Pulmonary Hypertension and Right Ventricular Failure in Emergency Medicine

Right Ventricular "Bubble Time" to Identify Patients With Right Ventricular Dysfunction

STUDY OBJECTIVE

We propose a novel method of evaluating right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in the emergency department (ED) using RV "bubble time"-the duration of time bubbles from a saline solution flush are visualized in the RV on echocardiography. The objective was to identify the optimal cutoff value for RV bubble time that differentiates patients with RV dysfunction and report on its diagnostic test characteristics.

METHODS

This prospective diagnostic accuracy study enrolled a convenience sample of hemodynamically stable patients in the ED. A sonographer administered a 10-mL saline solution flush into the patient's intravenous catheter, performed a bedside echocardiogram, and measured RV bubble time. Subsequently, the patient underwent a comprehensive cardiologist-interpreted echocardiogram within 36 hours, which served as the gold standard. Patients with RV strain or enlargement of the latter found on an echocardiogram were considered to have RV dysfunction. Bubble time was evaluated by a second provider, blinded to the initial results, who reviewed the ultrasound clips. The primary outcome measure was the optimal cutoff value of RV bubble time that identifies patients with and without RV dysfunction.

RESULTS

Of 196 patients, median age was 67 year, and half were women, with 69 (35.2%) having RV dysfunction. Median RV bubble time among patients with RV dysfunction was 62 seconds (interquartile range [IQR]: 52, 93) compared with 21 seconds (IQR: 12, 32) among patients without (P<.0001). The optimal cutoff value of RV bubble time for identifying patients with RV dysfunction was 40 or more seconds, with a sensitivity of 0.97 (95% CI 0.93 to 1.00) and specificity of 0.87 (95% CI 0.82 to 0.93).

CONCLUSION

In patients in the ED, an RV bubble time of 40 or more seconds had high sensitivity in identifying patients with RV dysfunction, whereas an RV bubble time of less than 40 seconds had good specificity in identifying patients without RV dysfunction. These findings warrant further investigation in undifferentiated patient populations and by emergency physicians without advanced ultrasound training.

Prognostic value of right ventricular free wall strain in patients with sepsis

Background

Right ventricular systolic dysfunction (RVSD) in patients with sepsis is an area of growing interest, but its prognostic significance remains unclear and additional tools are needed to improve our understanding. Right ventricular free wall strain (RV-FWS) is a relatively new parameter to assess RV function. This study aimed to investigate the potential correlation between impaired RV-FWS and prognostic outcomes in patients with sepsis.

Methods

We prospectively assessed right ventricular function in patients with sepsis within the initial 24 h of their hospital admission. RV-FWS, right ventricular global strain (RV-GS), fractional area change (FAC), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) were examined. RVSD was defined as impaired RV-FWS. Moreover, the association between RVSD and 30-day mortality rate was assessed.

Results

This study included 89 patients. Among them, 27 (30.3%) succumbed to their illness within 30 days. The nonsurviving patients demonstrated significantly lower absolute RV-FWS (-19.7% ± 2.4% vs. -21.1% ± 2.1%, P = 0.008) and RV-GS (-17.7% ± 1.2% vs. -18.4% ± 1.4%, P = 0.032) values than the surviving patients. However, TAPSE and FAC values were not significantly different between the two groups. The optimal cutoff values for RV-FWS, RV-GS, FAC, and TAPSE were -19.0%, -17.9%, 36.5%, and 1.55 cm, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival curves revealed that patients with impaired RV-FWS and RV-GS demonstrated lower 30-day survival rates, and the predictive performance of RV-FWS (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.85-8.51, P < 0.001) was slightly higher than FAC and TAPSE. However, multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed no association between impaired RV-FWS and mortality outcomes (HR: 1.85, 95% CI: 0.56-6.14, P = 0.316).

Conclusions

Impaired RV-FWS is not associated with short-term mortality outcomes, and RV strain imaging is of limited value in assessing the prognosis of sepsis.

Adult Congenital Heart Disease in the Emergency Department

While congenital heart disease historically was a pathology primarily restricted to specialized pediatric centers, advances in technology have dramatically increased the number of people living into adulthood, the number of complications faced by these patients, and the number of patients visiting non-specialized emergency departments for these concerns. Clinicians need to be aware of the issues specific to patients' individual congenital defects but also have an understanding of how typical cardiac pathology may manifest in this special group of patients. This manuscript attempts to provide an overview of this diverse but increasingly common group of adult patients with congenital heart diseases, including a review of their anatomical variants, the complications they face at the highest rates, and ways that emergency physicians may need to manage these patients differently to avoid causing harm.

Sepsis-Induced myocardial dysfunction: heterogeneity of functional effects and clinical significance

Sepsis is a life-threatening disease state characterized by organ dysfunction and a dysregulated response to infection. The heart is one of the many organs affected by sepsis, in an entity termed sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy. This was initially used to describe a reversible depression in ejection fraction with ventricular dilation but advances in echocardiography and introduction of new techniques such as speckle tracking have led to descriptions of other common abnormalities in cardiac function associated with sepsis. This includes not only depression of systolic function, but also supranormal ejection fraction, diastolic dysfunction, and right ventricular dysfunction. These reports have led to inconsistent definitions of sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy. Just as there is heterogeneity among patients with sepsis, there is heterogeneity in the cardiac response; thus resuscitating these patients with a single approach is likely suboptimal. Many factors affect the heart in sepsis including inflammatory mediators, catecholamine responsiveness, and pathogen related toxins. This review will discuss different functional effects characterized by echocardiographic changes in sepsis and their prognostic and management implications.

Fluid management in septic patients with pulmonary hypertension, review of the literature

The management of sepsis in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) is challenging due to significant conflicting goals of management and complex hemodynamics. As PH progresses, the ability of right heart to perfuse lungs at a normal central venous pressure (CVP) is impaired. Elevated pulmonary vascular pressure, due to pulmonary vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling, opposes blood flow through lungs thus limiting the ability of right ventricle (RV) to increase cardiac output (CO) and maintain adequate oxygen delivery to tissue. In sepsis without PH, avoidance of volume depletion with intravascular volume replacement, followed by vasopressor therapy if hypoperfusion persists, remains the cornerstone of therapy. Intravenous fluid (IVF) resuscitation based on individualized hemodynamic assessment can help improve the prognosis of critically ill patients. This is accomplished by optimizing CO by maintaining adequate preload, afterload and contractility. Particular challenges in patients with PH include RV failure as a result of pressure and volume overload, gas exchange abnormalities, and managing IVF and diuretic use. Suggested approaches to remedy these difficulties include early recognition of symptoms associated with pressure and volume overload, intravascular volume management strategies and serial lab monitoring to assess electrolytes and renal function.

Outcomes and Prognostic Factors of Pulmonary Hypertension Patients Undergoing Emergent Endotracheal Intubation

Background: Emergent endotracheal intubations (ETI) in pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients are associated with increased mortality. Post-intubation interventions that could increase survivability in this population have not been explored. We evaluate early clinical characteristics and complications following emergent endotracheal intubation and seek predictors of adverse outcomes during this post-intubation period. Methods: Retrospective cohort analysis of adult patients with groups 1 and 3 PH who underwent emergent intubation between 2005-2021 in medical and liver transplant ICUs at a tertiary medical center. PH patients were compared to non-PH patients, matched by Charlson Comorbidity Index. Primary outcomes were 24-h post-intubation and inpatient mortalities. Various 24-h post-intubation secondary outcomes were compared between PH and control cohorts. Results: We identified 48 PH and 110 non-PH patients. Pulmonary hypertension was not associated with increased 24-h mortality (OR 1.32, 95%CI 0.35-4.94, P = .18), but was associated with inpatient mortality (OR 4.03, 95%CI 1.29-12.5, P = .016) after intubation. Within 24 h post-intubation, PH patients experienced more frequent acute kidney injury (43.5% vs. 19.8%, P = .006) and required higher norepinephrine dosing equivalents (6.90 [0.13-10.6] mcg/kg/min, vs. 0.20 [0.10-2.03] mcg/kg/min, P = .037). Additionally, the median P/F ratio (PaO₂/FiO₂) was lower in PH patients (96.3 [58.9-201] vs. 233 [146-346] in non-PH, P = .001). Finally, a post-intubation increase in PaCO₂ was associated with mortality in the PH cohort (post-intubation change in PaCO₂ +5.14 ± 16.1 in non-survivors vs. -18.7 ± 28.0 in survivors, P = .007). Conclusions: Pulmonary hypertension was associated with worse outcomes after emergent endotracheal intubation than similar patients without PH. More importantly, our data suggest that the first 24 hours following intubation in the PH group represent a particularly vulnerable period that may determine long-term outcomes. Early post-intubation interventions may be key to improving survival in this population.

Interstitial Lung Disease: A Focused Review for the Emergency Clinician

BACKGROUND

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a group of restrictive pulmonary diseases associated with diffuse interstitial and parenchymal inflammation. Patients can present to the emergency department with severe exacerbation.

OBJECTIVE

This narrative review provides emergency clinicians with the most recent evidence concerning acute exacerbation of ILD (AE-ILD).

DISCUSSION

AE-ILD can present as acute respiratory distress in a patient with a pre-existing ILD diagnosis or as a de novo presentation of ILD, and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A variety of underlying triggers may result in AE-ILD. Emergency clinicians must first assess for extraneous causes of respiratory decompensation prior to diagnosing AE-ILD. For a de novo presentation of ILD, emergency physicians should also assess for possible reversible causes. AE-ILD is managed with systemic steroids, immunosuppressants, intravenous antibiotics, supplemental oxygen, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in severe cases. Given the high mortality rates in the absence of lung transplantation, early referral to transplant centers is essential to increase chances of survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency clinician knowledge of AE-ILD can improve the evaluation and management of these patients.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound and the Discovery of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in a Teenager

We present a case of a teenage patient with new-onset cardiac symptoms discovered to have primary pulmonary arterial hypertension. Point-of-care ultrasound used early in the patient's presentation identified significant right-sided heart dilatation and dysfunction despite the patient's relatively unrevealing physical examination. This article emphasizes the utility of performing focused cardiac ultrasound in pediatric patients early in their presentation. We briefly review focused cardiac ultrasound technique and highlight relevant literature.

High risk and low prevalence diseases: Acute chest syndrome in sickle cell disease

INTRODUCTION

Acute chest syndrome (ACS) in sickle cell disease (SCD) is a serious condition that carries with it a high rate of morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

This review highlights the pearls and pitfalls of ACS in SCD, including diagnosis and management in the emergency department (ED) based on current evidence.

DISCUSSION

ACS is defined by respiratory symptoms and/or fever and a new radiodensity on chest imaging in a patient with SCD. There are a variety of inciting causes, including infectious and non-infectious etiologies. Although ACS is more common in those with homozygous SCD, clinicians should consider ACS in all SCD patients, as ACS is a leading cause of death in SCD. Patients typically present with or develop respiratory symptoms including fever, cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath, which can progress to respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation in 20% of adult patients. However, the initial presentation can vary. While the first line imaging modality is classically chest radiograph, lung ultrasound has demonstrated promise. Further imaging to include computed tomography may be necessary. Management focuses on analgesia, oxygen supplementation, incentive spirometry, bronchodilators, rehydration, antibiotics, consideration for transfusion, and specialist consultation. Empiric antibiotics that cover atypical pathogens are necessary along with measures to increase oxygen-carrying capacity in those with hypoxemia such as simple transfusion or exchange transfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

An understanding of ACS can assist emergency clinicians in diagnosing and managing this potentially deadly disease.

A retrospective review of implementation of an inhaled epoprostenol protocol in the emergency department

INTRODUCTION

Inhaled epoprostenol is a selective pulmonary vasodilator that has shown a potentially broad number of applications in the management of critically ill patients. To date, the vast majority of the literature with regard to efficacy, indications for use, and adverse effects of inhaled epoprostenol is focused on use of this agent in critical care settings, with relatively little literature describing use of inhaled epoprostenol in the Emergency Department. This retrospective review sought to examine instances in which inhaled epoprostenol was administered in the Emergency Department of a tertiary-care, Level I trauma center following implementation of a clinical pathway for administration of this medication for cases of refractory hypoxemia, RV dysfunction, and refractory hypoxemia. Primary outcomes were monitoring for adverse effects (i.e. hypotension), trend in FiO2 requirement over time, and clinical indication for initiation of inhaled epoprostenol.

METHODS

An automated review was performed to query cases in which inhaled epoprostenol had been initiated in the Emergency Department following adoption of the inhaled epoprostenol clinical pathway. Cases were excluded if the medication was initiated in the prehospital setting, ordered but not administered, or administered for a period of <1 h. Vital signs and co-administration of vasopressors were followed before and following epoprostenol administration to assess for change over time. Clinical indication of epoprostenol administration was assessed via manual chart review.

RESULTS

Inhaled epoprostenol was administered in 20 instances, with 15 cases ultimately meeting inclusion criteria. There were no cases of clinically significant hypotension (MAP <65) in any of the cases in which inhaled epoprostenol was administered in the Emergency Department, and mean vasopressor requirement did not increase over time. A majority of patients saw a reduction in FiO2 requirement following administration of inhaled epoprostenol. The most common indication for initiation of inhaled epoprostenol based on manual chart review was pulmonary embolism.

DISCUSSION

In this review of cases in which inhaled epoprostenol was administered following adoption of a clinical pathway for medication administration, there were no cases of hypotension or other adverse effects that appear to be attributable to medication administration. Pulmonary embolism and refractory hypoxemia were the most common noted indications for administration of inhaled epoprostenol. Further research is warranted regarding development of clinical protocols for administration of inhaled pulmonary vasodilators in the Emergency Department setting.

Right heart failure: A narrative review for emergency clinicians

INTRODUCTION

Right heart failure (RHF) is a clinical syndrome with impaired right ventricular cardiac output due to a variety of etiologies including ischemia, elevated pulmonary arterial pressure, or volume overload. Emergency department (ED) patients with an acute RHF exacerbation can be diagnostically and therapeutically challenging to manage.

OBJECTIVE

This narrative review describes the pathophysiology of right ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension, the methods to diagnose RHF in the ED, and management strategies.

DISCUSSION

Right ventricular contraction normally occurs against a low pressure, highly compliant pulmonary vascular system. This physiology makes the right ventricle susceptible to acute changes in afterload, which can lead to RHF. Patients with acute RHF may present with an acute illness and have underlying chronic pulmonary hypertension due to left ventricular failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, chronic lung conditions, thromboemboli, or idiopathic conditions. Patients can present with a variety of symptoms resulting from systemic edema and hemodynamic compromise. Evaluation with electrocardiogram, laboratory analysis, and imaging is necessary to evaluate cardiac function and end organ injury. Management focuses on treating the underlying condition, optimizing oxygenation and ventilation, treating arrhythmias, and understanding the patient's hemodynamics with bedside ultrasound. As RHF patients are preload dependent they may require fluid resuscitation or diuresis. Hypotension should be rapidly addressed with vasopressors. Cardiac contractility can be augmented with inotropes. Efforts should be made to support oxygenation while trying to avoid intubation if possible.

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency clinician understanding of this condition is important to diagnose and treat this life-threatening cardiopulmonary disorder.

Traffic-related air pollution associated pulmonary pathophysiologic changes and cardiac injury in elderly patients with COPD

Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) has shown enormous environmental toxicity, but its cardiorespiratory health impact on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been less studied. We followed a panel of 45 COPD patients with 4 repeated clinical visits across 14 months in a traffic-predominated urban area of Beijing, China, with concurrent measurements of TRAP metrics (fine particulate matter, black carbon, oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide). Linear mixed-effect models were performed to evaluate the associations and potential pathways linking traffic pollution to indicators of spirometry, cardiac injury, inflammation and oxidative stress. We observed that interquartile range increases in moving averages of TRAP exposures at prior up to 7 days were associated with significant reductions in large and small airway functions, namely decreases in forced vital capacity of 3.1-9.3% and forced expiratory flow 25-75% of 5.9-16.4%. Higher TRAP levels were also associated with worsening of biomarkers relevant to lung injury (hepatocyte growth factor and surfactant protein D) and cardiac injury (high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I, B-type natriuretic peptide and soluble ST2), as well as enhanced airway/systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. Mediation analyses showed that TRAP exposures may prompt cardiac injury, possibly via worsening pulmonary pathophysiology. These findings highlight the importance of traffic pollution control priority in urban areas.

Advanced airway management and respiratory care in decompensated pulmonary hypertension

Meticulous risk stratification is essential when considering intubation of a patient with decompensated pulmonary hypertension (dPH). It is paramount to understand both the pathophysiology of dPH (and associated right ventricular failure) and the complications related to a high-risk intubation before attempting the procedure. There are few recommendations in this area and the literature, guiding these recommendations, is limited to expert opinion and very few case reports/case series. This review will discuss the complex pathophysiology of dPH, the complications associated with intubation, the debates surrounding induction agents, and the available options for the intubation procedure, with specific emphasis on the emerging role for awake fiberoptic intubation. All patients should be evaluated for candidacy for veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygen as a bridge to recovery, lung transplantation, or pulmonary endarterectomy prior to intubation. Only an experienced proceduralist who is both comfortable with high-risk intubations and the pathophysiology of dPH should perform these intubations.

Intensive care unit admission for patients with pulmonary hypertension presenting to U.S. Emergency Departments

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is an important contributor to morbidity and mortality in patients seeking emergency care, resulting in high acuity presentations and resource utilization. The objective was to characterize the rate of intensive care unit (ICU) admission for PH among adult patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) along with other important clinical outcomes.

METHODS

We analyzed data from the State Emergency Department Databases (SEDD) and State Inpatient Databases (SID) from two geographically separated U.S. states (New York and Nebraska). The primary outcome measure was admission to an ICU. Other measures of interest included the hospital admission rate, hospital length of stay (LOS), inpatient mortality, and rate of critical care procedures performed.

RESULTS

From 2010 to 2014, in a sample of 34 million ED visits, patients with a diagnosis of PH accounted for 0.71% of all ED visits. Of the PH visits, 20.2% were admitted to the ICU, compared to 2.6% of all other visits (P < 0.001), with an aOR of 1.74 (95% CI 1. 72-1.76). The vast majority (94.6%) of PH patients were admitted to the hospital, compared to 20.5% for all other ED visits (P < 0.001). Hospital LOS and hospital-based mortality were higher in the PH group than for other ED patients. With the exception of invasive mechanical ventilation, a significantly higher percentage of patients with PH admitted to the ICU than other patients underwent all critical care procedures evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, patients with PH who sought emergency care in U.S. EDs from 2010 to 2014 were significantly more likely to require ICU admission than all other patients. They were also significantly more likely to be admitted to the hospital than all other patients, had longer hospital LOS, increased risk of inpatient mortality, and underwent more critical care procedures. These findings indicate the high acuity of PH patients seeking emergency care and demonstrate the need for additional research into this population.

The conundrum of Thiamine Responsive Acute Pulmonary Hypertension (TRAPH) syndrome in the Emergency Department

BACKGROUND

Management of acute pulmonary hypertension in the Emergency Department(ED) can be challenging. The treatment is specialised, requires rapid identification and correction of the precipitating cause; failing which the patient enters a vortex of deterioration. We describe a lesser-known cause for the same, Thiamine responsive acute pulmonary hypertension (TRAPH) syndrome where timely appropriate treatment can result in dramatic improvement.

METHODOLOGY

Medical records with ICD code E51.12 (Wet Beriberi) from Mar 2018 to Mar 2020 were screened. The data regarding presenting symptoms, initial vitals, lab and radiological investigations, and treatment received were retrieved from patient files and the Hospital Informatics System, entered into an MS Excel sheet and compared.

RESULTS

The study includes eight cases, which we believe to be TRAPH syndrome. Majority were young adult males, ethanol users. All patients presented with acute shortness of breath with tachypnea and shock index more than 0.9. Gross right atrioventricular dilatation, tricuspid regurgitation and mild to moderate pulmonary arterial hypertension was identified in echocardiography. The initial blood gas revealed median pH 6.98 (IQR 6.81-7.09), Bicarbonate 3.4 meq/L (IQR 2.5-5) and lactate 172 mg/dL (IQR 132-200) which improved within 12-16 h of admission. Patients received median 400 mg IV Thiamine. The mean duration of ICU stay was 2.5 days and total hospital stay was 7 days.

CONCLUSION

Thiamine Responsive Acute Pulmonary Hypertension (TRAPH) Syndrome is an under-recognised entity which should be included in differentials for acute right ventricular dysfunction in the ED. Early diagnosis and rapid protocolised management of the same can cause quick recovery of patients.

Critical care outcomes in patients with pre-existing pulmonary hypertension: insights from the ASPIRE registry

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a life-shortening condition characterised by episodes of decompensation precipitated by factors such as disease progression, arrhythmias and sepsis. Surgery and pregnancy also place additional strain on the right ventricle. Data on critical care management in patients with pre-existing PH are scarce.

We conducted a retrospective observational study of a large cohort of patients admitted to the critical care unit of a national referral centre between 2000–2017 to establish acute mortality, evaluate predictors of in-hospital mortality and establish longer term outcomes in survivors to hospital discharge.

242 critical care admissions involving 206 patients were identified. Hospital survival was 59.3%, 94% and 92% for patients admitted for medical, surgical or obstetric reasons, respectively. Medical patients had more severe physiological and laboratory perturbations than patients admitted following surgical or obstetric interventions. Higher APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation) score, age and lactate, and lower oxygen saturation measure by pulse oximetry/inspiratory oxygen fraction (S_pO2/F_iO2) ratio, platelet count and sodium level were identified as independent predictors of hospital mortality. An exploratory risk score, OPALS (oxygen (S_pO2/F_iO2) ≤185; platelets ≤196×10⁹·L⁻¹; age ≥37.5 years; lactate ≥2.45 mmol·L⁻¹; sodium ≤130.5 mmol·L⁻¹), identified medical patients at increasing risk of hospital mortality. One (11%) out of nine patients who were invasively ventilated for medical decompensation and 50% of patients receiving renal replacement therapy left hospital alive. There was no significant difference in exercise capacity or functional class between follow-up and pre-admission in patients who survived to discharge.

These data have clinical utility in guiding critical care management of patients with known PH. The exploratory OPALS score requires validation.

Critical care survival is worse in PH patients admitted for medical rather than surgical/obstetric indications. Nevertheless, many show longer term survival and functional recovery. Markers of severity of acute illness at admission are prognostic.https://bit.ly/2YX9Fw9

Burden of pulmonary arterial hypertension in England: retrospective HES database analysis

BACKGROUND

The clinical and economic burden of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is poorly understood outside the United States. This retrospective database study describes the characteristics of patients with PAH in England, including their healthcare resource utilisation (HCRU) and associated costs.

METHODS

Data from 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2018 were obtained from the National Health Service (NHS) Digital Hospital Episode Statistics database, which provides full coverage of patient events occurring in NHS England hospitals. An adult patient cohort was defined using an algorithm incorporating pulmonary hypertension (PH) diagnosis codes, PAH-associated procedures, PH specialist centre visits and PAH-specific medications. HCRU included inpatient admissions, outpatient visits and Accident and Emergency (A&E) attendances. Associated costs, calculated using national tariffs inflation-adjusted to 2017, did not include PAH-specific drugs on the High Cost Drugs list.

RESULTS

The analysis cohort included 2527 patients (68.4% female; 63.6% aged ⩾50 years). Mean annual HCRU rates ranged from 2.9 to 3.2 for admissions (21-25% of patients had ⩾5 admissions), 9.4-10.3 for outpatient visits and 0.8-0.9 for A&E attendances. Costs from 2013 to 2017 totalled £43.2M (£33.9M admissions, £8.3M outpatient visits and £0.9M A&E attendances). From 2013 to 2017, mean cost per patient decreased 13% (from £4400 to £3833) for admissions and 13% (from £1031 to £896) for outpatient visits, but increased 52% (from £81 to £123) for A&E attendances.

CONCLUSION

PAH incurs a heavy economic burden on a per-patient basis, highlighting the need for improved treatment strategies able to reduce disease progression and hospitalisations.The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.

Perioperative management in cardiovascular surgery

Cardio-surgical patient care requires a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to develop strategies to improve patient safety and outcomes. In the preoperative period, prophylaxis for frequent postoperative complications, such as de novo atrial fibrillation or bleeding, and prehabilitation based on exercise training, respiratory physiotherapy and nutritional and cognitive therapy, especially in fragile patients, stand out. There have been great advances, during the intraoperative phase, such as minimally invasive surgery, improved myocardial preservation, enhanced systemic perfusion and brain protection during extracorporeal circulation, or implementation of Safe Surgery protocols. Postoperative care should include goal-directed hemodynamic theraphy, a correct approach to coagulation disorders, and a multimodal analgesic protocol to facilitate early extubation and mobilization. Finally, optimal management of postoperative complications is key, including arrhythmias, vasoplegia, bleeding, and myocardial stunning that can lead to low cardiac output syndrome or, in extreme cases, cardiogenic shock. This global approach and the high degree of complexity require highly specialised units where intensive care specialists add value and are key to obtain more effective and efficient clinical results.

Identifying cardiogenic shock in the emergency department

INTRODUCTION

Cardiogenic shock is difficult to diagnose due to diverse presentations, overlap with other shock states (i.e. sepsis), poorly understood pathophysiology, complex and multifactorial causes, and varied hemodynamic parameters. Despite advances in interventions, mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock remains high. Emergency clinicians must be ready to recognize and start appropriate therapy for cardiogenic shock early.

OBJECTIVE

This review will discuss the clinical evaluation and diagnosis of cardiogenic shock in the emergency department with a focus on the emergency clinician.

DISCUSSION

The most common cause of cardiogenic shock is a myocardial infarction, though many causes exist. It is classically diagnosed by invasive hemodynamic measures, but the diagnosis can be made in the emergency department by clinical evaluation, diagnostic studies, and ultrasound. Early recognition and stabilization improve morbidity and mortality. This review will focus on identification of cardiogenic shock through clinical examination, laboratory studies, and point-of-care ultrasound.

CONCLUSIONS

The emergency clinician should use the clinical examination, laboratory studies, electrocardiogram, and point-of-care ultrasound to aid in the identification of cardiogenic shock. Cardiogenic shock has the potential for significant morbidity and mortality if not recognized early.

Physiologically Difficult Airway in the Patient with Severe Hypotension and Metabolic Acidosis

The expertise to recognize and manage the difficult airway is essential in anesthesiology. Conventionally, this refers to anatomical concerns causing difficulties with facemask ventilation and/or with tracheal intubation. Severe derangements in patients' physiology can make induction and intubation likewise difficult, and approximately 30% of critically ill patients had cardiovascular collapse subsequently to intubation. We present the case of a 58-year-old male with a past medical history of type II diabetes and hypertension who presented with altered mental status due to severe metabolic acidosis with a pH of 6.8 on admission to the intensive care unit. The anesthesia team was called to urgently intubate the patient. Upon arrival, the patient was localizing to pain and was hypocapnic, tachycardic, and hypotensive despite ongoing therapy with norepinephrine, vasopressin, and bicarbonate drips. Bedside point-of-care ultrasound showed hyperdynamic left ventricle with no other abnormalities. The patient was induced with IV ketamine, and dissociation occurred with maintenance of spontaneous respirations, which was followed by laryngoscopy and intubation causing only minimal hemodynamic changes. The patient was subsequently dialyzed and treated supportively. He was discharged from the hospital two weeks later—neurologically intact and at his baseline. Combination of hypotension and severe metabolic acidosis is particularly a challenging setting for airway management and a major risk factor for adverse events, including cardiopulmonary arrest. Hemodynamically stable induction agents should be preferred. In addition, sustaining spontaneous ventilation and avoiding periods of apnea in the peri-intubation period is paramount—any buildup of CO₂ could push a critically low pH even lower and cause cardiovascular collapse. Sympathomimetic properties of ketamine make this induction agent a particularly appealing choice in this setting. This case report further supports the concept that severe physiologic perturbations—in which conventional induction techniques are not feasible—should be included in the current definition of a difficult airway.

High-Risk Airway Management in the Emergency Department. Part I: Diseases and Approaches

BACKGROUND

Successful airway management is critical to the practice of emergency medicine. Emergency physicians must be ready to optimize and prepare for airway management in critically ill patients with a wide range of physiologic challenges. Challenges in airway management commonly encountered in the emergency department are discussed using a pearl and pitfall discussion in this first part of a 2-part series.

OBJECTIVE

This narrative review presents an evidence-based approach to airway and patient management during endotracheal intubation in challenging cases that are commonly encountered in the emergency department.

DISCUSSION

Adverse events during emergent airway management are common, with postintubation cardiac arrest reported in as many as 1 in 25 intubations. Many of these adverse events can be avoided with the proper identification and understanding of the underlying physiology, preparation, and postintubation management. Patients with high-risk features including severe metabolic acidosis; shock and hypotension; obstructive lung disease; pulmonary hypertension, right ventricle failure, and pulmonary embolism; and severe hypoxemia must be managed with airway expertise.

CONCLUSIONS

This narrative review discusses the pearls and pitfalls of commonly encountered physiologic high-risk intubations with a focus on the emergency clinician.

Demographics and Outcomes of Pulmonary Hypertension Patients in United States Emergency Departments

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common, yet under-diagnosed, contributor to morbidity and mortality. Our objective was to characterize the prevalence of PH among adult patients presenting to United States (US) emergency departments (ED) and to identify demographic patterns and outcomes of PH patients in the ED.

METHODS

We analyzed the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) database, with a focus on ED patients aged 18 years and older, with any International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification (ICD)-9-CM or ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for PH from 2011 to 2015. The primary outcome was inpatient, all-cause mortality. The secondary outcomes were hospital admission rates and hospital length of stay (LOS).

RESULTS

From 2011 to 2015, in a sample of 121,503,743 ED visits, representing a weighted estimate of 545,500,486 US ED visits, patients with a diagnosis of PH accounted for 0.78% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-0.80%) of all US ED visits. Of the PH visits, 86.9% were admitted to the hospital, compared to 16.3% for all other ED visits (P <0.001). Likewise, hospital LOS and hospital-based mortality were higher in the PH group than for other ED patients (e.g., inpatient mortality 4.5% vs 2.6%, P < 0.001) with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.34 (95% CI, 1.31-1.37). Age had the strongest association with mortality, with an aOR of 10.6 for PH patients over 80 years (95% CI, 10.06-11.22), compared to a reference of ages 18 to 30 years.

CONCLUSION

In this nationally representative sample, presentations by patients with PH were relatively common, accounting for nearly 0.8% of US ED visits. Patients with PH were significantly more likely to be admitted to the hospital than all other patients, had longer hospital LOS, and increased risk of inpatient mortality.

Complications in the adult asplenic patient: A review for the emergency clinician

BACKGROUND

The spleen performs several important physiologic functions. However, patients can have functional asplenia or have their spleen removed for a number of reasons, which can put them at risk for several dangerous complications.

OBJECTIVE

This narrative review provides a focused evaluation of adult asplenic patients and complications in the emergency departing setting.

DISCUSSION

The spleen plays integral roles in the immune and reticuloendothelial systems and also modulates the inflammatory and coagulation cascades. Asplenia refers to the anatomic or physiologic loss of splenic function, which may be due to trauma, immunological, hematological, or oncological etiologies. Asplenic patients are at risk for several complications including infection, arterial and venous thrombosis, and pulmonary hypertension. Fever in an asplenic patient and overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI) are medical emergencies with a high mortality and require rapid evaluation and management with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Asplenic patients are at increased risk of arterial thrombosis, such as coronary artery disease, and venous thrombosis including deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and splenic and portal vein thrombosis. Management of venous thrombosis includes anticoagulation. Pulmonary hypertension with associated right ventricular dysfunction may also occur in asplenia. These patients require hemodynamic stabilization with an emphasis on inciting causes and treatment of the pulmonary hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

The spleen is an integral organ involved in several physiologic functions. Asplenia, or absence of spleen function, is associated with severe complications. Knowledge of these complications can improve the care of these patients.

ECMO and Right Ventricular Failure: Review of the Literature

Right ventricular (RV) failure is the inability of the RV to maintain sufficient cardiac output in the setting of adequate preload, due to either intrinsic injury to the RV or increased afterload. Medical treatment of RV failure should include optimizing preload, augmenting contractility with vasopressors and inotropes, and considering inhaled pulmonary vasodilators. However, when medical therapies are insufficient, mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is needed to maintain systemic and RV perfusion. The data on MCS for isolated RV failure are limited, but extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) appears to be the most efficient and effective modality. For patients with isolated RV failure from acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, veno-venous (VV) ECMO is an appropriate initial configuration, even if the patient is in shock. With primary RV injury or RV failure with concomitant left ventricle (LV) failure, however, venoarterial (VA) ECMO is indicated. Both modalities provide indirect support to the RV by reducing preload, reducing RV wall tension, and delivering oxygenated blood to the coronary circulation. Peripheral cannulation is required in VV-ECMO and is most commonly used in VA-ECMO, allowing for rapid cannulation even in emergencies. Changes in pulsatility on an arterial catheter waveform can indicate changes in clinical status including changes in myocardial function, inadequate preload, worsening RV failure, and excessive VA-ECMO support leading to an elevated LV afterload. Myocardial function may be improved by titration of inotropes or vasodilators, utilization of an Impella or an intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation support devices, or by changes in VA-ECMO support.

Pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy presenting as recurrent syncope

Pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy is a rare condition in which embolization of tumor cells to the pulmonary arterioles causes fibrocellular intimal thickening and activation of the coagulation cascade resulting in pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure. Herein, we highlight a young 35-year-old male with no known past medical history who presented with recurrent syncope and dyspnea, and was found to have severe right heart failure and pulmonary hypertension. He developed sudden clinical deterioration and died after a cardiac arrest. Autopsy revealed poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma and pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy. New onset severe pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure without any other obvious etiology should encourage the reader to evaluate for pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy and undergo a diligent search for underlying malignancy. This case highlights recurrent syncope as a rare presentation of this rapidly fatal disease.

Acute Respiratory Failure in Interstitial Lung Disease Complicated by Pulmonary Hypertension

Interstitial lung disease represents a group of diffuse parenchymal lung diseases with overwhelming morbidity and mortality when complicated by acute respiratory failure. Recently, trials investigating outcomes and their determinants have provided insight into these high mortality rates. Pulmonary hypertension is a known complication of interstitial lung disease and there is high prevalence in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, connective tissue disease, and sarcoidosis subtypes. Interstitial lung disease associated pulmonary hypertension has further increased mortality with acute respiratory failure, and there is limited evidence to guide management. This review describes investigations and management of interstitial lung disease associated acute respiratory failure complicated by pulmonary hypertension. Despite the emerging attention on interstitial lung disease associated acute respiratory failure and the influence of pulmonary hypertension, critical care management remains a clinical and ethical challenge.

Formononetin attenuates monocrotaline‑induced pulmonary arterial hypertension via inhibiting pulmonary vascular remodeling in rats

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life‑threatening disease induced by the excessive proliferation and reduced apoptosis of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Formononetin (FMN) is a natural isoflavone with numerous cardioprotective properties, which can inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of tumor cells; however, whether FMN has a therapeutic effect on PAH remains unclear. In the present study, PAH was induced in rats with monocrotaline (MCT, 60 mg/kg); rats were then administered FMN (10, 30 or 60 mg/kg/day). At the end of the experiment, hemodynamic changes, right ventricular hypertrophy and lung morphological characteristics were evaluated. α‑smooth muscle actin (α‑SMA), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and TUNEL were detected by immunohistochemical staining. The expression of PCNA, Bcl‑2‑associated X protein (Bax), Bcl‑2 and, cleaved caspase‑3, and activation of AKT and ERK were examined by western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that FMN significantly ameliorated the right ventricular systolic pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy, and pulmonary vascular remodeling induced by MCT. FMN also attenuated MCT‑induced increased expression of α‑SMA and PCNA. The ratio of Bax/Bcl‑2 and cleaved caspase‑3 expression increased in rat lung tissue in response to FMN treatment. Furthermore, reduced phosphorylation of AKT and ERK was also observed in FMN‑treated rats. Therefore, FMN may provide protection against MCT‑induced PAH by preventing pulmonary vascular remodeling, potentially by suppressing the PI3K/AKT and ERK pathways in rats.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Emergency Complications and Evaluation: Practical Guide for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in the Emergency Department

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) complicates common diseases and can lead to worsening symptoms and increased mortality. A specific group of PH, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), World Health Organization Group 1, may present to the emergency department (ED). We review common ED presentations of patients with PAH such as cardiac arrest/sudden death, right ventricular failure, syncope, hypoxemic respiratory failure, arrhythmias, hemoptysis, pulmonary embolism, chest pain/left main compression syndrome, infection, and considerations for PAH medication administration. We include a case study to illustrate a real example with a positive outcome, and an algorithm for evaluating and triaging patients with PAH in the ED. The ability to recognize, triage, and communicate changes in PAH disease status in a multidisciplinary team approach between the patient, family, specialty pharmacy, and specialized health care providers such as the PH team, is essential for ED providers who are evaluating and treating patients with PAH.

Nonischemic Causes of Cardiogenic Shock

Although cardiogenic shock is uncommon in the emergency department, it is associated with high mortality. Most cardiogenic shock is caused by ischemia, but nonischemic etiologies are essential to recognize. Clinicians should optimize preload, contractility, and afterload. Volume-responsive patients should be resuscitated in small aliquots, although some patients may require diuresis to improve cardiac output. Vasopressors are important to restore end-organ perfusion, and inotropes improve contractility. Intubation and positive pressure ventilation impact hemodynamics, which, depending on volume status, may be beneficial or deleterious. Knowing indications for mechanical circulatory support is important for timely consultation or transfer as indicated.

Dysrhythmias and heart failure complicating acute myocardial infarction: An emergency medicine review

INTRODUCTION

Patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) may suffer several complications after the acute event, including dysrhythmias and heart failure (HF). These complications place patients at risk for morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

This narrative review evaluates literature and guideline recommendations relevant to the acute emergency department (ED) management of AMI complicated by dysrhythmia or HF, with a focus on evidence-based considerations for ED interventions.

DISCUSSION

Limited evidence exists for ED management of dysrhythmias in AMI due to relatively low prevalence and frequent exclusion of patients with active cardiac ischemia from clinical studies. Management decisions for bradycardia in the setting of AMI are determined by location of infarction, timing of the dysrhythmia, rhythm assessment, and hemodynamic status of the patient. Atrial fibrillation is common in the setting of AMI, and caution is warranted in acute rate control for rapid ventricular rate given the possibility of compensation for decreased ventricular function. Regular wide complex tachycardia in the setting of AMI should be managed as ventricular tachycardia with electrocardioversion in the majority of cases. Management directed towards HF from left ventricular dysfunction in AMI consists of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, nitroglycerin therapy, and early cardiac catheterization. Norepinephrine is the first line vasopressor for patients with cardiogenic shock and hypoperfusion on clinical examination. Early involvement of a multi-disciplinary team is recommended when caring for patients in cardiogenic shock.

CONCLUSIONS

This review discusses considerations of ED management of dysrhythmias and HF associated with AMI.

Focused Cardiac Ultrasound in Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension

We present 2 cases of pediatric pulmonary hypertension presenting with respiratory distress. Focused cardiac ultrasound revealed findings consistent with right ventricular dilatation and elevated right ventricular pressure. These findings, in conjunction with the clinical presentation, allowed for early identification and rapid evaluation of a pathologic process that can often go unidentified. In this report, we review the relevant aspects of focused cardiac ultrasound in the setting of pulmonary hypertension.

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery complications: A review for emergency clinicians

INTRODUCTION

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery remains a high-risk procedure, and many patients require emergency department (ED) management for complications after surgery.

OBJECTIVE

This narrative review provides an evidence-based summary of the current data for the emergency medicine evaluation and management of post-CABG surgery complications.

DISCUSSION

While there has been a recent decline in all cardiac revascularization procedures, there remains over 200,000 CABG surgeries performed in the United States annually, with up to 14% of these patients presenting to the ED within 30 days of discharge with post-operative complications. Risk factors for perioperative mortality and morbidity after CABG surgery can be divided into three categories: patient characteristics, clinician characteristics, and postoperative factors. Emergency physicians will be faced with several postoperative complications, including sternal wound infections, pneumonia, thromboembolic phenomena, graft failure, atrial fibrillation, pulmonary hypertension, pericardial effusion, strokes, renal injury, gastrointestinal insults, and hemodynamic instability. Critical patients should be evaluated in the resuscitation bay, and consultation with the primary surgical team is needed, which improves patient outcomes. This review provides several guiding principles for management of acute complications. Understanding these complications and an approach to the management of hemodynamic instability is essential to optimizing patient care.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative complications of CABG surgery can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Physicians must rapidly diagnose these conditions while evaluating for other diseases. Early surgical consultation is imperative, as is optimizing the patient's hemodynamics, including preload, heart rate, cardiac rhythm, contractility, and afterload.

Intermittent living; the use of ancient challenges as a vaccine against the deleterious effects of modern life - A hypothesis

Chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCD) are the leading cause of mortality in developed countries. They ensue from the sum of modern anthropogenic risk factors, including high calorie nutrition, malnutrition, sedentary lifestyle, social stress, environmental toxins, politics and economic factors. Many of these factors are beyond the span of control of individuals, suggesting that CNCD are inevitable. However, various studies, ours included, show that the use of intermittent challenges with hormetic effects improve subjective and objective wellbeing of individuals with CNCD, while having favourable effects on immunological, metabolic and behavioural indices. Intermittent cold, heat, fasting and hypoxia, together with phytochemicals in multiple food products, have widespread influence on many pathways related with overall health. Until recently, most of the employed challenges with hormetic effects belonged to the usual transient live experiences of our ancestors. Our hypothesis; we conclude that, whereas the total inflammatory load of multi-metabolic and psychological risk factors causes low grade inflammation and aging, the use of intermittent challenges, united in a 7-10 days lasting hormetic intervention, might serve as a vaccine against the deleterious effects of chronic low grade inflammation and it's metabolic and (premature) aging consequences.

Clinical mimics: an emergency medicine focused review of pneumonia mimics

Pneumonia is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in adults in the United States. While pneumonia classically presents with a fever, cough, and shortness of breath, the presentation can vary widely in adults. This review evaluates history and physical examination findings of pneumonia and several conditions that mimic pneumonia. Pneumonia is a potentially deadly disease. History and examination findings are variable in pneumonia, and many conditions mimic pneumonia. These conditions include pulmonary embolism, diffuse interstitial lung disease, endocarditis, vasculitis, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, acute decompensated heart failure, tuberculosis, lung cancer, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Emergency clinicians should assess the patient while resuscitation occurs. Early antibiotics and the diagnosis of pneumonia can improve outcomes. Key historical and physical examination findings may lead the clinician to consider other conditions that require immediate management. Using clinical evaluation and adjunctive imaging, these conditions can be diagnosed and treated. Knowledge of pneumonia mimics is vital for the care of patients with respiratory complaints. Pneumonia is common and may be deadly, and emergency clinicians must differentiate conditions that mimic pneumonia. Rapid evaluation and management may alleviate morbidity and mortality for each of these conditions. The history and physical examination, in addition to utilizing imaging modalities such as ultrasound and computed tomography, are vital in diagnosis of pneumonia mimics.

The Sugen 5416/Hypoxia Mouse Model of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is a rapidly progressive, life-threatening, and often fatal disease. Despite many new developments in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) therapy, there is currently no cure for PAH, and new therapies are desperately needed. PAH pathobiology involves a remodeling process in pulmonary arteries that plays a critical role in elevating pulmonary arterial and right ventricle pressures. The discovery and development of new therapies requires animal models of PAH that mimic the human disease, including vascular remodeling.Here we review and describe a detailed protocol for creating an in vivo model of Sugen/Hypoxia-induced PAH in mice that is commonly used to assess the efficiency of new therapies in PAH. Severe pulmonary hypertension can be established in 1 month using this protocol. Additional protocols to evaluate the model by invasive pressure measurements and histology are provided.

High rate of isolated right ventricular dysfunction in patients with non-significant CT pulmonary angiography

BACKGROUND

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension (PH) are commonly unrecognized in the emergency department (ED), but are associated with poor outcomes. Prior research has found a 30% prevalence of isolated RV dysfunction in ED patients after non-significant computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA). We aimed to prospectively define the prevalence of RV dysfunction and/or PH in short of breath ED patients, and assess outcomes.

METHODS

Prospective observational study of patients with a non-significant CTPA. Isolated RV dysfunction and/or PH was defined as normal left ventricular function plus RV dilation, moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation or RV systolic pressure>40mmHg on comprehensive echocardiography.

RESULTS

Of 83 patients, 20 (24%, 95% [confidence interval] CI: 16-34%) had isolated RV dysfunction and/or PH. These patients had 40% ED recidivism and 30% hospital readmission at 30-days. When compared to patients with normal echocardiographic function, they had significantly longer intensive care unit and hospital length of stays.

CONCLUSIONS

In a prospective cohort of ED patients, we found a high prevalence of isolated RV dysfunction and/or PH after a non-significant CTPA. These patients had high rates of recidivism and hospital readmission. This data supports a continued need for ED based screening and specialty referral.

Emergency Physicians Are Able to Detect Right Ventricular Dilation With Good Agreement Compared to Cardiology

OBJECTIVE

Focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS) is a useful tool in evaluating patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute dyspnea. Prior work has shown that right ventricular (RV) dilation is associated with repeat hospitalizations and shorter life expectancy. Traditionally, RV assessment has been evaluated by cardiologist-interpreted comprehensive echocardiography. The primary goal of this study was to determine the inter-rater reliability between emergency physicians (EPs) and a cardiologist for determining RV dilation on FOCUS performed on ED patients with acute dyspnea.

METHODS

This was a prospective, observational study at two urban academic EDs; patients were enrolled if they had acute dyspnea and a computed tomographic pulmonary angiogram without acute disease. All patients had an EP-performed FOCUS to assess for RV dilation. RV dilation was defined as an RV to left ventricular ratio greater than 1. FOCUS interpretations were compared to a blinded cardiologist FOCUS interpretation using agreement and kappa statistics.

RESULTS

Of 84 FOCUS examinations performed on 83 patients, 17% had RV dilation. Agreement and kappa, for EP-performed FOCUS for RV dilation were 89% (95% confidence interval [CI] 80-95%) and 0.68 (95% CI 0.48-0.88), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency physician sonographers are able to detect RV dilation with good agreement when compared to cardiology. These results support the wider use of EP-performed FOCUS to evaluate for RV dilation in ED patients with dyspnea.

VEGF Promoter Polymorphism Confers an Increased Risk of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in a Chinese Population

PURPOSE

Evidence on the contribution of genes to the hereditary predisposition to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is limited.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we hypothesized that single nucleotide variants in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene may alter gene function and expression and may be associated with PAH risk. Five putatively functional loci (rs699947C>A and rs833061T>C in the promoter, rs3025040C>T, rs10434G>A and rs3025053G>A in the 3'-UTR) in the VEGF gene were genotyped and analyzed in a retrospective study of 587 patients with PAH and 736 healthy subjects from southern China.

RESULTS

We found that the rs833061T>C polymorphism was significantly associated with PAH risk, while the other single nucleotide polymorphisms were not. Compared to carriers with TT genotype, those with rs833061C variant genotype (CT/CC) had an increased risk of PAH (odds ratio=1.47, 95% confidence interval=1.18-1.83, p=0.001). Functional assays indicated that CT/CC variant genotype had significantly higher mRNA levels of VEGF in peripheral blood mononuclear cells than TT genotype (p=0.021). Luciferase reporter assay indicated that having a C allele conferred a significantly higher transcription activity than that with a T allele.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the functional polymorphism rs833061T>C in VEGF gene promoter modulates VEGF expression and may be a valuable biomarker for predicting PAH susceptibility.

Functional polymorphism of lncRNA MALAT1 contributes to pulmonary arterial hypertension susceptibility in Chinese people

Background:

The long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have gradually been reported to be an important class of RNAs with pivotal roles in regulation of gene expression, and thus are involved in multitudinous human complex diseases. However, the biological functions and precise mechanisms of the majority of lncRNAs are still poorly understood.

Methods:

In the study, we tested genomic variations in lncRNA-metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) loci, and their potentially functional correlationship with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) susceptibility based on a case-control study with a total of 587 PAH patients and 736 healthy controls in southern Chinese.

Results:

We found that the rs619586A>G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was significantly associated with PAH risk. The carriers with G variant genotypes had a decreased risk of PAH (odds ratio [OR]=0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.53–0.90, p=0.007) compared to the rs619586AA genotype. Further functional experiments indicated that the alteration from rs619586A to G in MALAT1 could directly upregulate X box-binding protein 1 (XBP1) expression via functioning as the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-214, and consequentially inhibiting the vascular endothelial cells proliferation and migration in vitro by shortening S-M phase transition.

Conclusions:

Taken together, our findings propose that functional polymorphism rs619586A>G in MALAT1 gene plays an important role in PAH pathogenesis and may serve as a potential indicator for PAH susceptibility.