30-d Mortality Research Articles

Metabolic Syndrome and the Risk of Postoperative Complications Following Esophagectomy: National Surgical Quality Improvement ProgramStudy.

Metabolic syndrome has become a major health risk affecting patients worldwide and has been shown to be a risk factor for postoperative complications following abdominal surgery. This study aims to elucidate the link between metabolic syndrome and postoperative complications and mortality following esophagectomy. This is a retrospective study analyzing the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2017-2021). This study compared 30-d postoperative complications of patients undergoing esophagectomy with and without metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome was defined as obesity (body mass index ≥30kg/m2), diabetes, and hypertension. A total of 4911 patients met the study criteria, and of these, 303 patients (6.17%) met the inclusion criteria for the modified definition of metabolic syndrome. The metabolic syndrome group had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists scores compared to the control group (American Society of Anesthesiologists 3 or 4: 96% versus 84%, P<0.001). Operative time was significantly higher in the metabolic syndrome group (378mins versus 361, P=0.004). Mortality was higher in the metabolic syndrome group (4.3% versus 2.3%, P=0.03), as was serious morbidity (35% versus 30%, P=0.05). Metabolic syndrome patients also had higher risks of postoperative complications of pneumonia (18.5% versus 14%, P=0.04), unplanned intubation (15.5% versus 9.9%, P=0.002), and sepsis (7.6% versus 4.9%, P=0.04). On multivariate analysis, 30-d mortality was increased in the metabolic syndrome group. Metabolic syndrome patients who undergo esophagectomy are associated with increased rates in morbidity and mortality. When controlled for other patient factors in multivariate analysis, 30-d mortality also had an associated increase. By focusing on modifiable risk factors with metabolic syndrome patients, mortality and morbidity for this high-risk procedure could be reduced in the future.

Outcomes of Colectomy for Nonmalignant Polyps and Colon Cancer: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

In the United States, while most nonmalignant polyps are effectively treated through endoscopic removal, colectomy remains a treatment option for selected cases of nonmalignant polyps (NMPs) and colon cancer. This study aimed to compare postoperative outcomes for colectomies in these two conditions, hypothesizing similar complication rates. We conducted a retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2015 to 2021, including patients who underwent elective colectomies for colon cancer or NMPs. Using a 2:1 propensity score matching for demographics, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, surgical methods, and comorbidities, we evaluated outcomes such as 30-d mortality, complications, anastomotic leakage, and hospital stay duration. A total of 47,960 patients, including 30,549 colon cancer patients and 17,411 NMP patients, were included after propensity score matching analysis. We concluded that there was no significant difference in mortality and reoperation rates which were 0.6% and 3.3% in patients undergoing colectomy with colon cancer, compared to 0.5% and 3.1% in those with NMP, respectively [P=0.64, P=0.21,]. In addition, the anastomotic leak rates were remarkably similar in both the colon cancer (2.4%) and NMP (2.2%) groups. [P=0.13]. Most of the 30-d postoperative surgical complications, such as sepsis, septic shock, wound disruption, and urinary tract infection exhibited similar incidence rates, however, some of them, such as readmission, pulmonary embolism, and length of stay, varied between the groups. Our findings underscore the similar postoperative outcomes between colon cancer and NMP groups, advocating for consideration of advanced endoscopic techniques for NMPs to potentially enhance patient care and outcomes.

Prognostic relevance of CT-defined body composition in patients with acute bleeding undergoing endovascular embolization.

Body composition assessment includes the parameter skeletal muscle mass, subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue (SAT and VAT). The purpose of this study was to elucidate associations of body composition parameters with mortality in patients with acute bleeding undergoing transarterial embolization (TAE). A mixed cohort of patients from 2018 to 2022 with acute bleeding requiring treatment with a TAE was retrospectively evaluated. In every case, the triphasic computed tomography (CT) to diagnose the source of bleeding was used to calculate the body composition parameters. A total of 251 patients (93 female, 37.1%) with a mean age of 65.5 ± 14.3 years, 30-d mortality of 40.2%, and 24-h mortality of 7.6% were included in the analysis. In the Cox regression analysis, no statistically significant correlations were found between the body composition parameters and 24-hour or 30-day mortality. In the subgroup analysis of patients aged older than 65 years, SMI was associated with short-term 24-hour mortality HR of 0.95 (95%CI 0.90;0.99, p = 0.035). The present study demonstrated the prognostic impact of clinical, laboratory, aniography-related, and CT-defined body composition in patients with acute hemorrhage undergoing endovascular therapy. Although the overall effect of CT-defined body composition appears to be small, skeletal muscle index was a prognostic factor in the age group over 65 years. This is a large single center study to investigate the prognostic relevance of CT-defined body composition in patients undergoing TAE. The effect is overall small but might be further investigated in older patients in further trials.

Colorectal Surgery Outcomes and Healthcare Burden for Medicare Beneficiaries With Dementia

IntroductionPatients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) undergoing colorectal surgery have suboptimal postoperative outcomes, but the specific adverse outcomes and the context of these worse outcomes on a national level are not well understood. MethodsColorectal surgery patients with and without ADRD from January 1, 2017, to October 1, 2018, were identified using traditional, fee-for-service Medicare claims data. Unadjusted and adjusted analyses were performed to evaluate postoperative outcomes. Results123,324 Medicare beneficiaries (mean age 76.5, 59.3% female) underwent colorectal surgery in the study cohort with 8.3% (n = 10,254) having a preoperative diagnosis of ADRD. Colorectal surgery patients with ADRD were older (81 versus 76 y old, P < 0.001), frail (42.8% versus 13.6%, P < 0.001), and had more comorbidities (Elixhauser Score 19.6 versus 13.9, P < 0.001) compared with those without an ADRD diagnosis. Patients with ADRD more often had open surgery (75.2% versus 65.7%, P < 0.001) and emergency surgery (65.1% versus 37.8%, P < 0.001). Unadjusted and adjusted analyses demonstrated that patients with ADRD have an increased risk of in-hospital, 30-d, and 90-day mortality, as well as postoperative complications. Patients with ADRD required more healthcare resources after colorectal surgery including increased length of stay (7 versus 5 days), discharge to a higher level of care (60.8% versus 25.8%, P < 0.001), and discharge to a facility (54.0% versus 23.8%, P < 0.001). ConclusionsFor patients undergoing colorectal surgery, the diagnosis of ADRD is an independent risk factor for adverse postoperative outcomes and results in increased healthcare resource utilization both in hospital and after discharge.

Major Perioperative Bleeding in Patients on Dialysis Undergoing Nonelective Abdominal Surgeries.

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are at increased risk for bleeding complications following surgery. However, the approach to the preoperative risk assessment and risk reduction, if feasible, in ESRD patients undergoing nonelective abdominal surgery has not been comprehensively studied. We aim to determine the prevalence and risk factors for perioperative bleeding in patients on dialysis undergoing nonelective abdominal surgery. Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program 2005-2017 database, we identified patients on dialysis who underwent a variety of nonelective abdominal surgeries by Current Procedural Terminology code. Rates of major perioperative bleeding, defined as bleeding requiring red blood cell transfusion within 72 h after surgery, were calculated and stratified by procedure type. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for major perioperative bleeding. Thirty-day mortality rates were compared between those who had a major perioperative bleed and those who did not. Of 9102 patients on dialysis undergoing nonelective abdominal surgery, 2793 (30.7%) experienced major perioperative bleeding requiring transfusion and 2002 (22.0%) died within 30 d of surgery. By multivariable logistic regression, patients who were female, independent or partially dependent in activities of daily living, ventilator dependent, had disseminated cancer, or had chronic steroid use at baseline were found to be at elevated risk for major perioperative bleeding. Elevated partial thromboplastin time, blood urea nitrogen, anemia, and hypoalbuminemia were also associated with higher odds of major bleeding. Compared to patients undergoing herniorrhaphy (lowest risk), the odds of major perioperative bleeding were highest for patients undergoing hepatic surgery (odds ratio [OR] = 18.09), splenic surgery (OR = 10.86), and pancreatic surgery (OR = 9.59). Major perioperative bleeding was associated with increased 30-d mortality (34.0% versus 16.7%, P < 0.001). Patients with ESRD experience high rates of bleeding requiring transfusion following emergent abdominal surgery. Derangements in preoperative laboratories and baseline patient characteristics may be useful in assessing bleeding risk in this patient population.

Impact of 30 mL/kg fluid resuscitation completed within one hour on elderly septic shock patient

Objective This study aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of completing 30 mL/kg fluid resuscitation within 1 h in elderly septic shock patients. Methods This was a multicenter prospective observational cohort study. We applied logistic regression to assess the impact of completing 30 mL/kg fluid resuscitation within 1 h on respiratory support escalation including new-onset mechanical ventilation, bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP), and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) as well as heart failure (HF). We plotted Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curves to evaluate survival in patients completing 30 mL/kg fluid resuscitation within 1 h. We performed mediation analyses to determine the influence of HF on mortality associated with completing 30 mL/kg fluid resuscitation within 1 h. Results Completing 30 mL/kg fluid resuscitation within 1 h increased the odds ratios of new-onset BiPAP (adjusted OR = 3.411; 95% confidence interval (CI) = [1.526, 7.620]) and HFNC (adjusted OR = 2.576; 95% CI = [1.252, 5.297]) within 24 h as well as the odds ratio of HF (adjusted OR = 2.291; 95% CI = [1.266, 4.149]). The adjusted K-M curve showed that patients completing 30 mL/kg fluid resuscitation within 1 h had higher 30-d mortality than those completing it over longer periods. The mediation effect suggested that completing 30 mL/kg fluid resuscitation within 1 h could be fatal primarily because it increased the risk of HF. Conclusion For elderly patients with septic shock, completing 30 ml/kg of fluid resuscitation within 1 h ought to be more cautious, particularly considering the patient’s cardiac function and overall clinical status.

Prognostic Value of Serum Interleukin-37 in Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

ABSTRACT Background Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is prominently characterized by uncontrolled inflammation and high mortality. The effect of interleukin-37 (IL-37) on the prognosis of ARDS remains unclear. Methods This prospective cohort study detected and analyzed serum IL-37 levels on day 1 (baseline) in 128 patients with ARDS and 40 healthy controls, and on day 7 in patients with ARDS. Clinical and laboratory parameters were assayed. Survival status was tracked within 28-d of enrollment. Results BaselineIL-37 concentration was lower in non-survivors (135.00 [87.75, 198.75] pg/mL) than in survivors (250.50 [173.25, 382.75] pg/mL) (p < .05). Non-survivors displayed a greater reduction in IL-37 levels from day 1–7 than survivors (49.87% vs. 40.09%) (p < .05). Baseline IL-37 levels were negatively associated with C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and IL-6 levels. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the baseline level and percentage decline in IL-37 was 0.755 and 0.809, respectively, for predicting 28-d mortality. Combining IL-37 with the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score further improved mortality prediction capability. Patients with ARDS with low IL-37 concentrations (<143.00 pg/mL) or a high percentage decline (≥44.76%) had a poorer survival rate than those with a high concentration or low percentage decline. The baseline IL-37 level and percentage decline independently predicted mortality in a univariate Cox regression model (p < .05). Conclusions A low IL-37 level or significantly declining rate predicts higher 28-d mortality in patients with ARDS, indicating that IL-37 may be a promising prognostic biomarker.

Efficacy of fosfomycin-containing regimens in treating severe infections caused by KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in critically ill patients

IntroductionFosfomycin (FOS) is gaining increasing importance as part of combination therapy for the treatment of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) and KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) thanks to its in-vitro synergism with several antibiotics, high tissue distribution and good tolerability.We analyzed the effect on 30-day survival of FOS-containing regimens compared to NO-FOS in critically ill patients admitted to intensive care unit with CRAB or KPC-Kp infections. Secondary objectives were to evaluate clinical cure and microbiologic eradication of FOS versus NO-FOS group. Materials/methodsMonocentric retrospective observational study including SARS-Cov2-negative critically ill patients with KPC-Kp or CRAB infection treated with combination antibiotic therapy with or without FOS for ≥48h (FOS vs NO-FOS groups). Primary outcome was 30-d mortality, secondary outcomes clinical cure and microbiological eradication. ResultsOf the 78 patients analyzed, 26 (33.3%) were men, median (IQR) age and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were 67 years (53-74) and 4 (2-5), respectively. Septic shock was present in 18 patients (23.1%), 37 (47.4%) were CRAB, 41 (52.6%) KPC-Kp. Compared to NO-FOS, patients receiving FOS had higher clinical cure (89.2%vs65.9%, p=0.017), early (<72h) improvement (78.4%vs52.2%, p=0.018), microbiological eradication (87.5%vs62.2%, p=0.027) and lower 7-, 14- and 30-d mortality (0%vs4.6%, p=0.027, 2.7%vs22%, p=0.016, 13.5%vs34.2%, p=0.039, respectively). This effect was particularly evident for infections sustained by KPC-Kp. At multivariate analysis, receiving FOS was independently associated with survival (HR 0.29, IC95% 0.09-0.93, p=0.038), confirmed after IPTW (HR 0.501 IC95% 0.25-0.98 p=0.042). ConclusionsFOS-containing regimens exhibit higher clinical cure, higher microbiological eradication and reduced mortality than NO FOS-containing regimens in critically ill patients with CRAB and KPC-Kp infections.

Post-Liver Transplant Outcomes: A Comparative Study of 6 Predictive Models.

We compared the performance of the Liver Transplant Risk Score (LTRS) with the survival outcomes following liver transplantation (SOFT), pretransplant SOFT (P-SOFT), Balance of Risk Score (BAR), donor-age and model for end-stage liver disease (D-MELD), and Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Risk Prediction Score (ORPS) for the prediction of 90-d mortality, 1-y mortality, and 5-y survival after first-time liver transplantation (LT). A retrospective analysis of the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients was conducted using data collected between 2002 and 2021. A total of 82 696 adult LT recipients with a median age of 56 y were included. The area under the curve for 90-d mortality were 0.61, 0.66, 0.65, 0.61, 0.58, and 0.56 for the LTRS, SOFT, P-SOFT, BAR, D-MELD, and ORPS, respectively (all pairwise comparisons: P < 0.05). The area under the curve for 1-y mortality were 0.60, 0.63, 0.62, 0.59, 0.60, 0.57, and 0.59 for the LTRS, SOFT, P-SOFT, BAR, D-MELD, and ORPS, respectively (all pairwise comparisons: P < 0.05). The c-statistics for 5-y survival were not statistically significant among the models. For 90-d mortality, 1-y mortality, and 5-y survival, the correlation coefficients between the LTRS and P-SOFT (the 2 models requiring only preoperative parameters) were 0.90. 0.91, and 0.81, respectively (P < 0.01). None of the predictive models demonstrated sufficient precision to reliably identify LT recipients who died within 90 d and 1 y after LT. However, all models exhibited strong capabilities in perioperative risk stratification. Notably, the P-SOFT and LTRS models, the 2 models that can be calculated using only preoperative data, proved to be valuable tools for identifying candidates at a significant risk of poor outcomes.

Analysis of surgical volume and short‐term outcomes for upper gastrointestinal cancer post‐COVID‐19: Evidence from a nationwide Japanese database

AbstractAimPrevious studies indicated that short‐term outcomes for gastroenterological surgeries did not worsen during the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, it remains unclear whether surgical volumes and medical resource use have recovered postpandemic. This study examines pre‐ and postpandemic trends in upper gastrointestinal surgeries, including esophagectomy and gastrectomy, and their short‐term outcomes.MethodsData from the Japan's National Clinical Database (NCD) were analyzed for patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer and gastrectomy for gastric cancer between January 2018 and December 2023. We evaluated changes in surgical volume, intensive care unit (ICU) use, morbidity, mortality rates, and the standardized morbidity and mortality ratio (SMR)—a comparison of observed versus expected outcomes using an NCD‐established risk calculator. Key metrics included 30d mortality, surgical mortality, and four major morbidities like pneumonia and anastomotic leakage.ResultsEsophagectomy volumes remained stable from 2018 to 2023, while gastrectomy volumes decreased notably over the past 6 y. The proportion of patients over 70 increased significantly in both surgery types. Morbidity and mortality rates showed no significant deterioration postpandemic, as indicated by SMR values.ConclusionsThis study analyzed changes in surgical volume and short‐term outcomes for upper gastrointestinal cancer in the post‐COVID‐19 era using a Japanese nationwide database. It found that surgical treatments for gastrectomy and esophagectomy remained safe even after the pandemic.

Predicting survival in patients with SARS-CoV-2 based on cytokines and soluble immune checkpoint regulators.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been widespread for over four years and has progressed to an endemic stage. Accordingly, the evaluation of host immunity in infected patients and the development of markers for prognostic prediction in the early stages have been emphasized. Soluble immune checkpoints (sICs), which regulate T cell activity, have been reported as promising biomarkers of viral infections. In this study, quantitative values of 17 sICs and 16 cytokines (CKs) were measured using the Luminex multiplex assay. A total of 148 serum samples from 100 patients with COVID-19 were collected and the levels were compared between survivors vs. non-survivors and pneumonic vs. non-pneumonic conditions groups. The impact of these markers on overall survival were analyzed using a machine learning algorithm. sICs, including sCD27, sCD40, herpes virus entry mediator (sHVEM), T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (sTIM-3), and Toll-like receptor 2 (sTLR-2) and CKs, including chemokine CC motif ligand 2 (CCL2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, IL-10, IL-13, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α), were statistically significantly increased in the non-survivors compared to those of in the survivors. IL-6 showed the highest area under the receiver-operating curve (0.844, 95% CI = 0.751-0.913) to discriminate non-survival, with a sensitivity of 78.9% and specificity of 82.4%. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients with procalcitonin over 0.25 ng/mL, C-reactive protein (CRP) over 41.0 mg/dL, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio over 18.97, sCD27 over 3828.8 pg/mL, sCD40 over 1283.6 pg/mL, and IL-6 over 21.6 pg/mL showed poor survival (log-rank test). In the decision tree analysis, IL-6, sTIM-3, and sCD40 levels had a strong impact on survival. Moreover, IL-6, CD40, and CRP levels were important to predict the probability of 90-d mortality using the SHapley Additive exPlanations method. sICs and CKs, especially IL-6, sCD27, sCD40, and sTIM-3 are expected to be useful in predicting patient outcomes when used in combination with existing markers.

The effect of percentage of time spent above different glucose levels on 90 days mortality of critically ill patients - A retrospective cohort study

IntroductionGlycemic control is a major concern during critical illness. Several prospective studies have yielded conflicting results regarding its mortality effect. Current recommendations are to initiate insulin therapy for all patients when glucose levels are higher than 180mg/dL. Some suggest decreasing this threshold for non-diabetic patients to 140mg/dL. These thresholds haven’t been compared to each other or to other glucose thresholds. This study aimed to find out whether different glucose levels are associated with 90-d mortality. MethodsA retrospective cohort study. Critically ill patients who were admitted from 2019 to 2022 to a mixed medical-surgical intensive care unit for more than 48 hours were included. Collected data included baseline characteristics, and all glucose levels recorded (time-indexed to the admission time). Glucose levels were considered constant until the following glucose level. The percentage of time above several chosen glucose cutoff levels was calculated and analyzed for mortality adjusted to other baseline covariates. Results45,512 glucose measurements of 1429 patients were included in the study; 21.76% of the patients had diabetes. Mean glucose level and glucose variability were higher in diabetic patients (165.86mg/dL vs 135.47mg/dL, p<0.0001, and 30.81% vs 20.86%, p<0.0001, respectively), along with a higher incidence of hypoglycemia (40.84% vs 24.89%, p<0.001). 90-d mortality was higher in diabetic patietns (42.12% vs 32.41%, p=0.0014) and was found associated with age, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation 2 score, medical or surgical admission reasons. Percentage of time above cutoffs ≥ 150mg/dL was associated with 90-d mortality only in non-diabetic patients. ConclusionsIn non-diabetic patients, hyperglycemia greater than 150mg/dL, was associated with increased 90-day mortality.

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales in solid organ transplant recipients

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are an important threat to the health of solid organ transplant recipients (SOTr); data comparing outcomes of SOTr with CRE to non-SOTr with CRE are lacking. A matched cohort study was performed within two prospective, multicenter, cohort studies (CRACKLE, CRACKLE-2). The epidemiology, desirability of outcome rankings (DOOR) outcomes, and mortality of SOTr and non-SOTr hospitalized in the United States (December 2011 - August 2017) with clinical isolates with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-defined CRE were compared. In total, 121 SOTr and 242 matched non-SOTr were included. Fifty one percent of isolates met infection criteria. SOTr were younger (p<0.001), less acutely ill (p=0.029), less often had a malignancy history (p=0.006), and more often were admitted from home (p<0.001) than non-SOTr. SOTr had more favorable adjusted DOOR outcomes; a randomly selected SOTr had a 58% (95% CI 53%-64%) probability of a better outcome as compared to a randomly selected non-SOTr. All-cause 30-day mortality was 14% (17/121) in SOTr vs. 25% (60/242) in non-SOTr, p=0.018. After stabilized inverse-probability weighted adjustment, SOTr had a 7% lower 30-d mortality risk than non-SOTr (95% CI -15%, 1%). SOTr with CRE do not have worse outcomes than matched patients without transplant history.

Molecular patterns of microbial and metabolic interactions in septic patients with persistent lymphopenia

BackgroundPersistent lymphopenia can be regarded as an important index of acquired immune dysfunction in sepsis. Whether the specific immune factor changes in septic patients with lymphopenia and the correlation to gut microbiota and metabolites remain unclear. MethodsThis single-center prospective observation conducted lymphocyte subgroup analysis of blood samples and 16S rRNA gene amplicons sequencing and untargeted metabolomics analysis of fecal samples from 36 subjects with the persistent (≥3d) (n = 21) and non-persistent lymphopenia (<3d) (n = 15). ResultsThe persistent lymphopenia showed higher the 28d mortality and 90d mortality, while significantly lower CD3+T/LY, CD3+T cells, CD3+CD4+T cells, CD3+CD8+T cells, Th1 cells, Th2 cells, CD45RA + Treg cells. The 16S rRNA results showed that Staphylococcus, Peptostreptococcus, Bulleidia, Leuconostoc were significant enriched in the persistent lymphopenia. The metabolomics analysis showed that α-Ketoisovaleric acid was increased and 7-DHCA, α-MCA, β-MCA, HCA, LCA-3S, CA, UCA and Citramalic acid were decreased in the persistent lymphopenia. ConclusionIn the process of interaction between host receptors and gut microbiota in patients with persistent lymphopenia sepsis, with a significant reduction in gut microbiota diversity and bile acid metabolites. That can affect various inflammatory pathways of gut immune cells, causing immune dysfunction in the body, which may be one of the main causes of death.

Interleukin 21, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 and fractalkine improve risk stratification in elderly patients with pulmonary embolism

Abstract Background The importance of clinical parameters for predicting short-term mortality in hemodynamically stable patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) is acknowledged within the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) Score. Little is known about the value of novel biomarkers in this context. Given the pathophysiology of PE, markers related to inflammation and thrombosis, such as interleukin 21 (IL-21), fractalkine and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI1) are of particular interest. Purpose To identify new protein biomarkers that improve 90d mortality prediction compared to the PESI score in elderly PE patients. Methods 1003 patients with venous thromboembolism aged ≥65 years were recruited between 2009 and 2011 from 9 hospitals in Switzerland (SWITCO65+ cohort). Among these, 778 patients were excluded due to missing data, deep venous thrombosis only, blood sample taken &amp;gt;1 day after diagnosis, no initial anticoagulation, systolic blood pressure &amp;lt;90 mmHg, withdrawal within 1 day or denying further use of data; 225 patients were prospectively included. Outcome was independently adjudicated up to 1 year after the index event. To identify candidate proteins, untargeted proteomic analyses (OLINK) were conducted in cases with 90d all-cause mortality (n=20) matched 1:2 (age, sex) to controls without events (n=40). 26 candidate proteins were then validated in all 225 PE patients using ELISA and Mesoscale analyses. Using ROC analyses, the most promising proteins to predict death within 90d were identified within this cohort. Optimal biomarker cut-off levels were derived using the Youden Index and survival analyses were computed. To evaluate the predictive value of these biomarkers, hazard ratios (HR) were calculated after adjusting for age, sex, and BMI. AUC-ROC analyses were performed to assess the biomarkers’ value for risk prediction compared to the PESI score. Results Baseline characteristics (Figure 1) did not differ between patients who died within 90d and those who did not, except for median PESI score (108 [95 – 125] vs. 87 [79 – 101], p&amp;lt;0.001). Optimal biomarker cut-off values were: IL-21: 56.17pg/ml, PAI1: 36.82pg/ml, fractalkine: 66’515pg/ml. Increased levels of IL-21 and PAI1 were associated with increased mortality (HR IL-21 = 1.5 [95% CI: 0.99 - 2.79], HR PAI1 = 2.6 [95% CI: 1.7 – 4.8]), whereas patients with elevated fractalkine levels were at lower risk to die within 90d (HR fractalkine = 0.37 [95% CI: 0.16 - 0.60]). For prediction of 90d mortality, the three assessed biomarkers showed a higher AUC than the PESI score. Combining the PESI score with the biomarkers did not further improve the AUC (Figure 2). Conclusions The protein biomarkers IL-21, PAI1 and fractalkine improve prediction of 90d mortality in elderly, hemodynamically stable PE patients compared to the PESI score. These biomarkers highlight the contribution of inflammation and thrombosis in the pathophysiology of PE and warrant further investigation.Baseline CharacteristicsROC Curves for Biomarkers and PESI Score

Does Functional Status Predict Worse 30-D Outcomes in Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms? A Propensity-Score Matched Study From ACS-NSQIP Targeted Database From 2012 to 2022

IntroductionIn patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), existing studies have identified an association between dependent functional status (DFS) and poorer outcomes after EVAR. However, noted limitations, especially the lack of differentiation between ruptured and nonruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), potentially affect the extrapolation of these findings to specific patient groups. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the association between functional status and 30-d outcomes after EVAR in ruptured and nonruptured AAA patients separately. MethodsPatients who underwent infrarenal EVAR were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program targeted database from 2012-2022. Patients with DFS and those with independent functional status (IFS) were stratified into the two study cohorts. In nonruptured AAA, a 1:1 propensity-score matching was used to address demographics, baseline characteristics, aneurysm diameter, distal extent of the aneurysm, anesthesia, and concomitant procedures between patients with DFS and IFS. The sample size for ruptured patients with AAA was too small for meaningful statistical analysis so only qualitative description was provided. Thirty-d postoperative mortality and morbidities of EVAR were assessed. ResultsFor nonruptured cases, there were 380 (2.55%) DFS and 14,545 (97.45%) patients with IFS, where 453 patients with IFS were matched to the DFS cohort. For ruptured AAA, there were 17 (6.39%) DFS and 249 (93.61%) IFS. After matching, nonruptured DFS and patients with IFS had similar 30-d mortality rates (2.37% vs 2.11%, P = 1.00). However, patients with DFS had a higher risk of bleeding requiring transfusion (18.42% vs 11.84%, P = 0.01) and longer length of stay (median 3.00 [Q1 1.00, Q3 6.00] vs median 2.00 [Q1 1.00, Q3 4.00] d, P < 0.01). All other outcomes, including major adverse cardiovascular events, cardiac complications, stroke, pulmonary complications, renal complications, sepsis, venous thromboembolism, wound complications, lower extremity ischemia, ischemic colitis, postoperative ruptured aneurysm, unplanned reoperation, 30-d readmission, were not different between patients with DFS and IFS. Qualitatively, ruptured patients with DFS had higher crude rates of 30-d mortality and morbidities compared to patients with IFS. ConclusionsContrary to previous literature, patients with DFS with nonruptured AAA undergoing EVAR were found to have largely comparable outcomes to patients with IFS, although extra attention should be paid to postoperative bleeding.

Development and Validation of a 30-Day Point-Scoring Risk Calculator for Open Groin Vascular Surgery: The George Washington Groin Score

BackgroundOpen groin vascular surgeries are important in managing peripheral arterial diseases. Given its inherent risks and the diverse patient profiles, there is a need for risk assessment tools. This study aimed to develop a 30-d point-scoring risk calculator for patients undergoing open groin vascular surgeries. MethodsPatients underwent open groin vascular surgery, including aortobifemoral, axillofemoral, femorofemoral, iliofemoral, femoral-popliteal, and femoral-tibial bypass as well as thromboendarterectomy, were identified in American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2005 to 2021. Patients were randomly sampled into experimental (2/3) and validation (1/3) groups. The George Washington (GW) groin score, a weighted point-scoring system, was developed for 30-d mortality from multivariable regression on preoperative risk variables by Sullivan's method. GW groin score was subjected to internal and external validation. Furthermore, the effectiveness of GW groin score was evaluated in 30-d major surgical complications. ResultsA total of 129,424 patients were analyzed, with 86,715 allocated to experimental group and 42,709 to validation group. GW groin score is derived as follows: aortobifemoral bypass (2 points), axillofemoral bypass (1 point), age (>75 y, 2 points; 65-75 y, 1 point), disseminated cancer (2 points), emergent presentation (1 point), American Society of Anesthesiology score 4 or 5 (1 point), dialysis (1 point), and preoperative sepsis (1 point).GW groin score exhibited robust discrimination (c-statistic = 0.794, 95% CI = 0.786-0.803) and calibration (Brier score = 0.029). The transition from individual preoperative variables (c-statistic = 0.809, 95% CI = 0.801-0.818) to the point-scoring system was successful and external validation of the score was confirmed (c-statistic = 0.789, 95% CI = 0.777-0.801, Brier score = 0.030). Furthermore, GW groin score can effectively discriminate major surgical complications. ConclusionsThis study developed GW groin score, a concise and comprehensive 10-point risk calculator. This well-validated score demonstrates robust discriminative and predictive abilities for 30-d mortality and major surgical complications following open groin vascular surgeries. GW groin score can anticipate potential perioperative complications and guide treatment decisions.

Clinical Significance of Grade A Small-for-size Syndrome After Living Donor Liver Transplantation Utilizing the New Definition of Diagnostic Criteria: An International Multicenter Study.

New diagnostic criteria have recently been established to classify small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) after living donor liver transplantation into 3 groups based on severity. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of grade A SFSS and identify the mortality risk. We collected data from 406 patients diagnosed with grade A SFSS after living donor liver transplantation. Grade A SFSS is characterized by total bilirubin >5 mg/dL on postoperative day (POD) 7 or total bilirubin >5 mg/dL or ascites >1 L/d on POD 14. After propensity score matching, 193 patients were categorized into the up-trend group, down-trend group, and ascites group, with 43 patients (22.3%) in the up-trend group (total bilirubin on POD 7 < POD 14), 107 patients (55.4%) in the down-trend group (total bilirubin on POD 7 > POD 14), and 43 patients (22.3%) in the ascites group (only satisfying ascites criteria). There was no significant difference in survival between patients with grade A SFSS and those without SFSS (P = 0.152). The up-trend group showed a higher 90-d mortality rate than the down-trend and ascites groups (P = 0.025). The 1-y survival rate differed significantly between the groups (87.6%, 91.9%, and 97.7%, respectively; P = 0.044). The independent risk factors for survival were up-trend of total bilirubin, recipient age (65 y and older), model for end-stage liver disease score (≥30), and ABO incompatibility. Patients with ≥2 risk factors had worse survival rates than those with none and only 1 risk factor (P < 0.001). Although the survival rate was comparable between the grade A SFSS and non-SFSS cohorts, the up-trend group showed worse survival. Aggressive interventions should be considered for up-trend patients with risk factors.

Percutaneous Cholecystostomy for Acute Cholecystitis During Spaceflight

INTRODUCTION: Acute calculous cholecystitis is a common surgical emergency and cholecystectomy is the gold-standard treatment. However, alternative drainage modalities such as percutaneous cholecystostomy tube (PCT) placement have been proposed for poor surgical candidates or in remote environments, such as space. We reviewed the literature to assess the theoretical utility of PCT to treat acute cholecystitis during long-duration spaceflight or on the Moon or Mars. METHODS: A systematic review of 16 peer-reviewed articles published since 2018 was completed to describe the terrestrial efficacy of PCT placement for acute calculous cholecystitis. RESULTS: The mean initial clinical success rate after PCT was 89.9% (range 82.2–100.0%). Duration of indwelling PCT ranged from median 6 to 58 d. Mean rate of recurrent cholecystitis was 15.8% (range 5.0–36.4%). A mean 35.6% of patients (range 18.0–61.0%) required interval cholecystectomy. Mean 30-d mortality was 9.6% (range 5.8–14.0%). A mean 18.6% of patients (range 7.2–30.0%) required repeat percutaneous intervention due to PCT placement complications. DISCUSSION: While PCT achieves high rates of early resolution of cholecystitis, the long-term outcomes after PCT are relatively poor, with risk of recurrent cholecystitis, need for cholecystectomy, and frequent postprocedural complications requiring repeat procedural interventions. In cislunar space, the return to Earth for cholecystectomy following PCT may be achieved, eliminating some of these concerns. However, with long-duration space travel such as a mission to Mars, PCT is likely inadequate for the long-term treatment of cholecystitis. Prophylactic cholecystectomy, developing surgical capabilities in space, or preflight screening ultrasound for cholelithiasis should be seriously considered for long-duration spaceflight. Lazow SP, Siu M, Brown L, Kamine TH. Percutaneous cholecystostomy for acute cholecystitis during spaceflight. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(10):771–776.

Robotic-Assisted Pleurectomy Is a Safe and Effective Surgical Treatment for Spontaneous Pneumothorax

IntroductionSpontaneous pneumothorax is a common thoracic surgical problem. To prevent recurrence, surgical options include blebectomy, mechanical or chemical pleurodesis, pleurectomy, or a combination of these operations. Pleurectomy is associated with lower recurrence rates but may be technically challenging via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. We report the first series of robotic-assisted pleurectomy (RAP) for spontaneous pneumothorax. MethodsA retrospective, single-center analysis was conducted on consecutive patients undergoing RAP for spontaneous pneumothorax from 2017 to 2023. Patients with prior surgery on the same side for pneumothorax were excluded. Demographics, comorbidities, functional status, intraoperative and perioperative variables were collected. 30-d readmission, 30-d mortality, and recurrence were recorded. ResultsThirty-six patients underwent RAP during the study period with a median follow-up of 36 mo. Patients had a median age of 41.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 21.5-68) y and were mostly male (80.6%) and past smokers (44.4%) with 66.6% having a primary spontaneous pneumothorax. The median time to chest tube removal was 3 d (IQR 2-3) and the median length of stay was two days (IQR 2-4). Complications occurred in seven patients with the majority (85.7%) having a grade 2 Clavien-Dindo classification score. There was no 30-d mortality or recurrence. ConclusionsRobotic-assisted pleurectomy for spontaneous pneumothorax is a safe and effective operation that can be used to prevent future recurrence.