Search

Background Micronutrients have been associated with disease severity and poorer clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. However, there is a paucity of studies examining if the relationship with micronutrient status and clinical outcomes is independent of recognised prognostic factors, specifically frailty and the systemic inflammatory response (SIR). The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between micronutrient status, frailty, systemic inflammation, and clinical outcomes in patients admitted with COVID-19. Methods Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed on patients with confirmed COVID-19, admitted to hospital between the 1st April 2020–6th July 2020. Clinicopathological characteristics, frailty assessment, biochemical and micronutrient laboratory results were recorded. Frailty status was determined using the Clinical Frailty scale. SIR was determined using serum CRP. Clinical outcomes of interest were oxygen requirement, ITU admission and 30-day mortality. Categorical variables were analysed using chi-square test and binary logistics regression analysis. Continuous variables were analysed using the Mann–Whitney U or Kruskal Wallis tests. Results 281 patients were included. 55% (n = 155) were aged ≥ 70 years and 39% (n = 109) were male. 49% (n = 138) of patients were frail (CFS > 3). 86% (n = 242) of patients had a serum CRP > 10 mg/L. On univariate analysis, frailty was significantly associated with thirty-day mortality (p Conclusion Vitamin B1 stores may be depleted in COVID-19 patients experiencing a significant SIR and providing rationale for thiamine supplementation. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to delineate the trend in thiamine status following COVID-19.

Background Drug-related deaths in Scotland are the highest in Europe. Half of all deaths in people experiencing homelessness are drug related, yet we know little about the unmet health needs of people experiencing homelessness with recent non-fatal overdose, limiting a tailored practice and policy response to a public health crisis. Methods People experiencing homelessness with at least one non-fatal street drug overdose in the previous 6 months were recruited from 20 venues in Glasgow, Scotland, and randomised into PHOENIx plus usual care, or usual care. PHOENIx is a collaborative assertive outreach intervention by independent prescriber NHS Pharmacists and third sector homelessness workers, offering repeated integrated, holistic physical, mental and addictions health and social care support including prescribing. We describe comprehensive baseline characteristics of randomised participants. Results One hundred and twenty-eight participants had a mean age of 42 years (SD 8.4); 71% male, homelessness for a median of 24 years (IQR 12–30). One hundred and eighteen (92%) lived in large, congregate city centre temporary accommodation. A quarter (25%) were not registered with a General Practitioner. Participants had overdosed a mean of 3.2 (SD 3.2) times in the preceding 6 months, using a median of 3 (IQR 2–4) non-prescription drugs concurrently: 112 (87.5%) street valium (benzodiazepine-type new psychoactive substances); 77 (60%) heroin; and 76 (59%) cocaine. Half (50%) were injecting, 50% into their groins. 90% were receiving care from Alcohol and Drug Recovery Services (ADRS), and in addition to using street drugs, 90% received opioid substitution therapy (OST), 10% diazepam for street valium use and one participant received heroin-assisted treatment. Participants had a mean of 2.2 (SD 1.3) mental health problems and 5.4 (SD 2.5) physical health problems; 50% received treatment for physical or mental health problems. Ninety-one per cent had at least one mental health problem; 66% had no specialist mental health support. Participants were frail (70%) or pre-frail (28%), with maximal levels of psychological distress, 44% received one or no daily meal, and 58% had previously attempted suicide. Conclusions People at high risk of drug-related death continue to overdose repeatedly despite receiving OST. High levels of frailty, multimorbidity, unsuitable accommodation and unmet mental and physical health care needs require a reorientation of services informed by evidence of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. Trial registration UK Clinical Trials Registry identifier: ISRCTN 10585019.

Background Although suggestive of dysregulated metabolism, the relationship between serum LDH level, phenotypic/aetiologic diagnostic Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria and survival in patients with advanced cancer has yet to examined. Methods Prospectively collected data from patients with advanced cancer, undergoing anti-cancer therapy with palliative intent, across nine sites in the UK and Ireland between 2011–2016, was retrospectively analysed. LDH values were grouped as 500 Units/L. Relationships were examined using χ2 test for linear-by-linear association and binary logistics regression analysis. Results A total of 436 patients met the inclusion criteria. 46% (n = 200) were male and 59% (n = 259) were ≥65 years of age. The median serum LDH was 394 Units/L and 33.5% (n = 146) had an LDH > 500 Units/L. LDH was significantly associated with ECOG-PS (p p p p p p p p p p Discussion LDH was associated with performance status, systemic inflammation and survival in patients with advanced cancer. LDH measurement may be considered as an aetiologic criteria and become a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of cancer cachexia.

Background: \ud COVID-19 has been associated with cases of severe respiratory illness, admissions to intensive therapy units (ITUs), and high mortality rates.\ud \ud Objectives: \ud The aim of the present study was to examine the relation between computed tomography- body composition (CT-BC) measurements, systemic inflammation, and clinical outcomes in those with COVID-19.\ud \ud Methods: \ud Patients who presented to our institution between March 17 and May 1, 2020, with a positive PCR test for COVID-19 or characteristic radiological changes, were assessed for inclusion. Data collected included general demographic details, clinicopathological variables, poGPS, NLR , CT-BC measurements, and clinical outcomes including ITU admission and 30-d mortality, of those admitted.\ud \ud Results: \ud Sixty-three patients met the study inclusion criteria. Forty-two patients (67%) were aged ≥70 y, 30 (47.6%) were male and 34.9% ( n = 22) had a poGPS ≥1. ITU admission was significantly associated with a high VFA ( P < 0.05). Thirty-day mortality was associated with high VFA (P < 0.05) and low SMI (P < 0.05).\ud \ud Conclusions: \ud Sarcopenia in the presence of obesity was associated with clinical outcomes including greater 30-d mortality.

Although suggestive of dysregulated metabolism, the relationship between serum LDH level, phenotypic/aetiologic diagnostic Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria and survival in patients with advanced cancer has yet to examined.Prospectively collected data from patients with advanced cancer, undergoing anti-cancer therapy with palliative intent, across nine sites in the UK and Ireland between 2011-2016, was retrospectively analysed. LDH values were grouped as250/250-500/500 Units/L. Relationships were examined using χA total of 436 patients met the inclusion criteria. 46% (n = 200) were male and 59% (n = 259) were ≥65 years of age. The median serum LDH was 394 Units/L and 33.5% (n = 146) had an LDH 500 Units/L. LDH was significantly associated with ECOG-PS (p 0.001), NLR (p 0.05), mGPS (p 0.05) and 3-month survival (p 0.001). LDH was significantly associated with 3-month survival independent of weight loss (p 0.01), BMI (p 0.05), skeletal muscle mass (p 0.01), metastatic disease (p 0.05), NLR (p 0.05) and mGPS (p 0.01).LDH was associated with performance status, systemic inflammation and survival in patients with advanced cancer. LDH measurement may be considered as an aetiologic criteria and become a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of cancer cachexia.

IntroductionNumbers of People Experiencing Homelessness (PEH) are increasing worldwide. Systematic reviews show high levels of multimorbidity and mortality due to treatable diseases including drug overdose. Integrated health and social care outreach interventions may improve outcomes. No previous studies have targeted PEH with recent drug overdose despite their high recorded levels of drug related deaths. There are few data on health and social care problems. Feasibility work suggests a collaborative health and social care intervention (Pharmacist and Homeless Outreach Engagement Non-medical Independent prescriber Rx-PHOENIx) is potentially beneficial. We describe the methods of a pilot randomised controlled trial(RCT) with parallel process and economic evaluation in PEH with at least one drug-related overdose in the preceding 6 months.MethodsDetailed health and social care information will be collected at baseline before 1:1 randomisation to: care-as-usual plus visits from a pharmacist and homeless outreach worker (PHOENIx) for 6-9 months; or care-as-usual. The main outcomes are rate of presentations to emergency department(ED) for overdose or other causes and whether to progress to a definitive RCT based on: recruitment of ≥ 100 participants within 4 months;≥ 60% patients remaining in the study at 6 and 9 months follow up;≥ 60% of patients in the PHOENIx group receiving the intervention; and≥ 80% of patients with data collected. Secondary outcomes include: hospitalisations; treatment uptake and patient reported measures. Semi-structured interviews will explore future implementation of PHOENIx, and reasons for overdose and protective factors. An economic evaluation will assess the feasibility of conducting a cost effectiveness analysis in a subsequent definitive trial.DiscussionThe study will determine whether to proceed to a definitive RCT for PEH aiming to fulfil unmet health and social care needs of those experiencing homelessness and at risk of drug related harms and deaths while providing useful insights into barriers and facilitators to PHOENIx and characterising the health and social care needs of PEH.Ethics and disseminationThe trial was approved by the South East Scotland National Health Service Research Ethics Committee 01. Results will be available in the last quarter of 2022.Registration detailsThe trial is registered with the UK Clinical Trials Registry (ISRCTN 10585019).Strengths and limitations of the study-We plan to recruit patients normally excluded from intervention trials and collect a diverse health and social care dataset at baseline-The 6-9 month individualised, complex intervention offers longer consultations, integrated continuous, health and social care support on outreach-Mixed methods will enable determination of whether a subsequent trial is merited from an efficacy, economic and patient perspective.-By design, the pilot randomised controlled trial lacks the power to detect a clinically significant effect and recruitment was limited to 20 locations in Scotland’s largest city

Background: We recently introduced the myocardial-ischemic-injury-index (MI3), a machine learning algorithm that predicts the likelihood of myocardial infarction in patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome. Whether this algorithm performs well in routine clinical practice or predicts subsequent events is unknown.Methods: MI3 was validated in a prespecified exploratory analysis from a multi-centre randomised trial that included consecutive patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome undergoing serial high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I measurement. Patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction were excluded. MI3 incorporates age, sex, and two troponin measurements to compute a value (0-100) reflecting an individual’s likelihood of myocardial infarction during the index visit and estimates diagnostic performance metrics at the computed score. Model performance for an index diagnosis of myocardial infarction, and for subsequent myocardial infarction or cardiovascular death at one year was determined using previously defined low- and high-probability MI3 thresholds (1·6 and 49·7, respectively). Findings: In total, 20,761 patients (64±16 years, 46% women) were included of whom 3,272 (15·8%) had myocardial infarction. MI3 had an area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve of 0·949 (95% confidence interval 0·946-0·952) identifying 12,983 (62·5%) patients as low-probability (sensitivity 99·3% [99·0-99·6%], negative predictive value 99·8% [99·8-99·9%]), and 2,961 (14·3%) as high-probability (specificity 95·0% [94·6-95·3%], positive predictive value 70·4% [68·7-72·0%]). At one year, subsequent myocardial infarction or cardiovascular death occurred more often in high-probability compared to low-probability patients (17·6% [520/2,961] versus 1·5% [197/12,983], PInterpretation: In consecutive patients undergoing serial cardiac troponin measurement for suspected acute coronary syndrome, the MI3 algorithm accurately estimates the likelihood of myocardial infarction and predicts subsequent adverse cardiovascular events.

Background Patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) exhibit a wide spectrum of clinical and laboratory features when presenting to hospital and pathophysiologic mechanisms differentiating low-risk and high-risk PE are poorly understood. Objectives To investigate the prognostic value of clinical, laboratory and radiological information that is available within routine tests undertaken for patients with acute PE. Methods Electronic patient records (EPR) of patients who underwent Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiogram (CTPA) scan for the investigation of acute PE during 6-month period (01.01.2016–30.06.2016) were examined. Data was gathered from EPR for patients that met inclusion criteria and all CTPA scans were re-evaluated. Biochemical thresholds of low-grade and high-grade inflammation, serum CRP >10mg/L and >150mg/L and serum albumin concentrations Results Of the total CTPA reports (n = 2129) examined, 245 patients were eligible for inclusion. Of these, 20 (8%) patients had died at 28-days and 43 (18%) at 6-months. Of the 197 non-cancer related presentations, 28-day and 6-month mortality were 3% and 8% respectively. Of the 48 cancer related presentations, 28-day and 6-month mortality were 29% and 58% respectively. On univariate analysis, age ≥65 years (p Conclusion PESI score >100, poGPS≥1, NLR ≥3 and CAC score ≥6 were associated with 28-day and 6-month mortality. PESI score ≥100, poGPS≥1 and NLR ≥3 remained independently associated with 28-day mortality. PESI score ≥100 and CAC score ≥6 remained independently associated with 6-month mortality. When patients with underlying cancer were excluded from the analysis, GPS≥1 remained independently associated with 6-month mortality. The role of the systemic inflammatory response (SIR) in determining treatment and prognosis requires further study. Routine reporting of CAC scores in CTPA scans for acute PE may have a role in aiding clinical decision-making regarding treatment and prognosis.

IntroductionThe number of people experiencing homelessness (PEH) is increasing worldwide. Systematic reviews show high levels of multimorbidity and mortality. Integrated health and social care outreach interventions may improve outcomes. No previous studies have targeted PEH with recent drug overdose despite high levels of drug-related deaths and few data describe their health/social care problems. Feasibility work suggests a collaborative health and social care intervention (Pharmacist andHomelessOutreachEngagement andNon-medicalIndependent prescribing Rx, PHOENIx) is potentially beneficial. We describe the methods of a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) with parallel process and economic evaluation of PEH with recent overdose.Methods and analysisDetailed health and social care information will be collected before randomisation to care-as-usual plus visits from a pharmacist and a homeless outreach worker (PHOENIx) for 6–9 months or to care-as-usual. The outcomes are the rates of presentations to emergency department for overdose or other causes and whether to progress to a definitive RCT: recruitment of ≥100 participants within 4 months, ≥60% of patients remaining in the study at 6 and 9 months, ≥60% of patients receiving the intervention, and ≥80% of patients with data collected. The secondary outcomes include health-related quality of life, hospitalisations, treatment uptake and patient-reported measures. Semistructured interviews will explore the future implementation of PHOENIx, the reasons for overdose and protective factors. We will assess the feasibility of conducting a cost-effectiveness analysis.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by South East Scotland National Health Service Research Ethics Committee 01. Results will be made available to PEH, the study funders and other researchers.Trial registration numberISRCTN10585019.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text., Background: High-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays enable myocardial infarction to be ruled out earlier, but the safety and efficacy of this approach is uncertain. We investigated whether an early rule-out pathway is safe and effective for patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome. Methods: We performed a stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial in the emergency departments of 7 acute care hospitals in Scotland. Consecutive patients presenting with suspected acute coronary syndrome between December 2014 and December 2016 were included. Sites were randomized to implement an early rule-out pathway where myocardial infarction was excluded if high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I concentrations were

Thiamine diphosphate (TDP) and magnesium are co-factors for key enzymes in human intermediary metabolism. However, their role in the systemic inflammatory response (SIR) is not clear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the relation between acute changes in the SIR and thiamine and magnesium dependent enzyme activity in patients undergoing elective knee arthroplasty (a standard reproducible surgical injury in apparently healthy individuals). Patients (n = 35) who underwent elective total knee arthroplasty had venous blood samples collected pre- and post-operatively for 3 days, for measurement of whole blood TDP, serum and erythrocyte magnesium, erythrocyte transketolase activity (ETKA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose and lactate concentrations. Pre-operatively, TDP concentrations, erythrocyte magnesium concentrations, ETKA and plasma glucose were within normal limits for all patients. In contrast, 5 patients (14%) had low serum magnesium concentrations (s = 0.338, p ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03554668.

BackgroundIn order to manage the COVID-19 systemic inflammatory response, it is important to identify clinicopathological characteristics across multiple cohorts.MethodsElectronic patient records for 2 consecutive cohorts of patients admitted to two urban teaching hospitals with COVID-19 during two 7-week periods of the COVID-19 pandemic in Glasgow, U.K. (cohort 1: 17th March 2020 – 1st May 2020) and (cohort 2: 18th May 2020 – 6th July 2020) were examined for routine clinical, laboratory and clinical outcome data.ResultsCompared with cohort 1, cohort 2 were older (pConclusionIn addition to the 4C mortality score, frailty score and a low albumin were strongly independently associated with 30-day mortality in two consecutive cohorts of patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19.Article summaryIn two consecutive cohorts of patients with COVID-19 infection admitted to two urban teaching hospitals in Glasgow, UK, there were variations in a number of clinicopathological characteristics despite similar mortality (23 and 22%).In these two cohorts, in a multivariate analysis that included the 4C mortality score, clinical frailty score >3, low serum albumin concentration (145 mmol/L) remained independently associated with 30-day mortality.

Background Homelessness and associated mortality and multimorbidity rates are increasing. Systematic reviews have demonstrated a lack of complex interventions that decrease unscheduled emergency health services utilisation or increase scheduled care. Better evidence is needed to inform policy responses. We examined the feasibility of a complex intervention (PHOENIx: Pharmacist led Homeless Outreach Engagement Nonmedical Independent prescribing (Rx)) to inform a subsequent pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT). Methods Non-randomised trial with Usual Care (UC) comparator group set in Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board, Scotland. Participants were adult inpatients experiencing homelessness in a city centre Glasgow hospital, referred to the PHOENIx team at the point of hospital discharge, from 19th March 2018 until 6th April 2019. The follow up period for each patient started on the day the patient was first seen (Intervention group) or first referred (UC), until 24th August 2019, the censor date for all patients. All patients were offered and agreed to receive serial consultations with the PHOENIx team (NHS Pharmacist prescriber working with Simon Community Scotland (third sector homeless charity worker)). Patients who could not be reached by the PHOENIx team were allocated to the UC group. The PHOENIx intervention included assessment of physical/mental health, addictions, housing, benefits and social activities followed by pharmacist prescribing with referral to other health service specialities as necessary. All participants received primary (including specialist homelessness health service based general practitioner care, mental health and addictions services) and secondary care. Main outcome measures were rates of: recruitment; retention; uptake of the intervention; and completeness of collected data, from recruitment to censor date. Results Twenty four patients were offered and agreed to participate; 12 were reached and received the intervention as planned with a median 7.5 consultations (IQR3.0–14.2) per patient. The pharmacist prescribed a median of 2 new (IQR0.3–3.8) and 2 repeat (1.3–7.0) prescriptions per patient; 10(83%) received support for benefits, housing or advocacy. Twelve patients were not subsequently contactable after leaving hospital, despite agreeing to participate, and were assigned to UC. Two patients in the UC group died of drug/alcohol overdose during follow up; no patients in the Intervention group died. All 24 patients were retained in the intervention or UC group until death or censor date and all patient records were accessible at follow up: 11(92%) visited ED in both groups, with 11(92%) hospitalisations in intervention group, 9(75%) UC. Eight (67%) intervention group patients and 3(25%) UC patients attended scheduled out patient appointments. Conclusions Feasibility testing of the PHOENIx intervention suggests merit in a subsequent pilot RCT.

Introduction:\ud \ud Emergency departments have seen altered patterns of attendance since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, with reductions in the number of attendances for non-COVID-19 – patients. We assessed the use of the emergency department by frequent attenders during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and explored any changes in emergency department attendance by this group.\ud \ud Methods:\ud \ud As part of ongoing improvement work, we utilised a cohort design to evaluate the difference in patterns of attendance for the frequent attender group in a single centre. We created a 2019 ‘top attender’ cohort and a similar cohort for 2020. We compared admission patterns between the two time periods in order to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this group.\ud \ud Results:\ud \ud Both groups were predominately male. Mental health and substance misuse use problems were common across both cohorts. The majority of patients lived in a socio-economically deprived areas. The median number emergency department visits in 2019, for the top attender cohort was 6 (IQR: 4-9) vs 4 (IQR: 2-7) for the top attender cohort of 2020 (p

BackgroundSevere COVID-19 infection results in a systemic inflammatory response (SIRS). This SIRS response shares similarities to the changes observed during the peri-operative period that are recognised to be associated with the development of multiple organ failure. MethodsElectronic patient records for patients who were admitted to an urban teaching hospital during the initial 7-week period of the COVID-19 pandemic in Glasgow, U.K. (17th March 2020 - 1st May 2020) were examined for routine clinical, laboratory and clinical outcome data. Age, sex, BMI and documented evidence of COVID-19 infection at time of discharge or death certification were considered minimal criteria for inclusion.ResultsOf the 224 patients who fulfilled the criteria for inclusion, 52 (23%) had died at 30-days following admission. COVID-19 related respiratory failure (75%) and multiorgan failure (12%) were the commonest causes of death recorded. Age>70 years (p<0.001), previous delirium (p3 (p4 (p<0.001) were associated with 30-day mortality. CRP>80 mg/L (p9/l (p<0.001), haematocrit (<0.01), urea>7.5 mmol/L (p130 mmol/L (p>70 years (O.R. 3.9, 95% C.I. 1.4 – 8.2, p4 (O.R. 2.4, 95% C.I. 1.1 – 4.4, p>70 years (O.R. 4.7, 95% C.I. 2.0 - 11.3, pConclusionAge > 70 years and severe systemic inflammation as measured by the peri-operative Glasgow Prognostic Score are independently associated with 30-day mortality among patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 infection.

Summary Background Tranexamic acid reduces surgical bleeding and reduces death due to bleeding in patients with trauma. Meta-analyses of small trials show that tranexamic acid might decrease deaths from gastrointestinal bleeding. We aimed to assess the effects of tranexamic acid in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding. Methods We did an international, multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled trial in 164 hospitals in 15 countries. Patients were enrolled if the responsible clinician was uncertain whether to use tranexamic acid, were aged above the minimum age considered an adult in their country (either aged 16 years and older or aged 18 years and older), and had significant (defined as at risk of bleeding to death) upper or lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients were randomly assigned by selection of a numbered treatment pack from a box containing eight packs that were identical apart from the pack number. Patients received either a loading dose of 1 g tranexamic acid, which was added to 100 mL infusion bag of 0·9% sodium chloride and infused by slow intravenous injection over 10 min, followed by a maintenance dose of 3 g tranexamic acid added to 1 L of any isotonic intravenous solution and infused at 125 mg/h for 24 h, or placebo (sodium chloride 0·9%). Patients, caregivers, and those assessing outcomes were masked to allocation. The primary outcome was death due to bleeding within 5 days of randomisation; analysis excluded patients who received neither dose of the allocated treatment and those for whom outcome data on death were unavailable. This trial was registered with Current Controlled Trials, ISRCTN11225767, and ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01658124. Findings Between July 4, 2013, and June 21, 2019, we randomly allocated 12 009 patients to receive tranexamic acid (5994, 49·9%) or matching placebo (6015, 50·1%), of whom 11 952 (99·5%) received the first dose of the allocated treatment. Death due to bleeding within 5 days of randomisation occurred in 222 (4%) of 5956 patients in the tranexamic acid group and in 226 (4%) of 5981 patients in the placebo group (risk ratio [RR] 0·99, 95% CI 0·82–1·18). Arterial thromboembolic events (myocardial infarction or stroke) were similar in the tranexamic acid group and placebo group (42 [0·7%] of 5952 vs 46 [0·8%] of 5977; 0·92; 0·60 to 1·39). Venous thromboembolic events (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) were higher in tranexamic acid group than in the placebo group (48 [0·8%] of 5952 vs 26 [0·4%] of 5977; RR 1·85; 95% CI 1·15 to 2·98). Interpretation We found that tranexamic acid did not reduce death from gastrointestinal bleeding. On the basis of our results, tranexamic acid should not be used for the treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding outside the context of a randomised trial. Funding UK National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme.

The WHO 2016 report indicates that worldwide obesity is rising, with over 600 million people in the obese range (BMI>30). The recommended daily calorie intake for adults is 2000 kcal and 2500 kcal for women and men respectively. The average American consumes 3770 kcal/day and the average person in the UK consumes 3400 kcal/day. With such increased caloric intake, there is an increased load on metabolic pathways, in particular glucose metabolism. Such metabolism requires micronutrients as enzyme co-factors. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for thiamine is 1.3 mg/day and 0.5 mg thiamine is required to process 1000 kilocalories (kcal). Therefore, despite the appearance of being overfed, there is now increasing evidence that the obese population may nutritionally depleted of essential micronutrients. Thiamine deficiency has been reported to be in the region of 16-47% among patients undergoing bariatric surgery for obesity. Thiamine, in turn, requires magnesium to be in its active form thiamine diphosphate, (TDP). TDP also requires magnesium to achieve activation of TDP dependent enzymes, including transketolase (TK), pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and alpha-keto glutaric acid dehydrogenase (AKGDH), during metabolism of glucose. Thiamine and magnesium therefore play a critical role in glucose metabolism and their deficiency may result in the accumulation of anaerobic metabolites including lactate due to a mismatch between caloric burden and function of thiamine dependent enzymes. It may therefore be postulated that thiamine and magnesium deficiency are under-recognized in obesity and may be important in the progress of obesity and obesity related chronic disease states. The aim of the present systematic review was to examine the role of thiamine dependent enzymes in obesity and obesity related chronic disease states.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text., Background: The introduction of more sensitive cardiac troponin assays has led to increased recognition of myocardial injury in acute illnesses other than acute coronary syndrome. The Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction recommends high-sensitivity cardiac troponin testing and classification of patients with myocardial injury based on pathogenesis, but the clinical implications of implementing this guideline are not well understood. Methods: In a stepped-wedge cluster randomized, controlled trial, we implemented a high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assay and the recommendations of the Universal Definition in 48 282 consecutive patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome. In a prespecified secondary analysis, we compared the primary outcome of myocardial infarction or cardiovascular death and secondary outcome of noncardiovascular death at 1 year across diagnostic categories. Results: Implementation increased the diagnosis of type 1 myocardial infarction by 11% (510/4471), type 2 myocardial infarction by 22% (205/916), and acute and chronic myocardial injury by 36% (443/1233) and 43% (389/898), respectively. Compared with those without myocardial injury, the rate of the primary outcome was highest in those with type 1 myocardial infarction (cause-specific hazard ratio [HR] 5.64 [95% CI, 5.12–6.22]), but was similar across diagnostic categories, whereas noncardiovascular deaths were highest in those with acute myocardial injury (cause specific HR 2.65 [95% CI, 2.33–3.01]). Despite modest increases in antiplatelet therapy and coronary revascularization after implementation in patients with type 1 myocardial infarction, the primary outcome was unchanged (cause specific HR 1.00 [95% CI, 0.82–1.21]). Increased recognition of type 2 myocardial infarction and myocardial injury did not lead to changes in investigation, treatment or outcomes. Conclusions: Implementation of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays and the recommendations of the Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction identified patients at high-risk of cardiovascular and noncardiovascular events but was not associated with consistent increases in treatment or improved outcomes. Trials of secondary prevention are urgently required to determine whether this risk is modifiable in patients without type 1 myocardial infarction. Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01852123.

Background Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is routinely treated with B-vitamins. However, the relationship between thiamine status and outcome is rarely examined. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between thiamine and magnesium status in patients with AWS. Methods Patients (n = 127) presenting to the Emergency Department with AWS were recruited to a prospective observational study. Blood samples were drawn to measure whole blood thiamine diphosphate (TDP) and serum magnesium concentrations. Routine biochemistry and haematology assays were also conducted. The Glasgow Modified Alcohol Withdrawal Score (GMAWS) measured severity of AWS. Seizure history and current medications were also recorded. Results The majority of patients (99%) had whole blood TDP concentration within/above the reference interval (275–675 ng/gHb) and had been prescribed thiamine (70%). In contrast, the majority of patients (60%) had low serum magnesium concentrations (2 (p Conclusion The prevalence of low circulating thiamine concentrations were rare and it was regularly prescribed in patients with AWS. In contrast, low serum magnesium concentrations were common and not prescribed. Low serum magnesium was associated more severe AWS and increased 1-year mortality.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text., Background: Guidelines acknowledge the emerging role of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTnl) for risk stratification and the early rule-out of myocardial infarction, but multiple thresholds have been described. We evaluate the safety and effectiveness of risk stratification thresholds in patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome. Methods: Consecutive patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome (n=48 282) were enrolled in a multicenter trial across 10 hospitals in Scotland. In a prespecified secondary and observational analysis, we compared the performance of the limit of detection (

Background Major disparities between women and men in the diagnosis, management, and outcomes of acute coronary syndrome are well recognized. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of implementing a high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I assay with sex-specific diagnostic thresholds for myocardial infarction in women and men with suspected acute coronary syndrome. Methods Consecutive patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome were enrolled in a stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized controlled trial across 10 hospitals. Myocardial injury was defined as high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I concentration >99th centile of 16 ng/l in women and 34 ng/l in men. The primary outcome was recurrent myocardial infarction or cardiovascular death at 1 year. Results A total of 48,282 patients (47% women) were included. Use of the high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I assay with sex-specific thresholds increased myocardial injury in women by 42% and in men by 6%. Following implementation, women with myocardial injury remained less likely than men to undergo coronary revascularization (15% vs. 34%) and to receive dual antiplatelet (26% vs. 43%), statin (16% vs. 26%), or other preventive therapies (p, Central Illustration

Background:\ud In 2014, the WHO reported that 6% of all deaths were attributable to excess alcohol consumption. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between serum magnesium concentrations and mortality in patients with alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS).\ud \ud Materials and methods:\ud A retrospective review of 700 patients with documented evidence of previous AWS indicating a requirement for benzodiazepine prophylaxis or evidence of alcohol withdrawal syndrome between November 2014 and March 2015.\ud \ud Results:\ud Of 380 patients included in the sample analysis, 64 (17%) were dead at 1 year following the time of treatment for AWS. The majority of patients had been prescribed thiamine (77%) and a proton pump inhibitor (66%). In contrast, the majority of patients had low circulating magnesium concentrations (2 (P < 0.001), sodium (P < 0.05), magnesium (P < 0.001), platelets (P < 0.05) and the use of proton pump inhibitor medication (P < 0.001) were associated with death at 1 year. On multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, age > 50 years (OR 3.37, 95% CI 1.52‐7.48, P < 0.01), AST:ALT ratio >2 (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.38‐6.94, P < 0.01) and magnesium < 0.75 mmol/L (OR 4.11, 95% CI 1.3‐12.8, P < 0.05) remained independently associated with death at 1 year.\ud \ud Conclusion:\ud Overall, 1‐year mortality was significantly higher among those patients who were magnesium deficient (

BACKGROUND: High-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays permit use of lower thresholds for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction, but whether this improves clinical outcomes is unknown. We aimed to determine whether the introduction of a high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) assay with a sex-specific 99th centile diagnostic threshold would reduce subsequent myocardial infarction or cardiovascular death in patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome. METHODS: In this stepped-wedge, cluster-randomised controlled trial across ten secondary or tertiary care hospitals in Scotland, we evaluated the implementation of an hs-cTnI assay in consecutive patients who had been admitted to the hospitals' emergency departments with suspected acute coronary syndrome. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they presented with suspected acute coronary syndrome and had paired cardiac troponin measurements from the standard care and trial assays. During a validation phase of 6-12 months, results from the hs-cTnI assay were concealed from the attending clinician, and a contemporary cardiac troponin I (cTnI) assay was used to guide care. Hospitals were randomly allocated to early (n=5 hospitals) or late (n=5 hospitals) implementation, in which the high-sensitivity assay and sex-specific 99th centile diagnostic threshold was introduced immediately after the 6-month validation phase or was deferred for a further 6 months. Patients reclassified by the high-sensitivity assay were defined as those with an increased hs-cTnI concentration in whom cTnI concentrations were below the diagnostic threshold on the contemporary assay. The primary outcome was subsequent myocardial infarction or death from cardiovascular causes at 1 year after initial presentation. Outcomes were compared in patients reclassified by the high-sensitivity assay before and after its implementation by use of an adjusted generalised linear mixed model. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01852123. FINDINGS: Between June 10, 2013, and March 3, 2016, we enrolled 48 282 consecutive patients (61 [SD 17] years, 47% women) of whom 10 360 (21%) patients had cTnI concentrations greater than those of the 99th centile of the normal range of values, who were identified by the contemporary assay or the high-sensitivity assay. The high-sensitivity assay reclassified 1771 (17%) of 10 360 patients with myocardial injury or infarction who were not identified by the contemporary assay. In those reclassified, subsequent myocardial infarction or cardiovascular death within 1 year occurred in 105 (15%) of 720 patients in the validation phase and 131 (12%) of 1051 patients in the implementation phase (adjusted odds ratio for implementation vs validation phase 1·10, 95% CI 0·75 to 1·61; p=0·620). INTERPRETATION: Use of a high-sensitivity assay prompted reclassification of 1771 (17%) of 10 360 patients with myocardial injury or infarction, but was not associated with a lower subsequent incidence of myocardial infarction or cardiovascular death at 1 year. Our findings question whether the diagnostic threshold for myocardial infarction should be based on the 99th centile derived from a normal reference population. FUNDING: The British Heart Foundation.

Telomere biology, a key component of the hallmarks of ageing, offers insight into dysregulation\ud of normative ageing processes that accompany age-related diseases such as cancer. Telomere homeostasis\ud is tightly linked to cellular metabolism, and in particular with mitochondrial physiology, which is also\ud diminished during cellular senescence and normative physiological ageing. Inherent in the biochemistry\ud of these processes is the role of magnesium, one of the main cellular ions and an essential cofactor in\ud all reactions that use ATP. Magnesium plays an important role in many of the processes involved in\ud regulating telomere structure, integrity and function. This review explores the mechanisms that maintain\ud telomere structure and function, their influence on circadian rhythms and their impact on health and\ud age-related disease. The pervasive role of magnesium in telomere homeostasis is also highlighted.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term, incurable lung condition. Acute exacerbations are frequently encountered by ambulance clinicians and are routinely treated with oxygen therapy and nebulised drugs. Yet, delivering the appropriate amount of oxygen to these patients is challenging, and the effects of getting it wrong are significant. Hyperoxygenation of patients with acute exacerbation of COPD leads to a significantly increased rate of mortality and morbidity. This article outlines the pathology of COPD and relevant clinical guidelines. It proposes a multi-modal intervention as a solution to the challenge of ensuring the appropriate delivery of oxygen therapy to patients who are experiencing an acute exacerbation of their COPD.

Background and aims Chronic alcoholic patients are at increased risk of developing deficiencies of thiamine and magnesium. Thiamine is an essential co-factor for a number of enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and requires optimal levels of magnesium for biological function. However, whilst thiamine supplementation is well established for the treatment of alcoholic patients, the importance of magnesium is often overlooked. We describe the effect of concurrent thiamine and magnesium administration on the activity of the thiamine-dependent enzyme erythrocyte transketolase in a cohort of chronic alcoholic patients. Methods Baseline erythrocyte transketolase activities were measured on blood samples collected from 36 chronic alcoholic patients presenting acutely to the Accident and Emergency department. Patients received either intravenous Pabrinex (thiamine) supplemented with magnesium sulphate ( n = 18) or Pabrinex only ( n = 18). Post-treatment bloods were collected for re-assessment of erythrocyte transketolase activity. The change in transketolase activities (pre-vs. post-treatment) between the two patient groups were compared by Mann-Whitney U test. Results The increase in transketolase activity following treatment in the cohort receiving Pabrinex supplemented with magnesium sulphate was significantly greater ( p = 0.018) than that produced in the cohort receiving Pabrinex alone. Conclusion In the acute management of a sample of chronic alcoholic patients, those receiving magnesium sulphate with Pabrinex have higher increases in erythrocyte transketolase activity compared with those receiving Pabrinex alone. We conclude that concurrent magnesium administration with Pabrinex may be required for enabling full efficacy of Pabrinex treatment, as demonstrated by its positive effect on erythrocyte transketolase activity.

A police request was made to the ambulance service to attend an adult victim of an alleged assault. On arrival the patient was found to be alert (AVPU: alert, responds to verbal stimuli, responds to pain, unresponsive), in a seated position, and complaining of head, neck and back pain. The airway was clear; a mild diffuse polyphonic wheeze was noted bilaterally throughout both lungs. Respiratory rate was 16 bpm and heart rate was 126 bpm. Oxygen therapy was commenced via a duo mask (fractional inspired oxygen (FiO2) 0.53) as oxygen saturation was recorded initially at 94% on air. The mechanism of injury caused concern regarding possible c-spine injury as the patient's head had been struck forcefully against the wall. The patient denied any loss of consciousness. Bony tenderness was elicited during c-spine examination and a c-spine collar was applied with full spinal precautions. The patient was immobilised using …

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) classically presents with sudden onset, severe ripping or tearing abdominal pain radiating through to the back. This case report describes features of an atypical presentation of a patient with RAAA and highlights the difficulties and uncertainties surrounding the prehospital assessment, appropriate treatment and management of these patients. All prehospital care educators and practitioners should be made aware of the wide spectrum of clinical manifestations for this condition.

The benefit and utility of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction in patients with kidney impairment is unclear. Here, we describe implementation of hs-cTnI testing on the diagnosis, management, and outcomes of myocardial infarction in patients with and without kidney impairment. Consecutive patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome enrolled in a stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized controlled trial were included in this pre-specified secondary analysis. Kidney impairment was defined as an eGFR under 60mL/min/1.73m2. The index diagnosis and primary outcome of type 1 and type 4b myocardial infarction or cardiovascular death at one year were compared in patients with and without kidney impairment following implementation of hs-cTnI assay with 99th centile sex-specific diagnostic thresholds. Serum creatinine concentrations were available in 46,927 patients (mean age 61 years; 47% women), of whom 9,080 (19%) had kidney impairment. hs-cTnIs were over 99th centile in 46% and 16% of patients with and without kidney impairment. Implementation increased the diagnosis of type 1 infarction from 12.4% to 17.8%, and from 7.5% to 9.4% in patients with and without kidney impairment (both significant). Patients with kidney impairment and type 1 myocardial infarction were less likely to undergo coronary revascularization (26% versus 53%) or receive dual anti-platelets (40% versus 68%) than those without kidney impairment, and this did not change post-implementation. In patients with hs-cTnI above the 99th centile, the primary outcome occurred twice as often in those with kidney impairment compared to those without (24% versus 12%, hazard ratio 1.53, 95% confidence interval 1.31 to 1.78). Thus, hs-cTnI testing increased the identification of myocardial injury and infarction but failed to address disparities in management and outcomes between those with and without kidney impairment.