Inflammation Biomarkers as Predictors of Pulmonary Outcomes in Cardiac Surgical Patients

Prolonged ventilator support, pulmonary infections and the need for tracheostomies after cardiac operations are associated with increased hospital mortality, length of stay, cost of hospitalization and reduced long term survival. The objective of this study is to review the literature and develop and present an understanding of the potential role of specific pre-operatively or intraoperatively collected inflammatory biomarkers and their role as predictors of pulmonary outcomes in cardiac surgery.