Early and long term results of cardiac surgery in dialysis patients.

OBJECTIVES

The risk of cardiac surgery in dialysis patients is increased compared with other patient groups. We analyzed early and long term results following various cardiac procedures.

METHODS

Between 1981 and 1992, 40 patients underwent cardiac surgery with a mean age of 55.7-years (range 31-71 years). Cardiac procedures: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) n = 20, aortic valve replacement (AVR) n = 6, mitral valve replacement (MVR) n = 4, AVR+CABG n = 1, MVR+CABG n = 1, AVR+MVR n = 2, combined heart and renal transplantation n = 2, atrial septal defect-closure n = 1, pericardial decortication n = 3. The preoperative NYHA functional classes were: NYHA II 5%, III 52.2%, IV 42.5%. Operative mortality was 15% (6/40). Hospital survivors were in NYHA functional classes I (3%), II (88.2%) and III (8.8%). A follow-up study was performed at 35 months (mean, range 1-93 months) postoperatively.

RESULTS

There were 11 late deaths. The actuarial survival of all patients was 91% (1 year) and 69% (5 years). Following CABG it was 95% (1 year) and 72% (5 years). Survivors were in NYHA functional classes I 4.7%, II 85.8%, III 9.5%.

CONCLUSION

Cardiac surgery in dialysis patients is associated with an acceptable hospital mortality. The quality of life of long term survivors is increased significantly. Thus we advocate surgical treatment in patients with symptomatic heart disease. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention in the NYHA functional class II may lead to a lower perioperative mortality.