The Latest Evidence on Bempedoic Acid: Meta-Analysis of Safety and Efficacy in High Cardiovascular Risk Patients With Hypercholesterolemia⋆.

Background: Bempedoic Acid (BA) is a novel drug that has a potential to serve as an alternative to statins to decrease lipid levels and improve cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes, particularly for statin-intolerant individuals. However, insufficient statistical power has limited our understanding of the efficacy and safety of BA. This meta-analysis utilizes the latest data to improve our knowledge of BA's effects on lipids and CVD with increased statistical power. Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central, Clinicaltrials.gov, abstracts of national and international conferences, and reference lists of studies were searched for relevant studies. Rayyan was used to screen the search results, and Revman 5.3 was used for the meta-analysis and sensitivity analysis. Results: Our final analysis included seven randomized control trials (RCTs) with 17,782 participants, 53.6 % in the BA group (n = 9535) and 46.4 % in the placebo group (n = 8247). BA significantly decreased major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (OR: 0.86; 95 % CI 0.78-0.95; p = 0.03), non-fatal myocardial infarction (OR 0.72; 95 % CI 0.61-0.85; p = 0.0001), and new onset/worsening diabetes (OR:0.55; 95 % CI 0.30-0.98, p = 0.04), while reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels by 22.5 % (MD: -22.53 %; 95 % CI -25.54 to -19.52, p < 0.00001). Conclusion: The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that BA is a promising and effective alternative to statin therapy, particularly for statin-intolerant and high CVD-risk patients. However, further studies with diverse populations are needed to quantify the long-term efficacy and safety endpoints.

Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment on Cardiovascular Disease Associated Mortality and Morbidity: A Systematic Review.

The association between untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is well known. In this literature review, we aim to review the existing literature on treatment effects of OSA and its impact on CVD morbidity and mortality, stratified by gender. We systematically reviewed PubMed, Medline, and Scopus per PRISMA guidelines and included 25 studies in the final review. Primary outcomes were CVD-associated morbidity and mortality. Out of 25 studies, 10 were meta-analysis, 8 observational, and 7 randomized controlled trials. The treatment modality was continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in 23 studies, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, and oral appliance therapy in 2. Secondary prevention of CVD was the endpoint in 23 studies. A total of 165,775 participants between 45 and 75 years of age, 60%-90% males, and the average Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score was 5-9. CV outcomes included myocardial infarction, angina, heart failure (HF), acute coronary syndrome (ACS), coronary artery disease (CAD), ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation (AF), and hypertension. In 4 studies, CPAP was associated with a reduction in CVD mortality, and 10 studies showed improvement in morbidity. Our review of literature did not show consistent benefits in CV outcomes in OSA patients. We identified many potential research areas, especially the lack of studies demonstrating dose-dependent effect of OSA treatment on CV outcomes, especially when stratified by severity of OSA and gender. Larger prospective studies with longer follow-up will be helpful to study these parameters.

A Complex Case of Extensive Systemic Amyloidosis With Underlying Monoclonal Gammopathy.

Systemic amyloid light chain, or primary amyloidosis (AL amyloidosis), is a serious medical condition that leads to the deposition of abnormal proteins called amyloid fibrils in various organs of the body. AL amyloidosis can present with different symptoms, which can make diagnosis challenging. This case report presents a clinical scenario of a 53-year-old female patient who had come in for shortness of breath and lower extremity swelling and was found to have acute on chronic pulmonary embolism. The patient had a history of systemic amyloidosis diagnosed with a kidney and duodenal biopsy. She also had a bone marrow biopsy done and was found to have IgG monoclonal gammopathy. Throughout the hospital course, patients required cautious diuretic use given the worsening kidney function. She was given intravenous anticoagulation initially and later switched to oral medication on discharge. Due to the aggressive nature of amyloidosis, a decision was made to start the patient on chemotherapy in an outpatient setting. This case presents an interesting scenario of systemic amyloidosis with concomitant monoclonal gammopathy that was complicated by acute pulmonary embolism. The case is important as it shows the different levels of amyloidosis and teaches us the benefit of taking a multidisciplinary approach to making a concrete plan for patients with advanced amyloidosis disease.

Brevundimonas diminuta-Induced Lung Abscess in an Immunocompetent Adult: A Rare Case Report.

Lung abscesses caused by Brevundimonas diminuta (B. diminuta) are a rare occurrence, particularly in immunocompetent adults. We present the case of a 47-year-old male with a history of COPD, bipolar disorder, and seizure disorder, who presented with a productive cough, worsening shortness of breath, yellow sputum, weight loss, and fatigue over a period of three weeks. Clinical examination revealed decreased breath sounds in the left upper lung zones. Laboratory investigations showed an elevated white cell count, while blood cultures identified B. diminuta. Imaging with computed tomography (CT) confirmed the presence of a 4.2x2.0 cm cavitary lesion consistent with a lung abscess. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of Ampicillin/Sulbactam and Azithromycin, followed by a course of oral Augmentin. Given the size of the abscess and favorable response to antibiotic therapy, invasive procedures were deemed unnecessary. This case underscores the importance of considering unusual pathogens in the etiology of lung abscesses, even in immunocompetent individuals, and highlights the successful management with appropriate antibiotic therapy.

A Case of Mitral Valve Infective Endocarditis and Atrial Fibrillation Complicated by Hemorrhagic Stroke: A Challenging Clinical Scenario and Approach to Management.

This case report presents a rare and intricate clinical scenario involving a 58-year-old male with a history of hypertension, intravenous drug use (IVDU), and cocaine abuse. The patient presented with profound hypotension and symptoms suggestive of impending shock. Septic workup revealed Staphylococcus aureus in all four blood culture bottles, confirming a diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE). Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated a large vegetation measuring 1.9x1.7 cm on the mitral valve. Additionally, the patient exhibited non-ST segment elevated myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) type II in the setting of cocaine use, atrial fibrillation, and therapeutic anticoagulation. Subsequent imaging studies raised concerns regarding hemorrhagic stroke. A multidisciplinary team comprising cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, infectious disease, and neurology collaborated to develop an optimal management strategy. Considering the high-risk features of the IE and the need to address the hemorrhagic stroke, anticoagulation was temporarily halted, and the patient was transferred for urgent mitral valve replacement surgery. This case highlights the complex interplay between substance abuse, cardiovascular complications, IE, and neurological events, underscoring the challenges encountered in managing such patients.

An Interesting Case of Possible Left Atrium Thrombus Versus Fungal Mass in a Patient With Ischemic Cardiomyopathy.

Left atrial masses can present diagnostic challenges due to the wide range of etiologies they can encompass. We present a unique case of a 48-year-old patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis, who developed a left atrial mass after undergoing intervention with drug-eluting stents. The differential diagnosis included left atrial thrombus versus fungal mass. The patient presented with chest pain and subsequently developed sepsis during the hospital stay, with further workup revealing evidence of fungemia. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) demonstrated the presence of a new mass in the left atria. The challenge was to differentiate between a left atrial thrombus and a fungal mass. The patient was managed with a combination of antifungal therapy and anticoagulation and was discharged home. This case highlights the diagnostic complexities and management considerations associated with left atrial masses in patients with underlying ischemic cardiomyopathy, ESRD, and septic complication versus cardiogenic shock. Accurate differentiation between left atrial thrombus and fungal mass is crucial to guide appropriate treatment strategies. A multidisciplinary approach involving cardiology, infectious diseases, and nephrology is essential in managing such complex cases.

A Case of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Probable Myocarditis and Treatment Response.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are a new class of pharmaceuticals that facilitate the immune system in identifying and targeting cancerous cells. However, suppressing immune regulation can often cause immune-mediated adverse events. One such downstream effect recently recognized is ICI-associated myocarditis. This case involves a 67-year-old female patient with a medical history of metastatic small-cell lung carcinoma undergoing chemotherapy with atezolizumab (third cycle) and the carboplatin-etoposide regimen (fourth cycle). The patient presented to the medical service with chest discomfort and fatigue. Elevated cardiac markers were observed, despite the absence of ischemic changes on electrocardiography and patent coronary arteries on cardiac catheterization. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) did not reveal any significant fibrosis in the cardiac muscle; however, an endomyocardial biopsy noted mild fibrosis. Corticosteroid treatment resulted in the normalization of cardiac enzyme levels and subsequent symptom resolution. ICI-associated myocarditis typically manifests within two months of initiating therapy. However, this case report spotlights the occurrence of a milder form of myocarditis after three months of ICI treatment.

Type I Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) Followed by Type II in a Young Patient With Fibromuscular Dysplasia (FMD) Presented With Hypertensive Emergency: A Case Report.

This article presents a case report highlighting the association between fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and acute myocardial infarction in a 25-year-old female patient with multiple cardiovascular comorbidities. Initially presenting with a hypertensive emergency, the patient subsequently developed acute coronary syndrome. MRI revealed irregular narrowing of the bilateral renal arteries, consistent with a diagnosis of FMD. Further evaluation through cardiac catheterization confirmed 95% stenosis of the mid-circumflex artery, necessitating percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Fibromuscular dysplasia has been frequently reported in conjunction with coronary artery dissection leading to acute coronary syndrome, especially in young females. Here, we describe the case of FMD without any coronary artery dissection. The presence of FMD highlights the need for comprehensive evaluation and management in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors. The recognition of FMD as an underlying pathology in acute myocardial infarction is crucial for appropriate intervention strategies. In this particular case, PCI was successfully performed to address the significant stenosis of the mid-circumflex artery. These findings emphasize the importance of considering FMD as a potential contributing factor in young patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome, particularly in the context of renal artery involvement. Increased awareness among healthcare providers regarding the association between FMD and acute myocardial infarction can aid in prompt diagnosis, appropriate management, and improved patient outcomes.

Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) in the Setting of Severe Rhabdomyolysis and COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report.

We present a case report of a non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) occurring in an 89-year-old male with severe rhabdomyolysis and COVID-19 infection. The patient had a complex medical history, including non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, sinus bradycardia status post permanent pacemaker placement, and multiple comorbidities. He presented to the emergency department after a mechanical fall and was found to be COVID-19 positive. Despite the absence of typical symptoms, the patient's elevated troponin levels and electrocardiogram findings indicated NSTEMI. The initial management included an acute coronary syndrome protocol and admission to the cardiac intensive care unit. During the hospitalization, the patient developed acute hypoxic respiratory failure and was treated for COVID-19 pneumonia. The patient's renal function and creatine kinase levels showed improvement, and cardiac catheterization revealed non-obstructive coronaries. The patient was discharged in stable condition with a follow-up scheduled.

Chemotherapy-Induced Atrial Fibrillation With Rapid Ventricular Response in a Patient With Pleomorphic Rhabdomyosarcoma: A Case Report and Approach to Management.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. Its prevalence in cancer patients undergoing treatment with radiation or chemotherapeutic agents has been on the rise. The most common offending agents are alkylating agents and anthracyclines causing various types of arrhythmias, including AF. We report a case of a 62-year-old male who was diagnosed with stage IV pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma and was started on chemotherapy with a mesna-ifosfamide and doxorubicin (MAI) regimen. He developed AF with a rapid ventricular rate soon after his second cycle of treatment, which got better with the initiation of beta-blocker therapy. Since low blood counts, including low platelet levels, are expected in patients with chemotherapy, the continual use of anticoagulation therapy varies on a case-to-case basis.

Differences in the Clinical Outcome of Ischemic and Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy in Heart Failure With Concomitant Opioid Use Disorder.

Heart Failure (HF) and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) independently have significant impact on patients and the United States (US) health system. In the setting of the opioid epidemic, research on the effects of OUD on cardiovascular diseases is rapidly evolving. However, no study exists on differential outcomes of ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) in patients with HF with OUD. We performed a retrospective, observational cohort study using National Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2018-2020 databases. Patients aged 18 years and above with diagnoses of HF with concomitant OUD were included. Patients were further classified into ICM and NICM. Primary outcome of interest was differences in all- cause in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcome was incidence of cardiogenic shock. We identified 99,810 hospitalizations that met inclusion criteria, ICM accounted for 27%. Mean age for ICM was higher compared to NICM (63 years vs 56 years, P < 0.01). Compared to NICM, patients with ICM had higher cardiovascular disease risk factors and comorbidities; type 2 diabetes mellitus (46.3 % vs 30.1%, P < 0.01), atrial fibrillation/flutter (33.5% vs 29.9%, P < 0.01), hyperlipidemia (52.5% vs 28.9%, P < 0.01), and Charlson comorbidity index ≥5 was 46.7% versus 29.7%, P < 0.01. After controlling for covariates and potential confounders, we observed higher odds of all-cause in-hospital mortality in patients with NICM (aOR = 1.36; 95% CI:1.03-1.78, P = 0.02). There was no statistical significant difference in incidence of cardiogenic shock between ICM and NICM (aOR = 0.86;95% CI 0.70-1.07, P = 0.18). In patients with HF with concomitant OUD, we found a 36% increase in odds of all-cause in-hospital mortality in patients with NICM compared to ICM despite being younger in age with less comorbidities. There was no difference in odds of in-hospital cardiogenic shock in this study population. This study contributes to the discussion of OUD and cardiovascular diseases which is rapidly developing and requires further prospective studies.

Impact of Enteral Albuterol on Bradycardic Events After Acute Cervical Spinal Cord Injury.

BACKGROUND: Acute cervical spinal cord injury (ACSCI) is commonly complicated by spinal shock, resulting in hemodynamic instability characterized by bradycardia and hypotension that can have fatal consequences. Current guidelines recommend the use of intravenous beta and dopamine agonists, such as norepinephrine and dopamine, respectively. We sought to determine whether enteral albuterol would be a safe and feasible treatment for bradycardia without an increase in the occurrence of known side effects of albuterol in patients with ACSCI. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with ACSCI admitted to an intensive care unit at a level I trauma center and treated with enteral albuterol was conducted. Patients were excluded for the following reasons: pure beta blocker use prior to injury, concurrent use of pacemaker, age of less than 18 years, or age more than 75 years. As part of the standard of care, all patients underwent mean arterial pressure (MAP) augmentation to reach a goal of greater than 85 mm Hg during the first 7 days post injury. All eligible patient charts were reviewed for demographic characteristics, daily minimum and maximum heart rate and MAP, and concomitant vasoactive medication use. Bradycardia and tachycardia were defined as heart rate less than 60 beats per minute (bpm) and greater than 100 bpm, respectively. Factors found to be associated with bradycardia on univariate analysis were entered into a multivariable generalized estimating equation analysis to determine factors independently associated with bradycardia during the study period. RESULTS: There were 58 patients with cervical ASCI (age 45 ± 18 years, 76% men) admitted between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2017, that met the study criteria. The mean time to initiation of albuterol was 1.5 ± 1.7 days post injury, with a duration of 9.3 ± 4.5 days and a mean daily dosage of 7.8 ± 4.5 mg. Bradycardia was observed in 136 of 766 patient days (17%). There were a few episodes of hyperglycemia (1%) and tachycardia (3%), but no episodes of hypokalemia. In a multivariable analysis, female sex (P = 0.006) and American Spinal Cord Injury Association grade A, B, or C (P < 0.001) were associated with a higher risk of developing bradycardia, whereas dosage of albuterol (P = 0.009) and norepinephrine use (P = 0.008) were associated with a lower risk of developing bradycardia. CONCLUSIONS: Albuterol administration in ASCI is a safe and feasible treatment for bradycardia, given that no significant side effects, such as hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, or tachycardia, were observed. The administration of enteral albuterol was well tolerated and, in a dose-dependent manner, associated with a lower occurrence of bradycardia. Further prospective trials for the use of enteral albuterol after SCI are warranted.

Neurologic Outcomes After Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Recent Experience at a Single High-Volume Center.

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR)-veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for refractory cardiac arrest-has grown rapidly, but its widespread adoption has been limited by frequent neurologic complications. With individual centers developing best practices, utilization may be increasing with an uncertain effect on outcomes. This study describes the recent ECPR experience at the University of Maryland Medical Center from 2016 through 2018, with attention to neurologic outcomes and predictors thereof. The primary outcome was dichotomized Cerebral Performance Category (≤2) at hospital discharge; secondary outcomes included rates of specific neurologic complications. From 429 ECMO runs over 3 years, 57 ECPR patients were identified, representing an increase in ECPR utilization compared with 41 cases over the previous 6 years. Fifty-two (91%) suffered in-hospital cardiac arrest, and 36 (63%) had an initial nonshockable rhythm. Median low-flow time was 31 minutes. Overall, 26 (46%) survived hospitalization and 23 (88% of survivors, 40% overall) had a favorable discharge outcome. Factors independently associated with good neurologic outcome included lower peak lactate, initial shockable rhythm, and higher initial ECMO mean arterial pressure. Neurologic complications occurred in 18 patients (32%), including brain death in 6 (11%), hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in 11 (19%), ischemic stroke in 6 (11%), intracerebral hemorrhage in 1 (2%), and seizure in 4 (7%). We conclude that good neurologic outcomes are possible for well-selected ECPR patients in a high-volume program with increasing utilization and evolving practices. Markers of adequate peri-resuscitation tissue perfusion were associated with better outcomes, suggesting their importance in neuroprognostication.

Blood pressure management in emergency department patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the well documented importance of blood pressure management in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), little is known about whether emergency departments (EDs) are able to achieve close monitoring and precise management. Our study characterizes ED monitoring and management of blood pressure in sICH patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of adults with sICH and elevated intracranial pressure. Patients who were admitted from any referring ED to our CCRU from 1 August 2013 to 30 September 2015 were included. We graphically assessed the association between average minutes between blood pressure measurements and average minutes between administration of antihypertensives. We also performed logistic regression to evaluate factors associated with close blood pressure monitoring and the achievement of goal blood pressure in patients with sICH who presented with hypertension. RESULTS: Of 115 patients, 73 presented to the ED with SBP above 160 mmHg. Length of stay in the ED was significantly associated with a longer period between blood pressure measurements. Longer periods between blood pressure measurements were a significant determinant of failure to achieve blood pressure goal in sICH patients. Longer periods between blood pressure measurements were significantly associated with longer periods between administration of antihypertensives. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that blood pressure monitoring is related to the frequency of blood pressure interventions and achievement of adequate blood pressure control in patients with sICH. There is significant variability in EDs' achievement of the recommended close blood pressure monitoring and management in patients with sICH.

Ground Same Intratransport Efficacy as Air for Acute Aortic Diseases.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with acute aortic diseases (AAoD) usually require transfer to tertiary centers for possible surgical care, for which intratransport management represents important continuing spectrum of care. There is little information comparing intratransport efficacy of air (ART) vs ground transport (GRT), nor how effectively they manage these patients' pain. Our study aims to compare how effective ART and GRT manage patients' intratransport HR, pressure. METHODS: Charts were reviewed of adult patients interhospital transferred to a quaternary academic center (UMMC) between 01/01/2011 and 09/30/2015. Outcomes were percentages of patients achieving target hemodynamic parameters, mortality. RESULTS: We analyzed 226 patients, 58 (26%) transported by Air and 102 (45%) type A dissection. Ground transport was associated with higher percentage of patients with target HR 60-80 bpm comparing to ART (58% vs 43%, 95% CI 0.3-0.99). Both ART and GRT were associated with similar frequencies of patients achieving target SBP and adequate pain control. Time intervals from transfer request to surgery, and mortality were similar for both types of transport. CONCLUSION: Ground transport teams were more successful at achieving predefined target heart rate than Air transport. Intra-transport management of other vital signs and pain were equally effectively between both Air and Ground transport.