Outcomes of urgent versus nonurgent transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data regarding the outcomes of transcatheter valve replacement (TAVR) performed in an urgent clinical setting. METHODS: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database years 2011-2014 was used to identify hospitalizations for TAVR in the urgent setting. Using propensity score matching, we compared patients who underwent TAVR in nonurgent versus urgent settings. RESULTS: Among 42,154 hospitalizations in which TAVR was performed, 10,114 (24%) underwent urgent TAVR. There was an uptrend in the rate of urgent TAVR procedures (p = .001). The rates of in-hospital mortality among this group did not change during the study period (p = .713). Nonurgent TAVR was associated with lower mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.69-0.89, p < .001) compared with urgent TAVR. Nonurgent TAVR was associated with lower incidence of cardiogenic shock (OR = 0.46; 95%CI: 0.40-0.53 p < .001), use of mechanical circulatory support devices (OR = 0.69; 95%CI: 0.59-0.82, p < .001), AKI (OR = 0.60; 95%CI: 0.56-0.64 p < .001), hemodialysis (OR = 0.67; 95%CI: 0.56-0.80 p < .001), major bleeding (OR = 0.94; 95%CI: 0.89-0.99 p = .045) and shorter length of stay (7.08 ± 6.317 vs. 12.39 ± 9.737 days, p < .001). There was no difference in acute stroke (OR = 0.96; 95%CI: 0.81-1.14, p = .636), vascular complications (OR = 1.07; 95%CI: 0.89-1.29, p = .492), and pacemaker insertions (OR = 0.92; 95%CI: 0.84-1.01, p = .067) between both groups. Among those undergoing urgent TAVR, subgroup analysis showed higher mortality in patients ≤80 years (p = .033), women (p < .001), chronic kidney disease (p = .001), heart failure (p < .001), and liver disease (p = .003). CONCLUSION: In this large nationwide analysis, almost a quarter of TAVR procedures were performed in the urgent settings. Although urgent TAVR was associated with higher mortality and increased complications compared with nonurgent TAVR, the absolute difference in in-hospital mortality was not remarkably higher. Thus, urgent TAVR can be considered as a reasonable approach when indicated.

National trends and outcomes for extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation use in high-risk pulmonary embolism.

Little is known about the temporal trends and outcomes for extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in patients with high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) in the United States. We queried the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2005 to 2013 to identify patients admitted with high-risk PE. Our objective was to determine trends for ECMO use in patients with high-risk PE. We also assessed in-hospital outcomes among patients with high-risk PE receiving ECMO. We evaluated 77,809 hospitalizations for high-risk PE. There was an upward trend in the utilization of ECMO from 0.07% in 2005 to 1.1% in 2013 ( p = 0.015). ECMO was utilized more in urban teaching hospitals and large hospitals. ECMO use was associated with lower mortality in patients with massive PE ( p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality for patients receiving ECMO was 61.6%, with no change over the observational period ( p = 0.68). Our investigation revealed several independent predictors of increased mortality in patients with high-risk PE using ECMO as hemodynamic support, including: age, female sex, obesity, congestive heart failure, and chronic pulmonary disease. ECMO, therefore, as a rescue strategy or bridge to definitive treatment, may be effective in the management of high-risk PE when selecting patients with favorable clinical characteristics.

Land suitability modeling for newly reclaimed area using GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis.

Selecting the appropriate land use is one of the most important steps toward achieving sustainable development. The main objective of this research is to develop a new method to overcome the contradiction occurring when using the conventional methods to evaluate land suitability for newly reclaimed areas. A spatial model was developed to assess land suitability for wheat in El-Minia Governorate, Egypt, using integration of modeling and geographic information systems-based multi-criteria decision analysis (GIS-MCDA). Land suitability for wheat was performed using two approaches, namely the proposed model (GIS-MCDA) and the parametric method (square root). According to the square root, 75.0% of the study area was classified as not suitable, while the proposed model revealed that 20.5% of the study area was classified as highly suitable and 61.5% as moderately suitable. In order to examine the validity of the proposed model, a comparison was made between the obtained results of both the proposed model and the square root method with the actual yield of the wheat. The correlation coefficient (r) between actual yield and the estimated yield of the square root method was 0.46, while the proposed model gives higher value (r = 0.95), which proves the validity of the proposed model in estimating land suitability for wheat cultivation. The findings of this research revealed that the integration of modeling and GIS-MCDA adopted by the proposed model provides an effective and flexible technique contributing to improve land suitability assessment for wheat in newly reclaimed areas to be more accurate and reliable.

Incremental benefit of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in the assessment of left main coronary artery stent protrusion.

Ostial lesions represent a challenging clinical scenario and percutaneous intervention (PCI) of left main coronary artery ostial lesions has been associated with postintervention complications, including protrusion of deployed stents into a sinus of Valsalva or aortic root. We report a case of stent protrusion into the aortic root following aorto-ostial left main coronary artery PCI, in which three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) provided incremental benefit over standard two-dimensional images. Specifically, 3DTEE confirmed the presence of stent protrusion by allowing clear visualization of the stent scaffold, in addition to characterizing the relationship between the stent and surrounding structures.

Incremental benefit of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in the assessment of a primary pericardial hemangioma.

Hemangiomas are rarely found in the heart and pericardial involvement is even more rare. We report a case of primary pericardial hemangioma, in which three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) provided incremental benefit over standard two-dimensional images. Our case also highlights the importance of systematic cropping of the 3D datasets in making a diagnosis of pericardial hemangioma with a greater degree of certainty. In addition, we also provide a literature review of the features of cardiac/pericardial hemangiomas in a tabular form.

Two- and three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiographic assessment of superior vena cava, crista terminalis, and right atrial appendage using the right parasternal approach.

BACKGROUND: The noninvasive assessment of superior vena cava (SVC), crista terminalis (CT), and the right atrial appendage (RAA) has clinical implications in determining the right atrium (RA) pressure in adult patients in whom the inferior vena cava cannot be imaged, in planning electrophysiological procedures and for evaluation of thrombi in RA/RAA. It is difficult to image these structures using standard two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2DTTE), but the right parasternal approach has shown promise in the very few studies published so far. AIM: The aim of this study was to show the feasibility of this approach and its usefulness in qualitative and quantitative assessments of these structures by both 2D and three (3D) TTE in patients with and without known cardiac pathologies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study consisted of 38 adult patients, 17 of whom had cardiac pathologies (Group 1) while the remainder (Group 2) had no evidence of heart disease clinically or by echocardiography. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Both SVC and RAA could be imaged by 2DTTE and 3DTTE in 53% of 40 patients (two separate groups of 20 consecutive patients) studied demonstrating the technical feasibility of this approach. SVC size and collapsibility, CT and RAA size, and RAA fractional shortening were evaluated in both groups by both 2D and 3DTTE. 3DTTE provided incremental value over 2DTTE by its ability to view en face the SVC in short axis and the base of RAA and RAA volumes resulting in more comprehensive assessment of their size and function.

Does three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography provide incremental value in percutaneous closure of ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm?

Ascending aortic pseudoaneurysms (AO PSAs), if left untreated, are complicated by a high rate of rupture resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. New transcatheter modalities have emerged as acceptable surgical alternatives for their management. We present a case of an ascending aortic PSA in which intraoperative two- and three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2DTEE and 3DTEE) provided a comprehensive assessment of the PSA in pre- and postclosure settings.

Comparative study of two techniques of laparoscopic burch colposuspension using sutures versus mesh in women with genuine stress urinary incontinence.

Background: To compare the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic colposuspension using sutures (LCS) versus mesh and staples (LCM) in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence. Methods: This randomized study was conducted over a total of 80 women with genuine stress urinary incontinence between January 2020 and April 2022. Women were randomly assigned to the LCS group (n = 40) or the LCM group (n = 40). They underwent objective evaluations, including a standardized stress test, a 24-hour pad test, and a frequency-volume chart. Subjective assessments were made using a quality-of-life questionnaire. Results: The LCS group exhibited superior outcomes in PAD test improvement (from 147 [31-304] to 3 [0-300] at 1 year, p < 0.001), stress test scores (from 82 [11-153] to 1 [0-124] at 1 year, p < 0.001), and mean micturated volume (increase from 294 ± 65 to 321 ± 57 at 1 year, p = 0.037) compared to the LCM group. Urodynamic findings revealed a higher Maximum Urethral Closure Pressure in the LCS group (33.1 ± 6.9) versus the LCM group (28.3 ± 6.4, p = 0.002). Quality of life improvements were significantly better in the LCS group across various domains. However, the LCM group benefitted from shorter surgery duration, hospital stays, and bladder drainage duration. Conclusion: LCS demonstrates significant advantages over LCM in treating female stress urinary incontinence, particularly in cure rates and quality of life improvements. Despite the operational benefits of LCM in terms of reduced surgery and recovery times, LCS offers superior therapeutic outcomes.

Perioperative outcomes of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: An insight from the National Readmission Database.

BACKGROUND: Data regarding hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) patients undergoing noncardiac surgery is lacking. We sought to examine the perioperative outcomes of HOCM patients undergoing noncardiac surgery using a national database. METHODS: We used the National readmission database from 2016 to 2019. We identified HOCM, heart undergoing noncardiac surgery using ICD 10 codes. We examined hospital outcomes as well as 90 days readmission outcomes. RESULTS: We identified 16,098 HOCM patients and 21,895,699 non-HOCM patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. The HOCM group had more comorbidities at baseline. After adjustment for major clinical predictors, the HOCM group experienced more in-hospital death, odds ratio (OR) 1.33 (1.216-1.47), P < 0.001, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), OR 1.18 (1.077-1.292), P < 0.001, acute heart failure odds ratio OR 1.3 to (1.220-1.431), P < 0.001, 90 days readmission OR 1.237 (1.069-1.432), P < 0.01, cardiogenic shock OR 2.094 (1.855-2.363), P < 0.001. Cardiac arrhythmia was the most common cause of readmission, out of the arrhythmias atrial fibrillation was the most prevalent. Acute heart failure was the most common complication of readmission. There was no difference in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and AMI between both groups and readmission. CONCLUSION: HOCM patients undergoing noncardiac surgery may be at increased risk of in-hospital and readmission events. Acute heart failure was the most common complication during index admission, while cardiac arrhythmias were the most common complication during readmission. More research is needed to address this patient population further.

Coronary-Pulmonary Artery Fistula Repair With Coil Embolization: A Single Center Experience.

Coronary-pulmonary artery fistulas (CPF) are a rare malformation that is often asymptomatic but can be associated with dyspnea, angina, palpitation, dizziness, and syncope. Trans-catheter closure (TCC) with coil embolization is gaining prominence relative to surgical closure due to lower complications; however, there is a paucity of literature on the closure of CPFs with TCC. Here, we demonstrate a case series on the closure of a left anterior descending (LAD) artery to pulmonary artery (PA) fistula by advancing a guideliner into the coronary artery up to the origin of the coronary fistula in order to provide support for the advancement of the microcatheter and coil delivery.

Vanin 1 Gene Role in Modulation of iNOS/MCP-1/TGF-ß1 Signaling Pathway in Obese Diabetic Patients.

Introduction: Cysteamine, a powerful endogenous antioxidant, is produced mostly by the vanin-1 with pantetheinase activity. With regard to glycemic, inflammatory, and redox factors, the current study sought to evaluate the association between the expression of the vanin-1 gene, oxidative stress, and inflammatory and iNOS signaling pathway in obese diabetic patients. Methods: We enrolled 67 male subjects with an average age of 53.5 ± 5.0 years, divided into 4 groups according to the WHO guideline. We determined their plasma levels of glucose, insulin, IRI, HbA1c, TC, TG, HDL-C, TNF- α, MCP-1, TGF-ß1, SOD, CAT, and TBARs, as well as expression of the iNOS and Vanin1 genes. Results: Overweight and obese class I and II diabetics had significantly higher levels of plasma glucose, insulin, HbA1c, TNF-α, MCP-1, TGF-ß1, CAT, and TBAR as well as iNOS and vanin-1 gene expression compared to healthy control individuals. In addition, as compared to healthy control individuals, overweight obese class I and II diabetics' plasma HDL-C levels and blood SOD activity were significantly lower. In addition, ultrasound and computed tomography showed that the presence of a mild obscuring fatty liver with mild hepatic echogenicity appeared in overweight, class I and II obese diabetic patients. Conclusion: These findings provide important information for understanding the correlation between Vanin 1 and glycemic, inflammatory, and redox factors in obese patients. Furthermore, US and CT analysis were performed to visualize the observed images of fatty liver due to obesity.

Plasma Phospholipids: A Promising Simple Biochemical Parameter to Evaluate COVID-19 Infection Severity.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic is a worldwide public health problem that has been known in China since December 25, 2019. Phospholipids are structural components of the mammalian cytoskeleton and cell membranes. They suppress viral attachment to the plasma membrane and subsequent replication in lung cells. In the virus-infected lung, phospholipids are highly prone to oxidation by reactive oxygen species, leading to the production of oxidized phospholipids (OxPLs). OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to explain the correlation between the level of plasma phospholipids in patients with COVID-19 infection and the levels of cytokine storms to assess the severity of the disease. METHODS: Plasma samples from 34 enrolled patients with mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infection were collected. Complete blood count (CBC), plasma levels of D-dimer, ferritin, C-reactive protein (CRP), cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), phospholipids, secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2)α2, and cytokine storms were estimated, and lung computed tomography (CT) imaging was detected. RESULTS: The CBC picture showed the presence of leukopenia, lymphopenia, and eosinopenia in patients with COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, a significant increase was found in plasma levels of D-dimer, CRP, ferritin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and IL-13 as well as sPLA2α2 activity compared to normal persons. However, plasma levels of phospholipids decreased in patients with moderate and severe COVID-19 infection, as well as significantly decreased in levels of triacylglycerols and HDL-C in plasma from patients with severe infection only, compared to normal persons. Furthermore, a lung CT scan showed the presence of inflammation in a patient with mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infection. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that there is a correlation between plasma phospholipid depletion and elevated cytokine storm in patients with COVID-19 infection. Depletion of plasma phospholipid levels in patients with COVID-19 infection is due to oxidative stress, induction of cytokine storm, and systemic inflammatory response after endothelial cell damage promote coagulation. According to current knowledge, patients with COVID-19 infection may need to administer surfactant replacement therapy and sPLA2 inhibitors to treat respiratory distress syndrome, which helps them to maintain the interconnected surfactant structures.

Efficacy of transforaminal epidural magnesium administration when combined with a local anaesthetic and steroid in the management of lower limb radicular pain.

BACKGROUND: Lower limb radicular pain resulting from a herniated intervertebral disc is a cause of functional disability and could lead to increased consumption of opioids. We evaluated the efficacy of epidural magnesium combined with a local anaesthetic and steroid in the management of this pain. METHODS: This was a prospective, case-control, randomized, double-blind study. Fifty patients each received 2 ml bupivacaine, 1 ml (40 mg) methylprednisolone and 1 ml saline (0.9%) (group C) or magnesium (200 mg) instead of saline (group M). The primary outcome measure was the improvement in the pain score (assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS)), and the secondary outcome was the improvement in the functional ability (assessed using the Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (MODQ)). The VAS and MODQ scores were assessed before and at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months post-intervention. RESULTS: The VAS and MODQ scores were significantly better in group M compared to those in group C at all times post-injection (p-value < 0.001). Comparisons within the same group showed that the VAS and MODQ scores were significantly better at all post-injection time points compared to the pre-injection scores in both group C and group M (p-values < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Adding magnesium to a local anaesthetic and steroid to be injected in the transforaminal epidural space could improve the pain and the quality of life in patients suffering from lower limb radicular pain due to lumbo-sacral disc herniation, and this improvement could last for up to 3 months. SIGNIFICANCE: Magnesium is efficient when added to local anaesthetics and steroids for management of lower limb radicular pain.

Age-specific trends and outcomes of hospitalizations with acute heart failure in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the age-specific temporal trends, in-hospital outcomes and readmissions for acute heart failure (HF). BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data on the age-specific differences in the trends and outcomes of hospitalizations with acute HF. METHODS: The National Inpatients Sample database years 2002-2016 and the National Readmissions Database years 2013-2016 were used to identify primary hospitalizations for acute HF. We analyzed the age-specific temporal trends, in-hospital outcomes, and readmissions for acute HF. RESULTS: The annual rate of hospitalizations for acute HF declined from 456 per 100,000 people in 2002 to 356 per 100,000 people in 2016 (Ptrend < 0.001). The decline was observed among all age groups, except those aged 18-44 years. There was a decline in in-hospital mortality among all age groups, except for those aged 18-34 years. Compared with 18-34 years, adjusted in-hospital mortality was lower among 35-44 years (odds ratio 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74-0.82) and 45-54 years (OR 0.87; 95% CI 0.83-0.91) but higher among 55-64 years (OR 1.60; 95% CI 1.54-1.67) and ≥ 75 year (OR 2.54; 95% CI 2.44-2.64). Compared with 18-34 years, 30-day HF-related readmissions were significantly lower in older age groups (>34 years). CONCLUSIONS: This nationwide contemporary analysis demonstrated a decline in the annual rates of hospitalizations with acute HF across all age categories except those aged 18-44 years. There was a reduction in rates of in-hospital mortality among middle-aged and older patients, but not in those aged 18-34. In-hospital mortality exhibited a dichotomous relationship with age. There was an inverse relationship between age and 30-days HF readmissions.

Temporal Trends and Outcomes of Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair and Surgical Mitral Valve Intervention.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data regarding the contemporary changes in the uptake and outcomes of transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) and surgical mitral valve repair/replacement (SMVR). METHODS: We queried the NIS database (2012-2016) to identify hospitalizations for TMVR and SMVR. We reported the temporal trends for uptake of TMVR and SMVR and their in-hospital outcomes. RESULTS: The analysis included 77,645 hospitalizations: 8760 (11.3%) for TMVR and 68,885 (88.7%) for SMVR. Those undergoing TMVR were older and had a higher prevalence of comorbidities, but shorter length of stay (5.5 ± 8.8 vs. 14.3 ± 13.8, p < 0.001) compared with SMVR. There was a marked increase in the number of TMVRs over time (from 420 in 2012 to 3850 in 2016; +917%; Ptrend = 0.008) but a modest increase in the number of SMVRs (+117%; Ptrend = 0.02). Overall, TMVR was associated with low in-hospital mortality (2%) and favorable safety profile. After adjusting for clinical and hospital variables, there were non-significant trends towards lower adjusted mortality among TMVR and SMVR (Ptrend = 0.16 and Ptrend = 0.13, respectively). Notably, among TMVR patients, female sex was associated with lower in-hospital mortality while CKD was associated with increased in-hospital mortality. There was a significant downtrend in the incidences of cardiac arrest, hemodialysis and length of stay in TMVR patients. CONCLUSION: Real world data showed a steady increase in the number of TMVR and SMVR procedures. Overall, TMVR was associated with low in-hospital mortality and complications rates. Despite older age and increased comorbidities, TMVR patients had lower in-hospital mortality and shorter length than their SMVR counterparts.

Comparative Outcomes of Transapical Versus Transfemoral Access for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Diabetics.

INTRODUCTION: The outcomes of transfemoral (TF) compared with transapical (TA) access for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in diabetics are unknown. METHODS: We queried the NIS database (2011-2014) to identify diabetics who underwent TAVR. We performed a propensity matching analysis comparing TF-TAVR versus TA-TAVR. RESULTS: The analysis included 14.555 diabetics who underwent TAVR. After matching, in-hospital mortality was not different between TF-TAVR and TA-TAVR. (3.5 vs. 4.4%, p = 0.11). TF-TAVR was associated with lower rates of cardiogenic shock (2.7 vs. 4.7%, p = 0.02), use of mechanical circulatory support (2.0 vs. 2.9%, p = 0.03), acute renal failure (17.8 vs. 26.5%, p < 0.001), major bleeding (35.8 vs. 40.7%, p < 0.001) and respiratory complications (1.1 vs. 4.4%, p < 0.001) compared with TA-TAVR. However, TF-TAVR was associated with a higher rate of vascular complications (2.9 vs. 0.9%, p < 0.001), cardiac tamponade (0.5 vs. 0.0%, p < 0.001), complete heart block (10.8 vs. 7.7%, p < 0.001) and pacemaker insertion (11.8 vs. 8.3%, p < 0.001). There was no difference between both groups in acute stroke (1.8 vs. 2.2%, p = 0.39), hemodialysis (2.0 vs. 2.2%, p = 0.71), and ventricular arrhythmias (4.9 vs. 4.2%, p = 0.19). Notably, TF-TAVR was associated with higher mortality, acute stroke, AKI, hemodialysis, PCI, and respiratory complications in complicated diabetics compared with non-complicated diabetics. CONCLUSIONS: This observational analysis showed no difference in-hospital mortality between TF-TAVR and TA-TAVR among diabetic patients. Studies exploring the optimal access for TAVR among diabetics are recommended.

Losartan for Preventing Aortic Root Dilatation in Patients with Marfan Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials.

INTRODUCTION: The role of losartan in preventing aortic root dilatation in Marfan syndrome has been evaluated in many clinical trials; however, the results are conflicting. METHODS: We performed a computerized search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and COCHRANE databases through February 2019 for randomized clinical trials evaluating the effect of losartan in patients with Marfan syndrome. The main outcome was the change in the aortic root diameter in the losartan versus control groups. RESULTS: Our final analysis included seven randomized trials with a total of 1352 patients and average weighted follow-up of 37.8 months. Change in aortic root diameter was significantly smaller with losartan compared with control [weighted means: 0.44 vs. 0.58 mm, mean difference (MD) = -0.13; 95% CI -0.24 to -0.02; p = 0.02]. Subgroup analysis according to the control group showed no significant subgroup interaction when comparing losartan with beta-blockers versus with standard therapy (pinteraction= 0.27). The composite outcome of aortic surgery, dissection or mortality did not differ between the losartan and control groups (risk ratio = 1.03; 95% CI 0.72-1.49, p = 0.86). CONCLUSION: In this meta-analysis including seven randomized trials, the use of losartan was associated with a significantly smaller change in aortic root diameter in patients with Marfan syndrome.

Meta-analysis of randomized trials on percutaneous patent foramen ovale closure for prevention of migraine.

BACKGROUND: The role of percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure for prevention of migraine is controversial. METHODS: We performed a computerised search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and COCHRANE databases through December 2017 for randomised trials evaluating PFO closure versus control in patients with migraine headaches (with or without aura). The main study outcome was the reduction in monthly migraine attacks after PFO closure compared with the control group. RESULTS: The final analysis included three randomised trials with a total of 484 patients. Reduction in monthly migraine attacks was higher in PFO closure compared with the control group (standardised mean difference-SMD = 0.25; 95% CI: 0.06-0.43; p = .01). There was higher reduction of monthly migraine days in PFO closure group compared with control group (SMD = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.08-0.53; p = .01). There was no statistically significant difference in complete resolution of migraine attacks (OR: 3.67; 95% CI: 0.66-20.41; p = .14) and in responders' rate (OR: 1.92; 95% CI: 0.76-4.85; p = .17) between PFO closure and control groups. In patients whose majority of migraine attacks are with aura, there was an observed reduction in migraine attacks in PFO closure compared with control groups (SMD = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.07-1.65; p = .03). CONCLUSION: PFO closure might be beneficial in migraine patients by reducing migraine attacks and migraine days, especially in patients whose majority of migraine attacks are with aura. However, those benefits were not associated with an improvement in responders' rate or complete resolution of migraine; raising concerns on the magnitude of clinical benefit of PFO closure in migraine prevention.

Temporal Trends and Outcomes of Hospitalizations With Prinzmetal Angina: Perspectives From a National Database.

BACKGROUND: Contemporary data regarding the temporal changes in prevalence and outcomes of hospitalizations with Prinzmetal angina are limited. METHODS: We queried the National Inpatient Sample Database for the years 2002-2015 to identify hospitalizations with Prinzmetal angina. We described the temporal trends and outcomes in patients with Prinzmetal angina. RESULTS: A total of 97,280 hospitalizations with Prinzmetal angina were identified. There was a significant increase in the number of hospitalizations with Prinzmetal angina (3678 in 2002 vs 8633 in 2015, Ptrend <.001) as well as the proportion of hospitalizations with Prinzmetal angina among those with chest pain (Ptrend <.001). There was an increase in the rates of in-hospital mortality (0.24% in 2002 vs 0.85% in 2015, Ptrend = .02), which corresponded to a progressive increase in the burden of comorbidities among patients with Prinzmetal angina. Age >65 years, history of heart failure, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, and acute myocardial infarction upon presentation were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Compared with patients with acute myocardial infarction without Prinzmetal angina, those with Prinzmetal angina presenting with acute myocardial infarction had a lower incidence of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 0.24, 95% confidence interval 0.14-0.41). CONCLUSIONS: In this large national analysis, there has been an increase in the prevalence of hospitalizations with Prinzmetal angina. Older age, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, and acute myocardial infarction were predictors of higher mortality among patients with Prinzmetal angina. Patients with Prinzmetal angina who developed acute myocardial infarction had more favorable outcomes compared with myocardial infarction without Prinzmetal angina.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis (from the Nationwide Inpatient Database).

Little is known on the outcomes of surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) versus transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We queried the Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database (2012 to 2016). We performed a propensity-score-matched analysis based on 25 clinical and hospital variables to compare patients with RA who underwent SAVR versus TAVI. Our primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Our final analysis included 5,640 hospitalizations with RA who underwent isolated AVR; of whom, 2,465 (43.7%) underwent TAVI. There was an increasing trend in TAVI procedures during the study years (ptrend= 0.001). There was a trend toward reduced in-hospital mortality among TAVI compared with SAVR but did not reach statistical significance (0.8% vs 1.6%, odds ratio = 0.50; 95% confidence interval 0.23 to 1.06, p = 0.097). TAVI was associated with lower rates of postoperative bleeding (28.7% vs 43.9%, p <0.001), blood transfusion (12.3% vs 40.2%, p <0.001), acute kidney injury (9.8% vs 16.0%, p <0.001), cardiac tamponade (0.0% vs 1.6%, p <0.001), and discharges to skilled nursing facility (SNF) (20.1% vs 42.2%, p <0.001). However, TAVI was associated with a higher rate of complete heart block (14.3% vs 6.1%, p <0.001) and pacemaker implantations (14.8% vs 5.7%, p <0.001). There were no differences between both groups in cardiogenic shock, acute stroke, acute myocardial infarction, and vascular complications. In conclusion, real-word data showed no significant difference in in-hospital mortality between TAVI and SAVR in patients with RA. TAVI was associated with lower rates of acute kidney injury and bleeding complications at the expense of higher incidence of pacemaker implantations.