Mortality Risk Ratio Research Articles

Profiles of Successful Aging and Their Association with All-Cause Mortality Risk among the Oldest-Old Chinese in Singapore

Introduction: Although successful aging (SA) studies have examined objective indicators such as disease and disability, physical and cognitive function, and social and productive engagement, as well as subjective indicators such as self-rated health, function, and well-being, the interplay among these indicators is rarely studied. We studied SA profiles that captured this interplay and evaluated the association of these profiles with mortality in the oldest-old. Methods: Respondents were 1,000 Chinese Singaporeans aged ≥85 years during interview visits from 2017 to 2018. Latent class analysis examined 12 objective and subjective indicators to identify SA profiles. Multivariable Cox regression assessed the relationship between these profiles and all-cause mortality risk through 2020. Results: Four distinct SA profiles were identified: “frail and dejected” (poor performance in nearly all objective and subjective indicators), “frail but resilient” (poor in objective but good in subjective indicators), “fairly fit and neutral” (good in about half of the indicators), and “fit and positive” (good in nearly all indicators). Compared with “frail and dejected,” the adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for mortality risk was 0.63 (0.40–0.97) in “frail but resilient,” 0.56 (0.34–0.93) in “fairly fit and neutral,” and 0.31 (0.19–0.49) in “fit and positive.” Discussion: SA in the oldest-old could take different profiles based on objective and subjective indicators, and these profiles have implications for mortality risk. Individuals with good subjective indicators have advantage in survival despite poor objective indicators.

Association of sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe implication of sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) to prognosis is controversial, and its association with mortality at different stages remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to understand the association between SIC and mortality in septic patients.MethodsWe searched and appraised observational studies regarding the mortality related to SIC among septic patients in PubMed and Embase from inception until 8 July 2021. Outcomes comprised in-hospital and 1-month mortality. We adopted the random-effects model to examine the mortality risk ratio in patients with and without SIC. Meta-regression, subgroup, and sensitivity analyses were applied to examine the outcome’s heterogeneity.ResultsOur results, including 20 studies and 4,410 septic patients, demonstrated that SIC was non-statistically associated with increased in-hospital mortality, compared to non-SIC (RR 1.28, [0.96–1.71]; p = 0.09), but the association was statistically significant in patients with the hospital stay lengths longer than 10 days (RR 1.40, [1.02–1.93]; p = 0.04). Besides, SIC was significantly associated with a higher risk of 1-month mortality (RR 1.47, [1.17–1.86]; p < 0.01). Among SIC patients, right ventricular dysfunction was significantly associated with increased 1-month mortality (RR 1.72, [1.27–2.34]; p < 0.01), while left ventricular dysfunction was not (RR 1.33, [0.87–2.02]; p = 0.18).ConclusionsWith higher in-hospital mortality in those hospitalized longer than 10 days and 1-month mortality, our findings imply that SIC might continue influencing the host’s system even after recovery from cardiomyopathy. Besides, right ventricular dysfunction might play a crucial role in SIC-related mortality, and timely biventricular assessment is vital in managing septic patients.

Meta-Analysis on Drug and Device Therapy of New York Heart Association Functional Class IV Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class IV symptoms. Decades of discovery have heralded significant advancements in the pharmacologic management of HFrEF. However, patients with NYHA IV symptoms remain an under-represented population in almost every clinical trial to date, leaving clinicians with limited evidence with which to guide drug treatment decisions in this patient group with severe heart failure. Randomized controlled trials of adult patients with NYHA IV symptoms of HFrEF randomized to current guideline-recommended medical therapy were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The outcomes of interest included the rate of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and heart failure hospitalization. A total of 39 randomized controlled trials were included. A total of 6 studies examined angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, with meta-analyses of 2 demonstrating a reduced risk of all-cause mortality (relative risk (RR) 0.76, 95% confidence interval 0.59 to 0.97, p=0.03). A total of 11 studies examined β blockers, with meta-analysis of 6 demonstrating a reduced risk of all-cause mortality (risk ratio 0.74, 95% confidence interval 0.60 to 0.92, p=0.008). A study examined the mineralocorticoid antagonist spironolactone, reporting a reduced risk of all-cause mortality in the NYHA IV subgroup. A total of 6 studies examined device therapy, demonstrating the benefit of cardiac resynchronization therapy with or without an implantable cardiac defibrillator in reducing hospitalization in the NYHA IV subgroup. Although trial evidence exists for angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, β-blockers, and mineralocorticoid antagonist therapy in the NYHA IV population, the role of angiotensin receptor blockers is unclear. Ivabradine, angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors, and sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors remain underinvestigated and have not been proved to provide any benefit above standard heart failure therapy in patients with HFrEF and NYHA IV symptoms.

State-by-state estimates of avoidable trauma mortality with early and liberal versus delayed or restricted administration of tranexamic acid

ObjectiveEarly administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to save lives in trauma patients, and some U.S. emergency medical systems (EMS) have begun providing this therapy prehospital. Treatment protocols vary from state to state: Some offer TXA broadly to major trauma patients, others reserve it for patients meeting vital sign criteria, and still others defer TXA entirely pending a hospital evaluation. The purpose of this study is to compare the avoidable mortality achievable under each of these strategies, and to report on the various approaches used by EMS.MethodsWe used the National Center for Health Statistics Underlying Cause of Death data to identify a TXA-naïve population of trauma patients who died from 2007 to 2012 due to hemorrhage. We estimated the proportion of deaths where the patient was hypotensive or tachycardic using the National Trauma Data Bank. We used avoidable mortality risk ratios from the landmark CRASH 2 study to calculate lives saved had TXA been given within one hour of injury based on a clinician’s gestalt the patient was at risk for significant hemorrhage; had it been reserved only for hypotensive or tachycardic patients; or had it been given between hours one to three of injury, considered here as a surrogate for deferring the question to the receiving hospital.ResultsHad TXA been given within 1 hour of injury, an average of 3409 deaths per year could have been averted nationally. Had TXA been given between one and three hours after injury, 2236 deaths per year could have been averted. Had TXA only been given to either tachycardic or hypotensive trauma patients, 1371 deaths per year could have been averted. Had TXA only been given to hypotensive trauma patients, 616 deaths per year could have been averted. Similar trends are seen at the individual state level. A review of EMS practices found 15 statewide protocols that allow EMS providers to administer TXA for trauma.ConclusionProviding early TXA to persons at risk of significant hemorrhage has the potential to prevent many deaths from trauma, yet most states do not offer it in statewide prehospital treatment protocols.

Transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement for stenotic bicuspid aortic valve: Systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesBicuspid aortic valves have been excluded from randomized trials comparing transcatheter aortic valve replacement with surgical aortic valve replacement. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement versus surgical aortic valve replacement in patients with severe bicuspid aortic valve stenosis using a meta-analysis. MethodsMEDLINE and EMBASE were searched through March 2022 to identify observational studies comparing transcatheter aortic valve replacement and surgical aortic valve replacement for severe bicuspid aortic valve stenosis. Outcomes of interest were in-hospital outcomes, including all-cause mortality, stroke, vascular complication, permanent pacemaker implantation, acute kidney injury, blood transfusion, paravalvular leak, and all-cause mortality during follow-up. ResultsFour propensity score–matched studies and 54,047 patients (transcatheter aortic valve replacement, n = 3841; surgical aortic valve replacement, n = 50,206) yielding 3142 pairs using propensity score were included. Median follow-up periods were 21 to 24 months. There were no significant differences in in-hospital mortality (risk ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.40-1.20; P = .19) or stroke (risk ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.64-1.14; P = .29). Although transcatheter aortic valve replacement was associated with higher risks of permanent pacemaker implantation rate (risk ratio, 1.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-2.84; P = .0003), transcatheter aortic valve replacement was associated with lower risks of acute kidney injury (risk ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.38-0.88; P = .01) and transfusion (risk ratio, 0.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.21-0.29; P = .0001). There were no significant differences in in-hospital vascular complication, paravalvular leak, and all-cause mortality during follow-up. ConclusionsIn selected patients with severe bicuspid aortic valve stenosis, no significant differences in in-hospital mortality or stroke were observed between transcatheter aortic valve replacement and surgical aortic valve replacement. Further investigations with long-term follow-up and morphological features are warranted.

Components of the frailty phenotype as predictors of mortality among older adults after four years of hospital discharge

Objective: to verify the association between impairment of frailty phenotype components as predictors of mortality among older adults after four years of hospital discharge. Methodology: Prospective and longitudinal investigation, carried out with hospitalized older adults, at baseline, and followed up after hospital discharge. Of the 163 older adults included in the study, 43 died during follow-up and 92 completed the four-year follow-up. The following instruments were used: Mini Mental State Examination, a form for characterizing sociodemographic, economic and health data; and Fried's frailty phenotype. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression to estimate the risk ratio (Hazard Ratio) of mortality among older adults with impairment in each component of the phenotype, considering p&lt;0.05. Results: The impairment in the components of the frailty phenotype slow gait speed (HR: 3.27; 95%CI: 1.655-6.475; p&lt;0.001); decreased muscle strength (HR:3.09; 95%CI: 1.605-5.959; p=0.001); self-reported exhaustion and/or fatigue (HR: 2.97; 95%CI: 1.508-5.853; p=0.002) and low level of physical activity (HR: 3.22; 95%CI: 1.693-6.138; p&lt;0.001) remained as predictors of mortality, after adjustment; and represented a lower probability of survival. Conclusion: Impairment in the components of gait speed, muscle strength, exhaustion and/or fatigue and physical activity at baseline represented a higher risk for mortality among the elderly at follow-up. Thus, there is the possibility of targeting interventions in risk groups to improve the condition of frailty and, consequently, increase survival.

Black and White Patients With Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia Have Similar Outcomes but Different Risk Factors.

Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) disproportionately affects Black patients. The reasons for this disparity are unclear. We evaluated a prospectively ascertained cohort of patients with SAB from 1995 to 2020. Clinical characteristics, bacterial genotypes, and outcome were compared among Black and White patients with SAB. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine factors independently associated with the outcomes. Among 3068 patients with SAB, 1107 (36%) were Black. Black patients were younger (median, 56 years vs 63 years; P < .001) and had higher rates of diabetes (47.5% vs 34.5%, P < .001), hemodialysis dependence (40.0% vs 7.3%, P < .001), and human immunodeficiency virus (6.4% vs 0.6%, P < .001). Black patients had higher rates of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (49.3% vs 44.9%, P = .020), including the USA300 hypervirulent clone (11.5% vs 8.4%, P = .007). White patients had higher rates of corticosteroid use (22.4% vs 15.8%, P < .0001) and surgery in the preceding 30 days (28.1% vs 18.7%, P < .001). Although the median Acute Physiology Score (APS) at the time of initial SAB diagnosis was significantly higher in Black patients (median APS, 9; interquartile range [IQR], 5-14 vs median APS, 7; IQR, 4-12; P < .001), race was not associated with 90-day mortality (risk ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, .93-1.12), and rates of metastatic infection were lower among Black patients (37.2% vs 41.3% White, P = .029). Despite differences in Black patients' higher APS on presentation and more risk factors, including a 5 times higher risk of hemodialysis dependence, 90-day mortality among Black and White patients with SAB was similar.

Abstract 15112: Subcutaneous versus Transvenous Implantable Defibrillator Recipients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) is an alternative to transvenous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (T-ICD) in select patients with complex anatomy, high infection risk and venous access issues. T-ICD is known to cause perioperative and long-term complications. Considering expanding indications for S-ICD, ongoing uncertainty in efficacy and unknown utility in low-risk patients, we performed this updated meta-analysis to study device related complications in both the systems. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis using electronic literature search to retrieve studies that compared S-ICD to T-ICD. Outcomes of interest were efficacy and device-related complications. Outcomes were pooled under random-effects and reported as risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs. 15 studies (observational, case-control and RCTs), median follow up 31.1 months, with variable heterogeneity for different outcomes (Fig-1), were included to capture real-world data. Results: A total of 21628 patients (S-ICD group n=3594, male 72.6%, mean age 50.1±10y and T-ICD group n=18034, male =72.6%, mean age 53.3±10.6y) were recruited. Lead-related complications were significantly lower in S-ICD, RR {0.21 [0.13, 0.34], P=&lt;0.00001}. There were no significant difference in other device-related endpoints: 30-day complications RR{0.67 [0.38, 1.18], P=0.17}; surgical complications RR{0.70 [0.49, 1.01], P=&lt;0.05}, inappropriate therapy RR{ 0.85 [0.67, 1.07], P=0.16}; appropriate therapy RR{ 0.62 [0.35, 1.09], P=0.10}, infections requiring surgery RR {0.84 [0.44, 1.59], P=0.59} and all-cause mortality RR{0.91 [0.68, 1.2, P=0.52]. Conclusion: Efficacy and safety of S-ICD is non-inferior to T-ICD and superior for lead-related complications.

LBSAT140 Mortality Risk Following Atypical Femoral Fracture: A Systematic Review And Meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction Proximal femoral fracture in elderly (&amp;gt;60 years of age) is known to be associated with a high one-year mortality risk of 21.2% (1). Studies have shown that the mortality rate of atypical femoral fracture (AFF) may be lower than that of typical proximal femoral fracture (2), although results from existing studies are inconsistent. Therefore, we aimed to summarize all available data, using systematic review and meta-analysis, to estimate the one-year mortality risk following AFF and risk ratio of mortality following AFF versus typical femoral fracture (TFF). Methods Potentially eligible studies were identified from Medline and EMBASE databases from inception to February 2022 using a search strategy that comprised keywords "Atypical Femoral Fracture" and "Mortality". Any eligible study must consist of a cohort of patients with AFF. Then, the study must report a one-year mortality risk following AFF or effect estimates with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) comparing mortality risks between patients with AFF and TFF. Data were retrieved from each study and were combined using the generic inverse variance method. Results A total of 8,967 articles were identified. After two rounds of independent review by three investigators, we identified 7 studies reporting one-year mortality risks of AFF and 3 studies comparing mortality risks of AFF versus TFF. These studies were included into the meta-analysis. The pooled one-year mortality risk following atypical femoral fracture of 0.10 (95% CI, 0. 05 - 0.16; with high heterogeneity, I2 93.3%). The funnel plot was asymmetric in favor of studies that reported high one-year mortality risks. In the meta-analysis comparing the mortality risks following AFF versus TFF, no significant difference in mortality risks was found between the two conditions, with the pooled risk ratio of 0.98 (95% CI 0.78 - 1.25; with high heterogeneity, I2 96.8%). Conclusion This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that the one-year mortality risk following AFF was approximately 10%, which may be lower than the reported mortality risk after typical hip fracture of around 20% (1). However, no significant difference was found in the meta-analysis of studies that compared the mortality risks of the two conditions, suggesting the | need for further investigation. The results will be useful for risk-benefit discussions on initiation of antiresorptive and anabolic osteoporotic therapy.

Association Between Selective Decontamination of the Digestive Tract and In-Hospital Mortality in Intensive Care Unit Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation

The effectiveness of selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) in critically ill adults receiving mechanical ventilation is uncertain. To determine whether SDD is associated with reduced risk of death in adults receiving mechanical ventilation in intensive care units (ICUs) compared with standard care. The primary search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases until September 2022. Randomized clinical trials including adults receiving mechanical ventilation in the ICU comparing SDD vs standard care or placebo. Data extraction and risk of bias assessments were performed in duplicate. The primary analysis was conducted using a bayesian framework. The primary outcome was hospital mortality. Subgroups included SDD with an intravenous agent compared with SDD without an intravenous agent. There were 8 secondary outcomes including the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia, ICU-acquired bacteremia, and the incidence of positive cultures of antimicrobial-resistant organisms. There were 32 randomized clinical trials including 24 389 participants in the analysis. The median age of participants in the included studies was 54 years (IQR, 44-60), and the median proportion of female trial participants was 33% (IQR, 25%-38%). Data from 30 trials including 24 034 participants contributed to the primary outcome. The pooled estimated risk ratio (RR) for mortality for SDD compared with standard care was 0.91 (95% credible interval [CrI], 0.82-0.99; I2 = 33.9%; moderate certainty) with a 99.3% posterior probability that SDD reduced hospital mortality. The beneficial association of SDD was evident in trials with an intravenous agent (RR, 0.84 [95% CrI, 0.74-0.94]), but not in trials without an intravenous agent (RR, 1.01 [95% CrI, 0.91-1.11]) (P value for the interaction between subgroups = .02). SDD was associated with reduced risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (RR, 0.44 [95% CrI, 0.36-0.54]) and ICU-acquired bacteremia (RR, 0.68 [95% CrI, 0.57-0.81]). Available data regarding the incidence of positive cultures of antimicrobial-resistant organisms were not amenable to pooling and were of very low certainty. Among adults in the ICU treated with mechanical ventilation, the use of SDD compared with standard care or placebo was associated with lower hospital mortality. Evidence regarding the effect of SDD on antimicrobial resistance was of very low certainty.

Risk of adverse outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease patients infected with SARS-CoV-2: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundBetween people with and without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), there was no statistically significant difference in the probability of contracting the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, the risk of adverse outcomes in IBD patients after virus infection remains unclear.MethodsEligible studies conducted from January 1, 2020 to March 17, 2022 were obtained by searching PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Information was collected in tables from the included studies. Random-effects and fixed-effects models were used as measures for the pooled estimates. All data were estimated by R version 4.1.3.ResultsTwenty-four studies were included. The risk ratio (RR) of adverse outcomes in COVID-19 patients with IBD increased by 32% (RR 1.32; 95% CI 1.06–1.66) relative to COVID-19 patients without IBD. The RR of mortality was higher in COVID-19 patients with IBD from Europe (RR 1.72; 95% CI 1.11–2.67) than in those that were not from Europe (RR 1.00; 95% CI 0.79–1.26; χ2 = 4.67; P = 0.03). Patients with ulcerative colitis were at higher risk of adverse outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 infection than patients with Crohn’s disease patients (RR1.38; 95% CI 1.27–1.50). The IBD drugs treatment was associated with the risk of adverse outcomes, the pooled odds ratio (OR) of mesalazine (1.79; 95% CI 1.59–2.02), immunomodulators (1.30; 95% CI 1.10–1.53), and anti-TNF (0.47; 95% CI 0.41–0.53) were assessed.ConclusionCOVID-19 patients with IBD had an increased risk of adverse outcomes than those without IBD, whereas anti-TNF treatment might reduce the risk.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00384-022-04265-w.

Reallocation of Hospital Resources During COVID-19 Pandemic and Effect on Trauma Outcomes in a Resource-Limited Setting

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption to surgical care worldwide, particularly in low-resource countries. We sought to characterize the association between pre- and intrapandemic trauma clinical outcomes at a busy tertiary hospital in Malawi. METHODS: We analyzed trauma patients who presented to Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi, from 2011 through July 2021. Burn patients were excluded. We compared patients based on whether they presented before or during the pandemic, defined as March 11, 2020, the date of the official WHO designation. We used modified Poisson modeling to estimate the adjusted risk of death based on presentation. RESULTS: A total of 138,750 patients presented during the study period, with 13,901 patients during the pandemic. During the pandemic, patients were more likely to be older (mean 28 vs 25 years, p < 0.001), men (79 vs 74%, p < 0.001), and experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as their primary injury (9.7 vs 5.0%, p < 0.001). Crude trauma-associated mortality was higher during the pandemic at 3.7% vs 2.1% (p < 0.001). The risk ratio of mortality during the pandemic compared with prepandemic presentation was 1.17 (95% CI 1.09, 1.26) adjusted for age, sex, initial Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive (AVPU) score, and injury type. Difference in the adjusted risk increased as age increased. (Figure).FigureCONCLUSION: During the pandemic, adjusted trauma-associated mortality significantly increased at a tertiary trauma center in a low-resource setting. Potential targets for improvement are addressing nursing shortage and reassignment along with shifts in intensive care use needed for COVID-19 patients. Further research is urgently needed to prepare for future pandemics.

Management of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors in patients with chronic cardiovascular conditions and its association with clinical outcomes

Abstract Background In chronic cardiovascular diseases, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASI) are one of the keystones of the medical treatment and have revealed improvements in clinical outcomes in many clinical trials. In contrast, is well defined as non-desirable effect of RAASI the development of hyperkalemia, which could force to interrupt these treatments. Hyperkalemia has been associated with worse outcomes in observational studies. Though, it is controversial if those negative outcomes in hyperkalemic patients could be because the potassium derangement itself or the circumstance that in these individuals could be enforced to discontinue RAASI medications with prognostic consequences at mid- to long-term. Purpose Assess associations between management of RAASI and clinical outcomes among individuals with chronic cardiovascular conditions and hyperkalemia. Methods Data from more than 375,000 individuals 55 years of age or older were analyzed, in a population-based healthcare database of a public Institute of Health between 2015 and 2017. We conducted a longitudinal analysis, in which participants with at least one relevant condition were included: chronic heart failure, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease or hypertension. They had to be under RAASI treatment as of January 1st, 2016, and with evidence of at least one episode of hyperkalemia (serum potassium &amp;gt;5.0 mmol/L) during 2016. Then, were classified in one of the two following profiles: RAASI treatment discontinuation or down-titration versus RAASI treatment unchanged or up-titrated. Subsequently, all-cause death and hospitalization has been assessed in the follow-up period as clinical outcomes. For the statistical analysis, we calculated unadjusted incidence rate ratios and Cox Proportional Hazards Regression models to calculate the multivariable-adjusted risk ratios for the clinical endpoints comparing both groups. Results There was found an association with mortality and hospitalization for the RAASI treatment interruption/down-titration group when compared unadjusted incidence rate ratios of each clinical endpoints to RAASI treatment unchanged patients (reference group). We presented these results in a Kaplan-Meier survivor curves for endpoint mortality (Figure 1). In the multivariable-adjusted model, the risk of mortality and hospitalization was associated mainly with older age, hypokalemia and down-titration of RAASI treatments, achieving statistical significance (Table 1). The risk ratio for mortality associated with down-titration and with hyperkalemia compared with the reference group was 1.676 (95% CI 1.54–1.82) and 1.161 (95% CI 1.07–1.26) respectively. Conclusion These results suggest that the worse outcomes in hyperkalemia individuals could be influenced more for the discontinuation of RAASI prognostic drugs then for the hyperkalemia itself. It is necessary clinical randomized trials to confirm this observational hypothesis. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Josep Comin-Colet has received speaker fees from Vifor Pharma

Ethnic differences between South Asians and White Caucasians in cardiovascular disease-related mortality in developed countries: a systematic literature review

BackgroundCardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, with significantly worse mortality-related outcomes in ethnic minorities in developed countries. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of observational studies was conducted to investigate cardiovascular disease-related mortality inequalities between South Asian and White Caucasian ethnic groups.MethodsPublished studies on mortality between South Asians and Whites in developed countries were retrieved from MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and grey literature sources (inception—April 2021) and critically appraised using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. Bayesian random-effects meta-analyses were performed for both primary and secondary outcomes. Heterogeneity was determined using the I2 statistic.ResultsOf the 9879 studies screened originally, 41 were deemed eligible. A further 3 studies were included via the later search. Of these, 15 reported cardiovascular disease-related mortality, 23 reported all-cause mortality, and 6 reported both.The meta-analysis results showed that South Asians had a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease mortality compared to Whites (risk ratio = 1.32; 95% credible interval = 1.14 to 1.54) and a decreased risk of all-cause mortality (risk ratio = 0.95; 95% credible interval = 0.83 to 1.12).DiscussionSouth Asians had statistically significantly higher odds of cardiovascular disease-related mortality compared to Whites, but not for all-cause mortality. Risk of bias was a serious concern mainly due to a lack of confounders being reported.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO: CRD42021240865

Dynapenia in all-cause mortality and its relationship with sedentary behavior in community-dwelling older adults

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship of dynapenia combined with sedentary behavior (SB) on the risk of mortality in older adults living in a Brazilian community. A total of 322 participants aged ≥ 60 years from the ELSIA (Longitudinal Study of Elderly Health in Alcobaça) prospective cohort were included. Dynapenia was diagnosed when the handgrip strength was < 27 ​kg for men and < 16 ​kg for women. The exposure time to SB was assessed considering the total time spent sitting during one day in the week and one day on the weekend. When combined with dynapenia, we derived the construction of four groups: best behavior (absence of dynapenia and low SB), intermediate behavior (absence of dynapenia and high SB; presence of dynapenia and low SB) and worst behavior (presence of dynapenia and high SB). Mortality was assessed by the follow-up time until death and/or censorship. During the 5-year follow-up of the study, 55 participants progressed to death. In the adjusted models, the dynapenia and the time spent exposed to SB were analyzed in a combined way, the older adults with worse behavior (high SB and dynapenia) had higher risk ratios for mortality (hazard ratio 2.46; 95% confidence interval 1.01–5.97) than the best behavior group. Older adults with dynapenia are at greater risk for all-cause mortality, which is aggravated by the addition of longer exposure to SB.

Effect of different heat wave timing on non-accidental mortality in 20 French cities

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Previous epidemiological evidence suggests that the impact of heat waves on mortality may change over time (within and between summer seasons). The consideration of heat wave timing could help to optimize the alert systems, especially under a warming climate. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of heat wave timing on mortality risk during the summer season in France. METHODS: Summertime daily mortality data for 20 French cities from 2000 to 2015 were obtained from the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research. Heat waves were defined according to the official definition of Météo France. The order of heat wave over time, from June to September, was assessed. To quantify mortality risk for the first and second heat waves, quasi-Poisson with distributed-lag models were performed for each city. RESULTS: Overall, we found that, compared with non-heat wave days, the first heat wave of the summer season was associated with a higher risk ratio (RR) for cardiovascular mortality (RR: 1.32, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]:1.18-1.47) as compared to subsequent heat waves within the same summer (RR, 95% CI: 1.28, 1.14-1.44). We found the opposite pattern for respiratory mortality with RRs of 1.59 (95%CI:1.35-1.88) and 1.66 (95%CI: 1.32-2.07) for the first and second heat waves respectively. We identified important heterogeneity in such patterns across all cities. For cities such as Paris or Nancy, the first heatwave of the season resulted in a greater mortality risk. In contrast, for cities such as Lille, Marseille, or Rouen, the second heat wave was more impactful regarding mortality risk. CONCLUSIONS: The timing of heat waves events modulates heat-related risks in France. Such information could be used to update local heat action plans to optimize health benefits across French cities.

Mortality Risk Among Patients Hospitalized Primarily for COVID-19 During the Omicron and Delta Variant Pandemic Periods — United States, April 2020–June 2022

The risk for COVID-19-associated mortality increases with age, disability, and underlying medical conditions (1). Early in the emergence of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients was lower than that during previous pandemic peaks (2-5), and some health authorities reported that a substantial proportion of COVID-19 hospitalizations were not primarily for COVID-19-related illness,* which might account for the lower mortality among hospitalized patients. Using a large hospital administrative database, CDC assessed in-hospital mortality risk overall and by demographic and clinical characteristics during the Delta (July-October 2021), early Omicron (January-March 2022), and later Omicron (April-June 2022) variant periods† among patients hospitalized primarily for COVID-19. Model-estimated adjusted mortality risk differences (aMRDs) (measures of absolute risk) and adjusted mortality risk ratios (aMRRs) (measures of relative risk) for in-hospital death were calculated comparing the early and later Omicron periods with the Delta period. Crude mortality risk (cMR) (deaths per 100 patients hospitalized primarily for COVID-19) was lower during the early Omicron (13.1) and later Omicron (4.9) periods than during the Delta (15.1) period (p<0.001). Adjusted mortality risk was lower during the Omicron periods than during the Delta period for patients aged ≥18 years, males and females, all racial and ethnic groups, persons with and without disabilities, and those with one or more underlying medical conditions, as indicated by significant aMRDs and aMRRs (p<0.05). During the later Omicron period, 81.9% of in-hospital deaths occurred among adults aged ≥65 years and 73.4% occurred among persons with three or more underlying medical conditions. Vaccination, early treatment, and appropriate nonpharmaceutical interventions remain important public health priorities for preventing COVID-19 deaths, especially among persons most at risk.

Long-term survival outcomes of pediatric adrenal malignancies: An analysis with the upstaged SEER registry during 2000-2019.

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and long-term survival outcomes of pediatric adrenal malignancies.MethodThis study retrospectively analyzed children with pathologically confirmed pediatric adrenal malignancies from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database from 2000 to 2019. Kaplan-Meier curve was used to assess the overall survival (OS) and cancer-special survival (CSS), and the Log-Rank method was used to calculate statistical differences. Cox proportional hazards model and Fine-and-Grey model were used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) of all-cause mortality risk and the sub-distribution HR (sHR) of disease-specific mortality risk, respectively, and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI).Results1601 children were included in the study in which 1335 (83.4%) neuroblastoma, 151 (9.4%) ganglioneuroblastoma, 89 (5.6%) adrenocortical carcinoma, and 26 (1.6%) were diagnosed with other types malignancies. Metastatic disease accounted for the largest proportion (69.3%), and the proportion of metastases diagnosed by neuroblastoma was higher than that of adrenocortical carcinoma and ganglioneuroblastoma (73.9% vs. 45.7% vs. 47.2%). The 5-year OS and CSS of all cohort were 69.5% and 70.5%, respectively. Adrenal cortical carcinoma had the worst prognosis, with 5-year OS and CSS of 52.5% and 53.1%, respectively. Patients in recent years had no better OS and CSS than in previous years at diagnosis. The tumor stage remained the main prognostic predictor. Compared to metastatic adrenal tumors, the risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted HR: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.06-0.25, P < 0.001) and the risk of disease-specific mortality (adjusted sHR: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.05-0.25, P<0.001) was significantly lower for patients with localized diseases. Additionally, higher age, adrenal cortical carcinoma, and lack of complete tumor resection are independent risk factors for poor prognosis. Furthermore, it was found that the prognosis of patients who received chemotherapy was worse than those who did not, mainly because the former mostly had metastasis at the presentation and complete resection of the tumor cannot be achieved.ConclusionThe clinicopathological characteristics of pediatric adrenal malignancies have not changed significantly in the past two decades, while the prognosis of patients has improved. Early diagnosis of disease and complete resection of local tumors are the keys to improving prognosis.

The mortality for the implantable cardiac defibrillator in nonischemic cardiomyopathy: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

The implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) is common for the management of nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM). Mortality is a crucial issue for patients with NICM. We can understand the mortality events of ICD versus medicine treatment via a systemic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. The comparison between ICD treatment and medicine treatment was performed to find if the ICD treatment can be associated with lower relative risk and hazard ratio of mortality than the medicine treatment. In addition, the different kinds of mortality events were analyzed for the ICD treatment. After a restricted selection, 9 studies with a total of 4001 NICM patients were enrolled. The focused outcome was the events of all-cause mortality, sudden cardiac death, and cardiovascular death. The results showed that ICD treatment might be associated with lower relative risk and hazard ratio of all-cause mortality and sudden cardiac death. However, the relative risk and hazard ratio of cardiovascular mortality was not significantly different between ICD treatment and medicine treatment. In the current meta-analysis, the ICD treatment might show a lower relative risk and hazard ratio of all-cause mortality and sudden cardiac death when compared with medicine treatment. However, no significant differences were observed in cardiovascular mortality between ICD and medicine treatment.

Comparison of safety and outcomes related to remdesivir treatment among dialysis patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

ABSTRACTBackgroundPatients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) are highly susceptible to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and its complications. Remdesivir has improved outcomes in COVID-19 patients but its use has been limited among ESKD patients due to insufficient data regarding safety outcomes. We sought to evaluate the safety of remdesivir among dialysis patients hospitalized with COVID-19.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted among patients age ≥18 years on maintenance dialysis and hospitalized with COVID-19 between 1 May 2020 and 31 January 2021 within an integrated health system who were treated or not treated with remdesivir. The primary outcome was 30-day all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and transaminitis (AST/ALT >5× normal). Pseudo-populations were created using inverse probability of treatment weights with propensity scoring to balance patient characteristics among the two groups. Multivariable Poisson regression with robust error was performed to estimate 30-day mortality risk ratio.ResultsA total of 486 (407 hemodialysis and 79 peritoneal dialysis) patients were hospitalized with COVID-19, among which 112 patients (23%) were treated with remdesivir [median treatment four days (interquartile range 2–5)]. The 30-day mortality rate was 24.1% among remdesivir-treated and 27.8% among non-treated patients. The estimated 30-day mortality rate was 0.74 (95% confidence interval 0.52–1.05) among remdesivir treated compared with non-treated patients. Liver injury and ICU admission rates were 1.8% and 14.3% among remdesivir-treated patients compared with 2.4% and 16% among non-treated patients.ConclusionAmong dialysis patients hospitalized with COVID-19, remdesivir was not associated with higher rates of liver injury or ICU admissions, and demonstrated a trend toward lower 30-day mortality.