RSS 1.0Cardiology
Recent Submissions
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Sex differences in patients undergoing left main stem percutaneous coronary intervention for stable angina: data from a national registry.Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) for stable angina has steadily increased. Outcomes stratified by sex are inconclusive and limited. We assessed sex-based trends and differences in clinical outcomes among patients with stable angina who received LMCA PCI. Methods and results: We retrospectively collected data on patients with stable angina who underwent LMCA PCI (2006-2022) from the UK national PCI registry. The primary outcome of interest was inpatient mortality. Secondary outcomes were major bleeding and major cardiovascular and cerebral events. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess adjusted odds ratio for outcome of interest. Of the 24 271 LMCA PCI performed, 5497 (22.7%) were in women. Women were older than men (median 72.7 versus 70.4) and less likely to have their PCI via radial access (50.3% versus 58.9%). More women had PCI guided by intravascular ultrasound (43.4% versus 41.2%). Women had significantly lower comorbid burden than men. Higher prevalence of chronic renal failure (6.72% versus 4.77%), smoking history (61.47% versus 45.68%), diabetes (27.36% versus 25.74%), prior myocardial infarction (45.36% versus 35.89%), and prior coronary artery bypass grafting (42.13% versus 30.34%) was observed in men than in women, respectively; P value <0.005 for all. Women had higher adjusted mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 1.63 [95% CI, 1.1-2.3]) and major bleeding events (adjusted odds ratio, 2.07 [95% CI, 1.19-3.59]). Although odds of major cardiovascular and cerebral events (adjusted odds ratio, 1.27[95% CI, 0.9-1.6]) were higher in women, it was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Despite being less comorbid, women had a significant increase in their mortality and major bleeding events following LMCA PCI. A sex-tailored approach considering age, intravascular imaging, and vascular access may improve outcomes.
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BSE and BCOS guideline for transthoracic echocardiographic assessment of adult cancer patients receiving anthracyclines and/or trastuzumabThe subspecialty of cardio-oncology aims to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer or following cancer treatment. Cancer therapy can lead to a variety of cardiovascular complications, including left ventricular systolic dysfunction, pericardial disease, and valvular heart disease. Echocardiography is a key diagnostic imaging tool in the diagnosis and surveillance for many of these complications. The baseline assessment and subsequent surveillance of patients undergoing treatment with anthracyclines and/or human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) 2-positive targeted treatment (e.g., trastuzumab and pertuzumab) form a significant proportion of cardio-oncology patients undergoing echocardiography. This guideline from the British Society of Echocardiography and British Cardio-Oncology Society outlines a protocol for baseline and surveillance echocardiography of patients undergoing treatment with anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab. The methodology for acquisition of images and the advantages and disadvantages of techniques are discussed. Echocardiographic definitions for considering cancer therapeutics-related cardiac dysfunction are also presented.
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British Society for Echocardiography and British Cardio-Oncology Society guideline for transthoracic echocardiographic assessment of adult cancer patients receiving anthracyclines and/or trastuzumabThe subspecialty of cardio-oncology aims to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer or following cancer treatment. Cancer therapy can lead to a variety of cardiovascular complications, including left ventricular systolic dysfunction, pericardial disease, and valvular heart disease. Echocardiography is a key diagnostic imaging tool in the diagnosis and surveillance for many of these complications. The baseline assessment and subsequent surveillance of patients undergoing treatment with anthracyclines and/or human epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (HER) 2-positive targeted treatment (e.g. trastuzumab and pertuzumab) form a significant proportion of cardio-oncology patients undergoing echocardiography. This guideline from the British Society of Echocardiography and British Cardio-Oncology Society outlines a protocol for baseline and surveillance echocardiography of patients undergoing treatment with anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab. The methodology for acquisition of images and the advantages and disadvantages of techniques are discussed. Echocardiographic definitions for considering cancer therapeutics-related cardiac dysfunction are also presented.
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Kidney outcomes in transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathyImportance: Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a progressive cardiomyopathy that commonly presents with concomitant chronic kidney disease. Chronic kidney dysfunction is associated with worse outcomes, but the prognostic value of changes in kidney function over time has yet to be defined. Objective: To assess the prognostic importance of a decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in a large cohort of patients with ATTR-CM. Design, setting, and participants: This retrospective, observational, single-center cohort study evaluated patients diagnosed with ATTR-CM at the National Amyloidosis Centre (NAC) in the UK who underwent an eGFR baseline assessment and a follow-up assessment at 1 year between January 2000 and April 2024. Data analysis was performed in June 2024. Main outcomes and measures: The primary outcome was the risk of all-cause mortality associated with decline in kidney function (defined as a decrease in eGFR >20%). Results: Among 2001 patients, mean (SD) age was 75.5 (8.4) years, and 263 patients (13.1%) were female. The median (IQR) change in eGFR was -5 mlL/min/1.73 m2 (-12 to 1), and 481 patients (24.0%) experienced decline in kidney function. Patients who experienced decline in kidney function more often had the p.(V142I) genotype than patients with stable kidney function (99 [20.6%] vs 202 [13.3%]; P < .001) and had a more severe cardiac phenotype at baseline, as evidenced by higher median (IQR) concentrations of serum cardiac biomarkers (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP]: 2949 pg/mL [1759-5182] vs 2309 pg/mL [1146-4290]; P < .001; troponin T: 0.060 ng/mL [0.042-0.086] vs 0.052 ng/mL [0.033-0.074]; P < .001), while baseline median (IQR) kidney function was similar between the 2 groups (eGFR: 63 mL/min/1.73 m2 [51-77] vs 61 mL/min/1.73 m2 [49-77]; P = .41). Decline in kidney function was associated with a 1.7-fold higher risk of mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.71; 95% CI, 1.43-2.04; P < .001), with a similar risk across the 3 genotypes (wild type: HR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.31-2.04; p.(V142I): HR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.21-2.39; non-p.(V142I): HR, 1.51; 95% CI, 0.87-2.61) (P for interaction = .93) and the 3 NAC disease stages (stage 1: HR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.22-2.32; stage 2: HR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.30-2.18; stage 3: HR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.11-2.35) (P for interaction = .97). Decline in kidney function remained independently associated with mortality after adjusting for increases in NT-proBNP and outpatient diuretic intensification (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.23-2.76; P < .001). Conclusions and relevance: In this retrospective cohort study, decline in kidney function was frequent in patients with ATTR-CM and was consistently associated with an increased risk of mortality, even after adjusting for established markers of worsening ATTR-CM. eGFR decline represents an independent marker of ATTR-CM disease progression that could guide treatment optimization in clinical practice.
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Biventricular pacemaker therapy improves exercise capacity in patients with non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy via augmented diastolic filling on exerciseAims: Treatment options for patients with non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are limited. We sought to determine whether biventricular (BiV) pacing improves exercise capacity in HCM patients, and whether this is via augmented diastolic filling. Methods and results: Thirty-one patients with symptomatic non-obstructive HCM were enrolled. Following device implantation, patients underwent detailed assessment of exercise diastolic filling using radionuclide ventriculography in BiV and sham pacing modes. Patients then entered an 8-month crossover study of BiV and sham pacing in random order, to assess the effect on exercise capacity [peak oxygen consumption (VO2 )]. Patients were grouped on pre-specified analysis according to whether left ventricular end-diastolic volume increased (+LVEDV) or was unchanged/decreased (-LVEDV) with exercise at baseline. Twenty-nine patients (20 male, mean age 55 years) completed the study. There were 14 +LVEDV patients and 15 -LVEDV patients. Baseline peak VO2 was lower in -LVEDV patients vs. +LVEDV patients (16.2 ± 0.9 vs. 19.9 ± 1.1 mL/kg/min, P = 0.04). BiV pacing significantly increased exercise ΔLVEDV (P = 0.004) and Δstroke volume (P = 0.008) in -LVEDV patients, but not in +LVEDV patients. Left ventricular ejection fraction and end-systolic elastance did not increase with BiV pacing in either group. This translated into significantly greater improvements in exercise capacity (peak VO2 + 1.4 mL/kg/min, P = 0.03) and quality of life scores (P = 0.02) in -LVEDV patients during the crossover study. There was no effect on left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony in either group. Conclusion: Symptomatic patients with non-obstructive HCM may benefit from BiV pacing via augmentation of diastolic filling on exercise rather than contractile improvement. This may be due to relief of diastolic ventricular interaction.
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Bio-chemo-mechanics of the thoracic aortaThe pathophysiology of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection is poorly understood, despite high mortality. An evidence review was conducted to examine the biomechanical, chemical and genetic factors involved in thoracic aortic pathology. The composition of connective tissue and smooth muscle cells can mediate important mechanical properties that allow the thoracic aorta to withstand and transmit pressures. Genetic syndromes can affect connective tissue and signalling proteins that interrupt smooth muscle function, leading to tissue failure. There are complex interplaying factors that maintain thoracic aortic function in health and are disrupted in disease, signifying an area for extensive research.
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Beta-blocker efficacy across different cardiovascular indications: an umbrella review and meta-analytic assessmentBackground: Beta-blockers are widely used for many cardiovascular conditions; however, their efficacy in contemporary clinical practice remains uncertain. Methods: We performed a prospectively designed, umbrella review of meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the evidence of beta-blockers in the contemporary management of coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure (HF), patients undergoing surgery or hypertension (registration: PROSPERO CRD42016038375). We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library from inception until December 2018. Outcomes were analysed as beta-blockers versus control for all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), incident HF or stroke. Two independent investigators abstracted the data, assessed the quality of the evidence and rated the certainty of evidence. Results: We identified 98 meta-analyses, including 284 unique RCTs and 1,617,523 patient-years of follow-up. In CAD, 12 meta-analyses (93 RCTs, 103,481 patients) showed that beta-blockers reduced mortality in analyses before routine reperfusion, but there was a lack of benefit in contemporary studies where ≥ 50% of patients received thrombolytics or intervention. Beta-blockers reduced incident MI at the expense of increased HF. In HF with reduced ejection fraction, 34 meta-analyses (66 RCTs, 35,383 patients) demonstrated a reduction in mortality and HF hospitalisation with beta-blockers in sinus rhythm, but not in atrial fibrillation. In patients undergoing surgery, 23 meta-analyses (89 RCTs, 19,211 patients) showed no effect of beta-blockers on mortality for cardiac surgery, but increased mortality in non-cardiac surgery. In non-cardiac surgery, beta-blockers reduced MI after surgery but increased the risk of stroke. In hypertension, 27 meta-analyses (36 RCTs, 260,549 patients) identified no benefit versus placebo, but beta-blockers were inferior to other agents for preventing mortality and stroke. Conclusions: Beta-blockers substantially reduce mortality in HF patients in sinus rhythm, but for other conditions, clinicians need to weigh up both benefit and potential risk.
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Knowledge and application of ESC/HFA guidelines in the management of advanced heart failureAims: Management of advanced heart failure (HF) remains challenging despite specific sections in the 2021 European Society of Cardiology/Heart Failure Association (ESC/HFA) guidelines, with delays in referrals exacerbating the issue. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness and implementation of these guidelines among cardiologists and identify barriers to effective referral. Methods and results: From June to October 2023, an online survey was disseminated through the ESC mailing list, targeting cardiologists across Europe. The survey investigated four areas: guideline awareness, healthcare network organization, clinical case management, and perceptions of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) outcomes. Respondents were categorized into heart failure cardiologists (HFCs), general cardiologists (GCs), and other participants (OPs). Among 497 respondents, 25% were heart HFCs, 40% were GCs, and 35% were OPs. A total of 84% of HFCs reported a high level of guideline knowledge, compared to 57% of GCs and 62% of OPs (p < 0.001). Additionally, 76% of HFCs 'regularly or always' used ESC/HFA criteria to identify advanced HF, compared to 44% of GCs and 48% of OPs (p < 0.001). Correct responses regarding the recommendation class for heart transplantation were 84%, 55%, and 60% (p < 0.0001), and for MCS as a bridge to transplantation, 69%, 65%, and 55% (p = 0.018) among HFCs, GCs, and OPs, respectively. Referring patients with severe HF to a tertiary centre team was found to be 'very difficult' or 'difficult' by 8.4% of HFCs, 19.6% of GCs, and 18.2% of OPs (p = 0.0005). Conclusion: The study highlights significant disparities in knowledge and application of advanced HF guidelines among cardiologists, revealing an opportunity for educational initiatives. The difficulty in referring patients to tertiary centres underscores the need to improve the referral pathway for advanced HF patients.
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Spotlight on the 2024 ESC/EACTS management of atrial fibrillation guidelines: 10 novel key aspectsAtrial fibrillation (AF) remains the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) have recently released the 2024 guidelines for the management of AF. This review highlights 10 novel aspects of the ESC/EACTS 2024 Guidelines. The AF-CARE framework is introduced, a structural approach that aims to improve patient care and outcomes, comprising of four pillars: [C] Comorbidity and risk factor management, [A] Avoid stroke and thromboembolism, [R] Reduce symptoms by rate and rhythm control, and [E] Evaluation and dynamic reassessment. Additionally, graphical patient pathways are provided to enhance clinical application. A significant shift is the new emphasis on comorbidity and risk factor control to reduce AF recurrence and progression. Individualized assessment of risk is suggested to guide the initiation of oral anticoagulation to prevent thromboembolism. New guidance is provided for anticoagulation in patients with trigger-induced and device-detected sub-clinical AF, ischaemic stroke despite anticoagulation, and the indications for percutaneous/surgical left atrial appendage exclusion. AF ablation is a first-line rhythm control option for suitable patients with paroxysmal AF, and in specific patients, rhythm control can improve prognosis. The AF duration threshold for early cardioversion was reduced from 48 to 24 h, and a wait-and-see approach for spontaneous conversion is advised to promote patient safety. Lastly, strong emphasis is given to optimize the implementation of AF guidelines in daily practice using a patient-centred, multidisciplinary and shared-care approach, with the simultaneous launch of a patient version of the guideline.
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Right ventricular dysfunction and its association with mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 acute respiratory distress syndromeObjectives: To assess whether right ventricular dilation or systolic impairment is associated with mortality and/or disease severity in invasively ventilated patients with coronavirus disease 2019 acute respiratory distress syndrome. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Single-center U.K. ICU. Patients: Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 acute respiratory distress syndrome undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation that received a transthoracic echocardiogram between March and December 2020. Intervention: None. Measurements and main results: Right ventricular dilation was defined as right ventricular:left ventricular end-diastolic area greater than 0.6, right ventricular systolic impairment as fractional area change less than 35%, or tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion less than 17 mm. One hundred seventy-two patients were included, 59 years old (interquartile range, 49-67), with mostly moderate acute respiratory distress syndrome (n = 101; 59%). Ninety-day mortality was 41% (n = 70): 49% in patients with right ventricular dilation, 53% in right ventricular systolic impairment, and 72% in right ventricular dilation with systolic impairment. The right ventricular dilation with systolic impairment phenotype was independently associated with mortality (odds ratio, 3.11 [95% CI, 1.15-7.60]), but either disease state alone was not. Right ventricular fractional area change correlated with Pao2:Fio2 ratio, Paco2, chest radiograph opacification, and dynamic compliance, whereas right ventricular:left ventricle end-diastolic area correlated negatively with urine output. Conclusions: Right ventricular systolic impairment correlated with pulmonary pathophysiology, whereas right ventricular dilation correlated with renal dysfunction. Right ventricular dilation with systolic impairment was the only right ventricular phenotype that was independently associated with mortality.
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Retrieval of entrapped catheter-mounted axial flow pump from mitral subvalvular apparatus using a snare catheterAxial-flow ventricular assist devices are being increasingly used to support hemodynamically compromised patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Periprocedural valvular complications have been recognized in a few case reports. We present a unique case of entanglement of the Impella within the mitral subvalvular apparatus, retrieved successfully using a snare under fluoroscopic guidance. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.)
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Regional variation in cardiovascular magnetic resonance service delivery across the UKObjectives: To examine service provision in cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in the UK. Equitable access to diagnostic imaging is important in healthcare. CMR is widely available in the UK, but there may be regional variations. Methods: An electronic survey was sent by the British Society of CMR to the service leads of all CMR units in the UK in 2019 requesting data from 2017 and 2018. Responses were analysed by region and interpreted alongside population statistics. Results: The survey response rate was 100% (82 units). 100 386 clinical scans were performed in 2017 and 114 967 in 2018 (15% 1-year increase; 5-fold 10-year increase compared with 2008 data). In 2018, there were 1731 CMR scans/million population overall, with significant regional variation, for example, 4256 scans/million in London vs 396 scans/million in Wales. Median number of clinical scans per unit was 780, IQR 373-1951, range 98-10 000, with wide variation in mean waiting times (median 41 days, IQR 30-49, range 5-180); median 25 days in London vs 180 days in Northern Ireland). Twenty-five units (30%) reported mean elective waiting times in excess of 6 weeks, and 8 (10%) ≥3 months. There were 351 consultants reporting CMR, of whom 230 (66%) were cardiologists and 121 (34%) radiologists; 81% of units offered a CMR service for patients with pacemakers and defibrillators. Conclusions: This survey provides a unique, contemporary insight into national CMR delivery with 100% centre engagement. The 10-year growth in CMR usage at fivefold has been remarkable but heterogeneous across the UK, with some regions still reporting low usage or long waiting times which may be of clinical concern.
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Redefining β-blocker response in heart failure patients with sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation: a machine learning cluster analysisBackground: Mortality remains unacceptably high in patients with heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) despite advances in therapeutics. We hypothesised that a novel artificial intelligence approach could better assess multiple and higher-dimension interactions of comorbidities, and define clusters of β-blocker efficacy in patients with sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation. Methods: Neural network-based variational autoencoders and hierarchical clustering were applied to pooled individual patient data from nine double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trials of β blockers. All-cause mortality during median 1·3 years of follow-up was assessed by intention to treat, stratified by electrocardiographic heart rhythm. The number of clusters and dimensions was determined objectively, with results validated using a leave-one-trial-out approach. This study was prospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00832442) and the PROSPERO database of systematic reviews (CRD42014010012). Findings: 15 659 patients with heart failure and LVEF of less than 50% were included, with median age 65 years (IQR 56-72) and LVEF 27% (IQR 21-33). 3708 (24%) patients were women. In sinus rhythm (n=12 822), most clusters demonstrated a consistent overall mortality benefit from β blockers, with odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 0·54 to 0·74. One cluster in sinus rhythm of older patients with less severe symptoms showed no significant efficacy (OR 0·86, 95% CI 0·67-1·10; p=0·22). In atrial fibrillation (n=2837), four of five clusters were consistent with the overall neutral effect of β blockers versus placebo (OR 0·92, 0·77-1·10; p=0·37). One cluster of younger atrial fibrillation patients at lower mortality risk but similar LVEF to average had a statistically significant reduction in mortality with β blockers (OR 0·57, 0·35-0·93; p=0·023). The robustness and consistency of clustering was confirmed for all models (p<0·0001 vs random), and cluster membership was externally validated across the nine independent trials. Interpretation: An artificial intelligence-based clustering approach was able to distinguish prognostic response from β blockers in patients with heart failure and reduced LVEF. This included patients in sinus rhythm with suboptimal efficacy, as well as a cluster of patients with atrial fibrillation where β blockers did reduce mortality.
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Recurrent cardiogenic syncope as the first presentation of thyroid carcinomaNo abstract available
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Use of sirolimus-coated balloon in de novo coronary lesions; long-term clinical outcomes from a multi-center real-world populationBackground: Sirolimus-coated balloon (SCB), a relatively novel technology appears attractive due to the drug properties (safety and efficacy) and sirolimus remains the drug of choice in stents. However, there is limited data long-term data on SCB. In this study, we have explored the clinical outcomes following the use of SCB in de-novo lesions from a real-world practice. Aims: To report long-term clinical outcomes following the use of Siroliumus coated balloon in de novo lesions. Methods and results: We analyzed all patients treated with an SCB in de novo lesions between 2016 and 2023 at four high-volume centers in UK and Italy. The outcomes measured included cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (TVMI), target lesion revascularization (TLR) and major adverse cardiac events (MACE). During the study period, 771 patients had SCB in de novo lesions. Diabetes mellitus was noted in 36% of patients (n = 280), of which 14% (n = 108) were insulin dependent. Fifteen percent (n = 117) had chronic kidney disease, Fifty-two percent (n = 398) of cases were in the setting acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and of which 51 cases (7%) were ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Small vessels (<3.0 mm) accounted for 78% (n = 601) of cases and 76% (n = 584) were long lesions ( ≥ 20 mm). The mean diameter of SCB was 2.6 ± 0.4 mm and the mean length was 25 ± 10.39 mm. Bailout stenting following SCB was required in 9% lesions (n = 67). During the median follow-up 640 days, total death occurred in 39 (5%) patients and of which, cardiac death occurred in 10 patients (1.3%). TVMI occurred in 20 patients (2.6%). TLR and TVR were 5.6% and 5.8% respectively. The overall MACE rate was 8%. We had no documented case of acute vessel closure. Conclusions: The results from this long-term follow-up in a real-world population are encouraging with low rates of hard endpoints and acceptable rates of TLR and MACE despite a complex group of patients. Our data suggest that SCBs are safe in coronary intervention with good clinical outcomes in the long term.
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Changes in peak oxygen consumption in Fabry disease and associations with cardiomyopathy severityThis was a retrospective observational study of adults with FD undergoing cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPEX) between September 2011 and September 2023 at a national referral centre in the UK. The primary outcome measure was peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak), with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) used to quantify respiratory impairment. Age-normalised/sex-normalised values were additionally calculated, based on published normal ranges for subgroups of age and sex. The cardiomyopathy phase was classified on a 4-point scale by two FD experts using contemporaneous imaging and biochemistry results.
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Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in obese patients: a scoping reviewBackground: Given the increasing global prevalence of obesity, the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) commissioned this scoping review to explore current evidence underpinning treatment and outcomes of obese patients (adult and children) in cardiac arrest. Methods: This scoping review, conducted using Arksey and O'Malley's framework and reported according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines, included studies of CPR in obese patients. 'Obese' was defined according to each individual study. Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane were searched from inception to 1 October 2024. Narrative synthesis was guided by Synthesis Without Meta-Analysis (SWiM) reporting guidelines. Results: 36 studies were included: 2 paediatric and 34 adult studies. Fourteen studies reported on out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), 12 on in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA), eight on both OHCA and IHCA: cardiac arrest location was not reported in two studies. The most common outcomes were survival (n = 29), neurological outcome (n = 17) and ROSC (n = 7). In adults there were variable results in neurological outcome, survival to hospital discharge, longer term survival (months to years), and ROSC. In children, there were two studies suggesting that obese children had worse neurological outcomes, lower survival and lower ROSC than normal weight children. Few studies reported resuscitation quality indicators or techniques, and no studies reported adjustments to CPR techniques. Conclusion: The variability in results does not suggest an urgent need to deviate from standard CPR protocols, however there was some evidence that CPR duration may be longer in obese adults, which may have staffing and resource implications.
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A rare presentation of Encapsulated Left Ventricular ThrombusLeft ventricular thrombus formation is not an uncommon complication. There are a variety of reasons for this, for example, myocardial infarction, aneurysm formation and hypercoagulability. This usually has different fates; the most serious of which is propagation and embolization causing distal organ dysfunction. Thrombus formation appearance on echocardiography can sometimes give an idea of whether this is acute, subacute or chronic. In this article, we present a rare case in which large thrombi were noted on transthoracic echocardiography to be fully encapsulated within the left ventricle. It is unclear whether this phenomenon represents chronicity or whether this has consequential clinical impacts of significance. To our knowledge, this has only rarely been reported in the literature. We present an in-depth discussion of the presentation along with reported postulated mechanisms that might have a role in encapsulation per se.
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Enhancing spinal cord injury care: using wearable technologies for physical activity, sleep, and cardiovascular health.Wearable devices have the potential to advance health care by enabling real-time monitoring of biobehavioral data and facilitating the management of an individual's health conditions. Individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI) have impaired motor function, which results in deconditioning and worsening cardiovascular health outcomes. Wearable devices may promote physical activity and allow the monitoring of secondary complications associated with SCI, potentially improving motor function, sleep, and cardiovascular health. However, several challenges remain to optimize the application of wearable technologies within this population. One is striking a balance between research-grade and consumer-grade devices in terms of cost, accessibility, and validity. Additionally, limited literature supports the validity and use of wearable technology in monitoring cardio-autonomic and sleep outcomes for individuals with SCI. Future directions include conducting performance evaluations of wearable devices to precisely capture the additional variation in movement and physiological parameters seen in those with SCI. Moreover, efforts to make the devices small, lightweight, and inexpensive for consumer ease of use may affect those with severe motor impairments. Overcoming these challenges holds the potential for wearable devices to help individuals living with SCI receive timely feedback to manage their health conditions and help clinicians gather comprehensive patient health information to aid in diagnosis and treatment.
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Is the enthusiasm for Drug-Coated balloon technology justified?No abstract available