ABSTRACT
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers a wide range of applications in clinical practice, and new technologies are rapidly evolving the healthcare industry and enhancing outcomes. Smartwatches represent the most popular type of wearable AI device that can assist people in detecting cardiac arrhythmias via constant monitoring of heart activity. Numerous advantages result from integrating AI into healthcare systems, including improved patient care, lower rates of medical errors, better treatment recommendations, and more accurate diagnosis of diseases. However, doubts still remain regarding the adoption of AI into patient care due to the challenges it poses. In this paper, we report a case of atrial fibrillation (AF) in a young patient that was detected by his smartwatch. We also highlight some of the benefits and challenges of AI applications in healthcare.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Evidence from recent trials has shown conflicting results in terms of the utility of colchicine in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Multiple databases were queried to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the merits of colchicine in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or stable CAD. The pooled relative risk ratio (RR) of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), its components, and gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events were computed using a random-effect model. RESULTS: Ten RCTs comprising a total of 12,761 patients were identified. At a median follow-up of 12 months, there was a significantly lower risk of MACE [RR 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45-96], ACS (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.45-0.96), ischemic stroke (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.22-0.81), and need for revascularization (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.42-90) in patients receiving colchicine compared with placebo. A subgroup analysis based on the clinical presentation showed that the significantly lower incidence of MACE and stroke were driven by the patients presenting with ACS. The use of colchicine in patients with stable CAD did not reduce the incidence of MACE (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.28-1.09), ACS (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.25-1.08), or stroke (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.33-1.13). There was no significant difference in the relative risk of cardiac arrest, ACS, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality between the two groups in both ACS and stable CAD populations. The risk of GI adverse events was significantly higher in patients receiving colchicine (RR 2.10, 95% CI 1.12-3.95). CONCLUSION: In patients presenting with ACS, low-dose colchicine might reduce the incidence of MACE, stroke, and the need for revascularization at long follow-up durations. Colchicine might offer no benefits in reducing the risk of ischemic events in patients with stable angina.
Subject(s)
Acute Coronary Syndrome , Colchicine , Coronary Artery Disease , Acute Coronary Syndrome/drug therapy , Colchicine/adverse effects , Coronary Artery Disease/drug therapy , HumansABSTRACT
Poliovirus has been eradicated in the US for 40 years. Its sequelae, poliomyelitis, a syndrome characterized by fever, meningitis, and flaccid paralysis, is a rare entity. Other viruses have been implicated in poliomyelitis-like syndromes since the elimination of poliovirus. West Nile virus (WNV), since its westward migration in 1999, has recently been found to be a causative agent of fever, encephalitis, and acute flaccid paralysis. We present the case of a male who presented to the hospital for fever and experienced a subsequent fall, without any symptoms of encephalitis, diagnosed with WNV infection.
