Decrease In Early Mortality Research Articles

537 - Trends in AL Amyloidosis: Decrease in Early Mortality, Increase in Survival but Less AHCT: Single Center Experience

537 - Trends in AL Amyloidosis: Decrease in Early Mortality, Increase in Survival but Less AHCT: Single Center Experience

Improved Outcomes for Infants and Young Children Undergoing Lung Transplantation at Three Years of Age and Younger.

Rationale: Since its inception, older children and adolescents have predominated in pediatric lung transplantation. Most pediatric lung transplant programs around the world have transplanted few infants and young children. Early mortality after lung transplantation and inadequate donor organs have been perceived as limitations for success in lung transplantation at this age. Objectives: Our aim was to describe our experience in a large pediatric lung transplant program with respect to lung transplantation in infants and young children, focusing on diagnosis, waitlist, and mortality. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of infants and young children under 3 years of age at the time of transplant in our program from 2002 through 2020. Results: The patient cohort represented a severely morbid recipient group, with the majority hospitalized in the intensive care unit on mechanical ventilation just before transplantation. There was a marked heterogeneity of diagnoses distinct from diagnoses in an older cohort. Waitlist time was shorter than in older age cohorts. There was a decrease in early mortality, lowerincidence of allograft rejection, and satisfactory long-term survival in this age group compared with the older cohort and published experience. Severe viral infection was an important cause of early mortality after transplant. Nonetheless, survival is comparable to older patients, with better enduring survival in those who survive the early transplant period in more recent years. Conclusions: Carefully selected infants and young children with end-stage lung and pulmonary vascular disease are appropriate candidates for lung transplantation and are likely underserved by current clinical practice.

Remdesivir Decreases Mortality in COVID-19 Patients with Active Malignancy.

Simple SummaryPatients with active malignancies have an increased risk for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and high mortality from COVID-19. Additionally, due to the underlying immune deficiency, prolonged replication and a higher rate of escape mutations are seen. Thus, it is crucial to introduce direct antiviral agents, whereas there is only limited knowledge of their efficacy and optimal regimens mainly from small series in oncologic patients. In this real-world experience study, 252 patients with active malignancy were found among 4890 hospitalized patients for COVID-19. We have shown that patients with malignancy benefit from early remdesivir therapy, resulting in a decrease in 28-day in-hospital mortality by 80%. Factors independently associated with a worse prognosis include low glomerular filtration rate and low peripheral oxygen saturation at baseline. The results not only confirm the lifesaving effect of remdesivir in oncologic patients, but also underline the need to optimize therapy, including kidney protection and early oxygen therapy.Data on the use of remdesivir, the first antiviral agent against SARS-CoV-2, are limited in oncologic patients. We aimed to analyze contributing factors for mortality in patients with malignancies in the real-world CSOVID-19 study. In total, 222 patients with active oncological disorders were selected from a nationwide COVID-19 study of 4890 subjects. The main endpoint of the current study was the 28-day in-hospital mortality. Approximately half of the patients were male, and the majority had multimorbidity (69.8%), with a median age of 70 years. Baseline SpO2 < 85% was observed in 25%. Overall, 59 (26.6%) patients died before day 28 of hospitalization: 29% due to hematological, and 20% due to other forms of cancers. The only factor increasing the odds of death in the multivariable model was eGFR < 60 mL/min/m2 (4.621, p = 0.02), whereas SpO2 decreased the odds of death at baseline (0.479 per 5%, p = 0.002) and the use of remdesivir (0.425, p = 0.03). This study shows that patients with COVID-19 and malignancy benefit from early remdesivir therapy, resulting in a decrease in early mortality by 80%. The prognosis was worsened by low glomerular filtration rate and low peripheral oxygen saturation at baseline underlying the role of kidney protection and early hospitalization.

The association between helicopter emergency medical services and early casualty survival: a nationwide study.

Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) allow for shorter transport duration in long-distance evacuations and facilitate advanced en-route medical care access. Studies comparing HEMS with ground emergency medical services (GEMS), including the outcome of prehospital mortality, are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the association between HEMS and early mortality in Israel. A retrospective cohort study was conducted of the cross-referenced Israel Defense Forces Trauma Registry and Israel National Trauma Registry databases. Univariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between HEMS and early mortality, defined as mortality within 1 day of the injury. Regression analysis was further performed stratifying by event type (military or civilian) or type of injury (penetrating or nonpenetrating). A total of 2344 casualties were included in the study, of whom 756 (32.3%) were evacuated by air. Early mortality rates were 90/1588 (5.7%) and 37/756 (4.9%) in GEMS and HEMS groups, respectively. Regression analysis found no significant analysis between HEMS and early mortality [OR, 0.86 (95% CI, 0.57-1.26)]. Stratified by event type, a nonsignificant association between HEMS and early mortality was demonstrated for combat [OR, 1.69 (95% CI, 0.79-3.92)] and noncombat [OR, 0.73 (95% CI, 0.4-1.25)] events. HEMS was associated with decreased early mortality among casualties with a penetrating injury [OR, 0.59 (95% CI, 0.34-0.98)] but not associated with early mortality among casualties with a nonpenetrating injury [OR, 0.84 (95% CI, 0.43-1.52)]. HEMS was not associated with a decrease in early mortality among trauma casualties in this study encompassing the prehospital and hospital scenes. There was a positive trend and a decrease in mortality from penetrating injuries. Further research to ascertain which casualties benefit from HEMS is warranted and will allow for more precise use of this expensive resource.

Decrease in early mortality for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients in the Netherlands: a population-based study

Identification of risk factors for early mortality (EM) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients may contribute to different therapeutic approaches in patients at risk for EM. This population-based study aimed to assess trends in EM and risk factors for EM among MM patients diagnosed in the Netherlands. All MM patients, newly diagnosed between 1989 and 2018, were identified in the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Patients were categorized into three calendar periods (1989–1998, 1999–2008, 2009–2018) and into five age groups (≤65, 66–70, 71–75, 76–80, >80 years). EM was defined as death by any cause ≤180 days post-diagnosis. We included 28,328 MM patients (median age 70 years; 55% males). EM decreased from 22% for patients diagnosed in 1989–1998 to 13% for patients diagnosed in 2009–2018 (P < 0.01) and this decrease was observed among all age groups. Exact causes of death could not be elucidated. Besides patient’s age, we found that features related to a more aggressive disease presentation, and patient characteristics reflecting patients’ physical condition were predictive of EM. In summary, EM decreased from 1999 onwards. Nevertheless, EM remains high, especially for patients aged >70 years. Therefore, novel strategies should be explored to improve the outcome of patients at risk for EM.

Association of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act and early mortality following lung cancer surgery.

76 Background: Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act is associated with gains in health insurance coverage and a shift towards earlier stage diagnosis among patients with cancer. However, the association between Medicaid expansion and cancer mortality has not been well characterized. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of Medicaid expansion with changes in early mortality, defined as death within 30 days after major NSCLC surgery, among adults discharged following major surgery for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a setting where access to care is a major determinant of death. Methods: Of the 11,627 patients selected from the National Cancer Database who were aged 45-64 (more likely to be diagnosed and die from NSCLC and not age-eligible for Medicare coverage) and were discharged from the hospital following major surgery for treatment of NSCLC between 2009 and 2018, 7,294 patients lived in expansion states and 4,333 lived in non-expansion states. Differences-in-differences (DD) analyses were used to evaluate the impact of Medicaid expansion on early mortality pre-(2009- 2013) and post-ACA (2014- 2018). Results: Early mortality among patients discharged from the hospital following NSCLC surgery statistically significantly decreased from 2.4% pre-ACA to 0.8% post-ACA among patients in Medicaid expansion states (1.6 percentage point decrease, p &lt;.0001), but not in patients living in non-expansion states (from 2.1% to 1.6%, p = 0.2), leading to a DD of 1.1 percentage points (95% Confidence Interval = 0.1, 2.1; p = 0.03). Conclusions: This study found a decrease in early mortality following hospital discharge after NSCLC surgery post-ACA among patients living in Medicaid expansion states and no change in patients residing in non-expansion states. Medicaid expansion may be an effective strategy for improving access to care and cancer outcomes among older adults who are not age-eligible for Medicare.

Pediatric Glioma Outcomes: Predictors of Early Mortality

To assess the early mortality in pediatric glioma and identify predictors of early mortality, which may provide insight into the therapeutic strategies for children with a high risk of early mortality. We used SEER∗Stat 8.3.5 software to extract data of pediatric glioma from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Logistical regression to identify the independent factors in predicting early mortality. A total of 3035 male and 2741 female patients were enrolled in the present study. The death rates within 1 month and 3 months after diagnosis were 1.32% and 2.44%, respectively. Early mortality decreased significantly during the past 40 years. Our results showed that glioblastoma, anaplastic glioma, and oligodendroglioma were risk factors of early mortality for children diagnosed with glioma, whereas advanced age, gross total resection, radiation, and chemotherapy were associated with decreased early mortality. We found a decrease in early mortality during the past 40 years. The death rates within 1 month and 3 months after diagnosis were 1.32% and 2.44%, respectively. Age at diagnosis, histologic subtype, the extent of resection, chemotherapy, and radiation were associated with early mortality in pediatric glioma.

Trends in Mortality Rates from Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer between 2000 and 2015 in the Most Populous Capital Cities of the Five Regions of Brazil.

BackgroundIn many cities around the world, the mortality rate from cancer (CA) has exceeded that from disease of the circulatory system (DCS).ObjectivesTo compare the mortality curves from DCS and CA in the most populous capital cities of the five regions of Brazil.MethodsData of mortality rates from DCS and CA between 2000 and 2015 were collected from the Mortality Information System of Manaus, Salvador, Goiania, Sao Paulo and Curitiba, and categorized by age range into early (30-69 years) and late (≥ 70 years), and by gender of the individuals. Chapters II and IX of the International Classification of Diseases-10 were used for the analysis of causes of deaths. The Joinpoint regression model was used to assess the tendency of the estimated annual percentage change of mortality rate, and the Monte Carlo permutation test was used to detect when changes occurred. Statistical significance was set at 5%.ResultsThere was a consistent decrease in early and late mortality from DCS in both genders in the cities studied, except for late mortality in men in Manaus. There was a tendency of decrease of mortality rates from CA in São Paulo and Curitiba, and of increase in the rates from CA in Goiania. In Salvador, there was a decrease in early mortality from CA in men and women and an increase in late mortality in both genders.ConclusionThere was a progressive and marked decrease in the mortality rate from DCS and a maintenance or slight increase in CA mortality in the five capital cities studied. These phenomena may lead to the intersection of the curves, with predominance of mortality from CA (old and new cases).

Risk Adjustment in ALPPS Is Associated With a Dramatic Decrease in Early Mortality and Morbidity.

To longitudinally assess whether risk adjustment in Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy (ALPPS) occurred over time and is associated with postoperative outcome. ALPPS is a novel 2-stage hepatectomy enabling resection of extensive hepatic tumors. ALPPS has been criticized for its high mortality, which is reported beyond accepted standards in liver surgery. Therefore, adjustments in patient selection and technique have been performed but have not yet been studied over time in relation to outcome. ALPPS centers of the International ALPPS Registry having performed ≥10 cases over a period of ≥3 years were assessed for 90-day mortality and major interstage complications (≥3b) of the longitudinal study period from 2009 to 2015. The predicted prestage 1 and 2 mortality risks were calculated for each patient. In addition, questionnaires were sent to all centers exploring center-specific risk adjustment strategies. Among 437 patients from 16 centers, a shift in indications toward colorectal liver metastases from 53% to 77% and a reverse trend in biliary tumors from 24% to 9% were observed. Over time, 90-day mortality decreased from initially 17% to 4% in 2015 (P = 0.002). Similarly, major interstage complications decreased from 10% to 3% (P = 0.011). The reduction of 90-day mortality was independently associated with a risk adjustment in patient selection (P < 0.001; OR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.36-1.93) and using less invasive techniques in stage-1 surgery (P = 0.019; OR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.18-0.86). A survey indicated risk adjustment of patient selection in all centers and ALPPS technique in the majority (80%) of centers. Risk adjustment of patient selection and technique in ALPPS resulted in a continuous drop of early mortality and major postoperative morbidity, which has meanwhile reached standard outcome measures accepted for major liver surgery.

Reduction in early mortality on antiretroviral therapy for adults in rural South Africa since change in CD4+ cell count eligibility criteria.

To explore the impact of expanded eligibility criteria for antiretroviral therapy (ART) on median CD4⁺ cell count at ART initiation and early mortality on ART. Analyses included all adults (≥16 years) initiated on first-line ART between August 2004 and July 2012. CD4⁺ cell count threshold 350 cells per microliter for all adults was implemented in August 2011. Early mortality was defined as any death within 91 days of ART initiation. Trends in baseline CD4⁺ cell count and early mortality were examined by year (August to July) of ART initiation. Competing risks analysis was used to examine early mortality. A total of 19,080 adults (67.6% female) initiated ART. Median CD4⁺ cell count at ART initiation was 110-120 cells per microliter over the first 6 years, increasing marginally to 145 cells per microliter in 2010-2011 and more significantly to 199 cells per microliter in 2011-2012. Overall, there were 875 deaths within 91 days of ART initiation; early mortality rate was 19.4 per 100 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI) 18.2 to 20.7]. After adjustment for sex, age, baseline CD4⁺ cell count, and concurrent tuberculosis (TB), there was a 46% decrease in early mortality for those who initiated ART in 2011-2012 compared with the reference period 2008-2009 (subhazard ratio, 0.54; 95% CI: 0.41 to 0.71). Since the expansion of eligibility criteria, there is evidence of earlier access to ART and a significant reduction in early mortality rate in this primary health care programme. These findings provide strong support for national ART policies and highlight the importance of earlier ART initiation for achieving reductions in HIV-related mortality.

Trends in mortality (1975-2011) after one- and two-stage Fontan surgery, including bidirectional Glenn through Fontan completion

Techniques and strategies in the Fontan procedure have evolved over the years, including the evolution from a one- to two-stage procedure. With such adjustments made, attention should shift towards survival analysis, including bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt (BCPS) and interstage mortality. The purpose of this study was to investigate the trends in the overall mortality of all patients who underwent a BCPS or one-stage Fontan procedure at our institution in the period of 1975-2011. Using a single-institution, retrospective design, we reviewed the patient records of 203 patients from the University Medical Center Groningen, Netherlands, who underwent a Fontan procedure or a BCPS (with the intention to complete cavopulmonary connection at a second later stage) between 1975 and 2011. Trends in mortality were investigated by comparing survival rates during four consecutive decades (1975-84; 1985-94; 1995-2004; 2005-11), and predictors for mortality were identified. During a mean follow-up of 12 years, survival was 69%. Overall mortality declined significantly during the past decades (P = 0.017). This was driven by a decrease in early mortality (P = 0.016), whereas no changes in late mortality could be demonstrated. Multivariate analyses identified a diagnosis of heterotaxy (P = 0.049) and an atriopulmonary connection type of Fontan circulation (P = 0.015) as independent risk factors for overall mortality. We demonstrate that, with the inclusion of first-stage and interstage mortality also, overall survival after Fontan procedures improved over time. This improvement, however, is mainly caused by a decline in early mortality. Improvement in long-term survival of patients operated on over the past four decades could not (yet) be demonstrated in this series.

The results of the International Consortium on Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: a 'proof of concept' of networking as a strategy to improve the outcome of treatment of hematological malignancies in developing countries.

The results of the International Consortium on Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: a 'proof of concept' of networking as a strategy to improve the outcome of treatment of hematological malignancies in developing countries.

Bone Loss and Avascular Necrosis of Bone After Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Advances in transplantation technology and supportive care measures have resulted in significant decrease in early mortality resulting in continued growth in the number of long-term hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) survivors. The intensity of chemotherapy and total body irradiation regimen used pretransplantation to eradicate the primary disease can lead to organ toxicities, including significant bone complications after HCT. Bone loss is frequent in HCT recipients and results from impaired bone mineralization through disturbances of calcium and vitamin D homeostasis, osteoblast and osteoclast dysfunction, and deficiencies in growth or gonadal hormone secretion. Exposure to glucocorticoids and calcineurin inhibitors for prevention and treatment of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) represents one of the major causes for the increased risk of osteoporosis and avascular necrosis of bone (AVN) in recipients of allogeneic HCT. In this article we review the incidence, pathogenesis, and risk factors for osteoporosis and AVN after allogeneic HCT and discuss general guidelines for their treatment and monitoring based on the limited available reports.

Coagulation management in massive bleeding

To update readers on recent literature regarding treatment of coagulopathy for patients with life-threatening bleeding, highlighting emerging therapeutic options, controversial topics, and ongoing clinical trials. Massive transfusion protocols featuring immediate availability of blood products and multidisciplinary communication reduce mortality and conserve resources. There is a growing consensus that immediate administration of plasma and platelet units in a 1: 1: 1 ratio with red cell units reduces early mortality. Lyophilized and recombinant blood product components may have advantages over traditional blood products in certain clinical circumstances. Massive transfusion protocols standardize treatment of the coagulopathy of massive bleeding, leading to rapid restoration of hemostasis and decrease in early mortality.

Improved Survival of Children and Adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease.

The survival of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) has improved over the past several decades, especially for very young children. However, we know less about mortality during adolescence, and we do not accurately know the current proportion of children born with SCD who survive to adulthood. The first report from the Dallas Newborn Cohort (DNC), which included follow-up through June 2002, estimated overall survival at 18 years of age to be 85.6% (95% C.I.: 73.4 – 97.8) for individuals with sickle cell anemia (SS) or sickle-β0-thalassemia (Sβ0) (Blood 2004; 103:4023–7). The confidence interval of this estimate was wide because only 8 cohort subjects were 18 years old at the time. Here we update the survival analysis with 5 more years of accrual and follow-up to provide an accurate, contemporary estimate of mortality for patients with SCD through 18 years of age. The DNC includes all individuals with SS, Sβ0, sickle-hemoglobin C disease (SC), or sickle-β+-thalassemia (Sβ+) who were diagnosed by the newborn screening program of Texas (initiated November 1, 1983) and seen at least once in our center. Subjects were analyzed in two separate groups because of clinical similarity: SS/Sβ0 and SC/Sβ+. Overall survival was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Subjects were censored at the time of their last clinical encounter. Between July 2002 and July 2007 we identified 229 new members of the DNC and added 3,201 additional patient-years of follow-up. The cohort now includes 940 subjects (572 SS, 284 SC, 63 Sβ+, 21 Sβ0; 52.8% male), and it provides a total of 8,857 patient-years of follow-up (5,819 SS/Sβ0 patient-years, 3,039 SC/Sβ+ patient-years). Mean follow-up is 9.4 years (range 0.1– 20.6 years), and 97 subjects are now at least 18 years of age at last follow-up. To date, 92 subjects (9.8%) have been lost to follow-up (not seen for >5 years), and 33 subjects have died (30 SS/Sβ0, 3 SC/Sβ+). There were 7 new deaths in DNC patients since 2002, all of which occurred in patients who were 18 years of age or older. Of all deaths, 23 were SCD-related (5 acute chest syndrome, 5 sepsis, 4 multi-organ failure syndrome, 9 other), and 10 were apparently unrelated to SCD (4 trauma or accidental death, 6 unrelated medical conditions). All SC/Sβ+ deaths were apparently unrelated to SCD. Overall survival at 18 years was 93.9% (95% C.I. 90.3 – 96.2; 81 patients > 18 years of age) for SS/Sβ0 subjects and 98.4% (95% C.I. 94.4 – 99.5; 16 patients > 18 years) for SC/Sβ+ subjects. The overall incidence of death in the SS/Sβ0 and SC/Sβ+ subgroups was 0.52 and 0.10 per 100 patient-years, decreased from 0.59 and 0.24 in the original DNC analysis. Survival also appears to be improving across cohort eras (Figure). In conclusion, approximately 6% of children with SS or Sβ0 die during childhood, but almost all children with SC or Sβ+ live to become adults. Although early childhood mortality has greatly decreased, we show that many adolescents and young adults still die from SCD. Notably, acute chest syndrome and multi-organ failure have now surpassed sepsis as the leading causes of death. These data provide the accurate, contemporary foundation for the counseling of parents of newborns with SCD and for genetic counseling for prospective parents. Finally, given the marked decrease in early mortality we show here, new efforts to improve survival in SCD should focus on adolescents and young adults. [Display omitted]

Improved early results after heart valve surgery over the last decade.

This study was undertaken to investigate time trends in early mortality, morbidity and clinical characteristics of patients undergoing heart valve surgery over the last decade. A regional, prospectively collected, study comprising all patients (2,327) undergoing valve surgery in a defined geographical area from January 1990 to December 1999 was conducted. Data were collected from 1,746 patients submitted to aortic valve replacement (AVR), 432 to mitral valve replacement (MVR), 78 to double valve replacement (DVR) and 71 to mitral valve repairs. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for early mortality. Time trends of early mortality, morbidity and clinical characteristics were analysed. The total early mortality rate was 5.9%; for AVR it was 4.8%, MVR 9%, DVR 14% and mitral valve repair 1.4%. The risk factor profiles for early mortality were similar in all groups of valve interventions, with shock, age over 70 years and advanced NYHA class as the strongest risk factors. There was a decrease in early mortality over the period which remained after correction for risk factors. The proportion of patients over 70 years of age and of patients with diabetes increased, whereas other risk factors were not altered during the study period. It is confirmed that early risks for death after heart valve surgery have decreased. This improvement was consistent after adjustment for risk factors.

Predictors of outcome after the Fontan operation: Is hypoplastic left heart syndrome still a risk factor?

Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate factors contributing to a decrease in early mortality and morbidity after the Fontan procedure between January 1, 1992, and December 31, 1999. Methods: Outcomes evaluated were early survival, duration of pleural effusions, and duration of hospitalization. Potential predictors evaluated included anatomic diagnosis, presence of a common atrioventricular valve, preoperative pulmonary artery pressure, type of Fontan operation, type of intentional right-to-left shunt or baffle fenestration, and use of modified ultrafiltration. Results: The modified Fontan procedure was performed in 332 patients at a median age of 22 months (range, 11-380 months) and a median weight of 11 kg (range, 5.8-120 kg). Prior stage I reconstructive surgery for classic or variant hypoplastic left heart syndrome had been performed in 205 (53%) of 332 patients, and 318 (96%) had undergone an interim superior cavopulmonary connection. A lateral-tunnel Fontan operation was performed in 281 patients, and an extracardiac conduit Fontan operation was performed in 51 patients. An intentional right-to-left shunt was created in 298 (90%) patients. Between 1992 and 1999, the outcome after the modified Fontan operation improved significantly. Overall mortality was 6.6% (22/332), with only 2 deaths since 1994. Morbidity was also reduced, with a decreased duration of pleural effusions and decreased hospital stay. In a multivariable analysis of the entire cohort, only the presence of a common atrioventricular valve (odds ratio, 7.64; 95% confidence limits, 2.07-28.14; P = .0002) and increased preoperative pulmonary artery pressure (odds ratio, 1.46/1 mm Hg increase; 95% confidence limits, 1.2-1.78; P < .001) increased the risk of early death, whereas use of a single-punch fenestration in a lateral-tunnel Fontan (odds ratio, 0.06; 95% confidence limits, 0.01-0.65; P = .02) and use of modified ultrafiltration (odds ratio, 0.14; 95% confidence limits, 0.03-0.72; P = .019) decreased the risk of death. The risk of prolonged pleural effusions (>3 days) was increased in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (odds ratio, 1.73; 95% confidence limits, 1.07-2.81; P = .03) and was decreased by use of a single-punch fenestration in a lateral-tunnel Fontan operation (odds ratio, 0.17; 95% confidence limits, 0.07-0.4; P < .001), as well as by the use of modified ultrafiltration (odds ratio, 0.25; 95% confidence limits, 0.15-0.40; P < .01). Conclusions: In a contemporary series of Fontan operations performed largely in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome or variants, systemic ventricle morphology had no effect on mortality. Some patient characteristics, however, continue to influence outcome. The decrease in mortality and morbidity in the current era is attributed to changes in management strategies, specifically the use of modified ultrafiltration and baffle fenestration.

Nest Predation and Avian Life-History Evolution in Europe Versus North America: A Possible Role of Humans?

Life-history theory predicts that decreased mortality in early life can favor increased fecundity and reduced iteroparity. Similar to other causes of environmental variation, modification of the environment by humans potentially can change age-specific mortality and, hence, affect life-history evolution. Forests were removed throughout western Europe long ago, and nest predation (early mortality) is reduced in human-settled environments there, whereas nest predation is generally increased in areas settled by humans in North America. We controlled statistically for effects of body size and phylogeny and compared songbirds (Passeriformes) of Europe to those of North America and found that nest predation was lower in Europe. Associated with this decrease in early mortality in Europe, fecundity was increased and iteroparity was reduced via decreased adult survival rates, as predicted by theory. Moreover, continental differences were greater for species that were more vulnerable to nest predation (open-nesting...

Early mortality after surgical repair of postinfarction ventricular septal rupture: Importance of rupture location

The aim of this study was to identify factors influencing early outcome after surgical treatment of postinfarction ventricular septal rupture. We investigated the influence of proximal or distal rupture location. Between 1980 and 1992 109 patients were treated surgically for ventricular septal rupture using a standardized technique. A division in time periods was made. The rupture was categorized according to its anterior or posterior site and proximal or distal location. The 30-day mortality rate was 27.5%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified preoperative shock (p = 0.0007) and right atrial oxygen saturation less than 60% (p = 0.021) as predictors for early death; the risk for early death declined over the time periods from 50% to 12.8% (p = 0.0007). Proximal ventricular septal rupture location (p = 0.0092) and interval between infarction and ventricular septal rupture less then 1 day (p = 0.034) were risk factors for the occurrence of preoperative shock. Proximal ventricular septal rupture location was the main determinant of preoperative cardiogenic shock, which in turn was the strongest predictor of early mortality. Over the time periods a decrease in early mortality was reached.

Type A aortic dissection: diagnosis and management of malperfusion phenomena.

A cute type A aortic dissection (AAD-A) remains one of the challenges of cardiovascular medicine. The decrease in early mortality resulting from technical inadequacies in the repair of the diseased aorta has enabled dissection-induced obstruction of aortic branches to emerge as a more prominent complication. It is the purpose of this study to point out the underlying mechanisms, and to delineate the diagnosis and treatment of the resulting malperfusion phenomena. Since 1978,100 patients have been operated on for AAD-A at our institution. The incidence of early mortality has decreased from 46% during the first 6 years of our experience, to 19% in the more recent 6-year period, demonstrating the results of a sometimes painful learning process. Figure 1 compares the sources of early mortality in the two time periods. The incidence of fatal intraoperative hemorrhage has decreased from 11% to 6%, but obviously has not been entirely eliminated. Malperfusion phenomena accounted for 11% of the deaths in the earlier period, and 5% in the more recent interval The proportion of other fatal events, including irreversible cardiac failure from pericardial tamponade, multiorgan damage, and infection, has dropped significantly from 25% to 6%. Malperfusion phenomena were diagnosed in 39 instances among 29 of our 100 patients (Fig 2). They affected the myocardium in 6, the central nervous system in 17, and the viscera in 7 patients, while the extremities were affected in 9 cases. Eleven patients ultimately died of these complications, and one individual has a persistent neurological deficit.