Multivariate Cox Proportional Regression Research Articles

Sex-Based Differences and Outcomes in Unselected Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography.

Background: The study investigates sex-related differences and outcomes in unselected patients undergoing invasive coronary angiography (CA). Sex-based differences with regard to baseline characteristics and management of patients with cardiovascular disease have yet been demonstrated. However, their impact on long-term outcomes in unselected patients undergoing CA remains unknown. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing invasive CA from 2016 to 2022 were included at one institution. Prognosis of male and female patients undergoing CA was investigated with regard to the primary endpoint of rehospitalization for heart failure (HF) at 36 months. Secondary endpoints comprised the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and coronary revascularization at 36 months, as well as in-hospital all-cause mortality. Statistical analyses included Kaplan-Meier analyses, as well as uni- and multivariable Cox proportional regression analyses. Results: From 2016 to 2022, 7691 patients undergoing CA were included (males: 65.1%; females: 34.9%). Males had a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) (76.2% vs. 57.4%; p = 0.001), alongside a higher prevalence of 3-vessel CAD compared to females (33.9% vs. 20.3%; p = 0.001). The risk of rehospitalization for HF at 36 months was higher in males compared to females (22.4% vs. 20.3%; p = 0.036; HR = 1.127; 95% CI: 1.014-1.254; p = 0.027), which was no longer observed after multivariable adjustment. Male sex was associated with a higher risk of coronary revascularization (9.6% vs. 5.9%; p = 0.001; HR = 1.659; 95% CI: 1.379-1.997; p = 0.001), which was still evident after multivariable adjustment (HR = 1.650; 95% CI 1.341-2.029; p = 0.001). However, neither the risk of AMI at 36 months (8.1% vs. 6.9%; p = 0.077), nor the risk of in-hospital all-cause mortality (6.9% vs. 6.5%; p = 0.689) differed significantly between the two sexes. Conclusions: In consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography, male sex was independently associated with an increased risk of coronary revascularization, but not HF-related rehospitalization.

The correlation between uveal melanoma and iris nevus

PurposeTo investigate the impact of iris nevus on the incidence and prognosis of uveal melanoma (UM).MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 1128 UM cases and 4356 healthy controls. Participants were categorized based on iris nevus presence and grade: grade 0 (no iris nevus), grade 1 (single iris nevus), grade 2 (multiple iris nevi), and grade 3 (partial or complete darkening of the iris). Propensity matching score method was employed to control for age and sex differences, while the χ 2 test was used to compare the existence rate and grade of iris nevus between groups. Univariate ANOVA evaluated differences among various iris nevus grades, the Kaplan–Meier method analyzed the prognosis of patients with different iris nevus grades, and multivariate Cox proportional risk regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between clinical data and prognosis.ResultsA total of 5484 subjects were analyzed. UM patients exhibited a higher prevalence and grade of iris nevus (all P < 0.001) after propensity matching. Patients with iris nevus in the affected eye did not show a worse prognosis (P = 0.414). However, those with partial or complete iris darkening or multiple nevi had a poorer prognosis compared to those with a single or no iris nevus (all P < 0.05). Iris nevus presence and grade in the healthy eye had no prognostic impact (P = 0.726 and P = 0.825, respectively). The multivariate COX proportional risk model showed that tumor diameter (P < 0.001), age (P = 0.020), and grade of iris nevus in the affected eye (P = 0.009) were independent risk factors for a worse prognosis. LSD analysis revealed that patients with partial or complete darkening of the iris had larger tumor diameters than those without iris nevus (P = 0.013), single nevus (P = 0.015), and multiple nevus (P = 0.023).DiscussionOur findings indicate a higher proportion and grade of iris nevus in UM patients compared to controls, and a worse prognosis for UM patients with higher-grade iris nevi in the affected eye.

Circulating Glutathione Peroxidase-3 in Elderly-Association with Renal Function, Cardiovascular Mortality, and Impact of Selenium and Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation.

Low-selenium status was associated with impaired renal function, which improved after selenium and coenzyme Q10 supplementation in an RCT. Here, we evaluated serum glutathione peroxidase-3 (GPx3) and its relation to serum selenium, selenoprotein P (SELENOP), renal function, mortality, and the impact of supplementation, which are all important, especially in elderly individuals. In total, 383 study participants (197 receiving selenium yeast and coenzyme Q10 and 186 on a placebo) were evaluated. We applied benchmark dose modelling to determine GPx3 saturation, ANCOVA, Kaplan-Meier, and multivariate Cox proportional regression analyses for mortality evaluations. Selenium and GPx3 activity were modestly correlated. In comparison with SELENOP, GPx3 levelled off at a much lower value, 100 vs. 150 µg Se/L. GPx3 was associated with renal function, but not SELENOP. Supplementation increased glomerular function by ≈23% with an increase in GPx3. Being low in GPx3 displayed twice the risks of mortality in both placebos and active treatments. At serum selenium <100 µg/L, GPx3 activity was dependent on both selenium status and renal function. As renal function is reduced in the elderly, GPx3 is not an appropriate marker of selenium status. Low GPx3 was associated with an increased risk of mortality dependent of selenium status and independent of renal function.

Comparison of short-to medium-term ischemia and bleeding risks between unfractionated heparin and bivalirudin in patients with acute coronary syndrome after PCI

Objective: To compare the short-and medium-term ischemia and bleeding risk between unfractionated heparin and bivalirudin in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: A total of 742 patients with ACS who underwent emergency PCI in Xinxiang Central Hospital of Henan Province from January 2016 to June 2022 were selected and divided into unfractionated heparin group (385 cases) and bivalirudin group (357 cases) according to the anticoagulant regimen. All patients were followed up for 6 months. The incidence of ischemic and bleeding events at 30 days and 6 months after operation were compared between the two groups. Multivariate Cox proportional regression model was used to analyze the risk factors of ischemic and bleeding events in the two groups. Kaplan Meier method was used to calculate the cumulative survival rate, and log rank method was used to analyze the difference in survival rates. Results: The age of 742 patients was (62.5±14.8) years old, and male accounted for 58.5% (434 cases). The age of unfractionated heparin group was (61.8±14.8) years old, and male accounted for 59.2% (228 cases); The age of bivalirudin group was (63.3±14.8) years old, and male accounted for 57.7% (206 cases). The incidence of bleeding events at 30 days and 6 months in the unfractionated heparin group were 6.8% (26 cases) and 9.9% (38 cases), respectively, which were higher than 3.4% (12 cases) and 4.5% (16 cases) in the bivalirudin group (all P0.05); The incidence of ischemic events at 30 days and 6 months in the unfractionated heparin group were 7.5% (29 cases) and 11.2% (43 cases), respectively, which were not observed to be significantly different with those in the bivalirudin group [6.2% (22 cases) and 9.5% (34 cases)] (all P0.05). Compared with patients using bivalirudin, the HR value (95%CI) of bleeding events after emergency PCI in patients using unfractionated heparin was 1.964 (1.317-3.125) (P0.05), and the HR value (95%CI) of ischemic events was 0.948(0.595-1.510) (P0.05). The cumulative incidence of bleeding events was 9.9% in unfractionated heparin group and 4.5% in bivalirudin group (P=0.005); The cumulative incidence of ischemic events was 11.2% in unfractionated heparin group and 9.5% in bivalirudin group (P=0.459). Conclusions: The incidence of short-term hemorrhage events in ACS patients treated with bivalirudin anticoagulation after emergency PCI is lower than that of unfractonated heparin, which can reduce the risk of short-term hemorrhage.

Risk of Death From Various Causes According to Prevalent Atrial Fibrillation: A Nationwide Population-Based Study.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased risks of adverse events including stroke and all-cause death. Understanding the pattern of causes of death (COD) with the relative risks in patients with AF compared to the non-AF population is essential in planning optimal care for patients with AF. We aimed to analyze the COD and its relative risks in patients with AF, using a nationwide population-based cohort. Using the Korean nationwide claims database, people aged 40 or older who received health examinations in 2009 were included if they had no missing values (n = 6,877,929). In total the study included 40,585 people with AF and 6,837,344 without AF. COD was defined by International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) diagnostic codes. Comparison between the AF and non-AF groups was performed with Multivariate Cox proportional regression model. In the AF group, cardiovascular diseases were the most common COD, causing 39.8% of all deaths, compared with 19.0% for non-AF subjects. The AF group was associated with a higher risk of death from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases by almost 3-fold than the matched non-AF group (hazard ratios [HR], 3.082; 95% confidence intervals [CIs], 2.963-3.205 for cardiovascular diseases; HR, 2.981; 95% CI, 2.799-3.175 for cerebrovascular diseases, all P < 0.001). Among patients with AF, the risks of all-cause, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular death were well-stratified by CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores. The risk of cerebrovascular death was 11 times higher among patients with a CHA₂DS₂-VASc score ≥ 7. Compared to non-AF individuals, patients with AF had a higher risk of death from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and the mortality risks were well-stratified by the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score. Integrated care management of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases for patients with AF might help mitigate mortality.

Incidence and Prevalence of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

Autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and psoriasis have been previously associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Whether similar increased ASCVD risk is seen with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) remains unclear. To evaluate the incidence and prevalence of ASCVD among those with CLE, SLE, and psoriasis compared with a disease-free control group. This retrospective, matched longitudinal cohort study used data from January 2018 to December 2020 in the IBM MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database. The control population included individuals free of CLE, SLE, and psoriasis, matched 10:1 with the CLE population on age, sex, insurance type, and enrollment duration. Data were analyzed from September 2022 to April 2024. Prevalent ASCVD was defined as coronary artery disease, prior myocardial infarction, or cerebrovascular accident. Incident ASCVD was assessed through the number of hospitalization events through the end of follow-up (up to 3 years) in each group. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were performed to compare the prevalence and incidence of ASCVD between exposure groups, adjusting for age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors. A total of 8138 persons with CLE (median [IQR] age, 49 [40-47] years; 6618 [81%] female), 24 675 with SLE (median [IQR] age, 46 [36-54] years; 22 432 [91%] female), 192 577 persons with psoriasis (median [IQR] age, 48 [36-56] years; 106 631 [55%] female), and 81 380 control individuals (49 [40-57] years; 66 180 [81%] female) were identified. In multivariable analysis, the odds of ASCVD were higher than control for CLE (odds ratio [OR], 1.72 [95% CI, 1.45-2.02]; P < .001) and SLE (OR, 2.41 [95% CI, 2.14-2.70]; P < .001), but not psoriasis (OR, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.95-1.11]; P = .48). At median 3 years follow-up, incidence rates of ASCVD were highest for SLE (24.8 [95% CI, 23.3-26.4] per 1000 person-years), followed by CLE (15.2 [95% CI, 13.1-17.7] per 1000 person-years), psoriasis (14.0 [95% CI, 13.5-14.4] per 1000 person-years), and then controls (10.3 [95% CI, 9.77-10.94] per 1000 person-years). In multivariable Cox proportional regression modeling with the control group as a reference group, the highest risk of incident ASCVD was in those with SLE (hazard ratio [HR], 2.23 [95% CI, 2.05-2.43]; P < .001), followed by CLE (HR, 1.32 [95% CI, 1.13-1.55]; P < .001), and psoriasis (HR, 1.06 [95% CI, 0.99-1.13]; P = .09). In this retrospective matched longitudinal cohort study, CLE was associated with an increased risk for ASCVD, similar to the risk in SLE but higher than the risk in psoriasis. The role of comorbidities that augment ASCVD risk like smoking status should be further investigated. Clinicians treating patients with CLE can consider them at increased ASCVD risk and institute appropriate screening tests.

The systemic immune-inflammation index and systemic inflammation response index are useful for predicting mortality in patients with diabetic nephropathy

BackgroundThis study investigated the correlation between the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and the systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) and all-cause, cardiovascular, and kidney disease mortality in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). It aimed to provide a new predictive assessment tool for the clinic and a scientific basis for managing inflammation in DN.MethodsThe data utilized in this study were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database, spanning 1999 to 2018. A total of 2641 patients diagnosed with DN were included in the analysis. The association between SII and SIRI levels and mortality in patients with DN was investigated using multivariate Cox proportional risk regression models. These relationships were further validated by Kaplan-Meier survival curves and restricted cubic spline (RCS) modeling, and subgroup analyses were performed to explore the heterogeneity among different characteristic subgroups.ResultsThe multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that SII and SIRI levels were independently associated with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in patients with DN. SIRI levels were found to be an independently associated factor with kidney disease mortality in patients with DN. Patients in the highest quartile of SII and SIRI exhibited a 1.49-fold and 1.62-fold increased risk of all-cause mortality, respectively, compared to patients in the lowest quartile. The risk of cardiovascular mortality was 1.31 and 1.73 times higher than that in patients in the lowest quartile, respectively. The risk of kidney disease mortality in patients in the highest quartile of SIRI was 2.74 times higher than that in patients in the lowest quartile. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and RCS analyses further confirmed the positive association between SII and SIRI and mortality and a significant nonlinear relationship between SII and all-cause mortality. The SII and SIRI indices offer incremental value in model predictive power for mortality in patients with DN. Subgroup analyses demonstrated that the correlation between SII and SIRI and mortality risk was stable but heterogeneous across different subgroups.ConclusionSII and SIRI can be utilized as biomarkers for forecasting the likelihood of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with DN.

C-reactive Protein-albumin-lymphocyte Index as a Novel Biomarker for Progression in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Renal Cancer.

Some patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) develop early or late recurrence after surgery. However, there is no clear consensus on which patients with postoperative RCC should be treated. This study aimed to establish a biomarker for selecting patients who are at a higher risk of relapse following renal cancer surgery. A total of 378 patients who underwent nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy for a diagnosis of RCC at our hospital were included, with a focus on pT3 cases at high risk of recurrence. Factors associated with postoperative progression, including pathological and hematological parameters, were examined. Sarcomatoid features, Fuhrman grade 4, and C-reactive protein-albumin-lymphocyte (CALLY) index were statistically significant predictive factors for progression-free survival after surgery (p<0.0011, p=0.0047, and p<0.0001, respectively). In the multivariate Cox proportional regression analysis, the CALLY index was the most statistically significant predictor of the risk of postoperative recurrence (p=0.0002). In addition to the existing risk factors for RCC recurrence, such as sarcomatoid features and Fuhrman grade, we propose that the CALLY index is a predictor of postoperative recurrence and that patients with a low CALLY index are good candidates for postoperative treatment. Our study may help select patients with pT3 disease with a high risk of recurrence who require postoperative treatment.

Nomograms combining clinical factors and apparent diffusion coefficient to predict downstaging and progression-free survival after concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with cervical cancer.

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is used as the primary treatment modality for currently limited cervical cancer and lacks non-invasive quantitative parameters to assess clinical outcomes of treatment for cervical cancer treatment. To develop nomograms based on clinical prognostic factors and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in predicting downstaging and progression-free survival (PFS) after CCRT for cervical cancer. X-tile was used to calculate the optimal threshold for ΔADCmean(%) for prognostic stratification. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to calculate the difference in PFS between high- and low-risk groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional risk regression models were used to identify clinical and radiological risk factors for prognosis and construct a prognostic nomogram model. ΔADCmean(%) was significantly correlated with tumor downstaging; the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.868. X-tile showed that the optimal threshold for ΔADCmean(%) to diagnose prognosis was 40.8. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the low-risk population in the training group had significantly longer PFS within 3 years (P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression showed that ΔADC (%) is independent risk factor for PFS. The C-index of ΔADC(%) predicting 3-year PFS in the training set is 0.761 and the C-index of the nomogram model is 0.862. ΔADCmean(%) is a non-invasive biomarker for predicting tumor downstaging in cervical cancer after CCRT. The nomograms based on ΔADCmean(%) predict PFS of patients with cervical cancer with moderate accuracy.

The prognostic role of left atrial mechanics but not left ventricular function in functional mitral regurgitation

Abstract Introduction When atrial dilatation or ventricular dysfunction underline the development of functional mitral regurgitation (FMR), FMR has been categorized into ventricular and atrial type. Due to limited evidence of surgical correction, majority of patients with FMR were left untreated. We therefore investigated the clinical outcomes related to different phenotypes of FMR and the prognostic factors. Methods Subjects with severe or moderate to severe FMR, diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography were eligible for this analysis. Three phenotypes of FMR, including atrial, ischemic and ventricular FMR were then classified. The left atrial (LA) strain and left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) were measured. The study population were followed for a year. Results A total of 298 subjects (mean age 72.3 ± 14.0 years; 68% male) were enrolled, including 165 subjects of ischemic-type FMR (iFMR), 77 subjects of non-ischemic ventricular-type FMR (vFMR), and 56 subjects of atrial-type FMR (aFMR). The baseline characteristics, including age, gender, demography, and morbidities were similar between three groups, but aFMR group had higher LA reservoir strain and better LV GLS. During a mean follow-up duration of 283 days, there were 50 (17%) cases died within the first year. The Kaplan Meier curve analysis showed similar survival rate between three phenotypes of FMR. Body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, history of myocardial infarction (MI), RV dysfunction, and a lower LA reservoir strain, but not LV GLS were crudely related to one-year mortality. In the multivariable Cox proportional regression analysis, LA reservoir strain was independently predictive of mortality (Hazard ratio for 1% increase and 95% confidence intervals: 0.943, 0.895-0.994). Conclusions Patients with aFMR also have despaired clinical outcomes as patients with vFMR or iFMR. LA reservoir function but not LV systolic function was predictive of worse clinical outcomes. The results may encourage the transcatheter therapy, approved for ventricular-type FMR, for the treatment of aFMR.Kaplan Meier curve analysisMultivariable CPH regression model

Aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase ratio and short-term prognosis of patients with type 2 diabetes hospitalized for heart failure.

We aimed to explore the prognostic value of the aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) ratio in non-surgical patients with type 2 diabetes hospitalized for heart failure. Using a large electronic medical record-based cohort of diabetes in China (WECODe), we gathered data on non-surgical hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure from 2011 to 2019. Baseline AST/ALT ratio was calculated. The primary outcomes were all-cause death within 30 days after discharge, composite cardiac events, major acute kidney injury, and major systemic infection. A multivariable Cox proportional regression model was utilized to evaluate the association between the AST/ALT ratio and outcomes. This retrospective cohort included 8,073 patients (39.4% women) with type 2 diabetes hospitalized for heart failure. The median age was 71 years. Higher AST/ALT ratio was associated with higher risks of poor endpoints (with per standard deviation increment in AST/ALT ratio, for death within 30 days after discharge: adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21 to 1.50; for composite cardiac events: HR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.31). Compared to patients in the lowest quartile for the AST/ALT ratio, those in the highest quartile have elevated risk of death within 30 days after discharge and major systemic infection (HRs [95% CIs] 1.61 [1.18 to 2.19] and 1.28 [1.06 to 1.56], respectively). Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings. Type 2 diabetes patients hospitalized for heart failure with the AST/ALT ratio in the highest quartile face a poor short-term prognosis.

Prognostic Impact of Anemia and Hemoglobin Levels in Unselected Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography

Background/Objectives: This study investigates the prevalence and prognostic impact of concomitant anemia in unselected patients undergoing invasive coronary angiography (CA). The spectrum of patients undergoing CA has significantly changed during the past decades, related to ongoing demographic changes and improved treatment strategies for patients with cardiovascular disease. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing invasive CA from 2016 to 2022 were retrospectively included at one institution. Patients with anemia (i.e., hemoglobin &lt; 13.0 g/dL for males and &lt;12.0 g/dL for females) were compared with patients without anemia (i.e., nonanemics). The primary endpoint was rehospitalization for heart failure (HF) at 36 months. Secondary endpoints comprised the risk of rehospitalization for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and coronary revascularization. Statistical analyses included Kaplan–Meier, multivariable Cox proportional regression analyses, and propensity score matching. Results: From 2016 to 2022, 7645 patients undergoing CA were included with a median hemoglobin level of 13.2 g/dL. Anemics had a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) (76.3% vs. 74.8%; p = 0.001), alongside an increased need for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (45.3% vs. 41.5%; p = 0.001). At 36 months, the risk of rehospitalization for HF was higher in anemic patients (27.4% vs. 18.4%; p = 0.001; HR = 1.583; 95% CI 1.432–1.750; p = 0.001), which was still evident after multivariable adjustment (HR = 1.164; 95% CI 1.039–1.304; p = 0.009) and propensity score matching (HR = 1.137; 95% CI 1.006–1.286; p = 0.040). However, neither the risk of AMI (8.4% vs. 7.4%, p = 0.091) nor the risk of coronary revascularization at 36 months (8.0% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.447) was higher in anemic compared with nonanemic patients. Conclusions: In consecutive patients undergoing CA, concomitant anemia was independently associated with an increased risk of rehospitalization for HF, but not AMI or coronary revascularization. Patients with LVEF ≥ 35% and multivessel disease were especially susceptible to anemia-induced HF-related rehospitalization.

Association of serum gamma-glutamyl transferase levels with cardiovascular disease risk in type 2 diabetes patients: a prospective cohort study

To investigate the associations of serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its subtypes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Jiangsu Province. Methods: The participants were enrolled in the Comprehensive Research project regarding 'Prevention and Control of Diabetes' in Jiangsu Province. The baseline survey was conducted from 2013 to 2014, and follow-up until December 31, 2021. After excluding the participants who self-reported with chronic liver disease/stroke/coronary heart disease at baseline survey and those with incomplete information on GGT, a total of 16 147 T2DM patients were included in the final analysis. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and their 95%CI of GGT for CVD, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Restricted cubic spline models were applied to analyze the dose-response relationship between GGT and the risk of CVD and its subtypes. Results: During the median follow-up time of 8.02 years, 2 860 CVD cases were registered, including 196 cases of myocardial infarction and 2 730 cases of stroke. Multivariate Cox proportional risk regression model indicated that compared to the lowest serum GGT level group, the highest GGT level group had a 24% increased risk of CVD (HR=1.24, 95%CI: 1.09-1.41) and a 23% increased risk of stroke (HR=1.23, 95%CI: 1.08-1.40). The restricted cubic spline model showed a nonlinear dose-response relationship between GGT and the risk of CVD, myocardial infarction, and stroke in T2DM patients. Conclusions: High levels of GGT may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in T2DM patients, which needs further exploration and validation in future clinical practice.

Clinical characteristics and mortality of tuberculosis among adults living with HIV/AIDS: A single center, retrospective cohort study in Thailand.

Tuberculosis (TB) among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) contributes substantially to morbidity and mortality, particularly in high TB burden countries. Our objective is to investigate the clinical characteristics and mortality rates associated with TB among adult PLWHA over a 10-year period at an urban HIV clinic situated in a high TB burden country. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 2022. The primary endpoints were clinical characteristics and mortality rate of TB, determined as per 100 person-years among adult PLWHA, presented with a 95% confidence interval. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors for TB mortality. From January 2012-December 2022, 155 PLWHA receiving a diagnosis of TB were enrolled. The median age was 29 (26.5-48.5) years, and the median CD4 + T cell count was 141 (41.8-252.8) cells/µL, with 60.0% of patients with TB manifesting as disseminated infection. The most involved organs were pulmonary (89.7%), lymph nodes (39.4%) and pleura (14.8%). The treatment outcomes exhibited success in 63.2% of cases, relapse in 5.2%, loss to follow up in 17.4% and death in 14.2%. The overall mortality rate was 18.8 per 100 person-years. Multivariable analyses showed significant factors affecting mortality, including lymph node involvement (adjusted HR 3.5; 95% CI 1.1-10.8) and thrombocytopenia (adjusted HR 74.2; 95% CI 10.0-551.4). TB in PLWHA, commonly presenting as disseminated infection, contributes to high mortality. Lymph node involvement and thrombocytopenia are significant factors contributing to mortality. Tuberculosis preventive treatment should be considered for improved prevention strategies among PLWHA, particularly in high TB burden countries.

Association between oxidative balance scores and all-cause and cardiovascular disease-related mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes: data from the national health and nutrition examination survey (2007–2018)

BackgroundOxidative Balance Scores (OBS) is composite measures that assess the balance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant factors in an individual’s diet and lifestyle. Evidence on OBS and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in diabetic patients is scarce. This study investigates the potential association between OBS and CVD-prevalence and all-cause and CVD-related mortality in adult diabetic patients.MethodsParticipants were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2018. OBS-related data collection was initiated by linking the National Death Index to determine mortality due to all-cause and cardiovascular disease until December 31, 2019. Weighted logistic regression analyses explored the relationship between OBS and CVD. In addition, multivariable Cox proportional risk regression models and Kaplan–Meier curves were used to determine the correlation between OBS and mortality, with time to event as the time variable, as well as to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsA total of 3491 participants were included in the final analysis. Weighted logistic regression analysis of the relationship between OBS and CVD prevalence found that higher OBS was not associated with CVD prevalence compared with lower levels after fully adjustment in model 3 (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.51–1.31, P = 0.39). During 3,491 person-years of follow-up, 408 deaths were recorded, of which 105 deaths were attributed to CVD. In fully adjusted model 3, participants in the highest quartile of OBS had significant reductions in all-cause mortality of 53% [HR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.29–0.77), Ptrend= 0.002] and in cardiovascular disease mortality of 78% [HR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.08–0.56), Ptrend= 0.004], compared with the lowest quartile groups of OBS. The Kaplan–Meier analysis results showed that participants in the highest quartile of OBS had the lowest risk of all-cause and CVD-related mortality and were statistically different (P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis confirmed that P for interaction was significant only concerning the educational level attained and in individuals with a history of CKD (P < 0.05).ConclusionsAlthough OBS wasn’t very useful for assessing CVD prevalence outcomes, higher OBS was significantly associated with lower all-cause and CVD-related mortality, suggesting that maintaining adequate OBS may reduce mortality in patients with DM.Graphical

The association between ambient PM2.5's constituents exposure and cervical cancer survival

Increasing evidence links exposure to ambient particulate matter with a diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) with reduced survival in cancer survivors, but little was known about the association between PM2.5 exposure and cervical cancer survival. We analyzed data from 5144 cervical cancer patients diagnosed between January 2014 and December 2020, who completed recommended treatments. Exposure levels were determined by the monthly average concentration of ambient PM2.5 and its five constituents, obtained from Tracking Air Pollution in China (TAP) based on individual residential addresses. Log-rank tests and multivariate Cox Proportional Hazardous regression were performed to examine the impacts of PM2.5 and its constituents on overall survival (OS) of cervical cancer patients. We observed that for every increase of 1 μg/m3 in average individual exposure, the hazard ratios (95%CI) for ambient PM2.5, sulfate (SO42−), ammonium (NH4+), and nitrates (NO3−) were 1.078(1.069–1.086), 6.755(5.707–7.996), 2.123(1.935–2.329), and 3.717(3.237–4.267), respectively. Subgroups with longer OS had larger HRs of PM2.5 and its constituents, which might attributed to more cumulative exposure. No evidence of a threshold for the hazardous effects of PM2.5 on the OS of cervical cancer patients was identified. Furthermore, long-term exposure to PM2.5 was negatively associated with pretreatment counts of monocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes in peripheral blood of cervical cancer patients. In conclusion, elevated levels of PM2.5 mass, SO42−, NH4+, and NO3− in ambient PM2.5 exposure were associated with reduced OS among cervical cancer patients. There may be no discernible threshold effect of PM2.5 on the risk for cervical cancer patients.

Association of the panimmune-inflammatory value (PIV) with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in maintenance hemodialysis patients: a propensity score matching retrospective study.

The panimmune-inflammatory value (PIV) is a novel inflammatory indicator. However, its role in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) remains unclear. Our goal was to explore the predictive value of PIV for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in MHD patients. In this retrospective cohort study, 507 patients receiving MHD between November 2017 and December 2022 were enrolled. The PIV value was calculated as follows: neutrophil count × monocyte count × platelet count/lymphocyte count. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of the median PIV. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to adjust for imbalances in baseline information between groups. Kaplan‒Meier curves, Cox regression, the Fine‒Gray competing risk model, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves were used to analyze the relationship between PIV and mortality. By the end of follow-up, 126 deaths had occurred, 91 of which were due to cardiovascular disease. The Kaplan‒Meier curves demonstrated that MHD patients with higher PIV levels had a poorer prognosis for all-cause death (p = 0.019). PIV levels were linked to all-cause death in multivariate Cox proportional risk regression (HR = 1.76; 95% CI 1.14, 2.72; p = 0.011). The Fine‒Gray model revealed a greater cumulative incidence of cardiovascular death in the higher PIV group (p = 0.035). PIV levels were linked to cardiovascular mortality in the Fine‒Gray competing risk model (HR = 2.06; 95% CI 1.25, 3.42; p = 0.005). The RCS revealed a nonlinear relationship between PIV and mortality risk (p < 0.05). Using 63years of age as the threshold, we observed a multiplicative interaction effect between age and PIV for all-cause mortality (p = 0.006). In MHD patients, PIV is an independent hazard factor for cardiovascular-related mortality and all-cause mortality.

Patient and implant-related risk factors for implant failure of one-stage lateral sinus floor elevation: A 2- to 10-year retrospective study.

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the early and late implant failure rates of one-stage lateral sinus floor elevation (LSFE)and to identify the patient and implant-related risk factors associated with these failures. All patients treated with one-stage LSFE from January 2014 to December 2021 were evaluated for inclusion. A total of 618 patients with 936 implants met the inclusion criteria. Clinical and radiographic information about patient and implants was collected. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards frailty regression models were performed to identify risk factors for early and late implant failure. The cumulative implant survival rate was 95.62% (95% CI 93.90%-97.68%), with 16 early implant failures and 25 late implant failures. The Cox analysis indicated that ≤3 mm residual bone height (RBH) was associated with a higher early failure rate. For late implant failure, smoking habit, ≤3 mm RBH, and certain implant brand were independent risk factors. Narrow sinus ostium, long infundibulum, and flat thickening of Schneiderian membrane might be non-independent risk factors for late implant failure. No significance was found in other variables, including age, periodontitis history, implant characteristics (position, diameter, length, protrusion length, marginal bone loss), surgeon experience, healing time, opposing dentition, and prosthesis. One-stage LSFE is a predictable treatment for patients with atrophic maxilla. ≤3 mm RBH increased the risk of early implant failure, while smoking habit, ≤3 mm RBH, and certain implant brand were independent risk factors for late implant failure.

Age-Related Outcomes in Heart Failure with Mildly Reduced Ejection Fraction.

Objective: This study investigates age-related differences and outcomes in patients hospitalized with heart failure with a mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF). Background: The characterization of patients with HFmrEF and the prognostic value of age has rarely been investigated. Methods: Patients with HFmrEF were retrospectively included at one institution between 2016 and 2022. The distribution of HF aetiology and prognostic outcomes were investigated comparing patients with ≤40, >40 to ≤60, >60 to ≤80, and >80 years of age. The primary endpoint was long-term all-cause mortality. Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox proportional regression analyses were applied for statistics. Results: For the present study, 2184 patients with HFmrEF with a median age of 76 years were included. Non-ischemic cardiomyopathy was the most common HF aetiology in patients <40 years of age, whereas patients with 60-80 years of age (60.2%) and >80 years of age (58.2%) had the higher rates of ischemic cardiomyopathies. The risk of long-term all-cause mortality at 30 months was highest in patients with >80 years of age (HR = 2.167; 95% CI 1.928-2.436; p = 0.001), even after multivariable adjustment. Furthermore, patients with >80 years of age had the highest risk of HF-related rehospitalization (HR = 1.529; 95% CI 1.293-1.807; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Ischemic cardiomyopathy represents the most common cause of HF in elderly patients with HFmrEF, whereas younger patients were more likely to suffer from non-ischemic HF aetiologies. Increasing age was an independent predictor of long-term all-cause mortality in patients hospitalized with HFmrEF.

Time to death and its predictors among patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis at dialysis unit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundChronic kidney disease is a progressive disease that affects more than 10% of the world's population and is also the leading cause of death in the twenty-first century. Furthermore, it imposes a significant financial burden on people undergoing hemodialysis. However, there is little research, particularly in the study area, on time to death and its predicators among hemodialysis patients in Ethiopia; therefore, knowing time to death and identifying predicators that affect survival time is crucial in order to improve survival time and enhance the prognosis of hemodialysis patients. The aim of this study was to assess time to death and its predictors among patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis at a dialysis unit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2023.MethodsAn institution-based retrospective cohort study was carried out among 370 chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis from January 1st, 2017 to December 30th, 2022. Data were extracted from April 1st–May 20th, 2023, and each variable was coded and entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and then exported into STATA version 15 software for analysis. Kaplan–Meier and the log-rank test were done. Bivariable Cox-proportional regression was done, and a variable whose p-value was < 0.25 and fulfilled the proportional hazard assumption by using graphical and Shenfield residuals was entered into multivariable Cox-proportional regression. Finally, a variable whose p-value < 0.05 and adjusted hazard ratio with its CI were declared statistically significant predictors.ResultIn this study, the overall median survival time was 47 months (95% CI: 36.7, 56), with an incidence rate of death of 16.8 per 1000 people per month of observation (95% CI: 13.8–20.3). Age 64 and above (Adjusted Hazard Ration: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.67–4.98), catheter vascular access (Adjusted Hazard Ration: 3.47; 95% CI: 2.03–5.93), cardiovascular disease (Adjusted Hazard Ration: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.15–3.07), and blood group B (Adjusted Hazard Ration: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.17–3.69) were significant predictors of time to death among hemodialysis patients.Conclusion and recommendationThe median survival time was 47 months, with an interquartile range of 40. Cardiovascular disease, older adults, central venous catheters, and blood type B were significant predictors of time to death for hemodialysis patients. Therefore, in order to improve the survival of hemodialysis patients, health professionals and concerned bodies should give concern to and work on those predictors.