Incidence and outcome of healthcare-associated Acinetobacter baumannii in chronically ventilated patients in a tertiary care hospital in Taiwan

IntroductionMost studies related to healthcare-associated infection with Acinetobacter baumannii (HAIA) are on acutely ventilated patients. Little is known regarding the incidence and outcomes of HAIA in chronically ventilated patients.MethodsA retrospective study of chronically ventilated patients covering the period May 2002 to May 2008 was conducted to determine the incidence of patients with HAIA. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate differences in the 30-day mortality between those with and those without HAIA by case-control study after controlling for confounders.ResultsOf 240 patients who were chronically ventilated for 49,207 days, 78 (32.5%) acquired HAIA at a rate of 1.59/1,000 patient day. The central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections rate was 8.78 per 1,000 catheter days; the ventilator-associated pneumonia rate was 1.26 per 1,000 ventilator days; and the catheter-associated urinary tract infections rate was 0.17 per 1,000 catheter days. Fifty (64.1%) HAIA and 58 (64.4%) non-HAIA patients were treated well and survived without ICU admission. After univariate and multivariate analyses, prolonged ventilation days (odds ratio: 3.4; 95% confidence interval: 1.7-6.1; P = 0.01] and inappropriate empiric antibiotics within 48 hours (odds ratio: 7.9; 95% confidence interval: 3.9-9.8; P = 0.02) were independent factors that predicted the 30-day mortality of HAIA among chronically ventilated patients.ConclusionsAlthough chronically ventilated patients with HAIA have longer ventilator days, higher antibiotics resistance, and high rate per 100 patients of ventilator-associated pneumonia, most patients are treated well. Compared with patients without HAIA, prolonged ventilation days and inappropriate empiric antibiotics within 48 hours are independent factors of the 30-day mortality.     

Clinical features of COVID-19 in elderly patients: A comparison with young and middle-aged patients

BackgroundDue to the general susceptibility of new coronaviruses, the clinical characteristics and outcomes of elderly and young patients may be different.ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical characteristics of elderly patients with 2019 new-type coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19).MethodsThis is a retrospective study of patients with new coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) who were hospitalized in Hainan Provincial People's Hospital from January 15, 2020 to February 18, 2020. Compare the clinical characteristics of elderly with Young and Middle-aged patients.ResultsA total of 56 patients were enrolled 18 elderly patients (32.14%), and 38 young and middle-aged patients (67.86%). The most common symptoms in both groups were fever, followed by cough and sputum. Four patients in the elderly group received negative pressure ICU for mechanical ventilation, and five patients in the young and middle-aged group. One patient died in the elderly group (5.56%), and two patients died in the young and middle-aged group (5.26%). The PSI score of the elderly group was higher than that of the young and middle-aged group (P < 0.001). The proportion of patients with PSI grades IV and V was significantly higher in the elderly group than in the young and middle-aged group (P < 0.05). The proportion of multiple lobe involvement in the elderly group was higher than that in the young and middle-aged group (P < 0.001), and there was no difference in single lobe lesions between the two groups. The proportion of lymphocytes in the elderly group was significantly lower than that in the young and middle-aged group (P < 0.001), and the C-reactive protein was significantly higher in the young group (P < 0.001). The Lopinavir and Ritonavir Tablets, Chinese medicine, oxygen therapy, and mechanical ventilation were statistically different in the elderly group and the young and middle-aged group, and the P values were all <0.05.InterpretationThe mortality of elderly patients with COVID-19 is higher than that of young and middle-aged patients, and the proportion of patients with PSI grade IV and V is significantly higher than that of young and middle-aged patients. Elderly patients with COVID-19 are more likely to progress to severe disease.     

Chlorhexidine gluconate bathing of adult patients in intensive care units in São Paulo,Brazil: Impact on the incidence of healthcare-associated infection

BackgroundThere is an increasing use of daily chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing to decrease healthcare associated infections (HAI). Daily bathing of patients with CHG has been successfully used to prevent multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) HAI in intensive care units (ICU).MethodsThis was a 12-month, single-center, open, cluster randomized trial, conducted at four ICUs of the University Hospital of Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Unifesp, Brazil. ICUs were randomized to either perform daily bathing of the patients with pH neutral soap and water – control units, or daily bathing with 2% CHG detergent solution – intervention units. We evaluated the incidence density rate of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing enterobacteria HAI, and death in the intervention and control units.ResultsA total of 1,640 admissions of 1,487 patients occurred during the study period (41.2% control group, and 58.8% intervention group). Incidence density rates of KPC-producing enterobacteria HAI were 5.01 and 2.25 infections/1000 patient-days in the control units and in the intervention units (p = 0.013) and mortality rates were 28.7% and 18.7% in the control units and in the intervention units (p<0.001), respectively. No difference between groups was observed in CLABSI incidence (p = 0.125), VAP incidence (p = 0.247) and CAUTI incidence (p = 0.435). No serious skin reactions were noted in either study group.Daily 2% CHG detergent solution bathing is a feasible, low cost option for HAI prevention in ICU.     

Ventilator-associated pneumonia due to Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: Risk factors and outcome

BackgroundStenotrophomonas maltophilia (SM) is increasingly identified in intensive care unit (ICU). This study aim to identify risk factors for SM ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and whether it affects ICU mortalityMethodsTwo nested matched case-control studies were performed based in OUTCOMEREA database. The first episodes of SM-VAP patients were matched with two different control groups: VAP due to other micro-organisms (VAP-other) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa VAP (Pyo-VAP). Matching criteria were the hospital, the SAPS II, and the previous duration of mechanical ventilation (MV).ResultsOf the 102 SM-VAP patients (6.2% of all VAP patients), 92 were matched with 375 controls for the SM-VAP/other-VAP matching and 84 with 237 controls for the SM-VAP/Pyo-VAP matching. SM-VAP risk factors were an exposition to ureido/carboxypenicillin or carbapenem during the week before VAP, and respiratory and coagulation components of SOFA score upper to 2 before VAP. SM-VAP received early adequate therapy in 70 cases (68.6%). Risk factors for Day-30 were age (OR = 1.03; p < 0.01) and Chronic heart failure (OR = 3.15; p < 0.01). Adequate treatment, either monotherapy or combination of antimicrobials, did not modify mortality. There was no difference in 30-day mortality, but 60-day mortality was higher in patients with SM-VAP compared to Other-VAP (P = 0.056).ConclusionsIn a large series, independent risk factors for the SM-VAP were ureido/carboxypenicillin or carbapenem exposure the week before VAP, and respiratory and coagulation components of the SOFA score > 2 before VAP. Mortality risk factors of SM-VAP were age and chronic heart failure. Adequate treatment did not improve SM-VAP prognosis.     

Effects of moderate-intensity resistance exercise on blood glucose and pregnancy outcome in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of a structured moderate-intensity resistance exercise program on blood glucose levels and other health-related indicators in patients with GDM.MethodsA total of 99 patients with GDM in a tertiary class A general hospital were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. GDM patients in the control group received routine prenatal care, online education, and a personalized diabetes diet intervention. The experimental group was treated in the same way as the control group with the addition of a moderate intensity resistance exercise program.ResultsThe blood glucose levels in both groups were lower after the intervention compared with before intervention (P < 0.05). After intervention, the average fasting blood glucose, the 2 h postprandial blood glucose, the utilization rate of insulin, the amount of insulin, gestational weight gain and blood pressure (P < 0.05) in the experimental group were lower than the control group. In addition, there was no statistical significance in the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes between the two groups after intervention (P > 0.05).ConclusionsModerate intensity resistance exercise was helpful for improvement of blood glucose control and insulin use, gestational weight gain and blood pressure in patients with GDM. In the future, long-term follow-up of both maternal and newborn infants should be performed to assess the long-term effects of exercise intervention on maternal and child health. The impact on the risk of obesity and diabetes may need to be further clarified.The trial was approved by the registration of the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, and registration number: ChiCTR1900027929.     

Reduction of intra-abdominal pressure after percutaneous catheter drainage of pancreatic fluid collection predicts survival

ObjectiveIntra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) can adversely affect the outcome in patients of acute pancreatitis (AP). Effect of percutaneous drainage (PCD) on IAH has not been studied. We studied the effect of PCD on IAH in patients with acute fluid collections.Material and methodsConsecutive patients of AP undergoing PCD between Jan 2016 and May 2018 were evaluated for severity markers, clinical course, hospital and ICU stay, and mortality. Patients were divided into two groups: with IAH and with no IAH (NIAH). The two groups were compared for severity scores, organ failure, hospital and ICU stay, reduction in IAP and mortality.ResultsOf the 105 patients, IAH was present in 48 (45.7%) patients. Patients with IAH had more often severe disease, BISAP ≥2, higher APACHE II scores and computed tomography severity index (CTSI). IAH group had more often OF (87.5% vs. 70.2%, p = 0.033), prolonged ICU stay (12.5 vs. 6.75 days, p = 0.007) and higher mortality (52.1% vs. 15.8%, p < 0.001). After PCD, IAP decreased significantly more in the IAH group (21.85 ± 4.53 mmHg to 12.5 ± 4.42 mmHg) than in the NIAH group (12.68 ± 2.72 mmHg to 8.32 ± 3.18 mmHg), p = <0.001. Reduction of IAP in patients with IAH by >40% at 48 h after PCD was associated with better survival (63.3% vs. 36.7%, p = 0.006).ConclusionWe observed that patients with IAH have poor outcome. PCD decreases IAP and a fall in IAP >40% of baseline value predicts a better outcome after PCD in patients with acute fluid collections.     

Decrease in hemoglobin level predicts increased risk for severe respiratory failure in COVID-19 patients with pneumonia

BackgroundIn December 2019, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged in Wuhan, China, and has since spread throughout the world. This study aimed to investigate the association between the change in laboratory markers during the three days after pneumonia diagnosis and severe respiratory failure in COVID-19 patients.MethodsData of 23 COVID-19 patients with pneumonia, admitted to the Kumamoto City Hospital between February and April 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsAmong the 23 patients, eight patients received mechanical ventilation (MV) (MV group), and the remaining 15 comprised the non-MV group. The levels of hemoglobin (Hb) and albumin (Alb) decreased in the MV group during the three days after pneumonia diagnosis more than in the non-MV group (median Hb: 1.40 vs. ?0.10 g/dL, P = 0.015; median Alb: 0.85 vs. ?0.30 g/dL, P = 0.020). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that the decrease in Hb was associated with receiving MV care (odds ratio: 0.313, 95% confidence interval: 0.100–0.976, P = 0.045). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that the optimal cut-off value for the decrease in Hb level was ?1.25 g/dL, with sensitivity and specificity values of 0.867 and 0.750, respectively.ConclusionsThe decrease in Hb level during the short period after pneumonia diagnosis might be a predictor of worsening pneumonia in COVID-19 patients.     

预防呼吸机相关性肺炎的气管导管内清洁装置的研制

目的研究气管导管内清洁装置预防呼吸机相关性肺炎的临床疗效。方法选择我院接诊的60例行机械通气的ICU病房患者,分为干预组和对照组两组。每组各30例患者。干预组采用气管导管内壁清洁装置,对照组患者使用普通气管导管。对两组患者术后呼吸机相关性肺炎的发病情况进行比较分析。结果术后,干预组患者的住院时间、ICU住院时间、机械通气时间均明显短于对照组,两组比较有统计学意义(P<0.05);干预组患者呼吸机相关性肺炎发生率(20%)明显低于对照组(46.7%);干预组患者呼吸机相关性肺炎病死率(6.7%)也明显低于对照组(26.7%),两组比较有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论采用我院研制的气管导管内清洁装置可有效预防呼吸机相关性肺炎的发生。     

The effect of dietary fiber (oat bran) supplement on blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension: A randomized controlled trial

Background and aimsInsufficient dietary fiber (DF) intake is associated with increased blood pressure (BP) and the mode of action is unclear. The intake of DF supplements by participants in previous interventional studies was still far below the amount recommended by the World Health Organization. Therefore, this study aims to explore the effect of supplementing relatively sufficient DF on BP and gut microbiota in patients with essential hypertension (HTN).Methods and resultsFifty participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into the DF group (n = 25) and control group (n = 25). All the participants received education on regular dietary guidance for HTN. In addition to dietary guidance, one bag of oat bran (30 g/d) supplement (containing DF 8.9 g) was delivered to the DF group. The office BP (oBP), 24 h ambulatory blood pressure, and gut microbiota were measured at baseline and third month. After intervention, the office systolic blood pressure (oSBP; P < 0.001) and office diastolic blood pressure (oDBP; P < 0.028) in the DF group were lower than those in the control group. Similarly, the changes in 24hmaxSBP (P = 0.002), 24hmaxDBP (P = 0.001), 24haveSBP (P < 0.007), and 24haveDBP (P = 0.008) were greater in the DF group than in the control group. The use of antihypertensive drugs in the DF group was significantly reduced (P = 0.021). The β diversity, including Jaccard (P = 0.008) and Bray–Curtis distance (P = 0.004), showed significant differences (P < 0.05) between two groups by the third month. The changes of Bifidobacterium (P = 0.019) and Spirillum (P = 0.006) in the DF group were significant.ConclusionsIncreased DF (oat bran) supplement improved BP, reduced the amount of antihypertensive drugs, and modulated the gut microbiota.Trial registration numberChiCTR1900024055.     

The effectiveness of oropharyngeal exercises compared to inspiratory muscle training in obstructive sleep apnea: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundInspiratory muscle training (IMT) and oropharyngeal exercises (OE) have different advantages and disadvantages and a comparison of these modalities has been recommended. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of IMT and OE on important outcomes for patients with OSAS.MethodsThis was a randomized controlled clinical trial. Forty-one clinically stable OSAS patients not receiving CPAP therapy were randomly divided into three groups. Patients in the IMT group (n = 15) trained with a threshold loading device 7 days/week for 12 weeks. Patients in the OE group (n = 14) practiced exercises 5 days/week for 12 weeks. Twelve patients served as control group. Apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), respiratory muscle strength, snoring severity and frequency (Berlin Questionnaire), daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale; ESS), sleep quality (Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index; PSQI), impact of sleepiness on daily life (Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire; FOSQ), and fatigue severity (Fatigue Severity Scale; FSS) were evaluated before and after the interventions.ResultsAHI and sleep efficiency did not change significantly in any of the groups. Significant decreases in snoring severity and frequency, FSS and PSQI total scores were found in the IMT and OE groups after the treatments (p < 0.05). There was a significant reduction in neck and waist circumference and significant improvement in respiratory muscle strength (MIP and MEP) in IMT group compared to control group (p < 0.05). The%MEPpred value and FOSQ total score significantly increased and ESS score reduced after the treatment in OE group compared to control group (p < 0.05).ConclusionsOur results indicate that both OE and IMT rehabilitation interventions are applicable in rehabilitation programs for OSAS patients who do not accept CPAP therapy. Our findings could lead to increase these methods’ use among rehabilitation professionals and decrease in cost of CPAP treatment in OSAS.     

The predictive value of proteinuria in acute pancreatitis

Background/objectivesAcute pancreatitis has a highly variable clinical course. Early and reliable predictors for the severity of acute pancreatitis are lacking. Proteinuria appears to be a useful predictor of disease severity and outcome in a variety of clinical conditions. This study aims to investigate the predictive value of proteinuria on admission for the severity of acute pancreatitis compared with other commonly used predictors; the APACHE II score, Modified Glasgow score and C-reactive protein (CRP).MethodsThis is a post-hoc analysis of 64 patients admitted with acute pancreatitis treated in one teaching hospital, who participated in a previous randomized trial. Proteinuria was defined as a Protein/Creatinine (P/C) ratio >23 mg/mmol. The primary endpoint was severe acute pancreatitis. Secondary endpoints included infectious complications, need for invasive intervention, ICU stay and in-hospital mortality.ResultsProteinuria was present in 30/64 patients (47%). Eleven patients (17%) had severe acute pancreatitis. There was no difference in incidence of severe acute pancreatitis between patients with and without proteinuria: 6/30 patients (20%) versus 5/34 patients (15%) respectively (p = 0.58). Likewise, the occurrence of infectious complications, need for intervention and ICU stay and mortality did not differ significantly (p = 0.58, p = 0.99, p = 0.33 and p = 0.60 respectively). The diagnostic performance of the P/C ratio for the prediction of severe pancreatitis was inferior to the Modified Glasgow score (p = 0.04) and CRP (p = 0.03).ConclusionProteinuria on admission does not seem to be a reliable predictor for disease severity in acute pancreatitis. The diagnostic performance of the P/C ratio is inferior to the Modified Glasgow score and CRP.     

Effects of upper extremity aerobic exercise training on oxygen consumption,exercise capacity,dyspnea and quality of life in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension

BackgroundPulmonary and extrapulmonary impairments are prevalent in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) which is a rare, chronic and progressive disease.ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of upper extremity aerobic exercise training on exercise capacity, oxygen consumption, dyspnea and quality of life in patients with PAH.MethodsIn a prospective, randomized controlled, double-blinded study, eleven patients in training group applied upper extremity aerobic exercise training (50–80% of maximal heart rate), 15–45 min/day, 3 days a week for 6 weeks and 11 patients in control group alternating active upper extremity exercises for the same period. Exercise capacity evaluated using six minute walk test (6MWT), oxygen consumption simultaneously measured during 6MWT using a portable instrument, dyspnea modified Borg scale and Modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale and quality of life Short Form 36 Health Survey, before and after the exercise training.ResultsBaseline characteristics of groups were similar (p>0.05). Dyspnea (p<0.001) and peak oxygen consumption (p = 0.031) were significantly improved in training group compared the controls. Dyspnea, exercise capacity, peak oxygen consumption, minute ventilation, tidal volume, end tidal carbon-dioxide pressure, and vitality, social functioning and role-physical were significantly improved within training group (p<0.05). Oxygen consumption at anaerobic threshold were significantly decreased within control group (p<0.05).ConclusionsUpper extremity aerobic exercise training improves oxygen consumption, and decreases dyspnea perception. It is a safe and effective intervention in patients with PAH. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT02371733).     

Ventilación mecánica no invasiva en pacientes con síndrome de obesidad-hipoventilación. Evolución a largo plazo y factores pronósticos

IntroductionObesity is associated with 2 closely related respiratory diseases: obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) and obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). It has been shown that noninvasive ventilation during sleep produces clinical and functional improvement in these patients. The long-term survival rate with this treatment, and the difference in clinical progress in OHS patients with and without OSAHS are analyzed.MethodologyLongitudinal, observational study with a cohort of patients diagnosed with OHS, included in a home ventilation program over a period of 12 years, divided into 2 groups: pure OHS and OSAHS-associated OHS. Bi-level positive airway pressure ventilation was administered. During the follow-up period, symptoms, exacerbations and hospitalizations, blood gas tests and pulmonary function tests, and survival rates were monitored and compared.ResultsEighty-three patients were eligible for analysis, 60 women (72.3%) and 23 men (27.7%), with a mean survival time of 8.47 years. Fifty patients (60.2%) were included in the group without OSAHS (OHS) and 33 (39.8%) in the OSAHS-associated OHS group (OHS-OSAHS). PaCO₂ in the OHS group was significantly higher than in the OHS-OSAHS group (P < .01). OHS patients also had a higher hospitalization rate (P < .05). There was a significant improvement in both groups in FEV₁ and FVC, and no differences between groups in PaCO₂ and PaO₂ values. There were no differences in mortality between the 2 groups, but low FVC values were predictive of mortality.ConclusionsThe use of mechanical ventilation in patients with OHS, with or without OSAHS, is an effective treatment for the correction of blood gases and functional alterations and can achieve prolonged survival rates.     

Impact of a Home Telehealth Program After a Hospitalized COPD Exacerbation: A Propensity Score Analysis

IntroductionCurrently there is lack of data regarding the impact of a home telehealth program on readmissions and mortality rate after a COPD exacerbation-related hospitalization.ObjectiveTo demonstrate if a tele-monitoring system after a COPD exacerbation admission could have a favorable effect in 1-year readmissions and mortality in a real-world setting.MethodsThis is an observational study where we compared an intervention group of COPD patients treated after hospitalization that conveyed a telehealth program with a followance period of 1 year with a control group of patients evaluated during one year before the intervention began. A propensity-score analyses was developed to control for confounders. The main clinical outcome was 1-year all-cause mortality or COPD-related readmission.ResultsThe analysis comprised 351 telemonitoring patients and 495 patients in the control group. The intervention resulted in less mortality or readmission after 12 months (35.2% vs. 45.2%; hazard ratio [HR] 0.71 [95% CI = 0.56–0.91]; p = 0.007). This benefit was maintained after the propensity score analysis (HR = 0.66 [95% CI = 0.51–0.84]). This benefit, which was seen from the first month of the study and during its whole duration, is maintained when mortality (HR = 0.54; 95% CI = [0.36–0.82]) or readmission (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR] 0.66; 95% CI = [0.50–0.86]) are analyzed separately.ConclusionTelemonitoring after a severe COPD exacerbation is associated with less mortality or readmissions at 12 months in a real world clinical setting.     

Incidence,characteristic and outcomes of ventilator-associated pneumonia among type 2 diabetes patients: An observational population-based study in Spain

BackgroundTo describe incidence, characteristics and outcomes of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) during hospitalization among patients with or without type 2 diabetes (T2DM).MethodsWe used the Spanish national hospital discharge database to select all hospitalization with VAP in subjects aged 40 years or more from 2010 to 2014. We analyzed incidence, patient comorbidities, procedures, pneumonia pathogens and in-hospital outcomes according to diabetes status (T2DM and no-diabetes). We used propensity score analysis to estimate the effect of T2DM on in-hospital mortalityResultsIn 7952 admissions, the patient developed a VAP (13.6% with T2DM). Adjusted incidence rate of VAP was slightly, but significantly, higher in T2DM than in non-diabetic patients (36.46[95% CI 34.41–38.51] vs. 32.57[95% CI 31.40–33.74] cases per 100,000/inhabitants). T2DM people were older and had higher Charlson comorbidity index than non-diabetic people. T2DM patients had a lower mean number of failing organs than non-diabetic patients (1.20 SD 1.17 vs. 1.45 SD 1.44, p < 0.001). Pseudomonas was the most frequently isolated agent in both groups. IHM was 41.92% for T2DM patients and 37.91% for non-diabetic patients (p < 0.05). Factors associated with a higher mortality in both groups included: older age, more comorbidities and primary diagnoses of vein or artery occlusion, pulmonary disease and cancer. T2DM was not associated with a higher in-hospital mortality after adjustment using a propensity score (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.76–1.35).ConclusionsVAP incidence rates were higher among T2DM patients. In-hospital mortality was higher among the older patients and those with more co-morbid conditions. T2DM does not predict higher mortality in VAP during hospitalization.     

Clinical Predictors of Mortality in Patients with Moderate to Severe Mitral Regurgitation

BackgroundMitral regurgitation is the most common form of valvular heart disease worldwide, however, there is an incomplete understanding of predictors of mortality in this population. This study sought to identify risk factors of mortality in a real-world population with mitral regurgitation.MethodsAll patients with moderate or severe mitral regurgitation were identified at a single center from January 1, 2016 to August 31, 2017. Multivariate regression was performed to evaluate variables independently associated with all-cause mortality.ResultsA total of 490 patients with moderate (76.3%) or severe (23.7%) mitral regurgitation due to primary (20.8%) or secondary (79.2%) etiology were identified. The mean age was 66.7 years; 50% were male. At a median follow-up of 3.1 years, the incidence of all-cause mortality was 30.1%, heart failure hospitalization 23.1%, and mitral valve intervention 11.6%. Of 117 variables, multivariate analysis demonstrated 5 that were independently predictive of mortality: baseline creatinine (hazard ratio [HR] 1.2; 95% CI, 1.0-1.3; P = .02), right atrial pressure by echocardiogram (HR 1.3; 95% CI, 1.07-1.55; P = .008), hemoglobin (HR 0.65; 95% CI, 0.52-0.83; P = .001), hospitalization for heart failure (HR 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.4; P = .015), and mitral valve intervention (HR 0.40; 95% CI, 0.16-0.83; P = .049).ConclusionIn this retrospective, pragmatic analysis of patients with moderate or severe mitral regurgitation, admission for heart failure exacerbation, elevated right atrial pressure, renal dysfunction, anemia, and lack of mitral valve intervention were independently associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality. Whether these risk factors may better identify select patients who may benefit from more intensive monitoring or earlier intervention should be considered in future studies.     

Estudio del deterioro psicofísico y funcional en pacientes ingresados con neumonía. Análisis por grupos de edad

IntroductionHospital admissions due to pneumonia range from 1.1 to 4 per 1,000 patients and this figure increases with age. Hospitalization causes a decline in functional status. Physical impairment impedes recovery and constitutes a higher risk of disability and mortality in elderly people.The objective of this study is to assess the impact of hospital stay in patients with pneumonia related with age.MethodA total of 116 patients with pneumonia were included in this study, and divided into two age groups: < 75 years (n = 68) and ≥ 75 years (n = 48). Respiratory function, physical function and psychological and emotional profile were evaluated. Pneumonia severity, nutritional status, independence and comorbidities were also assessed.ResultsStatistical analyses revealed significant differences between both age groups in pneumonia severity and comorbidities. Significant improvements between admission and discharge were found in lung function in both groups (p < 0.05), while a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in strength assessed by dynamometer was found in the ≥ 75 years group.ConclusionHospitalization leads to a significant physical impairment in patients admitted for pneumonia. This deterioration increases with age.     

Prognostic nutritional index predicts in-hospital mortality in patients with acute type A aortic dissection

BackgroundThe prognostic nutritional index (PNI) has recently been reported to associate with the surgical prognosis of patients with some cardiovascular diseases. However, the prognosis significance of the preoperative PNI in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) remains unclear.ObjectivesThe present study aimed to explore the relationship between PNI and postoperative in-hospital mortality in patients with AAAD.MethodsBetween June 2013 and December 2019, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 651 patients undergoing AAAD surgery. Patients were divided into two groups according to the median PNI. The risk factors of postoperative in-hospital mortality were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsIn-hospital mortality was significantly more common in the low group (24.8% vs 16.3%: P = .007). The percentage of prolonged mechanical ventilation (58.9% vs 49.8%: P = .020) and the median duration of intensive care unit stays (7.0 vs 6.0 days: P = .003) were also higher and longer in the low group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the PNI, age, hypertension, and operation time independently predicted in-hospital mortality. Besides, compared with patients with a history of hypertension, the low PNI affected in-hospital mortality more than those without (odds ratio [OR]: 2.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20-3.56; P = .009).ConclusionsLower PNI may be independently associated with in-hospital mortality of patients after AAAD surgery.     

A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 and influenza patients on ECMO

BackgroundExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a valuable rescue therapy to treat refractory hypoxemia caused by influenza. The present meta-analysis aimed to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of ECMO between COVID-19 and influenza.MethodsWe searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases from inception to May 1, 2021. The included studies compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes of ECMO between adults with COVID-19 and those with influenza.ResultsThe study included four retrospective cohorts involving a total of 129 patients with COVID-19 and 140 with influenza who were treated using ECMO. Clinical characteristics were similar between the COVID-19 and influenza groups, including body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and immunocompromised status. A higher proportion of patients with COVID-19 on ECMO were male (75.9% vs. 62.9%; P = 0.04). There was no difference between the groups in terms of illness severity based on sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score or serum pH. Patients with COVID-19 had a longer mean duration of mechanical ventilation before ECMO (6.63 vs. 3.38 days; P < 0.01). The pooled mortality rate was 43.8%. The mean ECMO duration (14.13 vs. 12.55 days; P = 0.25) and mortality rate (42.6% vs. 45.0%; P = 0.99) were comparable between the groups.ConclusionClinical characteristics, ECMO duration, and mortality were comparable between patients with COVID-19 and those with influenza who required ECMO to treat refractory hypoxemia. The duration of mechanical ventilation before ECMO did not influence outcomes. Patients with COVID-19 benefit from ECMO salvage therapy similarly to those with influenza.