A Novel Scale System Based on the Frailty Index and Laboratory Indicators for the Short-Term Prognosis of Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objective: Current scoring systems for short-term prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) lack coverage of risk factors and have limitations in risk stratification. The aim of this study was to develop a novel assessment system based on laboratory indicators and frailty quantification to better infer short-term prognosis and risk indication in patients with AMI. Methods: A total of 365 patients with MI from January 2022 to June 2023 in Northern Jiangsu Province Hospital were included. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) during follow-up. A novel scoring model ranging from 0 to 12 was constructed, and the predictive ability of this scoring system was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: During follow-up, 68 patients experienced MACE. Five scoring indicators were selected through multivariate logistic regression analysis, resulting in a composite score with an AUC of 0.925, demonstrating good prognostic accuracy. Conclusion: The novel prognostic assessment system, which integrates age, Stress Hyperglycemia Ratio (SHR), Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), lactate, and frailty score, exhibits good predictive value for short-term MACE in patients with acute myocardial infarction and may enable more accurate risk classification for future use in MI patient risk management.

Accuracy of Preoperative Lung Ultrasound Score for the prediction of Major Adverse Cardiac Events in elderly patients undergoing HIP Surgery under Spinal Anesthesia: the LUSHIP multicenter observational prospective study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We hypothesize that lung ultrasound scores (LUS) can help stratify the cardiac risk of elderly patients undergoing orthopedic surgery for hip fracture, adding value to the Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI), the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA-PS) and the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Myocardial infarction and Cardiac arrest (NSQIP-MICA). METHODS: Prospective, observational multicenter study of 11 Italian hospitals on patients aged >65 years with hip fractures needing urgent surgery. Subjects with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in the previous 6 months or with ongoing acute heart failure were excluded. Trained anesthesiologists obtained preoperative LUS scores during preoperative evaluation. ROC curve analysis and comparison were used to evaluate test accuracy. RESULTS: A total of 877 patients were enrolled in the study period. 108 MACE events occurred in 98 patients, with an overall incidence of 11.2%. LUS score was higher in complicated than non-complicated patients, 11.6 ± 6.64 vs. 4.97 ± 4.90 (p < 0.001). Preoperative LUS score ≥8 showed both better AUC (0.78) and accuracy (0.76) in predicting MACE than the RCRI scores (p < 0.001), MICA scores (p = 0.001) and ASA classes (p < 0.001). LUS sensitivity was 0.71, specificity was 0.76, negative predictive value was 0.95. LUS score ≥8 showed an OR for MACE of 5.81[95% CI 3.55-9.69] at multivariate analysis. 91 patients (10.4%) experienced postoperative pneumonia showing a preoperative LUS score higher in the non-pneumonia group, p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative LUS score, with its high negative predictive value, could improve patients' risk stratification when used alone or add further value to the RCRI score. REGISTRATION: Registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04074876.

Comparison of Outcome After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for De Novo and In-Stent Restenosis Indications.

In-stent restenosis (ISR) still occur after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Few studies have compared outcomes after PCI for de novo stenosis and ISR and the results are conflicting. The aim of the present study is to compare outcomes after PCI for ISR and de novo coronary stenosis. Using patient level data from the randomized all-comer SORT OUT studies III-X, we included all patients with previous PCI and either an ISR or a de novo lesion as the study target lesion. Outcomes of interest were major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and target lesion revascularization (TLR) after 5 years. Of the 2928 patients with a previous PCI included in the SORT OUT studies, 491 (17%) were treated for ISR and 2437 (83%) for a de novo stenosis. Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly. At 5 years, MACE occurred in 148 patients (32%) in the ISR group and in 654 patients (28%) in the de novo stenosis group (Crude and adjusted HR 1.16 (0.97-1.38) and 1.16 (0.97-1.38)). The risk of TLR was higher in the ISR group when compared to the de novo stenosis group (Crude and adjusted HR 1.64 (95% CI, 1.24-2.17) and 1.71 (95% CI, 1.27-2.30)). In conclusion, the risk of MACE was similar after PCI of ISR and de novo lesions after 5 years. However, the risk of TLR was higher in the ISR group compared to the de novo stenosis group.

A Study of Tpeak-Tend/QT Interval Ratio in Predicting Heart Failure in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Its Correlation With N-terminal Pro B-type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP).

Background Acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is the most common cause of mortality across the world. The electrocardiogram (ECG) Tpeak-Tend/QT interval appears to be a measure of the left ventricle's transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR). Prolongation of this time could indicate adverse cardiac events like heart failure, arrhythmias, etc. Heart failure is a clinical syndrome that includes signs and symptoms such as peripheral edema and high jugular vein pressure. N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is an effective predictor of left ventricular function and also helps in predicting the disease prognosis. Elevated levels of NT-proBNP are seen in many cases of left ventricular dysfunction. This study aims to evaluate the predictive utility of the Tpeak-Tend/QT interval ratio in predicting major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), such as heart failure, by examining the Tend/QT interval ratio values with NT-proBNP in STEMI. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary hospital between April 2024 and June 2024. It included STEMI patients, excluding those with non-STEMI (NSTEMI), valvular heart diseases, bundle branch block, or pacemakers. The patients with a Tpeak-Tend/QT ratio < 0.3 were included in group A, and the Tpeak-Tend/QT ratio > 0.3 in group B. They were monitored for MACE-like heart failure during hospitalization and were compared with a study of the Tpeak-Tend/QT interval ratio in predicting heart failure in STEMI and its correlation with NT-proBNP levels. Results In this study, out of 45 patients, male predominance was observed, with 35 (78%) being men and 10 (22%) being women. In group A, the most common age group was 60-70 years, with 16 (51%) patients; in Group B, it was 50-60 years, with six (42.8%) patients. Out of 31 patients in group A, 25 were male, and six were female. In group B, out of 14 patients, 10 were male, and four were female. In this study, out of the 45 patients included, 12 (85%) among 14 patients who had MACEs like heart failure had a Tpeak-Tend/QT interval ratio of more than 0.3, and their measured NT-proBNP levels were also more than 900 pg/mL, thus showing a statistically significant association between Tpeak-Tend/QT interval ratio and NT-proBNP. Conclusion The present study showed an increased Tpeak-Tend/QT interval ratio and NT-proBNP in patients who developed heart failure in STEMI. As ECG is a readily available and affordable tool, the Tpeak-Tend/QT interval ratio can be used along with conventional markers like NT-proBNP to predict MACE in patients with STEMI.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors for all-cause and cardiovascular death in people with different stages of CKD: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) reduce cardiovascular risk in people with diabetes and established cardiovascular disease, but emerging studies in chronic kidney disease (CKD) have inconsistent results. In this systematic review, we evaluate the effects of SGLT2is on cardiovascular mortality in people with CKD as a whole and across subgroups stratified by baseline kidney function and among people at low, moderate, high and very high risk according to KDIGO- CKD classification system. METHODS: Literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane/CENTRAL, Scopus and Web of Science up to 30 November 2023. We included randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of SGLT2is on cardiovascular mortality in people with CKD. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACE). RESULTS: Eleven studies (n = 83,203 participants) were included. In people with CKD, treatment with SGLT2is compared to placebo reduced the risk of cardiovascular death by 14% (hazard ratio [HR] .86; 95%CI .79-.94), all-cause death by 15% (HR .85; 95%CI .79-.91) and MACEs by 13% (HR .87; 95%CI .81-.93). A consistent treatment effect was observed across eGFR-subgroups (≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2: HR .82, 95%CI .65-1.02; <60 mL/min/1.73 m2: HR .86, 95%CI .77-.96, p-subgroup difference = .68) and KDIGO risk-categories (low, moderate, high and very high) (p-subgroup difference = .69) for cardiovascular death; reduction in the risk of all-cause death tended to be greater in the highest KDIGO risk categories. A consistent treatment effect on cardiovascular mortality was observed for different SGLT2is agents studied. Sensitivity analysis for cardiovascular mortality endpoint including studies in diabetic people yielded similar results (HR .86; 95%CI .77-.97). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with SGLT2is led to a significant reduction in the risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in people with different CKD stages. These findings support the use of SGLT2is as an adjunct cardiovascular protective therapy in CKD. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022382863.

Presence of Atherosclerosis in Multiple Arterial Beds is Associated with Increased Mortality in Patients Undergoing Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with polyvascular disease are considered high risk for major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). This retrospective study utilised the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) database to quantify the effect of polyvascular disease on outcomes after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). METHODS: The VQI database was queried from to 2012 - 2022 for elective EVAR. Patients were identified as having peripheral arterial disease, coronary artery disease, or cerebrovascular disease, and then stratified based on the number of arterial beds involved (one to three). Primary outcomes were peri-operative death and MACEs. Multivariate analysis was performed to find associations between comorbidities and primary outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 21 160 patients with arterial disease included in the study, 83.7% were male and the mean age was 73.73 ± 8.57 years. After stratification, 16 892 patients had atherosclerosis in one arterial bed, 3 869 in two arterial beds, and 399 in three arterial beds. Pre-operatively, patients with atherosclerosis in three arterial beds were more likely to have hypertension, diabetes, and renal failure (all p < .001). Post-operatively, patients with disease in three arterial beds were more likely to experience a post-operative complication (11.5% vs. 8.3% vs. 5.4%; p < .001), including MACE (4.6% vs. 4.1% vs. 2.8%; p < .001) and death (3.0% vs. 2.5% vs. 1.7%; p < .010). On multivariate analysis, polyvascular disease was associated with MACEs (odds ratio 1.54, 95% confidence interval 1.29 - 1.84; p < .001). Kaplan-Meier analysis estimates showed statistically significant differences in survival at approximately the three year follow up (p < .001). CONCLUSION: In this review of patients undergoing elective EVAR, patients with polyvascular disease experienced worse peri-operative outcomes, including death and MACEs, the latter of which was confirmed on multivariable analysis. These patients should be considered high risk and managed accordingly.

Cardiac MRI in infarct-like myocarditis: transmural extension of late gadolinium enhancement is associated with worse outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prognostic value of cardiac MRI (CMR) parameters for the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with infarct-like myocarditis. METHODS: In this retrospective single-center study, patients with CMR-confirmed acute myocarditis with infarct-like presentation were identified (2007-2020). Functional and structural parameters were analyzed including late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). The primary endpoint was the occurrence of MACE up to 5 years after discharge. RESULTS: In total, 130 patients (mean age, 40 ± 19 years; 97 men, 75%) with infarct-like myocarditis were included. CMR was conducted a median of 3 days (interquartile range [IQR], 1-5) after symptom onset. MACE occurred in 18/130 patients (14%) during a median follow-up of 19.3 months (IQR, 4.5-53). The median extent of LGE was 7% (IQR, 4-10). LGE affected the subepicardium in 111/130 patients (85%), the midwall in 45/130 patients (35%), and both the subepicardium and midwall in 27/130 patients (21%). Transmural extension of non-ischemic LGE lesions was observed in 15/130 patients (12%) and septal LGE in 42/130 patients (32%). In univariable Cox regression analysis, a significant association was found between the occurrence of MACE and both, quantified LGE extent and transmural LGE pattern. In multivariable analysis, transmural extension of LGE was an independent predictor for MACE (hazard ratio, 6.34; 95% confidence interval: 2.29-17.49; p < 0.001). Patients with the transmural extension of LGE had a shorter event-free time on Kaplan-Meier analysis (log-rank p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: MACE occurred in 14% of patients with infarct-like myocarditis during follow-up. A transmural extension of non-ischemic LGE was associated with a worse long-term prognosis. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: CMR-based assessment of transmural extension of non-ischemic LGE holds the potential to serve as an easily assessable marker for risk stratification in patients with infarct-like myocarditis. KEY POINTS: The prognostic value of CMR was studied in patients with infarct-like myocarditis. The extent of LGE and transmural extension were linked to adverse cardiac events. Transmural non-ischemic LGE can serve as an easily assessable prognostic marker.

COVID-19 Is a Coronary Artery Disease Risk Equivalent and Exhibits a Genetic Interaction With ABO Blood Type.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is associated with acute risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including myocardial infarction, stroke, and mortality (all-cause). However, the duration and underlying determinants of heightened risk of cardiovascular disease and MACE post-COVID-19 are not known. METHODS: Data from the UK Biobank was used to identify COVID-19 cases (n=10 005) who were positive for polymerase chain reaction (PCR+)-based tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection (n=8062) or received hospital-based International Classification of Diseases version-10 (ICD-10) codes for COVID-19 (n=1943) between February 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020. Population controls (n=217 730) and propensity score-matched controls (n=38 860) were also drawn from the UK Biobank during the same period. Proportional hazard models were used to evaluate COVID-19 for association with long-term (>1000 days) risk of MACE and as a coronary artery disease risk equivalent. Additional analyses examined whether COVID-19 interacted with genetic determinants to affect the risk of MACE and its components. RESULTS: The risk of MACE was elevated in COVID-19 cases at all levels of severity (HR, 2.09 [95% CI, 1.94-2.25]; P<0.0005) and to a greater extent in cases hospitalized for COVID-19 (HR, 3.85 [95% CI, 3.51-4.24]; P<0.0005). Hospitalization for COVID-19 represented a coronary artery disease risk equivalent since incident MACE risk among cases without history of cardiovascular disease was even higher than that observed in patients with cardiovascular disease without COVID-19 (HR, 1.21 [95% CI, 1.08-1.37]; P<0.005). A significant genetic interaction was observed between the ABO locus and hospitalization for COVID-19 (Pinteraction=0.01), with risk of thrombotic events being increased in subjects with non-O blood types (HR, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.29-2.09]; P=4.8×10-5) to a greater extent than subjects with blood type O (HR, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.66-1.39]; P=0.82). CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalization for COVID-19 represents a coronary artery disease risk equivalent, with post-acute myocardial infarction and stroke risk particularly heightened in non-O blood types. These results may have important clinical implications and represent, to our knowledge, one of the first examples of a gene-pathogen exposure interaction for thrombotic events.

Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty of the Side Branch During Provisional Stenting: The Multicenter Randomized DCB-BIF Trial.

BACKGROUND: Side branch stenting is often required during provisional stenting, leading to suboptimal results. Drug-coated balloons (DCB) for the compromised side branch have emerged as an attractive strategy. However, the benefit of DCB for coronary bifurcations remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate whether DCB, compared with a noncompliant balloon (NCB), for the pinched side branch improves the outcomes of provisional stenting in patients with simple, true coronary bifurcations. METHODS: In this multicenter, randomized controlled trial, patients with true coronary bifurcations who had side branch diameter stenosis of ≥70% after main vessel stenting at 22 centers in China, Indonesia, Italy, and Korea were randomly assigned to either DCB or NCB intervention. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events, a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, or clinically driven target-lesion revascularization at the 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: Between September 8, 2020, and June 2, 2023, 784 patients with true coronary bifurcation lesions undergoing main vessel stenting and having a severely compromised side branch were randomly assigned to the DCB (n = 391) or NCB (n = 393) group. One-year follow-up was completed in all patients. The primary endpoint occurred in 28 patients in the DCB group and 49 patients in the NCB group (Kaplan-Meier rate: 7.2% vs 12.5%; HR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.35-0.88; P = 0.013), driven by a reduction in myocardial infarction. There were no significant differences between groups in procedural success, crossover to a 2-stent approach, all-cause death, revascularization, or stent thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with simple and true coronary bifurcation lesions undergoing provisional stenting, main vessel stenting with a DCB for the compromised side branch resulted in a lower 1-year rate of the composite outcome compared with an NCB intervention for the side branch. The high rates of periprocedural myocardial infarction, which occurred early and did not lead to revascularization, are of unclear clinical significance.

Prognostic Value of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography-Derived Strain in Unmasking Risk for Arrhythmias in Children with Myocarditis.

Background/Objectives: Risk assessment in pediatric myocarditis is challenging, particularly when left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is preserved. This study aimed to evaluate LV myocardial deformation using speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE)-derived longitudinal +strain (LS) and assessed its diagnostic and prognostic value in children with myocarditis. Methods: Retrospective STE-derived layer-specific LV LS analysis was performed on echocardiograms from patients within the multicenter, prospective registry for pediatric myocarditis "MYKKE". Age- and sex-adjusted logistic regression and ROC analysis identified predictors of cardiac arrhythmias (ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, atrioventricular blockage III°) and major adverse cardiac events (MACE: need for mechanical circulatory support (MCS), cardiac transplantation, and/or cardiac death). Results: Echocardiograms from 175 patients (median age 15 years, IQR 7.9-16.5 years; 70% male) across 13 centers were included. Cardiac arrhythmias occurred in 36 patients (21%), and MACE in 28 patients (16%). Impaired LV LS strongly correlated with reduced LVEF (r > 0.8). Impaired layer-specific LV LS, reduced LVEF, LV dilatation, and increased BSA-indexed LV mass, were associated with the occurrence of MACE and cardiac arrhythmias. In patients with preserved LVEF, LV LS alone predicted cardiac arrhythmias (p < 0.001), with optimal cutoff values of -18.0% for endocardial LV LS (sensitivity 0.69, specificity 0.94) and -17.0% for midmyocardial LV LS (sensitivity 0.81, specificity 0.75). Conclusions: In pediatric myocarditis, STE-derived LV LS is not only a valuable tool for assessing systolic myocardial dysfunction and predicting MACE but also identifies patients at risk for cardiac arrhythmias, even in the context of preserved LVEF.

Superior long-term patency of no-touch vein graft compared to conventional vein grafts in over 1500 consecutive patients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term angiographic patency of saphenous vein grafts (SVG) harvested using the no-touch technique compared to the conventional technique. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective, cohort study. The inclusion criteria were individuals who underwent a CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting) between January 1995 and July 2020, and who successively needed a clinically-driven angiography. The primary endpoint was long-term patency. The secondary endpoints were differences in patency based on sub-group analysis (single vs. sequential graft, divided by target vessel). RESULTS: The study included 1520 individuals (618 no-touch, 825 conventional and 77 arterial grafts). The mean clinical follow-up time was 8.4 years ± 5.5 years. The patency per patient was 70.7% in the no-touch grafts vs. 46.7% in the conventional grafts (p < 0.001, OR = 2.8). The graft patency was 75.9% in the no-touch grafts vs. 62.8% in the conventional grafts (p < 0.001, OR = 1.8). CONCLUSIONS: The no-touch vein grafts were associated with statistically significantly higher patency at long-term compared to the conventional grafts. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04656366, 7 December 2020.

Pericoronary Fat Attenuation: Diagnosis and Clinical Implications.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current state of knowledge regarding the technical challenges associated with the Post-Acquisition Fat Attenuation Index (PFAI). By examining the limitations and gaps in the current methodologies, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how various factors impact the accuracy and reliability of PFAI measurements. RECENT FINDINGS: PFAI correlates with plaque instability, as inflammation in coronary plaque alters surrounding adipose tissue composition, increasing its water content and reducing lipid content, which is detectable via cardiac CT as increased attenuation. Recent studies have demonstrated PFA's prognostic value, with elevated levels linked to higher risks of cardiac events and plaque instability. A 2022 meta-analysis confirmed its association with major adverse cardiac events. Machine learning algorithms incorporating PFA and additional imaging features have further enhanced risk prediction beyond traditional metrics. Pericoronary fat attenuation is a promising marker for assessing coronary inflammation and could be useful in predicting plaque development, rupture, and monitoring treatment response, though further prospective studies and technical standardization are needed to fully establish its clinical benefits.

Associations Between Vision and Hearing Impairment and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Longitudinal Cohort of Middle-Aged and Older Adults in China.

BACKGROUND: Based on the severity of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and sensory impairment in China and the lack of research on this, the aims of our study were to assess the impact of hearing impairment (HI), visual impairment (VI), and concurrent HI and VI (termed dual sensory impairment) on CVD in elderly people, based on a representative sample of China. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used data from the CHARLS (China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study) for our survey of 11 332 participants. We calculated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% 95% CIs for CVD, stroke, and cardiac events by using Cox proportional hazards models. HI and VI status were collected through self-reported questions. During the 7-year follow-up, a total of 2156 participants experienced CVD (including 745 stroke and 1605 cardiac events). Compared with the reference, individuals with VI had higher risk of CVD (HR, 1.24 [95% CI, 1.09-1.40]). Individuals with HI also had higher risk of CVD than those without HI (HR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.09-1.33]). Compared with participants without VI and HI, individuals with dual sensory impairment had a 1.35-fold increased risk of CVD (HR, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.16-1.57]). In addition, individuals with dual sensory impairment also had increased risk of stroke and cardiac events. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that HI and VI have a combined effect on the incidence of CVD. Based on the high prevalence of CVD around the world, early detection of sensory disorders and the adoption of appropriate measures may contribute to prevent CVD and reduce the burden of clinical diagnosis and treatment of CVD.

Association of anemia and transfusion with major adverse cardiac events and major adverse limb events in patients undergoing open infrainguinal bypass.

INTRODUCTION: Anemia is highly prevalent patients with peripheral vascular disease and has been associated with postoperative cardiac events and mortality, and adverse limb events after revascularization procedures. Allogenic blood transfusions have also been associated with adverse events including hospital acquired infections, cardiac morbidity and reduced survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of blood transfusion on major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and major adverse limb events (MALE) in patients undergoing infrainguinal lower extremity bypass operations. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of patients undergoing infrainguinal lower extremity bypass in the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative database between 2003 and 2020. Patients were first grouped by their preoperative hemoglobin (Hgb) number (severe anemia: Hgb 7-10g/dL; moderate anemia: 10-12g/dL; normal Hgb: >12g/dL) and then stratified by their transfusion status (perioperative transfusion vs. no perioperative transfusion). Primary endpoints were MACE, defined as myocardial infarction, new congestive heart failure, dysrhythmia, or stroke in the postoperative period, and MALE, defined as return to operating room for thrombosis, loss of primary patency on follow-up and major ipsilateral amputation on follow-up. Secondary outcomes included wound complications, graft infections, 30-day mortality and 1-year survival. Outcomes were compared between patients who received transfusions and those who did not at every anemic threshold. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate the impact of blood transfusion on primary outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 55,884 patients were included for analysis, of which 16.3% had severe anemia, 25.9% had moderate anemia and 57.8% had normal hemoglobin. Anemia severity was associated with increased rates of MACE (9.8% vs. 8.3% vs. 5.2%, p<0.0001) and MALE (32.2% vs. 24.8% vs. 18.6%, p<0.0001). On univariate analysis, transfusion was consistently associated with increased rates of MACE and MALE at every anemic threshold (p<0.0001 for all). Transfusion was also associated with increased rates of 30-day mortality at all anemic thresholds (p<0.0001 for all) and reduced 1-year survival at all anemic thresholds (log-rank p<0.0001 for all). On multivariable analysis for MACE, an interaction factor was observed between preoperative Hgb and transfusion status (p<0.0001). At every anemic threshold, transfusion was independently associated with MACE (severe: OR 2.4 [95% CI: 2.0 - 2.9]; moderate: OR 2.8 [95% CI: 2.5 - 3.2]; normal: OR 4.5 [95% CI: 4.0 - 5.0]). On multivariable analysis for MALE, an interaction factor was also observed between preoperative Hgb and transfusion status (p<0.0001). At every anemic threshold, transfusion was independently associated with MALE (severe: OR 2.1 [95% CI: 1.9 - 2.3]; moderate: OR 1.8 [95% CI: 1.7 - 2.0]; normal: OR 2.6 [95% CI: 2.4 - 2.8]). CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative blood transfusion in patients undergoing infrainguinal lower extremity bypass is independently associated with MACE and MALE in all patients with preoperative Hgb > 7 g/dL. Despite the morbidities associated with anemia, these findings highlight that transfusion may not be the optimal treatment modality, particularly in patients with higher preoperative Hgb. Future research is needed to define the transfusion threshold in this population.

A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the association of high sensitivity troponin levels with outcomes in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: High-sensitivity cardiac troponins (Hs-cTns) are reliable indicators of myocardial injury, but their relationship with cardiovascular outcomes remains less understood. This study explores the association between adverse cardiac events and Hs-cTnT levels exceeding 14 ng/L in patients with stable CAD. METHODS: Thirteen pertinent studies were identified using specific keywords from a pool of 208 articles retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, spanning 2013 to 2023. The primary outcomes included all-cause mortality (ACM), myocardial infarction (MI), cardiovascular death (CVD), rehospitalization due to decompensated heart failure (RDHF), need for revascularization, and stroke. Comprehensive meta-analysis (CMA) was employed to analyze the data for odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics, and both qualitative assessment (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale) and quantitative analysis (Egger's and Beggs test, funnel plots) were conducted. RESULTS: The analysis included 29,115 participants (74.72% male) with a mean age of 68.34 years. It revealed a significantly elevated risk of ACM among stable CAD patients with Hs-cTnT levels >14 ng/L compared to those with levels <14 ng/L (11.2% vs. 3.3%; OR = 5.46; 95% CI = 1.53-19.54; p = 0.009). Similarly, higher risks were observed for MI (10.9% vs 3.6%; OR = 3.12; 95% CI = 0.98-9.95, p = 0.053), CVD (8.1% vs. 2.1%; OR = 3.37; 95% CI = 1.74-6.50; p < 0.0001), and RDHF (6.62% vs. 0.92%; OR = 9.46; 95% CI = 4.65-19.24; p < 0.0001). Notably, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) exhibited a stronger association with Hs-cTnT levels (18.2% vs 7.81%; OR = 1.89; 95% CI = 0.80-4.43; I2 = 97%; p = 0.14) compared to Hs-cTnI levels (20.1% vs 21.1%; OR = 1.30; 95% CI = 1.03-1.64; I2 <0.0001%; p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of Hs-cTnT (>14 ng/L) are significantly associated with increased risks of RDHF and ACM in patients with stable CAD. Further large-scale prospective studies are warranted to refine risk assessment strategies and mitigate cardiovascular mortality in this population.

Dark papillary muscles sign is a new prognostic indicator in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy: A multi-center study.

OBJECTIVES: The prognostic value of left ventricular (LV) papillary muscle anomalies in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients is unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of LV papillary muscle anomalies in DCM patients using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). METHODS: 369 DCM patients who underwent CMR at two Chinese medical facilities from January 2019 to June 2023 were retrospectively and consecutively included in total. The various features of the LV papillary muscles were taken into consideration: thickness, attachment, supernumerary papillary muscles, angles, and signal intensity. The end-systolic signal hypointensity of both papillary muscles in early post-contrast cine CMR images was identified as Dark-Paps. Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were assessed, and all patients were followed up. RESULTS: 119 patients (32.2 %) had Dark-Paps and 141 patients (38.2 %) experienced MACE during a median follow-up of 22 months. According to Kaplan-Meier curve analysis, patients who had Dark-Paps had a lower survival rate free from MACE (log-rank, p < 0.001). Dark-Paps maintained an independent predictor of MACE in a multivariate model that included left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) extent (HR: 3.49; p < 0.001). Furthermore, adding Dark-Paps to the multivariate model greatly enhanced the prognostic role of endpoint events (C-statistic improvement: 0.652-0.777, Delong test: p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Dark-Paps is a potent independent indicator of major adverse cardiac events in dilated cardiomyopathy patients. In addition, Dark-Paps can provide additional prognostic value over the multivariable baseline clinical model.

Unraveling the Mechanisms of Magnesium Supplementation in Alleviating Chronic Kidney Disease Complications and Progression: Balancing Risks and Benefits.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. It is usually diagnosed at early levels because of its slow progression. Treatment should consider CKD complications (such as electrolyte level imbalance, vascular calcification, and bone mineral disorders), as well as the development of CKD itself. Large-scale studies have shown that current treatment guidelines are nearly ineffective and fail to achieve treatment goals. Guidelines have not paid as much attention to magnesium (Mg) as the other electrolytes, while Mg has a significant role in the treatment goals of CKD. Hypomagnesemia is the only electrolyte imbalance that is equally prevalent in all stages of CKD. A lower plasma Mg level in each stage of CKD is associated with a higher risk of CKD progression and cardiac events. Magnesium exerts its effects both directly and via other ions. Mg supplementation increases insulin sensitivity while reducing proteinuria and inflammation. It lowers blood pressure and inhibits vascular calcification primarily because of its effects on calcium and phosphate, respectively. Vitamin D supplementation for low-active vitamin D in CKD patients increases vascular calcification and cardiac events, but magnesium supplementation enhances vitamin D levels and activity without increasing the risk of cardiac events. However, careful attention is required due to the potential threats of hypermagnesemia, particularly in advanced CKD stages. Starting magnesium supplementation early in patients' treatment plans will result in fewer side effects and more advantages. More original research is needed to determine its optimal dose and serum levels.

Prognostic value of single photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging for the prediction of MACE in pre- kidney transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplantation provides substantial benefits in extending survival and improving quality of life for patients with end-stage renal disease. The incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) increases with a decline of kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease. After kidney transplantation, the incidence of MACE remains high. The objective of this study was to assess the prognostic significance of pre-transplant single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) in kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed between January 1st 2015 and March 26th 2024 in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library to identify the prognostic value of SPECT MPI for developing MACE (primary outcome) and mortality (secondary outcome) in kidney transplant recipients (PROSPERO CRD42020188610). Risk of bias was assessed. Meta-analyses and subgroup analyses were performed using random-effects models. RESULTS: Six studies comprising 2090 SPECT MPI scans were included. Abnormal SPECT MPI scans were associated with an increased risk of MACE post-transplantation (HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.27-2.06, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed consistent findings across various patient populations and methodological differences. Sensitivity analyses supported the robustness of our findings. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence showed that pre-transplant SPECT MPI has significant prognostic value in identifying kidney transplant candidates at risk for MACE post-transplantation. Integrating SPECT MPI into preoperative assessments might enhance risk stratification and guide clinical decision-making. Prospective studies are needed to refine risk prediction models.