Does increased perioperative blood pressure variability worsen cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in cardiac surgery patients?
Increased perioperative blood pressure variability is significantly associated with adverse postoperative outcomes, including higher 30-day mortality and acute kidney injury, in cardiac surgery patients.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of perioperative blood pressure variability (BPV) on cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in cardiac surgery patients. METHODS: Literature searches were performed across scientific databases up to December 31, 2024. Studies reporting perioperative BPV in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and its association with mortality and clinical outcomes were included. RESULTS: Fifteen studies with 16,407 patients were included. Increased BPV was significantly associated with higher rates of 30-day mortality, acute kidney injury (AKI), prolonged intensive care unit stay, and cognitive dysfunction. Among patients with fewer comorbidities and perioperative risk, 30-day mortality ranged from 0.2% to 0.5%, while in patients with higher risk, it increased from 42.4% to 60.7% (p < 0.001). Elevated BPV was linked to a 23.2% higher risk of AKI per unit increase in blood pressure (BP) standard deviation (SD) and a 15% increased incidence of postoperative delirium. The findings emphasize the critical need for precise perioperative BP control, with advanced metrics like BP fragmentation providing valuable insights into patient risk. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative BPV appears to be a crucial factor influencing postoperative outcomes in cardiac surgery patients. Effective management of BPV may help reduce complications and improve patient outcomes, highlighting the potential benefits of tailored hemodynamic strategies. However, further research is needed to establish standardized BPV thresholds and optimal management approaches.
Saputra et al. (Tue,) studied this question.