Frequent Etiology Research Articles

Sports-related sudden cardiac arrest in young adults.

Data on sports-related sudden cardiac arrest (SrSCA) among young adults in the general population are scarce. We aimed to determine the overall SrSCA incidence, characteristics, and outcomes in young adults. Prospective cohort study of all cases of SrSCA between 2012 and 2019 in Germany and Paris area, France, involving subjects aged 18-35 years. Detection of SrSCA was achieved via multiple sources, including emergency medical services (EMS) reporting and web-based screening of media releases. Cases and aetiologies were centrally adjudicated. Overall, a total of 147 SrSCA (mean age 28.1 ± 4.8 years, 95.2% males) occurred, with an overall burden of 4.77 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.85-6.68] cases per million-year, including 12 (8.2%) cases in young competitive athletes. While bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated in 114 (82.6%), automated external defibrillator (AED) use by bystanders occurred only in a minority (7.5%). Public AED use prior to EMS arrival (odds ratio 6.25, 95% CI 1.48-43.20, P = 0.02) was the strongest independent predictor of survival at hospital discharge (38.1%). Among cases that benefited from both immediate bystander CPR and AED use, survival rate was 90.9%. Coronary artery disease was the most frequent aetiology (25.8%), mainly through acute coronary syndrome (86.9%). Sports-related sudden cardiac arrest in the young occurs mainly in recreational male sports participants. Public AED use remains disappointingly low, although survival may reach 90% among those who benefit from both bystander CPR and early defibrillation. Coronary artery disease is the most prevalent cause of SrSCA in young adults.

Comparative prognostic value of parameters of right ventricular pulsatile afterload in patients with advanced heart failure awaiting heart transplantation

Abstract Background Right ventricular (RV) function demonstrated a strong impact on survival of patients with advanced heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). In particular, increased RV pulsatile afterload (RVPA) was associated with poor prognosis. Several right heart catheterization-derived parameters have been proposed to characterize RVPA, including pulmonary artery compliance (PAC), elastance (PAE) and pulsatile index (PAPi). However, among these indices, the best prognostic indicator is undetermined. Purpose To assess the prognostic relevance of RVPA parameters in patients with advanced HFrEF evaluated for heart transplantation. Methods 149 patients with end-stage HFrEF underwent right heart catheterization during the evaluation for heart transplantation. All patients were clinically followed up until death or any censoring events including heart transplantation, left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and hospitalization for acute heart failure. Cox regression and ROC-curve analysis were used to test the prognostic value of RVPA determinants. Multivariate regression models with C-statistics were used to test the independent predictive value of RVPA indices. Results The mean age of the study population was 56.6±10.1 years and 85.2% were male. The most frequent aetiology of HFrEF was ischemic cardiomyopathy (52.3%). Mean LV ejection fraction was 25.7±10.2%. During a mean follow up time of 17±15 months, 29 (19.5%) patients met the primary endpoint: 9 (6%) patients died, 4 (2.68%) patients underwent an urgent heart transplantation, 11 (7.3%) patients underwent urgent LVAD implantation (as bridge to transplantation therapy) and 5 (3.3%) were hospitalized for HF. Patients who met the primary endpoint were significantly older patients (61.2±7.8 vs 55.4±10.2, p=0.006) and with worse hemodynamic profile than event-free survivors (PAC [1.8±0.8 vs. 2.7±2.0, p=0.01], mPAP [33.5±11.3 vs. 29.3±11.0, p=0.05], PVR [3.0±1.6 vs. 2.6±2.0, p=0.09] and PAE [1.12±0.5 vs. 0.98±0.6, p=0.04]). Among the RVPA parameters PAC<1.9 mL/mmHg (HR 4.0, CI 1.3–6.0, p=0.007) and PAE>0.9 mmHg/mL (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1–5.2, p=0.02) were associated with the primary endpoint. On the contrary, PAPi was not significantly associated with the outcome. PAC demonstrated a superior predictive value for the composite adverse outcome compared with pulmonary vascular resistances (PVR) (AUC comparison p=0.019) and PAPi (p=0.03) but similar compared with PAE (p=0.19) and mPAP (p=0.51). In multivariable regression models, PAC, but not PAE showed incremental prognostic value compared with cardiac index (p=0.02). Conclusions Hemodynamic indices of RVPA are associated with worse survival in patients with end-stage heart failure. In particular, PAC and PAE demonstrated superior prognostic value compared with PAPi and steady-state PVR. Moreover, PAC showed incremental prognostic value compared with cardiac index in patients awaiting heart transplantation. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

IMPACT OF EARLY APPLICATION OF VA-ECMO INTEGRATED CONTINUOUS CYTOKINE HEMOADSORPTION ON OUTCOME OF REFRACTORY CARDIOGENIC SHOCK

IMPACT OF EARLY APPLICATION OF VA-ECMO INTEGRATED CONTINUOUS CYTOKINE HEMOADSORPTION ON OUTCOME OF REFRACTORY CARDIOGENIC SHOCK

Clinical, Etiological and Neuroimaging Profile in Children with Microcephaly Under Five Years of Age

Objective: To describe the clinical, etiological and neuroimaging profile of children with microcephaly at a tertiary care children hospital of Karachi Study Design: Cross sectional study Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at neurology outpatient department of National institute of child health (NICH) Karachi from 1st December 2020 to 30th November 2021. Methodology: Patients with microcephaly who presented to outpatient department of National Institute of Child Health (NICH) Karachi were included. Clinical history and physical examination findings were recorded in proforma and neuroimaging was done in all patients including computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of brain. Data entry and analysis was done in SPSS 25.0. Results: Total 130 children were enrolled with mean age was 7.17 ±7.1 (range 1-41) months of which male were 57(43.5%) and females were 74(56.5%). Mean weight was 7.74 ±2.9 kg. Mean FOC was 40.6 ±3.3 (range 33-49) cm. common clinical symptoms for presentation were seizures 95 (73%) and developmental delay 95 (73%). Most frequent etiology was birth asphyxia 60 (46%), and neuroimaging shows brain atrophy in 32 (24%). Conclusion: In our study common cause of microcephaly was cerebral palsy and was commonly associated with of epilepsy, developmental delay, hearing and vision problems. Further plans are needed for prevention of perinatal asphyxia by regular antenatal checkups and delivery by trained person with co-ordination between pediatrician and obstetrics along with early identification of danger signs, which may improve outcome and prevent lifelong disabilities Keywords: Microcephaly; developmental delay; seizures.

Ischemia as a common trigger for Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer’s disease has various potential etiologies, all culminating in the accumulation of beta -amyloid derivatives and significant cognitive decline. Vascular-related pathology is one of the more frequent etiologies, especially in persons older than 65 years, as vascular risk factors are linked to both cerebrovascular disease and the development of AD. The vascular patho-mechanism includes atherosclerosis, large and small vessel arteriosclerosis, cortical and subcortical infarcts, white matter lesions, and microbleeds. These insults cause hypoperfusion, tissue ischemia, chronic inflammation, neuronal death, gliosis, cerebral atrophy, and accumulation of beta-amyloid and phosphorylated tau proteins. In preclinical studies, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been shown to reverse brain ischemia, and thus alleviate inflammation, reverse the accumulation of beta-amyloid, induce regeneration of axonal white matter, stimulate axonal growth, promote blood–brain barrier integrity, reduce inflammatory reactions, and improve brain performance. In this perspective article we will summarize the patho-mechanisms induced by brain ischemia and their contribution to the development of AD. We will also review the potential role of interventions that aim to reverse brain ischemia, and discuss their relevance for clinical practice.

Acute Abdomen Secondary to Giant Cecal Diverticulum

Cecal diverticulum presenting with acute abdomen is a rare entity, representing for surgeons a challenging preoperatory diagnosis, due to its low incidence and similarity with other frequent etiologies for abdominal pain. This is a case of a patient presenting to the emergency room with acute abdomen and absence of the risk factors described for this disease, with a successful management and outcome.

Monocentric retrospective clinical outcome in a group of 13 patients with opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome, proposal of diagnostic algorithm and review of the literature.

Dancing eye syndrome or opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome (OMS) is a very rare disease (incidence <1/5,000,000 per year), which is more prevalent in young children. Although it is not usually a cause of mortality, the aftermaths are not rare. We performed an observational retrospective review of children diagnosed with OMS in our neuropediatric department from 1996 to 2020, with the objective of assessing the prognostic value of initial clinical features. All medical data from diagnosis to last follow-up were reviewed. We defined unfavorable evolution of OMS as persistence or worsening of symptoms. Subsequently, based on a literature review, our results and experience, a diagnostic algorithm was developed. A total of 13 OMS patients were included: 61.5% were male (n=8), median age at diagnosis was 18 months (IR=76), median treatment delay was 14 days (IR=146) and OMS score at onset was 8 (IR=11). The most frequent etiologies were neuroblastoma-associated and idiopathic OMS (38.46%; n=5) of the patients, followed by post-infectious OMS (n=3). All the patients were treated with corticosteroids, five required a surgical intervention (neuroblastoma group), and three required adjunctive immune therapy (immunoglobulins, cyclophosphamide and/or rituximab). We detected neurodevelopmental disorders in 38.46% (n=5) of the patients, mainly attention deficit (n=4), and persistent sleep disturbances (n=4). The median OMS score at the end of follow-up was 1 (IR=3). An important diagnostic delay, OMS score of ≥10 and age >1 year at onset may correlate with a higher risk of aftermaths. We detected a better prognosis in the post-infectious OMS, with full recovery occurring in 2/3 of patients. Early clinical suspicion is key to guarantee maximum response of treatment.

Cervical Artery Dissections: Etiopathogenesis and Management.

Cervical Artery Dissection (CeAD) is a frequent stroke etiology for patients younger than 50 years old. The most common immediate complications related to CeAD are headache and neck pain (65–95%), TIA/ischemic stroke (>50%), and partial Horner’s syndrome (25%). The prevailing hypothesis regarding the pathogenesis of sCeAD is that the underlying constitutional vessel wall weakness of patients with sCeAD is genetically determined and that environmental factors could act as triggers. The stroke prevention treatment of CeAD remains controversial, involving anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy and potentially emergent stenting and/or thrombectomy or angioplasty for selected cases of carotid artery dissection with occlusion. The treatment of headache associated with CeAD depends on the headache phenotype and comorbidities. Radiographically, more than 75% of CeAD cases present with occlusion or non-occlusive stenosis. Many patients demonstrate partial and complete healing, more commonly in the carotid arteries. One-fifth of the patients develop dissecting pseudoaneurysm, but this is a benign clinical entity with an extremely low rupture and stroke recurrence risk. Good recovery is achieved in many CeAD cases, and mortality remains low. Family history of CeAD, connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV, and fibromuscular dysplasia are risk factors for recurrent CeAD, which can occur in 3–9% of the cases. This review serves as a comprehensive, updated overview of CeAD, emphasizing etiopathogenesis and management.

312.4: Surgical Management of Portal Venous Thrombosis in Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation Proposed of an Algorithm

Introduction: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is common in patients with liver cirrhosis, undergoing liver transplantation (LT); In our environment, this is the first publication with an emphasis on results and surgical strategies.Objectives: It was to review the casuistry of the Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen National Hospital, determine characteristics, types of PVT and surgical management. Materials and Methods: The medical records of cirrhotic patients undergoing LT who presented PVT between March 2000 and June 2021 were analyzed. During this period, 304 liver transplants were performed in 285 patients, 256 adults and 29 pediatric patients; the latter were excluded. Results: We found 46 patients with PVT (17.9%), diagnosed before and during LT, none of malignant aetiology; The most frequent etiologies of cirrhosis were non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (37.4%), alcoholic steatohepatitis (22%), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) (11%), hepatitis B virus (HBV) (7.4%) and others (11.5%). According to the Yerdel Classification, we find: Grade I: 22 (48%), Grade II: 15 (32.5%), Grade III: 6 (13%) and Grade IV: 3 (6.5%). The surgical strategies used were: thrombectomy in 40 (87.1%); Cavoportal hemitransposition in 2 (4.3%), reno-portal anastomosis with vein graft interposition in 2 (4.3%) and thrombovenectomy plus vein graft interposition in 2 (4.3%). In 3 cases there were re-PVTs (6.5%). We observed that PVT decreased patient survival after LT: One year (81.2%), 3 years (78.4%) and 5 years (78.4%) compared to patients without PVT at 1 year (84.6%) 3 years (82.3%) and 5 years (82.3%). Conclusion: Cirrhotic patients with PVT were clinically more decompensated, survival decreased with a higher degree of PVT. Surgical conduct was similar to other transplant centers; early diagnosis was essential to take an early surgical approach and reduce morbidity and mortality after liver transplantation. A management algorithm for portal vein thrombosis before liver transplantation is proposed. Key words: Portal Vein Thrombosis, Liver Transplantation, Yerdel Classification, Surgical Strategy.

211.7: Is Pulse Oximetry a Good Screening Test for Hepatopulmonary Syndrome in Liver Transplant Candidates?

Background: Pulse oximetry with oxygen saturation (SpO2) ≤96% is recommended as a screening test to identify patients (pts) with severe hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) to be eligible for MELD exceptions. However, diagnosis of milder forms requires contrast-enhanced echocardiography (CE-TTE) and arterial blood gas (ABG). Goals: 1) To investigate the prevalence of intrapulmonary vascular dilatations (IPVD) and HPS in pts with cirrhosis evaluated for liver transplantation (OLT) and 2) To compare the results of SpO2 with ABG measurements. Methods: The study included 972 consecutive pts (2013-2021) who completed pre-OLT evaluation including CE-TTE, SpO2 and ABG. IPVD was defined as the appearance of microbubbles in the left heart within 3-5 cardiac cycles and HPS by an alveolar arterial O2 gradient ≥ 15 mm Hg or ≥ 20 if age > 64 and absence of pulmonary chronic diseases. HPS was considered as mild, moderate or severe according to PaO2 (>80, 60-80 and <60 respectively). Results: The prevalence of IPVD was 15.4% (150/972) and of HPS 7.8% (76/972). Age of pts with HPS was 47±3 years (57% males) and MELD-Na 17± 1.HCV, alcoholism and autoimmune hepatitis were the most frequent etiologies of cirrhosis (22% each). Among pts with HPS 59 (78%) were mild (PaO2 108 ±22), 13 (17%) moderate (73 ±4) and 4 severe (55.5±3). SpO2 was ≤96% in 26% (20/76), 15% in mild (9/59), 54% in moderate (8/13) and 100% in severe (4/4) HPS. Unexpectedly, of 20 pts with Spo2 ≤96% only 4 had PaO2 <60 mmHg. Conclusions: Universal testing with CE-TTE followed by ABG in patients with cirrhosis evaluated for OLT resulted in a lower prevalence than reported of HPS, most likely due to the preponderance of mild clinical forms with normal SpO2. Using the recommended cut-off value of Spo2 ≤96% we found a poor correlation between pulse oximetry and ABG measurement.

Contribution of Oxidative Stress (OS) in Calcific Aortic Valve Disease (CAVD): From Pathophysiology to Therapeutic Targets.

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a major cause of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, with increased prevalence and incidence. The underlying mechanisms behind CAVD are complex, and are mainly illustrated by inflammation, mechanical stress (which induces prolonged aortic valve endothelial dysfunction), increased oxidative stress (OS) (which trigger fibrosis), and calcification of valve leaflets. To date, besides aortic valve replacement, there are no specific pharmacological treatments for CAVD. In this review, we describe the mechanisms behind aortic valvular disease, the involvement of OS as a fundamental element in disease progression with predilection in AS, and its two most frequent etiologies (calcific aortic valve disease and bicuspid aortic valve); moreover, we highlight the potential of OS as a future therapeutic target.

Cardio-renal benefits of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease: experience in daily clinical practice

BackgroundThe association between cardiac complications, such as heart failure (HF), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is well known. In this study, we examined the effectiveness and safety of treatment with neprilysin inhibition in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (stage 3b-4).MethodsThis single-centre, longitudinal, retrospective study of 31 months duration involved consecutive patients with CKD and HF with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who started treatment with sacubitril/valsartan. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), cardiovascular risk factors, proteinuria, potassium, echocardiographic parameters and admissions for heart failure were analysed.ResultsThe study comprised 25 patients with a median age of 73.2 ± 5.9 years. The most frequent aetiology of heart failure was ischemic heart disease. The median GFR was 29.4 ± 8.3 ml/min/1.73 m2 and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 36.4 ± 8.9%. The GFR improved after initiating the treatment (F = 3.396, p = 0.019), as did the LVEF at one year of follow-up (p = 0.018). The number of visits to the emergency department for heart failure was also reduced. No patients needed to start renal replacement therapy.ConclusionsThis study shows that sacubitril/valsartan may play a beneficial role in patients who have advanced CKD and HFrEF, with a satisfactory safety profile.

Rare stroke mechanisms in 4154 consecutive patients: causes, predictors, treatment, and outcomes

BackgroundRare mechanisms of stroke (RMS) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) have rarely been studied applying a systematic approach. Our aim was to define the frequency, etiologies, predictors, and outcomes of RMS in a consecutive series of AIS.MethodsData from consecutive patients from 2003 to 2016 were derived from the Acute STroke Registry and Analysis of Lausanne (ASTRAL). Frequency of subcategories of RMS was calculated. In a case–control design, RMS were compared to strokes of all other mechanisms. Outcome was assessed with 3-month Rankin-shift and 12-month mortality and recurrence rates.ResultsOut of 4154 AISs, 222 (5.3%) were found to have a RMS (42.0% female, median age 66 years). The most frequent RMS etiologies were medical interventions (25.6%), active oncological disease (22.5%), and vasculitis (11.7%). In multivariate analysis, RMS patients were younger, had more preceding and bilateral strokes, and a higher admission temperature. They were associated with less traditional risk factors and more systemic disease (such as AIDS, coagulopathy, and cancer). RMS also had more early ischemic changes on plain CT, less revascularization treatments, and more symptomatic hemorrhagic transformations. They presented significantly higher 3-month disability (Rankin-shift-ORadj 1.74), 12-month recurrence (ORadj 1.99), and mortality rates (ORadj 2.41).ConclusionsRMS occurred in 5.3% of a large population of consecutive AISs and are most frequently related to medical interventions, cancer, and vasculitis. RMS patients have less traditional risk factors but more systemic comorbidities, hemorrhagic transformations, recurrences, and a worse long-term outcome. Identification of RMS has direct implications for early treatment and long-term outcome.

ABNORMAL VAGINAL DISCHARGE IN REPRODUCTIVE AGE GROUP WOMEN WITH SPECIAL IMPLICATION TO ANTIFUNGAL SUSCEPTIBILITY OF CANDIDA SPECIES

Introduction And Background: Vaginal discharge is a common complaint in reproductive age group women2. Vaginal discharge is one of the common reasons in women of reproductive age group seeking gynecological consultation. It is the second most common clinical problem after menstrual disorders. Globally, it is estimated that one in ten women will present with vaginal discharge in the course of one year and approximately, ten million office visits each year are attributed to vaginal discharge complaints. The prevalence of vaginal discharge in India is estimated to be 30%3. Ÿ Abnormal vaginal discharge predisposes to significant morbidity to the women in the form of pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, endometriosis, cuff cellulitis, urethral syndrome, pregnancy loss, and preterm labour.5 Ÿ Certain conditions such as prolonged use of combined oral contraceptive, pregnancy, malnutrition, diabetes, neutropenia, prolonged antibiotic therapy, candida become pathogenic and causes candidiasis.8 Ÿ Isolation, identification, characterization, and susceptibility of candida species became critical management of fungal infections.9 Need For The Study: The study was done to emphasize the role of laboratory investigations in patients with vaginitis, as presumptive clinical diagnosis alone can lead to false interpretation and treatment mismanagement. TheMethods: present study is a cross sectional observational study conducted from January 2019 to February 2020 for about a period of one year among 300 women aged 15-49 years with vaginal discharge attending gynecology OPD, Government Maternity Hospital, Tirupati. This study included 300 subjects with a mean age of 30.4 ± 7.26 years. Nearly halfResults: of (49.33%) our study population was aged between 25 to 34years, a majority (47%) of women had bacterial vaginosis, followed by Candida in 39.33%, trichomonas vaginalis in 14.33%, mixed infections in 6.67% and 6% with no organisms. Among Candida species, 48.31% of participants had candida albicans, 23.73% had candida tropicalis, 19.49% had candida krusei, and 8.47% had candida glabrata, and of them 38.33% participants had voriconazole sensitivity, 32.33% participants had ketoconazole sensitivity, 26% participants had clotrimazole sensitivity, and 21.33% participants had fluconazole sensitivity. Among 118 candida infected 106 (89.83%) participants came for follow-up, of which symptoms subsided in 90 (84.91%) participants. In conclusion, our study with 300 women patients complaining ofConclusion: vaginal discharge found a majority of them belonging to the sexually active age group. Vaginal discharge was more prevalent in lower economic status and rural areas. Bacterial vaginosis was the most common and frequent etiology, followed by Candida. TV was the least common etiology for vaginal discharge.

PKD1 and PKD2 mRNA cis-inhibition drives polycystic kidney disease progression

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), among the most common human genetic conditions and a frequent etiology of kidney failure, is primarily caused by heterozygous PKD1 mutations. Kidney cyst formation occurs when PKD1 dosage falls below a critical threshold. However, no framework exists to harness the remaining allele or reverse PKD1 decline. Here, we show that mRNAs produced by the noninactivated PKD1 allele are repressed via their 3′-UTR miR-17 binding element. Eliminating this motif (Pkd1∆17) improves mRNA stability, raises Polycystin-1 levels, and alleviates cyst growth in cellular, ex vivo, and mouse PKD models. Remarkably, Pkd2 is also inhibited via its 3′-UTR miR-17 motif, and Pkd2∆17-induced Polycystin-2 derepression retards cyst growth in Pkd1-mutant models. Moreover, acutely blocking Pkd1/2 cis-inhibition, including after cyst onset, attenuates murine PKD. Finally, modeling PKD1∆17 or PKD2∆17 alleles in patient-derived primary ADPKD cultures leads to smaller cysts, reduced proliferation, lower pCreb1 expression, and improved mitochondrial membrane potential. Thus, evading 3′-UTR cis-interference and enhancing PKD1/2 mRNA translation is a potentially mutation-agnostic ADPKD-arresting approach.

Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Inhibition as a Promising Approach for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapy.

Simple SummaryLiver cancer has very high incidence and mortality rates, making it a major public health problem. Indeed, the available treatments are not numerous, and few strategies exist for patients with advanced cancers. Thus, there is an urgent need to search for new treatment targets. This review provides an overview of one potential target, poly(ADP)ribose polymerase 1, a protein involved in DNA repair pathways and its expression profiles in liver cancer. Inhibition of this protein could potentiate the effects of current treatments and improve therapeutic outcomes for patients.Primary liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer in men and seventh in women, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most common form (75–85% of primary liver cancer cases) and the most frequent etiology being viral infections (HBV and HCV). In 2020, mortality represented 92% of the incidence—830,180 deaths for 905,677 new cases. Few treatment options exist for advanced or terminal-stage HCC, which will receive systemic therapy or palliative care. Although radiotherapy is used in the treatment of many cancers, it is currently not the treatment of choice for HCC, except in the palliative setting. However, as radiosensitizing drugs, such as inhibitors of DNA repair enzymes, could potentiate the effects of RT in HCC by exploiting the modulation of DNA repair processes found in this tumour type, RT and such drugs could provide a treatment option for HCC. In this review, we provide an overview of PARP1 involvement in DNA damage repair pathway and discuss its potential implication in HCC. In addition, the use of PARP inhibitors and PARP decoys is described for the treatment of HCC and, in particular, in HBV-related HCC.

Anemia in inflammatory bowel disease

Anemia is the most common extraintestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although there are several causes of anemia in IBD, the two most frequent etiologies are iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease. Despite the high prevalence of anemia in IBD and its significant impact on patient's quality of life, this complication is still underdiagnosed and undertreated by providers. Active screening for anemia, structured assessment, comprehensive management, and multidisciplinary collaboration are needed in IBD patients. The cornerstone of anemia management depends on the underlying etiology along with normalization of inflammatory activity. Although, oral iron is effective for the treatment of mild iron deficiency-related anemia, intravenous iron formulations have a good safety profile and can be used as first-line therapy in patients with active IBD, severe anemia and previous intolerance prior to oral iron. After proper treatment of anemia, careful monitoring is necessary to prevent its recurrence. Herein, we discuss the etiology, screening, diagnosis, therapy selection, and follow-up for anemia in IBD.

Experiencia de un centro en el reemplazo percutáneo de la válvula mitral mediante el dispositivo Tendyne™

Introduction and objectivesTranscatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) is an alternative treatment for high-risk surgical patients with severe symptomatic mitral valve disease who are not candidates for other percutaneous techniques. The TendyneTM prosthesis (Abbott Vascular, USA) is a self-expanding, repositionable, and recoverable porcine pericardium prosthesis, which is implanted transapically. The objective of our study is to present our initial experience in the implantation of the TendyneTM prosthesis. Material and methodsAll patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve replacement with a TendyneTM prosthesis since december 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline, intraoperative, and postoperative characteristics were described. The preoperative, immediate postoperative and one-month postoperative echocardiogram were analyzed. ResultsTen transcatheter mitral valve replacements have been performed in our center with a TendyneTM prosthesis. 40% (n=4) of the patients were male with a median age of 79.1 (IQR 76.4-81). The median of the EuroScore II was 4.8 (IQR 2.8-6.9) %. The most frequent etiologies were rheumatic 33.3% (n=3) and degenerative 33.3% (n=3). No patient had to be reconverted. One patient died in the immediate postoperative period due to stroke. The echocardiogram performed one month after surgery did not detect periprosthetic leaks, prosthetic thrombosis, or LVOT obstruction in any patient. During follow-up, 100% of the patients presented an MR less than or equal to I/IV. The median transprosthetic mean gradient at discharge was 4.1 (IQR 3.7-5.2) mmHg and 4.1 (IQR 2.3-5.6) mmHg one month postoperatively. ConclusionsTranscatheter mitral valve replacement with the TendyneTM prosthesis is a safe and effective therapeutic alternative in patients with high or prohibitive surgical risk and symptomatic mitral valve disease.

Delirium in oncological palliative care and clinical cardiology units: A comparative analysis.

The aim of this study was to compare the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of delirium in patients treated in a clinical cardiology unit (CCU) and an oncological palliative care unit (OPCU) at a high-complexity institution. Delirium is a neuropsychiatric syndrome with multicausal etiology, associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This was a cross-sectional, analytical observational study. CCU and OPCU patients were evaluated for 480 days. The diagnosis was made according to DSM-V. Sociodemographic characteristics, the Karnofsky index, and the Charlson index were evaluated. Possible etiologies were verified. Severity was assessed with the Delirium Severity Scale (DRS-R98). A total of 1,986 patients were evaluated, 205 were eligible, and 110 were included in the study (CCU: 61, OPCU: 49). Delirium prevalence was 11.35% in the CCU and 9.87% in the OPCU. CCU patients were 12 years older (p < 0.03) and a history of dementia (41 vs. 8.2%; p < 0.001). Organ failure was the most frequent etiology of delirium in the CCU (41.0%), and in the OPCU, the etiologies were neoplasms (28.6%), side effect of medication (22.4%), and infections (2.5%). Differences were found in the clinical characteristics of delirium evaluated by DRS-R98, with the condition being more severe and with a higher frequency of psychotic symptoms in OPCU patients. Delirium was a common condition in hospitalized patients in the CCU and the OPCU. The clinical characteristics were similar in both groups; however, significant differences were found in OPCU patients in terms of age, personal history of dementia, and opioid use, as well as the severity of delirium and a greater association with psychotic symptoms. These findings have implications for the early implementation of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Renal Amyloidosis: Epidemiological, Clinical, and Laboratory Profile in Adults from One Nephrology Center.

Background Renal amyloidosis is one of the main differential diagnoses of nephrotic proteinuria in adults and the elderly. The aim of this study with the most important series in our country is to contribute to the epidemiological, clinical, and etiological study of the renal amyloidosis. Methods In a retrospective study carried out between 1975 and 2019, 310 cases of histologically proven and typed renal amyloidosis were selected for this study. Results There were 209 men and 101 women with a mean age of 53.8 ± 15.4 years (range, 17–84 years). Of the 310 cases, 255 (82.3%) were diagnosed with AA renal amyloidosis and 55 (17.7%) with non-AA amyloidosis. Infections were the main cause of AA amyloidosis, and tuberculosis was the most frequent etiology. The period from the onset of the underlying disease to diagnosis of the renal amyloidosis was an average of 177 months. The most frequent manifestations at the time of diagnosis were nephrotic syndrome (84%), chronic renal failure (30.3%), and end-stage renal disease (37.8%). After a medium follow-up of 16 months (range, 0–68 months), mortality occurred in 60 cases. Conclusions Given the high frequency of AA amyloidosis in our country, awareness of the proper management of infectious and chronic inflammatory diseases remains a priority in reducing the occurrence of this serious disease.