Effective Communication Supported by an App for Pregnant Women: Quantitative Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND: In the medical field of obstetrics, communication plays a crucial role, and pregnant women, in particular, can benefit from interventions improving their self-reported communication behavior. Effective communication behavior can be understood as the correct transmission of information without misunderstanding, confusion, or losses. Although effective communication can be trained by patient education, there is limited research testing this systematically with an app-based digital intervention. Thus, little is known about the success of such a digital intervention in the form of a web-app, potential behavioral barriers for engagement, as well as the processes by which such a web-app might improve self-reported communication behavior. OBJECTIVE: This study fills this research gap by applying a web-app aiming at improving pregnant women's communication behavior in clinical care. The goals of this study were to (1) uncover the potential risk factors for early dropout from the web-app and (2) investigate the social-cognitive factors that predict self-reported communication behavior after having used the web-app. METHODS: In this study, 1187 pregnant women were recruited. They all started to use a theory-based web-app focusing on intention, planning, self-efficacy, and outcome expectancy to improve communication behavior. Mechanisms of behavior change as a result of exposure to the web-app were explored using stepwise regression and path analysis. Moreover, determinants of dropout were tested using logistic regression. RESULTS: We found that dropout was associated with younger age (P=.014). Mechanisms of behavior change were consistent with the predictions of the health action process approach. The stepwise regression analysis revealed that action planning was the best predictor for successful behavioral change over the course of the app-based digital intervention (ß=.331; P<.001). The path analyses proved that self-efficacy beliefs affected the intention to communicate effectively, which in turn, elicited action planning and thereby improved communication behavior (ß=.017; comparative fit index=0.994; Tucker-Lewis index=0.971; root mean square error of approximation=0.055). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings can guide the development and improvement of apps addressing communication behavior in the following ways in obstetric care. First, such tools would enable action planning to improve communication behavior, as action planning is the key predictor of behavior change. Second, younger women need more attention to keep them from dropping out. However, future research should build upon the gained insights by conducting similar internet interventions in related fields of clinical care. The focus should be on processes of behavior change and strategies to minimize dropout rates, as well as replicating the findings with patient safety measures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03855735; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03855735.

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysmal Disease: Comprehensive Recommendations for the Primary Care Physician.

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a commonly encountered disease that is defined as aortic dilation with an increase in diameter of at least 50% greater than the expected age- and sex-adjusted size. Thoracic aortic aneurysms are described by their size, location, morphology, and cause. Primary care clinicians and other noncardiologists are often the first point of contact for patients with TAA. This review is intended to provide them with basic information on the differential diagnosis, diagnostic evaluation, and medical and surgical management of TAAs. Management decisions depend on having as precise a diagnosis as possible. Fortunately, this can often be achieved with a stepwise diagnostic approach that incorporates imaging and targeted genetic testing. Our review includes recommendations. In this review, we discuss these issues at a basic level and include recommendations for patients considering pregnancy.

Systematic Review of Contemporary Theories Used for Co-creation, Co-design and Co-production in Public Health.

BACKGROUND: There is a need to systematically identify and summarize the contemporary theories and theoretical frameworks used for co-creation, co-design and co-production in public health research. METHODS: The reporting of this systematic review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Given substantial interest in and application of co-creation, co-design and co-production, we searched PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus and APA PsycINFO from 2012 to March-April 2022. A quality assessment and data extraction for theory content was performed. RESULTS: Of the 3763 unique references identified through the comprehensive search strategy, 10 articles were included in the review: four articles named co-creation, two articles named co-creation and co-design, two articles named co-production and co-design, and two articles named co-design. Empowerment Theory was employed by two articles, whereas other theories (n = 5) or frameworks (n = 3) were employed by one article each. For the quality assessment, eight articles received a strong rating and two articles received a moderate rating. CONCLUSION: There is little indication of theory applications for the approaches of co-creation, co-design and co-production in public health since 2012, given 10 articles were included in this review. Yet, the theories described in these 10 articles can be useful for developing such co-approaches in future public health research.

Digital Interventions for Treating Post-COVID or Long-COVID Symptoms: Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Patients with post-COVID/long-COVID symptoms need support, and health care professionals need to be able to provide evidence-based patient care. Digital interventions can meet these requirements, especially if personal contact is limited. OBJECTIVE: We reviewed evidence-based digital interventions that are currently available to help manage physical and mental health in patients with post-COVID/long-COVID symptoms. METHODS: A scoping review was carried out summarizing novel digital health interventions for treating post-COVID/long-COVID patients. Using the PICO (population, intervention, comparison, outcome) scheme, original studies were summarized, in which patients with post-COVID/long-COVID symptoms used digital interventions to help aid recovery. RESULTS: From all scanned articles, 8 original studies matched the inclusion criteria. Of the 8 studies, 3 were "pretest" studies, 3 described the implementation of a telerehabilitation program, 1 was a post-COVID/long-COVID program, and 1 described the results of qualitative interviews with patients who used an online peer-support group. Following the PICO scheme, we summarized previous studies. Studies varied in terms of participants (P), ranging from adults in different countries, such as former hospitalized patients with COVID-19, to individuals in disadvantaged communities in the United Kingdom, as well as health care workers. In addition, the studies included patients who had previously been infected with COVID-19 and who had ongoing symptoms. Some studies focused on individuals with specific symptoms, including those with either post-COVID-19 or long-term symptoms, while other studies included patients based on participation in online peer-support groups. The interventions (I) also varied. Most interventions used a combination of psychological and physical exercises, but they varied in duration, frequency, and social dimensions. The reviewed studies investigated the physical and mental health conditions of patients with post-COVID/long-COVID symptoms. Most studies had no control (C) group, and most studies reported outcomes (O) or improvements in physiological health perception, some physical conditions, fatigue, and some psychological aspects such as depression. However, some studies found no improvements in bowel or bladder problems, concentration, short-term memory, unpleasant dreams, physical ailments, perceived bodily pain, emotional ailments, and perceived mental health. CONCLUSIONS: More systematic research with larger sample sizes is required to overcome sampling bias and include health care professionals' perspectives, as well as help patients mobilize support from health care professionals and social network partners. The evidence so far suggests that patients should be provided with digital interventions to manage symptoms and reintegrate into everyday life, including work.

Incident Heart Failure With Mildly Reduced Ejection Fraction: Frequency, Characteristics, and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) with an ejection fraction (EF) of 41%-49% is recognized as HF with a mildly reduced EF (HFmrEF). However, existing knowledge of the HFmrEF phenotype is based on HF clinical trial and registry cohorts that may be limited by multiple forms of bias. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a community-based, retrospective cohort study, adult residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, with validated (Framingham criteria) incident HF from 2007 to 2015 were categorized by echocardiographic EF at first HF diagnosis. Among 2035 adults with incident HF, 12.5% had HFmrEF, 29.9% had HF with reduced EF (HFrEF), and 57.6% had HF with preserved EF (HFpEF). Mean age and sex varied by EF group, with HFmrEF (75.6 years, 45.3% female), HFrEF (70.9 years, 36.5% female), and HFpEF (76.9 years, 59.7% female). Most comorbid conditions were more common in HFmrEF vs HFrEF, but similar in HFmrEF and HFpEF. After a mean follow-up of 4.6 ± 3.5 years, adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities, the risks of hospitalization and cardiovascular mortality did not differ by EF category. Of patients who began as HFmrEF, 26.9% declined to an EF of 40% or less and 44.8% improved to an EF of 50% or greater. CONCLUSIONS: In this community cohort of incident HF, 12.5% have HFmrEF. Clinical characteristics in HFmrEF resemble HFpEF more than HFrEF. Adjusted hospitalization and mortality risks did not vary by EF group. Patients with incident HFmrEF usually transitioned to a different EF category on follow-up.

Management and Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction-Cardiogenic Shock in Uninsured Compared With Privately Insured Individuals.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on uninsured patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction-cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS). This study sought to compare the management and outcomes of AMI-CS between uninsured and privately insured individuals. METHODS: Using the National Inpatient Sample (2000-2016), a retrospective cohort of adult (≥18 years) uninsured admissions (primary payer-self-pay or no charge) were compared with privately insured individuals. Interhospital transfers were excluded. Outcomes of interest included in-hospital mortality, temporal trends in admissions, use of cardiac procedures, do-not-resuscitate status, palliative care referrals, and resource utilization. RESULTS: Of 402 182 AMI-CS admissions, 21 966 (5.4%) and 93 814 (23.3%) were uninsured and privately insured. Compared with private insured individuals, uninsured admissions were younger, male, from a lower socioeconomic status, had lower comorbidity, higher rates of acute organ failure, ST-segment elevation AMI-CS (77.3% versus 76.4%), and concomitant cardiac arrest (33.8% versus 31.9%; all P<0.001). Compared with 2000, in 2016, there were more uninsured (adjusted odds ratio, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.13-1.17]; P<0.001) and less privately insured admissions (adjusted odds ratio, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.83-0.87]; P<0.001). Uninsured individuals received less frequent coronary angiography (79.5% versus 81.0%), percutaneous coronary intervention (60.8% versus 62.2%), mechanical circulatory support (54% versus 55.5%), and had higher palliative care (3.8% versus 3.2%) and do-not-resuscitate status use (4.4% versus 3.2%; all P<0.001). Uninsured admissions had higher in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.55-1.68]; P<0.001) and resource utilization. CONCLUSIONS: Uninsured individuals have higher in-hospital mortality and lower use of guideline-directed therapies in AMI-CS compared with privately insured individuals.

An under-recognized phenomenon: Myocardial volume change during the cardiac cycle.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial volume is assumed to be constant over the cardiac cycle in the echocardiographic models used by professional guidelines, despite evidence that suggests otherwise. The aim of this paper is to use literature-derived myocardial strain values from healthy patients to determine if myocardial volume changes during the cardiac cycle. METHODS: A systematic review for studies with longitudinal, radial, and circumferential strain from echocardiography in healthy volunteers ultimately yielded 16 studies, corresponding to 2917 patients. Myocardial volume in systole (MVs) and diastole (MVd) was used to calculate MVs/MVd for each study by applying this published strain data to three models: the standard ellipsoid geometric model, a thin-apex geometric model, and a strain-volume ratio. RESULTS: MVs/MVd<1 in 14 of the 16 studies, when computed using these three models. A sensitivity analysis of the two geometric models was performed by varying the dimensions of the ellipsoid and calculating MVs/MVd. This demonstrated little variability in MVs/MVd, suggesting that strain values were the primary determinant of MVs/MVd rather than the geometric model used. Another sensitivity analysis using the 97.5th percentile of each orthogonal strain demonstrated that even with extreme values, in the largest two studies of healthy populations, the calculated MVs/MVd was <1. CONCLUSIONS: Healthy human myocardium appears to decrease in volume during systole. This is seen in MRI studies and is clinically relevant, but this study demonstrates that this characteristic was also present but unrecognized in the existing echocardiography literature.

Cardiac MRI demonstrates compressibility in healthy myocardium but not in myocardium with reduced ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: The professional guidelines assume that the myocardial volume in systole (MVs) is equal to that in diastole (MVd), despite some limited evidence that points to the contrary. The aim of this manuscript is to determine whether this is true in healthy myocardium using gold standard cardiac MRI, as well as transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). The secondary aim is to determine whether there are similar MV changes in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). METHOD: A prospectively derived cohort at Mayo Clinic of 115 adult subjects (mean age 42.8 years, 58% female) with no cardiac risk factors was identified. Cardiac MRI was obtained on all 115 patients, 51 of whom also consented to a TTE. MRI from a retrospectively derived cohort of 50 HFrEF patients was also collected. MVs and MVd was calculated using standard approaches with inclusion of the papillary muscles. RESULTS: In the healthy population, MRI demonstrated MVs/MVd = 0.87 (SD 0.04) and TTE demonstrated MVs/MVd = 0.79 (SD 0.07), suggesting compressibility (p < 0.0001). In the 51 healthy patients who received both imaging modalities, MVs/MVd was 8.0% higher in MRI than TTE (p < 0.0001), but both modalities had MVs/MVd < 1 (p < 0.0001). A Bland-Altman plot demonstrated that as the mean MVs/MVd increases, the difference in MVs/MVd MRI-TTE declines (r = -0.53, p < 0.0001). However, in HFrEF populations, MVs/MVd = 1.01 (0.03), suggesting myocardial incompressibility. CONCLUSION: Contrary to currently accepted standards, healthy myocardium is compressible but HFrEF myocardium is incompressible. The ratio MVs/MVd merits further study in an expanded normal cohort and in disease states.

Analysis of the Changing Economics of US Hospital Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Programs.

New technologies in medicine, even if they are promising medically, are often expensive and logistically difficult to implement at the hospital level. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a model technology that is revolutionary in treating aortic stenosis, but has been plagued with significant challenges with financial sustainability. In this article, a margin analysis at the hospital level was performed using literature data. A TAVR industry analysis was performed using Porter's Five Forces framework. The data indicate that TAVR is more expensive than surgical aortic valve replacement, although the cost of TAVR is declining with the use of an optimized minimalist protocol. The overall industry is growing as its clinical indications expand, and it will likely undergo significant reduction of costs when new valves enter the US market. As such, TAVR is a growing industry, with financial sustainability currently dependent on operational efficiency. A concluding list of specific program interventions is provided to help TAVR programs improve operational efficiency and clinical outcomes, as well as help decide whether to create, expand, or redirect funding for TAVR programs. Importantly, the frameworks used to analyze this rapidly evolving technology can be applied to other new technologies to determine financial sustainability.

Systolic-to-diastolic myocardial volume ratio as a novel imaging marker of cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: In patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction, it may be difficult to distinguish between the normal and diseased heart. Novel assessments of ventricular function, such as extracellular volume imaging, myocardial perfusion imaging and myocardial contraction fraction are emerging to better assess disease burden in these cases. This study endeavored to determine whether the ratio of myocardial volume in systole to myocardial volume in diastole (MVs/MVd), differs between normal hearts and those with disease states characterized by normal ejection fraction. METHOD: Consecutive patients from 2008 to 2018 with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), cardiac amyloidosis, and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were selected for inclusion, along with a sex- and age-matched cohort of normal volunteers who also underwent cardiac MRI. Manual tracings were performed on each MRI to calculate MVs/MVd, which was then compared across subgroups. RESULTS: Included were 50 patients with HCM, 50 patients with cardiac amyloidosis, 26 patients with HFpEF, and 30 normal subjects. Age was 54.1 years (SD 16.7); mean MVs/MVd was 0.88 (SD 0.04) in the normal subgroup, 1.03 (SD 0.06) in HCM patients, 1.03 (SD 0.06) in cardiac amyloidosis patients, and 0.97 (SD 0.02) in HFpEF patients, with all pathology subgroups different from the normal subgroup (p < .0001 for each). The ratio of MVs/MVd discriminated diseased from normal with c statistic 0.989 (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that a novel and easily-captured metric of ventricular function, MVs/MVd, can differentiate normal ventricular function from multiple cardiomyopathies with normal ejection fractions.

Influence of primary payer status on the management and outcomes of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in the United States.

BACKGROUND: There are limited contemporary data on the influence of primary payer status on the management and outcomes of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of insurance status on STEMI outcomes. METHODS: Adult (>18 years) STEMI admissions were identified using the National Inpatient Sample database (2000-2017). Expected primary payer was classified into Medicare, Medicaid, private, uninsured and others. Outcomes of interest included in-hospital mortality, use of coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), hospitalization costs, hospital length of stay and discharge disposition. RESULTS: Of the 4,310,703 STEMI admissions, Medicare, Medicaid, private, uninsured and other insurances were noted in 49.0%, 6.3%, 34.4%, 7.2% and 3.1%, respectively. Compared to the others, the Medicare cohort was older (75 vs. 53-57 years), more often female (46% vs. 20-36%), of white race, and with higher comorbidity (all p<0.001). The Medicare and Medicaid population had higher rates of cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest. The Medicare cohort had higher in-hospital mortality (14.2%) compared to the other groups (4.1-6.7%), p<0.001. In a multivariable analysis (Medicare referent), in-hospital mortality was higher in uninsured (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.14 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.11-1.16]), and lower in Medicaid (aOR 0.96 [95% CI 0.94-0.99]; p = 0.002), privately insured (aOR 0.73 [95% CI 0.72-0.75]) and other insurance (aOR 0.91 [95% CI 0.88-0.94]); all p<0.001. Coronary angiography (60% vs. 77-82%) and PCI (45% vs. 63-70%) were used less frequently in the Medicare population compared to others. The Medicare and Medicaid populations had longer lengths of hospital stay, and the Medicare population had the lowest hospitalization costs and fewer discharges to home. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to other types of primary payers, STEMI admissions with Medicare insurance had lower use of coronary angiography and PCI, and higher in-hospital mortality.

Contemporary National Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction-Cardiogenic Shock in Patients with Prior Chronic Kidney Disease and End-Stage Renal Disease.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on acute myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS) stratified by chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages. OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical outcomes in AMI-CS stratified by CKD stages. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of AMI-CS during 2005-2016 from the National Inpatient Sample was categorized as no CKD, CKD stage-III (CKD-III), CKD stage-IV (CKD-IV) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). CKD-I/II were excluded. Outcomes included in-hospital mortality, use of coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and mechanical circulatory support (MCS). We also evaluated acute kidney injury (AKI) and acute hemodialysis in non-ESRD admissions. RESULTS: Of 372,412 AMI-CS admissions, CKD-III, CKD-IV and ESRD comprised 20,380 (5.5%), 7367 (2.0%) and 18,109 (4.9%), respectively. Admissions with CKD were, on average, older, of the White race, bearing Medicare insurance, of a lower socioeconomic stratum, with higher comorbidities, and higher rates of acute organ failure. Compared to the cohort without CKD, CKD-III, CKD-IV and ESRD had lower use of coronary angiography (72.7%, 67.1%, 56.9%, 61.1%), PCI (53.7%, 43.8%, 38.4%, 37.6%) and MCS (47.9%, 38.3%, 33.3%, 34.2%), respectively (all p < 0.001). AKI and acute hemodialysis use increased with increase in CKD stage (no CKD-38.5%, 2.6%; CKD-III-79.1%, 6.5%; CKD-IV-84.3%, 12.3%; p < 0.001). ESRD (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.25 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.21-1.31]; p < 0.001), but not CKD-III (OR 0.72 [95% CI 0.69-0.75); p < 0.001) or CKD-IV (OR 0.82 [95 CI 0.77-0.87] was predictive of in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: CKD/ESRD is associated with lower use of evidence-based therapies. ESRD was an independent predictor of higher in-hospital mortality in AMI-CS.

Management and outcomes of uncomplicated ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients transferred after fibrinolytic therapy.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to assess the contemporary outcomes of patients transferred after receiving fibrinolytic therapy ('drip-and-ship') for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the United States. METHODS: During 2009-2016, adults (>18 years) with STEMI (>18 years) without cardiac arrest and cardiogenic shock that received fibrinolytic therapy and were subsequently transferred were identified using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS). These admissions were divided into those undergoing fibrinolysis alone, subsequent coronary angiography (CA) without revascularization and subsequent CA with revascularization. Outcomes of interest included in-hospital mortality, resource utilization, and discharge disposition. RESULTS: A total of 27,454 STEMI admissions receiving a 'drip-and-ship strategy', 96.3% and 85.8% received subsequent coronary angiography and revascularization Admissions receiving CA and revascularization were younger, male, and with lower comorbidity. The fibrinolysis alone cohort had higher rates of organ failure, hemorrhagic sequelae, and intracranial hemorrhage. Compared to the fibrinolysis cohort, CA with revascularization (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.17 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.11-0.27]; p < .001) but not CA without revascularization (OR 0.72 [95% CI 0.42-1.21]; p = .21) was associated with lower in-hospital mortality. The fibrinolysis alone cohort had higher use of do-not-resuscitate status (12.8%) and fewer discharges to home (56.6%) compared to cohorts undergoing CA without (1.7%; 86.9%) and with (0.3% and 91.2%) revascularization, respectively. Presence of complications, do-not-resuscitate status, and higher comorbidity were predictive of lower CA and revascularization use. CONCLUSION: Fibrinolysis with subsequent revascularization is associated with excellent outcomes in STEMI. Admissions receiving fibrinolysis alone were systematically different, sicker and had poorer outcomes.

Complications from percutaneous-left ventricular assist devices versus intra-aortic balloon pump in acute myocardial infarction-cardiogenic shock.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on the complications with a percutaneous left ventricular assist device (pLVAD) vs. intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in acute myocardial infarction-cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS). OBJECTIVE: To assess the trends, rates and predictors of complications. METHODS: Using a 17-year AMI-CS population from the National Inpatient Sample, AMI-CS admissions receiving pLVAD and IABP support were evaluated for vascular, lower limb amputation, hematologic, neurologic and acute kidney injury (AKI) complications. In-hospital mortality, hospitalization costs and length of stay in pLVAD and IABP cohorts with complications was studied. RESULTS: Of 168,645 admissions, 7,855 (4.7%) receiving pLVAD support. The pLVAD cohort had higher comorbidity, cardiac arrest (36.1% vs. 29.7%) and non-cardiac organ failure (74.7% vs. 56.9%) rates. Complications were higher in pLVAD compared to IABP cohort-overall 69.0% vs. 54.7%; vascular 3.8% vs. 2.1%; lower limb amputation 0.3% vs. 0.3%; hematologic 36.0% vs. 27.7%; neurologic 4.9% vs. 3.5% and AKI 55.4% vs. 39.1% (all p<0.001 except for amputation). Non-White race, higher comorbidity, organ failure, and extracorporeal membrane oxygen use were predictors of complications for both cohorts. The pLVAD cohort with complications had higher in-hospital mortality (45.5% vs. 33.1%; adjusted odds ratio 1.65 [95% confidence interval 1.55-1.75]), shorter duration of hospital stay, and higher hospitalization costs compared to the IABP cohort with complications (all p<0.001). These results were consistent in propensity-matched pairs. CONCLUSIONS: AMI-CS admissions receiving pLVAD had higher rates of complications compared to the IABP, with worse in-hospital outcomes in the cohort with complications.

Burden of Arrhythmias in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock.

There are limited data on arrhythmias in acute myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS). Using a 17-year AMI-CS population from the National Inpatient Sample, we identified common arrhythmias - atrial fibrillation (AF), atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and atrioventricular blocks (AVB). Admissions with concomitant cardiac surgery were excluded. Outcomes of interest included temporal trends, predictors, in-hospital mortality, and resource utilization in cohorts with and without arrhythmias. Of the 420,319 admissions with AMI-CS during 2000 to 2016, arrhythmias were noted in 213,718 (51%). AF (45%), ventricular tachycardia (35%) and ventricular fibrillation (30%) were the most common arrhythmias. Compared with those without, the cohort w`ith arrhythmias was more often male, of white race, with ST-segment elevation AMI-CS presentation, and had higher rates of cardiac arrest and acute organ failure (all p <0.001). Temporal trends of prevalence revealed a stable trend of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias and declining trend in AVB. The cohort with arrhythmias had higher unadjusted (42% vs 41%; odds ratio [OR] 1.03 [95% confidence interval 1.02 to 1.05]; p <0.001), but not adjusted (OR 1.01 [95% CI 0.99 to 1.03]; p = 0.22) in-hospital mortality compared with those without. The cohort with arrhythmias had longer hospital stay (9 ± 10 vs 7 ± 9 days; p <0.001) and higher hospitalization costs ($124,000 ± 146,000 vs $91,000 ± 115,000; p <0.001). In the cohort with arrhythmias, older age, female sex, non-white race, higher co-morbidity, presence of acute organ failure, and cardiac arrest, predicted higher in-hospital mortality. In conclusion, cardiac arrhythmias in AMI-CS are a marker of higher illness severity and are associated with greater resource utilization.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Programs: Clinical Outcomes and Developments.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is a relatively recent revolutionary treatment that has now become a standard procedure for treating severe aortic stenosis. In this article, the authors review the clinical history of transcatheter aortic valve replacement, summarize the major clinical trials, and describe the evolution of the technique over time. In doing so, the authors hope to provide a clear and concise review of the history and clinical evidence behind transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Acute myocardial infarction-cardiogenic shock in patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting: A 16-year national cohort analysis of temporal trends, management and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on the outcomes of acute myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS) in patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: A retrospective cohort of AMI-CS admissions during 2000-2016 from the National Inpatient Sample was created and prior CABG status was identified. Outcomes of interest included in-hospital mortality and resource utilization in the two cohorts. Temporal trends of prevalence, in-hospital mortality, and cardiac procedures were evaluated. RESULTS: In 513,288 AMI-CS admissions, prior CABG was performed in 22,832 (4.4%). Adjusted temporal trends showed a 2-fold increase in CS in both cohorts. There was a temporal increase in coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) across both cohorts. The cohort with prior CABG was on average older, of male sex, of white race, and with higher comorbidity. The cohort with prior CABG received coronary angiography (50% vs. 75%), PCI (32% vs. 49%), right heart catheterization/pulmonary artery catheterization (15% vs. 20%), mechanical circulatory support (26% vs. 46%) less frequently compared to those without (all p < 0.001). The cohort with CABG had higher in-hospital mortality (53% vs. 37%; adjusted odds ratio 1.41 [95% confidence interval 1.36-1.46]), greater use of do not resuscitate status (13% vs. 6%), shorter lengths of hospital stay (7 ± 8 vs. 10 ± 12 days), lower hospitalization costs ($92,346 ± 139,565 vs. 138,508 ± 172,895) and fewer discharges to home (39% vs. 43%) (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In AMI-CS, admission with prior CABG was older and had lower use of cardiac procedures and higher in-hospital mortality compared to those without prior CABG.

MOG-IgG myelitis coexisting with systemic lupus erythematosus in the post-partum setting.

BACKGROUND: Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) accompanying systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is often due to coexisting aquaporin-4-IgG seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder but has not been associated with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-IgG (MOG-IgG). OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: Case report at an academic medical center. RESULTS: A 32-year-old woman developed severe transverse myelitis (paraplegia) shortly after SLE onset in the post-partum period. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an LETM, cerebrospinal fluid showed marked inflammation, and testing for infections was negative. Serum live-cell-based assay for MOG-IgG was positive but aquaporin-4-IgG was negative. CONCLUSION: In patients with SLE and LETM, MOG-IgG testing should be considered, in addition to AQP4-IgG.

Native kidney BK virus nephropathy, a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing base of literature describing BK nephropathy (BKVN) in patients outside of the setting of kidney transplant. Previous systematic reviews of the literature have been limited by methodology or by the scope of patients included. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Systematic Review (Prospero # CRD42018088524). SETTING & POPULATION: Patients without kidney transplant who had biopsy-proven BKVN. SELECTION CRITERIA FOR STUDIES: Full-text articles that describe native BKVN patient cases. ANALYTICAL APPROACH: Descriptive synthesis. RESULTS: The search identified 630 unique articles of which 51 were included in the final review. Sixty-five cases (including two new cases presented in this review) were identified, all but one occurred in the setting of known immunosuppression. LIMITATIONS: The primary limitation was the exclusion of studies that did not fulfill the stringent review criteria. We excluded reports with only a clinical diagnosis of BKVN, such as those with viruria and/or viremia without biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: As of May 2018, there are 65 reported cases of BKVN in native kidneys. This represents the most comprehensive description of biopsy-proven BKVN in native kidneys to date. Evaluation for BK nephropathy should be considered in immunocompromised patients who exhibit unexplained renal failure.

Risk of complications with use of aspirin during renal biopsy: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Bleeding is a well-known complication of percutaneous renal biopsy (PRB). Thus, antiplatelet agents are routinely held for most patients undergoing elective PRB to decrease bleeding risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this systematic review, we examine the association between antiplatelet use and bleeding during PRB. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from inception to December 2016 using terms that included "renal biopsy", "antiplatelet","aspirin", and "bleeding". Guidelines and systematic reviews were identified primarily through large databases, including the National Guideline Clearinghouse and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Two authors independently screened the results, and appraised and graded the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. RESULTS: Out of 371 guidelines, 40 systematic reviews, and 709 primary studies originally identified, 4 guidelines, 1 systematic review, and 2 primary studies met inclusion criteria. The guidelines recommend halting aspirin for elective PRB. The systematic review found no difference in major outcomes for PRB in patients for whom aspirin was continued versus halted, but was of low quality. The 2 nonrandomized primary studies in PRB patients managed with and without aspirin found no difference in major bleeds but a higher risk of minor bleeds. CONCLUSIONS: There is low-quality evidence on the effect of aspirin on bleeding risk from PRB. It is reasonable to discontinue aspirin 7 - 10 days prior to nonemergent biopsies, in accordance with guidelines. Given the results from the primary studies, it is reasonable to perform randomized controlled trials to obtain high-quality evidence to inform clinical practice.
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