Inflammatory indicator levels in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement via median sternotomy with preoperative anxiety and postoperative complications: a prospective cohort study.

Objective: This study was performed to evaluate the association of preoperative anxiety with inflammatory indicators and postoperative complications in patients undergoing scheduled aortic valve replacement surgery.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed. The Hamilton Anxiety Scale was used to assess preoperative anxiety. The serum white blood cell (WBC) count and concentrations of C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 were measured 1 day preoperatively and 3 and 7 days postoperatively. Postoperative complications were also recorded.

Results: Seventy-three patients were included. The incidence of preoperative anxiety was 30.1% (22/73). The payment source was the only independent risk factor for preoperative anxiety. The incidence of postoperative complications was lowest in the mild anxiety group. The WBC count 3 days postoperatively was significantly lower in the mild than moderate-severe anxiety group. The IL-8 concentration 1 day preoperatively was highest in the no anxiety group.

Conclusions: Mild preoperative anxiety might help to improve clinical outcomes. However, further investigations with more patients are warranted. Patients with different degrees of anxiety may have different levels of inflammatory cytokines.