Incidence of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy after Coronary Procedures in the United Arab Emirates: A Single-Center Study.

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing coronary procedures. The reported incidence of CIN ranges from ~3% to 30%. The profile of patients undergoing coronary procedures in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) differs from those included in published reports of CIN, and the incidence of CIN after coronary procedures in the UAE remains unknown. We conducted a retrospective analysis of all adult patients who underwent coronary procedures at a large tertiary care facility in the UAE in 2013-2014. Patients on dialysis or missing creatinine values were excluded. CIN was defined as an increase of creatinine of ≥44 µmol/L within 48-72 h after coronary procedures. Most patients (84.8%) underwent coronary procedures for urgent/emergent indications. The incidence of CIN was 44 out of 1010 (4.35%), with 17 out of 44 (38%) of CIN patients requiring dialysis. After adjusting for baseline differences, older patients, use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and oxygen use during the procedure were associated with a 20.6% increased risk of development of CIN. The risk of in-hospital mortality was significantly higher in the CIN group (29.5% vs. 1.8%).

Management strategies and clinical outcomes of acute myocardial infarction in leukaemia patients: Nationwide insights from United States hospitalisations.

BACKGROUND: Patients with leukaemia are at increased risk of cardiovascular events. There are limited outcomes data for patients with a history of leukaemia who present with an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: We queried the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2004-2014) for patients with a primary discharge diagnosis of AMI, and a concomitant diagnosis of leukaemia, and further stratified according to the subtype of leukaemia. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify the association between leukaemia and major acute cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE; composite of mortality, stroke and cardiac complications) and bleeding. RESULTS: Out of 6 750 878 AMI admissions, a total of 21 694 patients had a leukaemia diagnosis. The leukaemia group experienced higher rates of MACCE (11.8% vs 7.8%), mortality (10.3% vs 5.8%) and bleeding (5.6% vs 5.3%). Following adjustments, leukaemia was independently associated with increased odds of MACCE (OR 1.26 [1.20, 1.31]) and mortality (OR 1.43 [1.37, 1.50]) without an increased risk of bleeding (OR 0.86 [0.81, 0.92]). Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) was associated with approximately threefold risk of MACCE (OR 2.81 [2.51, 3.13]) and a fourfold risk of mortality (OR 3.75 [3.34, 4.22]). Patients with leukaemia were less likely to undergo coronary angiography (CA) (48.5% vs 64.5%) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (28.2% vs 42.9%) compared with those without leukaemia. CONCLUSION: Patients with leukaemia, especially those with AML, are associated with poor clinical outcomes after AMI, and are less likely to receive CA and PCI compared with those without leukaemia. A multi-disciplinary approach between cardiologists and haematology oncologists may improve the outcomes of patients with leukaemia after AMI.

Percutaneous closure of prosthetic paravalvular leaks: case series and review.

BACKGROUND: Paravalvular leaks (PVLs) are a well-recognized complication of prosthetic valve replacement. Most are asymptomatic and benign, but some may cause symptoms due to a large regurgitant volume or hemolysis. Medical therapy is palliative, while reoperation carries significant morbidity and mortality. Percutaneous transcatheter closure techniques, now routinely applied in the management of pathological cardiac and vascular communications, may be adaptable to PVL closure, potentially offer symptomatic relief. METHODS: We reviewed our experience with attempted percutaneous closure of PVLs, using data from medical and procedural records. RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2004, 14 procedures were performed in 10 patients, all under general anesthesia, with transesophageal and radiographic guidance. Mitral (9) and aortic (1) valve replacements were involved, both mechanical and bioprosthetic. A variety of devices were used, including atrial septal occluders, patent ductus arteriosus occluders, and coils (all of label use). Six had a single procedure, which was technically successful in four: in two, the PVL could not be crossed. Four underwent a second procedure, which was technically successful in three; in one the previously deployed device was dislodged necessitating urgent, but ultimately uneventful, surgical removal and leak repair. One patient had transient severe hemolysis, which resolved after 1 week. At 1-year follow-up (9/10 pts) three had died, five had sustained symptomatic improvement while 1 patient with a residual leak still required regular blood transfusions. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous closure of PVLs is time-consuming but feasible in selected patients, with a reasonable degree of technical and clinical success. A second procedure may be necessary and a variety of complications can occur.