Ayman Elbadawi

Transcatheter Patent Foramen Ovale Closure After Cryptogenic Stroke: An Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

Paradoxical embolism from a patent foramen ovale (PFO) mediated right-to-left shunt is a well-described mechanism of ischemic stroke [(1)][1]. In a patient level meta-analysis of the earlier 3 randomized trials, percutaneous PFO closure was superior to medical therapy for secondary prevention of

Incidence, predictors, and outcomes associated with pneumothorax during cardiac electronic device implantation: A 16-year review in over 3.7 million patients

BACKGROUND Pneumothorax (PTX) is a potential complication of vascular access during cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) procedures and is being scrutinized as a health care-acquired condition. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the trends in PTX incidence in the United Stated over a 16-year period and to determine whether PTX is associated with increased mortality after adjustment for other factors. METHODS Using weighted sampling in the largest inpatient health database in the United States (National Inpatient Sample), we evaluated data from patients with a primary procedure of CIED implantation from 1998 to 2013 who had at least 1 new vascular access (new or upgrade of prior CIED). The unadjusted and adjusted associations of PTX with mortality and other parameters were examined. RESULTS Among 3,764,703 CIED procedures, PTX occurred in 47,839 cases (1.3%). The apparent incidence of PTX peaked at 1.6% in 2012 and 2013, although this result may have been affected by a concomitant decrease of inpatient (vs outpatient) CIED. PTX was significantly associated with pulmonary complications, chest tube insertion, length of stay, and costs. Mortality was statistically higher in patients with PTX (1.2% vs 0.7%; P <.001), a relationship that remained significant in a multivariate logistic regression analysis (odds ratio 1.50, 95% confidence interval 1.36-1.65; P <.001). Age >80 years, female gender, Caucasian race, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and dual-chamber (vs single-chamber) device were all associated with higher odds for PTX occurrence. Placement of a chest tube was a major determinant of worse outcomes and higher costs. CONCLUSION PTX remains an important complication of CIED procedures and is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and costs.

Impact of Left Atrial Appendage Exclusion on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (From the National Inpatient Sample Database)

Left atrial appendage (LAA) exclusion is performed by some surgeons in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, the available evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of this procedure remains mixed. We queried the Nationwide Inpatient Survey Database for the 10-year period from 2004 to 2013. Using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes, we identified patients who had a diagnosis of AF and underwent a primary procedure of CABG with or without LAA exclusion. We then performed a 1:5 matching based on the CHA2DS2VASc score between patients who got LAA exclusion and those who did not (control group). The primary outcome was the incidence of in-hospital cerebrovascular events, whereas the secondary outcomes included in-hospital bleeding events, pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade, postoperative shock, and mortality. Our analysis included a total of 15,114 patients. Patients who underwent LAA exclusion had significantly less incidence of cerebrovascular events (2.0% vs 3.1%, p = 0.002). However, LAA exclusion group had higher incidences of bleeding events (36.4% vs 21.3%, p <0.001), pericardial effusion (2.7% vs 1.2%, p <0.001), cardiac tamponade (0.6% vs 0.2%, p <0.001), and postoperative shock (1.2% vs 0.4%, p <0.001). LAA exclusion was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (1.6% vs 0.3%, p <0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that LAA exclusion was significantly associated with lower cerebrovascular accident events and higher in-hospital mortality. In conclusion, LAA exclusion in patients with AF undergoing CABG might be associated with a lower incidence of in-hospital cerebrovascular events. This benefit is offset by a higher incidence of higher bleeding events, pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade, postoperative shock, and in-hospital mortality.

Aspirin Use Prior to Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery: a Systematic Review

Purpose of ReviewAspirin use before coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery has been a puzzling question for years. Controversy existed regarding the overall benefits vs. risk of pre-operative aspirin use and was translated to conflicting guidelines from major societies.Recent FindingsObservational studies have suggested a reduced mortality with pre-operative aspirin use. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials showed increased risk of post-operative bleeding with aspirin, with no associated increased mortality risk. A recent large randomized controlled trial did not find a significant difference in bleeding risk or post-operative mortality with pre-CABG aspirin use.SummaryThe results of available studies showed a beneficial effect with pre-CABG aspirin use by decreasing thrombotic complications and perioperative myocardial infarction, with an associated adverse risk of bleeding that did not affect mortality rates. Given overall benefit-risk assessment, we are in favor of pre-operative aspirin use in CABG patients.

Comparison of Outcomes in Patients Having Acute Myocardial Infarction With Versus Without Sickle-Cell Anemia

Sickle-cell disease (SCD) affects millions worldwide. Sickle-cell anemia (SCA), the most severe form of this disease, is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States. There are limited data on the incidence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in these patients. Using data from the National Inpatient Sample database, we matched cases (AMI with SCA) with controls (AMI without SCA) in a 1:1 ratio for age, gender, race, and year of admission. We compared both groups in terms of clinical characteristics and inpatient outcomes and performed a logistic regression with mortality as the primary outcome. Using weighted samples, we also described trends of SCA in the general population of patients with AMI. Of the 2,386,657 admissions with AMI, SCA was reported in 501 (0.02%) patients, and 495 were successfully matched to controls. Patients with SCA were less likely to have risk factors for coronary artery disease than those without SCA. Patients with SCA were more likely to develop pneumonia, respiratory failure, and acute renal failure, and require mechanical ventilation, hemodialysis for acute renal failure and blood transfusion. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with SCA. In a multivariate analysis, SCA was an independent predictor of mortality (odds ratio 3.49; 95% confidence interval 1.99 to 6.12; p = < .001). In conclusion, myocardial infarction occurs in patients with SCA at a relatively early age. These patients do not typically have the traditional risk factors for the acute coronary syndrome. Mortality in these patients is significantly higher in age-, gender-, and race-matched controls.

Higher Risk of Bleeding in Asians Presenting With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample Database

Bleeding is a major complication in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Several studies suggested that Asians are more susceptible to bleeding when treated with antiplatelets, anticoagulants, and thrombolytic agents. In our study, we aimed to investigate the association between Asian ethnicity and bleeding events in patients who presented with STEMI. We analyzed the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 2002 to 2013 and identified patients hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of STEMI. We compared clinical outcomes between patients of Asian and white ethnicity. Primary outcome was inhospital major bleeding defined as a composite of intracranial hemorrhage and blood transfusions for bleeding events. After exclusions, an estimated 1 695 680 white and 46 563 Asian patients with STEMI were included in the analysis. Asian patients had a higher incidence of inhospital major bleeding (3.6% vs 2.2%, P < .001) without a significant difference in inhospital mortality (9.3% vs 8.7%, P = .06). Asian ethnicity was an independent predictor for major bleeding (estimated odds ratio: 1.32; 95% confidence interval: 1.16-1.51; P < .001). This increased risk of bleeding would warrant further investigation of optimal treatment strategies tailored for patients with STEMI of Asian ethnicity.

In-Hospital Cerebrovascular Outcomes of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Cancer (from the National Inpatient Sample Database)

Limited data are available regarding the impact of cancer on cerebrovascular accidents in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We queried the Nationwide Inpatient Survey Database to identify patients who have diagnostic code for AF. We performed a 1:1 propensity matching based on the CHA2DS2VASc score and other risk factors between patients with AF who had lung, breast, colon, and esophageal cancer, and those who did not (control). The final cohort included a total of 31,604 patients. The primary outcome of in-hospital cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) was lower in the cancer group than in the control group (4% vs 7%, p < 0.001), but with only a weak association (ф = -0.067). In-hospital mortality was higher in the cancer group than in the control group (18% vs 11%, p < 0.001; ф = -0.099). A subgroup analysis according to cancer type showed similar results with a weak association with lower CVA in breast cancer (4% vs 7%; ф = -0.066, p < 0.001), lung cancer (4% vs 6%; ф = -0.062, p < 0.001), colon cancer (4% vs 6%; ф = -0.062, p < 0.001), and esophageal cancer (3% vs 7%; ф = -0.095, p < 0.001) compared with the control groups. A weak association with higher in-hospital mortality was demonstrated in lung cancer (20% vs 11%; ф = -0.127, p < 0.001), colon cancer (16% vs 11%; ф = -0.076, p < 0.001), and esophageal cancer (20% vs 12%; ф = -0.111, p < 0.001) compared with the control groups, but no significant difference between breast cancer and control groups in mortality (11% vs 11%; ф = -0.002, p = 0.888). In conclusion, in patients with AF, cancer diagnosis may not add a predictive role for in-hospital CVA beyond the CHADS2VASc score.

Temporal Trends in Inpatient Use of Intravascular Imaging Among Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in the United States

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) have emerged as helpful intravascular imaging tools to guide revascularization decisions during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Studies have demonstrated that intravascular imaging is associated with improved clinical

Impact of Remote Ischemic Postconditioning during Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention on Left Ventricular Remodeling after Anterior Wall ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Single-Center Experience

Abstract The role of remote ischemic postconditioning (RIPostC) in improving left ventricular (LV) remodeling after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is not well established. To determine the efficacy and safety of RIPostC in improving LV remodeling and cardiovascular outcomes after primary PCI for anterior ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Seventy‐one patients with anterior STEMI were randomized to primary PCI with RIPostC protocol (n = 36) versus conventional primary PCI (n = 35). Primary outcomes included LV remodeling and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) at 6 month follow‐up using transthoracic echocardiography. Secondary outcomes included infarct size, ST‐segment resolution (STR) ≥70%, Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade, and myocardial blush grade (MBG). Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were also assessed at 6 months. Safety outcome included incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) postprimary PCI. Sixty patients completed the study. At 6 months, there was no significant decrease in the incidence of LV remodeling with RIPostC group (p = 0.42). Similarly, RIPostC failed to show significant improvement in LVEF. However, STR ≥ 70% after primary PCI was achieved more in the RIPostC group (p = 0.04), with a trend toward less AKI in the RIPostC group (p = 0.08). All other secondary end points, including MACEs at 6 months, were similar in both groups. RIPostC might be associated with better STR after reperfusion as well as less incidence of AKI in patients undergoing primary PCI for anterior wall STEMI, indicating potential benefit in those patients. Whether this role can be translated to better outcomes after primary PCI warrants further investigation.

Acute Disseminated Histoplasmosis with Atypical Lymphocytosis in an Immunocompetent Host

65 year-old-male presented with a one-week history of high grade fever, fatigue and confusion which began abruptly two days after a cystoscopy procedure. Past medical history included pulmonary sarcoidosis diagnosed by mediastinal lymph biopsy, diabetes and hypertension. On admission he was febrile and confused with stable vital signs. Initial workup included negative Head CT and lumbar puncture. Blood work revealed normal metabolic and liver function tests with progressive anemia, thrombocytopenia and atypical lymphocytosis of 15–20%. Blood, urine and respiratory cultures all were negative for bacteria and. A bone marrow biopsy was done given the abnormal lymphocytes in peripheral smear, revealing budding yeast consistent with Histoplasma capsulatum. Histoplasma antigen was positive in urine and eventually blood and bone marrow grew H. capsulatum. Patient was started on amphotericin-B for diagnosis of disseminated histoplasmosis. After a 2 week period of amphotericin B, patient was switched to oral Itraconazole to complete 12 months course of treatment.