Diagnosis Of Congestive Heart Failure Research Articles

The Application of BLUE (Bedside Lung Ultrasound in Emergency) protocol in the Emergency Department

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of lung ultrasonography (US) in detecting the cause of acute respiratory distress in the emergency department. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was carried out on 195 adult patients who were admitted to the Emergency Department of a University Hospital with acute respiratory failure in 6months period. The validity of the US diagnoses was assessed by comparing the decisions made by researchers according to the BLUE protocol classification with the final judgments made by the primary doctors using gold-standard diagnostic techniques suggested by the guidelines. Results: The diagnostic accuracy of lung US was 89.7%. While Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) (n=91), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (n=53), pneumonia (n=69), and Pneumothorax (PTX) (n=5) could be diagnosed by ultrasound with high sensitivity and specificity, its specificity in the diagnosis of Pulmonary Thromboembolism (PTE)(n=18) was low (67%). Ultrasonography could also diagnose combined pathologies such as pneumonia associated with CHF, or pneumonia associated with COPD, with high sensitivity and specificity. It has been determined that the diagnostic accuracy of the routine physical examination and lung radiography used in the emergency room to assess bedside respiratory distress is lower than that of ultrasonography. Discussion: In this study, we found that lung US was effective in the diagnosis of CHF, COPD, pneumonia, PTE, and PTX. Compared to the gold standard tests, it shortened the duration of the diagnosis. Finally, US can also be applied safely in centers where advanced diagnostic facilities are not available.

Frequency and progression of azotemia during acute and chronic treatment of congestive heart failure in cats.

Azotemia is common in cats with congestive heart failure (CHF) and might be exacerbated by diuretic therapy. Determine frequency, risk factors, and survival impact of progressive azotemia in cats treated for CHF. One hundred and sixteen client-owned cats with kidney function testing performed at least twice during acute or chronic CHF treatment. Serum creatinine (sCr) and electrolyte concentrations were determined at multiple clinical timepoints to detect azotemia and kidney injury (KI; sCr increase ≥0.3 mg/dL). Furosemide dosage between timepoints was calculated. Multivariable modeling was performed to identify predictors of KI, change in serum biochemistry results, and survival. Azotemia was common at all timepoints, including initial CHF diagnosis (44%). Kidney injury was documented in 66% of cats. Use of a furosemide continuous rate infusion was associated with increased risk of KI during hospitalization (odds ratio, 141.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 12.1-6233; P = .01). Higher furosemide dosage was associated with increase in sCr during hospitalization (P = .03) and at first reevaluation (P = .01). Treatment with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor was associated with fewer lifetime KI events (P = .02). Age in years was the only variable associated with shorter survival (hazard ratio, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0-1.1; P = .03). Neither sCr nor KI were associated with long-term outcome. Azotemia and KI were common in cats during CHF treatment but did not impact survival.

Point‐of‐care ultrasound for aiding diagnosis of congestive heart failure in the emergency department: A narrative review

AbstractBackgroundCongestive heart failure (CHF) is a common condition that causes significant diagnostic challenges in the emergency department (ED). Rapid and accurate diagnosis is crucial for the effective management of CHF and improving patient outcomes. This narrative review aims to provide a state‐of‐art review to summarize the current application of PoCUS for aiding the diagnosis of CHF in ED.MethodA targeted literature search in the databases of Ovid (Medline and Embase) and PubMed was performed. The search filters were set to “full text,” “English”, and “15 years.”ResultOne hundred sixty‐four journal articles were retrieved; the articles were reviewed by the author to decide whether they were relevant to this narrative review or not. Finally, 16 articles were selected.ConclusionPoint‐of‐care ultrasound (PoCUS) including focused cardiac, lung, and venous ultrasound plays a pivotal role in aiding the diagnosis of CHF in ED. These modalities offer rapid, noninvasive, and bedside assessments that are helpful in the emergency department setting.

Enhancing Heart Failure Diagnosis Accuracy and Distinguishing It From Other Pulmonary Conditions: A Retrospective Case Series Study Leveraging the HeartLogic Parameters.

Introduction Heart failure (HF) poses a substantial and escalating medical and economic challenge, marked by significant morbidity and mortality. It stands as the primary cause of hospital admissions among the elderly, contributing significantly to healthcare expenditures in developed nations. Evaluating cardiac and pulmonary function remains challenging, necessitating careful interpretation to mitigate misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Remote monitoring has emerged as a preventive strategy to curb HF-related hospitalizations, emphasizing the importance of early detection of impending acute HF decompensation. Implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) capture various parameters, including heart rhythm, pacing percentages, thoracic impedance, and physical activity. Objective In this study, we aim to investigate the effectiveness of HeartLogic (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Massachusetts) parameters in accurately distinguishing HF patients from individuals with alternative diagnoses. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at Cabell Huntington Hospital, St. Mary's Medical Center in Huntington, West Virginia, between 2021 and 2022. The study involved a retrospective chart review of electronic medical records, approved by the institutional review board, encompassing patients aged >18 admitted with Heartlogic-capable devices. The analysis included demographic variables, admission and discharge diagnoses, length of hospital stays, health literacy index, and thoracic impedance. Results Of the initially included 26 patients, 19 met all inclusion criteria. The demographic profile highlighted a predominantly older population with a male preponderance and a notable incidence of congestive heart failure (CHF). Physiological changes, particularly in thoracic impedance and the HeartLogic Index, demonstrated significant alterations. Logistic regression analysis revealed that changes in health literacy index and thoracic impedance significantly contributed to predicting the change in CHF diagnosis. Conclusion This study, conducted in a rural setting, demonstrates the capability of the HeartLogic algorithm in predicting HF events, providing valuable insights into its utility in diverse clinical environments. The findings emphasize the potential of this technology to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve patient outcomes.Despite inherent limitations, this analysis contributes unique perspectives, particularly in the context of a specific and underexplored rural population in West Virginia.

Approach to Congestive Heart Failure Readmission Reduction in a Community-Based Setting: A Field Report

This article examines how a midsize community hospital designed a readmission reduction project with the goal of decreasing readmissions for patients with a primary diagnosis of congestive heart failure. Multicomponent interventions were implemented for patient enrollment in this quality improvement initiative with clear inclusion criteria. The study concluded that a structured transition of care plan with remote patient monitoring, together with well-defined criteria for the initiation of rescue medications, has the potential for decreasing avoidable hospital readmissions.

Regional Anesthesia is Associated with Improved Mortality and Morbidity in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure Undergoing Lower Extremity Amputation

ObjectiveWhile existing literature reports variable results of general anesthesia (GA) and regional anesthesia (RA) in patients undergoing lower extremity amputation (LEA), the effect of RA on patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) has not been explored. This study aims to assess whether the choice of anesthesia plays a role in influencing outcomes within this vulnerable population. MethodsUsing the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) files between 2005-2022, all patients receiving LEA were identified, and the subset of patients with CHF was included. Patient characteristics and 30-day outcomes were compared using χ2 or Fischer’s exact test as appropriate for categorical variables and the independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U test as appropriate for continuous variables. The association between anesthesia modality and post-operative outcomes was studied using multivariable logistic regression analysis. ResultsA total of 5,831 patients (4,779 undergoing GA, 1,052 undergoing RA) with a diagnosis of CHF undergoing LEA were identified. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, RA was associated with lower mortality (aOR 0.79, 95% CI 0.65-0.97), pneumonia (aOR 0.76, 95% CI 0.58-0.99), septic shock (aOR 0.64, 95% CI 0.47-0.88), post-operative blood transfusion (aOR 0.82, 95% CI 0.70-0.97), and 30-day readmission (aOR 0.79, 95% CI 0.64-0.97). ConclusionThis study demonstrates that RA for LEA in patients with CHF is associated with decreased morbidity and mortality compared to GA. While further research is needed to confirm this association, RA should be at least considered in CHF patients undergoing LEA when feasible.

Feline aortic thromboembolism with and without congestive heart failure did not exhibit hypercoagulability using a novel viscoelastic coagulation monitor.

To demonstrate hypercoagulability with a benchtop viscoelastic monitor in cats with congestive heart failure (CHF) and/or aortic thromboembolism (ATE) compared to controls. 97 cats were enrolled throughout this prospective observational cohort study from September 2022 through October 2023. Cats were grouped by diagnosis of CHF, ATE, ATE plus CHF, or controls. Enrollment required diagnosis of heart disease and no previous antithrombotic therapy. The results of viscoelastic testing with the benchtop viscoelastic coagulation monitor (VCM Vet [VCM]; Entegrion) were compared between groups using factorial analysis of variance. Cats with heart disease had significantly higher clot times when compared to controls (control: mean, 285.3 [SD, 172.6]; CHF: mean, 391.7 [SD, 106.8]; ATE: mean, 415.9 [SD, 109.2]; and ATE plus CHF: mean, 368.6 [SD, 232.6]). Heart disease cats were noted to have significantly lower 45-minute lysis index values (control: median, 100 [range, 93 to 100]; CHF: median, 99 [range, 89 to 100]; ATE: median, 98 [range, 88 to 100]; and ATE plus CHF: range, 98 [91 to 100]). Age was a covariate to this variable, and when applied to analysis, statistical significance was lost. No significant difference in any other variables were noted. The hypercoagulability of ATE and CHF cats was not detected by the VCM. Further research with other coagulation monitors is required in this population.

Socioeconomic and Demographic Determinants of Readmission Rates in Congestive Heart Failure Patients: Insights From the Nationwide Readmissions Database.

Background Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a leading cause of hospitalizations and readmissions, placing a significant burden on the healthcare system. Identifying factors associated with readmission risk is crucial for developing targeted interventions and improving patient outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the impact of socioeconomic and demographic factors on 30-day and 90-day readmission rates in patients primarily admitted for CHF. Methods The study was carried out using a cross-sectional study design, and the data were obtained from the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) from 2016 to 2020. Adult patients with a primary diagnosis of CHF were included. The primary outcomes were 30-day and 90-day all-cause readmission rates. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with readmissions, including race, ethnicity, insurance status, income level, and living arrangements. Results A total of 219,904 patients with a primary diagnosis of CHF were used in the study. The overall 30-day and 90-day readmission rates were 17.3% and 23.1%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, factors independently associated with higher 30-day readmission risk included Hispanic ethnicity (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.03-1.35), African American race (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.04-1.28), Medicare insurance (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.12-1.38), and urban residence (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02-1.21). Higher income was associated with lower readmission risk (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.79-0.96 for highest vs. lowest quartile). Similar patterns were observed for 90-day readmissions. Conclusion Socioeconomic and demographic factors, including race, ethnicity, insurance status, income level, and living arrangements, significantly impact 30-day and 90-day readmission rates in patients with CHF. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and policies that address social determinants of health and promote health equity in the management of CHF. Future research should focus on developing and evaluating culturally sensitive, community-based strategies to reduce readmissions and improve outcomes for high-risk CHF patients.

Locoregional anesthesia is associated with decreased cardiac complications in symptomatic heart failure patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy

ObjectiveAlthough the current literature reports no advantage for locoregional anesthesia (LRA) over general anesthesia (GA) in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA), there remains a gap in understanding the impact of LRA on individuals with congestive heart failure (CHF). This study aims to assess whether the choice of anesthesia influences the rates of perioperative complications within this patient population. MethodsUsing the Vascular Quality Initiative CEA module, all patients undergoing CEA between 2013 and 2023 were identified. The subset of patients with CHF was included, and patients were divided based on the type of anesthesia received. Patient characteristics and outcomes were compared using the χ2 or Fischer's exact test as appropriate for categorical variables and the independent t test or Mann-Whitney U test as appropriate for continuous variables. A sensitivity analysis was performed based on the symptomatic status of CHF, and the association between anesthesia modality and postoperative outcomes was studied using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The primary outcomes of this study included perioperative stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), acute HF, and the combination of MI and acute HF defined as major cardiac complications. ResultsA total of 21,292 patients (19,730 receiving GA, 1562 receiving LRA) with a diagnosis of CHF undergoing CEA were identified. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, LRA was independently associated with lower MI (odds ratio [OR]; 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13–0.96), acute HF (OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.09-0.87), major cardiac complications (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.13-0.67), hemodynamic instability (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.53-0.78), cranial nerve injury (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.19-0.81), shunt use (OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.20-0.31), and neuromonitoring device use (OR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.17-0.24) compared with GA in patients with symptomatic CHF. No difference in MI, acute HF, and major cardiac complications was seen in patients with asymptomatic CHF. ConclusionsCEA can be performed safely in patients with CHF. Using LRA is associated with a decreased incidence of perioperative cardiac complications in patients with symptomatic HF undergoing CEA.

Safety of Diltiazem for Acute Management of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) in Patients with Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction in the Emergency Department

BackgroundDiltiazem is an effective rate control agent for atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular rate (AF RVR). However, its negative inotropic effects may increase the risk for worsening heart failure in patients with a reduced ejection fraction (EF). ObjectivesThis observational study aims to describe the incidence of worsening heart failure in patients who receive intravenous diltiazem for acute atrial fibrillation management. MethodsAdult patients that received diltiazem in the emergency department (ED) for AF RVR (heart rate ≥ 100 beats/min) from 2021 to 2022 and had a prior documented EF were included. The primary outcome is worsening heart failure within 24 h of diltiazem administration. Secondary outcomes include return ED visits and death within 7 days. EF percentage was compared across outcomes using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Outcomes were compared by reduced EF (< 50%) and preserved EF (≥ 50%). Continuous data were summarized with medians and interquartile ranges, and categorical features were summarized with frequency counts and percentages. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used for numeric outcomes and chi-squared tests or Fisher's exact tests for categorical outcomes, with a p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. ResultsThere were 674 patients with AF RVR that received diltiazem, and 386 patients met the inclusion criteria for analysis. Baseline demographics included a median age of 72 (64–81) years, with 14.5% of patients having a prior diagnosis of congestive heart failure. EF < 50% was identified in 13.7% of patients (n = 53), of which approximately 30% of these patients safely discharged home after receiving i.v. diltiazem. The primary outcome of worsening heart failure occurred in 7/41 (17%) and 10/207 (4.8%) patients with reduced and preserved ejection fractions, respectively, who were admitted to the hospital (p = 0.005). ConclusionThe development of worsening heart failure is multifactorial and may include the use of diltiazem in critically ill patients requiring hospital admission.

In Patients with Heart Failure Undergoing Carotid Endarterectomy, Locoregional Anesthesia is Not Associated with Decreased Mortality, Stroke, or Myocardial Infarction Compared to General Anesthesia

ObjectiveWhile existing literature reports no benefit of locoregional anesthesia (LRA) over general anesthesia (GA) in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA), the effect of LRA on patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) has not been explored. This study aims to assess whether the choice of anesthesia plays a role in influencing outcomes within this population. MethodsUsing the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) files between 2005-2022 and the procedural targeted ACS-NSQIP database for CEA between 2011-2022, all patients receiving CEA were identified, and the subset of patients with CHF was included. Patient characteristics and 30-day outcomes were compared using χ2 or Fischer’s exact test as appropriate for categorical variables and the independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U test as appropriate for continuous variables. Mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were compared between patients receiving general anesthesia (GA) and locoregional anesthesia (LRA) using univariate analysis. ResultsA total of 3,040 patients (2,733 undergoing GA, 307 undergoing LRA) with a diagnosis of CHF undergoing CEA were identified. No difference in mortality (GA 3.1% vs LRA 4.6%, p=0.162), MI (GA 3.0% vs LRA 2.3%, p=0.478), stroke (2.4% vs 2.6%, p=0.805) or MACE (GA 7.4% vs LRA 8.1%, p=0.654) was observed. LRA patients had a significantly lower hospital stay compared to GA patients (1 day [IQR 1-3] vs 2 days [IQR 1-4], p<0.001). Shunt was more commonly used in patients receiving GA (32.9% vs 12.5%, p<0.001) compared to LRA. ConclusionWhile utilizing LRA compared to GA during carotid endarterectomy in patients with CHF is associated with a shorter hospital stay and less intraoperative shunting, the choice of anesthesia did not impact the outcomes of mortality, MI or stroke. Further research is needed to determine the effect of LRA on the outcomes of CEA among patients with different stages of heart failure.

An Integrated Machine Learning Approach for Congestive Heart Failure Prediction.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is one of the primary sources of mortality and morbidity among the global population. Over 26 million individuals globally are affected by heart disease, and its prevalence is rising by 2% yearly. With advances in healthcare technologies, if we predict CHF in the early stages, one of the leading global mortality factors can be reduced. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to use machine learning applications to enhance the diagnosis of CHF and to reduce the cost of diagnosis by employing minimum features to forecast the possibility of a CHF occurring. We employ a deep neural network (DNN) classifier for CHF classification and compare the performance of DNN with various machine learning classifiers. In this research, we use a very challenging dataset, called the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) dataset, and a unique pre-processing technique by integrating C4.5 and K-nearest neighbor (KNN). While the C4.5 technique is used to find significant features and remove the outlier data from the dataset, the KNN algorithm is employed for missing data imputation. For classification, we compare six state-of-the-art machine learning (ML) algorithms (KNN, logistic regression (LR), naive Bayes (NB), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and decision tree (DT)) with DNN. To evaluate the performance, we use seven statistical measurements (i.e., accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, F1-score, precision, Matthew's correlation coefficient, and false positive rate). Overall, our results reflect our proposed integrated approach, which outperformed other machine learning algorithms in terms of CHF prediction, reducing patient expenses by reducing the number of medical tests. The proposed model obtained 97.03% F1-score, 95.30% accuracy, 96.49% sensitivity, and 97.58% precision.

Short-Term Mortality in Hospitalized Patients with Congestive Heart Failure: Markers of Thrombo-Inflammation Are Independent Risk Factors and Only Weakly Associated with Renal Insufficiency and Co-Morbidity Burden.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There has been renewed interest in using thrombo-inflammatory markers as prognostic tools in patients with CHF. To determine if thrombo-inflammatory markers are independent risk factors for 28-day mortality in hospitalized CHF patients, we retrospectively analyzed admission data extracted from 2008 consecutive patients admitted with a diagnosis of CHF to Zigong Fourth People's Hospital. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis demonstrated that the thrombo-inflammatory markers thrombin time, platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and D-dimer level were independent predictors of mortality. In addition, variables reflecting the severity of CHF (New York Heart Association class > 2), impaired renal function (elevated serum creatinine [SCr]), impaired organ perfusion (elevated BUN), and chronic liver disease were also independent predictors of mortality. Thrombo-inflammatory biomarkers were only weakly associated with SCr and the burden of co-morbidity, suggesting that thrombo-inflammation may in large part be attributable to CHF itself and that, moreover, its presence may confer an increased risk of mortality. Further large-scale prospective studies are needed to determine the existence and the consequences of a thrombo-inflammatory phenotype among patients with CHF.

A Rare Case Report of Cardiac Sarcoidosis with Pulmonary Hypertension

Introduction: Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is a rare granulomatous disorder in which white blood cells form clusters on the myocardium. The clinical presentations of CS are varied, as is its etiology. Multiple diagnostic approaches to determine the cause of persistent dyspnea may fail, as cardiac sarcoidosis can mimic many other diseases.Case Report: A 47-year-old woman presented with a sudden onset of dyspnea and a history of chronic thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Multiple diagnostic approaches were employed, including a CT scan of the thorax with contrast, CT pulmonary angiography, CT coronary angiography, and a Ventilation/Perfusion test, but the results were inconclusive. A Cardiac MRI was ultimately performed, which led to a diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis.Case Discussion: The patient had been stable and asymptomatic over the years, despite her history of CTEPH, until she developed a sudden onset of dyspnea. The presence of pitting edema, ECG results, and echocardiography data initially suggested a diagnosis of congestive heart failure. However, tests from the pulmonary system and cardiac coronary were normal. This highlights the elusive nature of cardiac sarcoidosis, which can often go unnoticed and be frequently misdiagnosed. Given the inconclusive results from previous tests, a Cardiac MRI was performed to further characterize the pathology. This led to the findings of Late Gadolinium Enhancement (LGE) and the diagnosis of CS.Conclusion: Cardiac sarcoidosis is a master imitator of many diseases, with patients sometimes presenting with only dyspnea. In such cases, Cardiac MRI plays a pivotal role as a diagnostic test, especially when results from other diagnostic workups are nonspecific.

Prevalence, sex differences, and implications of pulmonary hypertension in patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ApHCM) is a subtype of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) that affects up to 25% of Asian patients and is not as well understood in non-Asian patients. Although ApHCM has been considered a more "benign" variant, it is associated with increased risk of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, apical thrombi, stroke, and progressive heart failure. The occurrence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in ApHCM, due to elevated pressures on the left side of the heart, has been documented. However, the exact prevalence of PH in ApHCM and sex differences remain uncertain. We sought to evaluate the prevalence, risk associations, and sex differences in elevated pulmonary pressures in the largest cohort of patients with ApHCM at a single tertiary center. A total of 542 patients diagnosed with ApHCM were identified using ICD codes and clinical notes searches, confirmed by cross-referencing with cardiac MRI reports extracted through Natural Language Processing and through manual evaluation of patient charts and imaging records. In 414 patients, echocardiogram measurements of pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) were obtained at the time of diagnosis. The mean age was 59.4 ± 16.6 years, with 181 (44%) being females. The mean PASP was 38 ± 12 mmHg in females vs. 33 ± 9 mmHg in males (p < 0.0001). PH as defined by a PASP value of > 36 mmHg was present in 140/414 (34%) patients, with a predominance in females [79/181 (44%)] vs. males [61/233 (26%), p < 0.0001]. Female sex, atrial fibrillation, diagnosis of congestive heart failure, and elevated filling pressures on echocardiogram remained significantly associated with PH (PASP > 36 mmHg) in multivariable modeling. PH, when present, was independently associated with mortality [hazard ratio 1.63, 95% CI (1.05-2.53), p = 0.028] and symptoms [odds ratio 2.28 (1.40, 3.71), p < 0.001]. PH was present in 34% of patients with ApHCM at diagnosis, with female sex predominance. PH in ApHCM was associated with symptoms and increased mortality.

The nonlinear relationship between estimated glomerular filtration rate and cardiovascular disease in US adults: a cross-sectional study from NHANES 2007-2018.

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a key indicator of kidney function and is associated with numerous health conditions. This study examines the association between eGFR and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in a representative cohort of the US adult population. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007 to 2018. The study included 31,020 participants aged 20 years and older. The eGFR estimates were calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. CVD was defined as a self-reported physician's diagnosis of congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, or stroke. To assess the association between eGFR and CVD risk, the study employed weighted linear regression and generalized additive models. The study revealed a significant non-linear inverse association between eGFR and CVD risk, with a threshold effect observed at 99.3 ml/min/1.73 m². Below this threshold, each 10-unit increase in eGFR was associated with a 13% decrease in the odds of CVD (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.84-0.90, P < 0.001). Above this threshold, no significant association was found between eGFR and CVD risk (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.90-1.20, P = 0.60), indicating that further increases in eGFR beyond this point were not associated with additional cardiovascular benefits. Subgroup analyses revealed significant interactions for eGFR categories, anemia status, and ratio of family income to poverty (PIR). This study shows that there is a non-linear relationship between eGFR and CVD risk in the US adult population. The study found evidence of a threshold effect. These findings emphasize the importance of monitoring and managing CVD risk factors in individuals with reduced kidney function, especially those with eGFR values below the identified threshold. The relationship between eGFR and CVD risk varies across different subgroups, particularly in relation to eGFR categories, anemia status, and socioeconomic factors.The results provide valuable insights for developing targeted CVD prevention and treatment strategies based on kidney function status.

National Trends in 30-Day Readmission Following Transoral Robotic Surgery for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

As the incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) continues to rise in the US, an increasing number of patients are being treated with transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Readmission following surgery can potentially delay initiation of adjuvant treatment and affect survival outcomes. To identify risk factors for 30-day postoperative readmission in patients undergoing TORS for OPSCC. This retrospective, population-based cohort study used data from the Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2010 to 2017. All patients undergoing TORS for OPSCC were identified using International Classification of Diseases codes and included. Exclusion criteria were age younger than 18 years or incomplete information regarding index admission or readmission. The analysis was performed from April to October 2023. TORS for OPSCC. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine factors associated with 30-day readmission. Covariates included demographics and medical comorbidities, socioeconomic factors, hospital characteristics, and surgical details. Trends in readmission over time, reasons for readmission, and characteristics of the readmission were also examined. A weighted total of 5544 patients (mean [SD] age, 60.7 [0.25] years; 4475 [80.7%] male) underwent TORS for OPSCC. The overall readmission rate was 17.5% (n = 971), and these rates decreased over the study period (50 of 211 patients [23.7%] in 2010 vs 58 of 633 patients [9.1%] in 2017). Risk factors associated with readmission included male sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.54; 95% CI, 1.07-2.20) and a diagnosis of congestive heart failure (AOR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.28-4.58). Factors associated with decreased rate of readmission included undergoing concurrent selective neck dissection (AOR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.22-0.41). Among the 971 readmissions, the most common readmission diagnoses were bleeding (151 [15.6%]), electrolyte and digestive problems (44 [4.5%]), pneumonia (44 [4.5%]), and sepsis (26 [2.7%]). In this cohort study, readmission rates following TORS for oropharynx cancer decreased over time; however, a subset of patients required readmission most commonly related to bleeding, infection, and electrolyte imbalance. Concurrent neck dissection may be protective against readmission. Elucidation of risk factors for readmission after TORS for OPSCC offers opportunities for evidence-based shared decision-making, quality improvement initiatives, and improved patient counseling.

NTproBNP values for diagnosis of congestive heart failure in old patients regarding atrial fibrillation

NTproBNP values for diagnosis of congestive heart failure in old patients regarding atrial fibrillation

Congestive Coronary Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a continual condition characterized by the heart's inability to pump blood efficiently, which is essential for the buildup of fluid within the lungs and distinctive components of the body. It is a critical and regular health problem globally, affecting hundreds of thousands of people, primarily the elderly. CHF can cease owing to several underlying reasons, including coronary artery sickness, excessive blood strain, heart valve troubles, and cardiomyopathy. This summary aims to define CHF together with its pathophysiology, threat elements, clinical manifestations, analysis, and control. The pathophysiology of CHF includes weakening of the coronary heart muscle, which can also occur because of harm from preceding coronary heart attacks, extended high blood pressure, or special elements affecting coronary heart features. Because the pumping ability of the heart diminishes, blood glide in critical organs becomes inadequate, leading to symptoms, shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention. Numerous risk factors contribute to the development of CHF, including age, coronary heart sickness, obesity, diabetes, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle. Early diagnosis of CHF is critical for saving the patient from improving and decorating consequences. Diagnostic methods may additionally include medical records, physical examinations, imaging checks such as echocardiography, and blood tests to evaluate coronary heart characteristics and discover the underlying functionality. CHF control aims to alleviate signs and symptoms, sluggish sickness development, and enhance the pleasantness of life. Treatment strategies usually involve lifestyle changes such as adopting a coronary heart-wholesome diet, engaging in regular exercise, and quitting smoking. Medicinal pills such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and angiotensin receptor blockers are prescribed to enhance coronary heart characteristics and decrease signs and signs. In severe cases, surgical interventions, such as coronary artery pass grafting or coronary heart transplantation, can be considered. As CHF is a continual condition, affected individual education and regular compliance with healthcare carriers are vital to display the ailment's improvement and regulate remedies. With improvements in scientific treatment plans and early detection, CHF analysis has advanced over the years. However, it remains a vast public health challenge, necessitating continuous research and cognizance efforts to beautify affected person consequences and decrease the load of this situation on affected human beings and healthcare systems.

Clinical and Socio Demographic Aspects of Congestive Heart Failure Patients

Background: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a growing issue for healthcare systems throughout the developed world. Many factors have been linked to an increase in mortality in CHF patients. Despite heterogeneity in the research groups, several demographic and clinical variables appear to be consistently associated with a poor prognosis. Objective: To investigate the clinical and sociodemographic aspects of congestive heart failure patients. Materials and Methods: This study was a descriptive observational study conducted by the Department of Medicine at Narsingdi' 100- bed district hospital from July 2021 to June 2022. Purposive sampling was used to select 120 women and men with congestive heart failure from the cardiac center of 100-bed district hospital in Narsingdi, Bangladesh. Daily consecutive admissions were screened to identify eligible patients who arrived in the cardiac emergency room; Department of Cardiology required an admission diagnosis of congestive heart failure and was enrolled in this study on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria with a history of at least one well documented hospitalization for congestive heart failure. Results: Rhematic heart disease was identified in 38(31.7%), cardiomyopathy was found in 30(25.0%), hypertension was found in 21(17.5%), pericardial disease was found in 16(13.3%), and ischemaic heart disease was found in 3(2.5%). Factors related with congestive heart failure were 25 (20.8%) inadequate therapy, 25 (20.8%) arrhythmia, 23 (19.2%) respiratory, 17 (14.2%) anaemia, and 23 (19.2%) infective endocarditis. The majority of patients (75.5%) had NYHA class II, 38.7% had class III, and 5.8% had class IV. Conclusion: In conjunction with medical and demographic characteristics, major socio-environmental factors increased the likelihood of readmission due to congestive heart failure.