The Impact of Traction Methods on Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Efficacy for Gastric Neoplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric neoplasms can be challenging due to limited traction and visualization. The efficacy of traction-assisted endoscopic submucosal dissection (TA-ESD) continues to require additional validation. This study aims to explore the safety and efficiency of TA-ESD for early gastric neoplasms located at varying sites, in comparison with conventional endoscopic submucosal dissection (C-ESD).

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive literature search using databases up until August 2022. The outcome measures procedure time, en bloc resection rate, complete resection rate, procedure time, and procedure-related adverse event rate. We calculated pooled mean differences (MDs) and odds ratios (ORs) for these outcomes.

RESULTS

The mean procedure time was significantly shorter in the TA-ESD group compared to the C-ESD group (MD - 14.9, 95% CI - 21.78 to - 8.03, I2 = 83%, p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis revealed that mean procedure times for lesions on the greater curvature and upper/middle of the stomach were significantly shorter in the TA-ESD group - 19.2 min (95% CI - 27.75 to - 10.65, I2 = 12%, p < 0.0001) and - 7.35 min (95% CI - 35.4 to - 1.15, p = 0.04), respectively. The en bloc resection and complete resection rates were comparable between the two groups. The rate of perforation was significantly lower in the TA-ESD group than in the C-ESD group (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.15-0.85, p = 0.02, I2 = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the potential benefits of TA-ESD over C-ESD in treating patients with early-stage gastric tumors, highlighting its safety and efficacy. The findings indicate a significant reduction in procedure times at challenging stomach sites with TA-ESD in comparison to C-ESD.

Seasonal variation in the management and outcomes of cardiac arrest complicating acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

There are limited data on the influence of seasons on the outcomes of acute myocardial infarction-cardiac arrest (AMI-CA).

AIM

To evaluate the outcomes of AMI-CA by seasons in the United States.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Using the National Inpatient Sample from 2000 to 2017, adult (>18 years) admissions with AMI-CA were identified. Seasons were defined by the month of admission as spring, summer, fall and winter. The outcomes of interest were prevalence of AMI-CA, in-hospital mortality, use of coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), hospital length of stay, hospitalization costs and discharge disposition.

RESULTS

Of the 10 880 856 AMI admissions, 546 334 (5.0%) were complicated by CA, with a higher prevalence in fall and winter (5.1% each) compared to summer (5.0%) and spring (4.9%). Baseline characteristics of AMI-CA admissions admitted in various seasons were largely similar. Compared to AMI-CA admissions in spring, summer and fall, AMI-CA admissions in winter had slightly lower rates of coronary angiography (63.3-64.3% vs. 61.4%) and PCI (47.2-48.4% vs. 45.6%). Compared to those admitted in the spring, adjusted in-hospital mortality was higher for winter {46.8% vs. 44.2%; odds ratio (OR) 1.08 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-1.10]; P < 0.001}, lower for summer [43% vs. 44.2%; OR 0.97 (95% CI 0.95-0.98); P < 0.001] and comparable for fall [44.4% vs. 44.2%; OR 1.01 (95% CI 0.99-1.03); P = 0.31] AMI-CA admissions. Length of hospital stay, total hospitalization charges and discharge dispositions for AMI-CA admissions were comparable across the seasons.

CONCLUSIONS

AMI-CA admissions in the winter were associated with lower rates of coronary angiography and PCI, and higher rates of in-hospital mortality compared to the other seasons.

Distinct phenotypes of hospitalized patients with hyperkalemia by machine learning consensus clustering and associated mortality risks

BACKGROUND

Hospitalized patients with hyperkalemia are heterogeneous, and cluster approaches may identify specific homogenous groups. This study aimed to cluster patients with hyperkalemia on admission using unsupervised machine learning (ML) consensus clustering approach, and to compare characteristics and outcomes among these distinct clusters.

METHODS

Consensus cluster analysis was performed in 5133 hospitalized adult patients with admission hyperkalemia, based on available clinical and laboratory data. The standardized mean difference was used to identify each cluster's key clinical features. The association of hyperkalemia clusters with hospital and 1-year mortality was assessed using logistic and Cox proportional hazard regression.

RESULTS

Three distinct clusters of hyperkalemia patients were identified using consensus cluster analysis: 1661 (32%) in cluster 1, 2455 (48%) in cluster 2 and 1017 (20%) in cluster 3. Cluster 1 was mainly characterized by older age, higher serum chloride and acute kidney injury (AKI), but lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum bicarbonate and hemoglobin. Cluster 2 was mainly characterized by higher eGFR, serum bicarbonate and hemoglobin, but lower comorbidity burden, serum potassium and AKI. Cluster 3 was mainly characterized by higher comorbidity burden, particularly diabetes and end-stage kidney disease, AKI, serum potassium, anion gap, but lower eGFR, serum sodium, chloride and bicarbonate. Hospital and 1-year mortality risk was significantly different among the three identified clusters, with highest mortality in cluster 3, followed by cluster 1 and then cluster 2.

CONCLUSION

In a heterogeneous cohort of hyperkalemia patients, three distinct clusters were identified using unsupervised ML. These three clusters had different clinical characteristics and outcomes.

Prevalence and Outcomes of Bicuspid Aortic Valve in Patients With Aneurysmal Sub-Arachnoid Hemorrhage: A Prospective Neurology Registry Report

Background Intracranial aneurysms are reported in 6%-10% of patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), and routine intracranial aneurysm surveillance has been advocated by some. We assessed the prevalence and features of the most important patient-outcome: aneurysmal sub-arachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), as compared with controls without aSAH, and tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) with aSAH. Methods and Results Adult patients with accurate diagnosis of aSAH and at least one echocardiogram between 2000 and 2019 were identified from a consecutive prospectively maintained registry of aSAH admissions. Controls without a diagnosis of SAH were age- and sex-matched. BAV prevalence was confirmed echocardiographically. Severity of aSAH was categorized using modified Fisher and World Federation of Neurological Scale. Neurologic outcome was assessed using modified Rankin score. A total 488 aSAH cases and 990 controls were identified and BAV status was confirmed. Prevalence of BAV in patients with aSAH was 1.2% (6/488) versus 3.5% (35/990) in controls, P=0.01. BAV+aSAH were noted to be younger than TAV+aSAH (56±11 versus 68±14; P=0.03) with smaller aneurysms (5±2 versus 7±4; P=0.31). The severity of aSAH was lesser in BAV+aSAH than TAV (modified Fisher grade>2 50% versus 74%; P=0.19, World Federation of Neurological Scale grade>3 17% versus 36%; P=0.43). BAV+aSAH had less severe neurologic disability (modified Rankin score 3%-6 33% versus 49% in TAV; P=0.44) and comparable in-hospital mortality rates (P=0.93). BAV had lower odds for aSAH on multivariate analysis (odds ratio 0.23[CI 0.08-0.65]; P=0.01). Conclusions Prevalence of BAV was 3 times lower in the aSAH registry than in controls without aSAH. BAV+aSAH had clinically smaller aneurysms, clinically smaller bleeds, and better neurologic outcome as compared with TAV+aSAH, which needs to be confirmed in larger studies. These findings argue against routine surveillance for intracranial aneurysms in patients with BAV without aortic coarctation.

Prevalence of bicuspid aortic valve in patients with aneurysmal sub-arachnoid hemorrhage: neurologic features and outcomes

Background

Intracranial aneurysm (IA) has been associated with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) with prevalence of 6–10% which has led some to recommend routine surveillance for IA in BAV patients. Higher incidence of IA in BAV could signal towards systemic arteriopathy beyond the thoracic aorta. With CoA as an independent risk factor for IA formation, it is currently uncertain if the association between IA and BAV reflects the association of BAV and CoA, or the result of BAV-related systemic arterial changes.

Purpose

Despite this association, 2 small studies suggest no increased risk of the most important patient outcome: aneurysmal sub-arachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Our primary aim was identifying the prevalence of BAV in aSAH patients and compare it with that of a control group without aSAH. Secondary aims included neurologic outcomes of aSAH and anatomical characteristics of IA in BAV, and final disposition and outcome.

Methods

Patients (&gt;18 years age) with an accurate diagnosis of aSAH and at least one echocardiogram in the system between January 2000-December 2019 were identified from a prospectively maintained registry of aSAH admissions. Controls, without a diagnosis of SAH ever, were age- and gender-matched (1:2 cases:controls). BAV prevalence was echocardiographically-confirmed in all patients. Severity of aSAH was categorized using the modified Fisher (mFisher) and the World Federation of Neurological Scale (WFNS).

Results

A total of 488 aSAH cases and 990 controls were included in the final analysis with confirmed aortic valve status. The prevalence of BAV in aSAH patients was 1.2% (6/488) vs 3.5% (35/990) in controls, p=0.01. None of the aSAH cases were noted to have CoA, whereas 3 (0.3%; p=0.12) control patients had presence of both BAV and CoA. Within aSAH patients, BAV+aSAH were noted to be younger than tricuspid aortic valve (TAV)+aSAH (56±11 vs 68±14; p=0.03). Aneurysm size was smaller in the BAV+aSAH group (5±2 vs 7±4 in TAV+aSAH; p=0.31). The severity of the bleed was lesser in BAV+aSAH than TAV+aSAH (mFisher grade &gt;2 50% vs 74%; p=0.19, WFNS grade &gt;3 17% vs 36%; p=0.43) which is clinically significant. The BAV+aSAH group had higher disposition rate to home (67% vs 39%; p=0.21) with no difference in in-hospital mortality rates (17% vs 18%; p=0.93). BAV had lower odds on univariate and multivariate analyses adjusted for age/sex/body mass index (OR 0.33 [CI 0.14–0.81]; p=0.01, OR 0.23 [CI 0.08–0.65]; p=0.01) of presenting with aSAH.

Conclusion

Within a large prospective registry with accurate aSAH diagnoses, we found 3-times lower prevalence of echocardiographically-confirmed BAV as compared to non-aSAH controls. We observed 3-times higher prevalence of BAV in controls than among aSAH cases. In addition, size of intracranial aneurysms was clinically smaller in BAV patients, and the severity of SAH was significantly lesser in BAV from a clinical standpoint. Our findings argue against routine surveillance for IA in BAV patients without CoA.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Anomalous coronary artery origin from the opposite sinus in patients with bicuspid aortic valve: comparison with tricuspid aortic valve

Objective

To compare the prevalence and patterns of anomalous coronary artery origin from the opposite sinus (ACAOS) in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and tricuspid aortic valve (TAV).

Methods

Retrospective review of consecutive patients with surgically excised BAV and TAV was performed from 1994 to 2015. Clinical notes, echocardiograms, coronary angiograms, CT angiographies, and pathology reports were reviewed. ACAOS included right coronary artery from the left cusp, left circumflex artery from the right cusp and left main or left anterior descending artery from the right cusp.

Results

2371 (years 1994–2015) and 1679 (years 2009–2015) consecutive patients with pathology-confirmed BAV and TAV, respectively, and defined preoperative coronary anatomy were identified. A left dominant coronary circulation was present in 386 (18%) patients with BAV and 179 (11%) patients with TAV (p<0.001). ACAOS was identified in 43 (1.8%) patients with BAV and 15 (0.9%) patients with TAV, p=0.02. Among patients with BAV and ACAOS, the most common phenotype was right-left fusion (n=34, 79%) with present raphe (n=36, 84%), with no association between BAV phenotype and ACAOS type. On multivariate analysis, BAV status and size of the mid-ascending aorta were independently associated with ACAOS (OR 3.29; CI 1.26 to 8.6; p=0.02; OR 0.93; CI 0.87 to 0.98; p=0.01; respectively). Only two patients with ACAOS, one with BAV and one with TAV, had a perioperative coronary ischaemic event.

Conclusions

The prevalence of the potentially malignant ACAOS is significantly higher (threefold higher odds) in patients with BAV as compared with TAV, yet remains uncommon in absolute terms. Most patients with BAV and ACAOS had right-left cusp fusion and present raphe. Perioperative coronary events are rare in patients with ACAOS.

Gastrointestinal bleeding among hospitalizations for salicylate poisoning in the United States

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the incidence, as well as evaluate risk factors, and impact of gastrointestinal bleeding on outcomes and resource use in patients admitted for salicylate poisoning.

METHODS

We used the National Inpatient Sample to construct a cohort of patients hospitalized primarily for salicylate poisoning from 2003 to 2014. We compared clinical characteristics, in-hospital treatments, outcomes and resource use between salicylate poisoning patients with and without gastrointestinal bleeding.

RESULTS

Of 13 805 hospital admissions for salicylate poisoning, gastrointestinal bleeding occurred in 482 (3.5%) admissions. The risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding included older age, history of atrial fibrillation and cirrhosis. After adjusting for difference in baseline characteristics, patients with gastrointestinal bleeding required more gastric lavage, gastrointestinal endoscopy, invasive mechanical ventilation and red blood cell transfusion. Gastrointestinal bleeding was significantly associated with increased risk of anemia, circulatory, liver and hematological failure but was not significantly associated with increased in-hospital mortality. The length of hospital stay and hospitalization cost was significantly higher in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding.

CONCLUSION

Gastrointestinal bleeding occurred in about 4% of patients admitted for salicylate poisoning. Gastrointestinal bleeding was associated with higher morbidity and resource use but not mortality.

Initial diastolic dysfunction is a powerful predictor of 5-year mortality in peripheral arterial disease patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal angioplasty

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and heart failure share common risks and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, it is unknown whether cardiac function can be an independent predictor of long-term mortality in patients with PAD. In total, 902 patients who underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for PAD were enrolled. The patients were categorized into three groups according to the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF): reduced EF (< 40%, n = 62); mid-range EF (40-49%, n = 76); and preserved EF (≥ 50%, n = 764). Echocardiographic (EF, ratio of mitral inflow velocity to annular velocity E/e' ≥ 15, and others) and clinical parameters were tested using stepwise logistic regression analysis to determine independent predictors of 5-year mortality. A higher proportion of patients with reduced EF had ischemic heart disease than those with preserved EF (77.4% vs. 56.8%, p < 0.001). Up to 5 years, patients with reduced EF and mid-range EF showed a higher incidence of total death than those with normal EF. However, there was no difference in the incidence of myocardial infarction, stroke, and revascularization among the three groups. After multivariable adjustment, the ratio of E/e' ≥ 15 was the only strong predictor of total mortality (hazard ratio 6.14; 95% confidence interval 3.7-10.1; p < 0.01). Patients with PAD and reduced EF undergoing PTA had a higher incidence of total death during the 5-year follow-up. Initial tissue Doppler E/e' ≥ 15, a non-invasive estimate of left atrial filling pressure, was the only independent predictor of long-term mortality. The relationship between PAD and HF.

Frequency of intracranial aneurysms and sub-arachnoid hemorrhage is significantly lesser in bicuspid aortic valve than aortic coarctation

BACKGROUND

Bicuspid aortic valve(BAV) is common. Some studies suggest that all BAV patients require screening for intracranial aneurysm(IA) in order to prevent sub-arachnoid hemorrhage(SAH). Aortic coarctation(CoA) carries high-risk of both IA and SAH. Using a nationally-representative population, we assessed the frequency of IA and SAH in admissions with BAV-without-CoA versus admissions with CoA(with or without BAV).

METHODS

Between 2000 and 2016, adult admissions with a primary/secondary diagnosis of BAV and/or CoA were identified using the National Inpatient Sample. Admissions with traumatic SAH and inter-hospital transfers were excluded. Outcomes were frequency of IA and SAH, and in-hospital mortality in BAV-without-CoA versus CoA.

RESULTS

In this 17-year period, 254,675 admissions met inclusion criteria and 236,930(93.0%) had BAV-without-CoA. BAV-with-CoA was present in 2846(1.1%) and isolated-CoA in 14,899(5.9%), for a total of 17,745(7%) with CoA. IA was noted in 405 admissions(0.2%) overall, BAV-without-CoA versus CoA having 293(0.1%) versus 112(0.6%), p < 0.001. SAH was noted in 910 admissions(0.4%) overall, with BAV-without-CoA versus CoA having 760(0.3%) versus 150(0.9%), p < 0.001.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, BAV-without-CoA admissions had 0.1%(6-times lower than CoA) and 0.3%(3-times lower that CoA) IA and SAH, respectively, which is comparable to the general population. This suggests that BAV-without-CoA patients likely do not require routine surveillance for IA.

Sex and Gender Disparities in the Management and Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction-Cardiogenic Shock in Older Adults

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate outcomes by sex in older adults with cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI-CS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort of older (≥75 years) AMI-CS admissions during January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2014, was identified using the National Inpatient Sample. Interhospital transfers were excluded. Use of angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), mechanical circulatory support (MCS), and noncardiac interventions was identified. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality stratified by sex, and secondary outcomes included temporal trends of prevalence, in-hospital mortality, use of cardiac and noncardiac interventions, hospitalization costs, and length of stay.

RESULTS

In this 15-year period, there were 134,501 AMI-CS admissions 75 years or older, of whom 51.5% (n=69,220) were women. Women were on average older, were more often Hispanic or nonwhite race, and had lower comorbidity, acute organ failure, and concomitant cardiac arrest. Compared with older men (n=65,281), older women (n=69,220) had lower use of coronary angiography (55.4% [n=35,905] vs 49.2% [n=33,918]), PCI (36.3% [n=23,501] vs 34.4% [n=23,535]), MCS (34.3% [n=22,391] vs 27.2% [n=18,689]), mechanical ventilation, and hemodialysis (all P<.001). Female sex was an independent predictor of higher in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.08; P<.001) and more frequent discharges to a skilled nursing facility. In subgroup analyses of ethnicity, presence of cardiac arrest, and those receiving PCI and MCS, female sex remained an independent predictor of increased mortality.

CONCLUSION

Female sex is an independent predictor of worse in-hospital outcomes in older adults with AMI-CS in the United States.

Epidemiology of in-hospital cardiac arrest complicating non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction receiving early coronary angiography

In the period between 2000 and 2014, 584,704 admissions with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction that received early coronary angiography (day zero) were identified from the National Inpatient Sample. In-hospital cardiac arrest was noted in 4349 (0.8%), of which ~47% were from ventricular arrhythmias and ~90% of occurred within ≤4 days. Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction admissions with in-hospital cardiac arrest had higher in-hospital mortality compared to those without (61% vs. 1.6%) with an unchanged temporal trend of in-hospital cardiac arrest rates (adjusted odds ratio 1.29 [95% confidence interval 0.73-2.28]) in 2014 compared to 2000).

Pulmonary artery catheter use in acute myocardial infarction-cardiogenic shock

Aims

The aim of this study is to evaluate the contemporary use of a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) in acute myocardial infarction‐cardiogenic shock (AMI‐CS).

Methods and results

A retrospective cohort of AMI‐CS admissions using the National Inpatient Sample (2000–2014) was identified. Admissions with concomitant cardiac surgery or non‐AMI aetiology for cardiogenic shock were excluded. The outcomes of interest were in‐hospital mortality, resource utilization, and temporal trends in cohorts with and without PAC use. In the non‐PAC cohort, the use and outcomes of right heart catheterization was evaluated. Multivariable regression and propensity matching was used to adjust for confounding. During 2000–2014, 364 001 admissions with AMI‐CS were included. PAC was used in 8.1% with a 75% decrease during over the study period (13.9% to 5.4%). Greater proportion of admissions to urban teaching hospitals received PACs (9.5%) compared with urban non‐teaching (7.1%) and rural hospitals (5.4%); P < 0.001. Younger age, male sex, white race, higher comorbidity, noncardiac organ failure, use of mechanical circulatory support, and noncardiac support were independent predictors of PAC use. The PAC cohort had higher in‐hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio 1.07 [95% confidence interval 1.04–1.10]), longer length of stay (10.9 ± 10.9 vs. 8.2 ± 9.3 days), higher hospitalization costs ($128 247 ± 138 181 vs. $96 509 ± 116 060), and lesser discharges to home (36.3% vs. 46.4%) (all P < 0.001). In 6200 propensity‐matched pairs, in‐hospital mortality was comparable between the two cohorts (odds ratio 1.01 [95% confidence interval 0.94–1.08]). Right heart catheterization was used in 12.5% of non‐PAC admissions and was a marker of greater severity but did not indicate worse outcomes.

Conclusions

In AMI‐CS, there was a 75% decrease in PAC use between 2000 and 2014. Admissions receiving a PAC were a higher risk cohort with worse clinical outcomes.

Natriuretic Peptides to Predict Short-Term Mortality in Patients With Sepsis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Data are conflicting regarding the optimal cutoffs of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) to predict short-term mortality in patients with sepsis. We conducted a comprehensive search of several databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus) for English-language reports of studies evaluating adult patients with sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock with BNP/NT-proBNP levels and short-term mortality (intensive care unit, in-hospital, 28-day, or 30-day) published from January 1, 2000, to September 5, 2017. The average values in survivors and nonsurvivors were used to estimate the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) using a parametric regression model. Thirty-five observational studies (3508 patients) were included (median age, 51-75 years; 12%-74% males; cumulative mortality, 34.2%). A BNP of 622 pg/mL had the greatest discrimination for mortality (sensitivity, 0.695 [95% CI, 0.659-0.729]; specificity, 0.907 [95% CI, 0.810-1.003]; area under the ROC, 0.766 [95% CI, 0.734-0.797]). An NT-proBNP of 4000 pg/mL had the greatest discrimination for mortality (sensitivity, 0.728 [95% CI, 0.703-0.753]; specificity, 0.789 [95% CI, 0.710-0.867]; area under the ROC, 0.787 [95% CI, 0.766-0.809]). In prespecified subgroup analyses, identified BNP/NT-proBNP cutoffs had higher discrimination if specimens were obtained 24 hours or less after admission, in patients with severe sepsis/septic shock, in patients enrolled after 2010, and in studies performed in the United States and Europe. There was inconsistent adjustment for renal function. In this hypothesis-generating analysis, BNP and NT-proBNP cutoffs of 622 pg/mL and 4000 pg/mL optimally predicted short-term mortality in patients with sepsis. The applicability of these results is limited by the heterogeneity of included patient populations.

Complications of Temporary Percutaneous Mechanical Circulatory Support for Cardiogenic Shock: An Appraisal of Contemporary Literature

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is associated with hemodynamic compromise and end-organ hypoperfusion due to a primary cardiac etiology. In addition to vasoactive medications, percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices offer the ability to support the hemodynamics and prevent acute organ failure. Despite the wide array of available MCS devices for CS, there are limited data on the complications from these devices. In this review, we seek to summarize the complications of MCS devices in the contemporary era. Using a systems-based approach, this review covers domains of hematological, neurological, vascular, infectious, mechanical, and miscellaneous complications. These data are intended to provide a balanced narrative and aid in risk-benefit decision-making in this acutely ill population.

Temporal trends, predictors, and outcomes of acute kidney injury and hemodialysis use in acute myocardial infarction-related cardiogenic shock

Background

There are limited data on acute kidney injury (AKI) complicating acute myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS). This study sought to evaluate 15-year national prevalence, temporal trends and outcomes of AKI with no need for hemodialysis (AKI-ND) and requiring hemodialysis (AKI-D) following AMI-CS.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study from 2000–2014 from the National Inpatient Sample (20% stratified sample of all community hospitals in the United States). Adult patients (>18 years) admitted with a primary diagnosis of AMI and secondary diagnosis of CS were included. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality in cohorts with no AKI, AKI-ND, and AKI-D. Secondary outcomes included predictors, resource utilization and disposition.

Results

During this 15-year period, 440,257 admissions for AMI-CS were included, with AKI in 155,610 (35.3%) and hemodialysis use in 14,950 (3.4%). Older age, black race, non-private insurance, higher comorbidity, organ failure, and use of cardiac and non-cardiac organ support were associated with the AKI development and hemodialysis use. There was a 2.6-fold higher adjusted risk of developing AKI in 2014 compared to 2000. Presence of AKI-ND and AKI-D was associated with a 1.3 and 1.7-fold higher adjusted risk of mortality. Compared to the cohort without AKI, AKI-ND and AKI-D were associated with longer length of stay (9±10, 12±13, and 18±19 days respectively; p<0.001) and higher hospitalization costs ($101,859±116,204, $159,804±190,766, and $265,875 ± 254,919 respectively; p<0.001).

Conclusion

AKI-ND and AKI-D are associated with higher in-hospital mortality and resource utilization in AMI-CS.

Acute respiratory failure and mechanical ventilation in cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction in the USA, 2000-2014

Background

There are limited epidemiological data on acute respiratory failure (ARF) in cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI-CS). This study sought to evaluate the prevalence and outcomes of ARF in AMI-CS.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of AMI-CS admissions during 2000–2014 from the National Inpatient Sample. Administrative codes for ARF and mechanical ventilation (MV) were used to define the cohorts of no ARF, ARF without MV and ARF with MV. Admissions with a secondary diagnosis of AMI and with chronic MV were excluded. Outcomes of interest included in-hospital mortality, temporal trends of ARF prevalence and resource utilization.

Measurements and main results

During 2000–2014, 439,436 admissions for AMI-CS met the inclusion criteria. ARF and MV were noted in 57% and 43%, respectively. Admissions with non-ST-elevation AMI-CS, of non-White race and with non-private insurance received MV more frequently. Noninvasive ventilation and invasive MV increased from 0.4% and 39.2% (2000) to 3.6% and 46.4% (2014), respectively (p < 0.001). Coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention were used less frequently in admissions receiving ARF with MV. Compared to admissions with no ARF, ARF without MV (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.56 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.53–1.59]; p < 0.001) and ARF with MV (aOR 2.50 [95% CI 2.47–2.54]; p < 0.001) were associated with higher in-hospital mortality. Admissions with ARF without MV had greater resource utilization and lesser discharges to home as compared to no ARF.

Conclusions

In this contemporary AMI-CS cohort, the presence of ARF and MV use was noted in 57% and 43%, respectively, and was associated with higher in-hospital mortality.

Concomitant Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Use in Cardiogenic Shock Requiring Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

BACKGROUND

There are contrasting reports on the effectiveness of a concomitant intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in cardiogenic shock patients treated with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). This study sought to compare short-term mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock treated with VA-ECMO with and without IABP.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We reviewed the published literature from 2000 to 2018 for studies evaluating adult patients requiring VA-ECMO for cardiogenic shock with concomitant IABP. Studies reporting short-term mortality were included. Meta-analysis of the association of IABP with mortality was performed using Mantel-Haenszel models. Subgroup analyses were performed in patients with cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock. Twenty-two observational studies with 4653 patients were included. These studies showed high heterogeneity for the total and postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock cohorts and low heterogeneity for the AMI cohort. Short-term mortality was not significantly different in patients with and without IABP 42.1% versus 57.8%; risk ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.52-1.22; P=0.30. However, concomitant IABP with VA-ECMO was associated with lower mortality in patients with AMI (50.8% versus 62.4%; risk ratio, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.46-0.67; P<0.001). There was no difference in mortality in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock and mixed causes for cardiogenic shock.

CONCLUSIONS

In cardiogenic shock patients requiring VA-ECMO support, the use of IABP did not influence mortality in the total cohort. In patients with AMI, use of IABP with VA-ECMO was associated with 18.5% lower mortality in comparison to patients on VA-ECMO alone. Further randomized studies are warranted to corroborate these observational data.

Sex disparities in acute kidney injury complicating acute myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock

Aims

To evaluate sex‐specific disparities in acute kidney injury (AKI) complicating acute myocardial infarction‐related cardiogenic shock (AMI‐CS) in the United States.

Methods and results

This was a retrospective cohort study from 2000 to 2014 from the National Inpatient Sample (20% sample of all hospitals in the United States). Patients >18 years admitted with a primary diagnosis of AMI and concomitant CS that developed AKI were included. The endpoints of interest were the prevalence, trends, and outcomes of men and women with AKI in AMI‐CS. Multivariable hierarchical logistic regression was used to control for confounding, and a two‐sided P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. During this 15 year period, 440 257 admissions with AMI‐CS met the inclusion criteria, with AKI noted in 155 610 (35.3%). Women constituted 36.3% of the cohort and were older, of non‐White race, and with higher co‐morbidity compared with men. Women with AKI less often received coronary angiography (59% vs. 66%), percutaneous coronary intervention (39% vs. 43%), mechanical circulatory support (39% vs. 48%), mechanical ventilation (49% vs. 54%), and haemodialysis (9% vs. 10%) compared with men (all P < 0.001). Adjusted in‐hospital mortality was higher in women—odds ratio 1.16 (95% confidence interval 1.14–1.19); P < 0.001—compared with men. Women had shorter lengths of stay (12 ± 14 vs. 13 ± 14 days), lower hospital costs ($150 071 ± 180 796 vs. $181 260 ± 209 674), and were less often discharged to home (19% vs. 31%) (all P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Women with AKI in AMI‐CS received fewer cardiac and non‐cardiac interventions, had higher in‐hospital mortality, and were less often discharged to home compared with men.

Periprocedural Cardiopulmonary Bypass or Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

There are limited data on the use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) or cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to provide hemodynamic support periprocedurally during transcatheter aortic valve replacement. This study sought to evaluate patients receiving transcatheter aortic valve replacement with concomitant use of CPB/VA-ECMO.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We systematically reviewed the published literature from 2000 to 2018 for studies evaluating adult patients requiring CPB/VA-ECMO periprocedurally during transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Studies reporting short-term and long-term mortality were included. Given the significant methodological and statistical differences between published studies, meta-analysis of the association of CPB/VA-ECMO with mortality was not performed. Of the 537 studies identified, 9 studies representing 5191 patients met our inclusion criteria. Median ages were between 75 and 87 years with 33% to 75% male patients. Where reported, the Edwards SAPIEN™ transcatheter heart valve was the most frequently used. A total of 203 (3.9%) patients received periprocedural hemodynamic support with CPB/VA-ECMO. Common indications for CPB/VA-ECMO included left ventricular or aortic annular rupture, rapid hemodynamic deterioration, aortic regurgitation, cardiac arrest, and left main coronary artery obstruction. The use of CPB/VA-ECMO was predominantly an emergent strategy and was used for durations of 1 to 2 hours. Short-term mortality (in-hospital and 30-day) was 29.8%, and 1-year mortality was 52.4%. Major complications such as bleeding, vascular injury, tamponade, stroke, and renal failure were noted in 10% to 50% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

CPB/VA-ECMO was used in 4% in the early experience of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement, most commonly for periprocedural complications. There are limited data on preprocedural planned use of VA-ECMO, and the characteristics of this population remain poorly defined.

Basic and advanced echocardiographic evaluation of myocardial dysfunction in sepsis and septic shock

Sepsis continues to be a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the intensive care unit. Cardiovascular dysfunction in sepsis is associated with worse short- and long-term outcomes. Sepsis-related myocardial dysfunction is noted in 20%-65% of these patients and manifests as isolated or combined left or right ventricular systolic or diastolic dysfunction. Echocardiography is the most commonly used modality for the diagnosis of sepsis-related myocardial dysfunction. With the increasing use of ultrasonography in the intensive care unit, there is a renewed interest in sepsis-related myocardial dysfunction. This review summarises the current scope of literature focused on sepsis-related myocardial dysfunction and highlights the use of basic and advanced echocardiographic techniques for the diagnosis of sepsis-related myocardial dysfunction and the management of sepsis and septic shock.

Use of corticosteroids in acute respiratory distress syndrome: Perspective from an Indian intensive care unit

BACKGROUND

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) causes overwhelming inflammation, which serves as a potential target for corticosteroids. Despite extensive Western literature, there are no Indian studies evaluating steroids in ARDS.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study at an Indian intensive care unit (ICU) on ARDS patients. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and imaging parameters were collected. Patients were divided into cohorts based on steroid use, and some received high-dose (2 mg/kg/day), whereas others received low-dose (1 mg/kg/day) steroids. Primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and secondary outcomes included need for and duration of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), IMV-free days, ICU length of stay (LOS), and total LOS. Two-tailed p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

During the 20-month period, 95 patients [median age 37 (30-47) years; 48 (50.5%) males] met our inclusion criteria. Steroid use was noted in 48 (50.5%) patients [11 (22.9%) low-dose and 37 (77.1%) high-dose]. Baseline characteristics of the cohorts, including ARDS severity indices, were comparable. Of these 95 patients, 70 (73.7%) had sepsis, but microbiological diagnosis was positive only in 17 (17.9%) patients. Steroid use did not significantly influence mortality [odds ratio (OR) 0.6 (0.3-1.4)] or need for IMV [OR 1.0 (0.4-2.6)]. There were no differences in outcomes of IMV-free days, ICU LOS, or total LOS. These outcomes were comparable between the high-dose and low-dose steroid users.

CONCLUSIONS

Steroid use and comparison of low-dose vs. high-dose steroids did not influence outcomes associated with ARDS in the Indian population.

Development of vascular complications and bladder carcinoma in diabetics using pioglitazone: A five-year Indian review

BACKGROUND

Pioglitazone has better cardiovascular outcomes and a questionable relationship with bladder carcinoma in diabetes mellitus, type II (DM-2). We sought to evaluate the role of pioglitazone in the Indian population.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study at an academic medical center in India. All DM-2 patients in 2008 with a new prescription of pioglitazone were age- and gender-matched with non-users. We excluded patients with gestational DM or DM type I. They were followed forward for five years and demographic data, micro- and macro-vascular complications, mortality, and bladder carcinoma were recorded. Two-tailed p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Two cohorts of 260 patients, with mean age of 58 ± 11 years with 413 (79.4%) males, were followed for five years. Pioglitazone users had higher hypertension, obesity, DM-2 family history (all p < 0.003), and use of insulin and oral hypoglycemics (all p < 0.0001) in comparison to non-users. HbA1c was not different between groups. Over five years, pioglitazone users had lesser retinopathy and myocardial infarctions (all p < 0.01). Five cases of bladder carcinoma were noted, all in the pioglitazone group, however without statistical significance. Baseline variables, including mean daily pioglitazone dose, were not statistically different between patients with and without bladder carcinoma. Nephropathy and MI were independent predictors for development of bladder carcinoma within pioglitazone users.

CONCLUSIONS

Pioglitazone users had significantly lesser myocardial infarctions and retinopathy despite more difficult to control DM 2. In an age- and gender-matched cohort of users and non-users, pioglitazone did not contribute to development of bladder cancer in the Indian population.

Association of hyponatremia with in-hospital outcomes in infective endocarditis: A 5-year review from an Indian Intensive Care Unit

Hyponatremia is commonly noted with cardiovascular disorders, but its role in infective endocarditis (IE) is limited to being a marker of increased morbidity in IE patients with intravenous drug use. This was a 5-year retrospective review from an Indian Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Patients >18 years with IE and available serum sodium levels were included in the study. Pediatric and pregnant patients were excluded from the study. Hyponatremia was defined as admission sodium <135 mmol/L. Detailed data were abstracted from the medical records. Primary outcomes were need for invasive mechanical ventilation, ICU length of stay, and in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included development of acute kidney injury, acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), acute respiratory distress syndrome, stroke, and severe sepsis in the ICU. Two-tailed P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Between January 2010 and December 2014, 96 patients with IE were admitted to the ICU with 85 (88.5%) (median age 46 [34.5-55] years, 51 [60.0%] males) meeting our inclusion criteria. The comorbidities, echocardiographic, and microbiological characteristics were comparable between patients with hyponatremia (56; 65.9%) and eunatremia (29; 34.1%). Median sodium in the hyponatremic cohort was 131 mmol/L (127.25-133) compared to the eunatremic cohort 137 mmol/L (135-139) (P < 0.001). The primary outcomes were not different between the two groups. Hyponatremia was associated more commonly with ADHF (12 [21.4%] vs. 0; P = 0.007) during the ICU stay. Hyponatremia is commonly seen in IE patients and is not associated with worse hospital outcomes. ADHF was seen more commonly in the hyponatremic patients in comparison to those with eunatremia.