Snipelisky D, Dumitrascu A, Ray J
… +6 more, Roy A, Matcha G, Harris D, Vadeboncoeur T, Kusumoto F, Burton MC
Acute Card Care
· 2016 Dec · PMID 29210596
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Guidelines recommend discussing code status with patients on hospital admission. No study has evaluated the feasibility of a full code with do not intubate (DNI) status. A retrospective analysis of patients who experien...Guidelines recommend discussing code status with patients on hospital admission. No study has evaluated the feasibility of a full code with do not intubate (DNI) status. A retrospective analysis of patients who experienced a cardiopulmonary arrest was performed between May 1, 2008 and June 20, 2014. A descriptive analysis was created based on whether patients required mechanical ventilatory support during the hospitalization and comparisons were made between both patient subsets. A total of 239 patients were included. Almost all (n = 218, 91.2%) required intubation during the hospitalization. Over half (n = 117, 53.7%) were intubated on the same day as the cardiopulmonary arrest and 91 patients (41.7%) were intubated at the time of arrest. Comparisons between intubated and non-intubated patients showed little differences in clinical characteristics, except for a higher proportion of medical cardiac etiology for admission in patients who did not require intubation (n = 10, 47.6% versus n = 55, 25.2%; = 0.18) and initial arrest rhythm of ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (n = 8, 38.1% versus n = 50, 22.9%; = 0.37). No differences in 24-hour and posthospital survivals were present. Mechanical ventilatory support is commonly utilized in patients who experience a cardiopulmonary arrest. The DNI status may not be a feasible code status option for most patients.
Scott-Herridge JA, Seifer CM, Steigerwald R
… +2 more, Drobot G, McIntyre WF
Acute Card Care
· 2016 Dec · PMID 29185829
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Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and is associated with an increase in the risk of ischemic stroke. The risk of stroke can be significantly decreased by oral anticoagulation (OAC). Our objective was...Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and is associated with an increase in the risk of ischemic stroke. The risk of stroke can be significantly decreased by oral anticoagulation (OAC). Our objective was to characterize the filling of OAC prescriptions for patients with actionable AF (new or existing AF with an indication for OAC but not prescribed) and determine the prevalence and predictors of guideline-appropriate therapy at 30 days. This is a multi-hospital, retrospective cohort study of patients who visited the Emergency Department (ED) and had a discharge diagnosis of AF. Patient records were examined to identify demographics, risk factors, and prescription data. Predictors of filling a prescription at 30 days were analyzed. 788 patients with AF were reviewed. 257 patients had actionable AF. Forty one percent (104) had newly diagnosed AF. The mean CHADS score was 2 ± 1. At 30 days after discharge, 25.7% of patients filled a prescription for OAC therapy. Large numbers of patients attending the ED have actionable AF, but rates of guideline-directed OAC at thirty days are low. Only a prescription written by the ED physician (OR 9.89) and documentation of stroke risk stratification in the patients' chart (OR 4.09) were associated with the primary outcome.
BACKGROUND: Pregnant women with heart disease (HD) have higher rates of adverse fetal outcomes. We describe placental pathologic characteristics and their association with fetal events. METHODS: In pregnant women, known...BACKGROUND: Pregnant women with heart disease (HD) have higher rates of adverse fetal outcomes. We describe placental pathologic characteristics and their association with fetal events. METHODS: In pregnant women, known HD were categorized into: (1) cardiomyopathy (CM) or (2) other HD (congenital, coronary, arrhythmia, or valvular). Outcomes were maternal major adverse cardiac events (MACE), fetal adverse clinical events (FACE), a composite of infant death, prematurity, underweight status, intracranial hemorrhage, and respiratory distress. Only pathologically reported placental analyses were included. RESULTS: We studied 86 pregnancies in women with CM and HD, with pathologic analyses on 35 CM and 52 HD placentas. CM placentas, compared with those with HD, were more likely to have ischemic changes (65.7% vs. 37%, p 0.008), demonstrate immaturity (62.90% vs. 10%, p < 0.001), and have a lower weight (p < 0.001), despite similar gestational age. CM was independently associated with increased risk for MACE (OR 7.38, 95%CI 2.20-24.76). Ischemic placental changes were associated with increased odds of FACE (OR 24.78, 95%CI 2.37-259.03). CONCLUSIONS: Women with CM were more likely to have ischemic placentas, with lower placental and fetal weights, and evidence of immaturity compared with those with other forms of HD, and an increased odds of MACE.
Percutaneous coronary intervention for bifurcated anatomy, particularly at the proximal left coronary artery site, requires guide catheters (GC) of at least 6 french and preferably larger in diameter. We describe a new t...Percutaneous coronary intervention for bifurcated anatomy, particularly at the proximal left coronary artery site, requires guide catheters (GC) of at least 6 french and preferably larger in diameter. We describe a new trans-radial approach more suitable for small artery size: the simultaneous use of both radial arteries for double cannulation of the LMCA with 5F GC: each GC will target either the LM/LAD or the LM/CX artery (or LM-LAD/LM-LAD-1st diagonal branch) stenoses. The technique successfully was applied to 5 cases. When the technique was used for distal left main coronary artery stenoses (3 cases), a special crogss-like configuration obtained when guide catheters, coronary wires and balloons kissed was observed.
We present a case of a patient after prolonged cardio-pulmonary resuscitation on hot asphalt, who suffered from first and second degree burns which worsened during hospitalization. The patient was treated with therapeuti...We present a case of a patient after prolonged cardio-pulmonary resuscitation on hot asphalt, who suffered from first and second degree burns which worsened during hospitalization. The patient was treated with therapeutic hypothermia. Possible effect of therapeutic hypothermia on the course of burns is discussed.
Acute Card Care
· 2016 Jun · PMID 28328299
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BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and early defibrillation have been shown to improve outcomes of cardiac arrest. The significance of the post-arrest echocardiogram, specifically the left ventricular ejection fra...BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and early defibrillation have been shown to improve outcomes of cardiac arrest. The significance of the post-arrest echocardiogram, specifically the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is unknown. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients who suffered from cardiac arrest between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2013. We included all patients who achieved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) or coronary care unit (CCU) of a tertiary care academic center. Patients who underwent echocardiography within 24 h of cardiac arrest were included for analysis. The primary outcome was survival. RESULTS: We identified 151 patients who achieved ROSC of which 97 underwent post-arrest echocardiogram within 24 h. 70.8% were males and the mean age was 67.8 years (SD: 15.9). The mean LVEF at 24 h was 35.7 (SD: 17.8). LVEF > 40% was not a predictor of survival at 30 days or hospital discharge. The only significant predictors on multivariate analyses were age, presence of shockable rhythm and time to ROSC. CONCLUSION: Although echocardiograms are frequently ordered, LVEF greater than 40% in patients who are resuscitated after a cardiac arrest is not a predictor of survival.
Ouardani R, Magkoutis N, Bonnin P
… +5 more, Kang C, Kedra AW, Sideris G, Bonneau M, Voicu S
Acute Card Care
· 2016 Jun · PMID 28328285
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AIM: To examine whether pulmonary artery balloon pulsation (PABP) could improve circulatory function in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in pigs. METHODS/RESULTS: Ten downsize pigs were sedated and ventilated. AMI was i...AIM: To examine whether pulmonary artery balloon pulsation (PABP) could improve circulatory function in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in pigs. METHODS/RESULTS: Ten downsize pigs were sedated and ventilated. AMI was induced by inserting a plug into the left anterior descending artery. A pulsation balloon was placed in the pulmonary artery in all animals. In the treatment group (TG), pulsations began when life-threatening arrhythmia or > 30% drop in mean blood pressure (MBP) or > 40% decrease in cardiac output compared to baseline occurred. Pulsation rate was 120/min, independent of the heartbeat, maintained for 10 min. The control group (CG) received no pulsation. In the TG (n = 5), mean BP after the AMI improved by 7 ± 12 mmHg after 150 min while in the CG, MBP decreased by 17 ± 25 mmHg, P < 0.05; coronary perfusion pressure improved by 8 ± 7 mmHg in the TG but decreased by 15 ± 12 in the CG (P < 0.05). In the CG, cardiac output did not change but in the TG it improved from 3.5 ± 0.9 after the AMI to 4.2 ± 1.1 l/min 150 min after AMI (P < 0.05). The TG required 1.8 ± 0.4 electric shocks for ventricular fibrillation versus 0.8 ± 0.4 in the pulsation group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PABP could be useful in the management of AMI due to improved mean arterial BP, coronary perfusion pressure, cardiac output and electrical stability. The mechanism of this effect remains to be determined.
Acute Card Care
· 2016 Mar · PMID 27869561
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A 55-year-old male presented with two challenging problems, i.e. acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and a major bleeding episode. He first presented with ischaemic stroke and was treated with thrombolysis. However this was co...A 55-year-old male presented with two challenging problems, i.e. acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and a major bleeding episode. He first presented with ischaemic stroke and was treated with thrombolysis. However this was complicated by haemorrhagic transformation. He subsequently developed ACS with urgent coronary angiography demonstrating a critical stenosis in the proximal left anterior descending artery. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was deemed necessary but we were mindful of causing bleeding complications from the use of anti-thrombotic therapy. Despite the complexities, we used a novel approach in terms of PCI strategy and anti-platelet regimen (drug-coated balloon angioplasty and a single anti-platelet therapy) and achieved a successful outcome.
Koutrolou-Sotiropoulou P, Singh A, Leeman-Markowski M
… +1 more, Rashba EJ
Acute Card Care
· 2016 Mar · PMID 27869560
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Ictal asystole (IA) is a rare phenomenon in patients with seizures with an incidence of 0.27-0.4% and has been proposed as a possible mechanism of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy patients (SUDEP). We present a case o...Ictal asystole (IA) is a rare phenomenon in patients with seizures with an incidence of 0.27-0.4% and has been proposed as a possible mechanism of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy patients (SUDEP). We present a case of a 53-year-old woman who initially presented with episodes of expressive aphasia and was treated with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). While on therapy she experienced episodes of syncope. During her hospitalization for tapering of AEDs and 24-hour EEG monitoring, the patient developed a seizure followed by sinus bradycardia and an 18-second sinus pause, resulting in loss of consciousness and slowing of cerebral activity. Ten seconds after the return of cardiac activity, the EEG showed return of cerebral activity. A dual chamber pacemaker was implanted.
Karim S, Ador-Dionisio ST, Karim M
… +4 more, Karim M, Khan SS, Atreja A, Ellis S
Acute Card Care
· 2016 Mar · PMID 27786543
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BACKGROUND: Little literature exists on the risk of performing coronary intervention (PCI) on patients who have had recent gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), although bleeding after PCI has been identified as a risk factor...BACKGROUND: Little literature exists on the risk of performing coronary intervention (PCI) on patients who have had recent gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), although bleeding after PCI has been identified as a risk factor for long-term mortality. METHODS: Patients within the Cleveland Clinic PCI database who had acute GIB within 30 days preceding PCI during the same hospitalization (n = 79) were retrospectively compared to those who had PCI without recent GIB (n = 10 979) for mortality and need for revascularization. Baseline characteristics, laboratory values, procedures, morbidities, and mortality were compared using chi-square test for categorical variables and using Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables. Mortality data was obtained using Social Security Death Index and demonstrated using Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The GIB group had more prevalent history of peptic ulcer disease, GIB, gastrointestinal or liver disease (P < 0.0001), transient ischemic accident (P = 0.017), peripheral vascular disease (P = 0.0002), significant carotid artery occlusion (P = 0.023), and myocardial infarction (P < 0.0001). 47% of patients had upper GIB with 20% needing endoscopic intervention. This group had more anemia (P < 0.0001), heart failure (P = 0.0001), cardiogenic shock (10% versus 1.4%, P < 0.001), cardiac arrest (7.6% versus 1%, P < 0.001). GIB group had worse in-hospital mortality (P < 0.0001), long-term mortality (P < 0.001), and a 7.6% re-bleeding incidence. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the patients who had GIB preceding PCI had higher in-hospital mortality and long-term mortality compared with those without GIB before PCI.
Veronese G, Germini F, Ingrassia S
… +6 more, Cutuli O, Donati V, Bonacchini L, Marcucci M, Fabbri A, Italian Society of Emergency Medicine (SIMEU)
Acute Card Care
· 2016 Mar · PMID 27759433
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BACKGROUND: Electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation is widely performed by emergency physicians. We aimed to determine the accuracy of interpretation of potential ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) ECGs by...BACKGROUND: Electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation is widely performed by emergency physicians. We aimed to determine the accuracy of interpretation of potential ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) ECGs by emergency physicians. METHODS: Thirty-six ECGs resulted in putative STEMI diagnoses were selected. Participants were asked to focus on whether or not the ECG in question met the diagnostic criteria for an acutely blocked coronary artery causing a STEMI. Based on the coronary angiogram, a binary outcome of accurate versus inaccurate ECG interpretation was defined. We computed the overall sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) for ECG interpretation. Data on participant training level, working experience and place were collected. RESULTS: 135 participants interpreted 4603 ECGs. Overall sensitivity to identify 'true' STEMI ECGs was 64.5% (95%CI: 62.8-66.3); specificity in determining 'false' ECGs was 78% (95%CI: 76-80.1). Overall accuracy was modest (69.1, 95%CI: 67.8-70.4). Higher accuracy in ECG interpretation was observed for attending physicians, participants working in tertiary care hospitals and those more experienced. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of interpretation of potential STEMI ECGs was modest among emergency physicians. The study supports the notion that ECG interpretation for establishing a STEMI diagnosis lacks the necessary sensitivity and specificity to be considered a reliable 'stand-alone' diagnostic test.
Villablanca PA, Briceno DF, Jagannath AD
… +2 more, Cohen M, Pyo R
Acute Card Care
· 2016 Mar · PMID 27754742
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Coronary vasospasm is uncommon during pregnancy and the postpartum period. We present a very rare case of an acute coronary vasospasm in a 36-year-old woman who was two weeks postpartum. The coronary arteriograms showed...Coronary vasospasm is uncommon during pregnancy and the postpartum period. We present a very rare case of an acute coronary vasospasm in a 36-year-old woman who was two weeks postpartum. The coronary arteriograms showed a coronary vasospasm in the distal left anterior descending and circumflex coronary arteries. Electrocardiogram (ECG) presentation was atypical, with T-wave inversions in leads I, aVL, and V2 to V6. To our knowledge, this is the first case with a well-documented coronary artery vasospasm in a postpartum woman without the classic ST elevation on ECG. Management should follow the usual principles of care for acute coronary vasospasm.
Bhoil R, Sood S, Bhoil S
… +2 more, Chamail A, Sood RG
Acute Card Care
· 2016 Mar · PMID 27754710
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Left coronary artery compression syndrome is an uncommon entity and characterized by compression of the LMCA in-between the aorta and an enlarged main pulmonary arterial trunk. It is usually associated with a congenital...Left coronary artery compression syndrome is an uncommon entity and characterized by compression of the LMCA in-between the aorta and an enlarged main pulmonary arterial trunk. It is usually associated with a congenital cardiac defect. Cardiac 64-slice MDCT provides a non-invasive and an accurate method for assessing the degree of dynamic LMCA compression throughout the cardiac cycle, its angulation relative to the left sinus of Valsalva and depiction of pulmonary pathology, making it a valuable tool in the workup of patients suspected of left coronary artery compression.
Liang JJ, Fenstad ER, Janish CD
… +1 more, Sinak LJ
Acute Card Care
· 2016 Mar · PMID 27754701
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Left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy is a rare congenital cardiomyopathy, which usually presents early in life but may also manifest into adulthood. We present the case of an elderly woman with left ventricular...Left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy is a rare congenital cardiomyopathy, which usually presents early in life but may also manifest into adulthood. We present the case of an elderly woman with left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy, which was discovered incidentally following an ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
Harris M, Karamasis GV, Chotai S
… +3 more, Tang KH, Clesham GJ, Kelly PA
Acute Card Care
· 2016 Mar · PMID 27736197
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Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is commonly used as a cardiac assist device in various clinical situations: cardiogenic shock, mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction, high risk percutaneous coronary int...Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is commonly used as a cardiac assist device in various clinical situations: cardiogenic shock, mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction, high risk percutaneous coronary interventions, coronary artery bypass graft surgery and refractory unstable angina and ventricular arrhythmias as bridge to therapy. Although current data support its safety, there is limited or no support for its efficacy. We present the case of spinal cord infarction after IABP use in a patient who presented with ST elevation myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest and we discuss the potential mechanism of such a devastating complication.
Snipelisky D, Ray J, Matcha G
… +9 more, Roy A, Clark B, Dumitrascu A, Bosworth V, Whitman A, Lewis P, Vadeboncoeur T, Kusumoto F, Burton MC
Acute Card Care
· 2015 Dec · PMID 27712143
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INTRODUCTION: Little data exists evaluating how different risk factors influence outcomes following in-hospital arrests. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients that suffered a cardiopulmonary arrest between 1 May 20...INTRODUCTION: Little data exists evaluating how different risk factors influence outcomes following in-hospital arrests. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients that suffered a cardiopulmonary arrest between 1 May 2008 and 30 June 2014 was performed. Patients were stratified into subsets based on cardiac versus non-cardiac reasons for admission. RESULTS: 199 patients met inclusion criteria, of which 138 (69.3%) had a non-cardiac reason for admission and 61 (30.7%) a cardiac etiology. No difference in demographics and non-cardiac comorbidities were present. Cardiac-related comorbidities were more prevalent in the cardiac etiology subset. Arrests with a shockable rhythm were more common in the cardiac group (P < 0.0001), yet return of spontaneous circulation from the index event was similar (P = 0.254). More patients in the cardiac group were alive at 24-h post resuscitation (n = 34, 55.7% versus n = 49, 35.5%; P = 0.0085), discharge (n = 21, 34.4% versus n = 19, 13.8%; P = 0.0018), and at last follow-up (n = 13, 21.3% versus n = 14, 10.1%; P = 0.0434). CONCLUSION: Although patients with cardiac and non-cardiac etiologies for admission have similar rates of return of spontaneous circulation, those with cardiac etiologies are more likely to survive to hospital discharge and outpatient follow-up.
Khafaji HA, Sulaiman K, Singh R
… +14 more, Alhabib KF, Asaad N, Alsheikh-Ali A, Al-Jarallah M, Bulbanat B, Almahmeed W, Ridha M, Bazargani N, Amin H, Al-Motarreb A, Faleh HA, Elasfar A, Panduranga P, Suwaidi JA
Acute Card Care
· 2015 Dec · PMID 27712142
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BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to report the prevalence, clinical characteristics, contributing factors, management and outcome of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among patients hosp...BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to report the prevalence, clinical characteristics, contributing factors, management and outcome of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among patients hospitalized with heart failure (HF). METHODS: Data were derived from Gulf Care (Gulf acute heart failure registry), a prospective multicenter study of 5005 consecutive patients hospitalized with acute heart failure during February to November 2012 in seven Middle Eastern countries. Data were described and compared for demographics, management and outcomes. RESULTS: The prevalence of COPD among HF patients was 10%. COPD patients were older, more likely to be female and to have diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and sleep apnea (P = 0.001 for all) when compared to non-COPD patients. Contributing factors for hospitalization were systemic infection and atrial arrhythmias in COPD patients compared to acute coronary syndrome, uncontrolled hypertension and anemia in the non-COPD patients. Left-ventricular ejection fraction was higher in COPD patients; while BNP levels were comparable between the two groups. Non-invasive ventilation was used more frequently among COPD patients compared to non-COPD patients (P = 0.001). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, COPD was not associated with increased risk in-hospital and one-year death among acute heart failure (AHF) population and β blockers treatment appear to have neutral mortality effect in COPD patients with HF. CONCLUSION: COPD have distinct cardiovascular risk profile and precipitating factors for hospitalization with HF when compared to non-COPD patients. COPD history had no impact on the short-term and one-year mortality.