Prevalence Of Comorbidities Research Articles

Diabetes mellitus and comorbidities in elderly people from the Lugu community: A critical-reflective analysis

Ageing has a close relationship with chronic non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure. These pathologies are often associated with changes in eating habits and promote crucial physiological changes which act silently in the long term in the elderly population. Due to the speed of urban development and technological advances, there has been an increase in the population's life expectancy. However, it is essential to know the socio-demographic profile and prevalent comorbidities of the elderly population, which can provide a reliable and broad database to enable the outline of strategies and the promotion of efficient health policies. In this sense, the purpose of this editorial is to contribute to the debate surrounding the article that analysed epidemiological data from the Lugu community. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cardiovascular pathologies and their comorbidities were the most prevalent conditions in this community. Such data could contribute to develop public policies constructively and assertively, allowing investments in the prevention and treatment of these pathologies.

Abstract 4139117: Epidemiology of Patients Undergoing a Rapid Response within the First 24 Hours of Admission at an Urban Academic Center

Introduction: A Rapid Response Team (RRT) is an inpatient team that aims to resuscitate deteriorating patients in non-critical care settings and reduce inpatient morbidity and mortality. It is not well understood which patients are likely to deteriorate and need a rapid response (RR) within the first 24 hours of admission. Research Question: We sought to identify the most common characteristics for patients who had a RR within 24 hours of admission. Methods: We performed a descriptive analysis evaluating 176 patients who had a RR called within 24 hours of admission to North Shore University Hospital from February 2022 to August 2023. Demographic and clinical variables were assessed, including medical history, admitting diagnosis, and indication for RR. Results: The median age of the population was 73 years; 92 (52.3%) were male, and 91 (51.7%) were white. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (119, 67.6%), coronary artery disease (51, 28.9%), and heart failure (34, 19.3%). Amongst these patients, acute hypoxic respiratory failure (11.6%) was the most common admission diagnosis followed by sepsis (9.7%) (Table 1). The most common reason for the RR was acute mental status change (26.1%) followed by hypotension (25.0%). Average time spent in the ED prior to admission was 6 hours 41 mins. Intensive care unit (ICU) consultation prior to the RRT occurred in 36 patients (20.5%) and 52 patients (29.5%) were transferred to an ICU while 124 (70.5%) remained on the medicine floors. Regarding hospital utilization, 98 (55.7%) patients were admitted within the last year and 47 (26.7%) patients were hospitalized within the last month. 14 (7.9%) patients had an ICU admission in the past year. 38 (21.5%) patients died during the admission post RR. Conclusion: In our cohort of RRs within 24 hours of admission, we observed a high prevalence of cardiac comorbidities and recent hospitalizations, a low prevalence of ICU consults prior to RR, and discordance between admitting diagnoses and reasons for RR. Further studies involving a larger cohort are needed to develop a prediction model for determining patients most at risk of deteriorating after admission and requiring RRs.

Abstract 4113961: Contemporary Guideline Directed Medical Therapy in Heart Failure in Clinical Practice - Results from the EMPACE Study

Background: Guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT) for heart failure (HF) evolves, incorporating newer therapies such as SGLT2i within recommendations for HFmrEF and HFpEF. Understanding the contemporary profile of real-world HF patients, in combination with real-world utilization of GDMT, is important for informing GDMT implementation and quality improvement strategies. The EMPACE study aims to improve our comprehension of HF GDMT utilization in real-world settings during post-2020 . Objectives: To describe baseline demographic and clinical characteristics, including baseline treatments, of patients with HF hospitalization (HHF). Methods: This non-interventional, retrospective cohort study used patient data standardized to the OMOP Common Data Model from the Optum Market Clarity, an integrated EHR and Claims database in the U.S. The study period spanned from Jun-2020 to Oct-2023. Adult patients with a primary diagnosis of HF during hospitalization were stratified by HF phenotypes (HFrEF, HFmrEF, HFpEF) based on left ventricular ejection fraction (EF). Results: A total of 30,762 patients with HHF were included (74% HFrEF, 4% HFmrEF, and 22% HFpEF). The mean age was 70.1 years, 60% were male, mean BMI was 30.6 kg/m 2 , and mean eGFR was 58.7 mL/min/1.73m 2 . Of them, 72% had a history of HF and 43% has been previously hospitalized for HF in the past 1 year. The prevalence of baseline comorbidities was as follows: hypertension (90%), coronary artery disease (54%), chronic kidney disease (38%), atrial fibrillation (40%), peripheral artery disease (9%), stroke history (9%), and end-stage renal disease (1%). Medication prior to HF hospitalization are described in the figure 1. Overall, prior comorbidities and HF medication use in the last 365 days prior to HHF were similar between all HHF patients and the HFrEF, HFmrEF, and HFpEF phenotypes, except for the lower use of MRA and ARNI in HFmrEF, and HFpEF patients. Conclusion: This study showed a high comorbidity burden and a low utilization of many GDMT prior to hospitalization, especially for novel GDMT (ARNI and SGLT2i) and in HFmrEF and HFpEF. Despite many medications having a varying strength of guideline recommendation depending on EF, absolute differences in rates of GDMT utilization were relatively small across the EF phenotypes. Across the spectrum of EF, further efforts are needed to improve use of GDMT and reduce the missed opportunities for GDMT implementation that are occurring prior to HHF.

Abstract 4144512: Impact of Nutritional Status on Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair Outcomes in Mitral Regurgitation: Insights from a National Database Analysis

Introduction: Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair of the mitral valve with the MitraClip has offered a less invasive percutaneous alternative to surgical repair in select candidates with mitral regurgitation. Various factors impact the outcomes of MitraClip. We investigated the impact of nutritional status on the outcomes of MitraClip. Methods: Utilizing the nationwide inpatient sample data for years from January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2021, patients who underwent MitraClip were identified. They were categorized based on obesity and protein energy malnutrition (PEM). Statistical significance was assigned at p<05. Results: Out of the 8115 patients undergoing MitraClip, 2215 had PEM, and 5900 had obesity—table 1. Patients in the PEM group were older, with a higher prevalence of comorbidities, including anemia, pneumonia, liver disease, and fluid and electrolyte disorders, compared to the obese group. Conversely, the obesity group had a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and hypertension with complications. Our analysis revealed that PEM subgroups had significantly higher in-hospital mortality, cardiogenic shock, mechanical circulatory support (MCS) requirement, post-procedural worsening heart failure, spontaneous cardiac arrest, and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). After adjusting for potential confounders, PEM remained an independent predictor of increased odds of death, cardiac arrest, ECMO, MCS, and MACCE compared to obesity. The propensity score matching analysis confirmed that PEM was associated with significantly higher rates of in-hospital mortality, cardiac arrest, and MACCE compared to obesity. (Figure 1) Conclusion: Our results reveal that PEM is associated with significantly worse outcomes in patients undergoing MitraClip procedures compared to obesity. These findings are consistent across multivariate and propensity score matching analyses.

Abstract 4122590: Sex Differences in the Prescription of P2Y12 Inhibitor Agents Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background: There remain significant gender inequalities in the delivery of healthcare. Third generation P2Y12 inhibitors (P2Y12i), Prasugrel and Ticagrelor, are the standard of care for dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), especially in the setting of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We hypothesized that women are less likely to be prescribed 3 rd generation P2Y12i than clopidogrel, due to concealed gender inequalities. Methods: We examined gender differences in post percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) care in a cohort of 12,354 PCI cases from all 14 hospitals within the Steward Health Care system in the United States of America (USA). After removal of duplicates, 10,415 patients were included in the final analysis, with 7,191 males (69.04%) and 3,224 (30.96%) females. We conducted statistical analyses using the Chi-Square test of independence to explore associations between categorical variables, and logistic regression analysis to model the probability of clopidogrel prescription based on patient characteristics, adjusting for confounders. Results: We found that women were less likely than men to be prescribed 3 rd generation P2Y12i compared to clopidogrel with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.74 (CI 0.69-0.80, p<0.001). We adjusted for the following variables: age, weight, insurance type, number of stents, and relevant co-morbidities. The association remained significant with an OR of 0.83 (CI 0.76-0.90, p<0.001). In a subgroup of ACS patients, the association was also statistically significant with an OR of 0.77 (CI 0.67-0.88, p<0.001). Conclusions: Our study reveals that significant gender disparities exist in the prescription of P2Y12i after PCI, with women having a greater likelihood of being prescribed clopidogrel compared to more effective and guideline directed, 3 rd generation agents. This association held true after accounting for confounding variables including older age and an increased prevalence of co-morbidities in the female group. Our conclusions are likely to have been influenced by unmeasured socioeconomic factors, such as household income and medication costs. Therefore, further research ought to be conducted to better understand the reasons behind the association observed.

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF MALIGNANT PROSTATE NEOPLASMS IN THE SUMY REGION

Introduction. One of the most critical medical and social challenges facing the male population globally is the prevalence of malignant tumors of the prostate gland. Cancer-related mortality ranks the second position in Ukraine and worldwide, following cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, early diagnosis remains the most promising and effective strategy for combating malignant tumors. Objective: to investigate the prevalence and frequency of diagnosis of malignant prostate neoplasms in the Sumy region. Materials and Methods. The study utilized statistical data from the medical records of patients with prostate disease treated at the Urology Departments of Sumy Clinical Hospital of St. Panteleimon and Sumy City Clinical Hospital from 2018 to 2022. Results. The statistical analysis revealed that the prevalence of prostate diseases among patients aged 40-54 years was 21.5%, among those aged 55-74 years it was 34.3%, and for patients over 75 years it was 44.2%. An examination of the data regarding when patients sought medical help from the onset of the disease highlighted that most men with prostate cancer were asymptomatic, contributing to the spread of the disease and complicating early-stage diagnosis. Cardiovascular diseases and urinary system disorders (e.g., urolithiasis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, chronic prostatitis, and acute prostatitis) were common comorbidities in these patients. Conclusion. The statistical analysis identified a rising trend in the incidence of malignant prostate tumors in men over 50. Diseases of cardiovascular and urinary system were the most prevalent comorbidities in patients with prostate tumors. The majority of the patients were hospitalized late in the course of the disease.

Influence of Injury Patterns and Management Strategies on Outcomes in Trauma Patients with Epistaxis

Background: Epistaxis is a common emergency, particularly in the context of trauma. Understanding patterns and outcomes of epistaxis in a trauma setting can inform treatment strategies and improve patient care. Objectives: To evaluate the demographic characteristics, clinical features, and outcomes of patients treated for epistaxis following trauma. Methods: This retrospective case-control study included 1106 patients from the National Trauma Data Bank diagnosed with trauma-related epistaxis. The clinical outcomes assessed included hospital stay duration, complication rates, and mortality. Results: In comparison with younger patients, older patients were found to undergo operative intervention significantly more frequently (median age, 65 years vs 44 years; P < .001). The prevalence of cardiovascular and psychiatric comorbidities was higher in the operative group ( P = .004 and P = .041, respectively). Mortality risk was not found to be independently influenced by epistaxis management approach. Conclusions: In older individuals with comorbid conditions, trauma-related epistaxis is more likely to result in operative intervention and associated complications. Nonetheless, the management of epistaxis does not appear to have a significant impact on mortality risk.

A comparison of comorbidities and their risk factors prevalence across rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis with focus on cardiovascular diseases: data from a single center real-world cohort

AbstractManagement of comorbidities is essential to a patient-centered approach to the treatment of chronic inflammatory arthritis. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of comorbidities and their risk factors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in a single center outpatient cohort. This cross-sectional study included adult patients diagnosed with RA, PsA, and axSpA from a single rheumatology outpatient center. Comorbidities were documented by physicians, and patients were categorized into two age groups, younger (< 45 years) and older (≥ 45 years), with age- and gender-based comparisons. Disease activity, comorbidities, and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors were analyzed using chi-squared tests for categorical variables and independent samples t-tests for continuous variables, with p values < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Comorbidities were registered by physicians using GoTreatIt® Rheuma software. Among 508 RA, 267 PsA, and 285 axSpA patients, the four most common comorbidities were hypertension (36.4%, 25.1%, and 19.7%, respectively), dyslipidemia (19.5%, 15.4%, 14.7% respectively), obesity (16.9%, 22.5%, 14% respectively) and thyroid disease (21.5%, 13.9%, 11.2% respectively). Other comorbidities differed among the diseases and included osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, diabetes mellitus, arrhythmia, and asthma in RA, diabetes mellitus, depression and asthma in PsA, osteoporosis and serious infection in axSpA. RA patients, compared to axSpA had a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease (4.1% vs. 0.7%, p = 0.006), arrhythmia (6.9% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.008) and major adverse cardiac events (2.6% vs. 0.4%, p = 0.024) compared to axSpA. Osteoporosis was more frequent in RA (19.1%) and axSpA (8.4%) than in PsA (2.3%; p < 0.001) and was frequently diagnosed in patients aged < 45. Depression prevalence was surprisingly low (1.6%, 5.2%, and 1.8%, respectively). RA patients had the highest multimorbidity rate, with 26.6% reporting three or more comorbidities, compared to 16.8% in PsA and 10.6% in axSpA (p < 0.001). Health status was poorest in RA and worse in women compared to men for all diseases. RA, PsA, and axSpA share the same four most common comorbidities: hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and thyroid disease but have different prevalence of other disorders and CV risk factors, indicating the need for an individual screening and prevention approach. The possible unrecognition of depression should be evaluated.

A quality improvement model to identify undiagnosed heart failure at chronic obstructive pulmonary disease annual reviews

Abstract Introduction Heart failure (HF) is a common comorbidity in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The estimated prevalence of HF comorbidity in patients with COPD is up to 40%1. COPD and HF have overlapping symptoms which could delay the diagnosis of HF. Studies have shown that in UK primary care, HF treatment for COPD patients is delayed by almost twelve months compared to patients without COPD2. Early diagnosis and management of HF for COPD patients in primary care could reduce risk of recurrent exacerbation and subsequent hospitalisation. HF screen is not currently emphasised in the primary care COPD annual reviews. NICE guidance for COPD diagnosis mentions the use of serum natriuretic peptides to aid differential diagnosis of HF3. Pharmacists in general practice are the patients’ first point of contact, they are able to take leading roles in the holistic management of long-term conditions such as HF and COPD. Aim Reduce HF related complication including exacerbations and subsequent hospital admissions for COPD patients through early HF identification programme at COPD annual review. Methods Electronic Emis search was conducted on the practice database to identify patients on the COPD register. Patients with existing diagnosis of HF or NT-ProBNP in the last 12 month were excluded. Patients were invited for COPD annual review and screened for HF symptoms (breathlessness, fluid retention, fatigue, lightheadness) as per NICE guidance for HF identification. NT-ProBNP test was added to routine annual blood test for patients experiencing any of the HF symptoms. Patients with elevated NT-ProBNP >400ng/L were referred for further assessment for suspected HF. The project was a small scale service improvement project, it did not require ethical approval, this was confirmed with the Broad Street Health Centre clinical lead. Results Twenty six patients were screened out of 48 (54 %). Six patients (23%) had NT-pro BNP results over 400ng/L and were referred for further investigation for suspected HF. Diagnosis was confirmed for three patients 11%. Two of the newly diagnosed patients had an MRC score of 3, while one had and MRC score of 2. No patients with MRC score 1, 4 or 5 where among the newly diagnosed group. Discussion Results analysis correlates with published data regarding the prevalence of HF in COPD patients. Screening for HF in primary care might be most beneficial for patients with MRC of 2 or 3. Patients with score of 1 might have milder symptoms however annual screening will allow early detection of future deterioration. There were no newly diagnosed patients from the MRC score of 4 and 5 groups as they might have already been diagnosed if their symptoms were related to underlying HF. The three patients diagnosed with HF were treated for HF as per NICE guidance. Patients’ spontaneous feedback was positive regarding the new management approach. Conclusion Pharmacists in general practice can play a dynamic role in early identification of existing co-morbidities while conducting annual long-term conditions reviews. This in return facilitates vital early interventions to improve prognosis and reduce further complications along the way.

Phenotyping patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure (HF) are prevalent comorbidities associated with significant morbidity/mortality. We assessed prevalence of, patient profiles and outcomes associated with COPD across the ejection fraction (EF) spectrum. HF patients enrolled in the Swedish HF registry between 2005 and 2021 were considered. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to assess patient characteristics independently associated with COPD and Cox regression models for investigating the associations between COPD and outcomes, that is, morbidity/mortality. Among 97904 HF patients, COPD prevalence was 13%, highest in HF with preserved EF [HFpEF: 16%, HF with mildly reduced EF (HFmrEF): 12%, HF with reduced EF (HFrEF): 11%]. Key patient characteristics independently associated with a diagnosis of COPD included higher EF, female sex, smoking, obstructive sleep disorder, peripheral artery disease, a lower educational level, more severe HF, more likely mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist and diuretic use but less likely use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers/angiotensin-receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (not in HFrEF), beta-blockers, HF device therapies, and follow-up in HF nurse-led clinics. COPD was independently associated with a 15% higher risk of cardiovascular (CV) death/HF hospitalization [hazard ratio: 1.15 (95% confidence interval: 1.11-1.18)], CV death, non-CV death, all-cause death and HF hospitalizations, regardless of EF. COPD was present in every eight patient with HF, and more common with preserved EF. Patients with COPD had more severe HF, heavier comorbidity burden and worse morbidity/mortality regardless of EF. Our results call for improved diagnostic and management strategies in patients with HF and COPD.

Clinical, genomic, and proteomic perspectives in the analysis of comorbid conditions in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a retrospective study.

Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) affects millions globally, with escalating rates. It often leads to undiagnosed complications and commonly coexists with other health conditions. This study investigates two types of prevalent comorbidities related to T2DM-the circulatory system (DCM1) and digestive system diseases (DCM2)-using clinical, genomic and proteomic datasets. The aim is to identify new biomarkers by applying existing machine learning (ML) based techniques for early detection, prognosis and diagnosis of these comorbidities. Here, we report a cross-sectional retrospective analysis from a T2DM dataset of T2DM associated concordant comorbidities (diseases with shared pathophysiology and management) from the Diastrat cohort (a T2DM cohort) recruited at the Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine (NICSM), in Northern Ireland. In the clinical data analysis, we identified that lipidemia was shown to negatively correlate with depression in the DCM1 group while positively correlate with depression in the DCM2 group. In genomic analysis, we identified statistically significant variants rs9844730 in procollagen-lysine (PLOD2), rs73590361 in beta-1,4-N-acetyl- galactosaminyl-transferase (B4GALNT3) and rs964680 in A kinase (PRKA) anchor protein 14 (AKAP14) which appear to differentiate DCM1 and DCM2 groups. In proteomic analysis, we identified 4 statistically significant proteins: natriuretic peptides B (BNP), pro-adrenomedullin (ADM), natriuretic peptides B (NT-proBNP) and discoidin (DCBLD2) that can differentiate DCM1 and DCM2 groups and have built robust ML model using clinical, genomic, and proteomic markers (0.83 receiver operative characteristics curve area, 84% positive predictive value and 83% negative predictive value and a classification accuracy of 83%) for prediction of DCM1 and DCM2 groups. Our study successfully identifies novel clinical, genomic, and proteomic biomarkers that differentiate between circulatory and digestive system comorbidities in Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus patients. The machine learning model we developed demonstrates strong predictive capabilities, providing a promising tool for the early detection, prognosis, and diagnosis of these T2DM-associated comorbidities. These findings have the potential to enhance personalized management strategies for patients with T2DM, ultimately improving clinical outcomes. Further research is needed to validate these biomarkers and integrate them into clinical practice.

Prevalence of comorbidities among patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the UAE: a case–control study

ObjectivesData on the rate of comorbidities in Arab patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are limited, and extrapolating the prevalence of comorbidities from international studies is challenging. This study aimed to...

Epidemiology of Elderly Burn Patients in the United States: Mortality Patterns and Risk Factors Revealed by CDC Wonder Database

IntroductionBurn-related fatalities pose a significant global public health challenge, with a substantial impact on the elderly population. This study examines two decades of burn-related mortality data in the United States, aiming to understand the trends, disparities, and contributing factors among adults aged 65 and older.ObjectivesThe primary objectives of this study are to (1) analyze the trends in burn-related mortality rates among older adults, (2) investigate disparities based on gender, race and geographic regions, and (3) identify comorbidities and complications associated with burn-related deaths in this demographic.MethodsData were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) using the National Center for Health Statistics database. The study cohort consists of individuals aged 65 and older who experienced burn-related deaths between 1999 and 2020. Various demographic variables, including age, sex, race/ethnicity, and location of death, were considered. The study also examined urban-rural classifications and regional differences. Mortality rates were calculated and adjusted for age. Joinpoint regression analysis was employed to assess trends in age-adjusted mortality rates over time. Modes of death and common comorbidities and complications were analyzed.ResultsBetween 1999 and 2020, a total of 96,498 older adults succumbed to burn injuries in the United States. Analysis revealed a concerning increase in burn-related mortality rates from 2012 onwards. Demographic disparities were evident, with older men consistently exhibiting higher mortality rates compared to women. Racial disparities were observed, with Black individuals experiencing the highest mortality burden. Geographic analysis indicated elevated mortality rates in Western states and rural areas. Accidents emerged as the leading cause of death, with ischemic heart disease and hypertensive diseases being prevalent comorbidities. Complications, with septicemia being the most common, contribute significantly to mortality.ConclusionOur analysis of 20 years of burn-related mortality data from the CDC reveals alarming trends in the United States. Unlike global trends, mortality rates have stagnated from 1999 to 2020, indicating a persistent public health challenge. Black individuals aged over 65 bear the brunt of burn-related mortality, facing the highest age-adjusted rates among all racial groups. Regional disparities are stark, with states in the top 90% exhibiting significantly higher age-adjusted mortality rates compared to those in the bottom 10%. Moreover, rural areas consistently report higher mortality rates than urban areas. Ischemic heart disease, hypertensive diseases, and other heart-related conditions emerge as prevalent comorbidities. To effectively reduce burn-related injuries and fatalities, targeted public health policies are imperative. These interventions must prioritize high-risk populations and adopt culturally sensitive approaches to promote safety. Additionally, enhancing access to healthcare and fire safety education is vital for mitigating the burden of burn-related mortality among the elderly population.

Factors Associated With Presence Of Pneumomediastinum And Pneumothorax In Patients With Covid 19 In Public Hospital In Puebla

Introduction: acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to covid 19 can lead to the presence of pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum; rare but potentially fatal and is related to mechanical ventilation or the severity of the disease. Recently, cases of pneumomediastinum have been documented despite the use of different protective ventilation measures, without being clear about its origin or prognosis. Material and methods: descriptive, retrospective and single-center study in patients with covid 19 admitted to a second level hospital in the city of puebla during march 1, 2020 to march 1, 2021. Results: during the period from january 2020 to january 2021, 966 patients were admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of covid 19. 29 (3%) patients presented some pleural complication. 23 (84%) had pneumomediastinum and 5 (18%) had pneumothorax. The most prevalent comorbidities were diabetes, arterial hypertension and obesity. 80% of the patients had dyspnea and chest pain as the initial symptom. In laboratory tests, 80% of the patients had high ldh and c-reactive protein associated with leukocytosis. Conclusion: the prevalence of pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum in patients with covid 19 was 3% with a mortality rate of 25%

Real-World safety and effectiveness of evolocumab in primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia in Saudi Arabia

IntroductionEvolocumab’s short-term efficacy and safety were proven in phase-3 clinical trial, but its long-term safety and effectiveness in the Saudi population are yet to be studied. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term safety and effectiveness of evolocumab in Saudi patients with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia. MethodA retrospective cohort study evaluated adult patients who had newly been prescribed evolocumab for hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia. Safety events included myocardial infarction, unstable angina, stroke, transient ischemic attack, heart failure, rhabdomyolysis, renal dysfunction, and myalgia. Effectiveness outcomes included changes in lipid profiles from baseline, assessed at 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month. ResultsThe study sample were 469 who newly prescribed evolocumab, from which 69.1 % being male, were included. The most prevalent comorbidities were coronary artery disease, diabetes, and hypertension. Statin was the most commonly used therapy. The most common adverse events at 6-month follow-up, based on the incidence rate per 1000 person-years, were coronary revascularization (63.20), myalgia (44.96), myocardial infarction (31.53), unstable angina (31.49), heart failure (26.94), rhabdomyolysis without renal dysfunction (8.93), transient ischemic attack (4.46), and rhabdomyolysis with renal dysfunction (4.46). Stroke incidence increased with follow-up length, from 8.87 per 1000 person-years at 6 months to 12.84 per 1000 person-years at 24 months. Evolocumab use significantly reduced LDL and total cholesterol levels at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months follow-up, while having no significant effect on HDL or triglycerides levels. ConclusionEvolocumab appeared to be safe and effective therapeutic option for patients with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia to potentially reduce LDL levels to therapeutic levels when statins are insufficient.

Clinical and social characterization of patients hospitalized for COPD exacerbation using Machine Learning tools

Objective: This study aims to employ machine learning (ML) tools to cluster patients hospitalized for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) based on their diverse social and clinical characteristics. This clustering is intended to facilitate the subsequent analysis of differences in clinical outcomes.Methods: We analysed a cohort of patients with severe COPD from two Pulmonary Departments in north-western Spain using the k-prototypes algorithm, incorporating demographic, clinical, and social data. The resulting clusters were correlated with metrics such as readmissions, mortality, and place of death. Additionally, we developed an Intelligent Clinical Decision Support System (ICDSS) using a supervised ML model (Random Forest) to assign new patients to these clusters based on a reduced set of variables.Results: The cohort consisted of 524 patients, with an average age of 70.30 ± 9.35 years, 77.67% male, and an average FEV1 of 44.43 ± 15.4. Four distinct clusters (A-D) were identified with varying clinical-demographic and social profiles. Cluster D showed the highest levels of dependency, social isolation, and increased rates of readmissions and mortality. Cluster B was characterized by prevalent cardiovascular comorbidities. Cluster C included a younger demographic, with a higher proportion of women and significant psychosocial challenges. The ICDSS, using five key variables, achieved areas under the ROC curve of at least 0.91.Conclusions: ML tools effectively facilitate the social and clinical clustering of patients with severe COPD, closely related to resource utilization and prognostic profiles. The ICDSS enhances the ability to characterize new patients in clinical settings.

Prevalence of Obesity and Its Associated Comorbidities in Adults with Asthma: A Single-Center Study in Saudi Arabia

Background and Objectives: Asthma is associated with several comorbidities, one of which is obesity. The worldwide increase in obesity has been accompanied by a parallel rise in asthma prevalence, with obesity recognized as a significant risk factor for both the development and severity of asthma. Obesity is often linked to various comorbidities, which can complicate asthma management and lead to poorer clinical outcomes. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of obesity and its comorbidities in adults with asthma in a single center in Saudi Arabia, providing an overview of the associated health implications. Materials and Methods: This single-center, retrospective study aimed to assess the prevalence of obesity and other comorbidities in asthma patients. Data were collected from King Khalid University Hospital in Saudi Arabia between July 2023 and December 2023. Results: This study revealed that 72.1% of asthma patients were either obese or overweight. Female patients had significantly higher BMI values compared to males. Our study revealed that 38.21% of female asthma patients (mean age = 57 ± 13.85 years) had comorbidities compared to 24.14% of male asthma patients (mean age = 59 ± 14.02 years). Furthermore, the proportion of obese asthmatic patients with comorbidities was significantly greater than those without comorbidities. Conclusions: This study investigates obesity prevalence and associated comorbidities in adult asthmatics in a single center in Saudi Arabia. The findings reveal a 72.1% rate of obesity and overweight among asthmatic patients, with higher BMI and comorbidity prevalence in females. These results underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing obesity and comorbidities, especially in female asthmatics.

Endocrine disorders in Rett syndrome: a systematic review of the literature

BackgroundRett syndrome (RTT) is an X-linked progressive neurodevelopmental disorder that involves mainly girls and is the second most frequent cause of genetic intellectual disability. RTT leads to neurological regression between 6 and 18 months of life and could be associated with a variable neurological impairment. However, RTT affects not only neurological function but also wide aspects of non-neurological organs. Recent data showed that the endocrine system is often involved in RTT patients, including disorders of growth, bone health, thyroid, puberty onset, and weight abnormalities However, systematic data on endocrinopathies in RTT are scarce and limited.ObjectiveThis review aims to analyze the prevalence and type of endocrine comorbidities in RTT population, to allow a precocious diagnosis and appropriate endocrinological management.MethodsSystematic research was carried out from January 2000 to March 2024 through MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library.ResultsAfter the selection phase, a total of 22 studies (1090 screened) met the inclusion criteria and were reported in the present review. Five studies were observational-retrospective, four were cross-sectional and case report or series, three were survey, prospective, and case-control, and finally one study for descriptive-transversal and longitudinal population-based study. The sample population consisted of multiethnic groups or single ethnic groups. The main endocrinopathies reported were malnutrition, bone alterations, and alterations of puberty onset.ConclusionsOur analysis shows that endocrinopathies are not rare in RTT patients. Therefore, in the context of a multidisciplinary approach, accurate screening and monitoring for endocrinopathies should be recommended in all RTT patients, to improve clinical practice, healthcare management, and, finally, patients’ quality of life.

SPICT tool among intubated elderly patients at emergency department

BackgroundThe global rise in the aging population necessitates a proactive approach to palliative care, with a substantial gap between the demand for and access to such care. The Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT) has emerged as a valuable instrument for identifying patients at risk of deterioration and death, enhancing the timely initiation of palliative care. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and outcomes of patients aged 60 and above who got intubated in the emergency department (ED), with and without fulfilling SPICT criteria. MethodsThis retrospective single-center study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Thailand. The research involved 408 adults aged 60 and older who underwent ED intubation and subsequent admission. Baseline characteristics and follow-up data were collected, encompassing vital signs, comorbidities, and SPICT criteria. Mortality rates between SPICT criteria-fulfilled and non-fulfilled groups were compared. ResultsOut of 408 analyzed patients, SPICT criteria were met by 39.7 % of patients, exhibiting distinctive features such as a higher respiratory rate and lower diastolic blood pressure. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were most prevalent comorbidities. Respiratory and neurological disorders were the leading final diagnoses. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 28 %, significantly higher in the SPICT criteria-fulfilled group compared to the non-fulfilled group (34.0 % vs 23.6 %, P = 0.022). SPICT criteria demonstrated moderate sensitivity (48.7 %) and specificity (63.7 %) for predicting mortality. ConclusionSPICT criteria identified elderly patients at an elevated mortality risk following intubation in the emergency setting. The early implementation of SPICT as a screening tool for identifying palliative care candidates is advocated for more effective advance care planning.

Prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities among hospitalized patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and factors associated with a higher case-fatality rate

Abstract Background Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is proven to be a catalyst for sudden cardiac death among affected population. However, the prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities (CVC) and their association with in-hospital mortality has not been established among hospitalized patients with HCM. Methods National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was queried from 2016 to 2020 to identify hospitalized patients with a diagnosis of HCM. The prevalence of CVC and case-fatality rate was determined for this patient population using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. Results Weighted data was analyzed for a total of 278,995 admission cases with HCM. Crude in-hospital mortality rate increased from 16.4% to 22.9% during the study period. Atrial fibrillation (42.1%), HFpEF (28.1%), and cardiorenal syndrome (16.6%) were the most common CVC among hospitalized patients with HCM. The case-fatality rate was the highest among HCM patients hospitalized due to cardiac arrest (41%) followed by cardiac tamponade (13.7%) and STEMI (10.2%). Increasing age (aOR: 1.02, 95%CI: 1.02-1.03, p<0.0001), Asian/Pacific Islander race (aOR: 1.7, 95%CI: 1.1-2.4-, p=0.007), cerebrovascular accident (aOR: 2.3, 95%CI: 1.7-3.01, p<0.0001), NSTEMI (aOR: 1.8, 95%CI: 1.3-2.4, p<0.0001), peripheral vascular diseases (aOR: 1.3, 95%CI: 1.03-1.6, p=0.03), cardiorenal syndrome (aOR: 1.4, 95%CI: 1.2-1.8, p<0.0001), and cardiac arrest (aOR: 26.6, 95%CI: 20.9-33.9, p<0.0001). Among HCM patients with acute myocardial infarction requiring revascularization procedures, in-hospital mortality rate was significantly lower among those undergoing PCI than CABG (8.5% vs. 37.5%, p=0.008 for STEMI and 1.8% vs. 4.9%, p=0.04 for NSTEMI). Conclusions Mortality rate among hospitalized patients with HCM has been slightly on the rise over the last half century. Although aging population might be a contributing factor, comorbid end-organ damages including CVA, NSTEMI, and cardiorenal syndrome have demonstrated substantial association with in-hospital mortality in addition to cardiac arrest. For HCM patients requiring revascularization procedures, PCI seems to be associated with a lower mortality rate than its competitor CABG.