Barakat, H. M.; Shahin, Y.; McCollum, P. T.; Chetter, I. C.

Anaesthesia, June 2015, Vol. 70 Issue: Number 6 p679-685, 7p

Abstract: This study aimed
at assessing whether measures of aerobic fitness can predict
postoperative cardiac and pulmonary complications, 30‐day mortality and
length of hospital stay following elective abdominal aortic aneurysm
repair. We prospectively collected cardiopulmonary exercise testing
data over two years for 130 patients. Upon multivariate analysis, a
decreased anaerobic threshold (OR (95% CI) 0.55 (0.37–0.84); p = 0.005)
and open repair (OR(95% CI) 6.99 (1.56–31.48); p = 0.011) were
associated with cardiac complications. Similarly, an increased
ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide (OR(95% CI) 1.18 (1.05–1.33);
p = 0.005) and open repair (OR (95% CI) 14.29 (3.24–62.90); p < 0.001)
were associated with pulmonary complications. Patients who had an
endovascular repair had shorter hospital and critical care lengths of
stay (p < 0.001). Measures of fitness were not associated with 30‐day
mortality or length of hospital stay. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing
variables, therefore, seem to predict different postoperative
complications following abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, which adds
value to their routine use in risk stratification and optimisation of
peri‐operative care.;