Hepatorenal Dysfunction Predicts Operative Mortality After Triple Valve Surgery: Utility of MELD-Na

Background Despite significant advancements in operative techniques and myocardial protection, triple valve surgery (TVS) remains a formidable operation with a relatively high in-hospital mortality. We evaluated the prognostic value of Model for End-stage Liver Disease score including sodium (MELD-Na) for mortality after TVS and its predictive value when incorporated in the EuroSCORE risk model. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of 61 consecutive patients who underwent TVS from November 2005 to June 2016. Demographics, clinical, biochemical, and operative data were collected and analysed. Results Median follow-up duration was 8.0 years. 70.5% of patients suffered from rheumatic heart disease. 86.9% underwent mechanical double valve replacement with tricuspid valve repair. There were six operative deaths (9.84%), with the most common cause of death being multiorgan failure (83.3%). 26.2% had a moderately elevated MELD-Na score of 9 to 15, and 4.9% had a severely elevated score of >15. Patients with a MELD-Na >9 had a higher unadjusted rate of operative mortality, prolonged ventilation, need for dialysis and acute liver failure after TVS. Hierarchical logistic regression was performed using logistic EuroSCORE as the base model. After risk adjustment, each point of MELD-Na score increase was associated with 1.405 times increase in odds of operative mortality. The regression analysis was repeated by incorporating individual components of the MELD-Na score, including bilirubin, sodium, and albumin. All three biochemical parameters were significantly associated with operative mortality Conclusion MELD-Na score as a quantifier of hepatorenal dysfunction is sensitive and specific for mortality after triple valve surgery.