Highly positive intraoperative fluid balance during cardiac surgery is associated with adverse outcome

Hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III-IV, use of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, chronic renal failure, and female gender were the significant preoperative risk factors for increased volume replacement during CPB. The groups were similar in body mass index, preoperative hematocrit values, total fluid balance in the intensive care unit (ICU), and total chest tube output. However, red blood cells' transfusion rate, readmission rate to the ICU and length of hospital stay were significantly higher in Group 2 patients. Multiple logistic regression revealed that age > 70 years (p < 0.001, Odds Ratio (OR): 2, 95% CI: 1.4-2.8), and total fluid balance > 500 mL at the end of the operation (p < 0.01, OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.5-3.2) were the predictors of increased length of stay. For transfusion of red blood cells, age > 70 years (p < 0.0001, OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.6-3.3), and total fluid balance > 500 mL at the end of the operation (p < 0.001, OR: 2, 95% CI: 1.3-2.9) were the only significant risk factors. This study suggests that intraoperative volume overload increases blood transfusion and length of hospital stay in patients undergoing CABG.