Epidemiology, practice of ventilation and outcome for patients at increased risk of postoperative pulmonary complications: LAS VEGAS - an observational study in 29 countries

Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2017 Aug;34(8):492-507. doi: 10.1097/EJA.0000000000000646.

Abstract

Background: Limited information exists about the epidemiology and outcome of surgical patients at increased risk of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), and how intraoperative ventilation was managed in these patients.

Objectives: To determine the incidence of surgical patients at increased risk of PPCs, and to compare the intraoperative ventilation management and postoperative outcomes with patients at low risk of PPCs.

Design: This was a prospective international 1-week observational study using the 'Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia risk score' (ARISCAT score) for PPC for risk stratification.

Patients and setting: Adult patients requiring intraoperative ventilation during general anaesthesia for surgery in 146 hospitals across 29 countries.

Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was the incidence of patients at increased risk of PPCs based on the ARISCAT score. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative ventilatory management and clinical outcomes.

Results: A total of 9864 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The incidence of patients at increased risk was 28.4%. The most frequently chosen tidal volume (VT) size was 500 ml, or 7 to 9 ml kg predicted body weight, slightly lower in patients at increased risk of PPCs. Levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) were slightly higher in patients at increased risk of PPCs, with 14.3% receiving more than 5 cmH2O PEEP compared with 7.6% in patients at low risk of PPCs (P < 0.001). Patients with a predicted preoperative increased risk of PPCs developed PPCs more frequently: 19 versus 7%, relative risk (RR) 3.16 (95% confidence interval 2.76 to 3.61), P < 0.001) and had longer hospital stays. The only ventilatory factor associated with the occurrence of PPCs was the peak pressure.

Conclusion: The incidence of patients with a predicted increased risk of PPCs is high. A large proportion of patients receive high VT and low PEEP levels. PPCs occur frequently in patients at increased risk, with worse clinical outcome.

Trial registration: The study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov, number NCT01601223.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anesthesia, General / adverse effects*
  • Anesthesia, General / trends
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internationality*
  • Intraoperative Care / methods
  • Intraoperative Care / trends
  • Lung / physiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Respiration Disorders / diagnosis
  • Respiration Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Respiration, Artificial / adverse effects*
  • Respiration, Artificial / trends
  • Risk Factors
  • Tidal Volume / physiology
  • Treatment Outcome

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT01601223