OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the incidence and risk factors of postpericardiotomy syndrome (PPS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective single-center study included 208 patients after heart valve surgery for the period from January 2018 to April 2019. We analyzed the incidence and potential risk factors of PPS.

RESULTS

PPS occurred in 66 patients (31.7%). Only 5 patients (7.6%) required pleural drainage, 3 patients (4.5%) — pericardiocentesis. There were no cases of acute cardiac tamponade or PPS-associated mortality. Male gender (p=0.0104), previous radiotherapy (p=0.0000), left ventricular ejection fraction <50% (p=0.0118)and previous pericarditis (p=0.0118) were preoperative risk factors of PPS. Intraoperative risk factors of PPS were time of surgery (p=0.0001), cardiopulmonary bypass (p=0.0001) and aortic cross-clamping (p=0.0001). Blood cardioplegia reduced the risk of PPS (p=0.0449). Drainage output within 2 days after surgery was significantly higher in patients with PPS (486.1±284.0 vs. 300.0±107.9 ml, p=0.0001). Postoperative risk factors of PPS were bleeding in early postoperative period (p=0.0001) and transfusion of ≥3 units of packed red cells (p=0.0042).

CONCLUSION

Prognosis of PPS is benign. Correct assessment of risk factors and early prevention of PPS can decrease the incidence of invasive procedures, avoid cardiac tamponade and reduce hospital-stay and time of rehabilitation.