Coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with non-dialysis-dependent renal insufficiency

Background Preoperative renal failure increases the morbidity and mortality of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The results of CABG in patients with non-dialysis-dependent, mild renal insufficiency are unknown. Methods From a population of 2978 consecutive patients undergoing isolated CABG from 1990 to 1996, 38 patients with preoperative renal insufficiency (Renal group; serum creatinine >150 mu mol/L) were identified and matched on six prognostic variables to a cohort of 152 control patients (Control group). Two patients with preoperative dialysis-dependent renal failure were excluded from analysis. Results Compared to the overall population, the Renal group were more likely to be over age 70, diabetic, hypertensive, and suffer from peripheral vascular disease and left ventricular dysfunction. Compared to the Control group, the Renal group were more likely to require perioperative blood transfusions (P<.001) and had a greater requirement for postoperative dialysis (P<.01). The Renal group had longer ventilation times, intensive care unit stay, and postoperative hospital stay. Mild renal insufficiency was found to be an independent predictor of postoperative low output syndrome (odds ratio=3.6). Conclusions Mild renal insufficiency, even in the absence of dialysis, increases the risk of blood transfusion, low output syndrome and prolonged the length of intensive care unit and postoperative stay for patients undergoing CABG.