In-hospital Adverse Outcomes Research Articles

Abstract 4142796: Hospital Admission Rates for Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Follow Influenza Seasonal Peaks

Background: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is defined as a dilated form of cardiomyopathy that occurs within the last month of pregnancy and up to 5 months postpartum. Previous studies have shown that PPCM more often occurs in the Southern United States compared to other geographic locations. Although the etiology of PPCM is likely multifactorial, viral infections may account for up to a third of those cases. We aimed to examine the association of PPCM to active influenza infection in the Southern United States. Methods: National Inpatient Sample 2016-2021 was queried to identify women admitted with PPCM with (group A) and without (group B) concurrent influenza infection in the Southern United States. Results: A total of 13540 women were admitted with PPCM, of whom 3511 (35%) had concurrent influenza infection. Group A PPCM followed a seasonal pattern with peak incidence in winter (62%) followed by spring (25%), fall (13%) and summer (0) [p<0.001]. Group A was older (mean age 33.6 -vs- 31.9), more often obese (16.8% -vs- 11.2%, p=0.011), had a smoking history (38.2% -vs- 26.1%, p<0.001), had higher Charlson comorbidity severity indexes (25.3% -vs- 17.2%, p=0.020), and had longer length of stay (6.1 -vs- 5.5). Group A also had higher rates of preexisting hypertension (15.3% -vs- 13.1%, p=0.011) and depression (18.8% -vs- 8.6%, p<0.001, OR 0.125 p-0.285), but similar rates of preeclampsia. In hospital mortality was not statistically significantly different between the two groups (1.8 -vs- 1.6%, p=0.067). Conclusion: PPCM appears to follow a seasonal trend in incidence similar to influenza in the Southern United States. Influenza infection may account for some cases of PPCM in that region and may be associated with adverse in-hospital outcomes.

Prognostic Value of Hospital Frailty Risk Score and Clinical Outcomes in Critical Limb-Threatening Ischemia and End-Stage Kidney Disease.

End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is commonly associated with critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and frailty. Yet there are no specific tools to predict outcomes of CLTI in ESKD, particularly those that incorporate frailty. We aimed to assess the utility of the medical record-based Hospital Frailty Risk (HFR) score in predicting outcomes of CLTI in ESKD. We identified patients with ESKD diagnosed with CLTI from the US Renal Data System from 2015 to 2018. These patients were categorized into 3 frailty risk groups on the basis of their HFR scores: low (<5), intermediate (5-10), high-risk (>10), and on the basis of whether they underwent revascularization (endovascular revascularization [ER]/surgical revascularization [SR]) or not (no revascularization). Primary outcomes of interest included in-hospital composite of death or major amputation and in-hospital death. We included 49 454 eligible patients, with ER/SR cohort including 19.8% (n=9777). A total of 88.4% (ER/SR) and 90.0% (no revascularization) were frail on the HFR scale. We found a nonlinear association between HFR score and in-hospital adverse outcomes. In both cohorts, intermediate and high-risk HFR scores were associated with greater risk of in-hospital death (high-risk, ER/SR: odds ratio, 2.7 [95% CI, 1.6-4.8]; P<0.0001; no revascularization: odds ratio, 7.8 [95% CI, 5.3-11.6]; P<0.01) and composite of in-hospital major amputation or death (high-risk, ER/SR: odds ratio, 2.4 [95% CI, 1.9-3.1]; P<0.0001; no revascularization: odds ratio, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.5-1.9]; P<0.0001). The HFR score can predict risk of in-hospital death and composite ofdeath or major amputation in patients with ESKD and CLTI. Further data are needed to determine the utility of the HFR score in this population.

Impact of Frailty on COVID-19 Hospitalizations: Results from the California State Inpatient Database.

Frail patients are at greater risk of experiencing adverse clinical outcomes in any critical illness due to decreased physiologic reserves, greater susceptibility to the adverse effects of treatment, and greater needs for intensive care. In this study, we sought to assess the prevalence of frailty and associated adverse in-hospital outcomes among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hospitalizations using the 2020 California State Inpatient Database (SID). For this study, we conducted a retrospective analysis of data from all COVID-19 hospital patients aged 18 years and older. We identified hospitalizations that were at high risk of frailty using the Hospital Frailty Risk Score. The primary outcome of our study was in-hospital mortality, and the secondary outcomes were prolonged length of stay, vasopressor use, mechanical ventilation, and intensive care unit admission. The prevalence of frailty was 44.3% among COVID-19 hospitalizations. Using propensity score matching analysis, we found that the odds of mortality (odds ratio [OR] 4.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.28-4.82), prolonged length of stay (OR 2.81, 95% CI 2.70-2.90), vasopressor use (OR 8.65, 95% CI 7.45-10.03), mechanical ventilation (OR 6.90, 95% CI 6.47-7.35), and intensive care unit admission (OR 7.17, 95% CI 6.71-7.66) were significantly higher among the group of frail patients. Our findings show that frailty could be used for assessing and risk stratifying patients for improved hospital outcomes.

Prognostic value of baseline and follow-up ECG in patients with biopsy-proven fulminant myocarditis

Abstract Background Fulminant myocarditis represents a life-threatening condition with poor outcomes characterized by increased short- and long-term mortality and need for heart transplant. Treatment largely relies on mechanical support and immunosuppressive therapy guided by histologic and virology findings but reliable short-term prognostic markers guiding therapy and management are still lacking. We hypothesised that baseline and short-term ECG evolution may provide relevant easily accessible prognostic information in these patients. Purpose We sought to assess the prognostic value of baseline and short-term follow-up ECG in patients affected by fulminant myocarditis. Methods We retrospectively enrolled patients with biopsy-proven fulminant myocarditis according to current diagnostic criteria. We evaluated baseline and follow-up ECG (performed 3 to 7 days after admission) together with clinical, laboratory and histologic data. The primary endpoint was a composite of in-hospital mortality or need for urgent heart transplantation. Results We enrolled 39 patients (22/39 M, 56.4%) and a mean age of 38 years. Histology demonstrated lymphocytic myocarditis in 35/39 cases, 2 eosinophilic and 1 giant cell myocarditis, 1 sarcoidosis. All patients received vasopressor and/or inotrope therapy with 19/39 requiring mechanical circulatory support. Follow-up ECGs were performed after 4.8±1.3 days from admission. The primary endpoint was reached in 7/39 patients (17.9%) with 5 deaths and 2 urgent cardiac transplants. These patients more commonly required mechanical (85.7% vs 40.6%, p=0.044) or extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (85.7% vs 12.5%, p&amp;lt;0.001) support and showed higher lactate levels on admission (11.0±7.3 vs 4.2±3.1 mmol/L, p=0.001). They also more frequently had cardiac arrest as first clinical presentation (50. 0% vs 9.7%, p=0.022) and sustained ventricular tachycardia (71.4% vs 15.6%, p=0.007) in the acute phase. Patients with a worse outcome showed persistence of low voltages (&amp;lt; 5 mm in all peripheral leads) at follow-up ECG (100.0% vs 37.5%, p=0.003) with lower R wave amplitude in lead II (1.1±0.9 vs 4.0±2.6 mm, p=0.004), III (0.7±0.5 vs 2.5±2.2 mm, p=0.043), aVF (0.9±0.7 vs 3.0±2.0 mm, p=0.01) and V6 (3.0±2.8 vs 7.5±4.2 mm, p=0.011) and reduced S wave amplitude in V1 (2.6±3.9 vs 6.4±4.4 mm, p=0.047), V2 (3.9±3.9 vs 10.2±6.7 mm, p=0.035), V3 (3.3±3.2 vs 10.7±6.7 mm, p=0.007) leads. Low QRS voltages at baseline ECG were not associated with worse prognosis (71.4% vs 46.9%, p=0.407). No significant difference in terms of steroid (85.7% vs 78.1%, p=0.929) or other immunosuppressive (14.3% vs 31.2%, p=0.366) therapy was observed between the groups. Conclusions In patients with fulminant myocarditis, persistence of low QRS voltages at 5-day follow-up ECG is associated with adverse in-hospital outcomes. Short-term ECG evolution can identify high-risk patients requiring earlier and more intensive mechanical and pharmacological treatment.

Survival in STEMI in resource limited settings - obstacles and potential solutions. Critical lesson learnt thorough a prospective observational study

Abstract Background Early revascularization in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI) by Primary Percutaneous coronary Intervention (PPCI) or fibrinolysis, reduces mortality. In the absence of a well-functioning STEMI care system, patients may not get guideline directed revascularisation (GDR). Objective We sought to determine the prevalent mode of revascularisation for STEMI in the community, to discern the factors contributing to lack of GDR during their initial medical encounter, and to investigate the consequences of not getting GDR. Methods Consecutive patients within 24 hours of STEMI from October 2021 to December 2021 in a public hospital from a developing nation, were enrolled. In addition to baseline data, the details of the first medical contact (FMC) and second medical contacts (SMC) before reaching the study site were collected. The hospitals where patients sought care earlier, could be lysis capable hospitals (LCH), PCI/lysis capable hospitals (PLCH) and non-lysis-capable hospitals (NLCH). Medical records related to these visits were scrutinised and in-depth interviews were conducted with patients and their care givers. Details of GDR offered / received during FMC/SMC and the reasons for not receiving GDR were collected. Results 300 patients were enrolled during the study period. 19 reported directly to the study site, while others had visited 1-3 hospitals en route(Figure-1). The 159 who received fibrinolysis in at least one of their medical contacts, had a significantly lower incidence of cardiogenic shock and in-hospital mortality, compared to the rest(Figure-2). 162(54%) patients had had FMC in NLCH and had to be referred to SMC for GDR. Of the 157 visits by a patient with STEMI in a LCH / PLCH within 6 hours’ time window (6HTW), GDR was provided only 44 visits(28%) (Figure-1). The common reason for not receiving GDR was financial. This revascularisation solutions offered were not affordable. These include, PPCI only or pharmaco-invasive package only in PLCH and high cost bolus lytic only in LCH. Of the 132 patients, who had FMC ≤ 12 hours in LCH, only 33 had lysis. Patients who did not receive revascularisation, despite reaching within 6HTW, had adverse in-hospital outcome. (Figure-2) Conclusion The public awareness of the need for early revascularisation in STEMI and the revascularisation solutions available in the neighbourhood hospitals is low. Most patients with STEMI do not receive GDR despite reaching revascularisation capable hospitals within 6HTW. The common reasons for this include, non-availability of low cost fibrinolytics and lack of financial resources. Hospitals should offer fibrinolysis when patients cannot afford PPCI, and low-cost infusion lytics, when patients cannot afford high cost bolus lytics. Provision of GDR in STEMI at the first medical contact, is a social responsibility. Governmental and non-governmental organisations should work in tandem, to ensure 100% GDR at first medical contact.

Infective Endocarditis Outcomes in Congestive Heart Failure Patients.

The aim of this study is to analyze the difference in hospital outcomes for infective endocarditis (IE) admissions with and without comorbid congestive heart failure (CHF). The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was the database we used to find and sort patient data from inpatient hospitalizations. We then used logit probit regression to analyze the association between patients admitted for IE with and without CHF and their all-cause mortality rates. After collecting our sample population, we used propensity score matching to create our comparative cohorts of IE patients which were then analyzed to determine if there was an association between inpatient hospital outcomes and the presence of CHF. Among the patients admitted for IE, there was a statistically significant association between comorbid CHF diagnoses and an increase in all-cause mortality during hospital admission. The proportion of mortality was 7.8% during the hospitalization for IE admissions with comorbid CHF, while the proportion was 4.16% for the subset of IE admissions without comorbid CHF. The association of comorbid CHF and all-cause mortality during the hospital stay for IE admissions was significant with an odds ratio of 3.197 (2.089-4.891) after adjusting for age, sex, race, income, and other comorbidities. The association between the requirement for either temporary or continuous pacing during the hospital stay and co-existing CHF diagnosis in IE admissions was also significant with an odds ratio of 2.86 (1.720-4.761). Among the propensity-matched cohort analysis, there was a significantly higher proportion of IE admissions with co-existing CHF needing pacing (either temporary or continuous), 5.74% (3.96%-8.25%) compared to the IE cohort without comorbid CHF: 1.48% (0.71%-3.09%). With the results of our analyses proving a significant association between the presence of CHF and adverse in-hospital outcomes in IE admissions, it calls for further prospective and real-world studies to analyze the finer aspects of the association. This becomes important for clinicians in stratifying at-risk patients for a higher level of care and prognostication aspects of the treatment. Our study results prove a causative association between the presence of CHF and heart block in IE admissions. This could be useful for clinicians in planning appropriate management plans in the event of initial signs of bradycardia and hypotension developing in this patient population.

Association Between Electrocardiographic Abnormalities and In-Hospital Adverse Outcome in COVID-19 Patients

Background: SARS-CoV-2 is increasingly recognized for its cardiovascular complications. To address the knowledge gap in our region, this study investigated the relationship between electrocardiographic (ECG) features and in-hospital mortality among COVID-19 patients. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted involving 140 RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients at Dhaka Medical College Hospital from August 2021 to July 2022. Patients were divided into two groups based on ECG findings: normal (Group A) and abnormal (Group B). Clinical data and ECG parameters were analyzed using SPSS 24.0. Results: Patients with abnormal ECGs were older, more likely male, and presented with higher rates of dyspnea and palpitations. They were also at increased risk of severe COVID-19 and had longer hospital stays. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in Group B (21.4% vs.4.3%). ST-T changes and atrial fibrillation were associated with increased mortality. Independent predictors of in-hospital mortality included ECG abnormalities and admission SpO₂ &lt; 90%. Conclusion: ECG abnormalities are significantly associated with adverse outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Further large-scale studies are warranted to strengthen these findings.

The association of perioperative serum uric acid variation with in-hospital adverse outcomes in coronary artery bypass grafting patients.

Previous studies proposed the predictive value of baseline serum uric acid (SUA) in the prognosis of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients. The association of perioperative SUA variation with in-hospital adverse outcomes in CABG patients is unknown. A total of 2,453 patients were included in the study and were divided into four groups (G1-G4) according to perioperative SUA variation (ΔSUA) (G1, ΔSUA ≤ -90 μmol/L; G2, -90 μmol/L < ΔSUA < 0; G3, 0 ≤ ΔSUA < 30 μmol/L; G4, 30 μmol/L ≤ ΔSUA.) The basic characteristics and incidence of adverse outcomes were compared between the groups in the overall population and the subgroups. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to explore the association between perioperative SUA increases and adverse outcomes, and receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to obtain the cutoff value of SUA increases. The patients had a mean age of 60.9 years and the majority were males (76.7%). In the group with the most significant increase in SUA (G4), incidences of in-hospital all-cause death and fatal arrhythmia were higher than in other groups in the overall population and the subgroups. Multivariate logistic regression showed that an increase in the SUA level of ≥30 µmol/L was significantly associated with in-hospital all-cause death and fatal arrhythmia, independent of the baseline SUA level and renal function. This association was significant in most subgroups for in-hospital fatal arrhythmia and in the ≥60 years, myocardial infarction, and female subgroups for in-hospital all-cause death. The cutoff values of SUA increases in the overall population were 54.5 µmol/L for in-hospital all-cause death and 42.6 µmol/L for in-hospital fatal arrhythmia. The perioperative SUA increase significantly correlated with a higher incidence of in-hospital all-cause death and fatal arrhythmia in CABG patients, independent of the baseline SUA level and renal function. Perioperative SUA variation may provide complementary information in the identification of patients potentially at risk.

In-Hospital Outcomes of Patients with Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Early Invasive Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Adult Cardiology Department at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) in Karachi, Pakistan, from August 2019 to February 2020. The study included 165 patients, both male and female, aged 40 to 75 years, who presented with NSTEMI and underwent early invasive PCI. All patients were either admitted through the emergency department or referred from outpatient services at NICVD. Comprehensive medical assessments were performed, and relevant medical history and clinical details were documented. PCI procedures were conducted under the supervision of experienced consultant cardiologists with over five years of procedural expertise. The primary outcomes evaluated were the incidence of cardiogenic shock, heart failure, and in-hospital mortality. Results: Of the 165 patients included in the study, 125 (75.8%) were male, with a mean age of 56.6±7.72 years and a mean BMI of 26.5±3.8 kg/m². Hypertension was prevalent in 100 (60.6%) patients, while 78 (47.3%) had diabetes mellitus. A history of smoking was reported in 70 (42.4%) patients. Heart failure emerged as the most common in-hospital adverse outcome, occurring in 25 (15.2%) patients, followed by cardiogenic shock in 9 (5.5%) patients, and in-hospital mortality in 20 (12.1%) patients. Conclusion: Among patients undergoing early invasive PCI following NSTEMI, heart failure was the most frequent adverse in-hospital outcome, followed by mortality and cardiogenic shock. These findings underscore the importance of vigilant monitoring and management of high-risk NSTEMI patients during the early stages of PCI intervention.

Frailty and adverse outcomes in patients over 65 years old with acute coronary syndrome in a hospital cohort in Medellin, Colombia

Several studies have demonstrated an association between frailty and worse outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS); however, there is a lack of evidence from Colombia. This study aims to evaluate the association between frailty and the risk of adverse outcomes in patients over 65 years old diagnosed with ACS. A prospective cohort study was conducted, including patients over 65 years old who underwent coronary angiography due to an ACS diagnosis at a hospital in Medellín, Colombia. Frailty was assessed using the FRAIL scale. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 30 days. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay and a composite outcome of in-hospital or 30-day mortality, contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock, hemorrhagic complications, and vascular complications. A total of 112 patients were included. Frail patients (n=35, 31.3%) were older, had a lower socioeconomic status, higher GRACE scores, and more severely compromised coronary vessels. A significant association was observed between frailty and 30-day mortality (relative risk [RR] 19.00, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.04-72.61; p<0.001), the composite outcome (RR 4.57, 95% CI: 2.56-8.34; p<0.001), and longer hospital stays (9 days vs. 5 days in the non-frail group). A considerable number of patients over 65 years old with ACS were frail. Frailty was associated with adverse in-hospital and 30-day outcomes.

The association of radiologic right heart strain indices with the severity of pulmonary parenchymal involvement and prognosis in patients with COVID-19.

It has been demonstrated that an increase in the diameter of the right ventricle or pulmonary artery in COVID-19 patients could be associated with the severity of lung involvement and may lead to unfavorable outcomes, particularly in the presence of pulmonary vascular diseases. This study investigated the relationship between these right heart strain features, the extent of lung involvement, and their prognostic values in patients without vascular comorbidities. This study selected 154 consecutive patients with positive chest computed tomography (CT) findings and no evidence of concurrent pulmonary disease. Clinical characteristics and adverse outcomes in in-hospital settings were collected retrospectively. Diameters of cardiac ventricles and arteries, along with lung opacification scores, were obtained using CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) findings, and the association of these variables was evaluated. An increase in pulmonary artery (PA) to ascending aorta (AO) diameter ratio and lung parenchymal damage were significantly and positively correlated (P=0.017), but increased right ventricle (RV) to left ventricle (LV) diameter ratio showed no association with the extent of chest opacification (P=0.098). Evaluating the prognostic ability of both ratios using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis proved no significant class separation in regards to predicting adverse outcomes (PA/AO: OR:1.081, P Value:0.638, RV/LV: OR:1.098, P Value:0.344). In COVID-19 patients without vascular comorbidities, a higher PA/AO diameter ratio was significantly associated with increased lung involvement severity on CT imaging but not with adverse in-hospital outcomes. Conversely, an increased RV/LV ratio on CTPA did not correlate significantly with adverse outcomes or the severity of parenchymal lung damage.

Catheter ablation vs advanced therapy for patients with severe heart failure and ventricular electrical storm

BackgroundCurrent data on outcomes of an initial strategy of catheter ablation vs advanced therapy in patients with severe heart failure (HF) and electric storm (ES) are limited. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation vs left ventricular assist device (LVAD) or heart transplantation (HT) in patients with severe HF and ventricular ES. MethodsPatients with severe HF and ES who underwent VT ablation, LVAD, or HT between 2012 and 2022 at our medical center were reviewed. Severe HF was defined as ejection fraction ≤ 35% or presence of severe restrictive, valvular, or genetic cardiomyopathy. We assessed in-hospital adverse events and 1-year outcomes between the 2 groups. ResultsOf the 73 patients, 43 underwent VT ablation and 30 received advanced therapy (21 HT and 9 LVAD). One-year survival was similar (76.7% vs 86.7%; log-rank, P = .308). However, 10 patients (23.3%) in the ablation group underwent HT during follow-up. After multivariable analysis, United Network for Organ Sharing status 1 or 2 by VT criteria (hazard ratio 5.52; 95% confidence interval 1.27–24.12; P = .023) and early VT recurrence (hazard ratio 5.67; 95% confidence interval 1.68–19.09; P = .005) were associated with HT or mortality in patients who underwent VT ablation. ConclusionPatients with severe HF and ES who underwent VT ablation had similar overall survival to patients who directly proceeded with advanced therapy, although rates of HT were high during follow-up. Predictors of HT or mortality after catheter ablation include United Network for Organ Sharing status 1 or 2 by VT criteria and early VT recurrence.

Temporal trends and outcomes of acute ischaemic strokes in patients hospitalised for percutaneous coronary intervention.

Acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a rare, but debilitating, complication. However, contemporary data from real-world unselected patients are scarce. We aimed to explore the temporal trends, outcomes and variables associated with AIS as well as in-hospital all-cause mortality in a nationwide cohort. A retrospective analysis of healthcare records from 2006-2021 was implemented. Patients were stratified according to the occurrence of AIS in the setting of PCI. The temporal trends of AIS were analysed. A stepwise regression model was used to identify variables associated with AIS and in-hospital all-cause mortality. A total of 4,910,430 PCIs were included for the current analysis. AIS occurred in 4,098 cases (0.08%). An incremental increase in the incidence of AIS after PCI from 0.03% to 0.14% per year was observed from 2006-2021. The strongest associations with AIS after PCI included carotid artery disease, medical history of stroke, atrial fibrillation, presentation with an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or non-STEMI and coronary thrombectomy. For patients with AIS, a higher in-hospital all-cause mortality (18.11% vs 3.29%; p<0.001) was documented. With regard to all-cause mortality, the strongest correlations in the stroke cohort were found for cardiogenic shock, dialysis and clinical presentation with a STEMI. In an unselected nationwide cohort of patients hospitalised for PCI, a gradual increase in AIS incidence was noted. We identified several variables associated with AIS as well as with in-hospital mortality. Hereby, clinicians might identify the patient population at risk for a peri-interventional AIS as well as those at risk for an adverse in-hospital outcome after PCI.

Contemporary management and outcomes of blunt traumatic American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Organ Injury Scale grades III and IV pancreatic injuries in children: A Trauma Quality Improvement Program analysis.

The Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database has delineated management strategies and outcomes for adults with American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Organ Injury Scale grades III and IV pancreatic injuries and suggests that nonoperative management (NOM) is a viable option for these injuries. However, management strategies vary for children following significant pancreatic injuries and outcomes for these intermediate/high-grade injuries have not been sufficiently studied. Our aim was to describe the management and outcomes for grades III and IV pancreatic injuries using TQIP. We hypothesize that pediatric patients with intermediate/high-grade injuries can be safely managed with NOM. All pediatric patients (younger than 18 years) registered in TQIP between 2013 and 2021 who suffered a grade III or IV pancreatic injury due to blunt trauma were included in the current study. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, complications, and in-hospital mortality were compared between the different treatment strategies for pancreatic injury: NOM versus drainage and/or pancreatic resection. A total of 580 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. A total of 416 pediatric patients suffered a grade III pancreatic injury; 79% (n = 332) were NOM, 7% (n = 27) received a drain, and 14% (n = 57) underwent a pancreatic resection. A further 164 patients suffered a grade IV pancreatic injury; 77% (n = 126) were NOM, 11% (n = 18) received a drain, and 12% (n = 20) underwent a pancreatic resection. No differences in overall injury severity or demographical data were observed between the treatment groups. No difference in in-hospital mortality was detected between the different management strategies. Patients who received a drain had a longer hospital length of stay. The majority of children with American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Organ Injury Scale grades III and IV pancreatic injuries are managed nonoperatively. Nonoperative management is a reasonable strategy for these injuries and results in equivalent in-hospital adverse outcome profiles as pancreatic drainage or resection with a shorter hospital length of stay. Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.

Risk Factors for Adverse In-Hospital Outcomes in Patients With Traumatic Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injuries Undergoing Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR): An Analysis of the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a treatment for traumatic blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) with good survival rates and safety. However, there is limited study on the risk factors for in-hospital mortality and complications. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with poor in-hospital outcomes after TEVAR. This is a population-based, retrospective observational study. Data of adults ≥20 years admitted for BTAI who received TEVAR were extracted from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database 2005 to 2018. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and the secondary outcomes were length of stay (LOS) and unfavorable discharge (ie, non-routine discharge, including nursing homes or long-term care facilities). Associations between study variables and in-hospital outcomes were determined using univariate and multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses. Data of 1095 participants (representing 5360 hospitalized patients in the United States) were analyzed. Multivariable analysis revealed that older age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.02) and having at least 1 perioperative complication (aOR=4.01) were significantly associated with increased risk for in-hospital mortality. Patients with at least 1 perioperative complication (aOR=11.19) had significantly increased odds for prolonged LOS. Risk for unfavorable discharge was significantly increased by older age (aOR=1.02), household income at quartile 2 (aOR=1.58), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) 2 to 3 (aOR=1.66), and having at least 1 complication (aOR=3.94). Complications including perioperative cerebrovascular accident (CVA) (aOR=2.75), venous thromboembolism (VTE) (aOR=2.87), pneumonia (aOR=3.93), sepsis (aOR=4.69), infection (aOR=4.49), respiratory failure (aOR=4.55), mechanical ventilation (aOR=3.27), and acute kidney injury (AKI) (aOR=3.09) significantly predicted prolonged LOS. In adults with traumatic BTAI undergoing TEVAR, advanced age and perioperative complications are risk factors for poor in-hospital outcomes. Acute kidney injury, CVA, respiratory failure, and sepsis are strong predictors of prolonged LOS, unfavorable discharge, and in-hospital mortality. The study identifies advanced age and perioperative complications as key risk factors for poor in-hospital outcomes in patients undergoing TEVAR for BTAI. Clinicians should be vigilant in managing these patients, particularly those with comorbidities, to mitigate risks. The findings suggest a need for tailored perioperative care strategies to improve survival rates and reduce complications. This research highlights the critical importance of early identification and intervention in high-risk patients, offering an innovative approach to refining TEVAR protocols and enhancing patient outcomes in trauma care.

Relationship Between CHA₂DS₂-VASc Score on Admission and In-Hospital Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients Diagnosed With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

The CHA₂DS₂-VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age, diabetes mellitus, stroke, vascular disease, sex) scoring system, which includes conventional risk factors of coronary artery disease, was originally created to quantify the risk of thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. This study evaluated the usefulness of this score to predict adverse outcomes in STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction) patients without atrial fibrillation. Primary end points were identified as MACE (major adverse cardiovascular events) which included in-hospital death or cerebrovascular accident. MACE rate was 10% (193 patients). The CHA₂DS₂-VASc score was an independent predictor of MACE (95% CI, 2.31 [1.37-3.9]; P = .0016). Other independent predictors of MACE included heart rate (95% CI, 1.56 [0.97-2.50]; P = .0242), admission Killip class (95% CI, 24.19 [10.74-54.46]; P < .0001), admission creatinine level (95% CI, 1.54 [1.10-2.16]; P = .0024), peak CK-MB level (95% CI, 1.63 [0.98-2.70]; P = .0001), and no-reflow (95% CI, 2.45 [1.25-4.80]; P = .0085). A nomogram was developed to estimate the risk of in-hospital adverse outcomes for STEMI patients. The CHA₂DS₂-VASc score was an independent predictor of MACE in STEMI patients. Linear analysis of CHA₂DS₂-VASc score without dichotomization was the main difference of this study from others.

In-hospital outcome of patients hospitalized for leukemia with comorbid acute decompensated heart failure: An analysis of National Inpatient Sample (NIS).

173 Background: Recent evidence found increase incidence of heart failure in leukemia patients, influenced by various factors such as the underlying disease and medication usage. Nevertheless, there remains a scarcity of data regarding the in-hospital outcome for individuals admitted for leukemia with comorbid acute decompensated heart failure. Thus, we aim to examine the impact of heart failure on clinical outcomes in leukemia patients. Methods: We utilized the 2020 U.S. National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to investigate patients admitted for leukemia with concurrent diagnosis of heart failure, identified through ICD-10 CM codes. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for predefined outcomes were determined using multivariable logistic and linear regression model, adjusting for comorbidities. The primary outcome assessed was inpatient mortality, while secondary outcomes included complications related to various body systems. Results: We identified 43,955 patients with a primary discharge diagnosis of leukemia. The mean age was 54.5 years; 49.7% were female. Caucasians accounted for 66%, followed by African Americans (13%). Of these, 11.86% (5,220/43,955) had a concurrent diagnosis of heart failure. In a survey multivariable logistic and linear regression model adjusting for patient and hospital factors, comorbid acute decompensated heart failure was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (aOR 1.57, 95% CI: 1.2, 1.94, p &lt; 0.001), higher mean length of stay (Beta-coefficient 1.93; 95% CI: 0.65, 3.21, p = 0.003), mean total hospital cost (Beta-coefficient 9,472, 95% CI: 2,339, 16,604, p = 0.004), shock (aOR 2.41, 95% CI: 1.84, 3.15, p &lt; 0.001), sepsis (aOR 1.71, 95%CI: 1.38, 2.12, p &lt; 0.001), acute respiratory failure (aOR 2.37, 95% CI: 1.96, 2.87, p &lt; 0.001), and acute kidney injury (aOR 1.57, 95% CI: 1.32, 1.85, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Our study revealed that hospitalized leukemia patients with concurrent heart failure experience higher risk of in-hospital mortality and various adverse in-hospital outcomes. Close monitoring of this factor during hospitalization is essential, and additional longitudinal research is warranted to fully understand this association.

Adverse In-Hospital Outcomes after Radical Prostatectomy in Leukemia History Patients.

Leukemia history affects some radical prostatectomy (RP) patients. Although its prevalence and effect as an adverse risk factor are well known in cardiac surgery, the number of RP patients with a leukemia history, as well as their rate of adverse in-hospital outcomes, are unknown. We identified RP patients (National Inpatient Sample 2000-2019), stratified according to the presence or absence of a leukemia history. Descriptive analyses, propensity score matching (PSM, ratio 1:10), and multivariable logistic regression models were used. Of 259,939 RP patients, 416 (0.2%) had a leukemia history. Their proportion increased from 0.1 to 0.2% covering the study span (p < 0.01). Leukemia history patients were older (median age, 64 vs. 62 years, p < 0.001). After PSM for age, insurance status, ethnicity, pelvic lymph node dissection, and Charlson Comorbidity Index, leukemia history RP patients exhibited higher rates of acute kidney injury (<2.6 vs. 0.9%; Odds Ratio [OR] 2.0, p = 0.02), more frequently underwent dialysis (3.6 vs. 1.9%; OR 1.9, p = 0.03), and more frequently had a length of stay exceeding one week (4.8 vs. 2.5%; OR 2.0, p = 0.006). Although leukemia history RP patients are rare, their numbers have increased. Renal complications and extended hospital stays are more frequent in those individuals.

Epigenetic Mechanisms in Sepsis-Associated Acute Kidney Injury.

Sepsis, the dysregulated immune response of the host to infections, leads to numerous complications, including multiple organ dysfunction with sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) being a frequent complication associated with increased risk of mortality and the progression toward chronic kidney disease (CKD). Several mechanisms have been widely investigated in understanding the complex pathophysiology of SA-AKI, including hemodynamic alterations, inflammation, oxidative stress, and direct cellular injury driven by pathogens or cell-derived products (pathogen-associated molecular patterns and damage-associated molecular patterns). Despite advancements in the management of septic patients, the prognosis of SA-AKI patients remains significantly poor and is associated with high in-hospital mortality and adverse long-term outcomes. Therefore, recent research has focused on the early identification of specific SA-AKI endotypes and subphenotypes through epigenetic analysis and the use of potential biomarkers, either alone or in combination with clinical data, to improve prognosis. Epigenetic regulation, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNA modulation, is crucial in modulating gene expression in response to stress and renal injury in SA-AKI. At the same time, these modifications are dynamic and reversible processes that can alter gene expression in several pathways implicated in the context of SA-AKI, including inflammation, immune response, and tolerance status. In addition, specific epigenetic modifications may exacerbate renal damage by causing persistent inflammation or cellular metabolic reprogramming, leading to progression toward CKD. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the epigenetic characteristics that define SA-AKI, also exploring targeted therapies that can improve patient outcomes and limit the chronic progression of this syndrome.

Clinical Characteristics, Management, and Outcomes in Cardiogenic Shock: Insights From a High-Volume Italian Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a life-threatening condition. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical characteristics, management, and complication rate of patients with CS admitted to a high-volume hospital in Italy. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical, echocardiographic, and laboratory data, therapeutic management, and outcomes of patients with CS admitted to the Policlinico Gemelli (Rome) between January 1, 2020, and January 1, 2023. We included 96 patients [median age 71 years, interquartile range 60-79; 65 (68%) males], of whom 49 patients (51%) presented CS secondary to acute myocardial infarction and 60 (63%) with a de novo presentation of CS. Dobutamine was the most frequently used inotrope and noradrenaline the most frequently used vasopressor (adopted in 56% and 82% of cases, respectively). Forty-five (47%) patients died during the hospitalization. Nonsurvivors were older and had a higher inflammatory burden at admission, elevated lactate levels, a greater increase in lactate levels, higher left ventricular filling pressures, and worse right ventricular function. C-reactive protein levels [odds ratio (OR) 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.00-1.04), P = 0.027], lactate levels at admission (OR 3.49, 95% CI, 1.59-7.63, P = 0.02), and increase in lactate levels (OR 2.8, 95% CI, 1.37-5.75, P = 0.005) were independent predictors of in-hospital all-cause death. Our data contribute to the assessment of the regional variations in the management and outcomes of patients with CS. We observed a high mortality and complication rate. Lactate acidosis and C-reactive protein measured at admission may help in identifying patients at higher risk of adverse in-hospital outcomes.