Efficacy and safety of semaglutide in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and obesity.

BACKGROUND: Semaglutide, a once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, has shown promise in weight management and cardiovascular outcomes in other populations. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of semaglutide in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients with obesity. METHODS: A retrospective study analyzed 318 patients with HFpEF, of which 104 received semaglutide and 214 received placebo. Primary endpoints included evaluating changes in exercise capacity and weight management. RESULTS: Semaglutide treatment led to significant improvements in the primary endpoints. Patients in the semaglutide group demonstrated substantial enhancements in exercise capacity, as measured by the 6-min walk distance, compared to the placebo group (mean difference 15.1 meters, 95% CI 5.8 to 24.4, p = 0.002). Additionally, semaglutide resulted in substantial weight loss compared to placebo (mean difference -2.9%, 95% CI -4.1--1.7, p = 0.001). Several secondary endpoints, including reductions in C-reactive protein levels and improvements in other clinical parameters, further supported the efficacy of semaglutide. Adverse events were generally well-tolerated, with no unexpected safety concerns. CONCLUSION: Semaglutide demonstrated significant clinical benefits in HFpEF patients with obesity, as evidenced by improved symptoms, physical function, and weight reduction.

Epipericardial Fat Necrosis and Covid-19.

Background: Epipericardial fat necrosis (EFN) is a rare and self-limiting cause of acute chest pain. We describe a case of EFN in a patient with a recent coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Case Presentation: A 55-year-old male presented with a sudden onset of left-sided pleuritic chest pain for the past two days. The patient was diaphoretic, tachypneic, and tachycardic. Acute coronary syndrome was ruled out. A computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiogram revealed an ovoid encapsulated fatty mass surrounded by dense appearing tissue. Patient symptoms improved remarkably with a short course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Discussion: EFN typically presents with a sudden onset of excruciating chest pain. Misdiagnosis, under-diagnosis, and mismanagement are unavoidable. EFN is incidentally diagnosed on CT scan. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infects visceral adipose tissue and appears to increase the risk of EFN by promoting inflammatory cytokine production and death of adipocytes. Conclusion: EFN is a rare cause of acute chest pain. SARS-CoV-2 is likely to induce EFN. This rare clinical entity should be considered in the differential of acute chest pain especially in patients with active or recent COVID-19. LEARNING POINTS: Epipericardial fat necrosis (EFN) is a rare cause of acute pleuritic chest pain that is often misdiagnosed and mismanaged.SARS-CoV-2 can possibly increase the risk of EFN and this entity should be considered in the differential of chest pain, especially in patients with active or recent coronavirus disease (COVID-19).Clinician awareness of EFN and its potential association with COVID-19, can reduce unnecessary testing and emotional distress.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Neurosurgical Patients at a Level III Intensive Care Unit in Pakistan: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objective Neurosurgical patients account for the majority of cases across all surgical specialties that are admitted to the surgical intensive care unit (ICU) at our institution. The goal of this study was to analyze factors leading to ICU admission, type of neurosurgical intervention, length of ICU/hospital stays, and outcomes in terms of complications and ICU and in-hospital mortality. Methods This retrospective study conducted at the surgical ICU, Aga Khan University Hospital, investigated clinical data of neurosurgical patients admitted between January 2020 and June 2022. Quantitative data were collected regarding patients' characteristics, such as age, gender, comorbidities, type of surgical intervention, mode of surgery, source of admission to ICU, and type of osmotherapy. The primary and secondary outcomes were in terms of ICU and hospital mortality and complications. Results Among 321 patients admitted to the SICU, 197 were included according to inclusion/exclusion criteria. A total of 168 patients (85.3%) required surgical intervention, of whom 101 (60%) underwent elective surgery and 67 (40%) required emergency surgery. Thirteen patients died during the ICU or hospital stay, representing a mortality rate of 6.6%. The average length of stay in the ICU had a median IQR of 4 (4,6) days while the average hospital stay median IQR was 11 (12,18) days. Tracheostomy was performed in 77 patients (39%), and the median IQR day for tracheostomy was 4 (3,5) days. APACHE-II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation) score, length of ICU, and length of hospital stay were significantly higher in the deceased patients with a p-value of 0.042, 0.019, and 0.043, respectively. Conclusion In conclusion, this study on neurosurgical patients from the surgical intensive care unit of a low-middle-income country provided valuable insights about factors and their influence on outcomes. The study implies that a high APACHE-II score is linked to poorer outcomes for neurosurgical patients in this particular setting. Undertaking a large multicenter prospective study is vital for tailoring interventions and improving patient care in regions with limited resources where healthcare challenges may be distinct.

The Impact of Short Intensive Care Rotation on Residents' Experience in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Objectives: To assess the impact and utility of an intensive care unit (ICU) rotation during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the need for mandatory ICU rotations in training for all clinical specialties. Methods: A mixed methods study was conducted from January to September 2021 at the Aga Khan University Hospital, including resident doctors who rotated through COVID ICU between May and September 2020. An online survey was undertaken, followed by two focused group discussions (FGDs). Results: Fifty-nine complete responses out of a total of 86 were analyzed. Around 42.3% (n = 25) of doctors belonged to medicine/allied specialties and 57.6% (n = 34) had previous ICU experience. Both groups, with and without prior ICU experience, found the rotation equally challenging (82.3% (n = 28) versus 84% (n = 21), P = .776) and gained similar practical skills (35.3% (n = 12) versus 16% (n = 4), P = .072), however, those with experience gained significantly more knowledge (58.5% (n = 20) versus 32% (n = 8), P = .047). On opinion regarding mandatory ICU rotation, the majority agreed to have a mandatory rotation (82% (n = 28) versus 72% (n = 18), P = .421)) with an optimal duration of 1 to 2 months. The FGDs found that all residents encouraged the idea of mandatory training in ICU which must be tailored to their training specialty and suggested extending the duration beyond 1 week to ensure learning. Conclusions: COVID ICU rotation was a good avenue for learning and the idea of mandatory ICU training was supported. Mandating ICU rotation might theoretically enhance response to emergencies. More research is needed to understand for feasible incorporation of ICU training in the curriculum.

Association Between the Site of Infection and Mortality Analysis in Critically Ill Surgical Patients.

Background Sepsis remains a critical global health concern, leading to a high mortality rate. Existing literature suggests a potential correlation between infection site and mortality. Mortality data from Pakistan, especially in the context of the infection site, is notably scarce. Purpose The study aimed to explore the relationship between the site of infection and clinical features in deceased septic patients in the surgical intensive care unit. Methods In this retrospective study conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, data from patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit and meeting Sepsis 3 criteria over a five-year period (2016-2020) were analyzed. We analyzed the relation between the infection site and clinical characteristics using analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square, or Fisher's exact tests. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied using stepwise forward selection. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 2472 ICU admissions were screened, out of which 170 patients were included in this study. Demographic analysis showed a predominantly male population with a mean age of 47 years. The most prevalent site of infection was the abdomen. Logistic regression analysis identified on-admission septic shock and high Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores as significant risk factors for 48-hour mortality while colistimethate sodium usage and admission through the operating room were protective. Conclusion Our study provides a comprehensive analysis, outlining infection sites and identifying early mortality-influencing factors within our region. The distinct demographic profile, characterized by younger age, and the prevalence of abdominal infections in the Pakistani cohort contradict established medical literature. Early initiation of broad-spectrum antibiotics, coupled with prompt source control, confers a protective effect upon individuals afflicted with sepsis.

Asporychalasin, a bioactive cytochalasan with an unprecedented 6/6/11 skeleton from the Red Sea sediment Aspergillus oryzae.

The cytochalasan asporychalasin (1) was obtained from the marine fungus Aspergillus oryzae, isolated from the Red Sea sediments collected off Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The chemical structure of 1 was elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and quantum-mechanical calculations of 13C NMR resonances and ECD to possess an unprecedented 6/6/11-fused tricyclic skeleton, including an isoquinolindione ring in place of the typical isoindolone. Asporychalasin exhibited moderate antiproliferative activity against three human cancer cell lines, lung carcinoma (A549), liver carcinoma (HepG2), and breast carcinoma (MCF7), and no toxicity on zebrafish embryos.

Assessment of immunity to polio among Rohingya children in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, 2018: A cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: We performed a cross-sectional survey in April-May 2018 among Rohingya in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, to assess polio immunity and inform vaccination strategies. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Rohingya children aged 1-6 years (younger group) and 7-14 years (older group) were selected using multi-stage cluster sampling in makeshift settlements and simple random sampling in Nayapara registered camp. Surveyors asked parents/caregivers if the child received any oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) in Myanmar and, for younger children, if the child received vaccine in any of the 5 campaigns delivering bivalent OPV (serotypes 1 and 3) conducted during September 2017-April 2018 in Cox's Bazar. Dried blood spot (DBS) specimens were tested for neutralizing antibodies to poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3 in 580 younger and 297 older children. Titers ≥ 1:8 were considered protective. Among 632 children (335 aged 1-6 years, 297 aged 7-14 years) enrolled in the study in makeshift settlements, 51% were male and 89% had arrived after August 9, 2017. Among 245 children (all aged 1-6 years) enrolled in the study in Nayapara, 54% were male and 10% had arrived after August 9, 2017. Among younger children, 74% in makeshift settlements and 92% in Nayapara received >3 bivalent OPV doses in campaigns. Type 1 seroprevalence was 85% (95% CI 80%-89%) among younger children and 91% (95% CI 86%-95%) among older children in makeshift settlements, and 92% (88%-95%) among younger children in Nayapara. Type 2 seroprevalence was lower among younger children than older children in makeshift settlements (74% [95% CI 68%-79%] versus 97% [95% CI 94%-99%], p < 0.001), and was 69% (95% CI 63%-74%) among younger children in Nayapara. Type 3 seroprevalence was below 75% for both age groups and areas. The limitations of this study are unknown routine immunization history and poor retention of vaccination cards. CONCLUSIONS: Younger Rohingya children had immunity gaps to all 3 polio serotypes and should be targeted by future campaigns and catch-up routine immunization. DBS collection can enhance the reliability of assessments of outbreak risk and vaccination strategy impact in emergency settings.

Awareness during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

Checking responsiveness is the mainstay in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). It is rare in the clinical situation when the patient requires resuscitation despite the presence of wakefulness. We report a case in which the patient presented with flat arterial line and absence carotid pulse while he was awake. A thorough literature review will also be discussed. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Asghar A, Salim B, Tahir S, Islam F, Khan MF. Awareness during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(2):136-137.

Perioperative glycemic control and its outcome in patients following open heart surgery.

Background: Diabetes is not uncommon in patients requiring cardiac surgery. These patients have a higher incidence of morbidity and mortality. Subsequently, diabetes represents a major medico-economic problem in both developed and developing countries. This study was designed to observe the association between glycemic control and outcome of patients after open heart surgery in adult population. Materials and Methods: Data was collected retrospectively in all patients who underwent open cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting, valve, or bypass grafting with valve surgery) and survived 72 hours postoperatively and had diabetes. The study was conducted from January 2015 to December 2016. Results: Of the 129 patients included in the study, male dominated 101 (78.3%). Most frequent surgery was coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) 123 (95.3%), CABG plus aortic valve replacement 4 (3.1%), and CABG plus mitral valve replacement 2 (1.6%). Considering diabetes, only 3 (2.3%) were on diet control, 112 (86.8%) on oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA), whereas 9 (7%) had control on both insulin and OHA. Only 5 (3.9%) had type I diabetes. The mean fasting blood sugar (FBS) was 154.58 g/dl, and the mean duration of diabetic mellitus was observed 12.32 years. Microvascular and macrovascular complications were 26/129 (20.16%) and 17/129 (13.17%), respectively. Total 75 (58.1%) patients did not require insulin and 54 (41.9%) were treated with insulin intraoperatively to keep the blood glucose level less than 200 g/dl. Cardiac arrhythmias were frequent in the insulin group (P < 0.05), which was also associated with increased stay in the cardiac intensive care unit. Conclusion: Inadequate glycemic control during open cardiac surgery can possibly lead to increased perioperative morbidity and mortality and with decreased long-term survival and recurrent ischemic events. Therefore, aiming for blood glucose levels around 140 mg/dl appears reasonable. Further studies are required to define specific glucose ranges for a clearer definition of recommended blood glucose goals in postoperative cardiac patients for the best outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Association of Anemia with Stroke Severity in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of anemia with stroke severity in acute ischemic stroke patients. MATERIAL & METHODS: We enrolled 96 patients (mean age: 60.25 ± 11.92 years old) who were admitted to the stroke unit of Shifa International Hospital between 1st March 2015 and 31st August 2015. Each patient presented within 72 hours of onset of symptoms, underwent computed tomography (CT) of the head and blood tests, including hemoglobin concentration, on the first day of hospitalization. Stroke severity was assessed on admission using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale. Anemia was evaluated according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria (men, <13 g/dL; women, <12 g/dL). We examined the frequency of anemia in patients with different severities of acute ischemic stroke. RESULTS: World Health Organization defined anemia was positive in 38 (39.6%) and negative in 58 (60.4%) patients. Among the patients who were positive for anemia, seven (18.4%) had a minor stroke, 10 (26.3%) had a moderately severe stroke, and 21 (55.3%) had a severe stroke. There was a significant association between anemia and stroke severity (P-value 0.000). CONCLUSION: Our data indicated that anemia was a frequent finding in acute ischemic stroke patients, with increasing frequency corresponding to stroke severity.

Co-existing spinal intradural ependymal cyst and sacral Tarlov cyst in adult-onset tethered cord syndrome with syringomyelia: Case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Synchronous spinal intradural ependymal cysts and sacral Tarlov cysts in adult onset tethered cord syndrome are extremely rare. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 23-year-old male presented with back pain radiating into both lower extremities, accompanied by acute onset of gait difficulty and sphincter dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging identified a low lying conus medullaris, syringomyelia with septations extending from T12 to S1, a tethered cord, and a thickened filum terminale with a sacral Tarlov cyst. The patient underwent a L3-4 laminectomy for decompression of syringomyelia and excision/biopsy of a space occupying lesion along with S1-2 laminectomy for cord untethering and Tarlov cyst fenestration. Postoperative histopathology confirmed that the lesion was an ependymal cyst. Clinically, patient showed marked improvement in the neurological status. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous decompressive laminectomy of L3-4 and S1-2 effectively decompressed the syringomyelia while allowing for excision/biopsy of a space occupying lesion at the former and untethering and Tarlov cyst fenestration at the latter levels.

Nickel elution properties of contemporary interatrial shunt closure devices.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to compare nickel elution properties of contemporary interatrial shunt closure devices in vitro. INTRODUCTION: There are two United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved devices for percutaneous closure of secundum atrial septal defect: the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO; St Jude Medical Corporation) and Gore Helex septal occluder (HSO; W.L. Gore & Associates). The new Gore septal occluder (GSO) device is in clinical trials. These are also used off-label for patent foramen ovale closure in highly selected patients. These devices have high nickel content. Nickel allergy is the most common reason for surgical device explantation. Nickel elution properties of contemporary devices remain unknown. METHODS: We compared nickel elution properties of 4 devices - ASO, GSO, HSO, and sternal wire (SW) - while Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (DPBS) served as control. Three samples of each device were submerged in DPBS. Nickel content was measured at 14 intervals over 90 days. RESULTS: Nickel elution at 24 hours, compared to control (0.005 ± 0.0 mg/L), was significantly higher for ASO (2.98 ± 1.65 mg/L; P=.04) and SW (0.03 ± 0.014 mg/L; P=.03). Nickel levels at 90 days, compared to control (0.005 ± 0.0 mg/L) and adjusting for multiple comparisons, were significantly higher for ASO (19.80 ± 2.30 mg/L; P=.01) and similar for HSO (P=.34), GSO (P=.34), and SW (P=.34). ASO had significantly higher nickel elution compared to HSO, GSO, and SW (P=.01). CONCLUSION: There is substantial variability in nickel elution; devices with less exposed nickel (HSO and GSO) have minimal elution. The safety of low nickel elution devices in patients with nickel allergy needs to be evaluated in prospective trials.

Age adjusted nationwide trends in the incidence of all cause and ST elevation myocardial infarction associated cardiogenic shock based on gender and race in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Recent improvement in the care of patients with myocardial infarction should lead to better outcome. The goal of this study was to evaluate the incidence of all cause cardiogenic shock (CS) and CS occurring in the setting of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the United States. METHOD: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was utilized to calculate the age-adjusted incident rate of CS from 1996 to 2006 based on ICD-9 coding in the setting of STEMI. Furthermore, we evaluated this trend based on race and gender. RESULTS: A total population of 52,784,917 patients was available between 1996 and 2006. We found that the incidence of all cause CS has not changed over time. However, in the setting of STEMI, CS has been declining slowly over the last 10 years. The age-adjusted rate for CS was 4.3 per 100,000 in 1996 which remained steady with an incidence of 3.1 per 100.000 in 2006 (p<0.01). This decline was persistent across different race or gender. However, African Americans and female gender had persistently lower rate of CS. CONCLUSION: Advancement in the treatment of acute STEMI has led to gradual reduction in the incidence of STEMI related cardiogenic shock irrespective of ethnicities or gender suggesting improving outcome of patients presenting with STEMI in recent years.

Comparison of procedural complications and in-hospital clinical outcomes between patients with successful and failed percutaneous intervention of coronary chronic total occlusions: a meta-analysis of observational studies.

BACKGROUND: Multiple attempts to pass guidewires and balloons across totally occluded segments may result in significant mechanical trauma and higher rates of coronary complications in patients undergoing PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) for CTOs (chronic total occlusion). It is unknown whether these procedural complications affect short-term survival and in-hospital clinical outcomes after the PCI. The goal of this analysis was to clarify this issue by comparing the rates of adverse in-hospital clinical outcomes between successful and failed CTO-PCI groups. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis of 25 studies (16,490 patients) to determine the rates of in-hospital death, myocardial infarction (MI), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and urgent CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting) for the successful and failed CTO-PCI groups. RESULTS: Compared to successful CTO PCI, failed CTO PCI procedures were associated with higher in-hospital mortality (1.44% versus 0.5%) [relative risk (RR) of 2.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] (1.96-4.24), P<0.001], a higher risk of in-hospital MACE (8.88% versus 3.75%) [RR of 2.25, CI (1.69-2.98), P<0.001], slightly higher risk of in-hospital MI (3.17% versus 2.4%) [RR of 1.35, CI (1.03-1.78), P=0.03] and increased need for urgent CABG (4.0% versus 0.5%) [RR of 6.67, CI (4.26-10.43), P<0.001]. Furthermore, higher rates of coronary perforations [RR of 5.0, CI (3.93-6.59), P<0.001] and cardiac tamponade [RR of 5.0, CI (1.97-12.69), P<0.001] were observed in the unsuccessful PCI arm. CONCLUSIONS: As compared to successful interventions, failed PCI attempts for CTOs appear to be associated with higher risk of adverse short-term clinical outcomes.

Gemcitabine-induced cardiomyopathy: a case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Newly developed antineoplastic drugs have resulted in improvements in morbidity and mortality from many forms of cancers. However, some of these new chemotherapeutic agents have potentially lethal side effects, which are now being exposed with their widespread use. Gemcitabine is a nucleoside analog, which is a commonly used agent for various solid organ malignancies. Phase 1 and 2 trials with gemcitabine did not show significant risk for cardiotoxicity; however, with its widespread clinical use over the last decade, a few cases of cardiotoxicity related to gemcitabine use have been reported. Cardiomyopathy after the use of gemcitabine monotherapy is extremely rare; and only one such case has been reported in detail previously. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 56-year-old African American man with pancreatic cancer who presented with signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure after being treated with gemcitabine for two cycles (six doses). A two-dimensional echocardiography showed left ventricular ejection fraction of 15 to 20 percent with global hypokinesia. With the absence of significant risk factors for coronary artery disease and a strong temporal relationship with the initiation of chemotherapy, it was concluded that our patient's cardiomyopathy was related to the use of gemcitabine. Gemcitabine was discontinued and our patient responded well to standard heart failure therapy. Two months later, a repeat echocardiogram showed significant improvements in left ventricular systolic function. CONCLUSIONS: Gemcitabine should be considered as a potential cause of cardiomyopathy in patients receiving chemotherapy with this drug. We need further studies to look into potential mechanisms and treatments of gemcitabine-induced cardiac dysfunction.

Gradual decline in the age-adjusted in-hospital mortality rate from STEMI-related cardiogenic shock irrespective of cause, race or gender with persistent higher mortality rates in women despite multivariate adjustment.

BACKGROUND: Recent improvements in the care of critically ill patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) should be associated with improved outcomes. The goal of this study was to evaluate the trends of age-adjusted mortality rates for all-cause and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)-related CS in the United States. METHODS: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was utilized to calculate the age-adjusted mortality rate of all-cause and STEMI-related CS from 1996 to 2006. We used specific ICD- 9 codes for CS and STEMI based on race and gender. RESULTS: We found a gradual decrease in mortality over the 10-year period in patients suffering from all causes or STEMI-related CS irrespective of gender and race with a persistently higher mortality rates in women and African Americans. However, after multivariate adjustment, only female gender remains associated with persistently higher mortality. The age-adjusted mortality rate from STEMI-related CS in women was 2.2% in 1996, with a gradual reduction to the lowest level of 1.7% in 2006 (P<.01). Likewise, the age-adjusted mortality rate from STEMI-related CS in men was 1.7% in 1996, which declined to the lowest level of 1.4% in 2006 (P<.01). CONCLUSION: Regardless of gender and race, age-adjusted in-hospital mortality is gradually declining in patients presenting with all causes or STEMI-related CS. However, as compared to men, women suffer from persistently higher mortality rates in the setting of STEMI-related CS despite multivariate adjustment.

A case of disseminated cryptococcosis with skin manifestations in a patient with newly diagnosed HIV.

In this case report, we provide a concise review of the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, key diagnostic findings, and treatment options for Cryptococcus. Cryptococcus neoformans is a ubiquitous dimorphic fungus that can potentially be life threatening, especially in immunocompromised hosts. It commonly infects the respiratory tract or central nervous system. However, skin manifestations can be a marker of severe and disseminated disease, particularly in individuals at higher risk, including those patients with AIDS, cancer, long-term corticosteroid use, and organ transplant recipients. A timely diagnostic workup, including skin biopsy,blood cultures, and lumber puncture, is crucial since skin lesions may mimic other infectious processes. In addition, prompt, appropriate antifungal treatment should be initiatedto decrease morbidity and mortality.