European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Dec 2011
Recombinant factor VIIa (NovoSeven RT) use in high risk cardiac surgery.
The use of recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) (NovoSeven RT(®)) to establish hemostasis during massive perioperative bleeding in cardiac surgery has been explored in several retrospective studies. While early results are promising, a paucity of data leaves many questions about its safety profile. We sought to further define its use and associated outcomes in a large cohort study at a single institution. ⋯ rFVIIa is an effective hemostatic agent for intractable bleeding in high-risk cardiac surgery with an acceptable safety profile. rFVIIa does not appear to be associated with increased postoperative complications, including thrombo-embolic events and death.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Dec 2011
Implications of acute kidney injury after heart transplantation: what a surgeon should know.
Data regarding risks and consequences of acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac transplantation are dismissingly few and unclear. This study defined the incidence, risk factors and prognostic implication of AKI in a single-center cohort operated on between January 1999 and December 2008. ⋯ AKI is a highly prevalent and prognostically important complication. Some of the risk factors for AKI identified may be modifiable.