Association of low mixed venous oxygen saturations during early ICU stay with increased 30-day and 1-year mortality after cardiac surgery: a single-center retrospective study.

Background: Low postoperative mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO) values have been linked to poor outcomes after cardiac surgery. The present study was designed to assess whether SvO values of < 60% at intensive care unit (ICU) admission and 4 h after admission are associated with increased mortality after cardiac surgery.

Methods: During the years 2007-2020, 7046 patients (74.4% male; median age, 68 years [interquartile range, 60-74]) underwent cardiac surgery at an academic medical center in Finland. All patients were monitored with a pulmonary artery catheter. SvO values were obtained at ICU admission and 4 h later. Patients were divided into four groups for analyses: SvO ≥ 60% at ICU admission and 4 h later; SvO ≥ 60% at admission but < 60% at 4 h; SvO < 60% at admission but ≥ 60% at 4 h; and SvO < 60% at both ICU admission and 4 h later. Kaplan-Meier survival curves, Cox regression models, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were used to assess differences among groups in 30-day and 1-year mortality.

Results: In the overall cohort, 52.9% underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), 29.1% valvular surgery, 12.1% combined CABG and valvular procedures, 3.5% surgery of the ascending aorta or aortic dissection, and 2.4% other cardiac surgery. The 1-year crude mortality was 4.3%. The best outcomes were associated with SvO ≥ 60% at both ICU admission and 4 h later. Hazard ratios for 1-year mortality were highest among patients with SvO < 60% at both ICU admission and 4 h later, regardless of surgical subgroup.

Conclusion: SvO values < 60% at ICU admission and 4 h after admission are associated with increased 30-day and 1-year mortality after cardiac surgery. Goal-directed therapy protocols targeting SvO ≥ 60% may be beneficial. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these observational findings.