A two years outcome analysis of patients on intra- aortic balloon pump in a tertiary care center

AIMS: To analyze data of patients with IABP insertion with respect to severity of illness, complications and outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study conducted on 70 patients over 2 years. Patients were divided into Group 1, emergent insertion and Group 2, elective insertion. They were further analyzed for degree of cardiac dysfunction [ventricular performance assessed by 2-D echocardiography and dose of inotropes required], location [Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Operating Room (OR) or Cath lab] and occurrence of complications [thrombocytopenia, worsening renal parameters, and thrombo-embolic phenomena]. RESULTS: 29 patients underwent emergent insertion and 41 patients had elective insertion. Indications were cardiogenic shock- 24 (34.28%) patients; pulmonary edema 7 (10%) patients; peri-operatively 29 (41.42%)patients; and for cath lab support 10 (14%)patients. Most of the patients were also on inotropes: dopamine=48(82.75%), epinephrine=40(68.96%), norepinephrine=7(12.06%) and dobutamine=6(10.34%). Common complications noted were thrombocytopenia in 41 patients and azotemia in 30 patients. Three patients (37.5%) required embolectomy and one later needed an amputation. Twenty three patients died . The mortality rate was highest in patients with an ejection fraction < 20% (71.42%). Mean duration of IABP was 60 hours. CONCLUSIONS: IABP was an effective tool for circulatory support for a range of indications.