The association of socioeconomic disadvantage with postoperative complications after major elective cardiovascular surgery

2008

Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Postoperative Complications in Cardiovascular Surgery

Sample size: 19310 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Agabiti N, Cesaroni G, Picciotto S, Bisanti L, Caranci N, Costa G, Forastiere F, Marinacci C, Pandolfi P, Russo A, Perucci C A

Primary Institution: Epidemiology Department, Local Health Authority Rome E, Rome, Italy

Hypothesis

Is there an association between socioeconomic position and postoperative complications after major elective cardiovascular procedures?

Conclusion

Disadvantaged people are more vulnerable to mortality after cardiovascular surgery, particularly in low-volume public hospitals.

Supporting Evidence

Disadvantaged patients had a higher mortality rate after CABG compared to wealthier patients.
The association between socioeconomic position and mortality was stronger in low-volume public hospitals.
Comorbidities were more prevalent among lower income patients undergoing surgery.
Mortality rates varied significantly by type of surgery performed.

Takeaway

Poor people who have heart surgery are more likely to die than rich people who have the same surgery.

Methodology

A multicity hospital-based study using hospital discharge registries to analyze outcomes of 19,310 patients undergoing five types of cardiovascular surgeries.