The Impact of Traction Methods on Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Efficacy for Gastric Neoplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric neoplasms can be challenging due to limited traction and visualization. The efficacy of traction-assisted endoscopic submucosal dissection (TA-ESD) continues to require additional validation. This study aims to explore the safety and efficiency of TA-ESD for early gastric neoplasms located at varying sites, in comparison with conventional endoscopic submucosal dissection (C-ESD). METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive literature search using databases up until August 2022. The outcome measures procedure time, en bloc resection rate, complete resection rate, procedure time, and procedure-related adverse event rate. We calculated pooled mean differences (MDs) and odds ratios (ORs) for these outcomes. RESULTS: The mean procedure time was significantly shorter in the TA-ESD group compared to the C-ESD group (MD - 14.9, 95% CI - 21.78 to - 8.03, I2 = 83%, p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis revealed that mean procedure times for lesions on the greater curvature and upper/middle of the stomach were significantly shorter in the TA-ESD group - 19.2 min (95% CI - 27.75 to - 10.65, I2 = 12%, p < 0.0001) and - 7.35 min (95% CI - 35.4 to - 1.15, p = 0.04), respectively. The en bloc resection and complete resection rates were comparable between the two groups. The rate of perforation was significantly lower in the TA-ESD group than in the C-ESD group (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.15-0.85, p = 0.02, I2 = 0%). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the potential benefits of TA-ESD over C-ESD in treating patients with early-stage gastric tumors, highlighting its safety and efficacy. The findings indicate a significant reduction in procedure times at challenging stomach sites with TA-ESD in comparison to C-ESD.

Prevalence and Outcomes of Bicuspid Aortic Valve in Patients With Aneurysmal Sub-Arachnoid Hemorrhage: A Prospective Neurology Registry Report.

Background Intracranial aneurysms are reported in 6%-10% of patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), and routine intracranial aneurysm surveillance has been advocated by some. We assessed the prevalence and features of the most important patient-outcome: aneurysmal sub-arachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), as compared with controls without aSAH, and tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) with aSAH. Methods and Results Adult patients with accurate diagnosis of aSAH and at least one echocardiogram between 2000 and 2019 were identified from a consecutive prospectively maintained registry of aSAH admissions. Controls without a diagnosis of SAH were age- and sex-matched. BAV prevalence was confirmed echocardiographically. Severity of aSAH was categorized using modified Fisher and World Federation of Neurological Scale. Neurologic outcome was assessed using modified Rankin score. A total 488 aSAH cases and 990 controls were identified and BAV status was confirmed. Prevalence of BAV in patients with aSAH was 1.2% (6/488) versus 3.5% (35/990) in controls, P=0.01. BAV+aSAH were noted to be younger than TAV+aSAH (56±11 versus 68±14; P=0.03) with smaller aneurysms (5±2 versus 7±4; P=0.31). The severity of aSAH was lesser in BAV+aSAH than TAV (modified Fisher grade>2 50% versus 74%; P=0.19, World Federation of Neurological Scale grade>3 17% versus 36%; P=0.43). BAV+aSAH had less severe neurologic disability (modified Rankin score 3%-6 33% versus 49% in TAV; P=0.44) and comparable in-hospital mortality rates (P=0.93). BAV had lower odds for aSAH on multivariate analysis (odds ratio 0.23[CI 0.08-0.65]; P=0.01). Conclusions Prevalence of BAV was 3 times lower in the aSAH registry than in controls without aSAH. BAV+aSAH had clinically smaller aneurysms, clinically smaller bleeds, and better neurologic outcome as compared with TAV+aSAH, which needs to be confirmed in larger studies. These findings argue against routine surveillance for intracranial aneurysms in patients with BAV without aortic coarctation.

Initial diastolic dysfunction is a powerful predictor of 5-year mortality in peripheral arterial disease patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and heart failure share common risks and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, it is unknown whether cardiac function can be an independent predictor of long-term mortality in patients with PAD. In total, 902 patients who underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for PAD were enrolled. The patients were categorized into three groups according to the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF): reduced EF (< 40%, n = 62); mid-range EF (40-49%, n = 76); and preserved EF (≥ 50%, n = 764). Echocardiographic (EF, ratio of mitral inflow velocity to annular velocity E/e' ≥ 15, and others) and clinical parameters were tested using stepwise logistic regression analysis to determine independent predictors of 5-year mortality. A higher proportion of patients with reduced EF had ischemic heart disease than those with preserved EF (77.4% vs. 56.8%, p < 0.001). Up to 5 years, patients with reduced EF and mid-range EF showed a higher incidence of total death than those with normal EF. However, there was no difference in the incidence of myocardial infarction, stroke, and revascularization among the three groups. After multivariable adjustment, the ratio of E/e' ≥ 15 was the only strong predictor of total mortality (hazard ratio 6.14; 95% confidence interval 3.7-10.1; p < 0.01). Patients with PAD and reduced EF undergoing PTA had a higher incidence of total death during the 5-year follow-up. Initial tissue Doppler E/e' ≥ 15, a non-invasive estimate of left atrial filling pressure, was the only independent predictor of long-term mortality. The relationship between PAD and HF.

Frequency of intracranial aneurysms and sub-arachnoid hemorrhage is significantly lesser in bicuspid aortic valve than aortic coarctation.

BACKGROUND: Bicuspid aortic valve(BAV) is common. Some studies suggest that all BAV patients require screening for intracranial aneurysm(IA) in order to prevent sub-arachnoid hemorrhage(SAH). Aortic coarctation(CoA) carries high-risk of both IA and SAH. Using a nationally-representative population, we assessed the frequency of IA and SAH in admissions with BAV-without-CoA versus admissions with CoA(with or without BAV). METHODS: Between 2000 and 2016, adult admissions with a primary/secondary diagnosis of BAV and/or CoA were identified using the National Inpatient Sample. Admissions with traumatic SAH and inter-hospital transfers were excluded. Outcomes were frequency of IA and SAH, and in-hospital mortality in BAV-without-CoA versus CoA. RESULTS: In this 17-year period, 254,675 admissions met inclusion criteria and 236,930(93.0%) had BAV-without-CoA. BAV-with-CoA was present in 2846(1.1%) and isolated-CoA in 14,899(5.9%), for a total of 17,745(7%) with CoA. IA was noted in 405 admissions(0.2%) overall, BAV-without-CoA versus CoA having 293(0.1%) versus 112(0.6%), p < 0.001. SAH was noted in 910 admissions(0.4%) overall, with BAV-without-CoA versus CoA having 760(0.3%) versus 150(0.9%), p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, BAV-without-CoA admissions had 0.1%(6-times lower than CoA) and 0.3%(3-times lower that CoA) IA and SAH, respectively, which is comparable to the general population. This suggests that BAV-without-CoA patients likely do not require routine surveillance for IA.

Sex and Gender Disparities in the Management and Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction-Cardiogenic Shock in Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcomes by sex in older adults with cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI-CS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort of older (≥75 years) AMI-CS admissions during January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2014, was identified using the National Inpatient Sample. Interhospital transfers were excluded. Use of angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), mechanical circulatory support (MCS), and noncardiac interventions was identified. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality stratified by sex, and secondary outcomes included temporal trends of prevalence, in-hospital mortality, use of cardiac and noncardiac interventions, hospitalization costs, and length of stay. RESULTS: In this 15-year period, there were 134,501 AMI-CS admissions 75 years or older, of whom 51.5% (n=69,220) were women. Women were on average older, were more often Hispanic or nonwhite race, and had lower comorbidity, acute organ failure, and concomitant cardiac arrest. Compared with older men (n=65,281), older women (n=69,220) had lower use of coronary angiography (55.4% [n=35,905] vs 49.2% [n=33,918]), PCI (36.3% [n=23,501] vs 34.4% [n=23,535]), MCS (34.3% [n=22,391] vs 27.2% [n=18,689]), mechanical ventilation, and hemodialysis (all P<.001). Female sex was an independent predictor of higher in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.08; P<.001) and more frequent discharges to a skilled nursing facility. In subgroup analyses of ethnicity, presence of cardiac arrest, and those receiving PCI and MCS, female sex remained an independent predictor of increased mortality. CONCLUSION: Female sex is an independent predictor of worse in-hospital outcomes in older adults with AMI-CS in the United States.

Pulmonary artery catheter use in acute myocardial infarction-cardiogenic shock.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to evaluate the contemporary use of a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) in acute myocardial infarction-cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS). METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective cohort of AMI-CS admissions using the National Inpatient Sample (2000-2014) was identified. Admissions with concomitant cardiac surgery or non-AMI aetiology for cardiogenic shock were excluded. The outcomes of interest were in-hospital mortality, resource utilization, and temporal trends in cohorts with and without PAC use. In the non-PAC cohort, the use and outcomes of right heart catheterization was evaluated. Multivariable regression and propensity matching was used to adjust for confounding. During 2000-2014, 364 001 admissions with AMI-CS were included. PAC was used in 8.1% with a 75% decrease during over the study period (13.9% to 5.4%). Greater proportion of admissions to urban teaching hospitals received PACs (9.5%) compared with urban non-teaching (7.1%) and rural hospitals (5.4%); P < 0.001. Younger age, male sex, white race, higher comorbidity, noncardiac organ failure, use of mechanical circulatory support, and noncardiac support were independent predictors of PAC use. The PAC cohort had higher in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio 1.07 [95% confidence interval 1.04-1.10]), longer length of stay (10.9 ± 10.9 vs. 8.2 ± 9.3 days), higher hospitalization costs ($128 247 ± 138 181 vs. $96 509 ± 116 060), and lesser discharges to home (36.3% vs. 46.4%) (all P < 0.001). In 6200 propensity-matched pairs, in-hospital mortality was comparable between the two cohorts (odds ratio 1.01 [95% confidence interval 0.94-1.08]). Right heart catheterization was used in 12.5% of non-PAC admissions and was a marker of greater severity but did not indicate worse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In AMI-CS, there was a 75% decrease in PAC use between 2000 and 2014. Admissions receiving a PAC were a higher risk cohort with worse clinical outcomes.

Epidemiology of in-hospital cardiac arrest complicating non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction receiving early coronary angiography.

In the period between 2000 and 2014, 584,704 admissions with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction that received early coronary angiography (day zero) were identified from the National Inpatient Sample. In-hospital cardiac arrest was noted in 4349 (0.8%), of which ~47% were from ventricular arrhythmias and ~90% of occurred within ≤4 days. Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction admissions with in-hospital cardiac arrest had higher in-hospital mortality compared to those without (61% vs. 1.6%) with an unchanged temporal trend of in-hospital cardiac arrest rates (adjusted odds ratio 1.29 [95% confidence interval 0.73-2.28]) in 2014 compared to 2000).

Natriuretic Peptides to Predict Short-Term Mortality in Patients With Sepsis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Data are conflicting regarding the optimal cutoffs of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) to predict short-term mortality in patients with sepsis. We conducted a comprehensive search of several databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus) for English-language reports of studies evaluating adult patients with sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock with BNP/NT-proBNP levels and short-term mortality (intensive care unit, in-hospital, 28-day, or 30-day) published from January 1, 2000, to September 5, 2017. The average values in survivors and nonsurvivors were used to estimate the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) using a parametric regression model. Thirty-five observational studies (3508 patients) were included (median age, 51-75 years; 12%-74% males; cumulative mortality, 34.2%). A BNP of 622 pg/mL had the greatest discrimination for mortality (sensitivity, 0.695 [95% CI, 0.659-0.729]; specificity, 0.907 [95% CI, 0.810-1.003]; area under the ROC, 0.766 [95% CI, 0.734-0.797]). An NT-proBNP of 4000 pg/mL had the greatest discrimination for mortality (sensitivity, 0.728 [95% CI, 0.703-0.753]; specificity, 0.789 [95% CI, 0.710-0.867]; area under the ROC, 0.787 [95% CI, 0.766-0.809]). In prespecified subgroup analyses, identified BNP/NT-proBNP cutoffs had higher discrimination if specimens were obtained 24 hours or less after admission, in patients with severe sepsis/septic shock, in patients enrolled after 2010, and in studies performed in the United States and Europe. There was inconsistent adjustment for renal function. In this hypothesis-generating analysis, BNP and NT-proBNP cutoffs of 622 pg/mL and 4000 pg/mL optimally predicted short-term mortality in patients with sepsis. The applicability of these results is limited by the heterogeneity of included patient populations.

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

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

Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support for Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation: A Systematic Review.

Refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT) and electrical storm are frequently associated with hemodynamic compromise requiring mechanical support. This study sought to review the current literature on the use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) for hemodynamic support during VT ablation. This was a systematic review of all published literature from 2000 to 2019 evaluating patients with VT undergoing ablation with VA-ECMO support. Studies that reported mortality, safety, and efficacy outcomes in adult (>18 years) patients were included. The primary outcome was short-term mortality (intensive care unit stay, hospital stay, or ≤30 days). The literature search identified 4,802 citations during the study period, of which seven studies comprising 867 patients met the inclusion criteria. Periprocedural VA-ECMO was used in 129 (15%) patients and all were placed peripherally. Average inducible VTs were 2-3 per procedure and ablation time varied between 34 mins and 4.7 hours. Median ages were between 61 and 68 years with 93% males. Median duration of VA-ECMO varied between 140 minutes and 6 days. Short-term mortality was 15% (19 patients), with the most frequent causes being refractory VT, cardiac arrest, and acute heart failure. All-cause mortality at the longest follow-up was 25%. Major bleeding, vascular/access complications, limb ischemia, stroke, and acute kidney injury were reported with varying frequency of 1-6%. In conclusion, VA-ECMO is used infrequently for hemodynamic support for VT ablation. Further data on patient selection, procedural optimization, and clinical outcomes are needed to evaluate the efficacy of this strategy.

Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation With Concomitant Impella Versus Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Cardiogenic Shock.

There are contrasting data on concomitant Impella device in cardiogenic shock patients treated with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) (ECPELLA). This study sought to compare early mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock treated with ECPELLA in comparison to VA ECMO alone. We reviewed the published literature from 2000 to 2018 for randomized, cohort, case-control, and case series studies evaluating adult patients requiring VA ECMO for cardiogenic shock. Five retrospective observational studies, representing 425 patients, were included. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with concomitant Impella strategy was used in 27% of the patients. Median age across studies varied between 51 and 63 years with 59-88% patients being male. Use of ECPELLA was associated with higher weaning from VA ECMO and bridging to permanent ventricular assist device or cardiac transplant in three and four studies, respectively. The studies showed moderate heterogeneity with possible publication bias. The two studies that accounted for differences in baseline characteristics between treatment groups reported lower 30 day mortality with ECPELLA versus VA ECMO. The remaining three studies did not adjust for potential confounding and were at high risk for selection bias. In conclusion, ECPELLA is being increasingly used as a strategy in patients with cardiogenic shock. Additional large, high-quality studies are needed to evaluate clinical outcomes with ECPELLA.

Early vs. delayed in-hospital cardiac arrest complicating ST-elevation myocardial infarction receiving primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on the timing and outcomes of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) receiving primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). This study sought to examine the in-hospital mortality, temporal trends and resource utilization in early vs. delayed IHCA in STEMI. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study from the National Inpatient Sample of all STEMI admissions during 2000-2014 receiving pPCI on hospital day zero. Admissions transferred from other hospitals, with do-not-resuscitate status, without information on IHCA timing, and receiving surgical revascularization were excluded. IHCA was classified as early (hospital day zero) and delayed (on/after hospital day 1). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality and secondary outcomes included prevalence, temporal trends, and resource utilization. RESULTS: During this 15-year period, 19,185 admissions met the inclusion criteria, with 15,404 (80%) experiencing an early IHCA. The cohort with delayed IHCA was on average older, female, with higher comorbidity, and greater prevalence of non-shockable rhythms and acute organ failure. There was a temporal increase in early IHCA (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.67 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.35-2.08]) and a decrease in delayed IHCA (aOR 0.60 [95% CI 0.48-0.74]) in 2014 compared to 2000. Compared to the early IHCA cohort, the delayed IHCA cohort had higher in-hospital mortality (aOR 5.35 [95% CI 4.83-5.94]), higher hospitalization costs ($115,165 ± 109,848 vs. 139,038 ± 142,745) and less frequent discharges to home (74% vs. 52%). CONCLUSIONS: Delayed IHCA (on or after hospital day 1) was associated with higher in-hospital mortality and resource utilization compared to early IHCA.

Complications of Temporary Percutaneous Mechanical Circulatory Support for Cardiogenic Shock: An Appraisal of Contemporary Literature.

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is associated with hemodynamic compromise and end-organ hypoperfusion due to a primary cardiac etiology. In addition to vasoactive medications, percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices offer the ability to support the hemodynamics and prevent acute organ failure. Despite the wide array of available MCS devices for CS, there are limited data on the complications from these devices. In this review, we seek to summarize the complications of MCS devices in the contemporary era. Using a systems-based approach, this review covers domains of hematological, neurological, vascular, infectious, mechanical, and miscellaneous complications. These data are intended to provide a balanced narrative and aid in risk-benefit decision-making in this acutely ill population.

Temporal trends, predictors, and outcomes of acute kidney injury and hemodialysis use in acute myocardial infarction-related cardiogenic shock.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on acute kidney injury (AKI) complicating acute myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS). This study sought to evaluate 15-year national prevalence, temporal trends and outcomes of AKI with no need for hemodialysis (AKI-ND) and requiring hemodialysis (AKI-D) following AMI-CS. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study from 2000-2014 from the National Inpatient Sample (20% stratified sample of all community hospitals in the United States). Adult patients (>18 years) admitted with a primary diagnosis of AMI and secondary diagnosis of CS were included. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality in cohorts with no AKI, AKI-ND, and AKI-D. Secondary outcomes included predictors, resource utilization and disposition. RESULTS: During this 15-year period, 440,257 admissions for AMI-CS were included, with AKI in 155,610 (35.3%) and hemodialysis use in 14,950 (3.4%). Older age, black race, non-private insurance, higher comorbidity, organ failure, and use of cardiac and non-cardiac organ support were associated with the AKI development and hemodialysis use. There was a 2.6-fold higher adjusted risk of developing AKI in 2014 compared to 2000. Presence of AKI-ND and AKI-D was associated with a 1.3 and 1.7-fold higher adjusted risk of mortality. Compared to the cohort without AKI, AKI-ND and AKI-D were associated with longer length of stay (9±10, 12±13, and 18±19 days respectively; p<0.001) and higher hospitalization costs ($101,859±116,204, $159,804±190,766, and $265,875 ± 254,919 respectively; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: AKI-ND and AKI-D are associated with higher in-hospital mortality and resource utilization in AMI-CS.

Acute respiratory failure and mechanical ventilation in cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction in the USA, 2000-2014.

BACKGROUND: There are limited epidemiological data on acute respiratory failure (ARF) in cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI-CS). This study sought to evaluate the prevalence and outcomes of ARF in AMI-CS. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of AMI-CS admissions during 2000-2014 from the National Inpatient Sample. Administrative codes for ARF and mechanical ventilation (MV) were used to define the cohorts of no ARF, ARF without MV and ARF with MV. Admissions with a secondary diagnosis of AMI and with chronic MV were excluded. Outcomes of interest included in-hospital mortality, temporal trends of ARF prevalence and resource utilization. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: During 2000-2014, 439,436 admissions for AMI-CS met the inclusion criteria. ARF and MV were noted in 57% and 43%, respectively. Admissions with non-ST-elevation AMI-CS, of non-White race and with non-private insurance received MV more frequently. Noninvasive ventilation and invasive MV increased from 0.4% and 39.2% (2000) to 3.6% and 46.4% (2014), respectively (p < 0.001). Coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention were used less frequently in admissions receiving ARF with MV. Compared to admissions with no ARF, ARF without MV (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.56 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.53-1.59]; p < 0.001) and ARF with MV (aOR 2.50 [95% CI 2.47-2.54]; p < 0.001) were associated with higher in-hospital mortality. Admissions with ARF without MV had greater resource utilization and lesser discharges to home as compared to no ARF. CONCLUSIONS: In this contemporary AMI-CS cohort, the presence of ARF and MV use was noted in 57% and 43%, respectively, and was associated with higher in-hospital mortality.