Troponin as a predictor of outcomes in transcatheter aortic valve implantation: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is emerging as a therapeutic gold standard in the management of aortic stenosis. However, post-procedural complications of this procedure are being increasingly recognised. We therefore performed this systematic review and meta-analysis on the prognostic value of elevated troponin prior to TAVI to predict risk of post-procedural complications.

Paraprotein associated heparin resistance during cardiopulmonary bypass.

Introduction: Heparin resistance during cardiopulmonary bypass poses a significant intraoperative dilemma. Antithrombin deficiency related heparin resistance is well described, but less common causes are still poorly understood and inadequately managed.

Case Report: We present a case of heparin resistance during cardiopulmonary bypass in a gentleman with no previous haematological history or thrombotic risk factors.

Perioperative gabapentinoid use lowers short-term opioid consumption following lower limb arthroplasty: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The management of post-operative pain and high levels of acute and chronic opioid use following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) remain challenges to the perioperative team. We performed a system-atic review and meta-analysis to determine the opioid sparing effects, analgesic effects, and safety profile of perioperative gabapentinoid usage in lower limb arthroplasty.

Methods: We searched multiple databases from inception until May 2019 and included randomized controlled trials (RCT) on perioperative gabapentinoids in lower limb arthroplasty.

Acute and Chronic Kidney Disease Following Congenital Heart Surgery: A Review.

Background: There is an increasing prevalence of chronic kidney disease in the population of adults currently living with congenital heart disease. A considerable proportion of children who undergo congenital heart surgery experience postoperative acute kidney injury. Whether there is an association between acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery in childhood and development of chronic kidney disease is unclear.

Fontan-associated nephropathy: Predictors and outcomes.

Background: Nephropathy is a known complication of the Fontan circulation, but its determinants have not been identified and patient outcomes are also still unknown.

Methods: The Australia and New Zealand Fontan Registry was used to identify those who underwent Fontan operation before and survived beyond 16-years-old with an intact Fontan circulation. Serum creatinine values were collected for each patient between 16 and 25 years and at recent follow-up.

Obesity and postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is one of the most common complications following cardiac surgery. However, it is unclear whether there is a relationship between obesity and POAF. We thus assessed all available evidence investigating the association between obesity and POAF, also considering any link between POAF and other post-operative conditions such as mortality, stroke, myocardial infarctions and respiratory complications.