Abstract
1/2012
vol. 8
Influence of hypothyroidism on the postoperative course in elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery
Post Kardiol Interw 2012; 8, 1 (27): 14–17
Online publish date: 2012/04/12
Background: Thyroid hormones are necessary for normal functioning of the organism. Undiagnosed hypothyroidism in elderly patients may lead to a number of life-threatening complications in the postoperative period.
Aim: The aim of the study was to establish whether a complicated postoperative course in elderly patients is related to hypothyroidism.
Material and methods: The data of 312 patients 65 years of age who underwent cardiac surgery between 01.01.10 and 31.07.10 with euthyroidism documented before the surgery were analysed. Two groups were selected: group I – patients with postoperative euthyroidism (n = 295), and group II – patients with postoperative hypothyroidism (n = 17).
Results: Postoperative complications occurred significantly more often in the group of elderly patients with hypothyroidism in the postoperative period. The most frequently observed complications were pleural effusion (n = 7, 41.2%, p < 0.001), delirium (n = 6, 23.5%, p = 0.04), prolonged respiratory therapy (n = 5, 29.4%, p = 0.041) and cardiac tamponade (n = 4, 23.5%, p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Postoperative hypothyroidism increases the risk of postoperative complications in elderly patients. All patients 65 years of age should undergo an assessment of the thyroid hormonal function before and after cardiac surgery.
Aim: The aim of the study was to establish whether a complicated postoperative course in elderly patients is related to hypothyroidism.
Material and methods: The data of 312 patients 65 years of age who underwent cardiac surgery between 01.01.10 and 31.07.10 with euthyroidism documented before the surgery were analysed. Two groups were selected: group I – patients with postoperative euthyroidism (n = 295), and group II – patients with postoperative hypothyroidism (n = 17).
Results: Postoperative complications occurred significantly more often in the group of elderly patients with hypothyroidism in the postoperative period. The most frequently observed complications were pleural effusion (n = 7, 41.2%, p < 0.001), delirium (n = 6, 23.5%, p = 0.04), prolonged respiratory therapy (n = 5, 29.4%, p = 0.041) and cardiac tamponade (n = 4, 23.5%, p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Postoperative hypothyroidism increases the risk of postoperative complications in elderly patients. All patients 65 years of age should undergo an assessment of the thyroid hormonal function before and after cardiac surgery.
Keywords
elderly patients, hypothyroidism, perioperative complications
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