Poor Medication Access as a Driver of Excess Heart-Failure Readmissions Among Patients Living in Economically Deprived Neighborhoods.

BACKGROUND: Patients residing in socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods experience higher hospital readmission rates after hospitalization for heart failure (HF). The role of medication access in the excessive readmissions in this group is poorly understood. This study explored patients' perspectives on medication access by individuals living in socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods who had experienced HF readmission. METHODS: We conducted semistructured in-depth interviews with 25 patients (mean age 61 ± 9 years, 96% Black, 40% women) who were readmitted with acute HF at Emory Healthcare hospitals and were living in highly deprived neighborhoods (top decile of the Social Deprivation Index). Qualitative descriptive analyses of the interviews were performed by using a multilevel coding strategy. RESULTS: Most patients (84%) highlighted medications as a driver of HF readmission. Patients' reported reasons for lack of medication access included medication costs (60%), having access to refills only through an emergency department or hospitalization (36%), limited access to transportation (12%), and limited understanding of medications' role in disease management (12%). CONCLUSION: Lack of access to medications for patients with HF who live in socioeconomically distressed neighborhoods exacerbate excess hospitalizations in this vulnerable population. This study focuses on patients' perspectives and experiences and identifies some potentially high-value areas to focus on in trying to enhance access and adherence to evidence-based therapies.

Association of Psychosocial Risk Factors With Quality of Life and Readmissions 1 Year After LVAD Implantation.

BACKGROUND: Among patients with advanced heart failure (HF), treatment with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) improves health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We investigated the association between psychosocial risk factors, HRQOL and outcomes after LVAD implantation. METHODS: A retrospective cohort (n = 9832) of adults aged ≥ 19 years who received durable LVADs between 2008 and 2017 was identified by using the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS). Patients were considered to have psychosocial risk factors if ≥ 1 of the following were present: (1) substance abuse; (2) limited social support; (3) limited cognitive understanding; (4) repeated nonadherence; and (5) major psychiatric disease. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between psychosocial risk factors and change in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ)-12 scores from baseline to 1 year, persistently poor HRQOL (KCCQ-12 score < 45 at baseline and 1 year), and 1-year rehospitalization. RESULTS: Among the final analytic cohort, 2024 (20.6%) patients had ≥ 1 psychosocial risk factors. Psychosocial risk factors were associated with a smaller improvement in KCCQ-12 scores from baseline to 1 year (mean ± SD, 29.1 ± 25.9 vs 32.6 ± 26.1; P = 0.015) for a difference of -3.51 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -5.88 to -1.13). Psychosocial risk factors were associated with persistently poor HRQOL (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.74), and 1-year all-cause readmission (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.11, 95% CI 1.05-1.18). Limited social support, major psychiatric disorder and repeated nonadherence were associated with persistently poor HRQOL, while major psychiatric disorder was associated with 1-year rehospitalization. CONCLUSION: The presence of psychosocial risk factors is associated with lower KCCQ-12 scores and higher risk for readmission at 1 year after LVAD implantation. These associations are statistically significant, but further research is needed to determine whether these differences are clinically meaningful.

High sensitivity troponin I as a biomarker for cardiac allograft vasculopathy: Evaluation of diagnostic potential and clinical utility.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) limits long-term survival in heart transplant (HTx) recipients. The use of biomarkers in CAV surveillance has been studied, but none are used in clinical practice. The predictive value of high-sensitivity troponin I (hsTnI) has not been extensively investigated in HTx recipients. METHODS: HTx patients undergoing surveillance coronary angiograms and enrolled in the Emory Cardiovascular Biobank had plasma hsTnI measured. CAV grade was assessed using ISHLT nomenclature. Multivariable cumulative link mixed modeling was performed to determine association between hsTnI level and CAV grade. Patients were followed for adverse outcomes over a median 10-year period. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazard modeling were performed. RESULTS: Three hundred and seventy-two angiograms were analyzed in 156 patients at a median 8.9 years after transplant. hsTnI levels were positively correlated with concurrent CAV grade after adjustment for age, age at transplant, sex, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and history of acute cellular rejection (p = .016). In an adjusted Cox proportional hazard model, initial hsTnI level above the median (4.9 pg/mL) remained a predictor of re-transplantation or death (hazard ratio 1.82; 95% confidence interval 1.16-2.90; p = .01). CONCLUSION: An elevated hsTnI level reflects severity of CAV and is associated with poor long-term outcomes in patients with HTx.

Racial differences in low natriuretic peptide levels: Implications for heart failure clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Some patients with heart failure (HF) have low natriuretic peptide (NP) levels. It is unclear whether specific populations are disproportionately excluded from participation in randomized clinical trials (RCT) with inclusion requirements for elevated NPs. We investigated factors associated with unexpectedly low NP levels in a cohort of patients hospitalized with HF, and the implications on racial diversity in a prototype HF RCT. METHODS: We created a retrospective cohort of 31,704 patients (age 72 ± 16 years, 49% female, 52% Black) hospitalized with HF from 2010 to 2020 with B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) measurements. Factors associated with unexpectedly low BNP levels (<50 pg/mL) were identified using multivariable logistic regression models. We simulated patient eligibility for a prototype HF trial using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, and varying BNP cut-offs. RESULTS: Unexpectedly low BNP levels were observed in 8.9% of the cohort. Factors associated with unexpectedly low BNP levels included HFpEF (aOR 3.76, 95% CI: 3.36, 4.20), obesity (aOR 1.96, 95% CI: 1.73, 2.21), self-identification as Black (aOR 1.53, 95% CI: 1.36, 1.71), and male gender (aOR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.31, 1.60). Applying limited clinical inclusion and exclusion criteria from PARAGLIDE-HF disproportionately excluded Black patients, with impairment in renal function having the greatest impact. Adding thresholds for BNP of ≥35, ≥50, ≥67, ≥100, and ≥150 pg/mL demonstrated the risk of exclusion was higher for Black compared to non-Black patients (RR = 2.03 [95% CI: 1.73, 2.39], 1.90 [95% CI: 1.68, 2.15], 1.63 [95% CI: 1.48, 1.81], 1.38 [95% CI: 1.28, 1.50], and 1.23 [95% CI: 1.15, 1.31], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 10% of patients hospitalized with HF have unexpectedly low BNP levels. Simulating inclusion into a prototype HFpEF RCT demonstrated that requiring increasingly elevated NP levels disproportionately excludes Black patients.

Current Trends and Predictors of Case Outcomes for Malpractice in Colonoscopy in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Over 14 million colonoscopies are performed annually, and this procedure remains the largest contributor to malpractice claims against gastroenterologists. The aim of this study was to evaluate reasons for litigation and predictors of case outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cases related to colonoscopy were reviewed within the Westlaw legal database. Patient demographics, reasons for litigation, case payouts, and verdicts were assessed. Multivariate regression was used to determine predictors of defendant verdicts. RESULTS: A total of 305 cases were included from years 1980 to 2017. Average patient age was 54.9 years (range, 4 to 93) and 52.8% of patients were female. Juries returned defendant and plaintiff verdicts in 51.8% and 25.2% of cases, respectively, and median payout was $995,000. Top reasons for litigation included delay in treatment (65.9%) and diagnosis (65.6%), procedural error (44.3%), and failure to refer (25.6%). Gastroenterologists were defendants in 71% of cases, followed by primary care (32.2%) and surgeons (14.8%). Cases citing informed consent predicted defendant verdict (odds ratio, 4.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.90-9.45) while medication error predicted plaintiff verdict (odds ratio, 0.18; 95% confidence interval, 0.04-0.59). Delay in diagnosis (P=0.060) and failure to refer (P=0.074) trended toward plaintiff verdict but did not reach significance. Most represented states were New York (21.0%), California (13.4%), Pennsylvania (13.1%), Massachusetts (12.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Malpractice related to colonoscopy remains a significant and has geographic variability. Errors related to sedation predicted plaintiff verdict and may represent a target to reduce litigation. Primary care physicians and surgeons were frequently cited codefendants, underscoring the significance of interdisciplinary care for colonoscopy.

Association of hospital factors and socioeconomic status with the utilization of minimally invasive surgery for colorectal cancer over a decade.

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection is a mainstay of treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC). Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been shown to have improved outcomes compared to open procedures for colorectal malignancy. While use of MIS has been increasing, there remains large variability in its implementation at the hospital and patient level. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify disparities in sex, race, location, patient income status, insurance status, hospital region, bed size and teaching status for the use of MIS in the treatment of CRC. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database. Between 2008 and 2017, there were 412,292 hospitalizations of adult patients undergoing elective colectomy for CRC. The primary outcome was use of MIS during hospitalization. RESULTS: Overall, the frequency of open colectomies was higher than MIS (56.56% vs. 43.44%). Black patients were associated with decreased odds of MIS use during hospitalization compared to White patients (OR 0.921, p = 0.0011). As the county population where patients resided decreased, odds of MIS also significantly decreased as compared to central counties of metropolitan areas. As income decreased below the reference of $71,000, odds of MIS also significantly decreased. Medicaid and uninsured patients had decreased odds of MIS use during hospitalization compared to private insurance (OR 0.751, p < 0.0001 and OR 0.629, p < 0.0001 respectively). Rural and urban non-teaching hospitals were associated with decreased odds of MIS as compared to urban teaching hospitals (OR 0.523, p < 0.0001 and OR 0.837, p < 0.0001 respectively). Hospitals with a small bed size were also associated with decreased MIS during hospitalizations (OR 0.888, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Marked hospital level and socioeconomic disparities exist for utilization of MIS for colorectal cancer. Strategies targeted at reducing these gaps have the potential to improve surgical outcomes and cancer survival.

Investigation into the swelling and dissolution behaviour of Polymer-Excipient blends of PEO Utilising dissolution imaging.

The use of dissolution imaging in analysing the behaviourof hydrophilic matrices and various types of excipients is examined in this study.The main aim was to investigate how different ratios of excipients with different solubility properties, such as lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, and dicalcium phosphate impact on the swelling properties and propranolol hydrochloride (PPN) release characteristics of polyethylene oxide matrix compacts. The surface properties of the compacts were investigated using a focus variation microscope after which dissolution studies were conducted to determine compact swelling and drug release properties. Smr2, a surface parameter representing the percentage of deeper valley structures on the surface, was used to calculate the proportion of the compact surface available for retaining lubrication (dissolution media in this case). Smr2 values of 83 and 84 were measured for the 1:1 and 1:3 PEO lactose compacts, respectively. This parameter utilised in this experiment gives an indication of the compact surface available for the initial hydration process and suggests a higher rate of hydration for the 1:1 and 1:3 PEO lactose compacts. The swelling studies revealed that a higher PEO ratio (3:1) resulted in more extensive gel layer formation as compared to the 1:3 compacts. All PEO:excipient compacts exhibited faster drug release than the compacts comprising PEO as the sole excipient. The quantity of PEO present was thus crucial in influencing the capacity of the matrix to control the release of PPN. This study underscores the potential for modifying drug release by altering the quantity of the matrix gel-former (PEO in this case) as well as the type or ratio of excipient used. The study also highlights the novelty of using UV dissolution imaging to image and quantify swelling and drug dissolution processes as well as providing qualitative observations such as channel formation which can support formulation optimisation and mechanistic understanding.

Gallstone ileus causing perforation of multiple segments of small bowel.

Gallstone ileus results in a mechanical small bowel obstruction when an itinerant gallstone tumbles downstream and obstructs the bowel lumen. Associated proximal intestinal injury with perforation is rare, and concomitant perforation of multiple segments of bowel in the setting of gallstone ileus has never been reported in the literature. We are reporting the case of a 67-year-old female patient who had gallstone ileus causing perforation of multiple segments of small bowel. At operation, she was found to have a 3.2-cm gallstone lodged at the terminal ileum, perforation of both the mid ileum and mid jejunum, and gross enteric spillage. She underwent removal of the gallstone and small bowel resection × 2. She was initially left in discontinuity with an open abdomen. She returned to the operating room 2 days later for bowel anastomosis and abdominal closure. She recovered well after surgery and was discharged home.

Gender and Race Differences in HeartMate3 Left Ventricular Assist Device as a Bridge to Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Gender and racial disparities exist after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Compared with older devices, the HeartMate 3 (HM3) (Abbott Cardiovascular) has demonstrated improved survival. Whether HM3 differentially improves outcomes by gender or race and ethnic groups is unknown. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to examine differences by gender and race in the use of HM3 among patients listed for heart transplantation (HT) and associated waitlist and post-transplant outcomes. METHODS: The authors examined all patients (20% women, 33% Black) who received LVADs as bridge to transplantation (BTT) between January 2018 and June 2020, in the OPTN (Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network) database. Trends in use of HM3 were evaluated by gender and race. Competing events of death/delisting and transplantation were evaluated using subdistribution hazard models. Post-transplant outcomes were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression adjusted for demographic, clinical, and donor characteristics. RESULTS: Of 11,524 patients listed for HT during the study period, 955 (8.3%) had HM3 implanted as BTT. Use of HM3 increased for all patients, with no difference in use by gender (P = 0.4) or by race (P = 0.2). Competing risk analysis did not demonstrate differences in transplantation or death/delisting in men compared with women (HT: adjusted HR [aHR]: 0.92 [95% CI: 0.70-1.21]; death/delisting: aHR: 0.91 [95% CI: 0.59-1.42]), although Black patients were transplanted fewer times than White patients (HT: aHR: 0.72 [95% CI: 0.57-0.91], death/delisting: aHR: 1.36 [95% CI: 0.98-1.89]). One-year post-transplant survival was comparable by gender (aHR: 0.52 [95% CI: 0.21-1.70]) and race (aHR: 0.76 [95% CI: 0.34-1.70]), with no differences in rates of stroke, acute rejection, or graft failure. CONCLUSIONS: Use of HM3 among patients listed for HT has increased over time and by gender and race. Black patients with HM3 were less likely to be transplanted compared with White patients, but there were no differences in post-transplant outcomes between these groups or between men and women.

Focal myocardial infarction induces global remodeling of cardiac sympathetic innervation: neural remodeling in a spatial context.

Myocardial infarction (MI) induces neural and electrical remodeling at scar border zones. The impact of focal MI on global functional neural remodeling is not well understood. Sympathetic stimulation was performed in swine with anteroapical infarcts (MI; n = 9) and control swine (n = 9). A 56-electrode sock was placed over both ventricles to record electrograms at baseline and during left, right, and bilateral stellate ganglion stimulation. Activation recovery intervals (ARIs) were measured from electrograms. Global and regional ARI shortening, dispersion of repolarization, and activation propagation were assessed before and during sympathetic stimulation. At baseline, mean ARI was shorter in MI hearts than control hearts (365 ± 8 vs. 436 ± 9 ms, P < 0.0001), dispersion of repolarization was greater in MI versus control hearts (734 ± 123 vs. 362 ± 32 ms(2), P = 0.02), and the infarcted region in MI hearts showed longer ARIs than noninfarcted regions (406 ± 14 vs. 365 ± 8 ms, P = 0.027). In control animals, percent ARI shortening was greater on anterior than posterior walls during right stellate ganglion stimulation (P = 0.0001), whereas left stellate ganglion stimulation showed the reverse (P = 0.0003). In infarcted animals, this pattern was completely lost. In 50% of the animals studied, sympathetic stimulation, compared with baseline, significantly altered the direction of activation propagation emanating from the intramyocardial scar during pacing. In conclusion, focal distal anterior MI alters regional and global pattern of sympathetic innervation, resulting in shorter ARIs in infarcted hearts, greater repolarization dispersion, and altered activation propagation. These conditions may underlie the mechanisms by which arrhythmias are initiated when sympathetic tone is enhanced.

An inguinal hernia 'hard to stomach'.

Inguinal hernias containing the stomach are extremely rare, and have never been described in females. We are reporting the case of a 79 year old female who presented in septic shock with a left inguinal hernia containing the stomach, resulting in gastric perforation and loss of abdominal domain. She underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy with manual reduction of the hernia, wedge resection of the perforated gastric segment, abdominal washout, and closure of the abdominal fascia using biological mesh. She had a complicated but successful postoperative course, and was discharged to a rehabilitation center three weeks after hospital admission.

The Relationship Between Social Determinants of Health and Racial Disparities in COVID-19 Mortality.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified existing health disparities for marginalized populations in the United States (U.S.), particularly among Black Americans. Social determinants of health are powerful drivers of health outcomes that could influence COVID-19 racial disparities. METHODS: We collected data from publicly available databases on COVID-19 death rates through October 28, 2020, clinical covariates, and social determinants of health indicators at the U.S. county level. We utilized negative binomial regression to assess the association between social determinants of health and COVID-19 mortality focusing on racial disparities in mortality. RESULTS: Counties with higher death rates had a higher proportion of Black residents and greater levels of adverse social determinants of health. A one percentage point increase in percent Black residents, percent uninsured adults, percent low birthweight, percent adults without high school diploma, incarceration rate, and percent households without internet in a county increased COVID-19 death rates by 0.9% (95% CI 0.5%-1.3%), 1.9% (95% CI 1.1%-2.7%), 7.6% (95% CI 4.4%-11.0%), 3.5% (95% CI 2.5%-4.5%), 5.4% (95% CI 1.3%-9.7%), and 3.4% (95% CI 2.5%-4.2%), respectively. Counties in the lowest quintile of a measure of economic privilege had an increased COVID-19 death rates of 67.5% (95% CI 35.9%-106.6%). Multivariate regression and subgroup analyses suggested that adverse social determinants of health may partially explain racial disparities in COVID-19 mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that social determinants of health contribute to COVID-19 mortality for Black Americans at the county level, highlighting the need for public health policies that address racial disparities in health outcomes.

Association Between High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels and Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in High-risk Populations.

Importance: Previous studies have shown lower cardiovascular risk with higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. However, recent data in the general population have shown increased risk of adverse outcomes at very high HDL-C concentrations. Objective: To study the association between very high HDL-C levels (>80 mg/dL) and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and to investigate the association of known HDL-C genotypes with high HDL-C level outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants: This prospective, multicenter, cohort study, conducted from 2006 to present in the UK and from 2003 to present in Atlanta, Georgia, recruited patients with CAD from the UK Biobank (UKB) and the Emory Cardiovascular Biobank (EmCAB), respectively. Patients without confirmed CAD were excluded from the study. Data analyses were conducted from May 10, 2020, to April 28, 2021. Exposure: High HDL-C levels (>80 mg/dL). Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was all-cause death. The secondary outcome was cardiovascular death. Results: A total of 14 478 participants (mean [SD] age, 62.1 [5.8] years; 11 034 men [76.2%]) from the UKB and 5467 participants (mean [SD] age, 63.8 [12.3] years; 3632 men [66.4%]) from the EmCAB were included in the study. Over a median follow-up of 8.9 (IQR, 8.0-9.7) years in the UKB and 6.7 (IQR, 4.0-10.8) years in the EmCAB, a U-shaped association with outcomes was observed with higher risk in those with both low and very high HDL-C levels compared with those with midrange values. Very high HDL-C levels (>80 mg/dL) were associated with increased risk of all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR], 1.96; 95% CI, 1.42-2.71; P < .001) and cardiovascular death (HR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.09-2.68; P = .02) compared with those with HDL-C levels in the range of 40 to 60 mg/dL in the UKB after adjustment for confounding factors. These results were replicated in the EmCAB. These associations persisted after adjustment for the HDL-C genetic risk score within the UKB. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the risk of all-cause mortality in the very high HDL-C group was higher among men than women in the UKB (HR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.75-3.95; P < .001 vs HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 0.82-2.35; P = .23). Conclusions and Relevance: Results of this cohort study suggest that very high HDL-C levels are paradoxically associated with higher mortality risk in individuals with CAD. This association was independent of the common polymorphisms associated with high HDL-C levels.

Understanding the sexual and reproductive health needs of immigrant adolescents in Canada: A qualitative study.

Background: Literature suggests that immigrant adolescents receive limited sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education and rarely utilize SRH services in Canada. This study sought to explore the SRH information needs of immigrant adolescents in the province of Alberta. Methods: A qualitative descriptive methodology was undertaken to conduct 21 individual interviews with immigrant adolescents in Alberta. Results: A total of four themes emerged from the interviews: (1) Barriers to SRH; (2) needs of adolescents regarding SRH; (3) sources of knowledge; and (4) strategies to improve SRH. Our findings document the conflicting needs and preferences between adolescents and their parents regarding access to SRH resources and services. Discussion: Adolescents often felt unprepared to deal with their SRH issues due to socio-cultural barriers and conflicts with their parents' conservative attitude toward SRH concerns. Structural barriers to accessing SRH resources and services were also reported, including the location and cost of services. As a result, the majority of adolescents relied on digital methods to receive SRH information. Conclusion: This study highlights that future research and SRH service provider efforts need to remain cognizant of the positionality of immigrant adolescents and explore innovative ways to deliver SRH resources and services that meet their unique needs.

Public Perceptions of Current COVID-19 Vaccinations. Results of a Pilot Survey.

INTRODUCTION: We conducted a cross-sectional survey as a part of an educational program in collaboration with the Global Thrombosis Forum (GTF), an affiliate of North American Thrombosis Forum (NATF), and Loyola University about public perceptions of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccinations in the US. In this study, we are reporting the results of this survey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The survey, in the form of a questionnaire, has been developed by GTF and faculty members. A prepared questionnaire was sent to the members of the Georgia and Illinois communities. RESULTS: In our current study, the COVID-19 vaccine willingness rate was 94.5% and vaccination rate was 90.9%. In multivariate analysis believing to have enough information about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines (OR: 3.730, 95% CI: 1.199-11.603, p: 0.023) and gender (OR: 0.123, 95% CI: 0.016-0.967, p: 0.046) were significant predictors for vaccine willingness. Previous COVID-19 infection (OR: 0.215, 95% CI: 0.061-0.758, p: 0.017), moderate and severe effects of COVID-19 pandemic on participant's life (OR: 4.631, 95% CI 1.681-12.760, p: 0.003) and believing to have enough information about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines (OR: 4.119, 95% CI: 1.508-11.253, p: 0.006) were significant predictors for final vaccination status. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, currently vaccination remains one of the most effective tools in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The vaccine hesitancy is a complex phenomenon that is driven by individuals' perceptions of safety, and efficiency of the vaccines. We must continue to educate the public and communities that vaccines are safe, that they are effective and that they are still required even after a COVID-19 infection.

Invasive Hemodynamic Characteristics in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve-In-Valve Implantation for Treatment of Tricuspid Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: We sought to describe invasive hemodynamic measurements in patients with tricuspid stenosis (TS) undergoing transcatheter tricuspid valve-in-valve (TVIV) implantation immediately pre- and postimplantation. Development of TS in patients who have undergone surgical tricuspid valve replacement with a bioprosthetic valve is a serious complication that leads to elevated right atrial (RA) pressures and decreased cardiac output. Transcatheter TVIV implantation is a viable alternative to surgical tricuspid valve replacement, but data on the hemodynamic consequences of TVIV for the treatment of severe TS are currently limited to echocardiographic assessment of Doppler-derived gradients. METHODS: Eleven patients undergoing transcatheter TVIV implantation with moderate to severe bioprosthetic valve stenosis were selected for retrospective review. Right atrial mean pressure, right ventricular (RV) systolic and end-diastolic pressure, mean diastolic RA-RV pressure gradient, pulmonary artery capillary wedge pressure, pulmonary artery systolic, end-diastolic and mean pressures, and pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi) both before and after transcatheter valve placement were collected from catheterization reports. RESULTS: After transcatheter TVIV implantation, the mean TS gradient decreased significantly (P < .01), while the mean RV end-diastolic pressure increased (P = .046). Pulmonary artery pulsatility index also increased as the TS was relieved (P = .039). CONCLUSIONS: Tricuspid valve-in-valve implantation results in immediate relief of TS, leading to increased RV preload with resultant augmentation of RV and pulmonary pressures. Increased PAPi following the procedure demonstrates acute improvement in RV output but remains low due to the failure of the RA pressure to decline significantly immediately following intervention.

Laparoscopy improves failure to rescue compared to open surgery for emergent colectomy.

Emergent colectomy is performed in thousands of Americans each year and carries significant morbidity and mortality. Although laparoscopy has gained favor in the elective setting, its impact on failure to rescue has not been studied on a population level for emergent colectomy. The purpose of this study was to compare failure to rescue following laparoscopic versus open colectomy in the emergency setting. This was a retrospective cohort study of The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Adult patients undergoing emergent colectomy between 2005 and 2018 were selected and stratified into laparoscopic or open surgery groups using the Current Procedural Terminology codes. Propensity matching was performed based on the demographic and comorbidity data. Main outcomes were failure to rescue, mortality, overall morbidity, individual complications, and length of hospital stay. After matching, 11,484 cases were included for analysis, of which 3829 were laparoscopic. Overall, open colectomy conferred higher odds of failure to rescue (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.42-2.08), mortality (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.44-2.07), and morbidity (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.60-1.88) vs laparoscopic cases. Open surgery significantly increased the risk of nearly all measured postoperative complications including return to operating room (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.08-1.45), ventilator use > 48 h (OR 2.43, 95% CI 2.03-2.93), and septic shock (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.97-2.80). Hospital length of stay was shorter for patients undergoing laparoscopic (10.4 days) vs open (12.3 days) colectomy (p < 0.0001). This study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of the laparoscopic approach for emergent colectomy vs open surgery. Laparoscopy was associated with improved complications rates, mortality, and failure to rescue, indicating that it is a promising option to improve patient outcomes during emergent colectomy.

Insurance status and level of education predict disparities in receipt of treatment and survival for anal squamous cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is relatively rare, but its incidence and mortality have been steadily climbing in marginalized populations. We explored the impact of insurance status, education, and income on survival and receipt of chemoradiation therapy. METHODS: We included patients with ASCC from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program database from 2004 to 2016. Socioeconomic variables included insurance status, level of education, income, and unemployment rate. Cox proportional hazards and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine predictors of survival and receipt of chemoradiation. RESULTS: We included a total of 10,868 cases of ASCC. The median age was 55, 10.4 % were black, and 65.4 % were female. Overall, 74.1 % of patients received combination chemoradiation. In multivariate analysis, poorer survival was found for Medicaid (HR 1.52, 95 % CI 1.34-1.74) and uninsured (HR 1.68, 95 % CI 1.35-2.10) patients, and for communities with the lowest rates of high school education (HR 1.17, 95 % CI 1.02-1.38), lowest income (HR 1.29, 95 % CI 1.08-1.54), and highest unemployment (HR 1.21, 95 % CI 1.03-1.40). Patients were less likely to receive combination treatment if they were black (OR 0.76, 95 % CI 0.55-0.92), had Medicaid insurance (OR 0.54, 95 % CI 0.33-0.88) or lower education (OR 0.59, 95 % CI 0.46-0.76). CONCLUSION: Insurance status, level of education, income, and employment impact survival and receipt of treatment in patients with ASCC. Identifying high risk patients and developing targeted interventions to improve access to treatment is integral to reducing these disparities and improving cancer survival.

Major venous injury and large volume crystalloid resuscitation: A limb threatening combination.

INTRODUCTION: Major venous injury (MVI) affecting the lower extremity can result in subsequent amputation. The contribution of intraoperative resuscitation efforts on the need for amputation is not well defined. We hypothesized that intraoperative large volume crystalloid resuscitation (LVCR) increases the risk of amputation after MVI, while massive transfusion (MT) does not. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients with infrarenal MVI from 2005 to 2015 at seven urban level I trauma centers. The outcome of interest was the need for secondary amputation. RESULTS: 478 patients were included. 31 (6.5%) patients with MVI required amputation. LVCR(p < 0.001), combined arterial/venous injury (p = 0.001), and associated fracture (p = 0.001) were significant risk factors for amputation. MT did not significantly increase amputation risk (p = 0.44). Multivariable logistic regression model demonstrated that patients receiving ≥5L LVCR(aOR (95% CI): 9.7 (2.9, 33.0); p < 0.001), with combined arterial/venous injury (aOR (95% CI):3.6 (1.5, 8.5); p = 0.004), and with an associated fracture (aOR (95% CI):3.2 (1.5, 7.1); p = 0.004) were more likely to require amputation. CONCLUSION: Patients with MVI who receive LVCR, have combined arterial/venous injuries and have associated fractures are more likely to require amputation. MT was not associated with delayed amputation.