia status.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 610 patients with AHD undergoing primary surgery.
• Comparative analysis of organ dysfunction incidence and structure based on preoperative anemia (Hb <130 g/l) and postoperative hemoglobin levels (<90 g/l vs. 90-130 g/l).

Main Results:

• Postoperative anemia (45% of patients) increased the risk of acute heart failure (OR 5.75), multiorgan failure (MOF) (OR 4.2), and hemotransfusion (OR 4.74).
• Severe/moderate anemia (Hb <90 g/l, 11.2% of patients) significantly raised the risk of brain dysfunction (OR 5.72) and MOF (OR 5.97) compared to Hb 90-130 g/l.

Conclusions:

• Postoperative anemia in AHD patients is linked to increased risks of circulatory decompensation, MOF, and hemotransfusion.
• Anemia with Hb <90 g/l post-surgery is a critical predictor for brain damage and MOF in this population.