Search

Rationale: Predictors of adverse outcome in pulmonary hypertension (PH) are well established; however, data that inform survival are lacking. Objectives: We aim to identify clinical markers and therapeutic targets that inform the survival in PH. Methods: We included data from patients with elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) diagnosed by right heart catheterization in the U.S. Veterans Affairs system (October 1, 2006–September 30, 2018). Network medicine framework was used to subgroup patients when considering an N of 79 variables per patient. The results informed outcome analyses in the discovery cohort and a sex-balanced validation right heart catheterization cohort from Vanderbilt University (September 24, 1998–December 20, 2013). Measurements and Main Results: From an N of 4,737 complete case patients with mPAP of 19–24 mm Hg, there were 21 distinct subgroups (network modules) (all-cause mortality range = 15.9–61.2% per module). Pulmonary arterial compliance (PAC) drove patient assignment to modules characterized by increased survival. When modeled continuously in patients with mPAP ⩾19 mm Hg (N = 37,744; age, 67.2 yr [range = 61.7–73.8 yr]; 96.7% male; median follow-up time, 1,236 d [range = 570–1,971 d]), the adjusted all-cause mortality hazard ratio was <1.0 beginning at PAC ⩾3.0 ml/mm Hg and decreased progressively to ∼7 ml/mm Hg. A protective association between PAC ⩾3.0 ml/mm Hg and mortality was also observed in the validation cohort (N = 1,514; age, 60.2 yr [range = 49.2–69.1 yr]; 48.0% male; median follow-up time, 2,485 d [range = 671–3,580 d]). The association was strongest in patients with precapillary PH at the time of catheterization, in whom 41% (95% confidence interval, 0.55–0.62; P < 0.001) and 49% (95% confidence interval, 0.38–0.69; P < 0.001) improvements in survival were observed for PAC ⩾3.0 versus <3.0 ml/mm Hg in the discovery and validation cohorts, respectively. Conclusions: These data identify elevated PAC as an important parameter associated with survival in PH. Prospective studies are warranted that consider PAC ⩾3.0 ml/mm Hg as a therapeutic target to achieve through proven interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Veterans are often transferred from "spoke" Veterans Administration (VA) clinics or hospitals to "hub" tertiary VA hospitals for advanced inpatient care, but they face significant barriers to safe transitions home. The Transitions Nurse Program was developed as an intervention to address the unique needs of this population. A difference-in-differences (DiD) analysis was used to compare outcomes between 303 veterans enrolled in this program and veterans transferred from the same spoke sites to a second, similar tertiary VA hub. Veterans enrolled in the program had significantly increased rates of follow-up with their primary care clinic within 14 days of discharge (DiD estimate: 10.43%, 95% confidence interval = 1.20 to 19.66), and a trend toward fewer unplanned 30-day readmissions (DiD estimate: -6.9%, 95% confidence interval = -14.2 to 0.31%, P = .06). There were no significant differences in 30-day emergency department visits or costs. Lessons learned from this preliminary intervention can inform implementation at other VA and non-VA sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low patient adherence remains a major public health challenge globally and imposes a considerable economic burden on healthcare systems. It is critical to develop an effective intervention to improve patient adherence. Factors such as physician-patient relation, patient's health literacy, attitude, cultural variations, and patient's involvement in decision making are responsible for improving adherence. Information technology has revolutionized almost all industries including healthcare but its use has not shown its full promise to boost adherence. Recent developments in smart phone market penetration, gamification, and easy to navigate user experience have made it possible for healthcare providers to effectively connect with patients using innovative ways enabled by technology. Leveraging on this fact, healthcare industry should be focusing on development and use of interactive health games. Indication-wise games can be developed in collaboration with physicians, academics, thought leaders and experienced media companies. In summary, gamification mayeffectively be used to improve patient adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]