PREDICTORS OF POST-OPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING CARDIAC SURGERY - A REAL-WORLD EVIDENCE STUDY WITH CARDIO-ONCOLOGY IMPLICATIONS
Author(s)
Esha Mohamed Nisarahmed, PhD Scholar, Ganesan Rajalekshmi Saraswathy, PhD.
Pharmacy, M S Ramaiah University Of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, India.
Pharmacy, M S Ramaiah University Of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, India.
OBJECTIVES: To identify and evaluate risk factors associated with post-operative complications in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, assess the contribution of DRPs, and analyze factors influencing hospital readmissions.
METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted over nine months in a tertiary care hospital, including 113 patients undergoing cardiac procedures such as coronary angiography (CAG), percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve replacement, atrial septal defect closure, and pacemaker implantation. Data were collected from patient records, medication charts, and laboratory reports. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to determine associations between variables.
RESULTS: A high incidence (89%) of post-operative complications was observed. Significant associations were found with age (60-80 years) (p = 0.001) and male gender (p = 0.048). Electrolyte imbalances, particularly hyponatremia (p = 0.013), hypocalcemia (p = 0.05), and anemia (p = 0.05), were strongly correlated with complications. Surgical procedures such as CAG + PTCA (p = 0.02) and CABG (p = 0.007) demonstrated higher complication rates. According to Hepler-Strand classification, drug-drug interactions were the most common DRPs (n = 32), followed by adverse drug reactions (n = 7). Significant predictors of hospital readmissions included hyponatremia (p = 0.032), surgical wound infections (p = 0.05), and myocardial ischemia (p = 0.03).
CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a significant burden of post-operative complications in cardiac surgery patients, with key predictors including demographic factors, electrolyte imbalances, and drug-related problems (DRPs). Early identification and targeted management of these factors—supported by active clinical pharmacist involvement—can improve outcomes and reduce readmissions. In the evolving field of cardio-oncology, these insights have broader relevance, as cancer patients receiving cardiotoxic therapies face elevated cardiovascular risk; applying similar real-world evidence approaches to identify predictors and manage DRPs in oncology settings may enhance treatment safety, optimize outcomes, and strengthen multidisciplinary care
METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted over nine months in a tertiary care hospital, including 113 patients undergoing cardiac procedures such as coronary angiography (CAG), percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve replacement, atrial septal defect closure, and pacemaker implantation. Data were collected from patient records, medication charts, and laboratory reports. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to determine associations between variables.
RESULTS: A high incidence (89%) of post-operative complications was observed. Significant associations were found with age (60-80 years) (p = 0.001) and male gender (p = 0.048). Electrolyte imbalances, particularly hyponatremia (p = 0.013), hypocalcemia (p = 0.05), and anemia (p = 0.05), were strongly correlated with complications. Surgical procedures such as CAG + PTCA (p = 0.02) and CABG (p = 0.007) demonstrated higher complication rates. According to Hepler-Strand classification, drug-drug interactions were the most common DRPs (n = 32), followed by adverse drug reactions (n = 7). Significant predictors of hospital readmissions included hyponatremia (p = 0.032), surgical wound infections (p = 0.05), and myocardial ischemia (p = 0.03).
CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a significant burden of post-operative complications in cardiac surgery patients, with key predictors including demographic factors, electrolyte imbalances, and drug-related problems (DRPs). Early identification and targeted management of these factors—supported by active clinical pharmacist involvement—can improve outcomes and reduce readmissions. In the evolving field of cardio-oncology, these insights have broader relevance, as cancer patients receiving cardiotoxic therapies face elevated cardiovascular risk; applying similar real-world evidence approaches to identify predictors and manage DRPs in oncology settings may enhance treatment safety, optimize outcomes, and strengthen multidisciplinary care
Conference/Value in Health Info
2026-09, ISPOR Asia Pacific 2026, Bangkok, Thailand
Value in Health, Volume 55, Issue S1
Code
CO7
Topic
Clinical Outcomes
Topic Subcategory
Clinical Outcomes Assessment
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas, SDC: Cardiovascular Disorders (including MI, Stroke, Circulatory), SDC: Oncology, STA: Surgery