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Background: Several studies have pair-wise compared access sites for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) but pooled estimate of overall comparative efficacy and safety outcomes are not well known. We sought to compare short- and long-term outcomes following various alternative access routes for TAVR.Methods: Thirty-four studies with a pooled sample size of 32,756 patients were selected by searching PubMed and Cochrane library databases from inception through 11th June 2021 for patients undergoing TAVR via 1 of 6 different access sites: Transfemoral (TF), Transaortic (TAO), Transapical (TA), Transcarotid (TC), Transaxillary/Subclavian (TSA), and Transcaval (TCV). Data were extracted to conduct a frequentist network meta-analysis with a random-effects model using TF access as a reference group.Results: Compared with TF, both TAO [RR 1.91, 95% CI (1.46-2.50)] and TA access [RR 2.12, 95% CI (1.84-2.46)] were associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality. No significant difference was observed for stroke, myocardial infarction, major bleeding, conversion to open surgery, and major adverse cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events at 30 days between different accesses. Major vascular complications were lower in TA [RR 0.43, (95% CI, 0.28-0.67)] and TC [RR 0.51, 95% CI (0.35-0.73)] access compared to TF. The 1-year mortality was higher in TAO [RR of 1.35, (95% CI, 1.01-1.81)] and TA [RR 1.44, (95% CI, 1.14-1.81)] groups.Conclusion: Non-thoracic alternative access site utilization for TAVR implantation (TC, TSA and TCV) is associated with outcomes similar to conventional TF access. Thoracic TAVR access (TAO and TA) translates into increased short and long-term mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary arterial capacitance or compliance (PAC) has been reported as an independent predictor of mortality in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension secondary to left heart disease (PH-LHD). We conducted a literature search of PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, and Cochrane library databases from July 30th to September 4th, 2020, and identified all the relevant studies reporting mortality outcomes in patients with PAH and PH-LHD. Pooled data from these studies were used to perform a meta-analysis to identify the role of PAC in predicting all-cause mortality in this subset of patients. Pooled data on 4997 patients from 15 individual studies showed that the mortality risk in patients with PAH and PH-LHD varies significantly per unit change in PAC either from baseline or during follow-up. A reduction in PAC per 1 ml/mmHg was associated with a 4.25 times higher risk of all-cause mortality (95% CI 1.42–12.71; p = 0.021) in PAH patients. Among patients with PH-LHD, mortality risk increased by ~30% following a unit decrease in PAC (HR, 1.29; p = 0.019), whereas an increase in PAC by 1 ml/mmHg lowered the mortality risk by 30% (HR, 0.70). PAC is a strong and independent predictor of all-cause mortality in both patients with PAH and PH-LHD. A decrease in PAC by 1 ml/mmHg from baseline or during follow-up significantly increases the risk of all-cause mortality among both patients with PAH and PH-LHD. Treatment modalities targeted at PAC improvement can affect the overall survival and quality of life in such patients. • PAC predicts mortality in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease (PH-LHD). • A decrease in PAC by 1ml/mmHg from baseline or during follow-up significantly increases mortality risk in PAH and PH-LHD patients & vice-versa. • Treatment modalities targeted at PAC improvement can affect the overall survival and quality of life in such patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) is not uncommon and pose a risk of systemic embolism, which can be mitigated by adequate anticoagulation. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are increasingly being used as alternatives to warfarin for anticoagulation, but their efficacy and safety profile has been debated. We aim to compare the therapeutic efficacy and safety of DOACs versus warfarin for the treatment of LVT. Methodology: We systematically searched PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, Cochrane library, and LILCAS databases from inception to 14th August 2020 to identify relevant studies comparing warfarin and DOACs for LVT treatment and used the pooled data extracted from retrieved studies to perform a meta-analysis. Results: We report pooled data on 1955 patients from 8 studies, with a mean age of 61 years and 59.7 years in warfarin and DOACs group, respectively. The pooled odds ratio for thrombus resolution was 1.11 (95% CI 0.51–2.39) on comparing warfarin to DOAC, but it did not reach a statistical significance (p = 0.76). The pooled risk ratio (RR) of stroke or systemic embolization and bleeding in patients treated with warfarin vs DOACs was 1.04 (95% CI 0.64–1.68; p = 0.85), and 1.15 (95% CI 0.62–2.13; p = 0.57), respectively; with an overall RR of 1.09 (95% CI 0.70–1.70; p = 0.48) for mortality. Conclusions: DOACs appears to be non-inferior or at least as effective as warfarin in the treatment of left ventricular thrombus without any statistical difference in stroke or bleeding complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This prospective cohort study evaluated intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and its role in causing acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill obstetric patients and utility of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) to predict AKI. Methods: A total of 50 eligible obstetric patients admitted to our Intensive Care Unit were enrolled and daily IAP measured using indwelling Foley catheter. Early AKI was diagnosed as per the KDIGO criteria and urine assessed for NGAL using ELISA. Results: AKI was seen in 54% and intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) in 21% patients. In patients with and without AKI, there was statistically similar IAP on day 1 (P = 0.542) and day 2 (P = 0.907) as well as incidence of IAH (19% vs. 23%) (P = 0.766). Area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for IAP to predict early AKI was 0.499 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.325-0.673) (P = 0.992). Urinary NGAL concentration was significantly greater in patients with early AKI compared to those without (P = 0.006); AUC for urinary NGAL to detect early AKI was 0.734 (95% CI: 0.583-0.884) (P = 0.006) and optimal cutoff was 53.7 ng/ml. Conclusions: IAH and AKI are common in critically ill obstetric patients. While IAP does not correlate with early AKI, NGAL is useful to predict AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We experienced a high incidence of pulmonary barotrauma among patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) at our institution. In current study, we sought to evaluate the incidence, clinical outcomes, and characteristics of barotrauma among COVID-19 patients receiving invasive and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation. Methodology: This retrospective cohort study included adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia and requiring oxygen support or positive airway pressure for ARDS who presented to our tertiary-care center from March through November, 2020. Results: A total of 353 patients met our inclusion criteria, of which 232 patients who required heated high-flow nasal cannula, continuous or bilevel positive airway pressure were assigned to non-invasive group. The remaining 121 patients required invasive mechanical ventilation and were assigned to invasive group. Of the total 353 patients, 32 patients (65.6% males) with a mean age of 63 + 11 years developed barotrauma in the form of subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax, or pneumomediastinum. The incidence of barotrauma was 4.74% (11/232) and 17.35% (21/121) in the non-invasive group and invasive group, respectively. The median length of hospital stay was 22 (15.7±33.0) days with an overall mortality of 62.5% (n = 20). Conclusions: Patients with COVID-19 ARDS have a high incidence of barotrauma. Pulmonary barotrauma should be considered in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who exhibit worsening of their respiratory disease as it is likely associated with a high mortality risk. Utilizing lung-protective ventilation strategies may reduce the risk of barotrauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sepsis is a result of suppressed host immune response which leads to fatal multi-organ dysfunctionality. Low frequency of active monocytes or reduced expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR on monocytes shows the suppressed immune response in sepsis patients. One of the well-studied markers in patients with sepsis is procalcitonin (PCT). The role of monocytic (m) HLA-DR expression has been monitored in sepsis and is being considered a marker of the severity of interim immuno-depression in these patients. The study describes the impact of HLA-DR expression on monocytes quantitatively using flow cytometry. Methods: In this prospective study, we quantified monocytes and their HLA-DR expression in 20 patients of sepsis admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Serum levels of PCT and interleukin (IL)-6 production were also measured in these patients, and the results were compared with those in healthy controls. Results: Monocyte frequency calculated was higher in sepsis patients as compared to healthy controls, however, HLA-DR expressing monocytes were significantly reduced as was the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of HLADR. Contrastingly, IL-6 and PCT levels were significantly high in sepsis than controls. The results suggest that low HLA-DR expression, combined with PCT, is a better prognostic parameter in the early phase of sepsis. Conclusion: Poor recovery of mHLA-DR may serve as an early guide for clinicians to assess the prognosis of sepsis patients and consider immunomodulatory therapy in its management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patients with amoebic liver abscess (ALA) may require percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD). Once the PCD output is substantially reduced or has ceased along with clinical recovery, residual collections on radiological evaluation may concern the treating physicians. The prevalence and significance of such collections is unknown, and the subsequent approach how to tackle them is unclear. Methods: Consecutive patients with one or more uncomplicated ALAs requiring drainage were prospectively enrolled from 3 hospitals and managed based on a standard approach. Catheter removal was attempted after the patients fulfilled all 4 of the following criteria: disappearance of abdominal pain, absence of fever for at least 48 h, an improving trend of TLC (documented on 2 consecutive reports), and catheter drain output of < 10 ml/day for at least 2 consecutive days. Results: A total of 110 patients (mean age 46.6 ± 10.5 years, 93.6% males, 89.1% alcoholics) underwent PCD placement; 69 patients (69/110; 62.7%) met all 4 criteria within 5 days of PCD placement (optimal response) and had an uncomplicated course. Patients with suboptimal responses (41/110; 37.3%) were evaluated for local and systemic complications; the appearance of fresh collections (5/110; 4.5%), abscess rupture (2/110; 1.8%), bile leakage (3/110; 2.7%), cholangitis (2/110; 1.8%), thrombophlebitis (2/110; 1.8%) and hospital-acquired infections (2/110; 1.8%) were diagnosed and treated accordingly. Ultimately, PCD removal (based on the fulfilment of all 4 criteria) was universally successful after a median of 5 days (IQR, 4–9 days). None of the patients had symptom recurrence after PCD removal, although residual collections were still seen in 97.3% of patients at the time of PCD removal and in 92.1% and 84.9% of patients available for follow-up at 1 and 3 months, respectively. Conclusion: Based on our clinical protocol, PCD removal in ALA can be successfully expedited even in the presence of residual collections. An inability to fulfill all 4 criteria within 5 days of PCD placement warrants further evaluations for local and systemic complications that require additional therapeutic measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are key for the identification of populations at increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, whether at the individual level SDOH improve current ASCVD risk prediction paradigms beyond traditional risk factors and the coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, is unknown. We evaluated the interplay between CAC and SDOH in ASCVD risk prediction. MESA is a prospective study of US adults free of clinical ASCVD at baseline. We used an SDOH index inclusive of 14 determinants from 5 domains. The index ranged 0–1 and was divided into quartiles, with higher ones representing worse SDOH. Cox regression was used to evaluate the adjusted associations between CAC, SDOH, their interplay, and ASCVD events. The C-statistic was computed to assess improvement in risk discrimination for prediction of ASCVD events. We included 6479 MESA participants (50% with CAC = 0, 24% CAC>100). ASCVD incidence increased with increasing CAC scores across SDOH quartiles. The lowest incidence was noted in those with CAC = 0 and favourable SDOH (2/1000 person-years) and highest in those with CAC>100 and most unfavourable SDOH (20.6/1000 person-years). While CAC was strongly associated with ASCVD across SDOH quartiles, SDOH was weakly associated with ASCVD across CAC strata. CAC improved the discriminatory ability of all prediction models beyond traditional risk factors, the improvement in C-statistic ranging +0.02 - +0.05. Improvements with SDOH were smaller, and were none on top of CAC. CAC improves ASCVD risk stratification across the spectrum of social vulnerability, while SDOH fail to improve risk prediction beyond traditional RFs and CAC. [Display omitted] • The CAC-ASCVD association was stronger compared to the SDOH-ASCVD association. • CAC results in a larger improvement in risk discrimination for ASCVD prediction. • SDOH does not improve risk prediction on top of traditional risk factors and CAC. • CAC improves the C statistic on top of SDOH, as well as across SDOH strata. • CAC is informative for ASCVD risk prediction across levels of social vulnerability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Whether intraoperative use of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions is associated with postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) continues to be researched. Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is validated for early detection of AKI. Previous studies are limited and use empirically predefined volumes of HES solutions with serum creatinine as marker for AKI. Materials and Methods: Adults scheduled for orthopedic surgery under general anesthesia with >200-300 mL blood loss expected were included; 40 were randomized to receive 6% HES 130/0.4 (tetrastarch) (group HES) or Ringer's lactate (group RL) boluses when stroke volume variation (SVV) >10% in supine or lateral position, or >14% in prone position. Incidence of early postoperative AKI using urinary NGAL (>100 ng/mL) was the primary outcome, and using derangement of serum creatinine was the secondary measure. Results: In 38 patients, intervention was completed, and incidence of AKI (postoperative urinary NGAL >100 ng/mL) among them was 0% in both groups. Patients with urinary NGAL >50 ng/mL were insignificantly higher for group RL versus group HES (6/19 vs. 4/19) (P = 0.461), as were those with incidence of AKI as per creatinine values (5/19 vs. 4/19) (P = 1.000). Group RL had significantly higher requirement of fluid (1211 ± 758 mL vs. 689 ± 394 mL) (P = 0.013) and lower cardiac index (P < 0.05) versus group HES. Conclusion: SVV-guided tetrastarch and Ringer's lactate do not result in postoperative AKI diagnosed by urinary NGAL >100 ng/mL; however, an insignificant trend for better renal functions as well as significantly more efficacious volume expansion and hemodynamic stability were seen with tetrastarch instead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]