Search

Despite the morbidity associated with acute atrial fibrillation (AF), no models currently exist to forecast its imminent onset. We sought to evaluate the ability of deep learning to forecast the imminent onset of AF with sufficient lead time, which has important implications for inpatient care. We utilized the Physiobank Long-Term AF Database, which contains 24-h, labeled ECG recordings from patients with a history of AF. AF episodes were defined as ≥5 min of sustained AF. Three deep learning models incorporating convolutional and transformer layers were created for forecasting, with two models focusing on the predictive nature of sinus rhythm segments and AF epochs separately preceding an AF episode, and one model utilizing all preceding waveform as input. Cross-validated performance was evaluated using area under time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC(t)) at 7.5-, 15-, 30-, and 60-min lead times, precision-recall curves, and imminent AF risk trajectories. There were 367 AF episodes from 84 ECG recordings. All models showed average risk trajectory divergence of those with an AF episode from those without ∼15 min before the episode. Highest AUC was associated with the sinus rhythm model [AUC = 0.74; 7.5-min lead time], though the model using all preceding waveform data had similar performance and higher AUCs at longer lead times. In this proof-of-concept study, we demonstrated the potential utility of neural networks to forecast the onset of AF in long-term ECG recordings with a clinically relevant lead time. External validation in larger cohorts is required before deploying these models clinically. • Atrial fibrillation has the potential to be forecasted in real-time. • Forecasting signatures are present in sinus rhythm preceding atrial fibrillation. • Risk trajectories show an increase in risk of an event ∼15 min prior. • Different sub-phenotypes of rhythm patterns before atrial fibrillation exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many countries, the aging population and the higher incidence of comorbid conditions have resulted in an ever-growing need for cardiac interventions. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of these interventions, associated with higher mortalities, chronic or end-stage kidney disease, readmission rates, and hospital and post-discharge costs. The AKI pathophysiology includes contrast-associated AKI, hemodynamic changes, cardiorenal syndrome, and atheroembolism. Preventive measures include limiting contrast media dose, optimizing hemodynamic conditions, and limiting exposure to other nephrotoxins. This review article outlines the current state-of-art knowledge regarding AKI pathophysiology, risk factors, preventive measures, and management strategies in the peri-interventional period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postdischarge follow-up in primary care is an opportunity for pharmacists to re-evaluate medication use in acute kidney injury (AKI) survivors. Of the emerging AKI survivor care models described in literature, only one involved a pharmacist with limited detail about the direct impact. This study aimed to describe pharmacist contributions to a comprehensive postdischarge AKI survivorship program in primary care (the AKI in Care Transitions [ACT] program). The ACT program was piloted from May to December of 2021 at Mayo Clinic as a bundled care strategy for patients who survived an episode of AKI and were discharged home without the need for hemodialysis. Patients received education and care coordination from nurses before discharge and later completed postdischarge laboratory assessment and clinician follow-up in primary care. During the follow-up encounter, patients completed a 30-minute comprehensive medication management visit with a pharmacist focusing on AKI survivorship considerations. Medication therapy recommendations were communicated to a collaborating primary care provider (PCP) before a separate 30-minute visit with the patient. PCPs had access to clinical decision support with evidence-based post-AKI care recommendations. Medication-related issues were summarized descriptively. Pharmacists made 28 medication therapy recommendations (median 3 per patient, interquartile range 2-3) and identified 14 medication discrepancies for the 11 patients who completed the pilot program, and 86% of the medication therapy recommendations were acted on by the PCP within 7 days. Six recommendations were made to initiate renoprotective medications, and 5 were acted on (83%). During the pilot phase of a multifaceted transitional care program for AKI survivors, pharmacists' successfully identified and addressed multiple medication therapy problems, including for renally active drugs. These results demonstrate the potential for pharmacist-provider collaborative visits in primary care to improve safe and effective medication use in AKI survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Arterial hyperoxia (admission PaO2 >150 mmHg) was present in 20% of CICU patients • A J-shaped association was observed between admission PaO2 and mortality • A higher admission PaO2 was incrementally associated with higher mortality • Patients with severe hyperoxia (admission PaO2 >300 mmHg) were at highest risk of mortality Arterial hyperoxia (hyperoxemia), defined as a high arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), has been associated with adverse outcomes in critically ill populations, but has not been examined in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). We evaluated the association between exposure to hyperoxia on admission with in-hospital mortality in a mixed CICU cohort. We included unique Mayo Clinic CICU patients admitted from 2007 to 2018 with admission PaO2 data (defined as the PaO2 value closest to CICU admission) and no hypoxia (PaO2 < 60mmHg). The admission PaO2 was evaluated as a continuous variable and categorized (60-100 mmHg, 101-150 mmHg, 151-200 mmHg, 201-300 mmHg, >300 mmHg). Logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of in-hospital mortality before and after multivariable adjustment. We included 3,368 patients with a median age of 70.3 years; 70.3% received positive-pressure ventilation. The median PaO2 was 99 mmHg, with a distribution as follows: 60-100 mmHg, 51.9%; 101-150 mmHg, 28.6%; 151-200 mmHg, 10.6%; 201-300 mmHg, 6.4%; >300 mmHg, 2.5%. A J-shaped association between admission PaO2 and in-hospital mortality was observed, with a nadir around 100 mmHg. A higher PaO2 was associated with increased in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR 1.17 per 100 mmHg higher, 95% CI 1.01-1.34, p = 0.03). Patients with PaO2 >300 mmHg had higher in-hospital mortality versus PaO2 60-100 mmHg (adjusted OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.41-3.94, p < 0.001). Hyperoxia at the time of CICU admission is associated with higher in-hospital mortality, primarily in those with severely elevated PaO2 >300 mmHg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kidney transplant recipients are at lifetime risk of requiring high acuity care. In the current study, we aimed to assess the reasons for delayed (> 30 days) intensive care unit (ICU) admissions post-transplant and causes of ICU-related mortality. This is a retrospective study of a cohort of adult kidney transplant patients from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2016, who required ICU admission after 30 days of transplantation. The admissions were divided into 3 groups based on their timeline between transplantation and ICU admission: 1. group 1 from 30 days to 6 months, 2. group 2 between 6-24 months, and 3. group 3 after 2 years. All admissions were categorized according to the primary organ system involved. A total of 285 (group 1: 50, group 2: 89, group 3: 146) patients required 404 ICU admissions (group 1: 57, group 2: 108, group 3: 239). Overall, cardiovascular system-related admissions (29.9%, 18.5%, 15.9%), infections (19.3%, 25.9%, 27.2%), and respiratory-related admissions (12.3%, 8.3%, 8.8%) were main causes in all 3 groups. A total of 24 (8.4%) patients died in the ICU. Most of the deaths occurred in men (79.2%), infection-related admissions (45.8%), and individuals with a functioning allograft (66.7%). Infections (45.8%) were the main causes of ICU-related mortality. Median time from transplantation to death was 2.3 years (interquartile range: 1.2-4.6). Kidney transplant patients continue to be at risk of requiring high acuity care long after transplantation. Most of these admissions are related to cardiopulmonary system involvement or infections. Overall, infections were the leading cause of ICU-related mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse outcomes for hospitalized patients with sarcopenia are well documented, and identification of patients at risk remains challenging. The sarcopenia index (SI), previously defined as (serum creatinine/serum cystatin C) × 100, could be an inexpensive, readily accessible, objective tool to predict muscle mass and risk for adverse clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of the SI as a predictor of muscle mass. Retrospective study of critically ill adults admitted to Mayo Clinic from 2012 to 2015 with suspected sepsis and an available creatinine and serum cystatin C. Muscle surface area was quantified at the L3/4 vertebral level in patients with an abdominal CT scan (CTMSA). Multivariable regression modeling was used to assess the relationship between SI and CTMSA, as well as short-term clinical outcomes. The 171 included had a mean weight and body mass index (BMI) of 75.2 ± 16.4 kg and 26.0 ± 4.6 kg/m2 and abdominal CT scans were available for 81 (47%) patients. The SI correlated with CTMSA (r = 0.40). After adjustment for age, sex, severity of illness, and BMI, SI was independently associated with muscle mass (P = 0.001). A decrease in the SI (indicative of lower muscle mass) was also associated with frailty and worse short-term clinical outcomes. The SI, a simple calculation from kidney function markers, is a significant predictor of muscle mass in this validation cohort of ICU patients. A low SI was associated with longer hospital length of stay and frailty. Future studies could explore whether the use of SI assists with identifying patients likely to benefit from pharmacotherapy-, nutrition-, or physical therapy-based interventions. • Identification of patients with reduced muscle mass and sarcopenia is challenging. • The Sarcopenia Index is calculated as (serum creatinine/serum cystatin C) × 100. • It is an inexpensive, accessible, objective alternative to predict muscle mass. • A lower sarcopenia index was associated with lower muscle mass. • Lower sarcopenia index independently predicted worse clinical outcomes and frailty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the recent advancement in electronic health record systems and meaningful use of information technology incentive programs (i.e., the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services), interest in clinical decision support systems has risen. These systems have been used to examine a variety of different syndromes with variable reported effects. In recent years, electronic alerts (e-alerts) have been implemented at various institutions to decrease the morbidity associated with acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI is common, accounting for 1 in 7 hospital admissions, and is associated with increased length of hospital stay and mortality. AKI is often underrecognized, causing delayed intervention. The use of e-alerts may result in earlier recognition and intervention, as well as decreased morbidity and mortality. This must be balanced with the possibility of increased resource utilization that e-alerts may cause. Before widespread implementation, the ethical and legal consequences of not following e-alert recommendations must be established, and the optimal algorithm for AKI e-alert detection must be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Overfeeding can lead to multiple metabolic and clinical complications and has been associated with increased mortality in the critically ill. Continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) represents a potential source of calories that is poorly recognized and may contribute to overfeeding complications. Objective: We aimed to quantify the systemic caloric contribution of acid-citrate-dextrose regional anticoagulation and dextrose-containing replacement fluids in the CVVH circuit. Design: This was a prospective study in 10 critically ill adult patients who received CVVH from April 2014 to June 2014. Serial pre- and postfilter blood samples (n = 4 each) were drawn and analyzed for glucose and citrate concentrations on each of 2 consecutive days. Results: Participants included 5 men and 5 women with a mean ± SEM age of 61 ± 4 y (range: 42-84 y) and body mass index (in kg/m²) of 28 ± 2 (range: 18.3-36.2). There was generally good agreement between data on the 2 study days (CV: 7-11%). Mean ± SEM pre- and postfilter venous plasma glucose concentrations in the aggregate group were 152 ± 10 and 178 ± 9 mg/dL, respectively. Net glucose uptake from the CVVH circuit was 54 ± 5 mg/min and provided 295 ± 28 kcal/d. Prefilter plasma glucose concentrations were higher in patients with diabetes (n = 5) than in those without diabetes (168 ± 12 compared with 140 ± 14 mg/dL; P < 0.05); however, net glucose uptake was similar (46 ± 8 compared with 61 ± 6 mg/min; P = 0.15). Mean ± SEM pre- and postfilter venous plasma citrate concentrations were 1 ± 0.1 and 3.1 ± 0.2 mmol/L, respectively. Net citrate uptake from the CVVH circuit was 60 ± 2 mg/min and provided 218 ± 8 kcal/d. Conclusions: During CVVH there was a substantial net uptake of both glucose and citrate that delivered exogenous energy and provided -512 kcal/d. Failure to account for this source of calories in critically ill patients receiving nutrition on CVVH may result in overfeeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To develop a risk-prediction model for acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing vascular surgery. Design A retrospective cohort study. Setting A tertiary referral center. Participants Participants included 845 adult patients who underwent vascular surgery between January 3, 2003, and May 29, 2008. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results The median age of patients was 72 years (interquartile range 65-80 years), and 653 patients (77%) were male. AKI developed in 258 (30.5%) patients. Patients with AKI had lower estimated glomerular filtration rates (60±21 v 72±21, p<0.001), were older (73 [68–78] years v 71 [65–80] years, p = 0.01), had a higher prevalence of hypertension (81% v 73%, p = 0.02), and were more likely to undergo emergency surgery (5% v 2%, p = 0.02). Patients with AKI also received more diuretics (p<0.001) and β-blockers (p = 0.003) prior to surgery. The multivariate AKI risk-prediction model with preoperative variables (estimated glomerular filtration rate, previous vascular interventions, use of preoperative diuretics and β-blockers, and emergency surgery) showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.67 (95% confidence interval, 0.628-0.710); a model with additional intraoperative variables (procedure duration, fluid balance, and plasma and platelet transfusion) had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.72 (95% confidence interval, 0.685-0.760). Conclusions As AKI is a very common complication after vascular surgery, a risk-prediction model was derived to assess the likelihood of postoperative AKI. If validated in an independent cohort, this model may be used to facilitate targeted interventions in vascular surgery patients at high risk for AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to facilitate attainment of Critical Care Ultrasonography (CCUS) competence. Materials and Methods: We developed a Web-based learning program followed by simulation-based hands-on training in noncardiac CCUS for novice learners. We administered knowledge and skills tests before and after the workshop and conducted surveys on confidence levels using a 10-point Likert scale. Knowledge tests were conducted online, and skills tests were video-captured for evaluation. Results: Sixteen physicians participated in a 4-hour combined vascular and thoracic CCUS workshop, and 23 in a 2-hour abdominal CCUS workshop. In the combined vascular and thoracic workshop, the mean (SD) pre-workshop and post-workshop knowledge scores were 24 (4) and 33 (5), respectively, out of 43 (P < .001). The pre-workshop and post-workshop skill scores were 15 (5) and 23 (2), out of 28 (P < .001). In the abdominal workshop, the pre-workshop and post-workshop knowledge scores were 11 (3) and 18 (2), out of 20 (P b .001). The pre-workshop and post-workshop skill scores were 6 (3) and 15 (2), out of 16 (P < .001). Learners' confidence increased significantly in both workshops (P b .001). Conclusions: Our novel hybrid educational workshop on general CCUS significantly improved knowledge, skills, and confidence levels. Our flexibly scheduled module can be a practical option for the busy intensivist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are limited data on prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and tracheostomy use in intubated acute myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS) patients. Using the National Inpatient Sample, all admissions with AMI-CS requiring IMV between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2014, were included. Prolonged IMV was defined as IMV use >96 h. Outcomes of interest included temporal trends in use of prolonged IMV and tracheostomy, in-hospital mortality, and resource utilization. In this 15-year period, 185,589 intubated AMI-CS admissions met the inclusion criteria. Prolonged IMV (>96 h) and tracheostomy use were noted in 68,544 (36.9%) and 10,645 (5.7%), respectively. Prolonged IMV and tracheostomy were used more commonly in younger patients. The cohort with prolonged IMV had higher organ failure and greater use of cardiac and non-cardiac organ support. Temporal trends showed a decline in prolonged IMV (adjusted odds ratio {aOR} 0.61 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.57–0.65]) and tracheostomy use (aOR 0.80 [95% CI 0.70–0.90]) in 2014 compared to 2000. Prolonged IMV (aOR 0.45 [95% CI 0.44–0.47]; p < 0.001) and tracheostomy (aOR 0.28 [95% CI 0.27–0.29]; p < 0.001) were associated with lower in-hospital mortality with a decreasing trend between 2000 and 2014 in intubated AMI-CS admissions. Patients with prolonged IMV and tracheostomy use had nearly three-fold higher health care costs, and four-fold longer hospital stays. In this cohort of intubated AMI-CS admissions, prolonged IMV and tracheostomy showed a temporal decrease between 2000 and 2014. Prolonged IMV and tracheostomy use was associated with high resource utilization. • Prolonged mechanical ventilation and tracheostomy were used in 37% and 6% of admissions with cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction. • During this 15-year national study, there was a temporal decrease in the use of prolonged mechanical ventilation and tracheostomy in this population. • Use of prolonged mechanical ventilation and tracheostomy were associated with high in-hospital and post-hospitalization resource utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are limited data on the outcomes of cardiogenic shock (CS) and cardiac arrest (CA) complicating ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).Methods: Adult (>18 years) STEMI admissions were identified using the National Inpatient Sample (2000-2017) and classified as CS + CA, CS only, CA only and no CS/CA. Outcomes of interest included temporal trends, in-hospital mortality, hospitalization costs, use of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) status and palliative care referrals across the four cohorts.Results: Of the 4,320,117 STEMI admissions, CS, CA and both were noted in 5.8%, 6.2% and 2.7%, respectively. In 2017, compared to 2000, there was an increase in CA (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.83 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.79-1.86]), CS (aOR 3.92 [95% CI 3.84-4.01]) and both (aOR 4.09 [95% CI 3.94-4.24]) (all p < 0.001). The CS+CA (77.2%) cohort had higher rates of multiorgan failure than CS only (59.7%) and CA only (26.3%), p < 0.001. The CA only cohort had lower rates (64%) of coronary angiography compared to the other groups (>70%), p < 0.001. In-hospital mortality was higher in CS+CA compared to CS alone (adjusted OR 1.87 [95% CI 1.83-1.91]), CA alone (adjusted OR 1.99 [95% CI 1.95-2.03]) or neither (aOR 18.37 [95% CI 18.02-18.71]). The CS+CA cohort had higher use of palliative care and DNR status. The presence of CS, either alone or in combination with CA, was associated with higher hospitalization costs.Conclusions: The combination of CS and CA was associated with higher rates of non-cardiac organ failure and in-hospital mortality in STEMI compared to those with either CS or CA alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute kidney injury (AKI) and cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) are increasingly prevalent in hospitalized patients with cardiovascular disease and remain associated with poor short- and long-term outcomes. There are no specific therapies to reduce mortality related to either AKI or CRS, apart from supportive care and volume status management. Acute renal replacement therapies (RRTs), including ultrafiltration, intermittent hemodialysis, and continuous RRT are used to manage complications of medically refractory AKI and CRS and may restore normal electrolyte, acid-base, and fluid balance before renal recovery. Patients who require acute RRT have a significant risk of mortality and long-term dialysis dependence, emphasizing the importance of appropriate patient selection. Despite the growing use of RRT in the cardiac intensive care unit, there are few resources for the cardiovascular specialist that integrate the epidemiology, diagnostic workup, and medical management of AKI and CRS with an overview of indications, multidisciplinary team management, and transition off of RRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are limited data on acute noncardiac multiorgan failure in cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI-CS).Objectives: The authors sought to evaluate the 15-year national trends, resource utilization, and outcomes of single and multiple noncardiac organ failures in AMI-CS.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of AMI-CS using the National Inpatient Sample database from 2000 to 2014. Previously validated codes for respiratory, renal, hepatic, hematologic, and neurological failure were used to identify single or multiorgan (≥2 organ systems) noncardiac organ failure. Outcomes of interest were in-hospital mortality, temporal trends, and resource utilization. The effects of every additional organ failure on in-hospital mortality and resource utilization were assessed.Results: In 444,253 AMI-CS admissions, noncardiac single or multiorgan failure was noted in 32.4% and 31.9%, respectively. Multiorgan failure was seen more commonly in admissions with non-ST-segment elevation AMI-CS, nonwhite race, and higher baseline comorbidity. There was a steady increase in the prevalence of single and multiorgan failure. Coronary angiography and revascularization were performed less commonly in multiorgan failure. Single-organ failure (odds ratio: 1.28; 95% confidence interval: 1.26 to 1.30) and multiorgan failure (odds ratio: 2.23; 95% confidence interval: 2.19 to 2.27) were independently associated with higher in-hospital mortality, greater resource utilization, and fewer discharges to home. There was a stepwise increase in in-hospital mortality and resource utilization with each additional organ failure.Conclusions: There has been a steady increase in the prevalence of multiorgan failure in AMI-CS. Presence of multiorgan failure was independently associated with higher in-hospital mortality and greater resource utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives We compared two different methods of whole blood sodium measurement to plasma sodium measurement using samples in the profoundly hyponatremic range (Na < 120 mmol/L). Design and methods Whole blood pools with a range of low sodium values were generated using combinations and dilutions of pooled electrolyte-balanced lithium heparin samples submitted for arterial blood gas analysis. Each pool was analyzed five times on a Radiometer 827 blood gas analyzer and iSTAT analyzer. Pools were centrifuged to produce plasma, which was analyzed five times on a Roche Cobas c501 chemistry analyzer. An additional 40 fresh (analyzed on day of collection) excess lithium heparin arterial blood gas samples from 36 patients were analyzed on the Radiometer 827, iSTAT, and Cobas c501 as described above. The setting was a tertiary referral center. Blood samples were collected from a combination of patients in the intensive care unit, operating theaters and emergency room. Results All methods demonstrated excellent precision, even in the profoundly hyponatremic measurement range (Na < 120 mmol/L using a plasma reference method). However, agreement between the methods varied with the degree of hyponatremia. In the profoundly hyponatremic range, Radiometer whole blood sodium values were nearly identical to plasma reference sodium, while iSTAT whole blood sodium showed a consistent positive bias relative to plasma sodium in this range. Conclusion If whole blood direct sodium measurements are compared with plasma sodium in profoundly hyponatremic patients consideration should be given to the use of Radiometer blood gas analyzers over iSTAT since the latter shows a positive bias relative to a plasma comparative method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to article in the previous issues including the case of a 43-year-old man with recurrent ischemic events, the case of a 64-year-old man who suffers from acute interstitial nephritis, and the article "Homocysteine level and coronary heart disease incidence: A systematic review and meta-analysis," by L. L. Humphrey, R. Fu, K. Rogers, M. Freeman, and M. Helfand.