Pericardial fluid biomarkers may augment existing clinical risk models for postoperative complications after cardiac surgery, though prospective studies are needed to determine their incremental value.
Pericardial fluid biomarkers offer a localized view of inflammation that may help predict postoperative complications like atrial fibrillation and heart failure after cardiac surgery.
Postoperative atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and pericardial effusion remain frequent complications after cardiac surgery. Pericardial fluid is a localized inflammatory compartment in close contact with the myocardium and may provide information that complements systemic biomarkers. This narrative review summarizes inflammatory mediators identified in pericardial fluid after cardiac surgery and their associations with postoperative outcomes. We discuss potential mechanistic links between pericardial inflammation and pericardial fluid markers, as well as practical limitations related to sampling, timing, and standardization. Although pericardial fluid biomarkers may augment existing clinical risk models, prospective studies are needed to determine their incremental value and clarify their role in perioperative management.
Blackledge et al. (Wed,) conducted a review in Cardiac surgery. Pericardial fluid biomarkers was evaluated. Pericardial fluid biomarkers may augment existing clinical risk models for postoperative complications after cardiac surgery, though prospective studies are needed to determine their incremental value.