Kristin Carson

Systematic review and meta-analysis of incidence and correlates of recurrence of takotsubo cardiomyopathy

AIM Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is a disorder of myocardial inflammation induced by high catecholamine levels and is associated with acute complications. In the long-term TTC is associated with a risk of single or multiple recurrences, but risk of such occurrences is not clear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and consolidate the evidence on the incidence and clinical correlates of cases of TTC recurrence. METHODS A comprehensive search of four major databases (EMBASE, OVID Medline, PubMed and Google Scholar) was performed from their inception to first week of Jan 2014. We included original research studies, recruiting ≥ 5 participants, with ≥ 3 months follow-up, published in English language that reported data on recurrence in patients with TTC. RESULTS Out of 298 studies searched, 31 cohorts (1664 TTC patients) were included in the analyses. Out of 74 cases of recurrence, with a mean follow-up of 24.5 months (95% CI, 19.3 to 33 months), extensive recurrence data were available for 23 cases. Cumulative incidence of recurrence was approximately 5% at 6 years. Annual rate of recurrence was approximately 1.5%. Furthermore, 14% of cases had recurrent chest pain and 11% reported dyspnea without definite evidence of recurrent TTC. Discharge medications at index admission included β-adrenoceptor antagonists (BB) in 66.8% and ACE inhibitors (ACEi) and ARB in 67.4%. Recurrence rate was independent of clinic utilization of BB prescription, but inversely correlated (r=-0.45, p=0.016) with ACEi/ARB prescription. Patients with severe TTC at index admission were noted to have more recurrences. CONCLUSIONS (1) TTC is associated with only 1-2% annual recurrence rate but substantially greater frequency of ongoing symptoms. (2) ACEi/ARB rather than BB may reduce risk of recurrence.

Determination of the social related factors of suicide in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundSuicide, a social phenomenon, is a major health problem in most countries. Yet data relating to the role social factors play in the development of this condition are lacking, with some factors shrouded in greater ambiguity than others. As such, this review aimed to determine the prevalence of social-related factors resulting in suicide and to present these findings through meta-analyses, allowing for causes of heterogeneity to be examined.MethodsScientific databases including PubMed and Science direct were searched using sensitive keywords. Two researchers reviewed the eligibility of studies and extracted data. Meta-regression with the Mantel-Haenszel method was conducted using a random effect model, in addition to subgroup analysis and Egger’s test.ResultsA total of 2,526 articles were retrieved through the initial search strategy, producing 20 studies from 16 provinces for analysis. The most frequent cause of attempted suicide among the 20 analyzed articles was family conflict with 32% (95% CI: 26–38). Other related factors included marital problems (26%; 95% CI: 20–33), economic constrains (12%; 95% CI: 8–15) and educational failures (5%; 95% CI: 3–8). Results of meta-regression analysis found that sample size significantly affects heterogeneity for the factor ‘family conflict’.ConclusionsSocial factors such as family conflicts and marital problems have a noticeable role in Iranian suicidology.

The association between tramadol hydrochloride misuse and other substances use in an adolescent population: Phase I of a prospective survey

BACKGROUND Tramadol hydrochloride is a common prescription pain reliever that is structurally similar to morphine and codeine with its analgesic effects identified as a mu-receptor agonist. Due to its opioid-like stimulant effects, the potential for tramadol misuse is a public health concern. As such, the aim of this investigation is to estimate the prevalence of tramadol misuse in a sample of Iranian adolescents and to assess the relationship between tramadol misuse and other substance use. METHODS This is the first phase of a prospective survey examining the prevalence of adolescent smoking status, substances use and related factors in Ilam city, Iran. Grade 10 male and female students (n=2000) were recruited using multistage sampling. Self-administered multiple-choice questionnaires were conducted with data analysed using cross tabulations and logistic regression models. RESULTS The prevalence of lifetime tramadol misuse was 4.8% (7.6% males; 1.8% females). Adjusted odds ratios and confidence intervals for lifetime tramadol misusers reporting substance use during the past month were 2.2 (1.1-4.4) for alcohol, 5.0 (1.5-21.9) for cannabis, 8.9 (2.7-29.4) for ecstasy, 0.5 (0.03-7.0) for methamphetamine and 2.3 (0.7-7.4) for opium. CONCLUSION Tramadol could be a related factor or co-factor for adolescent alcohol, cannabis and ecstasy use. We recommend future longitudinal studies to investigate the possible role of tramadol as a gateway drug in the development of substance abuse.

A meta analysis of current status of alcohol septal ablation and surgical myectomy for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Our objective was to perform an updated systematic review to compare the efficacy and short‐ and long‐term mortality of surgical myectomy (SM) and alcohol septal ablation (ASA) by including most recent and largest cohort studies published in last few years. Background: SM and ASA are the two invasive strategies used to relieve left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) in patients with drug refractory symptomatic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). In the absence of a randomized trial, we tried to compare the pros and cons of the two procedures using a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Method: A comprehensive search of three major databases was performed. We included original research studies comparing data on ASA and SM. Of 1,143 citations, 10 studies were included in the analysis. Results: A total of 805 patients underwent ASA and 1,019 underwent SM. Patients undergoing SM were younger (MD 6.3, P = 0.0001) and had higher reduction in the LVOT gradient (MD −9.56, P = 0.05). However, there was similar resolution of class III and IV symptoms between the two groups (P = 0.56). There was no difference in sudden cardiac death (SCD) (P = 0.93), short‐term (P = 0.36), long‐term all cause (P = 0.27), and long‐term cardiac mortality (P = 0.58). Patients undergoing ASA had higher incidence of post procedure device implantation (OR 3.09, P < 0.00001). Conclusion: No significant difference in symptom relief was noted between the two approaches. ASA was as safe a myectomy with regards to SCD, short‐term, and long‐term mortality.

Natural History of Cardiac Arrest in Patients With Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Cardiac arrest (CA) is relatively rare but lethal complication of takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC). In most instances, patients are diagnosed with TTC after CA, making it difficult to distinguish if TTC is the precipitant or the consequence of the index event. In this systematic review, patient-level data were obtained to seek out the characteristics of patients in whom the underlying cause of CA is TTC. A comprehensive search of 4 major databases (Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar) was performed from their inception to the last week of September 2014. Of 186 citations, 62 case studies were included in the analysis, providing patient-level data on 77 patients. In 60 patients (78%), the diagnosis of TTC was made after CA. Patients presenting with CA were younger (mean age 49.5 ± 16 vs 64.9 ± 11 years, p <0.0001) and had relatively shorter corrected QT interval (mean 530 ± 101 vs 616 ± 140 ms) on electrocardiography. TTC-related hypotension was the major cause of CA in the acute phase, while a long corrected QT interval triggered CA in the subacute (24- to 72-hour) phase. In 11 patients, CA was not directly instigated by TTC despite a left ventricular appearance matching TTC. In conclusion, in TTC, CA typically develops within the first 3 days of presentation and is the result of long corrected QT interval-induced polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Secondary TTC, in which patients present with typical left ventricular features after CA, likely represents a distinct cohort in which identifiable inheritable arrhythmias or structural heart disease should be sought.

Smoking termination opportunity for in patients (STOP): superiority of a course of varenicline tartrate plus counselling over counselling alone for smoking cessation: a 12-month randomised controlled trial for inpatients

Rationale Smoking cessation interventions in outpatient settings have been demonstrated to be cost effective. Given this evidence, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of varenicline tartrate plus Quitline-counselling compared with Quitline-counselling alone when initiated in the inpatient setting. Methods Adult patients (18–75 years) admitted with a smoking-related illness to three hospitals, were randomised to receive either 12-weeks of varenicline tartrate plus Quitline-counselling, (n=196) or Quitline-counselling alone, (n=196), with 12-months follow-up. Results For the primary analysis population (intention-to-treat), the proportion of subjects who remained continuously abstinent were significantly greater in the varenicline plus counselling arm (31.1%, n=61) compared with counselling alone (21.4%, n=42; RR 1.45, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.03, p=0.03). Conclusions The combined use of varenicline plus counselling when initiated in the inpatient setting has produced a sustained smoking cessation benefit at 12-months follow-up, indicating a successful opportunistic treatment for smokers admitted with smoking related illnesses. Trial registration http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ ClinicalTrials.gov identification number: NCT01141855.

Current and Emerging Pharmacotherapeutic Options for Smoking Cessation

Tobacco smoking remains the single most preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries and poses a significant threat across developing countries where tobacco use prevalence is increasing. Nicotine dependence is a chronic disease often requiring multiple attempts to quit; repeated interventions with pharmacotherapeutic aids have become more popular as part of cessation therapies. First-line medications of known efficacy in the general population include varenicline tartrate, bupropion hydrochloride, nicotine replacement therapy products, or a combination thereof. However, less is known about the use of these products in marginalized groups such as the indigenous, those with mental illnesses, youth, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Despite the efficacy and safety of these first line pharmacotherapies, many smokers continue to relapse and alternative pharmacotherapies and cessation options are required. Thus, the aim of this review is to summarize the existing and developing pharmacotherapeutic and other options for smoking cessation, to identify gaps in current clinical practice, and to provide recommendations for future evaluations and research.

Noninvasive ventilation in acute severe asthma: current evidence and future perspectives.

Purpose of review The use of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) is often employed for the management of acute respiratory failure as an alternative to endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. However, evidence to support the application of NPPV use in patients with acute severe asthma is less known. Recent findings A paucity of evidence is available to support the use of NPPV as part of clinical care in patients with acute severe asthma. A number of small studies in adult and paediatric populations suggest that NPPV may have a beneficial role through improving respiratory rate and reducing the need for more invasive alternatives. Overall NPPV use appeared to be well tolerated with few reports of adverse events. Summary Available evidence is limited by a small number of published trials and lack of methodological rigour in existing study design. There is a need for well conducted clinical studies to establish accurate treatment efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness, in both the adult and paediatric setting.

Safety of Varenicline Tartrate and Counseling Versus Counseling Alone for Smoking Cessation: A Randomized Controlled Trial for Inpatients (STOP Study)

INTRODUCTION Inpatient medical settings offer an opportunistic environment for initiating smoking cessation interventions to patients reflecting on their health. Current evidence has shown the superior efficacy of varenicline tartrate (VT) for smoking cessation compared with other tobacco cessation therapies; however, recent evidence also has highlighted concerns about the safety and tolerability of VT. Given these apprehensions, we aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of VT plus quitline-counseling compared to quitline-counseling alone in the inpatient medical setting. METHODS Adult patients (n = 392, 20-75 years) admitted with a smoking-related illnesses to 3 hospitals were randomized to receive either 12 weeks of varenicline tartrate (titrated from 0.5mg daily to 1mg twice daily) plus quitline-counseling (VT+C), (n = 196) or quitline-counseling alone (n = 196). RESULTS VT was well tolerated in the inpatient setting among subjects admitted with acute smoking-related illnesses (mean age 52.8±2.89 and 53.7±2.77 years in the VT+C and counseling alone groups, respectively). The most common self-reported adverse event during the 12-week treatment phase was nausea (16.3% in the VT+C group compared with 1.5% in the counseling alone group). Thirteen deaths occurred during the study period (n = 6 were in the VT+C arm compared with n = 7 in the counseling alone arm). All of these subjects had known comorbidities or developed underlying comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS VT appears to be a safe and well-tolerated opportunistic treatment for inpatient smokers who have related chronic disease. Based on the proven efficacy of varenicline from outpatient studies and our recent inpatient evidence, we suggest it be considered as part of standard care in the hospital setting.

Meta-analysis of admission hyperglycaemia in acute myocardial infarction patients treated with primary angioplasty: a cause or a marker of mortality?

AIMS Admission hyperglycaemia (AH) has been associated with worse outcomes in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In the current review, we evaluated the impact of primary angioplasty (pPCI) on mortality in AMI patients with AH. Our second aim was to evaluate if AH is a marker of baseline risk or an independent predictor of mortality. METHODS AND RESULTS A comprehensive search of four major databases was performed. We included original research studies reporting data on mortality in AMI patients with AH (mean plasma glucose >156 mg/dL/8.7 mmol) and euglycaemia who were treated with pPCI. Of 481 citations, 12 studies were included in the analysis. Admission hyperglycaemia was associated with a higher 30-day [risk ratio (RR) 4.30, P < 0.0001] and 1- to 3-year mortality (RR 2.26, P < 0.0001). As well, AH was more prevalent in women and in patients with an increasing number of cardiac risk factors or angiographic predictors of mortality, such as previous AMI (RR 0.89, P = 0.01), multivessel coronary disease (RR 0.72, P = 0.0001), and involvement of left anterior descending artery (RR 0.92, P < 0.0001). Moreover, patients with AH had larger infarcts (higher creatine kinase-MB; P = 0.004) and more frequent ventricular arrhythmias (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION Despite rapid revascularization and treatment of hyperglycaemia, patients with AH continue to have a higher mortality. Admission hyperglycaemia occurs more commonly in patients who have traditional predictors of worse outcomes-specifically prior infarction, anterior wall infarctions, and multivessel disease. Likely, AH is a predictor of rather than a bona fide therapeutic target in AMI.