Predictors of Low Cardiac Output Syndrome After Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) is one of the most important complications following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and results in higher morbidity and mortality. However, few reports have focused on the predictors of LCOS following CABG. This study aimed to evaluate the predictors of LCOS following isolated CABG through the review of 1524 consecutive well-documented patients in a single center, retrospective trial. The relevant preoperative and intraoperative data of patients with complete information from medical records undergoing isolated CABG from January 2010 to December 2013 in our center were investigated and retrospectively analyzed. LCOS was considered when the following criteria were met: signs of impairment of body perfusion and need for inotropic support with vasoactive drugs or mechanical circulatory support with an intra-aortic balloon pump to maintain systolic blood pressure greater than 90 mmHg. LCOS developed in 205 patients following CABG, accounting for 13.5% of the total population. The in-hospital mortality in the LCOS group was significantly higher than that in the non-LCOS group (25.4% versus 1.8%, P < 0.0001). In addition to the length of ICU stay and postoperative hospital stay, LCOS was correlated with negative cerebral, respiratory and renal outcomes. Through univariate analysis and then logistic regression analysis, the predictors of LCOS following CABG included older age (age > 65 years) (OR = 1.85, 95%CI 1.27-3.76), impaired left ventricular function (OR = 2.05, 95%CI 1.53-4.54), on-pump CABG (OR = 2.16, 95%CI 1.53-4.86), emergent CPB (OR = 9.15, 95%CI 3.84-16.49), and incomplete revascularization (OR = 2.62, 95%CI 1.79-5.15). LCOS following isolated CABG caused higher mortality, higher rates of morbidity, and longer ICU and postoperative hospital stays. Older age, impaired left ventricular function, on-pump CABG, emergent CPB, and incomplete revascularization were identified as 5 predictors of LCOS following isolated CABG surgery.