Determinants of regional myocardial acidosis during cardiac surgery.
BACKGROUND
Intraoperative regional myocardial acidosis (RMA) during cardiac surgery has been shown to be reflective of regional myocardial ischemia and an independent predictor of adverse postoperative outcomes. This study identifies the determinants of intraoperative RMA.


METHODS
Intramyocardial tissue pH(37C) in the anterior and posterior LV walls was measured in 641 adult patients during cardiac surgery. RMA at two intraoperative periods was quantified as integrated mean pH(37C) < 6.35 during aortic clamping (AC) and pH(37C) < 6.73 at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). These pH thresholds were chosen because of their demonstrated relationship to long-term patient survival. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed. An acidosis prediction score was constructed based on the factors determining RMA at the end of CPB.


RESULTS
Independent determinants of RMA during AC were preoperative New York Heart Association class III/IV (P = .007), current smoker (P = .0088), pH(37C) < 6.63 prior to AC (P < .0001), and intraoperative myocardial management technique (P = .0001). Independent determinants of RMA at end of CPB were ASA class IV/V (P = .0042), pH(37C) < 6.63 prior to AC (P = .035), pH(37C) < 6.35 during AC (P = .001), and total duration of CPB > or = 212 minutes (P = .001).


CONCLUSIONS
RMA during cardiac surgery is determined by patient risk factors, the magnitude of preceding regional myocardial acidosis, and the duration of CPB.
Surgical Service, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02132,USA.
Dharam J
DJ
Kumbhani
Nancy A
NA
Healey
Vladimir
V
Birjiniuk
Michael D
MD
Crittenden
Miguel
M
Josa
Patrick R
PR
Treanor
Shukri F
SF
Khuri
D000138:Acidosis / Q000209:etiology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009206:Myocardium / Q000378:metabolism*