Obesity and Outcomes Following Cardiogenic Shock Requiring Acute Mechanical Circulatory Support

Predicting survival after Impella implantation in patients with cardiogenic shock: The J-PVAD risk score

AIMS

Impella has become a new option for mechanical circulatory support in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS); however, prognostic models for patients after Impella are lacking. We aimed to identify the factors that predict in-hospital mortality in patients with CS requiring Impella and develop a new risk prediction model.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We utilized the J-PVAD registry, which includes all cases where Impella was implanted in Japan. Two-thirds of the patients in the J-PVAD registry were randomly assigned to the derivation cohort (n = 1701), and the other third was assigned to the validation cohort (n = 850). A backward stepwise logistic regression model was developed to identify factors associated with in-hospital mortality. In the derivation cohort, 956 patients were discharged alive, and 745 patients (43.8%) died during hospitalization. Among 29 candidate variables, 12 were independently associated with in-hospital mortality and were applied as components of the risk model, including age, sex, body mass index, fulminant myocarditis aetiology, cardiac arrest in hospital, baseline veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use, mean arterial pressure, lactate, lactate dehydrogenase, total bilirubin, creatinine, and albumin levels. The comparison of predicted and observed in-hospital mortality according to the 7th quantiles using the J-PVAD risk score showed good calibration. The area under the curve for the J-PVAD risk score was 0.76 (95% confidence interval 0.73-0.78). In the validation cohort, the J-PVAD risk score showed good calibration and discrimination ability.

CONCLUSIONS

The J-PVAD risk score can be calculated using variables easily obtained in routine clinical practice. It helps the accurate stratification of mortality risk and facilitates clinical decision-making.

Triglyceride-glucose index correlates with the occurrence and prognosis of acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock: data from two large cohorts

BACKGROUND

Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a dependable indicator of insulin resistance, has been identified as a valid marker regarding multiple cardiovascular diseases. Nevertheless, the correlation of TyG index with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMICS) remains uncertain. Our study aims for elucidating this relationship by comprehensively analyzing two large-scale cohorts.

METHODS

Utilizing records from the eICU Collaborative Research Database and the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV, the link between TyG and the incidence and prognosis of AMICS was assessed multicentrally and retrospectively by logistic and correlation models, as well as restricted cubic spline (RCS). Propensity score matching (PSM), inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), and overlap weighting (OW) were employed to balance the potential confounders. Subgroup analyses were performed according to potential modifiers.

RESULTS

Overall, 5208 AMI patients, consisting of 375 developing CS were finally included. The TyG index exhibited an apparently higher level in AMI populations developing CS than in those who did not experienced CS [9.2 (8.8-9.7) vs. 9.0 (8.5-9.5)], with a moderate discrimination ability to recognize AMICS from the general AMI (AUC: 0.604). Logistic analyses showed that the TyG index was significantly correlated with in-hospital and ICU mortality. RCS analysis demonstrated a linear link between elevated TyG and increased risks regarding in-hospital and ICU mortality in the AMICS population. An increased mortality risk remains evident in PSM-, OW- and IPTW-adjusted populations with higher TyG index who have undergone CS. Correlation analyses demonstrated an apparent link between TyG index and APS score. Subgroup analyses presented a stable link between elevated TyG and mortality particularly in older age, females, those who are overweight or hypertensive, as well as those without diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated TyG index was related to the incidence of CS following AMI and higher mortality risks in the population with AMICS. Our findings pointed a previously undisclosed role of TyG index in regard to AMICS that still requires further validation.

Metabolic support for patients on extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of the review is to summarize recent research on metabolic support during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. In this review, we cover the evidence on nutritional supplementation, both the route of supplementation, timing of initiation of supplementation as well as quantities of supplementation needed. In addition, we discuss the recent trend in awake extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and its benefits to patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

As ECMO use continues to increase over the last few years, for both cardiovascular as well as respiratory failure, the need to optimize the metabolic states of patients has arisen. Increasing evidence has pointed towards this hitherto unexplored domain of patient care having a large impact on outcomes. Additionally, strategies such as awake ECMO for select patients has allowed them to preserve muscle mass which could aid in a faster recovery.

SUMMARY

There is a role of optimal metabolic support in the early recovery of patients on ECMO that is currently under-recognized. Future directions of research that aim to improve post ECMO outcomes must focus on this area.

Should Obesity Be an Exclusion Criterion for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support? A Scoping Review

Obesity is often considered a contraindication to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) candidacy due to technical challenges with vascular access, higher cardiac output requirements, and known associations between obesity and overall increased morbidity and mortality due to chronic health conditions. However, a growing body of literature suggests that ECMO may be as safe and efficacious in both obese and nonobese patients. This scoping review provides a synthesis of the available literature on the outcomes of obese patients supported with (1) venovenous (VV)-ECMO in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) not due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), (2) VV-ECMO in ARDS due to COVID-19, (3) venoarterial (VA)-ECMO for all indications, and (4) studies combining data of patients supported with VA- and VV-ECMO. A librarian-assisted search was performed using 4 primary electronic medical databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Excerpta Medica database [Embase], and Cochrane Library) from January 2003 to March 2023. Articles that reported outcomes of obese patients requiring ECMO support were included. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full text of articles to determine eligibility. Data extraction was performed using customized fields established a priori within a systematic review software system. A total of 354 publications were imported for screening on titles and abstracts, and 30 studies were selected for full-text review. A total of 26 publications met the inclusion criteria: 7 on VV-ECMO support in non-COVID-19 ARDS patients, 6 on ECMO in COVID-19 ARDS patients, 8 in patients supported with VA-ECMO, and 5 combining both VA- and VV-ECMO data. Although the included studies are limited to retrospective analyses and display a heterogeneity in definitions of obesity and comparison groups, the currently available literature suggests that outcomes and complications of ECMO therapy are equivalent in obese patients as compared to nonobese patients. Hence, obesity as measured by body mass index alone should not be considered an exclusion criterion in the decision to initiate ECMO.

Impella device in fulminant myocarditis: Japanese Registry for Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device (J-PVAD) registry analysis on outcomes and adverse events

AIMS

Given that fulminant myocarditis, characterized by unstable haemodynamics, is a significant clinical challenge and that traditional pharmacological treatments have limitations, evaluating alternatives such as the Impella device is a crucial focus of this study. Further, this study presents pioneering large-scale registry data on its use in managing fulminant myocarditis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data from the Japanese Registry for Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices (J-PVAD) were analysed to assess Impella's role in managing fulminant myocarditis from February 2020 to December 2021. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality for those treated with Impella. Of the 269 patients treated with Impella, 107 used Impella standalone, and 162 used ECPELLA (Impella combined with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). The average age was 54 years, with 42.8% females. Overall, 74.3% survived at 30 days. Specifically, the success rate was 68.5% for the ECPELLA group and 83.2% for the Impella standalone group. Cox regression highlighted that lower estimated glomerular filtration rate and pre-Impella systolic blood pressure increased adverse event risk, while Swan-Ganz catheterization use reduced it. Adverse events were noted in 48.7% of patients, such as bleeding (32.0%) and deteriorating renal function (8.6%).

CONCLUSION

Impella's use in fulminant myocarditis demonstrates encouraging short-term outcomes, albeit with significant adverse events. These findings align with previous mechanical circulatory support studies, emphasizing caution regarding haemorrhagic issues. Further studies are essential to enhance patient selection and treatment approaches.

Association of body mass index with 30-day all-cause mortality in cardiogenic shock

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

This study investigates the prognostic impact of body mass index (BMI) on the risk of 30-day all-cause mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS). Due to ongoing epidemiological developments, the characteristics of patients with cardiovascular disease are consistently changing. Especially increasing rates of obesity and associated comorbidities have been observed. However, data regarding the prognostic value of BMI in patients with CS remains inconclusive.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Consecutive patients with CS were included from 2019 to 2021. The prognostic value of BMI (i.e., BMI 18.5-<25; 25-30 and >30 kg/m2) was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox proportional regression analyses regarding the primary endpoint of 30-day all-cause mortality. Additional risk stratification was performed based on the presence or absence of CS related to acute myocardial infarction (AMI). 256 patients with a median BMI of 26.4 kg/m2 were included. The overall risk of 30-day all-cause mortality was 53.5%. Within the entire study cohort, BMI was not associated with the risk of 30-day all-cause mortality (log rank p ≥ 0.107). In contrast, BMI >30 kg/m2 was associated with higher risk of 30-day all-cause mortality when compared to BMI <25 kg/m2 in patients with AMI-CS (78% vs 47%; log rank p = 0.017), which was confirmed after multivariable adjustment (HR = 2.466; 95% CI 1.126-5.399; p = 0.024). However, BMI was not associated with mortality in patients with non-AMI-CS.

CONCLUSION

BMI >30 kg/m2 was associated with increased risk of 30-day all-cause mortality in patients with AMI-CS, but not in non-AMI-CS.

Obesity and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO): Analysis of Outcomes

Traditionally, patients with obesity have been deemed ineligible for extracorporeal life support (ELS) therapies such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), given the association of obesity with chronic health conditions that contribute to increased morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, a growing body of literature suggests the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of ECMO in the obese population. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the current literature assessing the effects of obesity on outcomes among patients supported with ECMO (venovenous [VV] ECMO in noncoronavirus disease 2019 and coronavirus disease 2019 acute respiratory distress syndrome, venoarterial [VA] ECMO, and combined VV and VA ECMO), offer a possible explanation of the current findings on the basis of the obesity paradox phenomenon, provides a framework for future studies addressing the use of ELS therapies in the obese patient population, and provides guidance from the literature for many of the challenges related to initiating, maintaining, and weaning ELS therapy in patients with obesity.

Risk factors for cardiogenic shock in thyroid storm: a retrospective and case-series study

Aim: Thyroid storm (TS) occurs in 10% of thyrotoxicosis patients and 1% of TS patients experience cardiogenic shock (CS), which is associated with poor prognosis. Methods: This is a single institution, retrospective study in which 56 patients with TS were evaluated. Results: BMI (p = 0.002), history of heart failure (OR 8.33 [1.91, 36.28]; p = 0.004), pro-BNP elevation (p = 0.04), chest x-ray showing interstitial edema (OR 3.33 [1.48, 7.52]; p = 0.01) and Burch-Wartofsky score (62.5 vs 40; p = 0.004) showed association with CS. CS patients had increased length of stay (16.5 vs 4 days; p = 0.01) and higher in-hospital mortality (OR 24.5 [2.90, 207.29]; p < 0.001). Conclusion: These risk factors are useful to risk stratify TS patients on admission, institute therapy in a timely manner and decrease mortality.

Body mass index and outcomes of patients with cardiogenic shock: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Cardiogenic shock continues to be a highly morbid complication that affects around 7%-10% of patients with acute myocardial infarction or heart failure. Similarly, obesity has become a worldwide epidemic.

AIM

To analyze the impact of higher body mass index (BMI) on outcomes of patients with cardiogenic shock.

METHODS

A systematic and comprehensive search was undertaken on the electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, CENTRAL, and Google Scholar for all types of studies comparing mortality outcomes of patients with cardiogenic shock based on BMI. All studies defined overweight or obese patients based on the World Health Organization BMI criteria. The data were then extracted and assessed on the basis of the Reference Citation Analysis (https://www.referencecitationanalysis.com/).

RESULTS

Five studies were included. On pooled analysis of multivariable-adjusted ratios, we noted a statistically significantly reduced risk of mortality in overweight/ obese vs normal patients (three studies; odds ratio [OR] = 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.85-0.98, I² = 85%). On meta-analysis, we noted that crude mortality rates did not significantly differ between overweight/obese and normal patients after cardiogenic shock (OR = 0.95, 95%CI: 0.79-1.15, I² = 99%). The results were not stable on sensitivity analysis and were associated with substantial heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence on the association between overweight/obesity and mortality after cardiogenic shock is scarce and conflicting. The obesity paradox might exist in patients with cardiogenic shock but could be confounded by the use of mechanical circulatory support. There is a need for further studies to clarify this relationship.

Effects and safety of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the treatment of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

There is a lack of large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that comprehensively evaluate the effects of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO)- assisted treatment of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) combined with Cardiogenic shock (CS). This meta-analysis aims to identify predictors of short-term mortality, and the incidence of various complications in patients with STEMI and CS treated with V-A ECMO.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and the Wanfang Database from 2008 to January 2022 for studies evaluating patients with STEMI and CS treated with V-A ECMO. Studies that reported on mortality in ≥ 10 adult (>18 years) patients were included. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used by two independent reviewers to assess methodological quality. Mantel-Haenszel models were used to pool the data for meta-analysis.

Results

Sixteen studies (1,162 patients) were included with a pooled mortality estimate of 50.9%. Age > 65 years, BMI > 25 kg/m², lactate > 8 mmol/L, anterior wall infarction, longer CPR time, and longer time from arrest to extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) were risk predictors of mortality. Achieving TIMI-3 flow after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was a protective factor of mortality. The prevalence of bleeding, cerebral infarction, leg ischemia, and renal failure were 22, 9.9, 7.4, and 49.4%, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study identified Age, BMI, lactate, anterior wall infarction, TIMI-3 flow after PCI, CPR time, and time from arrest to ECPR significantly influence mortality in STEMI patients with CS requiring V-A ECMO. These factors may help clinicians to detect patients with poor prognoses earlier and develop new mortality prediction models.

Impact of the Obesity Paradox Between Sexes on In-Hospital Mortality in Cardiogenic Shock: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

Several studies have shown that obesity is associated with better outcomes in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS). Although this phenomenon, the “obesity paradox,” reportedly manifests differently based on sex in other disease entities, it has not yet been investigated in patients with CS.

Methods and Results

A total of 1227 patients with CS from the RESCUE (Retrospective and Prospective Observational Study to Investigate Clinical Outcomes and Efficacy of Left Ventricular Assist Device for Korean Patients With Cardiogenic Shock) registry in Korea were analyzed. The study population was classified into obese and nonobese groups according to Asian Pacific criteria (BMI ≥25.0 kg/m² for obese). The clinical impact of obesity on in‐hospital mortality according to sex was analyzed using logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic spline curves. The in‐hospital mortality rate was significantly lower in obese men than nonobese men (34.2% versus 24.1%, respectively; P=0.004), while the difference was not significant in women (37.3% versus 35.8%, respectively; P=0.884). As a continuous variable, higher BMI showed a protective effect in men; conversely, BMI was not associated with clinical outcomes in women. Compared with patients with normal weight, obesity was associated with a decreased risk of in‐hospital death in men (multivariable‐adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.63; CI, 0.43–0.92 [P=0.016]), but not in women (multivariable‐adjusted OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.55–1.61 [P=0.828]). The interaction P value for the association between BMI and sex was 0.023.

Conclusions

The obesity paradox exists and apparently occurs in men among patients with CS. The differential effect of BMI on in‐hospital mortality was observed according to sex.

Registration

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02985008.

Trends in 10-Year Predicted Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Associated With Food Insecurity, 2007-2016

Introduction

Consumption of a healthy diet improves cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and reduces the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Food insecure (FIS) adults often consume an unhealthy diet, which can promote obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension (HTN), and hyperlipidemia (HLD). The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is designed to combat food insecurity by increasing access to healthy foods. However, there is a paucity of data on the association of SNAP participation among FIS adults and these CVD risk factors.

Methods

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is a publicly available, ongoing survey administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Center for Health Statistics. We analyzed five survey cycles (2007-2016) of adult participants who responded to the CVD risk profile questionnaire data. We estimated the burden of select CVD risk factors among the FIS population and the association with participation in SNAP.

Results

Among 10,449 adult participants of the survey, 3,485 (33.3%) identified themselves as FIS. Food insecurity was more common among those who were younger, female, Hispanic, and Black. Among the FIS, SNAP recipients, when compared to non-SNAP recipients, had a lower prevalence of HLD (36.3 vs. 40.1% p = 0.02), whereas rates of T2DM, HTN, and obesity were similar. Over the 10-year survey period, FIS SNAP recipients demonstrated a reduction in the prevalence of HTN (p < 0.001) and HLD (p < 0.001) which was not evident among those not receiving SNAP. However, obesity decreased only among those not receiving SNAP. The prevalence of T2DM did not change over the study period in either group.

Conclusion

Over a 10-year period, FIS adults who received SNAP demonstrated a reduction in the prevalence of HTN and HLD, which was not seen among those not receiving SNAP. However, the prevalence of obesity and T2DM did not decline among SNAP recipients, suggesting that additional approaches are required to impact these important CVD risk factors.