Cardiology Intensive Care Unit Research Articles

Identification and characterization of critical values in therapeutic drug monitoring: a retrospective analysis

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a crucial clinical practice that improves pharmacological effectiveness and prevent severe drug-related adverse events. Timely reporting and intervention of critical values during TDM are essential for patient safety. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the laboratory data to provide an overview of the incidence, distribution pattern and biochemical correlates of critical values during TDM. A total of 19,110 samples were tested for nine drug concentrations between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020. Of these, 241 critical values were identified in 165 patients. The most common critical values were vancomycin trough (63.4%), followed by tacrolimus trough (16.9%) and digoxin (15.2%). The primary sources of drug critical values were the department of general intensive care unit (ICU), cardiology, and surgery ICU. At baseline or the time of critical value, significant differences were found between the vancomycin, digoxin, and tacrolimus groups in terms of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, N-terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP), and lymphocyte percentage, P < 0.05. Therefore, it is important to prioritize and closely monitor drug concentrations to reduce laboratory critical values during TDM.

ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION WITH “ST” SEGMENT ELEVATION IN SOUTHERN MARCHE: INTRA AND POST–HOSPITAL PROCESS INDICATORS IN THE APPLICATION OF THE UNIFIED PDTA “RETE STEMI” AST OF ASCOLI PICENO AND FERMO. LONGITUDINAL OBSERVATIONAL CLINICAL STUDY

Abstract Background SCAs (Acute Coronary Syndromes) are one of the most frequent cardiovascular diseases, among which STEMI is certainly the most relevant in terms of short and long–term prognosis. The latest ESC Guidelines about ACS–STEMI indicate some key elements in terms of diagnosis and treatment, from first contact to cardiological rehabilitation. Objective Detect the number of SCA–STEMIs managed in the AST of Ascoli Piceno, along with intra and post–hospital process indicators provided in the PDTA of the “RETE STEMI” issued by the Marche Region specifically in AST of Ascoli Piceno. MATERIALS &amp; METHODS An observational, longitudinal, monocentric, not–for–profit clinical study without diagnostic–therapeutic interventions was designed. The data collection started on 01/11/2022 and ended on 30/06/2023, at “Madonna del Soccorso” Hospital of San Benedetto del Tronto and “Mazzoni” Hospital of Ascoli Piceno in Cardiological Intensive Care Units (UTIC). Useful data for this study were acquired every month, consulting the folders of each patient diagnosed with “SCA–STEMI”, and then, reported in an Excel sheet, they were processed with different mathematical and statistical functions, including frequency, percentage, arithmetic average and standard deviation, and later used to design tables and graphs. All the data have been aggregated in full compliance with current legislation on the protection of patient privacy. Results The most significant results are related to the time between the first medical contact and the’ starting of the PPCI procedure, with an average time detected of 110 minutes. Another very important result is the number of patients sent to a post–acute cardiological rehabilitation program (PCRP): from the present study it appears that only the 1% of the entire sample was sent to a PCRP. Finally, other indicators considered in relation to the PDTA appear to be in line with the current Guidelines. Conclusions The present study highlights the aspects of the STEMI PDTA of the Marche Region which could be improved, namely reducing FCM–Wire crossing time and sending patients to a cardiological rehabilitation program, also by implementing the figure of the nurse specialized in the critical and cardiological area.

THE CONUNDRUM OF DRUG INTERACTIONS AND HOLTER MONITORING: LAMIN GENE MUTATION DISCOVERED BY A TORSADE DE POINTES EPISODE FOLLOWED BY OUT–OF–THE–HOSPITAL RESUSCITATION

Abstract The prolongation of the QTc interval on the electrocardiogram is known to be associated with an increased risk of developing life–threatening ventricular arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes (TdP). QTc values exceeding 500 ms can double or even triple the risk of TdP. Many drugs, including amiodarone and some SSRI antidepressants like paroxetine, can prolong the QTc interval. A 57–year–old patient experienced cardiac arrest during an overnight Holter recording prescribed to exclude brady–tachy syndrome in the presence of persistent atrial fibrillation. ECG ambulatory monitoring revealed significant bradycardia with the onset of idioventricular rhythm, followed by TdP triggered by premature ventricular contractions, subsequently degenerating into ventricular fibrillation. The patient was resuscitated by family members and later by emergency medical personnel using 3 DC shocks, leading to the restoration of spontaneous circulation. The patient was transferred to the cardiology intensive care unit where a coronary angiography showed normal results. Blood tests indicated low potassium levels (3.3 mEq/L), with a moderately reduced left ventricular ejection fraction at 45%. The patient was discharged after ICD implantation and during the diagnostic follow–up the genetic testings for long QT syndrome were negative, but showed a mutation of the LMNA lamin A/C gene. During the two months previous to hospital admission, the patient had complained of fatigue in the presence of atrial fibrillation with a low ventricular response. Nonetheless, she had been prescribed oral amiodarone to optimize the chances of successful electrical cardioversion, in combination with paroxetine that the patient was already taking at home. The combination of these two drugs and the patient‘s idiopathic bradycardia contributed to a marked prolongation of the QT interval, leading to TdP degenerated into ventricular fibrillation. This case, notable for the prolonged recording of ventricular fibrillation and subsequent resuscitation chest compressions during a Holter monitoring, suggests caution in the use of antiarrhythmic drugs unless strongly indicated in the presence of potentially ominous drug interactions. It is encouraging to note how the widespread adoption of cardiopulmonary resuscitation culture has enabled individuals who might not have otherwise received medical attention to be effectively resuscitated.

What if youth is not enough? Acute coronary syndrome in young patients

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Background Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) are the leading cause of mortality in Spain. Further research is needed in order to know risk factors and outcomes in young patients so that medicians could optimize their management and prevention. Purpose Identifying risk factors, clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes in Acute Coronary Syndrome in patients aged 40 and under. Methods A retrospective analysis of patients under 40 years of age who were admitted for ACS, out of 3,859 ACS admissions in Cardiology Intensive Care Unit (CICU) in our hospital between 2012 and 2022. Results 67 patients (1.73%) were included, most of them were males (83.6%). Baseline characteristics are summarized in Table 1. 77.6% had hypertension (HTA), 22.4% had diabetes (DM) and 34.3% had dyslipidemia (DLP). 79.1% were smokers, 9.1% had a history of alcoholism and 29.9% were cocaine users. None of them had a history of stroke, atrial fibrillation (AF). Only 3% had ischemic heart disease. 68.7% of them were ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and inferior STEMI was the most common (38.7%). In anterior STEMI (22 patients), 15 had a severe lesion in the mid-left anterior descending artery (LAD), and 6 in the left main stem (LM). Single-vessel disease was the most common (70.8%), with 3-vessel disease in 4.6%. 75.8% received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and 3% underwent bypass surgery. During admission, 10.5% progressed to Killip class III-IV. The ICU mortality was 1.5%. 9% received vasoactive drugs and 4.5% were intubated. Non-invasive ventilation was used in 3% and high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy in 5.3%. 3% received intra-aortic balloon pump support and 1.5% underwent dialysis or ultrafiltration. 4.5% received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), although none of them developed bundle branch block or atrioventricular node block, nor AF. After discharge, 11.1% had recurrent ACS, and up to 5.6% underwent PCI again, with a mortality rate of 11.8%. Conclusion Approximately 2% of ACS occur in people younger than 40 years of age. Substance abuse (smoking, cocaine and alcoholism) becomes more prevalent in this group. Prevalence of comorbidities (such as diabetes and nephropathy) are lower, making them less prone to short-term heart failure. However, they are more susceptible to recurrent ischemic events. There is a high incidence of inferior STEMI and LM-STEMI. For these reasons, medicians may need to find out a substance abuse in this group and further research into other risk factors, such as coronary disease family history.Basal characteristicsClinical evolution of patients

Early prediction of chronic heart disease with recursive feature elimination and supervised learning techniques

&lt;p&gt;Chronic heart disease (CHD) is a common complication among patients suffering in the cardiological intensive care unit, often resulting in poor prognosis and high mortality. Early prediction of CHD can reduce mortality by preventing the severity of the disease. This study evaluated the efficacy of on recursive feature elimination for predicting CHD using supervised learning techniques for predicting CHD. The study employed 1190 Cleveland Hungarian CHD dataset. Different supervised learning techniques (support vector machine, decision tree, k-nearest neighbor, Naive Bayes, stochastic gradient descent, adaptive boosting, and multilayer perceptron) were used to study the efficacy of the recursive feature elimination. Chest pain type, sex, blood sugar level, angina, depression, and slope were associated with CHD occurrence. The accuracy of the K-nearest neighbor and decision tree model was 89.91% for the feature-selected dataset indicating good predictive ability. Ultimately, the support vector machine and logistic regression with the selected features exhibited good discriminatory ability for early prediction of CHD. Thus, the recursive feature elimination is a good approach to develop a a model with higher accuracy to predict CHD.&lt;/p&gt;

Effectiveness of Primary Coronary Intervention for Patients With Delayed ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Insights from Moroccan Cardiology Intensive Care Units

The benefits of myocardial revascularization in ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after 12 to 24 hours from symptom onset remain a topic of debate, especially in stable, asymptomatic patients. We analyzed the benefit of late revascularization by PCI in patients admitted to Moroccan cardiac intensive care units (CICUs) with STEMI after 12 h of symptom onset. We included a total of 406 patients who met the inclusion criteria. 262 patients in the invasive strategy group and 144 patients in the conservative strategy group. A total of 74.6% were men and 25.4% were women. For the primary outcome, 46 all-cause deaths were observed at one-year, with 33 patients in the conservative strategy arm and 13 patients in the invasive strategy group, with a significant difference between the two groups (p<0.001). For secondary outcomes, there was no difference into readmitted for ACS, or acute heart failure, in the two groups (p=0.277, p=0.205). For in-CICU cardiogenic shock and EF<35% at discharge, more events are observed in the conservative strategy with a significant difference for both (p<0.001). In multivariable analysis, 1-year all-cause mortality was independently associated with Revascularization between 12h and 48h (HR at 0.372, 95%CI (0.182;0.762), p=0.007), EF<35% at discharge (HR at 1.92, 95%CI (1.22; 2.54), p=0.04) and cardiogenic shock in-CICU (HR at 2.69, 95%CI (1.82;3.78), p=0.005).Although no evidence exists to date on the true benefit of late PCI revascularization in STEMI patients, this practice remains common, as demonstrated by the results of the majority of registries.

Bloodstream infections in cardiac intensive care units from a tertiary care center

Blood stream infections (BSIs) occur more frequently in patients hospitalized in Intensive care units (ICUs). Intravascular devices are the most frequent predisposing factor causing BSI. To compare the proportion, risk factors, microbiological profile of Blood stream Infections and Central line associated bloodstream infection in Cardiology Intensive care units (CICU) and Cardiothoracic Intensive care units (CTICU).This is a prospective study conducted by the Dept. of Microbiology along with Cardiology Intensive care unit(CICU), and Cardiothoracic Intensive care unit (CTICU) of a tertiary care centre, from June 1st 2017-Oct 312018.Laboratory confirmed BSIs (LCBSI’s), occurring more than 48hrs after ICU admission were included in the study. Identification of pathogens were done by standard methods.A total of 1640 blood cultures were analyzed (CICU=890,CTICU=750).73 Primary BSIs were observed with male preponderance.68/73 diagnosed to have non CLABSI (CTICU=35/68 51.4%, CICU=33/68, 48.5%) and 5/73 cases diagnosed to have CLABSI (CTICU=5/73, 6.84% CICU=0%) 47.94% of our isolates were Gram negative pathogens with as the predominant followed by 35.6% of Gram positive with as the major pathogen &amp; 16.4% were Candida spp. 20.5% were multi drug resistant and 10% were ESBL producers. Prevalence and incidence rates were high in CTICU (5.3% &amp; 1.5%) compared to CICU (3.7% &amp; 0%) of BSI &amp; CLABSI respectively.BSI is preventable costly complication that occur with greater frequency in the ICU settings. Strict adherence to Infection control measures such as hand hygiene, aseptic precautions during blood culture collection and bundle care measures can decrease the BSI and CLABSI incidence rates.

CLINICAL OUTCOME OF GUILLAIN BARRE SYNDROME IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT OF A PEDIATRIC TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Since poliomyelitis was eradicated, Guillain-Barre syndrome has been the leading cause of acute flaccid paralysis globally. Critical care and mechanical breathing may be necessary in extreme circumstances. Among paediatric patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit of a Karachi tertiary hospital, we aimed to quantify the incidence of Guillain-Barré Syndrome clinical outcomes. Cardiology Intensive Care Unit (NICH) in Karachi, Pakistan. January 9, 2020, to July 10, 2020—six months. Children admitted to the intensive care unit at NICH with GBS, as defined operationally, ranging in age from six months to twelve years, were included in the study. They stimulated the posterior tibial nerve (PTN) and common peroneal nerve (CPN), allowing for studying motor nerve conduction and using the median and ulnar nerves to measure compound muscle action potentials' onset delay, amplitude and conduction velocity (CMAPs). Research on the conduction of sensory nerves was carried out to quantify SNAPs in the sural, median, and ulnar regions. All patients were given intravenous immunoglobulin for five days at a 400 mg/kg/day dosage, as per the protocol. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the HFG scale at discharge and four weeks. The average patient age was 5.81 ± 3.26 years out of 30. Thirteen men (43.3%) and seventeen females (56.7%) were present. Fifteen patients (53.3%) had a history of upper respiratory illness, while seven (23.3%) had a history of gastrointestinal infection. A mean HFG score of 3.03 ±1.90 was recorded. Outcomes were good for 21 patients (56.7%) and deficient for 9 (43.3%). A tertiary care hospital in Karachi reported that 56.7% of children admitted with Guillain-Barre Syndrome had good clinical results in the intensive care unit.

Resposta emocional de pacientes cardiológicos críticos durante a higiene em cuidados intensivos: um estudo prospectivo e descritivo

Objective: to analyze the emotional response of critically-ill conscious patients during daily hygiene procedures in a Cardiology Intensive Care Unit and to compare it based on the existence of previous experiences or not. Method: a prospective and descriptive study. A 30-item ad hoc survey based on the first-day hygiene procedures was applied to 148 patients. Questions are asked about the feelings during the hygiene procedures and about positive and negative aspects of the experience. The patients are compared based on whether they had been already subjected to hygiene procedures or not. Results: 67.6% were men and their mean age was 67±15 years old; 45.9% proved to be satisfied, 27% felt embarrassment and 86.3% were grateful to the professionals for talking to them during the hygiene procedures. 33.1% of the patients had never been subjected to hygiene procedures in bed, were significantly younger and single, and presented a lower cleanliness sensation. 32% stated that they would like for a family member to collaborate in the hygiene procedures. Conclusion: the patients do not feel that their intimacy is invaded when they are subjected to hygiene procedures and appreciate communication with the health personnel while this care is provided. Those who had never been subjected to hygiene procedures in bed are younger, feel more embarrassed and are more disturbed by interruptions, in addition to being more aware of them.

Emotional response of critically-ill cardiac patients during hygiene procedures in intensive care: a prospective and descriptive study.

to analyze the emotional response of critically-ill conscious patients during daily hygiene procedures in a Cardiology Intensive Care Unit and to compare it based on the existence of previous experiences or not. a prospective and descriptive study. A 30-item ad hoc survey based on the first-day hygiene procedures was applied to 148 patients. Questions are asked about the feelings during the hygiene procedures and about positive and negative aspects of the experience. The patients are compared based on whether they had been already subjected to hygiene procedures or not. 67.6% were men and their mean age was 67±15 years old; 45.9% proved to be satisfied, 27% felt embarrassment and 86.3% were grateful to the professionals for talking to them during the hygiene procedures. 33.1% of the patients had never been subjected to hygiene procedures in bed, were significantly younger and single, and presented a lower cleanliness sensation. 32% stated that they would like for a family member to collaborate in the hygiene procedures. the patients do not feel that their intimacy is invaded when they are subjected to hygiene procedures and appreciate communication with the health personnel while this care is provided. Those who had never been subjected to hygiene procedures in bed are younger, feel more embarrassed and are more disturbed by interruptions, in addition to being more aware of them.

Factors associated with complications in ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a single-center experience

BackgroundST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a major public health problem. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and identify the determinants of STEMI-related complications in the Cardiology Intensive Care Unit of the Sud Francilien Hospital Center (SFHC).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the data of 315 patients with STEMI aged ≥ 18 years. Logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with the occurrence of complications.ResultsOverall, 315 patients aged 61.7 ± 13.4 years, of whom 261 were men, had STEMI during the study period. The hospital frequency of STEMI was 12.7%. Arrhythmias and acute heart failure were the main complications. Age ≥ 75 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 5.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.92–8.75), hypertension (aOR, 3.38; 95% CI, 1.68–5.82), and cigarette smoking (aOR, 3.52; 95% CI, 1.69–7.33) were independent determinants of acute heart failure. Meanwhile, diabetes mellitus (aOR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.09–3.37), history of atrial fibrillation (aOR, 2.79; 95% CI, 1.66–4.76), history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (aOR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.31–2.89), and low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (aOR, 3.70; 95% CI, 1.08–6.64) were independent determinants of arrhythmias.ConclusionSTEMI is a frequent condition at SFHC and is often complicated by acute heart failure and arrhythmias. Patients aged ≥ 75 years, those with hypertension or diabetes mellitus, smokers, those with a history of atrial fibrillation or stroke, and those with low HDL-C levels require careful monitoring for the early diagnosis and management of these complications.

A case of acute infective endocarditis and septic shock

Infective endocarditis (IE) marks an increasing morbidity and unchanged mortality despite advances in its diagnosis and treatment. In about 20% of IE cases are acute, with signs of sepsis and septic shock. Septic shock dramatically worsens prognosis and is an independent predictor of in &amp;ndash; hospital death. Timely diagnosis and urgent surgical intervention can improve survival in these patients. We present a case of a 47-year-old man, with no history of past or concomitant diseases, who was admitted as an emergency to the Cardiology Intensive Care Unit, during the Covid-19 pandemic, with pronounced febrile-intoxication syndrome, shortness of breath, precordial discomfort and pain, cough, haemoptysis. From laboratory studies with a pronounced infl ammatory constellation, troponin I and D-dimers are also increased. This case shows the diffi culties in the diagnosis of acute IE, the specifi cs in the clinical course of the disease, as well as the importance of urgent surgical intervention to improve survival.

Identification of Low- versus High-Risk Acute Coronary Syndrome for a Selective ECG Monitoring Strategy.

While admission of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in cardiology intensive care unit (CICU) is usual, in-hospital major outcomes in lower risk patients may be evaluated after early coronary angiography according to the European guidelines. Consecutive ACS patients were prospectively included after coronary angiography evaluation within 24 h and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), when required. Patients were classified as high- or low-risk according to hemodynamics, rhythmic state, ischemic and bleeding risks. Major in-hospital outcomes were assessed. From January to June 2021, 277 patients were enrolled (62.8% with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (n = 174); 37.2% with non-NSTEMI (NSTEMI) (n = 103). PCI was required for 260 patients (93.9%). Seventy-four patients (26.7%) were classified as low-risk (n = 47 NSTEMI; n= 27 STEMI) and 203 patients (73.3%) as high-risk of events. All patients were monitored in CICU. While 38 patients (18.7%) from the high-risk group reached the primary endpoint, mainly related to rhythmic or conduction disorder (n = 24, 11.8%) or unstable hemodynamics (n = 17; 8.4%), only 1 patient (1.3%) in the low-risk group had one major outcome (no fatal bleeding); p < 0.01. The negative predictive value of our patient stratification for the absence of major in-hospital outcome was 100% (CI95%: 100-100%) for STEMI and 97.9% [CI95%: 93.2-100%] for NSTEMI patients. Stratification of ACS patients after early coronary angiography and most of the time PCI, identify a population with very low risk of in-hospital events (1/4 of all ACS and 1/2 of NSTEMI) who may probably not require ECG monitoring and/or CICU admission. (NCT04378504).

Pressure-strain loops unveil haemodynamics behind mechanical circulatory support systems.

Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) systems are increasingly employed in cardiogenic shock and advanced heart failure. A thorough understanding of the complex interactions occurring among heart, vasculature, and device is essential to optimize patient's management. The aim of this study is to explore non-invasive haemodynamic profiling of patients undergoing MCS based on pressure-strain (PS) analysis. Clinical and echocardiographic data from consecutive patients undergoing different MCS systems positioning/implantation admitted to the third level cardiological intensive care unit of Siena Hospital from August 2021 to November 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients without a useful echocardiographic exam or without arterial blood pressure recording at the time of echocardiography were excluded. Myocardial work analysis was performed in the included patients. We reviewed 18 patients, of which nine were excluded. Included patients were three patients with intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), two patients with durable left ventricular assist device (dLVAD), two patients with Impella®, one patient with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and one patient with ECMO and IABP. Myocardial work analysis was feasible in each included patient. The use of IABP shifted the PS curve rightward and downward. Global work index (GWI) and global wasted work (GWW) decreased after IABP positioning, whereas global work efficiency (GWE) increased. The use of continuous-flow pumps, whether temporaneous (Impella®) or long term (dLVAD), induced a change in the PS loop morphology, with a shift towards a triangular shape. ECMO positioning alone resulted in a narrowing of the PS loop, with a decrease in GWI and GWE and an increase in GWW and mean arterial pressure. The combined used of IABP with ECMO widened the PS loop and improved GWI and GWE. PS loops analysis in patients undergoing MCS seems to be feasible and may unveil MCS-induced haemodynamic variations. Myocardial work could be used to monitor ventricular-arterial-device coupling and guide tailored MCS management.

P190 TWIDDLER’S SYNDROME IN A 96–YEAR–OLD PATIENT TREATED BY REPOSITIONING THE VENTRICULAR LEAD

Abstract A 96–years–old woman was admitted to our cardiological intensive care unit in December 2022 with atrioventricular dissociation, with a junctional ventricular escape rhythm at a rate of 38 beats per minute, and an atrial rhythm dissociated from the ventricular rhythm, at a rate of 80 beats per minute (Figure 1). The patient had a history of third–degree atrioventricular block, effectively treated with single–chamber pacemaker implantation (Assurity MRI SR, Abbott), operation performed approximately 10 months before access, in February 2022. The patient underwent a chest X–ray, which showed "coiling" of the ventricular catheter in the pacemaker pocket area (left subclavicular), with macroscopic dislocation of the ventricular electrode, which had its distal tip in the right atrium (Figure 2). Therefore, the clinical case was typical of Twiddler‘s syndrome. The patient would therefore have undergone revision surgery. An attempt was made to reposition the original lead, with passive fixation (Isoflex 1948/58, Abbott), by inserting a "straight" stylet, a procedure which was done effectively. The ventricular lead was repositioned in the right ventricular apex. The detected parameters were optimal (sensing 7 mV, ventricular barrier threshold 0.5 mV/0.4 ms, impedance 797 Ohm). The result was considered acceptable. The remainder of the hospital stay was without complications. The patient was discharged on the fifth day in good general condition. Twiddler syndrome is defined as a dislocation of one or more catheters, resulting in the catheters "coiling" in the pocket of the device. It is usually related to the manipulation of the generator by the patient itself. It usually occurs within a year of implantation and is usually more common in females, the elderly, the obese, pediatric patients, or patients with psychiatric disorders. The identification of patients at risk for this pathology, the adequate education of the patient and family regarding the management of the device, the use of catheters with active fixation, as well as the fixation of the generator device to the pectoral muscle, through non–absorbable sutures. In the case described, the patient denied manipulation of the device, which however could not be excluded, given the age of the patient.

P372 PULMONARY EMBOLISM IN CARDIAC INTENSIVE CARE UNIT–REAL–WORLD EXPERIENCE OF A TERTIARY CENTER

Abstract Introduction Pulmonary thromboembolism represents a therapeutic challenge for patients admitted to cardiology intensive care units, given the variety of clinical presentations and available treatment opportunities. Methods This retrospective, single–center study recruited patients hospitalized in cardiology intensive care units with a diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism between April 2010 and May 2022. For each hospitalized patient, Wells and PESI scores were calculated, the location of the PE was identified, and acute PE resolution at discharge was determined. Patients with cardiac arrest (CCA) and/or cardiogenic shock were identified, and RV longitudinal systolic function (TAPSE) and pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) were studied. Patients were then stratified based on their clinical risk of in–hospital or 30–day mortality (early mortality); acute phase and discharge treatments and patients who developed major bleeding complications were identified. Results A total of 148 patients were recruited, with a median age of 66 years and predominantly male (51.4%). In 6.4% of patients, in–hospital death occurred (from 0% in low–risk patients to 25% in high–risk patients), 12.2% developed cardiogenic shock and/or CCA. 25.0% of patients had an ongoing neoplasm. Systemic thrombolytic therapy and Sonos were the most effective in terms of mortality (p=0.015) and RV function at discharge in high–risk patients, although associated with a high risk of bleeding. Intermediate–low–risk patients treated with reperfusion therapy showed better RV function parameters, although the sample size did not allow for statistical significance. Conclusions The results obtained are in line with those of the literature with regard to epidemiology, total hospital stay, correlation between acute PE and neoplasms, in–hospital death and FU death. Furthermore, Sonos represents an effective alternative to full–dose systemic thrombolysis in high–risk patients who cannot undergo the latter. Finally, in intermediate–low risk patients, there may be a role for reperfusion therapy in selected patients with very low bleeding risk.

P422 CARDIOTOXICITY ASSOCIATED WITH IMMUNE CHECKPOINT INHIBITORS: A CLINICAL CASE

Abstract We reported a case of 46–year–old women without cardiovascular risk factors, with a diagnosis of relapsed metastatic melanoma undergoing treatment with immune check–point inhibitors (ICI), ipilimumab and nivolumab. A transthoracic echocardiogram was performed before starting the treatment that showing normal indices of biventricular function and a normal value of global longitudinal strain (GLS). After the third immunotherapy cycle, she presented to the hospital for diplopia and blurred vision; in the suspicion of ICI–related toxicity, muscle–specific enzymes and troponin I high sensitivity (TnI hs) were assayed and were found elevated (TnI hs 712 ng/L). Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram were within the limits. Given the positivity of cardiac markers in an asymptomatic patient, it was concluded for grade I ICI–related toxicity. Immunotherapy was discontinued and the patient was admitted to the cardiology intensive care unit. She underwent telemetry monitoring and a cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) were performed showing a thin stria of sub–epicardial oedema along anterior wall without late gadolinium enhancement or altered kinetics. During hospitalization, patient was treated with methylprednisolone 1g i.v. for the first days with benefit and she was discharged with oral prednisolone, reducing the dose by 10 mg/week under clinical, ECG and TnI surveillance. I.v. immunoglobulins were started due to myopathy involvement. The tapering of corticosteroids after 15 days caused a flare–up of troponin levels, which resolved after increasing the steroid dosage. After a thorough discussion between experts, it was decided to resume ICI treatment. Myocarditis is a severe complication of ICI that occurs in 0.27–1.14% of patients and develops early. Surveillance should be done by biomarker assay, as major cardiac events occur in up to 40% of patients with normal ejection fraction. The clinical diagnosis includes the cTn elevation with 1 major criterion (CMR positive for Lake Louis criteria) or 2 minor criteria. The treatment strategy consists of interruption of ICI therapy, immunosuppressive agents and cardiac monitoring. Current guidelines recommend permanently ending ICI therapy when patients develop grade 3 or 4 toxicities; conversely, it may be considered again in case of grade 1 (asymptomatic biomarker elevation) or 2 (biomarker elevation and mild symptoms) toxicity.

An Aza-michael Addition Product Causes Incompatibility Between Etacrynic Acid and Theophylline in a Paediatric Cardiological ICU.

In a compatibility study of parenteral drugs commonly used in paediatric cardiological intensive care units, an unknown reaction product was found in a mixture of etacrynic acid and theophylline. The conditions in terms of the concentration of etacrynic acid and theophylline as well as the materials used corresponded to the conditions in the intensive care unit. Initially, the reaction product appeared as a significant and increasing peak in the chromatograms when determining the content of etacrynic acid and theophylline via HPLC. At the same time, the concentrations of both drugs decreased. A literature search in the chemical databases Reaxys® and Scifinder ® revealed a patent from 1967 describing an aza-Michael addition between etacrynic acid and theophylline to either N-7 or N-9. Using LC-MS/MS experiments, we were able to confirm that Michael-like reaction between etacrynic acid and theophylline occurs. To elucidate the exact structure of the reaction product we performed NMR experiments (COSY, HSQC and HMBC). With the acquired data we were finally able to identify the unknown compound as the N-7 substituted adduct [2-(2,3-dichloro-4-{2-[(1,3-dimethyl-2,6-dioxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-purin-7(6H)-yl)methyl]butanoyl}phenoxy)acetic acid]. Our findings show that etacrynic acid and theophylline should not be mixed and should be administered through separate venous lines when infused.

Association of Hs-CRP Levels in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes and it’s Correlation with Angiographic Severity of Coronary Artery Stenosis

Objectives: Significant advances have been made toward the development of biomarkers for prognostication of patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. One such marker is high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). It is a marker of inflammation mainly used to predict the risk of adverse cardiovascular (CV) events. Recent research also supports its role in atherogenesis. It is involved throughout the process of atheromatous plaque development. However, limited information is available about the relationship between levels of hs-CRP levels in patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and its association with outcomes. We conducted this study to assess the correlation between the levels of hs-CRP and the coronary angiographic findings in patients presenting with ACS and its correlation with outcomes. Materials and Methods: we carried an observational prospective study in patients presenting with ACS admitted to cardiology intensive coronary care unit in a tertiary care hospital. Patients underwent invasive coronary angiogram and serum Hs-CRP levels testing apart from other routine investigations. Correlation between severity of coronary stenosis, Hs-CRP levels and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at discharge was then assessed using statistical analysis. Results: Positive correlation was found between Hs-CRP levels and severity of coronary stenosis. Negative correlation was found between Hs-CRP levels and LVEF at discharge. Conclusion: We found that hs-CRP levels correlate well with angiographic severity. It was also observed that higher the hs-CRP levels more the number of vessels involved with patients with the left main + triple vessel disease (TVD) and TVD having maximum scores.

Nozocomial Infections in Patients Under 1 Year of Age Hospitalized in Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery Intensive Care Unit

Nozocomial Infections in Patients Under 1 Year of Age Hospitalized in Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery Intensive Care Unit