Elevated cardiovascular risk and acute events in hospitalized colon cancer survivors: A decade-apart study of two nationwide cohorts.

BACKGROUND: Over the years, strides in colon cancer detection and treatment have boosted survival rates; yet, post-colon cancer survival entails cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks. Research on CVD risks and acute cardiovascular events in colorectal cancer survivors has been limited. AIM: To compare the CVD risk and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in current colon cancer survivors compared to a decade ago. METHODS: We analyzed 2007 and 2017 hospitalization data from the National Inpatient Sample, studying two colon cancer survivor groups for CVD risk factors, mortality rates, and major adverse events like pulmonary embolism, arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, and stroke, adjusting for confounders via multivariable regression analysis. RESULTS: Of total colon cancer survivors hospitalized in 2007 (n = 177542) and 2017 (n = 178325), the 2017 cohort often consisted of younger (76 vs 77 years), male, African-American, and Hispanic patients admitted non-electively vs the 2007 cohort. Furthermore, the 2017 cohort had higher rates of smoking, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, coagulopathy, liver disease, weight loss, and renal failure. Patients in the 2017 cohort also had higher rates of cardiovascular comorbidities, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, obesity, peripheral vascular disease, congestive heart failure, and at least one traditional CVD (P < 0.001) vs the 2007 cohort. On adjusted multivariable analysis, the 2017 cohort had a significantly higher risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) (OR: 1.47, 95%CI: 1.37-1.48), arrhythmia (OR: 1.41, 95%CI: 1.38-1.43), atrial fibrillation/flutter (OR: 1.61, 95%CI: 1.58-1.64), cardiac arrest including ventricular tachyarrhythmia (OR: 1.63, 95%CI: 1.46-1.82), and stroke (OR: 1.28, 95%CI: 1.22-1.34) with comparable all-cause mortality and fewer routine discharges (48.4% vs 55.0%) (P < 0.001) vs the 2007 cohort. CONCLUSION: Colon cancer survivors hospitalized 10 years apart in the United States showed an increased CVD risk with an increased risk of acute cardiovascular events (stroke 28%, PE 47%, arrhythmia 41%, and cardiac arrest 63%). It is vital to regularly screen colon cancer survivors with concomitant CVD risk factors to curtail long-term cardiovascular complications.

Prediabetes: An overlooked risk factor for major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events in atrial fibrillation patients.

BACKGROUND: Prediabetes is a well-established risk factor for major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). However, the relationship between prediabetes and MACCE in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients has not been extensively studied. Therefore, this study aimed to establish a link between prediabetes and MACCE in AF patients. AIM: To investigate a link between prediabetes and MACCE in AF patients. METHODS: We used the National Inpatient Sample (2019) and relevant ICD-10 CM codes to identify hospitalizations with AF and categorized them into groups with and without prediabetes, excluding diabetics. The primary outcome was MACCE (all-cause inpatient mortality, cardiac arrest including ventricular fibrillation, and stroke) in AF-related hospitalizations. RESULTS: Of the 2965875 AF-related hospitalizations for MACCE, 47505 (1.6%) were among patients with prediabetes. The prediabetes cohort was relatively younger (median 75 vs 78 years), and often consisted of males (56.3% vs 51.4%), blacks (9.8% vs 7.9%), Hispanics (7.3% vs 4.3%), and Asians (4.7% vs 1.6%) than the non-prediabetic cohort (P < 0.001). The prediabetes group had significantly higher rates of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, obesity, drug abuse, prior myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular disease, and hyperthyroidism (all P < 0.05). The prediabetes cohort was often discharged routinely (51.1% vs 41.1%), but more frequently required home health care (23.6% vs 21.0%) and had higher costs. After adjusting for baseline characteristics or comorbidities, the prediabetes cohort with AF admissions showed a higher rate and significantly higher odds of MACCE compared to the non-prediabetic cohort [18.6% vs 14.7%, odds ratio (OR) 1.34, 95% confidence interval 1.26-1.42, P < 0.001]. On subgroup analyses, males had a stronger association (aOR 1.43) compared to females (aOR 1.22), whereas on the race-wise comparison, Hispanics (aOR 1.43) and Asians (aOR 1.36) had a stronger association with MACCE with prediabetes vs whites (aOR 1.33) and blacks (aOR 1.21). CONCLUSION: This population-based study found a significant association between prediabetes and MACCE in AF patients. Therefore, there is a need for further research to actively screen and manage prediabetes in AF to prevent MACCE.

Rising trends in the burden of cardiovascular comorbidities and major adverse cardiovascular events among young female smokers in two national cohorts studied ten years apart (2017 vs. 2007).

BACKGROUND: Ample evidence suggests that female smokers face a greater risk of smoking-related health problems than male smokers. Due to the growing number of young smokers in the United States, there has been limited information on the effects of smoking on young female smokers over the past decade. METHODS: Hospitalizations of young (18-44 years) female tobacco smokers were identified using the National Inpatient Sample datasets from 2007 and 2017. We compared differences in admission frequency, comorbidity burden, in-hospital outcomes [all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACE)], and resource utilization between two young cohorts separated by 10 years. RESULTS: In 2007, there were 665,901 admissions among young female smokers (median age: 35), compared to 1,224,479 admissions (median age: 32) in 2017. In both cohorts, white female smokers accounted for most admissions, followed by blacks. In 2017, the prevalence of alcohol abuse, hyperlipidemia, uncomplicated diabetes, and chronic pulmonary disease decreased relative to the 2007 cohort, whereas the prevalence of deficiency and chronic blood loss anemias, diabetes with complications, drug abuse, hypertension, congestive heart failure, depression, liver disease, and obesity increased significantly (p<0.001). The 2017 cohort had significantly higher odds of all-cause mortality [aOR 1.25 (95%CI: 1.16-1.35)] and a higher risk of MACE [aOR 1.17 (95%CI:1.14-1.20)] upon multivariable adjustment. (p<0.001). Comparatively, the 2017 cohort had fewer routine discharges and higher home healthcare needs than the 2007 cohort. CONCLUSIONS: In this decade-apart analysis, the study reveals rising trends in the burden of comorbidities, MACE, and healthcare resource utilization in admissions (regardless of the primary cause) among relatively younger female smokers. It is crucial to educate young female smokers about the detrimental effects of tobacco and polysubstance abuse on cardiovascular outcomes.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection-associated takotsubo syndrome: A systematic review of case reports.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is underdiagnosed and requires comprehensive angiographic findings. Few SCAD occurrences have a comparable clinical appearance as takotsubo syndrome (TTS) or exist simultaneously, making it challenging for clinicians to treat and manage. Case reports lack consolidated data. We examined SCAD-TTS case reports. AIM: To conduct a systematic review of available case reports on SCAD in order to investigate its potential association with TTS. METHODS: SCAD-associated TTS case reports were reviewed after thoroughly screening PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases till January 2023. Case reports described demographics, comorbidities, imaging, management, and results. RESULTS: Twelve articles about 20 female patients were analyzed. 30% of patients (n = 6, > 60 years) were elderly (mean age 56.2 ± 9.07 years, range 36-70 years). Canada has 9 cases, United States 3, Australia 3, Sweden 2, Japan, Denmark, and France 1. Only 5 reports identified emotional stressors in these cases while 4 reports showed physical triggers for TTS. Nine had hypertension, 2 had hyperlipidemia, and 1 had prediabetes. 5 patients (25%) smoked. 10 (50%) troponin-positive myocardial infarction patients reported chest discomfort. 11 (55%) of 20 instances had TTS/SCAD. 12 (60%) of 20 patients exhibited ST elevation and 3 (15%) had T wave inversion on electrocardiogram. 19/20 patients had elevated troponin. 9 (45%) of 20 people had apical akinesis with TTS ballooning on cardiac imaging. All 20 exhibited echocardiographic wall motion abnormalities. 19 (95%) of 20 coronary angiography cases had SCAD. 10 of 19 SCAD patients had left anterior descending, 2 diagonal, and 2 left circumflex coronary artery involvement. 7 of 20 patients had left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) data. LVEF averaged 38.78 ± 7.35%. 5 (25%) of the 20 cases underwent dual antiplatelet therapy. Three (15%) of 20 cases experienced occasional ectopic ventricular complexes, Mobitz ll AV block, and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. All 20 cases recovered and survived. CONCLUSION: Given the clinical similarities and challenges in detecting TTS and SCAD, this subset needs more research to raise awareness and reduce morbidity.

COVID-19 vaccination and myocarditis: A review of current literature.

Vaccination for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a critical strategy in controlling the current pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). After widespread COVID-19 vaccine imple-mentation, isolated case reports about myocarditis as a potential adverse reaction started coming. As of November 12, 2021, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 1793 cases of myocarditis or pericarditis among young people with age 12-29 years, most cases have been reported in the male adolescent age group after the second dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. It is very important to monitor the safety standards and adverse reactions of vaccines to effectively implement the vaccination policies. The CDC and the United States Food and Drug Administration actively monitor vaccine-associated adverse reactions a well-known platform such as Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. CDC continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses for eligible individuals (age limit according to the type of vaccine) after careful consideration from risk-benefit assessment and favorable outcomes from vaccination. Mechanisms behind COVID-19 vaccine-induced myocarditis are not clear yet but several possibilities such as molecular mimicry between the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and self-antigens, immune response to mRNA, and activation of host immunological system, trigger of the pre-existing dysregulated immunological system have been documented in the literature. Overall, data suggests a good prognosis, especially in young patients. In this review article, we cover currently available data on COVID-19 vaccine-related myocarditis incidence, concerns, possible mechanisms of myocarditis, current treatment, and outcome trends, risk vs benefit assessment of COVID-19 vaccination in this current pandemic.

Unusual Fusobacterium Nucleatum Infection Presenting as a Liver Abscess Associated With Cephalic Vein Thrombosis.

Pyogenic liver abscesses are uncommon entities with potentially devastating consequences requiring immediate diagnosis and treatment. Fusobacterium nucleatum is an anaerobic, gram-negative oral commensal that has been seldom reported as a cause of liver abscess, particularly in immunocompetent hosts. We describe a case of an 80-year-old female patient presenting with a fusobacterium liver abscess associated with thrombosis of the left cephalic vein.

Comprehensive review of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, the capital of China's Hubei province and has rapidly spread all over the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 01/30/2020 and recognized it as a pandemic on 03/11/2020. The number of people diagnosed with COVID-19 worldwide crossed the one million mark on 04/02/2020; two million mark on 04/15/2020; three million mark on 04/27/2020 and the four million mark on 05/09/2020. Despite containment efforts, more than 187 countries have been affected with more than 4,178,346 cases in the world with maximum being in USA (1,347,936) followed by 227,436 in Spain and 224,422 in United Kingdom as of May, 2020. COVID-19 is the latest threat to face mankind cutting across geographical barriers in a rapidly changing landscape. This review provides an update on a rapidly evolving global pandemic. As we face the threat of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, this is a stark reminder to invest in population health, climate change countermeasures, a global health surveillance system and effective research into identifying pathogens, their treatment and prevention and effective health delivery systems.

Plasma cell leukemia.

We present a rare case report of a patient diagnosed with primary plasma cell leukemia (PCL) who presented with atypical signs and symptoms which acutely evolved into life-threatening multi-organ failure. This case raises questions regarding the latest diagnostic guidelines and therapeutic options in the management of acute PCL and reinforces the need for prompt treatment after diagnosis.

Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Lipid Profile in Diabetic Dyslipidaemia: Single Blind, Randomised Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic dyslipidaemia is characterised by hypertriglyceridaemia, low High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), postprandial lipimea, small and dense LDL particles is considered to be a major predisposing factor for various macrovascular complications. Omega-3 fatty acids are fish oil derivative introduced in the market for dyslipidaemia associated with increased triglyceride level. AIM: To study the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on lipid profile in Type II diabetes patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was prospective, single blind, randomized comparative trial. Hundred patients were randomized into three groups. Group I received metformin 500 mg twice daily and placebo, Group II received metformin 500 mg twice daily and omega-3 fatty acids (1 gram) once daily and the Group III received metformin 500 mg twice daily and omega-3 fatty acids (1 gram) twice daily. ANOVA test was applied for analysis. RESULTS: Group II was effective in reducing the triglyceride level from 144.59±14.18 mg/dl to 101±13.31 mg/dl which was significant as compared to Group I from 147.67±18.57 mg/dl to 145.8±19.86 mg/dl respectively. Group III containing 1 g of omega-3 fatty acids twice daily showed decrease from 144.83±22.17 mg/dl to 86±17.46 mg/dl and was more effective in reducing triglyceride levels than Group II containing 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acids once daily. CONCLUSION: Omega-3 fatty acids can be given in conjunction with metformin to reduce triglyceride levels in diabetic dyslipidaemia without any adverse drug reactions or any drug interaction. Omega-3 fatty acids were effective in reducing the triglyceride level significantly as compared to placebo. Two grams of omega-3 fatty acids were more effective than 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acids in reducing triglyceride levels.

Towards Developing a Scoring System for Febrile Thrombocytopenia.

BACKGROUND: The authors wished to develop a scoring system for evaluating patients presenting with febrile thrombocytopenia for risk stratification, predicting patient outcome and optimization of care especially in resource poor countries. OBJECTIVE: 1. To decide a protocol in the management of patients with fever and thrombocytopenia. 2. To develop screening or therapeutic guidelines (early warning score-EWS) in febrile thrombocytopenic patients and decide about therapeutic interventions. METHODS: 1. To decide a protocol in the management of patients with fever and thrombocytopenia. 2. To develop screening or therapeutic guidelines (early warning score-EWS) in febrile thrombocytopenic patients and decide about therapeutic interventions. DESIGN: Retrospective study and development of a bedside scoring system based on Platelet Count, Temperature, Respiratory Rate, Blood Pressure. Pulse, CNS, Respiratory, Hematological, Hepatic and Renal complications in a central civic hospital and teaching institute in India. PARTICIPASNTS: All patients > 18 years presenting with fever and thrombocytopenia with platelet count of < 150 × 109/L. RESULTS: Number of patients requiring platelet transfusions decreases when total risk score is used for risk stratification and for transfusing platelets as against the platelet count at admission. Patients who died in our study had a platelet count at presentation between 20,000- 1,00,000 though their total risk score was 17 and 18 respectively; hence platelet count alone should not be relied upon for platelet transfusion. Irrespective of the number of platelets transfused the prognosis is poor as the total risk score increases. CONCLUSIONS: The platelet count is not the only indicator of transfusion. When we use total risk score instead of platelet count for classifying patients who need transfusions, number of patients who fall in severe risk category needing immediate transfusion reduces and haphazard use of platelets can be avoided. Patient outcome (death/survival), occurrence of complications and hematological manifestations (petechiae/purpura etc) are not dependent on platelet count at presentation. There is a significant association between risk category and patient outcome.

Enterobacter Meningitis and Challenges in Treatment.

Neurosurgical interventions are rarely associated with meningitis with a very low incidence rate ranging from 1.1% to 2.5%. Gram negative bacillary meningitis first described in the 1940's, previously uncommon has been increasing in the recent past associated with advanced age, immunosuppression and neurosurgery. Enterobacter meningitis though relatively uncommon is recently increasing in incidence and treatment is frequently complicated due to resistance to antibiotics making this a challenging, difficult to treat infection that may be associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Here, we describe a case of a 27-year-old patient diagnosed with brain sarcoma at the age of four years, who presented with Enterobacter meningitis following a neurosurgical intervention for resection of a recurrent brain tumor (meningioma on pathology) and had a prolonged hospital stay with a difficult to treat infection.