Anti-interferon-α receptor 1 antibodies attenuate inflammation and organ injury following hemorrhagic shock.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhagic shock (HS) is a life-threatening condition resulting from rapid and significant loss of intravascular volume, leading to hemodynamic instability and death. Inflammation contributes to the multiple organ injury in HS. Type I interferons (IFNs), such as IFN-α and IFN-ß, are a family of cytokines that regulate the inflammatory response through binding to IFN-α receptor (IFNAR) which consists of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 chains. We hypothesized that type I IFNs provoke inflammation and worsen organ injury in HS. METHODS: Male C57BL/6 mice (20-25 g) underwent hemorrhage by controlled bleeding via the femoral artery to maintain a mean arterial pressure of 27 ± 2.5 mm Hg for 90 minutes, followed by resuscitation for 30 minutes with two times shed blood volume of Ringer's lactate solution containing 1 mg/kg body weight of anti-IFNAR1 antibody (Ab) or control isotype-matched IgG (IgG). Blood and tissue samples were collected at 20 hours after the resuscitation for various analyses. RESULTS: The expression of IFN-α and IFN-ß mRNAs was significantly elevated in lungs and liver of the mice after HS. The IFNAR1-Ab treatment significantly decreased serum levels of organ injury markers lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase, as well as improved the integrity of lung and liver morphology, compared to the IgG control. The protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, and mRNA expression of proinflammatory chemokines monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, MCP-2, macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2), and keratinocyte cytokine (KC) in the lungs of the HS mice were significantly decreased after treated with IFNAR1-Ab. Moreover, the myeloperoxidase activity and number of apoptotic cells in the lungs of HS mice treated with IFNAR1-Ab were decreased in comparison to the IgG control. CONCLUSION: Administration of IFNAR1-Ab reduces inflammation and tissue injury. Thus, type I IFN signaling may be a potential therapeutic target for mitigating organ dysfunction in patients suffering from HS. STUDY TYPE: Translational animal model.

Cold-inducible RNA-binding protein-derived peptide C23 attenuates inflammation and tissue injury in a murine model of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion.

BACKGROUND: Cold-inducible RNA-binding protein is a novel damage-associated molecular pattern that causes inflammation. C23, a short peptide derived from cold-inducible RNA-binding protein, has been found to have efficacy in blocking cold-inducible RNA-binding protein's activity. We hypothesized that C23 reduces inflammation and tissue injury induced by intestinal ischemia-reperfusion. METHODS: Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to 60 minutes of intestinal ischemia by clamping the superior mesenteric artery. Immediately after reperfusion, either normal saline (vehicle) or C23 peptide (8 mg/kg body weight) was injected intraperitoneally. Four hours after reperfusion, blood, intestinal, and lung tissues were collected for analysis of inflammatory and tissue injury parameters. RESULTS: Cold-inducible RNA-binding protein levels in the intestinal tissues were significantly increased following intestinal ischemia-reperfusion. Histologic examination of the intestine revealed a significant reduction in injury score in the C23 group by 48% as compared with the vehicles after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion. The serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase were increased in animals that underwent vehicle-treated intestinal ischemia-reperfusion, whereas C23-treated animals exhibited significant reductions by 48% and 53%, respectively. The serum and intestinal tissue levels of tumor necrosis factor α were elevated in vehicle-treated intestinal ischemia-reperfusion mice but decreased by 72% and 69%, respectively, in C23-treated mice. Interleukin-6 mRNA levels in the lungs were reduced by 86% in the C23-treated group in comparison to the vehicle-treated group after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion. Expression of macrophage inflammatory protein 2 and level of myeloperoxidase activity in the lungs were dramatically increased after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion and significantly reduced by 91% and 25%, respectively, in the C23-treated group. CONCLUSION: C23 has potential to be developed into a possible therapy for reperfusion injury after mesenteric ischemia and reperfusion.

Evolution of Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Learning Curve.

OBJECTIVE: Minimally invasive coronary surgery approach for coronary artery bypass grafting is a safe and reproducible procedure for multivessel revascularization. This study reviewed a single surgeon's experience with minimally invasive coronary surgery coronary artery bypass grafting, including operative time, number of bypasses, and conversion to sternotomy. METHODS: A prospective database of consecutive minimally invasive coronary surgery coronary artery bypass grafting procedures from 2005 to 2013 was reviewed. A small anterolateral left thoracotomy allowed left internal mammary artery harvest, proximal anastomoses on the ascending aorta, and distal coronary anastomoses. Early cases were compared with the later cases, focusing on grafting strategies that led to a standardized approach with Propensity Score Matching analysis. RESULTS: Seven hundred consecutive cases were divided into early (1-200) and late (201-700) groups. In the late group, the number of triple-vessel disease patients trended higher (50% vs. 57%, P = 0.0674) and the number of bypasses increased (2.3 ± 0.8 vs. 2.7 ± 1.0, P < 0.0001). Conversion to sternotomy significantly decreased between the groups (6% vs. 0.6%, P < 0.0001). There was no difference in rate of postoperative complications between the groups except for prolonged intubation (10% vs. 5%, P = 0.0236) and shortened length of stay (5.9 ± 6.7 vs. 5.5 ± 6.0, P = 0.0268). Propensity score matching analysis (n = 177) was significant for total bypass performed and time per bypass (P < 0.05). The late group was further divided into subgroups of one hundred each (subgroup 1 through 5). Operative times differed significantly (subgroup 1: 249 ± 71.2, subgroup 2: 259 ± 85.8, subgroup 3: 244 ± 71.0, subgroup 4: 270 ± 58.4, and subgroup 5: 246 ± 47.9, P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: As experience with minimally invasive coronary surgery coronary artery bypass grafting increased, the ideal sequence of steps to optimize surgical outcome was defined. The number of bypassed vessels increased and the operative time and conversion to sternotomy decreased.

Cost Analysis of Physician Assistant Home Visit Program to Reduce Readmissions After Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: A physician assistant home care (PAHC) program providing house calls was initiated to reduce hospital readmissions after adult cardiac surgery. The purpose of our study was to compare 30-day PAHC and pre-PAHC readmission rate, length of stay, and cost. METHODS: Patients who underwent adult cardiac surgery in the 48 months from September 2008 through August 2012 were retrospectively reviewed using pre-PAHC patients as the control group. Readmission rate, length of stay, and health care cost, as measured by hospital billing, were compared between groups matched with propensity score. RESULTS: Of the 1,185 patients who were discharged directly home, 155 (13%) were readmitted. Total readmissions for the control group (n = 648) was 101 patients (16%) compared with the PAHC group (n = 537) total readmissions of 54 (10%), a 38% reduction in the rate of readmission (p = 0.0049). Propensity score matched groups showed a rate reduction of 41% with 17% (62 of 363) for the control compared with 10% (37 of 363) for the PAHC group (p = 0.0061). The average hospital bill per readmission was $39,100 for the control group and $56,600 for the PAHC group (p = 0.0547). The cost of providing home visits was $25,300 for 363 propensity score matched patients. CONCLUSIONS: The PAHC program reduced the 30-day readmission rate by 41% for propensity score matched patients. Analysis demonstrated a savings of $977,500 at a cost of $25,300 over 2 years, or $39 in health care saved, in terms of hospital billing, for every $1 spent. Therefore, a home visit by a cardiac surgical physician assistant is a cost-effective strategy to reduce readmissions after cardiac surgery.

Long-term Outcome after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Compared with Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery in the Elderly.

BACKGROUND: Elderly patients with unstable coronary artery disease (CAD) have better outcomes with coronary revascularization than conservative treatment. With the improvement in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) techniques using drug eluting-stents, this became an attractive option in elderly. Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (MICS-CABG) is a safe and effective alternative to conventional CABG. We aimed to explore the long-term outcomes after PCI vs MICS-CABG in ≥75 year-old patients with severe CAD. METHODS: A total of 1454 elderly patients (≥75 year-old patients) underwent coronary artery revascularization between January 2005 and December 2009. Patients were selected in the study if they have one of the Class-I indications for CABG. Groups were divided according to the type of procedure, PCI or MICS-CABG, and 5 year follow-up. RESULTS: Among 175 elderly patients, 109 underwent PCI and 66 had MICS-CABG. There was no significant difference observed in both groups with long-term all-cause mortality (31 PCI vs 21% MICS-CABG, p=0.151) and the overall 5 year survival was similar on Kaplan-Meier curve (Log rank p=0.318). The average length of stay in hospital was significantly shorter in the PCI than in the MICS-CABG group (4.3 vs 7.8 days, p<0.001). Only 4.7% of the PCI group were discharged to rehabilitation facility compared with 43.9% of the MICS-CABG group (p<0.001). The rate of repeat revascularization was significantly higher in the PCI group than in the MICS-CABG group (15 vs 3%, p=0.014). CONCLUSION: Among elderly patients, long-term all-cause mortality is similar after PCI and MICS-CABG. However, there is a significantly higher rate of repeat revascularization after PCI.

Hyperplastic cardiac sarcoma recurrence.

Primary cardiac sarcomas are rare tumors with a median survival of 6-12 months. Data suggest that an aggressive multidisciplinary approach may improve patient outcome. We present the case of a male who underwent resection of cardiac sarcoma three times from the age of 32 to 34. This report discusses the malignant nature of cardiac sarcoma and the importance of postoperative multidisciplinary care.

Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery and Single Vessel Coronary Artery Bypass via Limited Anterior Right Thoracotomy.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery bypass grafting with aortic valve replacement (AVR) or mitral valve replacement (MVR) is traditionally performed via sternotomy. Minimally invasive coronary surgery (MICS) and minimally invasive valve surgery have been successfully performed independently. Patients with critical right coronary artery (RCA) stenosis not amenable to percutaneous intervention are candidates for valve replacement and single vessel coronary artery bypass. We present our series of six patients who underwent a concomitant valve and single vessel intervention via right thoracotomy. METHODS: Between January 2011 and June 2013, six patients underwent right thoracotomy with valve replacement and single vessel bypass. Four aortic and two mitral valves were replaced and all received single vessel RCA bypass using reversed saphenous vein graft. Thoracotomy was via right anterior approach for AVR and right lateral for MVR. The patients were assessed postoperatively for overall outcomes. RESULTS: The average age was 74 years (range 69-81); two patients were elective (AVR-1; MVR-1) and four were urgent (AVR-3; MVR-1). For MICS AVR and MICS MVR, the average cardiopulmonary bypass time was 171 ± 30 and 169 ± 7 minutes and the average aortic cross-clamp time was 122 ± 36 and 112 ± 2 minutes, respectively. Three patients were discharged home, one patient to a nursing home, and two to rehab. No patients required conversion to sternotomy; one patient developed atrial fibrillation, and one sepsis. CONCLUSION: Concomitant valve replacement and single bypass grafting via right anterior mini-thoracotomy is a viable option for select patients, particularly in non-stentable RCA stenosis. In the appropriate patient population, combined coronary artery bypass grafting and valve surgery can be safely performed via right thoracotomy.

Long-term mortality in minimally invasive compared with sternotomy coronary artery bypass surgery in the geriatric population (75 years and older patients).

OBJECTIVES: Ischaemic heart disease is the leading cause of death in the elderly population. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery via sternotomy remains the standard of care for patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD). Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS)-CABG via left thoracotomy has been used as an alternative to sternotomy. The aim of our study was to assess the overall survival after MICS-CABG and sternotomy-CABG in elderly patients with CAD. METHODS: This observational study included patients who underwent coronary bypass from 2005 to 2008. Patients 75 years and older (n = 159) were included in the final analysis. Each arm was further divided into the MICS-CABG group or sternotomy-CABG group. Primary outcome and overall survival were obtained from our records and the social security death index. RESULTS: Among patients 75 years and older (159 patients), MICS-CABG had a significantly lower 5-year all-cause mortality than sternotomy-CABG (19.7 vs 47.7%, P < 0.001). Similarly, Kaplan-Meier curves showed significantly higher overall survival in the MICS-CABG group compared with sternotomy-CABG (log-rank P = 0.014). After adjusting for confounders, MICS-CABG demonstrated a lower mortality than sternotomy-CABG (HR 0.51, 95% confidence interval 0.26-0.97, P = 0.04). For patients less than 75 years old, MICS and sternotomy groups had similar survival according to both uni- and multivariate analyses. CONCLUSIONS: The adjusted models demonstrated that MICS-CABG has a significantly better long-term survival than sternotomy-CABG despite slightly differing baseline characteristics. Further studies are needed to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of the two approaches among the elderly population.

Twenty-four hour staged carotid endarterectomy followed by off-pump coronary bypass grafting for patients with concomitant carotid and coronary disease.

BACKGROUND: Carotid artery stenosis and coronary artery disease share common risk factors and often coexist in the same patient. Currently, no consensus exists regarding the optimal treatment strategy for patients with concomitant severe coronary and carotid disease. We reviewed the results of our experience performing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) within 24 hours of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in this select patient population. METHODS: In this single institution retrospective study we identified patients who underwent CEA followed by CABG from March 2001 to March 2012. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Ninety patients underwent CEA followed by off-pump CABG. The duration between CEA and CABG was 1.8±5.6 days with 80 (89%) within 24 hours. Mean age was 69±9 years, 68% male. Perioperative comorbidities included hypertension (87%), diabetes (50%), previous myocardial infarction (24%), peripheral arterial disease (20%), and strokes and transient ischemic attack (16%). Extensive aortic atherosclerosis was noted in 15 patients (17%). The average number of vessels bypassed was 3.4±1.0, and the average number of proximal vein aortotomies was 1.7±0.92. Post-CEA surgical outcomes were myocardial infarction (1%), acute embolic cerebrovascular accident (1%), left upper extremity weakness (1%), and hypoglossal nerve injury (1%). Post-CABG surgical outcomes included atrial fibrillation (34%), anemia (12%), pneumothorax (7%), and postoperative bleeding (4%). No post-CABG cerebrovascular accident was identified. Patients were discharged 7.5±3.5 days after CEA. CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-four hour staged CEA followed by CABG minimizes myocardial infarction post-CEA while minimizing cerebrovascular accident post-CABG in patients with concomitant severe coronary and carotid artery disease.

Results of the Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Angiographic Patency Study.

OBJECTIVE: Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting is safe and widely applicable, and may be associated with fewer transfusions and infections, and better recovery than standard coronary artery bypass grafting. However, graft patency rates remain unknown. The Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Patency Study prospectively evaluated angiographic graft patency 6 months after minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: In this dual-center study, 91 patients were prospectively enrolled to undergo minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting via a 4- to 7-cm left thoracotomy approach. The left internal thoracic artery, the ascending aorta for proximal anastomoses, and all coronary targets were directly accessed without endoscopic or robotic assistance. The study primary outcome was graft patency at 6 months, using 64-slice computed tomography angiography. Secondary outcomes included conversions to sternotomy and major adverse cardiovascular events (Clinical Trial Registration Unique identifier: NCT01334866). RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 64 ± 8 years, the mean ejection fraction was 51% ± 11%, and there were 10 female patients (11%) in the study. Surgeries were performed entirely off-pump in 68 patients (76%). Complete revascularization was achieved in all patients, and the median number of grafts was 3. There was no perioperative mortality, no conversion to sternotomy, and 2 reopenings for bleeding. Transfusion occurred in 24 patients (26%). The median length of hospital stay was 4 days, and all patients were followed to 6 months, with no mortality or major adverse cardiovascular events. Six-month computed tomography angiographic graft patency was 92% for all grafts and 100% for left internal thoracic artery grafts. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting is safe, feasible, and associated with excellent outcomes and graft patency at 6 months post-surgery.

Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting: is it time for the robot?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (MICS CABG) consists of single-vessel or multivessel revascularization via a small left thoracotomy, and has been proposed as an alternative to a standard sternotomy approach. The purpose of this article is to examine the current status of MICS CABG and discuss its future directions. RECENT FINDINGS: Experience in the first 450 cases was reported in 2009, and established the efficacy and safety of a small thoracotomy approach for multivessel and single-vessel revascularization. In addition to earlier recovery and rehabilitation, MICS CABG is associated with fewer transfusions and fewer wound infections than off-pump CABG. Recently, the MICS CABG Patency Study showed excellent graft patency in patients assessed by 64-slice computed tomography angiography 6 months after operation. We also showed that the use of cardiopulmonary bypass assistance may help alleviate some of the learning curve inherent in this operation. SUMMARY: MICS CABG has developed into a reproducible, high-quality, complete surgical revascularization alternative to conventional CABG. Preservation of sternal integrity allows patients to recover earlier, require fewer transfusions, and experience fewer infections. Further research on expanding the applicability of MICS CABG and enhancing its advantages over conventional CABG is warranted.

Elevated preoperative neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of increased long-term survival in minimal invasive coronary artery bypass surgery compared to sternotomy.

BACKGROUND: Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a predictor of major adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Our study explores the value of NLR in predicting long-term mortality after minimally invasive coronary artery bypass surgery (MICS) via lateral left-thoracotomy versus conventional sternotomy coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. METHODS: A total of 1126 consecutive patients (729 sternotomy CABG and 397 MICS) from a single tertiary center between 2005 and 2008 were followed until 2011. We stratified the patients into equal tertiles according to preoperative NLR. The primary outcome, all-cause mortality, was compared among the NLR tertiles. RESULTS: Out of the 1126 patients included in the study, 1030 (91%) patients underwent off-pump CABG . The first (NLR <2.3) tertile had a significantly lower 5-year mortality (30/371 =8%) in comparison to the second (NLR =2.3-3.4) and third (NLR ≥3.5) tertiles (49/375 =13% and 75/380 =20%), respectively with p < 0.0001. After multivariate adjustment, NLR was a significant independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio [HR] per each unit increase of NLR was 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.10, p = 0.008). MICS and sternotomy CABG groups with NLR <3 had similar mortality (21/221 =9.5% and 40/403 =9.9%), p = 1. However among patients with NLR ≥3, MICS had a significantly lower mortality (23/176 =13.1%) compared to the sternotomy CABG (70/326 =21.5%), p = 0.02. According to the multivariate analysis of patients with NLR ≥3, MICS had a significantly lower mortality compared to sternotomy CABG (HR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.24-0.78, p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Elevated preoperative NLR is an independent predictor of long-term mortality after CABG. Among the patients with NLR ≥ 3, MICS was associated with a significantly improved survival compared with sternotomy CABG.

Experience with a minimally invasive approach to combined valve surgery and coronary artery bypass grafting through bilateral thoracotomies.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (MICS-CABG) and minimally invasive valve surgery (MIVS) have been used independently to manage occlusive coronary artery disease and valvular diseases, respectively. We present 12 patients who underwent combined MICS-CABG and MIVS via bilateral mini-thoracotomies. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 116 consecutive valve/CABG operations by a single surgeon and compared the outcomes obtained via sternotomy with those obtained via bilateral minithoracotomies. RESULTS: Six patients in the MIVS group underwent aortic valve replacement (sternotomy group, n = 70), 3 patients underwent mitral valve repair (sternotomy group, n = 9), and 3 underwent mitral valve replacement (sternotomy group, n = 25). The minimally invasive valve surgeries were combined with MICS-CABG for single- (n = 2), double- (n = 9), and triple-vessel (n = 1) coronary artery disease in a single operation. The mean SD duration of cardiopulmonary bypass was 164 ± 44.6 minutes (mean time via sternotomy, 152 ± 50.5 minutes; P = .4146), and the mean aortic cross-clamp time was 87.8 ± 22.1 minutes (mean time via sternotomy, 105 ± 39.8 minutes; P = .1455). The use of perioperative blood transfusions averaged to 2.3 ± 5.6 units (mean usage via sternotomy, 2.7 ± 4.9 units; P = .8326). There were no conversions to sternotomy in the minimally invasive group. Patients in the minimally invasive group were extubated earlier (24 ± 11 hours; sternotomy group, 40 ± 61 hours; P = .3684) and discharged earlier (7 ± 4 days) than patients who underwent median sternotomy (9 ± 10 days; P = .4027). CONCLUSION: MICS-CABG combined with MIVS via bilateral minithoracotomies yielded short-term results comparable to those for CABG and valve repair via median sternotomy. There were no operative mortalities or reoperations. The possible advantages of the minimally invasive approach included earlier extubation and earlier discharge from the hospital. Combined CABG and valve surgery can be safely performed via bilateral thoracotomies.

CASE REPORT Sternal Chondrosarcoma After Sternotomy for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

OBJECTIVE: Primary bony tumors of the chest wall are usually benign and most commonly located in the ribs or sternum. Chondrosarcoma is regarded as one of the most frequent primary malignancies of the chest wall and its incidence after a sternotomy for a cardiac procedure is extremely rare. We present a case of sternal chondrosarcoma. METHODS: The patient presented with a sternal mass 4 years after undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting for ischemic coronary artery disease. The mass originally emanated from the upper portion of the patients' sternum and then rapidly enlarged to include the anterior aspects of his neck. Radiologic imaging studies were undertaken: computed tomographic scan and magnetic resonance imaging, with surgical intervention for excision. RESULTS: Computed tomographic scan and magnetic resonance imaging established an 8.4 × 6.2 × 8.6 cm(3) complex solid tissue mass within the lower neck arising from the sternal manubrium, with extensive bone destruction. Computed tomography-guided biopsy showed cells of uncertain significance. Surgical excision was performed and the mass was diagnosed as a grade II chondrosarcoma. DISCUSSION: Primary sarcomas of the sternum though uncommon are potentially curable with wide surgical excision. Success depends on tumor histologic type and grade, which dictate recurrence.

CASE REPORT Anomalies Associated With Congenitally Corrected Transposition of Great Arteries: Expect the Unexpected.

OBJECTIVE: Congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries (CCTGA) is characterized by atrioventricular and ventriculoarterial discordance. Characterizations of these anomalies are important because they may influence surgical approach and management. METHODS: We present a case of newly diagnosed CCTGA at the age of 50. He presented with sudden onset of shortness of breath for the first time and was diagnosed with CCTGA. Echocardiogram, magnetic resonance imaging, and cardiac catheterization were utilized to elucidate the pathology. RESULTS: Intraoperatively, patient's CCTGA and ventricularization of the right ventricle were confirmed. The severe systemic atrioventricular valve regurgitation was replaced with a bioprosthetic valve (Medtronic Mosaic No. 29) with placement of epicardial ventricular leads for possible future placement of automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Pathology report confirmed a degeneration of the systemic atrioventricular valve. CONCLUSIONS: Significant coronary artery anomalies have also been described in literature with CCTGA. The variances encountered in this case are excellent examples of the intricacies associated in diagnosis and surgical care in patients with CCTGA.

Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of major adverse cardiac events among diabetic population: a 4-year follow-up study.

The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an inflammatory marker of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in both acute coronary syndromes and stable coronary artery disease. The use of NLR as a predictive tool for MACEs among diabetic patients has not been elucidated. An observational study included 338 diabetic patients followed at our clinic between 2007 and 2011. Patients were arranged into equal tertiles according to the 2007 NLR. The MACEs included acute myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, and mortality. The lowest NLR tertile (NLR < 1.6) had fewer MACEs compared with the highest NLR tertile (NLR > 2.36; MACEs were 6 of 113 patients vs 24 of 112 patients, respectively; P < .0001). In a multivariate model, the adjusted hazard ratio of third NLR tertile compared with first NLR tertile was 2.8 (95% confidence interval 1.12-6.98, P = .027). The NLR is a significant independent predictor of MACEs in diabetic patients. Further studies with larger numbers are needed.

Value of albumin-globulin ratio as a predictor of all-cause mortality after non-ST elevation myocardial infarction.

Low albumin and the albumin-globulin ratio (AGR) were associated with vascular adverse events. Our study explores the AGR as a predictor of mortality after non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). In an observational study of 570 NSTEMI patients admitted to a tertiary center between 2004 and 2006, patients were stratified into equal tertiles according to AGR. The primary outcome was 4-year all-cause mortality. The 4-year mortality rates in the first, second, and third AGR tertiles were 88 (47%) of 189, 48 (25%)of 190 , and 19 (10%) of 191, respectively (P < .0001). After adjusting for 20 confounding variables, AGR first tertile (AGR <1.12) had a higher mortality versus second tertile (hazard ratio [HR] 2.6, P < .001). Likewise, the AGR second tertile had higher mortality versus the third tertile (AGR ≥1.34; HR 2.3, P = .004). The albumin-globulin ratio is a significant independent predictor of long-term mortality after NSTEMI in patients with normal serum albumin levels. Further studies are needed to explain the underlying mechanisms.

Physician assistant home visit program to reduce hospital readmissions.

OBJECTIVE: A physician assistant home care (PAHC) program providing house calls was initiated to decrease hospital readmission rates. We evaluated the 30-day readmission rates and diagnoses before and during PAHC to identify determinants of readmission and interventions to reduce readmissions. METHODS: Patients who underwent cardiac surgery were evaluated postoperatively for 13 months as pre-PAHC (control group) and 13 months with PAHC. Physician assistants made house calls on days 2 and 5 following hospital discharge for the PAHC group. Both groups were seen in the office postoperatively. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 26 months of readmissions. Readmission rates for the control and PAHC groups were compared, as were the reasons for readmissions. Readmission diagnoses were categorized as infectious, cardiac, gastrointestinal, vascular, pulmonary, neurologic, and other. Also noted were the interventions made during the home visits. RESULTS: There were 361 patients (51%) in the control group and 340 patients (49%) in the PAHC group. Overall readmission rate for the control group was 16% (59 patients) and 12% (42 patients) for the PAHC group, a 25% reduction in the rate of readmissions (P = .161). The rate of infection-related readmissions was reduced from 44% (26 patients) to 19% (8 patients) (P = .010). Home interventions included adjustment of medications (90%), ordering of imaging studies (7%), and administering direct wound care (2%). CONCLUSIONS: The 30-day readmission rate was reduced by 25% in patients receiving PAHC visits. The most common home intervention was medication adjustment, most commonly to diuretic agents, medications for hypoglycemia, and antibiotics.

CASE REPORT Papillary Fibroelastomas and the Conundrum of the Benign Intracardiac Mass.

Cardiac papillary fibroelastomas are a rare form of benign, primary cardiac tumor. They tend to develop from the valvular endocardium, with nonvalvular locations being uncommon. They are primarily found on either the mitral or aortic valve. They account for 7% of all primary cardiac tumors. Papillary fibroelastomas are usually identified through either transthoracic echocardiography or transesophageal echocardiography. The latter is more likely to provide a clearer diagnosis. Management remains controversial. The benign histology notwithstanding, the prevailing consensus is toward excision of left-sided cardiac lesions due to the risk of coronary and cerebral embolization. While the diagnosis of cardiac papillary fibroelastomas is relatively rare, the likelihood of encountering a right-sided lesion with rapid growth in a 6-month period is extraordinary. We highlight a case where an 84-year-old man with coronary artery disease was found to have a right atrial mass attached to the tricuspid valve. This mass grew by more than 1 cm in a 6-month period.