Outcomes of COVID-19 infection occurring in the recovery period of the open-heart surgery

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of novel coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) on the healing process of patients undergoing open-heart surgery. METHODS: Between October 2020 and May 2021, a total of in 22 patients (14 males, 8 females; mean age: 60±15 years; range, 18 to 82 years) who developed COVID-19 within the first 30 days after open-heart surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Since the study was conducted in the pre-vaccination period, all of the patients were unvaccinated. Demographic, operative, and laboratory data of the patients were analyzed, and morbidity and mortality rates were evaluated. RESULTS: Postoperative COVID-19 infection occurred in 22 of 1,171 patients who underwent open-heart surgery. Pneumonia developed in 14 (64%) patients and mechanical ventilation support was required in 50% (n=7) of them. Mortality was seen in eight (36%) patients. Only procalcitonin level (p=0.003) and age (p=0.005) had significant effects on survival. CONCLUSION: Postoperative COVID-19 infection is associated with high pneumonia and mortality rates in unvaccinated patients. Protocols that can prevent false polymerase chain reaction negativity and early contamination can be life-saving.