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Abstract Introduction Cardiovascular and noncardiovascular comorbidities have been recognized as predictors of clinical response in patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). However, data on vitamin D as a predictor of CRT response are conflicting. Method We identified studies from MEDLINE and Embase databases, searching from inception to May 2024, to investigate the association between 25‐OH vitamin D levels before CRT implantation and outcomes. Studies had to report 25‐OH vitamin D levels or the proportion of patients with vitamin D insufficiency and categorize outcomes as CRT responders or nonresponders. We extracted mean 25‐OH vitamin D and standard deviations for both groups from each study and calculated the pooled mean difference (MD). We also retrieved risk ratios, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between vitamin D insufficiency and lack of CRT response, combining them using the generic inverse variance method. Results Our meta‐analysis included four studies. CRT responders had higher levels of 25‐OH vitamin D than nonresponders, with a pooled MD of 8.04 ng/mL (95% CI: 3.16–12.93; I2 = 48%, p

Abstract Introduction Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) commonly coexist, resulting in adverse health and economic consequences such as declining ventricular function, heightened mortality, and reduced quality of life. However, limited information exists on the impact of COVID‐19 on AF patients that hospitalized for HF. Methods We analyzed the 2020 U.S. National Inpatient Sample to investigate the effects of COVID‐19 on AF patients that primarily hospitalized for HF. Participants aged 18 and above were identified using relevant ICD‐10 CM codes. Adjusted odds ratios for outcomes were calculated through multivariable logistic regression. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality, with secondary outcomes including system‐based complications. Results We identified 322,090 patients with primary discharge diagnosis of HF with comorbid AF. Among them, 0.73% (2355/322,090) also had a concurrent diagnosis of COVID‐19. In a survey multivariable logistic and linear regression model adjusting for patient and hospital factors, COVID‐19 infection was associated with higher in‐hospital mortality (aOR 3.17; 95% CI 2.25, 4.47, p

Abstract Introduction The cardiac pacemaker is indicated for treating various types of bradyarrhythmia, providing lifelong cardiovascular benefits. Recent data showed that COVID‐19 has impacted procedure numbers and led to adverse long‐term outcomes in patients with cardiac pacemakers. However, the impact of COVID‐19 infection on the in‐hospital outcome of patients undergoing conventional pacemaker implantation remains unclear. Method Patients aged above 18 years who were hospitalized for conventional pacemaker implantation in the Nationwide In‐patient Sample (NIS) 2020 were identified using relevant ICD‐10 CM and PCS codes. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to analyze pre‐specified outcomes, with the primary outcome being in‐patient mortality and secondary outcomes including system‐based and procedure‐related complications. Results Of 108 020 patients hospitalized for conventional pacemaker implantation, 0.71% (765 out of 108 020) had a concurrent diagnosis of COVID‐19 infection. Individuals with COVID‐19 infection exhibited a lower mean age (73.7 years vs. 75.9 years, p = .027) and a lower female proportion (39.87% vs. 47.60%, p = .062) than those without COVID‐19. In the multivariable logistic and linear regression models, adjusted for patient and hospital factors, COVID‐19 infection was associated with higher in‐hospital mortality (aOR 4.67; 95% CI 2.02 to 10.27, p

Abstract Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a prevalent complication among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In these patients, pulmonary vasodilators may be useful but are underused. We describe a group of patients with precapillary PH and advanced CKD treated with pulmonary vasodilators. This was a case series of patients with CKD stage 4 and 5 and precapillary PH (isolated or combined) based on right heart catheterization (RHC) treated with pulmonary vasodilators from 2018 to 2023. Of 263 patients with isolated precapillary or combined PH and advanced CKD, only 17 (6%) were treated with pulmonary vasodilators; 53% (n = 9) with precapillary PH and 47% (n = 8) with combined PH. Most patients (94%, n = 16) received phosphodiesterase‐5 antagonists, while 12% (n = 2) received endothelin receptor antagonists. Adverse clinical outcomes were seen in 35% of patients within a year. The use of pulmonary vasodilator did not prevent adverse outcomes in patients with precapillary PH and advanced CKD.

Key Clinical Message This case demonstrated the rare “shark fin” ECG pattern, an ST‐segment elevation typically seen in acute myocardial infarction. We reported a case of takotsubo cardiomyopathy secondary to influenza A infection with multiple organ failure, showing the shark fin sign and resulting in in‐patient mortality and various complication.

Abstract Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with adverse outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Our study suggests mildly elevated pulmonary vascular resistance ( > 2 to ≤ 3) is independently associated with major adverse cardiovascular events at 1‐year follow‐up. Early diagnosis of precapillary PH in CKD patients can potentially improve clinical outcomes.

• Arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients had increased incidence of pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension (PH). • 31% of AVF patients vs. 17% of non-AVF patients had isolated pre-capillary PH. • Median time from dialysis initiation to precapillary PH diagnosis was 6 years. Pulmonary hypertension (pH) is a well-known complication among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) have been associated with pH mainly by increasing cardiac output. However, the burden of precapillary pH in individuals with CKD and an AVF is unclear. To better and more fully understand the mechanism and development of precapillary pH in patients with AVF, as well as the consequences of precapillary pH in these patients. This was a large retrospective study of patients with CKD stage 4 or 5 who underwent right heart catheterization (RHC) from 2018 to 2023. The data were stratified according to the presence of AVF. To determine if AVF was independently associated with precapillary pH, we used a multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusting for demographics and potential comorbidities associated with precapillary pH, including diagnosis of chronic lung disease, obstructive sleep apnea, connective tissue disease, history of venous thromboembolism, chronic anemia, and heart failure. Of 651 patients with CKD4 or CKD5, 145 (22 %) had AVF and 506 (78 %) did not have AVF. Within the AVF group, the median age was 64 years (IQR 54–71), and they were predominantly males (61 %, n = 88) and African American (77 %, n = 111). A total of 31 % (n = 45) had evidence of precapillary pH, 30 % (n = 43) of combined pH, and 14 % (n = 20) of isolated postcapillary pH. Compared to the non-AVF group, precapillary pH was more likely in the AVF group (31% vs 17 %, p < 0.0001). On multivariable analysis, AVF was independently associated with precapillary pH (OR 2.47, CI 1.56–3.89; p < 0.0001). The median time from dialysis initiation to RHC date (and precapillary pH diagnosis) was 6 years (IQR 3–8). Based on RHC findings, almost one-third of patients with CKD and AVF had precapillary pH. The presence of AVF was independently associated with precapillary pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for various cancers have also highlighted a rise in immune-related adverse events, including hepatitis, potentially leading to the discontinuation of treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients undergoing different ICI therapies. An extensive search of PubMed, PubMed Central, and Google Scholar up to November 2023 identified relevant studies. After excluding non-English articles, case reports, reviews, ongoing trials, and studies combining other therapies, five studies qualified for inclusion. Data extraction and statistical analyses were performed using Excel and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software, respectively. Results from a subgroup analysis indicated that the incidence of hepatitis was comparable among patients treated with PD-1 monotherapy, PDL-1 monotherapy, and combination PD-1 and CTLA-4 therapy, with rates of 2.6%, 2.2%, and 1.7% for any grade and 2.1%, 2.2%, and 1.7% for grade ≥3 hepatitis, respectively. Naive-treated mCRC patients exhibited higher hepatitis rates than those previously treated (3.2% vs 1.6% and 2.6% vs 1.6% for any grade and grade ≥3, respectively). This study underscores the similar risk of hepatitis across different ICI therapies, with an increased incidence in naive-treated mCRC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a critical diabetic emergency with life-threatening complications. The impact of DKA on hospital outcomes in diabetic patients with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) remains unclear. Methods: This retrospective analysis used data from the 2016 to 2020 National Inpatient Survey. Adults with diabetes and CDI were categorized into groups with and without DKA. Hospitalization characteristics, comorbidities, and clinical outcomes were compared. Primary outcomes included mortality, length of stay, and total hospital charges. Secondary outcomes included CDI complications. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted, with P values ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Among 494,664 diabetic patients with CDI, 6130 had DKA. Patients with DKA had significantly higher total hospital charges ($194,824 vs $103,740, P < 0.001) and longer length of stay (10.14 vs 6.04 days, P < 0.001). After adjusting for confounders, DKA patients had increased odds of mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.07), sepsis (aOR 1.40), septic shock (aOR 1.76), cardiac arrest (aOR 3.24), vasopressor use (aOR 2.01), and mechanical ventilation (aOR 1.96) (all P < 0.001). Conclusion: The presence of DKA significantly elevates hospital burden and CDI complications in diabetic patients. These findings underscore the need for close monitoring and aggressive management of DKA in patients with concurrent CDI to improve outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cardiovascular and noncardiovascular comorbidities have been recognized as predictors of clinical response in patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). However, data on vitamin D as a predictor of CRT response are conflicting. Method: We identified studies from MEDLINE and Embase databases, searching from inception to May 2024, to investigate the association between 25‐OH vitamin D levels before CRT implantation and outcomes. Studies had to report 25‐OH vitamin D levels or the proportion of patients with vitamin D insufficiency and categorize outcomes as CRT responders or nonresponders. We extracted mean 25‐OH vitamin D and standard deviations for both groups from each study and calculated the pooled mean difference (MD). We also retrieved risk ratios, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between vitamin D insufficiency and lack of CRT response, combining them using the generic inverse variance method. Results: Our meta‐analysis included four studies. CRT responders had higher levels of 25‐OH vitamin D than nonresponders, with a pooled MD of 8.04 ng/mL (95% CI: 3.16–12.93; I2 = 48%, p <.001). Patients with vitamin D insufficiency before implantation had higher odds of lacking response to CRT, with a pooled RR of 3.28 (95% CI: 1.43–7.50; I2 = 0%, p =.005) compared to those with normal vitamin D. Conclusions: CRT responders had higher 25‐OH vitamin D levels compared to nonresponders. Vitamin D insufficiency was associated with a higher risk of nonresponse to CRT. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring and managing vitamin D levels in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The cardiac pacemaker is indicated for treating various types of bradyarrhythmia, providing lifelong cardiovascular benefits. Recent data showed that COVID‐19 has impacted procedure numbers and led to adverse long‐term outcomes in patients with cardiac pacemakers. However, the impact of COVID‐19 infection on the in‐hospital outcome of patients undergoing conventional pacemaker implantation remains unclear. Method: Patients aged above 18 years who were hospitalized for conventional pacemaker implantation in the Nationwide In‐patient Sample (NIS) 2020 were identified using relevant ICD‐10 CM and PCS codes. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to analyze pre‐specified outcomes, with the primary outcome being in‐patient mortality and secondary outcomes including system‐based and procedure‐related complications. Results: Of 108 020 patients hospitalized for conventional pacemaker implantation, 0.71% (765 out of 108 020) had a concurrent diagnosis of COVID‐19 infection. Individuals with COVID‐19 infection exhibited a lower mean age (73.7 years vs. 75.9 years, p =.027) and a lower female proportion (39.87% vs. 47.60%, p =.062) than those without COVID‐19. In the multivariable logistic and linear regression models, adjusted for patient and hospital factors, COVID‐19 infection was associated with higher in‐hospital mortality (aOR 4.67; 95% CI 2.02 to 10.27, p <.001), extended length of stay (5.23 days vs. 1.04 days, p <.001), and linked with various in‐hospital complications, including sepsis, acute respiratory failure, post‐procedural pneumothorax, and venous thromboembolism. Conclusion: Our study suggests that COVID‐19 infection is attributed to higher in‐hospital mortality, extended hospital stays, and increased adverse in‐hospital outcomes in patients undergoing conventional pacemaker implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) commonly coexist, resulting in adverse health and economic consequences such as declining ventricular function, heightened mortality, and reduced quality of life. However, limited information exists on the impact of COVID‐19 on AF patients that hospitalized for HF. Methods: We analyzed the 2020 U.S. National Inpatient Sample to investigate the effects of COVID‐19 on AF patients that primarily hospitalized for HF. Participants aged 18 and above were identified using relevant ICD‐10 CM codes. Adjusted odds ratios for outcomes were calculated through multivariable logistic regression. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality, with secondary outcomes including system‐based complications. Results: We identified 322,090 patients with primary discharge diagnosis of HF with comorbid AF. Among them, 0.73% (2355/322,090) also had a concurrent diagnosis of COVID‐19. In a survey multivariable logistic and linear regression model adjusting for patient and hospital factors, COVID‐19 infection was associated with higher in‐hospital mortality (aOR 3.17; 95% CI 2.25, 4.47, p < 0.001), prolonged length of stay (βLOS 2.82; 95% CI 1.71, 3.93, p < 0.001), acute myocarditis (aOR 6.64; 95% CI 1.45, 30.45, p 0.015), acute kidney injury (AKI) (aOR 1.48; 95% CI 1.21, 1.82, p < 0.001), acute respiratory failure (aOR 1.24; 95% CI 1.01, 1.52, p 0.045), and mechanical ventilation (aOR 2.00; 95% CI 1.28, 3.13, p 0.002). Conclusion: Our study revealed that COVID‐19 is linked to higher in‐hospital mortality and increased adverse outcomes in AF patients hospitalized for HF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) burdens hospitalized patients, particularly those with comorbidities. Colon cancer may worsen CDI severity and outcomes. We aimed to assess CDI outcomes in hospitalized colon cancer patients. A retrospective analysis of 2016 to 2020 National Inpatient Survey data identified adults with CDI, categorized by the presence of colon cancer. Hospitalization characteristics, comorbidities, and outcomes were compared between groups. Primary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and total hospital charges. The secondary outcomes were CDI complications. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed, with P values ≤0.05 indicating statistical significance. Among 1,436,860 CDI patients, 14,085 had colon cancer. Patients with colon cancer had a longer length of stay (10.77 vs 9.98 days; P < 0.001). After adjustment for confounders, colon cancer patients exhibited higher odds of acute peritonitis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.37; P = 0.009), bowel perforation (aOR 5.49; P < 0.001), paralytic ileus (aOR 2.12; P = 0.003), and colectomy (aOR 36.99; P < 0.001), but lower risks of mortality, sepsis, septic shock, acute kidney injury, cardiac arrest, and mechanical ventilation (all P < 0.001). Colon cancer significantly impacts CDI outcomes in hospitalized patients, highlighting the need for improved management strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents significant mortality risks, underscoring the urgency of timely diagnosis and intervention. Advanced stages of CRC are managed through chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. Immunotherapy, while effective in bolstering the immune system against cancer cells, often carries toxic side effects, including colitis. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of colitis in patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC) undergoing various immunotherapy treatments. Through a systematic search of Google Scholar and PubMed databases from inception until November 2023, nine relevant studies were identified. Subgroup analyses revealed a higher incidence of colitis, particularly in patients treated with anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated molecule-4 (anti-CTLA-4) and combination therapies compared to monotherapy with programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1) or programmed cell death ligand receptor-1 (PDL-1) inhibitors. Notably, naive-treated metastatic CRC patients exhibited elevated colitis incidences compared to those previously treated. In conclusion, anti-CTLA-4 and combination therapies, such as nivolumab plus ipilimumab, were associated with increased colitis occurrences in metastatic CRC patients, highlighting the need for vigilant monitoring and management strategies, especially in immunotherapy-naive individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) has been traditionally considered as a benign rhythm disorder. However, recent studies have suggested that patients with PSVT may have a higher risk of ischemic stroke although the data are limited and inconclusive. The current systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted with the aims to identify all available studies and summarize their results together to better characterize the risk of ischemic stroke among patients with PSVT. Methods A comprehensive literature review was conducted by searching for published articles indexed in MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from inception through November 11, 2018 to identify all observational studies that compared the risk of ischemic stroke between patients with PSVT and individuals without PSVT. Pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random‐effect, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird. Results A total 5 studies (4 cohort studies and 1 case‐control study) with 4 886 977 participants met the eligibility criteria and were included into the meta‐analysis. The risk of ischemic stroke among patients with PSVT was significantly higher than individuals without PSVT with the pooled RR of 2.03 (95% CI, 1.22‐3.38, I2 = 89%). Conclusion This study found that PSVT is associated with a higher risk of ischemic stroke. Whether this association is causal and how it should be addressed in clinical practice require further investigations.

Patients who had acute myocardial infarction are at high risk of negative cardiac outcomes and previous SGLT2i landmark trials excluded these patients. It therefore remains unclear if SGLT2i is safe and confers beneficial cardiovascular outcomes after acute myocardial infarction. We systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials that evaluated the outcomes of adding SGLT2i to conventional post-myocardial infarction care. Random-effects model meta-analysis via RevMan 5.4 was done on data extracted from pooled 11,204 patients. SGLT2i use after acute myocardial infarction was significantly associated with reduced heart failure hospitalization (OR: 0.77, 95%CI: 0.62–0.96, p =0.02), but was not associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality (OR: 1.05, 95%CI: 0.77–1.43, p =0.75), cardiac-related death (OR: 1.04, 95%CI: 0.83–1.30, p =0.76), or major adverse cardiac events (OR: 0.90, 95%CI: 0.77–1.05, p =0.18). SGLT2 inhibitor therapy after acute myocardial infarction is safe and is associated with a reduced risk of heart failure hospitalization, but not with all-cause mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate whether patients with asthma have a higher risk of incident rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using systematic review and meta-analysis technique. Potentially eligible studies were identified from Medline and EMBASE databases from inception to May 2020 using search strategy that comprised of terms for "Asthma" and "Rheumatoid arthritis". Eligible cohort study must consist of one cohort of patients with asthma and another cohort of individuals without asthma. Then, the study must effect estimates with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) comparing incident RA between the groups. Eligible case-control studies must include cases with RA and controls without RA. Then, the study must explore their history of asthma. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% CIs of the association between asthma status and RA must be reported. Point estimates with standard errors were retrieved from each study and were combined together using the generic inverse variance method. A total of 22,442 articles were identified. After two rounds of independent review by three investigators, six cohort studies and fourteen case-control studies met the eligibility criteria and were included into the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of cohort studies found that patients with asthma had a significantly higher risk of RA compared with individuals without asthma with the pooled hazard ratio of 1.42 (95% CI, 1.18 – 1.70). Meta-analysis of case-control studies revealed that patients with asthma had a higher risk of RA compared with individuals without asthma with the pooled odds ratio of 1.33 (95%CI, 0.97 – 1.83). Funnel plot for the meta-analysis of case-control studies was asymmetric, suggesting the presence of publication bias. This systematic review and meta-analysis found a significant association between asthma and higher risk of incident RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) has been traditionally considered as a benign rhythm disorder. However, recent studies have suggested that patients with PSVT may have a higher risk of ischemic stroke although the data are limited and inconclusive. The current systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted with the aims to identify all available studies and summarize their results together to better characterize the risk of ischemic stroke among patients with PSVT. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted by searching for published articles indexed in MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from inception through November 11, 2018 to identify all observational studies that compared the risk of ischemic stroke between patients with PSVT and individuals without PSVT. Pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random‐effect, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird. Results: A total 5 studies (4 cohort studies and 1 case‐control study) with 4 886 977 participants met the eligibility criteria and were included into the meta‐analysis. The risk of ischemic stroke among patients with PSVT was significantly higher than individuals without PSVT with the pooled RR of 2.03 (95% CI, 1.22‐3.38, I2 = 89%). Conclusion: This study found that PSVT is associated with a higher risk of ischemic stroke. Whether this association is causal and how it should be addressed in clinical practice require further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent studies have suggested that patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) may have a higher risk of stroke although the data are still limited. The current systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted with the aims to identify all studies that investigated this relationship and summarize their results together to better characterize the risk of stroke among patients with CRS.Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted by searching for published articles in MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from inception to October 2018 to identify all observational studies that compared the risk of stroke among patients with CRS to individuals without CRS. Pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using random-effect, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird.Results: A total of 5 studies with 447,065 participants met the eligibility criteria and were included into the meta-analysis. The risk of stroke among patients with CRS was significantly higher than individuals without CRS with the pooled RR of 1.79 (95% CI, 1.34-2.40, I2 = 84%).Conclusions: The current study found that CRS is associated with higher risk stroke. Whether this relationship is causal and how it should be addressed in clinical practice require further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]