Body mass index as a determinant of postoperative morbidity

*Corresponding Author:

Selami Gurkan
Namik Kemal Universitesi Hastanesi, Kalp Damar Cerrahisi Klinigi, 59100, Tekirdag, Turkey.
Tel:90 0282 2505249
Fax:90 0282 2620310
E-mail:gurkancem@yahoo.com

This open-access article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (CC BY-NC) (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits reuse, distribution and reproduction of the article, provided that the original work is properly cited and the reuse is restricted to noncommercial purposes. For commercial reuse, contact support@pulsus.com

Keywords

Body mass index; Coronary artery bypass; Mortality; Obesity

Once considered to be a high-income country problem, overweight and obesity are now on the rise in low- and middle-income countries, becoming the fifth-leading risk for global deaths [1]. Body fat content is roughly defined by body mass index (BMI) as a measure of body fat accumulation, and is known to be a major risk factor for diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HT) and coronary artery disease [2-5].

There are conflicting studies in literature about the impact of obesity on postoperative mortality and morbidity in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Some studies report lower BMI values increase postoperative mortality and morbidity [6-8], while others claim the opposite [9-11].

In the present study, we investigated the effect of increasing BMI on in-hospital mortality and morbidity after isolated CABG surgery.

Methods

Prospectively collected data of a series of 1057 consecutive patients who underwent on-pump isolated CABG between January 2007 and December 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients undergoing combined procedures, valve operations, congenital heart surgery, reoperations, beating heart and off-pump procedures were excluded. The study was approved by the local ethics committee and conducted in accordance with the most recent version of the Declaration of Helsinki and local regulations.

BMI was calculated using Quetelet’s formula (weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters) [12]. Patients were divided into five groups according to WHO BMI categorization [13] (defined as underweight [BMI <20 kg/m²]; normal weight [BMI ≥20 kg/m² to <25 kg/m²]; overweight [BMI ≥25 kg/m² to <30 kg/m²]; obese [BMI ≥30 kg/m² to <35 kg/m²]; and morbidly obese [BMI ≥35 kg/m²]).

Operative procedures were performed by the same surgical team using the same surgical techniques. All patients underwent CABG through median sternotomy using standard anesthetic and surgical techniques. Cardiopulmonary bypass was initiated between the ascending aorta and right atrium cannulation after systemic heparinization at a dose of 300 IU/kg to achieve activated coagulation time >400 s. Under systemic moderate hypothermia (32°C), anterograde hyperkalemic cold blood cardioplegia was administered every 15 min for myocardial protection. Inotropes were used in hemodynamic instability despite fluid administration in the presence of systolic dysfunction. Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) was initiated when low cardiac output with systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg, mean arterial pressure <65 mmHg and mixed venous oxygen saturation <65% despite inotropes.

Preoperative patient characteristics (age, female sex, BMI, history of HT, smoking, DM, preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction, preoperative myocardial infarction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], preoperative bronchodilator use and serum creatinine levels) are presented in Table 1. Table 1 also summarizes operative data such as aortic cross clamp time, total bypass time and number of grafts used.

Table 1: Preoperative characteristics and operative data of patients according to body mass index (bMI) groups

The clinical data on early postoperative outcomes in categories of BMI are shown in Table 2. Operative mortality (within 30 days of operation) was recorded whether it occured in or out of hospital setting. Postoperative pump failure was defined by inotropic requirement or use of IABP. Postoperative bleeding included need for blood transfusion with hemoglobin <80 g/L and revision for bleeding. Pulmonary complications included respiratory failure (RF) needing prolonged ventilation, prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay and need for bronchodilators in the ICU. RF was defined as pulmonary insufficiency requiring intubation and ventilation for a period of ≥24 h, at any time during the postoperative stay. Patients who required intubation were counted as having RF when the total ventilation time was ≥24 h. Neurological complications included permanent or transient ischemic episodes. Renal complications included postoperative creatinine (>200 μmol/L or doubling increase over preoperative value) and acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis. Infective complications included sternal or leg wound infection, with positive culture requiring antibiotic therapy. Sternal dehiscence (requiring rewiring) and development of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) were also recorded. Gastrointestinal complications included upper gastrointestinal bleed presenting with melena or hematemesis, paralytic ileus lasting ≥4 days, acute pancreatitis or ischemic hepatic dysfunction with elevated enzymes.

Table 2: Postoperative early outcomes of patients according to body mass index (bMI) groups

Statistical analysis

Mean, SD, frequency and percentage values were used in the descriptive statistics of the data. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to define the distribution of the variables. The analysis of the quantitative variables was performed using ANOVA (and Tukey test in subanalysis) and Kruskal Wallis (and Mann-Whitney U test in subanalysis). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare repeated measurements. The analysis of qualitative variables was performed using the c2 test. Logistic regression test was used to predict the outcomes. SPSS version 20.0 (IBM Corporation, USA) was used for all statistical analyses.

Results

A total of 1057 consecutive patients (796 men [75.31%], 261 women [24.69%]; mean [± SD] age 59.58±9.34 years) were included in the present study. Of 1057 patients, 13 (1.2%) were underweight, 298 (28.2%) were normal weight, 462 patints (43.7%) were overweight, 218 (20.6%) were obese and 66 (6.2%) were morbidly obese. The median BMI was 27 kg/m² (interquartile range 24 kg/m² to 29 kg/m²) (Figure 1). Table 1 shows the patients’ preoperative characteristics according to BMI groups.

Figure 1: Distribution of body mass index (BMI)

The mean age was significantly lower in patients with a BMI ≤20 kg/m² (P<0.001) and they were more likely to be male (P<0.05). In contrast, obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m² to <35 kg/m²) and morbidly obese (BMI ≥35 kg/m²) patients were older and more likely to have comorbidities such as diabetes and HT (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of current smoking status (P=0.245), COPD (P=0.462), pre-operative bronchodilator use (P=0.947), left ventricular ejection fraction (P=0.138), previous myocardial infarction (P=0.238), preoperative serum creatinine level (P=0.283), mean cross-clamp time (56.54±17.06 min), mean total bypass time (108.20±33.75 min) and mean number of grafts used at CABG (3.6) among BMI groups.

The incidence of postoperative outcomes according to BMI groups are shown in Table 2. No statistically significant association was documented between BMI groups and postoperative occurrence of stroke (P=0.809), renal failure (P=0.243), RF (P=0.194), postoperative use of inotropes (P=0.529) or IABP (P=0.529), ICU (P=0.135) and hospital stay (P=0.141), and mortality (P=0.422). On the other hand, the incidence of postoperative bronchodilator use (P<0.001), leg wound infection (P=0.038), sternal dehiscence (P=0.039) and development of new-onset AF (P<0.001) was significantly higher in obese and morbidly obese groups. In contrast, postoperative prolonged ventilation (P<0.001), need for blood transfusions (P<0.001) and revision for bleeding (P=0.041), as well as gastrointestinal complications (P<0.001), were significantly higher in underweight patients.

The overall hospital mortality rate was 4.5% (n=48). The mortality rates among BMI groups were as follows: 15.4% in underweight patients, 4% in normal-weight patients; 4.3% in overweight patients; 5% in obese patients; and 4.5% in morbidly obese patients. There was no association between BMI groups and hospital mortality rates in univariate analysis.

The mean length of ICU and hospital stay were 3.26±1.54 days and 11.02±3.96 days, respectively. There was no correlation between ICU or hospital stay and BMI (P>0.05). The distribution of ICU stay according to BMI groups was as follows: <20 kg/m², 4.92±3.07 days; ≥20 kg/m² to <25 kg/m², 3.28±1.16 days; ≥25 kg/m² to <30 kg/m², 3.29±1.99 days; ≥30 kg/m² to <35 kg/m², 3.11±0.70 days; and ≥35 kg/m², 3.17±0.87 days. Hospital stay according to BMI groups was as follows: <20 kg/m², 11±3.94 days; ≥20 kg/m² to <25 kg/m², 10.66±3.56 days; ≥25 kg/m² to <30 kg/m², 11.01±4.48 days; ≥30 kg/m² to <35 kg/m², 11.29±3.46 days; and ≥35 kg/m², 11.89±3.33 days.

Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that not BMI but female sex, older age and DM were independent risk factors for early mortality after CABG surgery (Table 3).

Table 3: Multivariate logistic regression analysis for mortality

Discussion

The influence of BMI on morbidity and mortality after CABG operations is widely studied but varying results have been reported. In the present study, we did not demonstrate any influence of BMI on mortality. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed only female sex, older age and presence of DM as independent predictors of mortality. Although the mortality rate in underweight patients (15.4%) was higher than other groups, this difference did not reach statistical significance, probably due to the small number of patients in this category (n=13).

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons database study of CABG surgeries on >500,000 patients had indicated morbid obesity as an independent predictor of operative mortality [14]; however, most recent studies claim the opposite, citing underweight patients to be at higher risk in terms of mortality than obese patients [2,6,8]. This is referred to as the obesity paradox, and is partly explained by protective effect of lower systemic vascular resistance and higher plasma renin activity in obese patients [15]. Engelman et al [6] have documented the mortality rate following CABG surgery in patients with BMI <20 kg/m² as 10%, while Reeves et al [2] demonstrated a mortality rate of 6.8%. In our study population, the mortality in underweight patients was 15.4%. Perrotta et al [16] also reported increased morbidity and mortality in patients with low BMIs. Although the incidence of postoperative complications and hospital stay in overweight patients in this study was higher, the early and late mortality was not shown to be increased with increasing BMI. Van Straten et al [17], however, reported in their study involving 10,268 isolated CABG surgery patients that underweight was an independent predictor for early mortality, but morbid obesity was an independent predictor for late mortality.

Similar to other studies, our analysis did not reveal increased early mortality in obese and morbidly obese patients[8, 18-20]. One possible explanation may be more detailed preoperative analysis and postoperative care in this group of patients.

As reported in the literature, in our study population, obese and morbidly obese patients were more likely to be diabetic and hypertensive. Consequently, similar to most studies, we also revealed an association between obesity and postoperative complications such as leg wound infection, sternal dehiscence, postoperative bronchodilator use and occurrence of AF in patients who undergo CABG [6,8,21,22]. The known risk factors for sternal dehiscence and leg wound infection are diabetes, bilateral use of internal mammary arteries, long bypass duration, postoperative bleeding, age and presence of COPD. We believe that, in diabetic patients, preoperative weight loss and strict control of blood glucose would have favourable effects on the outcome.

AF occurs in the postoperative period in as many as 30% of patients [22]. We found a higher incidence of new-onset AF in obese and morbidly obese patients (23.4% and 36.4%, respectively). The positive correlation of AF with obesity is attributed to distended left atrium due to increased plasma volume, variable autonomic tonus and increased neurohormonal activity [23-25].

Some previous studies have also shown an increased morbidity in underweight patients after cardiac surgery. These included revisions for bleeding, transfusions, IABP usage and prolonged ventilator therapy [2,6,8]. This increase in morbidity is mainly explained by relatively increased hemodilution due to priming volume, which induces development of coagulopathy due to cardiopulmonary bypass, increasing the need of transfusion, RF and prolonged ventilation [26]. The results in underweight patients in our study were similar. In contrast, the need for transfusion and revision for bleeding were less in obese patients. This raises the question of whether obesity protects against bleeding. Although the mechanism remains unclear, increased levels of coagulation factors and inhibition of fibrinolytic pathways in obesity presents a possible mechanism. The coexistence of hyperlipidemia with increased platelet aggregation and endothelial dysfunction may also play a role [27-29].

Our study has several limitations. Similar to most studies, we used BMI as a measure of obesity; however, this is imperfect because BMI is not an adequate reflection of body fat in short people and in older ages with less muscle mass. Another limitation of our study was its retrospective design and nonhomogenous distribution of BMI among the groups. The small number of patients in the underweight population was a limitation for the statistical analysis.

Conclusion

Although the early mortality in underweight patients after CABG operation was relatively higher in our study, this did not translate into a statistically significant difference, and we could not demonstrate any effect of BMI on early postoperative mortality after CABG surgery. In terms of morbidity, on the other hand, postoperative bleeding and revision for bleeding were increased in the underweight patients, while sternal dehiscence, wound infections and occurrence of AF were increased in the obese and morbidly obese patients.

References

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*Corresponding Author:

Selami Gurkan
Namik Kemal Universitesi Hastanesi, Kalp Damar Cerrahisi Klinigi, 59100, Tekirdag, Turkey.
Tel:90 0282 2505249
Fax:90 0282 2620310
E-mail:gurkancem@yahoo.com

This open-access article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (CC BY-NC) (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits reuse, distribution and reproduction of the article, provided that the original work is properly cited and the reuse is restricted to noncommercial purposes. For commercial reuse, contact support@pulsus.com

Abstract

BACkGRouND: The impact of obesity on postoperative mortality and morbidity in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) operations is a widely studied but poorly defined topic.

oBjECTIVE: To investigate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on inhospital mortality and morbidity after isolated CABG surgery.

METhoDS: Prospectively collected data of a series of 1057 consecutive patients who underwent on-pump isolated CABG surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into five groups according to WHO BMI categorization (defined as underweight [BMI <20 kg/m2]; normal weight [BMI ≥20 kg/m2 to <25 kg/m2]; overweight [BMI ≥25 kg/m2 to <30 kg/m2]; obese [BMI ≥30 kg/m2 to <35 kg/m2]; and morbidly obese [BMI ≥35 kg/m2]).

RESulTS: Of 1057 patients, 13 patients (1.2%) were underweight, 298 (28.2%) were normal weight, 462 (43.7%) were overweight, 218 (20.6%) were obese and 66 (6.2%) were morbidly obese. The mean age was significantly lower in underweight patients, who were also more likely to be male. In contrast, obese and morbidly obese patients were older, and more likely to have comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension. The incidence of postoperative bronchodilator use (P<0.001), leg wound infection (P=0.038), sternal dehiscence (P=0.039) and development of new-onset atrial fibrillation (P<0.001) was significantly higher in obese and morbidly obese groups. In contrast, postoperative prolonged ventilation (P<0.001), need for blood transfusions (P<0.001) and revision for bleeding (P=0.041), as well as gastrointestinal complications (P<0.001), were significantly higher in underweight patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that female sex, older age and diabetes mellitis, but not BMI, were independent risk factors for early mortality after CABG surgery.

CoNCluSIoN: No effect of BMI on early postoperative mortality after CABG surgery could be demonstrated. However, in terms of morbidity, postoperative bleeding and revision for bleeding were increased in underweight patients while sternal dehiscence, wound infections and occurrence of atrial fibrillation were increased in obese and morbidly obese patients.

Keywords

Body mass index; Coronary artery bypass; Mortality; Obesity

Once considered to be a high-income country problem, overweight and obesity are now on the rise in low- and middle-income countries, becoming the fifth-leading risk for global deaths [1]. Body fat content is roughly defined by body mass index (BMI) as a measure of body fat accumulation, and is known to be a major risk factor for diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HT) and coronary artery disease [2-5].

There are conflicting studies in literature about the impact of obesity on postoperative mortality and morbidity in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Some studies report lower BMI values increase postoperative mortality and morbidity [6-8], while others claim the opposite [9-11].

In the present study, we investigated the effect of increasing BMI on in-hospital mortality and morbidity after isolated CABG surgery.

Methods

Prospectively collected data of a series of 1057 consecutive patients who underwent on-pump isolated CABG between January 2007 and December 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients undergoing combined procedures, valve operations, congenital heart surgery, reoperations, beating heart and off-pump procedures were excluded. The study was approved by the local ethics committee and conducted in accordance with the most recent version of the Declaration of Helsinki and local regulations.

BMI was calculated using Quetelet’s formula (weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters) [12]. Patients were divided into five groups according to WHO BMI categorization [13] (defined as underweight [BMI <20 kg/m²]; normal weight [BMI ≥20 kg/m² to <25 kg/m²]; overweight [BMI ≥25 kg/m² to <30 kg/m²]; obese [BMI ≥30 kg/m² to <35 kg/m²]; and morbidly obese [BMI ≥35 kg/m²]).

Operative procedures were performed by the same surgical team using the same surgical techniques. All patients underwent CABG through median sternotomy using standard anesthetic and surgical techniques. Cardiopulmonary bypass was initiated between the ascending aorta and right atrium cannulation after systemic heparinization at a dose of 300 IU/kg to achieve activated coagulation time >400 s. Under systemic moderate hypothermia (32°C), anterograde hyperkalemic cold blood cardioplegia was administered every 15 min for myocardial protection. Inotropes were used in hemodynamic instability despite fluid administration in the presence of systolic dysfunction. Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) was initiated when low cardiac output with systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg, mean arterial pressure <65 mmHg and mixed venous oxygen saturation <65% despite inotropes.

Preoperative patient characteristics (age, female sex, BMI, history of HT, smoking, DM, preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction, preoperative myocardial infarction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], preoperative bronchodilator use and serum creatinine levels) are presented in Table 1. Table 1 also summarizes operative data such as aortic cross clamp time, total bypass time and number of grafts used.

Table 1: Preoperative characteristics and operative data of patients according to body mass index (bMI) groups

The clinical data on early postoperative outcomes in categories of BMI are shown in Table 2. Operative mortality (within 30 days of operation) was recorded whether it occured in or out of hospital setting. Postoperative pump failure was defined by inotropic requirement or use of IABP. Postoperative bleeding included need for blood transfusion with hemoglobin <80 g/L and revision for bleeding. Pulmonary complications included respiratory failure (RF) needing prolonged ventilation, prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay and need for bronchodilators in the ICU. RF was defined as pulmonary insufficiency requiring intubation and ventilation for a period of ≥24 h, at any time during the postoperative stay. Patients who required intubation were counted as having RF when the total ventilation time was ≥24 h. Neurological complications included permanent or transient ischemic episodes. Renal complications included postoperative creatinine (>200 μmol/L or doubling increase over preoperative value) and acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis. Infective complications included sternal or leg wound infection, with positive culture requiring antibiotic therapy. Sternal dehiscence (requiring rewiring) and development of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) were also recorded. Gastrointestinal complications included upper gastrointestinal bleed presenting with melena or hematemesis, paralytic ileus lasting ≥4 days, acute pancreatitis or ischemic hepatic dysfunction with elevated enzymes.

Table 2: Postoperative early outcomes of patients according to body mass index (bMI) groups

Statistical analysis

Mean, SD, frequency and percentage values were used in the descriptive statistics of the data. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to define the distribution of the variables. The analysis of the quantitative variables was performed using ANOVA (and Tukey test in subanalysis) and Kruskal Wallis (and Mann-Whitney U test in subanalysis). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare repeated measurements. The analysis of qualitative variables was performed using the c2 test. Logistic regression test was used to predict the outcomes. SPSS version 20.0 (IBM Corporation, USA) was used for all statistical analyses.

Results

A total of 1057 consecutive patients (796 men [75.31%], 261 women [24.69%]; mean [± SD] age 59.58±9.34 years) were included in the present study. Of 1057 patients, 13 (1.2%) were underweight, 298 (28.2%) were normal weight, 462 patints (43.7%) were overweight, 218 (20.6%) were obese and 66 (6.2%) were morbidly obese. The median BMI was 27 kg/m² (interquartile range 24 kg/m² to 29 kg/m²) (Figure 1). Table 1 shows the patients’ preoperative characteristics according to BMI groups.

Figure 1: Distribution of body mass index (BMI)

The mean age was significantly lower in patients with a BMI ≤20 kg/m² (P<0.001) and they were more likely to be male (P<0.05). In contrast, obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m² to <35 kg/m²) and morbidly obese (BMI ≥35 kg/m²) patients were older and more likely to have comorbidities such as diabetes and HT (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of current smoking status (P=0.245), COPD (P=0.462), pre-operative bronchodilator use (P=0.947), left ventricular ejection fraction (P=0.138), previous myocardial infarction (P=0.238), preoperative serum creatinine level (P=0.283), mean cross-clamp time (56.54±17.06 min), mean total bypass time (108.20±33.75 min) and mean number of grafts used at CABG (3.6) among BMI groups.

The incidence of postoperative outcomes according to BMI groups are shown in Table 2. No statistically significant association was documented between BMI groups and postoperative occurrence of stroke (P=0.809), renal failure (P=0.243), RF (P=0.194), postoperative use of inotropes (P=0.529) or IABP (P=0.529), ICU (P=0.135) and hospital stay (P=0.141), and mortality (P=0.422). On the other hand, the incidence of postoperative bronchodilator use (P<0.001), leg wound infection (P=0.038), sternal dehiscence (P=0.039) and development of new-onset AF (P<0.001) was significantly higher in obese and morbidly obese groups. In contrast, postoperative prolonged ventilation (P<0.001), need for blood transfusions (P<0.001) and revision for bleeding (P=0.041), as well as gastrointestinal complications (P<0.001), were significantly higher in underweight patients.

The overall hospital mortality rate was 4.5% (n=48). The mortality rates among BMI groups were as follows: 15.4% in underweight patients, 4% in normal-weight patients; 4.3% in overweight patients; 5% in obese patients; and 4.5% in morbidly obese patients. There was no association between BMI groups and hospital mortality rates in univariate analysis.

The mean length of ICU and hospital stay were 3.26±1.54 days and 11.02±3.96 days, respectively. There was no correlation between ICU or hospital stay and BMI (P>0.05). The distribution of ICU stay according to BMI groups was as follows: <20 kg/m², 4.92±3.07 days; ≥20 kg/m² to <25 kg/m², 3.28±1.16 days; ≥25 kg/m² to <30 kg/m², 3.29±1.99 days; ≥30 kg/m² to <35 kg/m², 3.11±0.70 days; and ≥35 kg/m², 3.17±0.87 days. Hospital stay according to BMI groups was as follows: <20 kg/m², 11±3.94 days; ≥20 kg/m² to <25 kg/m², 10.66±3.56 days; ≥25 kg/m² to <30 kg/m², 11.01±4.48 days; ≥30 kg/m² to <35 kg/m², 11.29±3.46 days; and ≥35 kg/m², 11.89±3.33 days.

Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that not BMI but female sex, older age and DM were independent risk factors for early mortality after CABG surgery (Table 3).

Table 3: Multivariate logistic regression analysis for mortality

Discussion

The influence of BMI on morbidity and mortality after CABG operations is widely studied but varying results have been reported. In the present study, we did not demonstrate any influence of BMI on mortality. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed only female sex, older age and presence of DM as independent predictors of mortality. Although the mortality rate in underweight patients (15.4%) was higher than other groups, this difference did not reach statistical significance, probably due to the small number of patients in this category (n=13).

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons database study of CABG surgeries on >500,000 patients had indicated morbid obesity as an independent predictor of operative mortality [14]; however, most recent studies claim the opposite, citing underweight patients to be at higher risk in terms of mortality than obese patients [2,6,8]. This is referred to as the obesity paradox, and is partly explained by protective effect of lower systemic vascular resistance and higher plasma renin activity in obese patients [15]. Engelman et al [6] have documented the mortality rate following CABG surgery in patients with BMI <20 kg/m² as 10%, while Reeves et al [2] demonstrated a mortality rate of 6.8%. In our study population, the mortality in underweight patients was 15.4%. Perrotta et al [16] also reported increased morbidity and mortality in patients with low BMIs. Although the incidence of postoperative complications and hospital stay in overweight patients in this study was higher, the early and late mortality was not shown to be increased with increasing BMI. Van Straten et al [17], however, reported in their study involving 10,268 isolated CABG surgery patients that underweight was an independent predictor for early mortality, but morbid obesity was an independent predictor for late mortality.

Similar to other studies, our analysis did not reveal increased early mortality in obese and morbidly obese patients[8, 18-20]. One possible explanation may be more detailed preoperative analysis and postoperative care in this group of patients.

As reported in the literature, in our study population, obese and morbidly obese patients were more likely to be diabetic and hypertensive. Consequently, similar to most studies, we also revealed an association between obesity and postoperative complications such as leg wound infection, sternal dehiscence, postoperative bronchodilator use and occurrence of AF in patients who undergo CABG [6,8,21,22]. The known risk factors for sternal dehiscence and leg wound infection are diabetes, bilateral use of internal mammary arteries, long bypass duration, postoperative bleeding, age and presence of COPD. We believe that, in diabetic patients, preoperative weight loss and strict control of blood glucose would have favourable effects on the outcome.

AF occurs in the postoperative period in as many as 30% of patients [22]. We found a higher incidence of new-onset AF in obese and morbidly obese patients (23.4% and 36.4%, respectively). The positive correlation of AF with obesity is attributed to distended left atrium due to increased plasma volume, variable autonomic tonus and increased neurohormonal activity [23-25].

Some previous studies have also shown an increased morbidity in underweight patients after cardiac surgery. These included revisions for bleeding, transfusions, IABP usage and prolonged ventilator therapy [2,6,8]. This increase in morbidity is mainly explained by relatively increased hemodilution due to priming volume, which induces development of coagulopathy due to cardiopulmonary bypass, increasing the need of transfusion, RF and prolonged ventilation [26]. The results in underweight patients in our study were similar. In contrast, the need for transfusion and revision for bleeding were less in obese patients. This raises the question of whether obesity protects against bleeding. Although the mechanism remains unclear, increased levels of coagulation factors and inhibition of fibrinolytic pathways in obesity presents a possible mechanism. The coexistence of hyperlipidemia with increased platelet aggregation and endothelial dysfunction may also play a role [27-29].

Our study has several limitations. Similar to most studies, we used BMI as a measure of obesity; however, this is imperfect because BMI is not an adequate reflection of body fat in short people and in older ages with less muscle mass. Another limitation of our study was its retrospective design and nonhomogenous distribution of BMI among the groups. The small number of patients in the underweight population was a limitation for the statistical analysis.

Conclusion

Although the early mortality in underweight patients after CABG operation was relatively higher in our study, this did not translate into a statistically significant difference, and we could not demonstrate any effect of BMI on early postoperative mortality after CABG surgery. In terms of morbidity, on the other hand, postoperative bleeding and revision for bleeding were increased in the underweight patients, while sternal dehiscence, wound infections and occurrence of AF were increased in the obese and morbidly obese patients.

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