Utilization Rates of SGLT2 Inhibitors and GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Their Facility-Level Variation Among Patients With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease and Type 2 Diabetes: Insights From the Department of Veterans Affairs.

OBJECTIVE: There is mounting evidence regarding the cardiovascular benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) among patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). There is paucity of data assessing real-world practice patterns for these drug classes. We aimed to assess utilization rates of these drug classes and facility-level variation in their use. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We used the nationwide Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system data set from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020 and included patients with established ASCVD and T2DM. Among these patients, we assessed the use of SGLT2i and GLP-1 RA and the facility-level variation in their use. Facility-level variation was computed using median rate ratios (MRR), a measure of likelihood that two random facilities differ in use of SGLT2i and GLP-1 RA in patients with ASCVD and T2DM. RESULTS: Among 537,980 patients with ASCVD and T2DM across 130 VA facilities, 11.2% of patients received an SGLT2i while 8.0% of patients received a GLP-1 RA. Patients receiving these cardioprotective glucose-lowering drug classes were on average younger and had a higher proportion of non-Hispanic Whites. Overall, median (10th-90th percentile) facility-level rates were 14.92% (9.31-22.50) for SGLT2i and 10.88% (4.44-17.07) for GLP-1 RA. There was significant facility-level variation among SGLT2i use-MRRunadjusted: 1.41 (95% CI 1.35-1.47) and MRRadjusted: 1.55 (95% CI 1.46 -1.63). Similar facility-level variation was observed for use of GLP-1 RA-MRRunadjusted: 1.34 (95% CI 1.29-1.38) and MRRadjusted: 1.78 (95% CI 1.65-1.90). CONCLUSIONS: Overall utilization rates of SGLT2i and GLP-1 RA among eligible patients are low, with significantly higher residual facility-level variation in the use of these drug classes. Our results suggest opportunities to optimize their use to prevent future adverse cardiovascular events among these patients.

Highlights of Cardiovascular Disease Studies Presented at the 2021 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review highlights major studies across a broad array of topics presented at the virtual 2021 American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions. RECENT FINDINGS: Assessed studies examine a remotely delivered hypertension and lipid program in 10,000 patients across a diverse healthcare network; a cluster-randomized trial of a village doctor-led intervention for hypertension control; empagliflozin in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (EMPEROR-Preserved); efficacy and safety of empagliflozin in hospitalized heart failure patients (EMPULSE); icosapent ethyl versus placebo in outpatients with coronavirus disease 2019 (PREPARE-IT 2); clinical safety, pharmacokinetics, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-lowering efficacy of MK-0161, an oral proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor; and effects of aspirin on dementia and cognitive impairment in the ASCEND trial. Research presented at the 2021 AHA Scientific Sessions emphasized the importance of interventions for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Correlates of SGLT-2-inhibitiors use among patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus: Insights from the department of veterans affairs.

This study using data from the Veterans Affairs (VA) administrative and clinical dataset examined determinants of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) use among patients with concomitant atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and diabetes mellitus. The aim of the present analysis was to identify barriers and facilitators associated with SGLT-2i in a real-world contemporary patient population in order to improve utilization of these guideline-directed agents.

Significant Facility-Level Variation in Utilization of and Adherence with Secondary Prevention Therapies Among Patients with Premature Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Insights from the VITAL (Veterans wIth premaTure AtheroscLerosis) Registry7.

PURPOSE: We investigated facility-level variation in the use and adherence with antiplatelets and statins among patients with premature and extremely premature ASCVD. METHODS: Using the 2014-2015 nationwide Veterans wIth premaTure AtheroscLerosis (VITAL) registry, we assessed patients with premature (age at first ASCVD event: males < 55 years, females < 65 years) and extremely premature ASCVD (< 40 years). We examined frequency and facility-level variation in any statin, high-intensity statin (HIS), antiplatelet use (aspirin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor, prasugrel, and ticlopidine), and statin adherence (proportion of days covered ≥ 0.8) across 130 nationwide VA healthcare facilities. Facility-level variation was computed using median rate ratios (MRR), a measure of likelihood that two random facilities differ in use of statins or antiplatelets and statin adherence. RESULTS: Our analysis included 135,703 and 7716 patients with premature and extremely premature ASCVD, respectively. Across all facilities, the median (IQR) prescription rate of any statin therapy, HIS therapy, and antiplatelets among patients with premature ASCVD was 0.73 (0.70-0.75), 0.36 (0.32-0.41), and 0.77 (0.73-0.81), respectively. MRR (95% CI) for any statin use, HIS use, and antiplatelet use were 1.53 (1.44-1.60), 1.58 (1.49-1.66), and 1.49 (1.42-1.56), respectively, showing 53, 58, and 49% facility-level variation. The median (IQR) facility-level rate of statin adherence was 0.58 (0.55-0.62) and MRR for statin adherence was 1.13 (1.10-1.15), showing 13% facility-level variation. Similar median facility-level rates and variation were observed among patients with extremely premature ASCVD. CONCLUSIONS: There is suboptimal use and significant facility-level variation in the use of statin and antiplatelet therapy among patients with premature and extremely premature ASCVD. Interventions are needed to optimize care and minimize variation among young ASCVD patients.

Facility-Level Variation in Reported Statin-Associated Side Effects Among Patients with Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease-Perspective from the Veterans Affair Healthcare System.

PURPOSE: Statin-associated side effects (SASEs) can limit statin adherence and present a potential barrier to optimal statin utilization. How standardized reporting of SASEs varies across medical facilities has not been well characterized. METHODS: We assessed facility-level variation in SASE reporting among patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease receiving care across the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system from October 1, 2014, to September 30, 2015. The facility rates for SASE reporting were expressed as cases per 1000 patients with ASCVD. Facility-level variation was determined using hierarchical regression analysis to calculate median rate ratios (MRR [95% confidence interval]) by first using an unadjusted model and then adjusting for patient, provider, and facility characteristics. RESULTS: Of the 1,248,158 patients with ASCVD included in our study across 130 facilities, 13.7% had at least one SASE reported. Individuals with a history of SASE were less likely to be on a statin at follow-up compared with those without SASE (72.0% vs 80.8%, p < 0.01). The median (interquartile range) facility rate of SASE reported was 140.5 (109.4-167.7) cases per 1000 patients with ASCVD. Significant facility-level variation in the rate of SASE reported was observed: MRR 1.38 (1.33-1.44) in the unadjusted model and MRR 1.56 (1.47-1.65) in the adjusted model. CONCLUSION: Significant facility-level variation in SASE reporting was found within the VA healthcare system suggesting room for improvement in standardized documentation of SASEs among medical facilities. This has the potential to lead to improvement in statin utilization.

Association of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with higher risk of cancer: a behavioral risk factor surveillance system study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate a possible association between atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and risk of cancer in young adults. METHODS: We utilized data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a nationally representative US telephone-based survey to identify participants in the age group of 18-55 years who reported a history of ASCVD. These patients were defined as having premature ASCVD. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to study the association between premature ASCVD and cancer including various cancer subtypes. RESULTS: Between 2016 and 2019, we identified 28 522 (3.3%) participants with a history of premature ASCVD. Compared with patients without premature ASCVD, individuals with premature ASCVD were more likely to be Black adults, have lower income, lower levels of education, reside in states without Medicaid expansion, have hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, obesity, and had delays in seeking medical care. Individuals with premature ASCVD were more likely to have been diagnosed with any form of cancer (13.7% vs 3.9%), and this association remained consistent in multivariable models (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 2.08 [1.72-2.50], P < 0.01); this association was significant for head and neck (21.08[4.86-91.43], P < 0.01), genitourinary (18.64 [3.69-94.24], P < 0.01), and breast cancer (3.96 [1.51-10.35], P < 0.01). Furthermore, this association was consistent when results were stratified based on gender and race, and in sensitivity analysis using propensity score matching. CONCLUSION: Premature ASCVD is associated with a higher risk of cancer. These data have important implications for the design of strategies to prevent ASCVD and cancer in young adults.

Highlights of Cardiovascular Disease Studies Presented at the 2021 European Society of Cardiology Congress.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review highlights select studies presented at the virtual 2021 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress. RECENT FINDINGS: Reviewed studies assess single photon emission computed tomography, positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance imaging in coronary artery disease (PACIFIC-II); empagliflozin in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (EMPEROR-Preserved); dapagliflozin in chronic heart failure (DAPA-HF); proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor and its lipid lowering effects (NATURE-PCSK9); fixed-dose combination therapies with or without aspirin in primary prevention; overview of contrasting results between REDUCE-IT versus STRENGTH trials; Quadruple UltrA-low-dose tReaTment for hypertension (QUARTET); evolocumab and changes in plaque composition on optical coherence tomography (HUYGENS); and low-dose rivaroxaban during the acute phase of acute coronary syndrome (H-REPLACE). Research presented at the 2021 ESC Congress shows promise in reducing burden of cardiovascular disease and reinforces the value of cardiovascular disease prevention.

Association of patient, provider and facility related characteristics with statin associated side effects and statin use: Insight from the Veteran's Affairs healthcare system.

BACKGROUND: Statin associated side effects (SASE) are a leading cause of statin discontinuation. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated patient, provider, and facility characteristics associated with SASEs and whether these characteristics impact statin utilization. METHODS: Patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) receiving care across the Veterans Affairs healthcare system from October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015 were included. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine (a) factors associated with SASE and (b) factors associated with statin use in those with SASE. RESULTS: Our cohort included 1,225,576 patients with ASCVD. Of these, 171,189 (13.7%) had at least 1 reported SASE since year 2000. The most significant odds for SASEs were observed with female sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36, 1.45), White race (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.41, 1.45), hypertension (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.33, 1.41) and ischemic heart disease (IHD: OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.43, 1.47). Lower odds were noted with care at a teaching facility (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.88, 0.90). Factors most associated with being on a statin among patients with SASE included having diabetes (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.15, 1.20), IHD (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.35, 1.43) and a higher number of cardiology visits (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.07, 1.09), while female sex was associated with lower odds (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.61, 0.69). CONCLUSION: There are significant disparities in statin use by sex, ASCVD type, and comorbidities among secondary prevention patients with SASE, which represent areas for improvement in optimizing statin utilization.

Promise and Perils of Telehealth in the Current Era.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The concept of telehealth has been around since the early twentieth century and has been used in different healthcare specialties. However, with the recent COVID-19 pandemic necessitating physical distancing, there has been an increased emphasis and utilization of this mode of healthcare delivery. With increasing reliance on telehealth services, data from investigator groups have brought to light several merits as well as failings of telehealth. RECENT FINDINGS: Telehealth services have been associated with improved healthcare outcomes while remaining a cost-effective mode of healthcare delivery. Improving access and timeliness of care has also been observed by multiple telehealth-related studies. Finally, telehealth services are also anticipated to serve as part of emergency preparedness protocol and have shown to reduce provider-patient supply-demand mismatch, prevalent in certain subspecialties. With these benefits come certain challenges that have been highlighted in the literature. Indiscriminate utilization of telehealth services may widen public health disparities among minority groups and may increase overall healthcare expenditure due to overutilization of care, and the digital platform may jeopardize security of patient data. COVID-19 has been a catalyst in increasing utilization of telehealth services. As we move forward from the current pandemic, lessons learned from the studies demonstrating benefits and challenges associated with telehealth should be taken into account when drafting post-pandemic telehealth policies. Special attention should be paid to ensure that telehealth narrows, and not widens, the currently existing disparities in access to healthcare.

Prevalence and predictors of cost-related medication nonadherence in individuals with cardiovascular disease: Results from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey.

Medication nonadherence is highly prevalent among patients with chronic cardiovascular disease. Poor adherence has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Medication cost is a major driver for medication nonadherence. Utilizing data from the 2016 to 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey, we estimated the prevalence of cost-related medication nonadherence (CRMNA) among the overall population and among individuals who reported a history of diabetes, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), or hypertension. We then performed multivariable logistic regression to analyze sociodemographic factors associated with CRMNA. Our study population consisted of 142,577 individuals of whom 24% were older than 65 years, 47% were men, 66% were White, 17% Black, 35% had hypertension, 13% had diabetes mellitus, and 10% had ASCVD. CRMNA was reported in 10% of the overall population, 12% among those with hypertension, 17% among those with diabetes, and 17% among those with ASCVD. Age below 65 years, female gender, unemployment, lower income, lower educational attainment, having at least 1 comorbidity, and living in a state that did not expand Medicaid were independently associated with CRMNA. The prevalence of CRMNA increased with greater number of these high-risk sociodemographic factors. We conclude that the prevalence of CRMNA is 10% among U.S. adults overall and is higher among those with common chronic diseases. Risk factors associated with CRMNA should be addressed in order to improve adherence rates and health outcomes among high-risk individuals.

Prognostic Factors and Overall Survival After Pericardiocentesis in Patients With Cancer and Thrombocytopenia.

Background: Pericardiocentesis is an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool for cancer-associated pericardial effusion. Limited safety and outcomes data exists regarding the management of malignancy-related pericardial effusion in patients with thrombocytopenia. Objectives: Our study aimed to analyze prognostic factors and overall survival (OS) after pericardiocentesis in thrombocytopenic cancer patients. Methods and Results: A retrospective review of 136 thrombocytopenic cancer patients who underwent primary percutaneous pericardiocentesis was performed. Degree of thrombocytopenia was classified by platelet count recorded on day of pericardiocentesis: 75-149 × 103 cells/µL (41%); 50-74 × 103 cells/µL (10%); 25-49 × 103 cells/µL (24%); <25 × 103 cells/µL (25%). Median OS was 2.6 months and median follow-up was 37.4 months. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed significant OS differences among thrombocytopenia severity groups (p = 0.023), and worse OS with platelets <100 vs. ≥100 × 103 cells/µL (p = 0.031). By univariate analysis, thrombocytopenia severity was associated with increased risk of death (HR 0.993; 95% CI 0.989-0.997; p = 0.002). Poor prognostic factors for OS were advanced cancer, malignant effusion, elevated international normalized ratio (INR), quantity of platelet transfusions, and platelet transfusion resistance. However, thrombocytopenia severity became insignificant for OS (p = 0.802), after adjusting for advanced cancer and INR. Conclusions: For patients with malignancy-related large pericardial effusion and thrombocytopenia, pericardiocentesis is a feasible intervention and should be considered due to low complication rates. There is no absolute contraindication to pericardiocentesis in case of hemodynamic instability, even with severe thrombocytopenia.

Sex-Related Disparities in Cardiovascular Health Care Among Patients With Premature Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease.

Importance: There is a paucity of data regarding secondary prevention care disparities in women with premature and extremely premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), defined as an ASCVD event at 55 years or younger and 40 years or younger, respectively. Objective: To evaluate sex-based differences in antiplatelet agents, any statin, high-intensity statin (HIS) therapy, and statin adherence in patients with premature and extremely premature ASCVD. Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a cross-sectional, multicenter, nationwide VA health care system-based study with patients enrolled in the Veterans With Premature Atherosclerosis (VITAL) registry. The study assessed patients who had at least 1 primary care visit in the Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system from October 1, 2014, to September 30, 2015. Participants included 147 600 veteran patients with premature ASCVD, encompassing ischemic heart disease (IHD), ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD), and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Exposures: Women vs men with premature and extremely premature ASCVD. Main Outcomes and Measures: Antiplatelet use, any statin use, HIS use, and statin adherence (proportion of days covered [PDC] ≥0.8). Results: We identified 10 413 women and 137 187 men with premature ASCVD (age ≤55 years) and 1340 women and 8145 men with extremely premature (age ≤40 years) ASCVD. Among patients with premature and extremely premature ASCVD, women represented 7.1% and 14.1% of those groups, respectively. When compared with men, women with premature ASCVD had a higher proportion of African American patients (36.1% vs 23.8%) and lower proportions of Asian patients (0.5% vs 0.7%) and White patients (56.1% vs. 68.1%). In the extremely premature ASCVD group, women had a comparatively higher proportion of African American patients (36.8% vs 23.2%) and lower proportion of White patients (55.0% vs 67.8%) and Asian patients (1.3% vs 1.5%) than men. Among patients with premature IHD, women received less antiplatelet (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.47, 95% CI, 0.45-0.50), any statin (AOR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.59-0.66), and HIS (AOR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.59-0.66) therapy and were less statin adherent (mean [SD] PDC, 0.68 [0.34] vs 0.73 [0.31]; ß coefficient: -0.02; 95% CI, -0.03 to -0.01) compared with men. Similarly, women with premature ICVD and premature PAD received comparatively less antiplatelet agents, any statin, and HIS. Among patients with extremely premature ASCVD, women also received less antiplatelet therapy (AOR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.53-0.70), any statin therapy (AOR,0.51; 95% CI, 0.44-0.58), and HIS therapy (AOR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.37-0.54) than men. There were no sex-associated differences in statin adherence among patients with premature ICVD, premature PAD, or extremely premature ASCVD. Conclusions and Relevance: This cross-sectional study revealed that women veterans with premature ASCVD and extremely premature ASCVD receive less optimal secondary prevention cardiovascular care in comparison with men. Women with premature ASCVD, particularly those with IHD, were also less statin adherent. Multidisciplinary and patient-centered interventions are needed to improve these disparities in women.

Premature Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BACKGROUND: Recent literature has shown an association between atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and inflammatory bowel disease, potentially mediated through chronic inflammatory pathways. However, there is a paucity of data demonstrating this relationship among young patients with premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. METHODS: Using data from the nationwide Veterans wIth premaTure AtheroscLerosis (VITAL) registry, we assessed the association between extremely premature and premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (age at diagnosis: ≤40 years and ≤55 years, respectively) and inflammatory bowel disease. Patients were compared with age-matched controls without atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Multivariable regression models adjusted for traditional risk factors. RESULTS: We identified 147,600 patients and 9485 patients with premature and extremely premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, respectively. Compared with controls, there was a higher prevalence of overall inflammatory bowel disease among premature (0.96% vs 0.84%; odds ratio [OR] 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.21) and extremely premature (1.36% vs 0.75%; OR 1.82; 95% CI, 1.52-2.17) patients. After adjustment, these associations attenuated in both premature and extremely premature groups (OR 1.07; 95% CI, 1.00-1.14 and OR 1.61; 95% CI, 1.34-1.94, respectively). CONCLUSION: Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with higher odds of extremely premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, especially for those age ≤40 years. With increasing age, this risk is attenuated by traditional cardiometabolic factors such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and dyslipidemia. Prospective studies are needed to assess the role of early intervention to decrease cardiovascular risk among young patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Contemporary outcomes studies to identify and mitigate the risk in patients with premature cardiovascular disease.

Introduction: As the leading cause of death globally, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) carries substantial cost burden for patients and the healthcare system. Although overall mortality rates have recently decreased in certain groups, such improvements were not observed in younger ASCVD patients. This review focuses on premature ASCVD and explores risk factors affecting this younger cohort of patients.Areas covered: We performed a literature search for studies assessing premature ASCVD, defined as ischemic heart disease (IHD), ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD), or peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurring in men aged ≤55 years and women aged ≤65 years.Expert opinion: Premature ASCVD patients often suffer from multiple traditional cardiovascular risk factors, in addition to genetic predisposition or unique non-traditional features, such as substance abuse and chronic inflammatory conditions. Consequently, identification and management of at-risk individuals pose a great challenge for clinicians. In this younger patient cohort, control of traditional risk factors, optimization of primary and secondary prevention therapies, and lifestyle modifications are imperative to saving potential disability-adjusted life years and other costs associated with premature atherosclerosis.

Statin Prescription Rates, Adherence, and Associated Clinical Outcomes Among Women with PAD and ICVD.

PURPOSE: This study sought to investigate gender-based disparities in statin prescription rates and adherence among patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD). METHODS: We identified patients with PAD or ICVD seeking primary care between 2013 and 2014 in the VA healthcare system. We assessed any statin use, high-intensity statin (HIS) use, and statin adherence among women with PAD or ICVD compared with men. We also compared proportion of days covered (PDC) as a measure of statin adherence; PDC ≥ 0.8 deemed a patient statin adherent. Association between statin use (or adherence) and odds of death or myocardial infarction (MI) at 12-month follow-up was also ascertained. RESULTS: Our analyses included 192,219 males and 3188 females with PAD and 331,352 males and 10,490 females with ICVD. Women with PAD had lower prescription rates of any statin (68.5% vs. 78.7%, OR 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62-0.75), HIS (21.1% vs. 23.7%, OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.79-0.97), and lower statin adherence (PDC ≥ 0.8: 34.6% vs. 45.5%, OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.69-0.82) compared with men. Similar disparities were seen in ICVD patients. Among female patients with PAD or ICVD, statin adherence was associated with lower odds of MI (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.59-0.98), while use of any statin (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.56-0.91) and HIS (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.48-0.97) was associated with lower odds of death at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Women with PAD or ICVD had lower odds of receiving any statins, HIS, or being statin adherent. Targeted clinician- and patient-level interventions are needed to study and address these disparities among patients with PAD and ICVD.

Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases and Premature Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: An Analysis From the VITAL Registry.

BACKGROUND: Although the association between autoimmune rheumatic diseases and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is well-known, there is a lack of data regarding the role of such disorders in patients with premature and extremely premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. METHODS: The Veterans With Premature Atherosclerosis (VITAL) registry, including patients with premature (males <55 years, females <65 years) and extremely premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (<40 years), was created from the 2014-2015 nationwide Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system database. We assessed age at the time of first cardiovascular event to compare patients with premature (n = 135,703) and those with extremely premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (n = 7716) with age-matched patients without atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (nyoung = 1,153,535, nextremely young = 441,836). We assessed whether systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis were independently associated with premature and extremely premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. RESULTS: Patients with premature and extremely premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease had a higher prevalence of all rheumatic diseases as compared with age-matched patients without atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. In fully adjusted models, systemic lupus erythematosus (odds ratio [OR]: 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.56-1.83) and rheumatoid arthritis (OR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.63-1.81) were associated with increased odds of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (OR: 3.06, 95% CI: 2.38-3.93) and rheumatoid arthritis (OR: 2.39, 95% CI: 1.85-3.08) also had a higher likelihood of extremely premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSION: Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis carry higher odds of both premature and extremely premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Future studies are needed to understand the rheumatic disease-specific factors behind the development and progression of clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in these young patients.

Clinical Characteristics and Long-Term Outcomes of Midaortic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Midaortic syndrome (MAS) is a rare congenital or acquired condition marked by segmental or diffuse stenosis of the distal thoracic and/or abdominal aorta and its branches. The optimal approach to medical or interventional management of MAS and long-term outcomes in adults are not well defined. We reviewed MAS cases to characterize the natural history of aortic disease, identify prognostic factors, and evaluate the durability of invasive interventions. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of patients with MAS who presented to Memorial Hermann Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine between 1997 and 2018. We categorized cases according to demographic and clinical manifestations, etiologies, the extent of aortic involvement, interventions, and vascular outcomes. RESULTS: We identified a cohort of 13 patients with MAS. The etiology of MAS was identified in 6 cases, including genetic syndromes (neurofibromatosis type 1 (2/13), Williams syndrome (1/13), fibromuscular dysplasia (2/13), and Takayasu arteritis (1/13)). Mean age at first documented clinical event was 25.2 (2-67) years, but cases with genetic etiologies presented significantly younger (18.2 years). The most common primary anatomic site was the suprarenal and infrarenal aorta (zones 5-8). Extra-aortic locations involved the renal (4/13), celiac (3/13), and superior mesenteric (3/13) arteries. Clinical manifestations included hypertension (13/13), claudication (9/13), and postprandial abdominal pain (5/13). All patients with available follow-up data underwent at least one surgical or endovascular intervention (range: 1-8). Postoperative complications included renal failure requiring postdischarge hemodialysis and respiratory failure. There were no deaths in long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: MAS is a complex vasculopathy with substantial variability in clinical presentation and anatomic distribution. Extensive disease frequently requires multiple invasive interventions and results in refractory hypertension, which may predict subsequent clinical events. A multidisciplinary approach with long-term monitoring is essential for preservation of end-organ function and quality of life in this debilitating disease.

Late-onset Vibrio vulnificus septicemia without cirrhosis.

Recent surveillance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates rising annual incidence rates of Vibrio vulnificus infection. Unfortunately, this infection is often excluded from the differential diagnosis in lesser known at-risk populations. Transmission occurs via wound exposure or ingestion, with V. vulnificus foodborne illness having the highest mortality rate of all Vibrio species. Fatality rates of V. vulnificus rival those of Ebola and bubonic plague, so timely treatment is imperative. Current literature favors surgical debridement with a third-generation cephalosporin plus intravenous doxycycline or fluoroquinolone. Cephalosporin monotherapy is discouraged due to rising resistance. This case features V. vulnificus septicemia with prolonged incubation time in a noncirrhotic patient.