Early detection of mesenteric ischemia in critically ill patients following cardiac surgery

Mesenteric ischemia (Me-Is) is a severe complication with high mortality after cardiac surgery. We examined whether intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) might serve as a biomarker for early detection of Me-Is following cardiac surgery. Between March 2022 and December 2023, we conducted a prospective observational study of 500 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Blood samples were obtained at five time points perioperatively. An immunoassay was used to determine I-FABP levels in 48 individuals at high risk of Me-Is due to lactic acidosis > 4 mmol/L and interleukin (IL)-6 > 600 pg/mL: 6 patients with confirmed Me-Is (cMe-Is), 18 patients with suspected Me-Is (sMe-Is), and 24 patients a in propensity score-matched control group. Of the 48 patients, 62.5% initially had mild gastrointestinal dysfunction (AGI 

• Taghiyev, Z. T.
• Gunkel, S.
• Beier, L. M.
• Leweling, C.
• Sadowski, K. M.
• Arneth, B. M.
• Skevaki, C.
• Kalder, J.
• Keschenau, P. R.
• Böning, A.