The incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with a left ventricular assist device: a Japanese single-center cohort study

Mechanical circulatory support for adults in Japan: A 10-year perspective

Globalization in Asia and consequent strengthening of healthcare economic factors in tandem with an increasing heart failure (HF) population have enhanced potential for development and progress in the fields of HF medicine and mechanical circulatory support (MCS). In Japan, there are unique opportunities to investigate the outcome of acute and chronic MCS and a national registry for percutaneous and implantable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) including Impella pumps has been established. A Peripheral extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for acute MCS has been used in more than 7000 patients annually and Impella usage in more than 4000 patients over the past 4 years was noted. Recently, a novel centrifugal pump with hydrodynamically levitated impeller was developed and approved for mid-term extracorporeal circulatory support. In terms of chronic MCS more than 1200 continuous flow LVADs have been implanted during the past decade, and 2-year survival rate after primary LVAD implantation is 91%. Because of donor organ shortage, more than 70% of heart transplant recipients required LVAD support for more than 3 years and prevention and treatment of complications during long-term LVAD support have become important. Five important topics including hemocompatibility-related complications, LVAD infections, aortic valve insufficiency, right ventricular failure and cardiac recovery during LVAD support are discussed in this review for improving clinical outcomes. Findings from Japan will continue to provide useful information regarding MCS for the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

Special Considerations in the Management of Autoimmune Hepatitis in COVID-19 Hotspots: A Review

The ongoing coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has necessitated special considerations in the management of diseases. The way presence of pre-existing diseases or treatment for it predisposes to, alters course of, and changes the management of COVID-19, is of relevance and is being extensively studied. Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is unique in that it is an autoimmune disease mandating treatment with immunosuppressive drugs, as well as a liver disease with potential for varying degrees of underlying fibrosis. The use of immunosuppressive drugs could alter the risk of acquiring COVID-19, the clinical course and severity of COVID-19 and the degree of underlying liver fibrosis could alter the clinical outcomes of patients with COVID-19. In this review, we try to summarize key areas relevant in understanding and improving the clinical care of patients with AIH in the current pandemic. Special considerations required in the management of patients with AIH in COVID-19 hotspots have been outlined based on the current evidence.

A rare case of penetration related to ischemic duodenitis after ventricular assist device implantation for dilated cardiomyopathy

A 66-year-old man with a history of diabetes and dilated cardiomyopathy underwent the implantation of a ventricular assist device (VAD) at the age of 62. He suffered from epigastralgia for a month and then visited our hospital with complaints of severe epigastralgia and hematemesis. A physical examination revealed abdominal distension without rigidity. Laboratory data showed severe systemic inflammation, multiple organ failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Computed tomography showed multifocal thickness of the gastroduodenal wall with surrounding panniculitis, gas in a portal vein and a perigastric vein. Emergency esophago-gastro duodenoscopy (EGD) demonstrated a large erosion in the antrum of the stomach, and penetration surrounded by circumferentially ischemic mucosa in the second and third portions of the duodenum. Based on informed consent, conservative therapy was performed, and his condition improved enabling the start of oral intake on the 37th hospital day. However, 7 days later, there was a relapse of epigastralgia after a meal. Gastrointestinal series and EGD revealed a 10-mm-long pinhole-like stricture at the site. After laparoscopic gastro-jejunal bypass surgery, he has remained in a good condition for 2 years. We demonstrated a rare case of penetration due to severe ischemic duodenitis 4 years after VAD implantation.