Predictive value of C-reactive protein for major postoperative complications following off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery: prospective and observational trial

BACKGROUND To prospectively investigate the predictive value of the preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration for major postoperative complications following off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery. METHODS AND RESULTS From January 2007 to December 2007, 185 consecutive patients scheduled for elective OPCAB surgery were allocated to a low-CRP group (n=137, CRP or = 0.3 mg/dl). The incidence of major postoperative complications, defined as postoperative myocardial infarction, and 5 major morbidity endpoints including permanent stroke, renal dysfunction, any cardiac surgery reoperation, ventilation for more than 48 h, and deep sternal wound infection were assessed and compared. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of major postoperative complications. Patients in the high-CRP group had a significantly higher overall incidence of major postoperative complications, particularly renal dysfunction. In the multivariate logistic regression model, adjusting all the significant univariate predictors, baseline CRP >0.3 mg/dl and preoperative chronic renal failure (CRF) remained as significant independent predictors of major postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS Elevated preoperative CRP level and/or preoperative CRF indicate increased risk of developing major postoperative complications, particularly acute postoperative renal dysfunction in patients undergoing OPCAB surgery.