30-day Outcomes Research Articles

The Impact of Smoking on Sacrocolpopexy Perioperative Outcomes: An Observational Study

Importance Tobacco smoke is a modifiable risk factor that surgeons discuss with patients prior to undergoing sacrocolpopexy or mesh revision surgery. Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of smoking on perioperative outcomes after sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse and mesh revision repair. Study Design This was a retrospective cohort study of data obtained from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project’s database. Women who underwent surgery for pelvic organ prolapse via abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASCP) or minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy (MISCP) or prolapse mesh revision surgery from 2011 to 2021 were identified and compared based on current tobacco use. Demographic, medical, and surgical history, as well as intraoperative and 30-day perioperative outcomes, were compared. Multivariate analysis was performed. Results Overall, 21,980 women underwent MISCP (8.60% smokers) and 3,775 underwent ASCP (8.74% smokers). Postoperative wound infections were more common after sacrocolpopexy in patients who smoked. Readmission after MISCP was more common in smokers. The composite perioperative morbidity score was different between smokers and nonsmokers for MISCP (P = 0.001) and ASCP (P = 0.002). Multivariate analyses of MISCP outcomes found an association between smoking and wound infection, readmission, and composite score. Multivariate analyses of ASCP outcomes found an association between smoking and wound infection. Overall 2,160 patients underwent mesh removal by any modality (16.57% smokers), and no difference in perioperative outcomes between smokers and nonsmokers for mesh removal was found. Conclusions An association was found between tobacco smoking and wound infection as well as other postoperative complications. Tobacco use prior to a mesh excision procedure does not appear to increase perioperative outcomes.

Comparisons of 30-day outcomes after ventral hernia repair by body mass index and surgical approach: a retrospective cohort study

Comparisons of 30-day outcomes after ventral hernia repair by body mass index and surgical approach: a retrospective cohort study

Generic Volar Locking Plate Use in Distal Radius Fractures: A Prospective Randomized Study to Evaluate Clinical Outcomes and Cost Reduction.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in 90-day clinical outcomes between patients treated with generic volar locking plates (VLPs) and conventional VLPs in distal radius fractures. Secondary aims included assessing for differences in surgical characteristics and cost between the groups. From November 2022 to April 2023, a prospective block-randomized study was undertaken in which surgeons alternated between using a generic VLP and a conventional VLP each month. The institution's chargemaster database was cross-referenced for implant cost. Primary outcomes were 90-day readmission, reoperation, and mortality rates. Secondary outcomes included estimated blood loss, tourniquet time, and implant cost. A total of 66 patients were included. Most were women (n = 61, 92.4%), with an average age of 61.0 ± 11.5 years. There were no significant differences in age, sex, smoking status, AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association classification, or tourniquet time between patients who received generic and conventional implants. The average total cost was higher with conventional implants than generic implants($1348.61 ± 100.77 and $702.38 ± 47.83, respectively; P < .001). The largest difference in cost came from pegs and screws that were used ($640.77 ± 90.93 vs $268.47 ± 45.93, P < .001). No patients experienced complications such as readmission, reoperation, or death within 90 days. Total implant cost was lower for procedures where generic VLPs were used. Cost differences between generic and conventional implants are driven by the variable selection of pegs and screws. With no differences in 90-day outcomes, surgeons may consider using generic implants as a way of increasing the value of care delivery.

The impact of early surgery on mortality and functional recovery in older adults with traumatic intracranial lesions: a propensity score-based analysis.

There is skepticism about the benefit of surgery in elderly patients affected by traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to the negative effect of age on the outcome and surgical complications. However, there are few studies that have investigated differences in patient's outcome between surgically and conservatively managed patients after adjusting for the imbalance in preinjury characteristics and clinical and radiological features. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of early surgery on mortality and functional recovery in a cohort of older adults with acute traumatic intracranial lesions after adjustment by Propensity Score (PS) matching. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study on older adult patients (≥ 65 years) admitted for TBI between 2013 and 2023 to a single level 1 trauma center. Patients were categorized based on whether they underwent early surgery (< 48h after TBI) for a space-occupying lesion evacuation. PS model was constructed based on age, frailty, comorbidities (Charlson comorbity index and American Society of Anaesthesiologists score), anticoagulants, hypoxia, shock, pupillary abnormalities and GCS motor response upon admission, midline shift, basal cistern effacement, volume of subdural and intracerebral hematomas, and limitation of life-sustaining treatment decisions.The effect of early surgery on 30-day mortality and unfavorable functional outcomes (GOSE 1-3) at 6 and 12 months were investigated after matching by paired test. We identified and reviewed 301 patients who met all inclusion criteria and contained no exclusions. After matching, 62 patients (31 pairs of conservative and surgical patients) remained as the matched datasets. Our key finding was that older adult TBI patients who underwent early surgery had a statistically significant reduction in the risk of 30-day mortality (OR 0.313, 95% CI 0.114-0.853, p = 0.023) and unfaourable outcome at 12 months after TBI (OR 0.286, 95% CI 0.094-0.868, p = 0.027). Early surgery was associated with decreased 30-day mortality and better functional outcome at 12 months after TBI in older adults with few comorbidities and good functionality when clinically affected by acute traumatic intracranial lesions with mass effect.

Relative Benefit of Dual Versus Single Antiplatelet Therapy Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation on Oral Anticoagulation According to Time After ACS and PCI: Insights From the AUGUSTUS Trial.

In the AUGUSTUS trial (An Open-Label, 2 x 2 Factorial, Randomized Controlled, Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Safety of Apixaban vs Vitamin K Antagonist and Aspirin vs Aspirin Placebo in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Acute Coronary Syndrome or Percutaneous Coronary Intervention), the combination of dual antiplatelet therapy plus oral anticoagulation increased the risk of bleeding without reducing ischemic events compared with a P2Y12 inhibitor plus oral anticoagulation among patients with atrial fibrillation and acute coronary syndrome or elective percutaneous coronary intervention. However, AUGUSTUS enrolled patients up to 14 days after acute coronary syndrome or percutaneous coronary intervention, and there may be a benefit to dual antiplatelet therapy plus oral anticoagulation early after an ischemic event. In this secondary analysis of AUGUSTUS, we divided patients into groups based on whether they were enrolled <6 days (early) or ≥6 days (later) after their index acute coronary syndrome or percutaneous coronary intervention, and tested the interaction between time from the index event to enrollment and randomized treatment (apixaban versus vitamin K antagonist and aspirin versus placebo) on 30-day and 6-month clinical outcomes using Cox proportional hazards models. Among 4605 patients enrolled in AUGUSTUS with data available on time from the index event to enrollment, the median time from the index event to enrollment was 6 (range, 0-14) days. There were no significant interactions between time from the index event and aspirin versus placebo on clinical outcomes at 30 days or 6 months, though patients with time from the index event <6 days had a nominally significant reduction in death or ischemic events at 30 days with aspirin (hazard ratio, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.30-0.99]), whereas patients with time from the index event ≥6 days did not (hazard ratio, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.54-1.43]; interaction P=0.23). There were no significant interactions between time from the index event and apixaban versus vitamin K antagonist on clinical outcomes. Among patients with atrial fibrillation with acute coronary syndrome or undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, there was no difference in the relative benefit of apixaban versus vitamin K antagonist or aspirin versus placebo when patients were enrolled early versus later after their index event. URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02415400.

Thirty-day outcomes of endovascular repair of Stanford type B aortic dissection in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) has revolutionized the surgical treatment for Stanford type B aortic dissection (TBAD). While chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with worse outcomes in major surgeries, the specific outcomes of TEVAR in patients with COPD have not been extensively explored. This study aimed to evaluate the 30-day postoperative outcomes of COPD patients undergoing TEVAR for TBAD utilizing data from a multi-institutional national registry. Patients who underwent TEVAR for TBAD were identified in the ACS-NSQIP database from 2005 to 2022. A 1:3 propensity-score matching was used to match demographics and preoperative characteristics between patients with and without COPD. Thirty-day postoperative outcomes were compared. There were 172 (9.56%) and 1628 (90.44%) COPD and non-COPD patients who underwent TEVAR for TBAD, respectively. Patients with COPD had a higher comorbidity burden. After the propensity-score matching, all 172 COPD patients were matched to 440 non-COPD patients. COPD and non-COPD patients had comparable mortality rates (10.12% vs 6.82%, p = .18). However, COPD patients had a higher risk of pulmonary complications (20.83% vs 13.18%, p = .02). All other 30-day outcomes were similar between the two groups. COPD patients had 58.04% higher pulmonary complications while all other 30-day outcomes were comparable to their non-COPD counterparts. Therefore, close monitoring and timely intervention for pulmonary complications in COPD patients can be important after TEVAR for TBAD. Future studies should investigate long-term outcomes among these COPD patients.

In-depth hemodynamic assessment in acute mild stroke patients with large vessel occlusion or stenosis

ObjectiveAcute treatment in mild stroke patients with acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion/stenosis (AACLVO/S) had limited evidence. Hemodynamic play an important role in neurological deterioration. We aimed to investigate predictor value of hemodynamic assessment for clinical outcome predicting and guiding individual therapeutic decisions in those patients.MethodsWe retrospectively analyze the stroke database in our stroke center. We recruited patients with mild stroke, defined by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≤ 5, caused by AACLVO/S treated with just medical management (MT). They all received cerebral autoregulation (CA) assessments within 72 h after stroke onset. The primary end point was clinical outcome at 90-day after stroke.ResultsLogistic regression analysis showed that bilateral higher baseline phase difference (PD) were independent variables related to favorable 90-day outcome, (OR 0.963, 95% CI 0.936–0.991, p = 0.040; OR 0.943, 95% CI 0.970–0.997; p = 0.008, respectively). The optimal cutoff value of bilateral PD was > 34.97º and > 14.29º respectively.ConclusionCA evaluation can provide hemodynamic status in mild stroke patients with AACLVO/S.

Telemedicine Compared to Office-Based Care of Patients With Cardiac Symptoms: Treatment and Outcomes

BackgroundAn increasing proportion of visits are now delivered via a virtual platform. Virtual visits are limited by the lack of important components of cardiovascular assessment such as physician examination and electrocardiogram. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of care delivered by virtual visits compared to office-based visits among adults who sought care for three common cardiac-related symptoms: dyspnea, dizziness, or palpitations. MethodsRetrospective cohort study of 992,526 outpatient visits between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2021, within an integrated health system, including 356,159 visits for dyspnea, 412,913 for dizziness, and 223,454 for palpitations. We compared the differences in patient characteristics associated with telemedicine visits versus in-office visits, evaluated the referral rates for noninvasive cardiac testing, and examined the association between virtual visits and 30-day clinical outcomes. ResultsAmong 992,526 visits, 71.5% were office visits, 25.8% telephone visits, and 2.7% video visits. Median (IQR) age was 59 (43-72) years, and 63.1% were women. Patient characteristics associated with increased likelihood of virtual visits included younger age, female sex, being non-Hispanic Black, and being from lower-income households. No association was observed between visit types and 30-day cardiovascular hospitalization for patients with dizziness or palpitations. However, for patients with dyspnea, evaluation via virtual visits was associated with a higher risk of 30-day hospitalization for heart failure (aOR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.16-1.36 for telephone visits; aOR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.17-1.80 for video visits). Compared to office-based visits, patients with dyspnea were less likely to be referred for echocardiogram with telephone (aOR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.72-0.75) or video visits (aOR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.87-0.98). ConclusionsVirtual visits may be appropriate for some clinical concerns but not all. Optimal alignment of clinical conditions with appropriate care modalities is an important component of a successful telemedicine strategy.

Amide proton transfer MRI may reflect effective reperfusion and predict functional outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke.

Perfusion imaging is useful to assess tissue recovery in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS); however, it cannot reflect tissue metabolism. We postulated that amide proton transfer (APT) imaging can characterize the tissue status after reperfusion therapy, thus providing prognostic value for 90-day functional outcomes. We included 63 patients with AIS and large-vessel occlusion (LVO). The APT signals, including APT# and NOE# (nuclear Overhauser enhancement) were quantified. Ischemic lesions observed on APT# and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) were classified according to their mismatch patterns (APT# < DWI; APT# ≥ DWI). Predictors of 90-day good outcomes (modified Rankin scale score 0-2) were evaluated. Patients with successful reperfusion exhibited higher APT#, smaller percentage change of APT#, and a greater likelihood of presenting APT# < DWI compared to those with poor reperfusion (all P < 0.05). The APT# (odds ratio [OR] = 11.48, P = 0.046) and a mismatch pattern of APT# < DWI (OR = 7.41, P = 0.020) independently predicted good outcomes besides the clinical parameters. A mismatch pattern of APT# ≥ DWI was a significant marker of poor outcomes despite successful reperfusion (P = 0.002). Our study provides preliminary evidence that APT may reveal tissue recovery after reperfusion and predict good outcomes at 90 days in patients with AIS and LVO.

"Chopperlysis": The effect of helicopter transport on reperfusion and outcomes in large vessel occlusion strokes.

In large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke patients transferred to a comprehensive stroke center for thrombectomy, spontaneous reperfusion may occur during transport, and anecdotally more frequently in patients transferred via helicopter than by ground. This pattern has been more often observed in conjunction with tenecteplase (TNK) treatment prior to helicopter transport. We aim to explore the "chopperlysis" effect-how helicopter transport, particularly with thrombolytics, may affect reperfusion and clinical outcomes. A single thrombectomy capable center (TCC) registry of stroke patients was retrospectively reviewed. Included LVO patients were those who had been transferred to the TCC and received a digital subtraction angiography (DSA) upon arrival. The outcomes were rates of spontaneous reperfusion, distal clot migration, and 90-day good functional outcome. Data were summarized, and endpoints were compared between patients stratified by transport method and/or TNK treatment. Of 270 patients included, helicopter transport was associated with a higher rate of spontaneous reperfusion, particularly among patients not treated with TNK (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in prevalence of distal clot migration between any subgroups (p > 0.37). Overall, TNK-treated patients had better functional outcomes, and this difference persisted exclusively in the helicopter-transported patients (p = 0.02). Helicopter transport was associated with a higher rate of spontaneous reperfusion. There is a potentially synergistic effect between TNK administration and helicopter transport, augmenting thrombolysis and improving long-term outcomes. Further analyses in larger cohorts may expand our understanding of this "chopperlysis" effect.

A simple and reliable computed tomographic measure for the evaluation of right ventricle remodelling in acute PE: right ventricle apical angle

Abstract Background and aims In patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE), right ventricular (RV) dysfunction as assessed by computed tomography (CT) and /or echocardiography has been considered to predict in-hospital and 30-day outcomes. In this study we proposed a novel CT measure for RV function, the apical angle (α1) between the RV free wall and the interventricular septum (IVS), and for the left ventricle (LV) function, the apical angle (α2) between the LV free wall and the IVS. We aimed to evaluate the predictive value of these angles to determine clinical and hemodynamic severity and in-hospital mortality (IHM) in acute PE patients. Methods The study population comprised retrospectively evaluated 536 patients (age 59+-16.2 years, female 55.3 %) with acute PE in whom diagnostic work-up and risk-based treatments have been performed in accordance with currently available acute PE Guidelines. The severity of pulmonary arterial (PA) obstruction (Qanadli score) and RV/LV ratio were assessed on CT, and RV function and non-invasive estimation of pulmonary arterial systolic pressures (PASP) were evaluted with echocardiography. The α1 was defined as the angle between the line from tricuspid medial annulus to the RV apex and second line from tricuspid lateral annulus to the RV apex, whereas α2 was defined as the angle between the line from mitral medial annulus to the LV apex and second line from mitral lateral annulus to the LV apex. Results Anticoagulant treatment only and intravenous tissue plasminogen activator were noted in 49.6 % and 17.9 % of patients, respectively. Ultrasound-assisted thrombolysis and rheolytic thrombectomy were also used in 25% and 7.5 % of patients, respectively. The IHM rate was 5.9 %. The increase in α1 was associated with a decrease in TAPSE/PASP ratio, and an increase in PESI score and a higher risk status (p=0.047, p&amp;lt;0.001, p=0.001 respectively), but α2 showed no relation to PE severity (p=0.78). The value of α1 in predicting in-hospital mortality was evaluated with a logistic regression analysis with a model including PESI score, RV/LV ratio and α1. PESI score and α1 significantly predicted IHM (p= &amp;lt;0.001 and 0.027, respectively. OR for a1 1.15, CI 95%[1.06-1.27]), but RV/LV ratio did not. In the receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis for IHM prediction, the cut-off value of 1.168 for α1/α2 ratio [area under the curve (AUC): 0.721; sensitivity:76.92 % and specificity: 65.8 %] and the cut-off value of 32.47 for α1 ( AUC: 0.718 ; sensitivity: 84.67 % and specificity: 59.5 %) provided higher prediction compared with cut-off value of 1.29 for RV/LV ratio ( AUC : 0.604 ; sensitivity 76.9 % and specificity 45.87 %). Conclusion Either α1 or α1/α2 ratio evaluation on CT seems to represent a simple and reliable approach in the assessment of RV acute remodelling in response to thrombo-obstructive pressure burden and for prediction of outcome in patients with acute PE.Alpha 1 angle of different risk groupsROC curve

Safety and efficiency of implementation of high-sensitivity troponin T in the assessment of emergency department patients with cardiac chest pain.

For emergency department (ED) patients with cardiac chest pain, introduction of high-sensitivity troponin (hsTnT) pathways has been associated with reductions in length of stay of less than 1h. At two urban Canadian sites, we introduced hsTnT on January 26, 2016. While the prior diagnostic algorithm required troponin testing at 0 and 6h, serial hsTnT serial testing was conducted at 0 and 3h. We identified consecutive patients who presented with cardiac chest pain from January 1, 2015, to March 31, 2017, along with 30-day outcomes. The primary outcome was a missed 30-day major adverse cardiac event, (MACE) defined as death, revascularization, or readmission for myocardial infarction occurring in a patient-discharged home with a minimizing diagnosis and without cardiac-specific follow-up. Secondary outcomes included admission rate, ED length of stay, and MACE. We compared pre- and post- implementation periods using descriptive methods and repeated this analysis in patients with noncardiac chest pain. We collected 5585 patients with cardiac chest pain, (2678 pre- and 2907 post-introduction) and 434 had (7.8%, 95% CI 7.1 to 8.5%) MACE, with 1 missed MACE. (0.2%, 95% CI 0.04 to 1.3%). Admission rate was stable at 24.1% pre- and 23.7% while median length of stay decreased from 464 to 285 min, a difference of 179 min. (95% CI 61 to 228 min). For 11,611 patients with noncardiac chest pain, admission rate (9%) and length of stay (191 versus 193 min) remained constant. Implementation of hsTnT for evaluation of ED chest pain patients was safe and associated with a 3-h decrease in length of stay.

Two different hybrid vascular access closure strategies post transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Abstract Background The hybrid strategy combining plug-based and suture-based vascular closure devices (VCD) was introduced as a promising technique for vascular access hemostasis after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with satisfactory outcomes. However, data comparing two plug-based VCDs each in the combination with a suture-based VCD, namely ProGlide/FemoSeal (P/FS) with ProGlide/AngioSeal (P/AS) VCDs, is still lacking. Aim To compare the 30-day outcome of the hybrid strategy using P/AS versus P/FS for vascular access site closure after TAVI. Methods A retrospective single Centre observational study included 608 patients recruited from a prospective TAVI registry between 2016 and 2022. The composite endpoint was defined as any VCD related major vascular complications and/or bleeding more than type 1 according to Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC-3) criteria. Results The current study reported a significantly higher rate of composite endpoint in P/AS group, which was driven by higher rate of major bleeding (5.4% vs 1.4%, p=0.036). We also found a higher rate of VCD related minor bleeding in P/AS group (16.3% vs 8.1%, p=0.013). Successful access site hemostasis was achieved in 83.1% of P/FS group versus 71.7% in P/AS group (p=0.006). The presence of anterior wall calcification at the access site was significantly associated with the composite endpoint (adj OR 2.49; 95% CI (1.08 – 5.75), p=0.032). Conclusions The hybrid strategy for large bore vascular access closure using P/FS showed a potentially better 30-day outcomes compared with P/AS. The presence of anterior calcification at the access site carries a significant risk of VCD related complications.

Lower early mortality after acute pulmonary embolism in patients with WHO-defined obesity: results from a post-hoc cohort analysis with external validation

Abstract Background The relationship between obesity, defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2, and mortality in venous thrombo-embolism remains controversial. Objectives To compare early outcomes after pulmonary embolism (PE) between obese patients, and non-obese, non-underweight patients. Methods We performed a post-hoc analysis based on prospectively recorded individual patient data from the multicenter BFC-FRANCE registry. We compared rates of outcomes using multivariable logistic regression or a Cox model for 30-day and 6-month outcomes respectively. We assessed the incremental value of adding BMI information on top of the 30-day European Society of Cardiology (ESC) prognostic algorithm. Results A total of 2,390 patients with a BMI ≥ 18.5 kg/m2 (mean age, 66.9±16.8 years; 1,188 men [49.7%]) were included, 686 patients [28.7%] in the obese group, and 1,704 patients [71.3%] in the non-obese group. Mortality rates were significantly lower in obese patients versus non-obese patients at 30 days (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.35-0.98), and 6 months. Cox-model-derived adjusted curves for all-cause death at 6 months, with hazard ratios (HRs) between obese and non-obese patients, after acute PE, are shown in the Figure. Rates of secondary non-fatal outcomes (including recurrent VTE) did not differ between groups. The addition of the obesity information on top of the ESC prognostic model improved global model fit, and discriminatory and calibration capacities, yielding significant reclassification based on the observed mortality rates with the ESC model as reference. Findings were confirmed in an external validation using 35,796 PE patients from the RIETE registry. Conclusion We present evidence indicating lower early and mid-term mortality after PE in patients classified as obese based on BMI, compared with non-obese, non-underweight patients. BMI should likely be incorporated into algorithms or scoring systems for predicting early mortality following PE.

Performance and safety of complex percutaneous coronary intervention in centres without on-site cardiac surgery: a multi-centre australian registry study.

Abstract Background Performing complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures in hospitals with no on-site cardiac surgery (NOSCS) remains controversial due to a lack of contemporary data and guideline support. Methods Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry data was analysed including all PCI cases in the state of Victoria, Australia, from 2014 to 2022. Patients were stratified by PCI at sites with on-site cardiac surgery (OSCS) or NOSCS. Complex PCI was defined as PCI to unprotected left main, bifurcation lesions, rotational atherectomy or intravascular lithotripsy use, severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction, chronic total occlusion, or vein graft PCI. The primary outcome was composite MACCE comprising all-cause mortality, stroke, non-fatal MI, emergency CABG, unplanned revascularisation, definite stent thrombosis and major bleeding (BARC 3 &amp; 5) at 30-days. Risk ratio for average treatment effect in the NOSCS cohort was estimated using inverse probability treatment weighting. Results 94,268 total PCI procedures (32.6% NOSCS) were analysed, including 12,459 complex PCI cases (28.7% NOSCS). Patients from NOSCS were younger (65.0 vs 67.4, p&amp;lt;0.001), less likely to have had previous PCI (29.5% vs 34.5%, p&amp;lt;0.001) or CABG (4.6% vs 8.0% p&amp;lt;0.001) and presented more frequently with acute coronary syndromes (NSTEMI [32.0% vs 28.0%, p&amp;lt;0.001; STEMI [23.3% vs 15.2%], p&amp;lt;0.001). A propensity weighted sample of 30,850 OSCS patients and 30,692 NOSCS patients demonstrated no difference in adjusted 30-day MACCE (risk ratio 0.93, 95% CI 0.87-1.01, p=0.051) for all PCI procedures. In a propensity-weighted subgroup of 3,638 OSCS and 3,576 NOSCS patients who underwent complex PCI, there was also no difference in adjusted 30-day MACCE (risk ratio 0.97, 95%CI 0.86-1.09, p=0.60). Unadjusted rates of CABG at 30-days were very low (0.1 vs 0.1%, p=1.00). Conclusion Patients undergoing PCI and complex PCI at NOSCS centres had comparable 30-day outcomes to those treated at OSCS centres. Newer percutaneous therapies such as intravascular lithotripsy and percutaneous left ventricular assist devices may further improve safety and efficacy of high-risk PCI in NOSCS centres as operator experience increases. Increasing PCI and complex PCI capabilities at NOSCS is likely to increase equitable treatment access for more patients.

Effect of four hemoglobin transfusion threshold strategies in patients with acute myocardial infarction and anemia: a target trial emulation using MINT trial data

Abstract Background The hemoglobin (Hgb) threshold at which red blood cell transfusion affords greatest benefit, without increasing transfusion-associated risks, is uncertain for patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). The Myocardial Ischemia and Transfusion (MINT) trial recently showed a restrictive transfusion strategy (Hgb threshold &amp;lt;7-8g/dL) resulted in a 15% increased risk of 30-day all-cause death or recurrent MI (death/MI) compared with a liberal strategy (Hgb threshold &amp;lt;10g/dL) in 3,504 adults with acute MI and anemia. However, the transfusion effect at different Hgb thresholds remains uncertain. Purpose To better understand the gradient of effects from Hgb threshold transfusion triggers between 7g/dL and 10g/dL. We estimated the effects of four Hgb transfusion thresholds on 30-day death/MI and death in patients with acute MI and anemia. Methods We used data from the MINT trial and applied an innovative causal inference method, target trial emulation, to assess four Hgb thresholds. We emulated a hypothetical, 4-arm target trial of &amp;lt;10g/dL, &amp;lt;9g/dL, &amp;lt;8g/dL, and &amp;lt;7g/dL transfusion strategies in adults with acute MI and Hgb &amp;lt;10g/dL using a "cloning" procedure. The target trial protocol closely mirrored that of the MINT trial. We conducted a per-protocol analysis of the emulated target trial using censoring and inverse probability (IP) weighting; we estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by fitting pooled logistic regression models with a time-dependent intercept for time free of the outcomes. We estimated IP weighted Kaplan-Meier cumulative incidence curves under each strategy for 30-day outcomes. Results Of the MINT trial participants, 3,492 (99.7%) met eligibility criteria for the hypothetical target trial of four transfusion strategies. The unadjusted rate of 30-day death/MI was lowest in the &amp;lt;10g/dL strategy and highest in the &amp;lt;9g/dL strategy, and the rate of transfusions decreased monotonically as Hgb thresholds decreased. Relative to the &amp;lt;10g/dL strategy, the estimated HRs (95% CI) from the IP weighted model of 30-day death/MI were 1.07 (0.77-1.50) for the &amp;lt;9g/dL strategy, 1.14 (0.84-1.55) for the &amp;lt;8g/dL strategy, and 1.44 (0.99-2.09) for the &amp;lt;7g/dL strategy (Figure). A log-linear estimate over strategy thresholds between 7-10g/dL estimated a 1.12 (95% CI 1.00-1.27) times greater average risk of death/MI and a 1.12 (95% CI 0.92, 1.37) times greater average risk of death over 30 days for each 1g/dL decrease in the Hgb threshold. The IP weighted cumulative incidence curves showed similar increase in risk of death/MI as transfusion thresholds decreased throughout 30 days post-randomization. Conclusions Relative to a &amp;lt;10g/dL transfusion strategy, we estimated a progressively greater risk of 30-day death/MI as transfusion Hgb thresholds decreased within the range of 7-10g/dL. Targeting a Hgb concentration of 10g/dL in patients with a recent acute MI may avoid serious risks associated with anemia.Hazard ratios for 30-day death/MI

Monocyte Count as a Predictor of Major Adverse Limb Events in Aortoiliac Revascularization

Background/Objectives: Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of death, especially in the developed world, and is marked by chronic arterial inflammation and lipid accumulation. As key players in its progression, monocytes contribute to plaque formation, inflammation, and tissue repair. Understanding monocyte involvement is crucial for developing better therapeutic approaches. The objective of this study is to assess the prognostic value of monocytes for limb-related outcomes following revascularization for complex aortoiliac lesions, thereby emphasizing the central role of monocytes in atherosclerosis. Methods: This prospective cohort study-enrolled patients who had undergone elective aortoiliac revascularization at two hospitals between January 2013 and December 2023. Patients with TASC II type D lesions were included, excluding those with aneurysmal disease. Demographic, clinical, and procedural data were gathered, and patients were monitored for limb-related outcomes. Preoperative complete blood counts were analyzed, and statistical analyses, including multivariable Cox regression, were conducted to identify predictors of major adverse limb events (MALE). Results: The study included 135 patients with a mean age of 62.4 ± 9.20 years and predominantly male (93%). Patients were followed for a median of 61 IQR [55.4–66.6] months. Smoking history (91%) was the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factor. Preoperative monocyte count &gt;0.720 × 109/L was associated with worse 30-day limb-related outcomes (MALE: OR 7.138 95% CI: 1.509–33.764, p = 0.013) and long-term outcomes, including secondary patency (p = 0.03), major amputation (p = 0.04), and MALE (p = 0.039). Cox regression analysis confirmed an elevated monocyte count as an independent predictor of MALE (adjusted hazard ratio 2.149, 95% CI: 1.115–4.144, p = 0.022). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that patients with a higher absolute monocyte count may be more exposed to the risk of MALE in patients with aortoiliac TASC II type D lesions undergoing revascularization, with predictive accuracy in both the short and long term. Additionally, it was an independent predictor of major amputation. This new marker has the potential to serve as a cost-effective and easily available tool for risk stratification, helping identify patients at higher risk of MALE.

Delays in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Defibrillation, and Epinephrine Administration in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest - Composite Time-Dependent Effects of Prehospital Interventions on 30-Day Favorable Neurological Outcomes and Social Implications From a Prospective Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study.

Our study investigated the prognostic impacts of the interval between collapse and the initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and subsequent intervals to defibrillation or epinephrine administration, on 30-day favorable neurological outcomes following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). This nationwide population-based cohort study used the All Japan Utstein Registry, encompassing OHCA patients in Japan between January 2006 and December 2021. The primary outcome was 30-day favorable neurological outcomes, defined as Cerebral Performance Category 1 or 2. Three-dimensional plots and multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the time-dependent prognostic impacts of prehospital CPR interventions. In all, 184,731 OHCA patients (86,246 with shockable rhythm and 98,485 with non-shockable rhythm) were included in the study. Three-dimensional plots revealed that the interval between collapse and initiation of CPR, and subsequent intervals to defibrillation or epinephrine, were independently associated with 30-day favorable neurological outcomes in the groups with shockable and non-shockable rhythms, respectively (P<0.05 for all). Among patients with witnessed OHCA, there was a dose-response relationship between delays in the collapse-CPR initiation interval, and subsequent intervals to defibrillation or epinephrine administration, and 30-day favorable neurological outcomes. Our findings provide valuable insights into OHCA management.

The Real-World Effect of Early Screening for Palliative Care Criteria in a Medical ICU: An Instrumental Variable Analysis.

Early identification of ICU patients likely to benefit from specialist palliative care could reduce the time such patients spend in the ICU receiving care inconsistent with their goals. To evaluate the real-world effects of early screening for palliative care criteria in a medical ICU. We performed a retrospective cohort study in adults admitted to the ICU using a causal inference approach with instrumental variable analysis. The intervention consisted of screening ICU admissions for palliative care trigger conditions, and if present, offering specialist palliative care consultation which could be accepted/declined by the ICU. We evaluated specialist palliative care use in pre- and post-implementation cohorts from the year before/after screening implementation began (October 2022). In the post-implementation cohort, we compared use of specialist palliative care in those who received early screening versus not. We then estimated the effect of early screening on the primary outcome of days to do-not-resuscitate (DNR) code status or ICU discharge, with death without a DNR order placed at the 99th percentile of the days to DNR or ICU discharge distribution. Secondary outcomes included: DNR order, ICU/hospital lengths of stay, hospice discharge, and mortality metrics. To address unmeasured confounding, we used two-stage least-squares instrumental variables analysis. The instrument, which predicts early screening, comprised weekend vs. weekday admission and number of patients meeting palliative care criteria on a patient's ICU days 1 and 2. Amongst 1282 post-implementation admissions, 626 (45%) received early screening, and 398 (28%) received specialty palliative consultation. Early receipt of specialist palliative care was higher in patients who received early screening vs. not (17% vs 1% , p<0.001), and overall use of specialty palliative care was higher post- vs. pre-screening implementation (28 vs. 15%, p<0.001). In the post-implementation cohort, there were no statistically significant effects of early screening on the primary outcome of days to DNR or ICU discharge (15% relative increase, 95% CI [-11% to +48%]) or other secondary outcomes. Despite significantly increased specialty palliative care consultation there was no evidence that early screening for palliative care criteria affected time to DNR/ICU discharge or other secondary outcomes.

Data-Driven Prognostication in Distal Medium Vessel Occlusions Using Explainable Machine Learning.

Distal medium vessel occlusions (DMVOs) are estimated to cause acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in 25-40% of cases. Prognostic models can inform patient counseling and research by enabling outcome predictions. However, models designed specifically for DMVOs are lacking. This retrospective study developed a machine learning model to predict 90-day unfavorable outcome [defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 3-6] in 164 primary DMVO patients. A model developed with the TabPFN algorithm utilized selected clinical, laboratory, imaging, and treatment data with the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator feature selection. Performance was evaluated via 5-repeat 5-fold cross-validation. Model discrimination and calibration were evaluated. SHapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) identified influential features. A web application deployed the model for individualized predictions. The model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.815 (95% CI: 0.79-0.841) for predicting unfavorable outcome, demonstrating good discrimination, and a Brier score of 0.19 (95% CI: 0.177-0.202), demonstrating good calibration. SHAP analysis ranked admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, premorbid mRS, type of thrombectomy, modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score, and history of malignancy as top predictors. The web application enables individualized prognostication. Our machine learning model demonstrated good discrimination and calibration for predicting 90-day unfavorable outcomes in primary DMVO strokes. This study demonstrates the potential for personalized prognostic counseling and research to support precision medicine in stroke care and recovery. ABC = definition; XYZ = definition. DMVO = Distal medium vessel occlusion; AIS = acute ischemic stroke; mRS = modified Rankin Scale; SHAP = SHapley Additive Explanations; NIHSS = National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale; ST = stroke thrombectomy; TRIPOD = Transparent Reporting of Multivariable Prediction Models for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis; CT = computed tomography; CTP = CT perfusion; MRI = magnetic resonance imaging; CTA = CT angiography; DVT = deep vein thrombosis; PE = pulmonary emboli; TIA = transient ischemic attack; BMI = body mass index; ALP = alkaline phosphatase; ALT = alanine transaminase; AST = aspartate aminotransferase; NCCT-ASPECTS = Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score; IVT = intravenous thrombolysis; mTICI = modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction; ER = emergency room; kNN = k-nearest neighbor; LASSO = Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator; PDPs = partial dependence plots; ROC = receiver operating characteristic; PRC = precision-recall curve; AUROC = area under the ROC curve; AUPRC = area under the PRC; CI = confidence interval.