Survival Death Research Articles

Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation - Just How Much Idiopathic is it?

Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation is diagnosed in survivors of sudden cardiac death that has been caused by ventricular fibrillation without known structural or electrical abnormalities, even after extensive investigation. It is a common cause of sudden death in young adults. Although idiopathic ventricular fibrillation is a diagnosis of exclusion, in many cases only a partial investigation algorithm is performed. The aim of this review is to present a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation algorithm with a focus on diagnostic assessment of inherited arrhythmic syndromes and genetic background.

Carbon monoxide-releasing molecule-3 exerts neuroprotection effects after cardiac arrest in mice: A randomized controlled study

BackgroundPost-cardiac arrest brain injury (PCABI) is the leading cause of death in survivors of cardiac arrest (CA). Carbon monoxide-releasing molecule (CORM-3) is a water-soluble exogenous carbon monoxide that has been shown to have neuroprotection benefits in several neurological disease models. However, the effects of CORM-3 on PCABI is still unclear. MethodsA mice model combined asystole with hemorrhage was used. Mice were anesthetized and randomized into 4 groups (n = 12/group) and underwent either 9.5 min CA followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or sham surgery. CORM-3 (30 mg/kg) or vehicle (normal saline) were administered at 1 h after return of spontaneous circulation or sham surgery. Survival, neurologic deficits, alterations in the permeability of the brain-blood barrier and cerebral blood flow, changes of oxidative stress level, level of neuroinflammation and neuronal degeneration, and the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway were measured. ResultsIn CORM-3 treated mice that underwent CA/CPR, significantly improved survival (75.00% vs. 58.33%, P = 0.0146 (24 h) and 66.67% vs. 16.67%, P < 0.0001 (72 h)) and neurological function were observed at 24 h and 72 h after ROSC (P < 0.05 for each). Additionally, increased cerebral blood flow, expression of tight junctions, and reduced reactive oxygen species generation at 24 h after ROSC were observed (P < 0.05 for each). CORM-3 treated mice had less neuron death and alleviated neuroinflammation at 72 h after ROSC (P < 0.05 for each). Notably, the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway was significantly activated in mice subjected to CA/CPR with CORM-3 treatment. ConclusionsCORM-3 could improve survival and exert neuroprotection after CA/CPR in mice. CORM-3 may be a novel and promising pharmacological therapy for PCABI.

Subsequent meningiomas in survivors of childhood cancer: A report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS).

10058 Background: Meningiomas are the most common subsequent central nervous system tumor among aging survivors of childhood cancer, yet incidence across the lifespan, occurrence of multiple meningiomas, and risk for mortality are not established. Methods: Meningiomas were identified by self-report and validated with pathology/medical records. Twenty-year cumulative incidence of meningioma (95% confidence interval) was estimated and multivariable models assessed demographic- and treatment-related meningioma risk factors. Results: Among 24,902 5-year survivors of childhood cancer diagnosed 1970-1999, we identified 472 survivors with 710 meningiomas, 145 (20.4%) of which were WHO grade 2/3. Among survivors with meningioma, 137 (28%) had ≥2 meningiomas, and 80 (16%) met criteria for meningiomatosis. The median latency from childhood cancer to first meningioma diagnosis was 26.2 years (range 5.6-48.2), and the median time from first to second meningioma (among those without meningiomatosis) was 1.4 years (range 0-30.2 years). The twenty-year cumulative incidence did not significantly decrease between survivors diagnosed in the 1970s (0.58, 95% CI 0.41-0.79) and the 1990s (0.42, 95% CI 0.32-0.55). In multivariable analysis, female sex (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.21-1.91) and all cranial radiotherapy dose levels ( &gt; 0-30Gy, HR 57.0, 95% CI 7.93-419.60; 30.1-50 Gy, HR 228.90, 95% CI 30.89-1695.99; &gt; 50 Gy, HR 113.29, 95% CI 15.09-850.34) were associated with increased meningioma risk, while older age at diagnosis (10-14 years, HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.44-0.82; 15-20 years, HR 0.35, 95% CI 0.22-0.55) was associated with reduced meningioma risk. Among 71 deaths in survivors with meningioma, the most prevalent cause of death was meningioma (N = 25, 35.2%). The 5-year all-cause mortality from first meningioma diagnosis was 4.20% (95% CI: 2.44-5.96%). Conclusions: In conclusion, cranial radiation, younger diagnostic age and female sex were identified as independent meningioma risk factors in, to our knowledge, the largest study to date. The risk for meningioma-associated mortality argues for assertive meningioma surveillance and treatment in this population.

Role of localized repolarization and conduction heterogeneities in ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death

Recent clinical studies have indicated the presence of localized tissue abnormalities in sudden cardiac death (SCD) survivors without apparent structural heart disease, including idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (VF) and J-wave Syndromes. The origin of these abnormalities, showing distinct electrical features on contact mapping, and mechanisms of associated arrhythmias are still a matter of debate. To determine the respective role of localized repolarization and conduction heterogeneities in vulnerability to arrhythmias and SCD, and to characterize their specific electrical signatures. Optical mapping was performed on porcine right ventricular models of either local (i) repolarization shortening, (ii) conduction slowing, or (iii) micro-structural heterogeneity which were created by locally perfusing (i) pinacidil (20 μM n = 13) or (ii) flecainide (2 μM n = 13) via an epicardial catheter (branch of right coronary artery), or (iii) by local epicardial tissue destruction through radiofrequency application (9 micro lesions 30W 1 sec n = 13). Pseudo-ECG were assessed and the number of induced and spontaneous arrhythmias were quantified and mapped in each preparation. An HD grid mapping catheter was used to record bipolar electrograms (n = 5 in each group). Electrograms were normal in model (i), but showed local fragmentation in 40% of preparations in model (ii) with greater effects observed at high pacing frequencies (3 Hz). In model (iii), the structural substrate alone increased the width and number of peaks in the electrograms, and addition of flecainide (2 μM) in this model induced pronounced fragmentation (≥ 3 peaks and ≥ 70ms duration) in 100% of the cases. Arrhythmogenicity was significantly increased in models (i) and (ii) which presented 82% and 45% more spontaneous arrhythmias (P < 0.0001 and 0.05 vs. baseline) and a reduced pacing frequency threshold to induce arrhythmias (−69% and −50%, P < 0.001 vs. baseline). In these models, the frequency of spontaneous activity was increased (+411% P < 0.01 and +181% P < 0.05 vs. baseline) and originated near the heterogeneous area. Microstructural substrates have the most pronounced impact on electrograms, especially when combined with sodium channel blockers, while repolarization heterogeneities do not lead to electrogram fragmentation but are associated with the highest prevalence of spontaneous arrhythmias. Both heterogeneities show increased ectopic activity.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance as an Etiological Diagnosis Tool in Recovered Sudden Cardiac Death or Unstable Ventricular Arrhythmia Patients.

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has an increasing diagnostic relevance in survivors of sudden cardiac death (SCD) or unstable ventricular arrhythmia (UVA) in developed countries. To evaluate retrospectively the additional role of CMR in a developing country where few resources are available, and should be used more effectively. The study included SCD or UVA survivors admitted between 2009 and 2019 at a tertiary academic institution referred to CMR. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected from the medical records. CMR images and reports were reviewed and their impact on the final etiological diagnosis was determined. A descriptive analysis was performed and p<0.05 established as significant. Sixty-four patients, 54.9±15.4 years old, and 42 (71.9%) males. Most events (81.3%) were out of the hospital and ventricular tachycardia was the most common rhythm. Cardiovascular medications were previously used by 55 patients, and beta-blockers were the most used medications (37.5%). Electrocardiogram had electrical inactive areas in 21.9% and all of them had fibrosis at CMR. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 44±14%, with 60.9% ≤50% and only 29.7% ≤35%. Late gadolinium enhancement was identified in 71.9%, with a transmural pattern in 43.8%. Chagas cardiomyopathy was the most common etiology (28.1%), followed by ischemic cardiomyopathy (17.2%). Among 26 without a previously identified etiology, CMR could define it (15 patients - 57%). In accordance with previous studies in developed countries, CMR was capable of increasing etiological diagnosis and identifying the arrhythmogenic substrate, allowing better care in half of the underdiagnosed patients.

Defund the Police? or Reimagine the Police? Leaders in Law Enforcement’s Perspective on the Role of Social Workers in Law Enforcement

ABSTRACT Purpose There have been calls to defund the police and redistribute funding to public safety strategies including incorporating social workers within law enforcement to address nonviolent situations. Method A cross-sectional survey research design was used to describe the need for a social worker embedded in law enforcement among 335 leaders in law enforcement Results Approximately a third of leadership believed a social worker was needed. More than 90% reported that a social worker would be helpful with calls about emotional disturbances, domestic violence, alcohol and drugs, child endangerment, family disputes, victims of crime and death survivors. Over 94% of senior leadership reported that an onsite social worker would support officers’ emotional challenges, alcohol and drugs, and suicide risk. Senior supervising leadership were more likely to support having an on-site social worker than frontline leadership. Discussion Future research should assess whether including social workers as public safety alternatives could reduce unnecessary force by law enforcement.

Comparison of Proportional Mortality Between Korean Atomic Bomb Survivors and the General Population During 1992-2019.

Atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan in August 1945 were estimated to have killed approximately 70,000 Koreans. In Japan, studies on the health status and mortality of atomic bomb survivors compared with the non-exposed population have been conducted. However, there have been no studies related to the mortality of Korean atomic bomb survivors. Therefore, we aimed to study the cause of death of atomic bomb survivors compared to that of the general population. Of 2,299 atomic bomb survivors registered with the Korean Red Cross, 2,176 were included in the study. In the general population, the number of deaths by age group was calculated from 1992 to 2019, and 6,377,781 individuals were assessed. Causes of death were categorized according to the Korean Standard Classification of Diseases. To compare the proportional mortality between the two groups, the P value for the ratio test was confirmed, and the Cochran-Armitage trend test and χ² test were performed to determine the cause of death according to the distance from the hypocenter. Diseases of the circulatory system were the most common cause of death (25.4%), followed by neoplasms (25.1%) and diseases of the respiratory system (10.6%) in atomic bomb survivors who died between 1992 and 2019. The proportional mortality associated with respiratory diseases, nervous system diseases, and other diseases among atomic bomb survivors was higher than that of the general population. Of the dead people between 1992 and 2019, the age at death of survivors who were exposed at a close distance was younger than those who were exposed at a greater distance. Overall, proportional mortality of respiratory diseases and nervous system diseases was high in atomic bomb survivors, compared with the general population. Further studies on the health status of Korean atomic bomb survivors are needed.

Meta-Analysis on Early Versus Delayed Coronary Angiography for Patients With Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Without ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

An estimated 424, 000 patients experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) annually across the United States, and only ∼10% of patients survive to hospital discharge.12 Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cause of OHCA, with a prevalence as high as 70% to 80%.3–5 Although CAD is the leading cause of OHCA, there has been a dramatic increase in OHCA due to drug overdose.6 Current guidelines recommend emergent coronary angiography among survivors of sudden cardiac death with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and no obvious noncardiac cause of cardiac arrest.

Late mortality reduction among survivors of germ cell tumors in childhood and adolescence in Europe: A report from the PanCareSurFup cohort.

Data on late mortality from pediatric germ cell tumors (GCTs) are limited to small case series. Our population-based study aimed to investigate excess risk of death in survivors of GCT in childhood and adolescence, whether long-term mortality changed over time and by period of diagnosis. The PanCare Childhood and Adolescent Cancer Survivor Care and Follow-Up Studies (PanCareSurFup) cohort includes 2773 five-year survivors diagnosed under 21years of age with gonadal and extragonadal GCT (from 1940 to 2008). We calculated standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and absolute excess risks (AERs). We fitted a Cox's model to assess the impact of treatment period. We estimated 10-year survival and calculated average percentage changes between periods of diagnosis (1970-1979, 1980-1989, 1990-1999) to assess whether late mortality decreased. GCT survivors had an almost four-fold excess risk of dying compared to general population. The risk of death for patients treated after 1980 was nearly halved compared to patients treated before 1980. Survivors diagnosed in 1990-1999 had a 10-year survival rate of 99%, which was 2.4% and 1.1% higher than for patients treated in 1970-1979 and 1980-1989, respectively. This is the largest population-based study in Europe and showed a decrease in long-term mortality for survivors of GCTs in childhood and adolescence over the last decades. After the introduction of platinum compound in 1980, which is a paradigm of success compared to the previous treatments, no major changes in drug therapies have been made to treat GCTs in the last 40years. However, GCT survivors maintain an excessive risk of death that requires long-term care.

Resuscitated Sudden Cardiac Arrest of a Neonate with Congenital LQT Syndrome-Associated Torsades de Pointes: A Case Report and Literature Review

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), the most common cause of infant death in developed countries, is attributed to diverse trigger factors. Malignant cardiac dysrhythmias are potentially treatable etiologies, and congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) is the most common cardiac ionic channelopathy confronted. β-Blockers or class Ib agents are the drugs of choice for the control of arrhythmias, and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) should be considered for secondary prevention in survivors of lethal cardiac death. We report the case of a 4-day old neonate, later genetically confirmed as LQT type 3 (LQT3), who survived a pulseless torsades de pointes (TdP) attack and was successfully treated with propranolol, mexiletine, and ICD implantation.

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy in the very young - Patient characteristics procedural outcome and one-year follow-up - A subgroup analysis of the german DEVICE registry

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) are well-established and essential therapeutic pillars for patients with heart failure and survivors of sudden cardiac death. The number of young patients receiving ICD or CRT-D has been increasing in the last decades. Understanding the key differences between the typically older ICD population and younger patients is paramount to optimized patient care. Methods The DEVICE registry prospectively enrolled patients undergoing ICD/CRT implantation or revision from 50 German centers between 2007–2014. Data on patient characteristics, procedural outcome, adverse events and mortality during the initial stay and follow-up was collected. All patients under the age of 45 years were identified and included into a comparative analysis with the remaining population. Results A total number of 4181 patients were enrolled into the registry, of which 236 patients (5.6%) were under the age of 45 years. Median age was 38.0 [31.0; 42.0] vs. 69.0 [60.0; 75.0] years, p&amp;lt;0.001), compared to older patients. Young patients were more likely to receive an ICD (91.5 vs. 69.4%, p&amp;lt;0.001), than CRT device and were less likely to suffer from non-cardiac comorbidities (20.3 vs. 67.4%, p&amp;lt;0.001). Coronary artery disease was less common in young patients (15.7 vs. 63.6%, p&amp;lt;0.001), whereas hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (11.0 vs. 2.5%, p&amp;lt;0.001) and primary cardiac electrical diseases (14.0 vs. 1.6%, p&amp;lt; 0.001) were encountered more often. Mean left-ventricular ejection fractions were 42.4±18.5 vs. 31.5±11.8%, respectively (p&amp;lt;0.001) with less young patients in NYHA functional class III/IV (19.5 vs. 45.3%, p&amp;lt;0.001). Primary symptom at presentation was chronic heart failure for older patients (19.5 vs. 34.8%, p&amp;lt;0.001) and survived sudden cardiac death (30.9 vs. 15.6%, p&amp;lt;0.001) for young patients. Thus, ICD for secondary prevention was more common in young patients (53.8 vs. 43.2%, p&amp;lt;0.001). There were no detectable differences in postoperative complications (3.0 vs. 4.1%, p=0.500) or in-hospital mortality (0.0 vs. 0.3%, p=1.000). Median follow-up time was 514 [398; 669] vs. 458 [391; 563] days (p=0.006). Device-associated complications requiring revision were more common in young patients (16.3 vs. 8.2%, p&amp;lt;0.001) and all-cause 1-year-mortality after implantation was lower (3.1 vs. 7.3%, p=0.029; HR 0.42, 95%CI: 0.19-0.94). Even though there was no difference in rates of rehospitalization between groups (32.1 vs. 32.4%, p=0.93), young patients were re-admitted more often for "cardiac" reasons (82.7 vs. 58.9%, p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion Rates for procedural complications and in-hospital mortality were very low and without differences between both age groups. However younger patients experienced a higher rate of postoperative complications requiring revision and had higher readmission rates for cardiac reasons, potentially due to a more active lifestyle.

Crisis Work Embedded in a Global Crisis: The Early Phase Impact of COVID-19 on Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence and Service Provisions.

COVID-19, as a global pandemic, was a public health inflection point for individuals affected by intimate partner violence (IPV) and those who provide IPV services. Public health guidelines that were intended to reduce risk of exposure to the virus impacted vulnerability factors for IPV survivors and associated systems of services. We aimed to (1) explore the effect of COVID-19 on survivors of IPV; (2) assess the effect of COVID-19 on IPV-related service provisions and service providers; and (3) explore challenges and opportunities in the wake of COVID-19 on broader IPV services and advocacy. Method: Twelve directors of IPV shelter, criminal justice, and other advocacy services within a diverse, Midwestern metropolitan area were recruited to participate in in-depth, semi-structured interviews in June–August 2020. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Dedoose. Data were coded and analyzed through thematic analysis. Results: Four major themes, contextualized by COVID-19 and racial injustice, emerged from the data analysis: (1) IPV-related trends; (2) impact on IPV survivors, services, and agency morale; (3) inter-agency collaborations; and (4) future opportunities for innovative service delivery. Gaps and opportunities for developing culturally congruent, trauma-informed services were identified. Conclusion: Findings suggest that responsive and accessible IPV resources and associated advocacy services can make the difference between life and death for survivors.

Patterns of renal and splanchnic sympathetic vasomotor activity in an animal model of survival to experimental sepsis.

Sepsis causes long-term disability, such as immune dysfunction, neuropsychological disorders, persistent inflammation, catabolism, and immunosuppression, leading to a high risk of death in survivors, although the contributing factors of mortality are unknown. The purpose of this experimental study in rats was to examine renal (rSNA) and splanchnic (sSNA) sympathetic nerve activity, as well as baroreflex sensitivity, in acute and chronic post-sepsis periods. The rats were divided into two groups: control group with naïve Wistar rats and sepsis group with 2-mL intravenous inoculation of Escherichia coli at 108 CFU/mL. Basal mean arterial pressure, heart rate, rSNA, sSNA, and baroreflex sensitivity were evaluated in all groups at the acute (6 h) and chronic periods (1 and 3 months). Basal rSNA and sSNA were significantly reduced in the surviving rats, as was their baroreflex sensitivity, for both pressor and hypotensive responses, and this effect lasted for up to 3 months. A single episode of sepsis in rats was enough to induce long-term alterations in renal and splanchnic sympathetic vasomotor nerve activity, representing a possible systemic event that needs to be elucidated. These findings showed that post-sepsis impairment of sympathetic vasomotor response may be one of the critical components in the inability of sepsis survivors to respond effectively to new etiological illness factors, thereby increasing their risk of post-sepsis morbidity.

The role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging with T1 and T2 mapping in sudden cardiac death survivors

Abstract Background Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in the adult population is poorly studied, although determining its etiology is crucial for management and prognosis [1]. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is being increasingly utilized in SCD survivors [1,2]. The role of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging in patients with recent SCD and no significant coronary artery disease (CAD) is well established, but there is no data on the additive role of T1 and T2 mapping [1–3]. Purpose This is a retrospective study to assess the role of CMR including T1 and T2 mapping in SCD survivors. Methods Between 01/2016 and 12/2019, we retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent CMR on a Siemens Magnetom Avanto 1.5 T scanner within 4 weeks of SCD. CMR protocol included cine imaging, T1 and T2 mapping, and LGE imaging. Native and post-contrast myocardial T1 values were measured within the septum on the mid short axis (SAX) and extracellular volume fraction was calculated using the standard formula. T2 values were measured in six mid segments on the mid SAX map. Additional measurements were performed if long axis T2 maps were available. Clinical data, electrocardiography (ECG), transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), and left heart catheterization (LHC) were reviewed from the electronic health record. An ischemic evaluation was performed in 33 (94%) of patients. Results A total of 35 patients who underwent CMR for SCD were included for analysis (mean age 46.9±14.1 years; 20 (57%) male). SCD etiology was established based on clinical data, ECG, TTE, CCTA, and LHC in 9 (26%) patients. CMR provided the most probable SCD etiology in an additional 20 (57%) patients with T1 and T2 mapping abnormalities seen in 18 (51%) patients. Diagnoses determined by CMR included myocarditis (35%), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (CMP) (20%), left ventricular non-compaction CMP (15%), dilated CMP (10%), takotsubo CMP (5%), and myocardial infarction with non-obstructive CAD (15%) (Table, Figure). Elevated native T1 was seen in 15 (43%) (mean T1 1069±60 ms; site specific normal &amp;lt;1080 ms), elevated ECV in 16 (46%) (30±7%; site specific normal &amp;lt;29%), and elevated native T2 in 22 (63%) patients (65±10 ms; site specific normal &amp;lt;60 ms). LGE was present in 31 (89%) patients. The etiology of SCD remained unknown in 6 (17%) patients despite extensive testing including CMR. Conclusions CMR has significant diagnostic and prognostic value in assessing SCD etiology compared to non-CMR based evaluation. Myocarditis is a common underdiagnosed cause of SCD in adult patients well seen in a CMR protocol with T1 and T2 mapping. Myocardial inflammation monitoring in SCD survivors with serial CMRs using T1 and T2 mapping could influence clinical decision making by justifying pharmacotherapy modification and timing of ICD implantation. To conclude, CMR with T1 and T2 mapping provides high diagnostic yield in the investigation of SCD etiology. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

A Multicenter External Validation of a Score Model to Predict Risk of Events in Patients With Brugada Syndrome

A multivariate risk score model was proposed by Sieira et al in 2017 for sudden death in Brugada syndrome; their validation in 150 patients was highly encouraging, with a C-index of 0.81; however, this score is yet to be validated by an independent group. A total of 192 records of patients with Brugada syndrome were collected from 2 centers in the United Kingdom and retrospectively scored according to a score model by Sieira et al. Data were compiled summatively over follow-up to mimic regular risk re-evaluation as per current guidelines. Sudden cardiac death survivor data were considered perievent to ascertain the utility of the score before cardiac arrest. Scores were compared with actual outcomes. Sensitivity in our cohort was 22.7%, specificity was 57.6%, and C-index was 0.58. In conclusion, up to 75% of cardiac arrest survivors in this cohort would not have been offered a defibrillator if evaluated before their event. This casts doubt on the utility of the score model for primary prevention of sudden death. Inherent issues with modern risk scoring strategies decrease the likelihood of success even in robustly designed tools such as the Sieira score model.

Major adverse cardiovascular events in survivors of immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in survivors of immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP), but the epidemiology of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in iTTP survivors is unknown. We evaluated the prevalence and risk factors for MACE, defined as the composite of non-fatal or fatal myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and cardiac revascularization, during clinical remission in two large iTTP cohorts (Johns Hopkins University and Ohio State University). Of 181 patients followed for ≥ 3 months after recovery from acute iTTP, 28.6% had a MACE event over a median follow up of 7.6 years. Stroke was the most common type of MACE (18.2%), followed by non-fatal MI (6.6%), cardiac revascularization (4.9%) and fatal MI (0.6%). Compared to the general United States population, iTTP survivors were younger at first stroke in remission (males [56.5 years vs. 68.6 years, p=0.031], females [49.7 years vs. 72.9 years, p < 0.001]) or MI in remission (males [56.5 years vs. 65.6 years, p < 0.001] and females [53.1 years vs. 72.0 years, p < 0.001]). Age (HR 1.03 [95% CI 1.002-1.054]), race (Black/Other vs. White) (HR 2.32 [95% CI 1.12-4.82]), and diabetes mellitus (HR 2.37 [95% CI 1.09-0.03]) were associated with MACE in a Cox regression model also adjusted for sex, hypertension, obesity, hyperlipidemia, chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation, autoimmune disease, and relapsing iTTP. Remission ADAMTS13 activity was not significantly associated with MACE. In conclusion, iTTP survivors experience high rates of MACE and may benefit from aggressively screening for and managing cardiovascular risk factors.

Unique clinical features and long term follow up of survivors of sudden cardiac death in an Asian multicenter study

There has been no long-term clinical follow-up data of survivors or victims of sudden cardiac death (SCD). The Taiwan multi-center sudden arrhythmia death syndrome follow-up and clinical study (TFS-SADS) is a collaborative multi-center study with median follow-up time 43 months. In this cohort, the clinical characteristics of these SADS patients were compared with those with ischemic heart disease (IHD). In this SCD cohort, around half (42%) were patients with IHD, which was different from Caucasian SCD cohorts. Among those with normal heart, most had Brugada syndrome (BrS). Compared to those with SADS, patients with IHD were older, more males and more comorbidities, more arrhythmic death, and lower left ventricular ejection fraction. In the long-term follow-up, patients with SADS had a better survival than those with IHD (p < 0.001). In the Cox regression analysis to identify the independent predictors of mortality, older age, lower LVEF, prior myocardial infarction and history of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest were associated with higher mortality and beta blocker use and idiopathic ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia (IVF/IVT) with a better survival during follow-up. History of prior MI was associated with more arrhythmic death. Several distinct features of SCD were found in the Asia–Pacific region, such as higher proportion of SADS, poorer prognosis of LQTS and better prognosis of IVF/IVT. Patients with SADS had a better survival than those with IHD. For those with SADS, patients with channelopathy had a better survival than those with cardiomyopathy.

Science, Medicine, and the Anesthesiologist

Science, Medicine, and the Anesthesiologist

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent complete and partial upper airway obstructive events, resulting in intermittent hypoxemia, autonomic fluctuation, and sleep fragmentation. Approximately 34% and 17% of middle-aged men and women, respectively, meet the diagnostic criteria for OSA. Sleep disturbances are common and underdiagnosed among middle-aged and older adults, and the prevalence varies by race/ethnicity, sex, and obesity status. OSA prevalence is as high as 40% to 80% in patients with hypertension, heart failure, coronary artery disease, pulmonary hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and stroke. Despite its high prevalence in patients with heart disease and the vulnerability of cardiac patients to OSA-related stressors and adverse cardiovascular outcomes, OSA is often underrecognized and undertreated in cardiovascular practice. We recommend screening for OSA in patients with resistant/poorly controlled hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, and recurrent atrial fibrillation after either cardioversion or ablation. In patients with New York Heart Association class II to IV heart failure and suspicion of sleep-disordered breathing or excessive daytime sleepiness, a formal sleep assessment is reasonable. In patients with tachy-brady syndrome or ventricular tachycardia or survivors of sudden cardiac death in whom sleep apnea is suspected after a comprehensive sleep assessment, evaluation for sleep apnea should be considered. After stroke, clinical equipoise exists with respect to screening and treatment. Patients with nocturnally occurring angina, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, or appropriate shocks from implanted cardioverter-defibrillators may be especially likely to have comorbid sleep apnea. All patients with OSA should be considered for treatment, including behavioral modifications and weight loss as indicated. Continuous positive airway pressure should be offered to patients with severe OSA, whereas oral appliances can be considered for those with mild to moderate OSA or for continuous positive airway pressure-intolerant patients. Follow-up sleep testing should be performed to assess the effectiveness of treatment.

A randomized trial of exercise and diet on body composition in survivors of breast cancer with overweight or obesity.

Obesity increases the risk of cancer recurrence and death in survivors of breast cancer. This study tested the hypothesis that exercise alone, diet alone, and the combination of exercise plus diet reduce body weight and improve body composition in survivors of breast cancer. In this 2 × 2 factorial trial, 351 survivors of breast cancer with overweight or obesity were randomized to one of four treatment groups for 52weeks: control, exercise alone, diet alone, or exercise plus diet. Endpoints included body weight and body composition measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. After 52weeks, compared with control, diet alone [- 5.39kg (95% CI - 7.24, - 3.55);- 6.0% (95% CI - 8.0, - 3.9)] and exercise plus diet [- 6.68kg (95% CI - 8.46, - 4.90);- 7.4% (95% CI - 9.4, - 5.4)] reduced body weight; exercise alone did not change body weight. Compared with control, diet alone [- 3.59kg (95% CI - 5.00, - 2.17)] and exercise plus diet [- 4.28kg (95% CI - 5.71, - 2.84)] reduced fat mass; exercise alone did not change fat mass. Compared with control, diet alone [- 0.82kg (95% CI - 1.50, - 0.15)] and exercise plus diet [- 1.24kg (95% CI - 1.92, - 0.56)] reduced lean mass; exercise alone did not change lean mass. Compared with control, exercise alone, diet alone, and exercise plus diet did not change bone mineral density. In survivors of breast cancer with overweight or obesity, diet alone or diet plus exercise produced clinically meaningful weight loss at week 52. The majority of weight loss was fat mass.