The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Nov 2015
Readmission predicts 90-day mortality after esophagectomy: Analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Registry linked to Medicare outcomes.
Postoperative readmission is an increasingly scrutinized quality metric that affects patient satisfaction and cost. Even more important is its implication for short-term prognosis. The purpose of this study is to characterize postesophagectomy readmissions and determine their relationship with subsequent 90-day mortality. ⋯ Patients readmitted within 30 days of discharge after esophagectomy are at exceptionally high risk for early mortality. Early recognition of life-threatening readmission diagnoses is essential to providing optimal care.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Nov 2015
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyA liberal strategy of red blood cell transfusion reduces cardiogenic shock in elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
The aim of this study was to compare outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery who are aged 60 years or more or less than 60 years after implementation of a restrictive or a liberal transfusion strategy. ⋯ Although there was no difference between groups regarding the primary outcome, a restrictive transfusion strategy may result in an increased rate of cardiogenic shock in elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery compared with a more liberal strategy. Cardiovascular risk of anemia may be more harmful than the risk of blood transfusion in older patients.