Incident atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There are controversial data regarding the relationship between bariatric surgery and atrial fibrillation (AF). This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate (i) the incidence and (ii) the risk of AF in patients following bariatric surgery. AIMS: To explore the incidence and risk factors of AF in patients after bariatric surgery. METHODS: A literature search was conducted utilising MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Database from inception through March 2019. We included studies that evaluated the (i) incidence and (ii) risk of AF in patients after bariatric surgery. Pooled incidence and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using random effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: Seven cohort studies consisting of 7681 patients undergoing bariatric surgery were enrolled in this systematic review. The prevalence of AF in patients undergoing bariatric surgery ranged between 0% and 4.6%. Overall, the pooled estimated incidence of AF following bariatric surgery was 5.3% (95% CI: 1.9-13.8) at a median follow-up time of 7.9 years (interquartile range (IQR) 4.1-15.0 years). Compared to controls, the pooled OR of AF among patients undergoing bariatric surgery was 0.42 (95% CI: 0.22-0.83) at a median follow-up time of 7.9 years (IQR 7.2-19.0 years). Egger regression test demonstrated no significant publication bias in our meta-analysis of AF incidence following bariatric surgery. CONCLUSION: The overall estimated incidence of AF following bariatric surgery was 5.3%. Our study demonstrates a significant beneficial association between bariatric surgery and AF, with a 0.42-fold decreased risk of AF. Future large-scale studies are needed to confirm the potential benefits of bariatric surgery on risk of AF.

Safety and efficacy of apixaban versus warfarin in patients with end-stage renal disease: Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: At the present, apixaban is the only nonvitamin K oral anticoagulant approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use with patients with creatinine clearance <15 mL/min or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, the recommendations are based on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data and there was lack of clinical trial evidence. We aimed to assess safety and efficacy of apixaban in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) or ESRD. METHODS: Databases were searched through November 2017. Studies that reported incidence or odd ratios of bleeding complications or thromboembolic events in the use of apixaban in patients with CKD stage 4-5 or ESRD on dialysis were included. Effect estimates from the individual study were extracted and combined using random-effect, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird. RESULTS: Five studies were included into the analysis consisting of 43,850 patients in observational cohort studies. The majority of patients (87%) used apixaban for atrial fibrillation. The pooled estimated incidence of any bleeding complications on apixaban was 17.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.0%-23.0%). Compared to warfarin, apixaban was significantly associated with reduced risk of major bleeding (pooled odds ratio [OR], 0.42; 95% CI, 0.28-0.61). In studies in ESRD patients on dialysis, the pooled OR of major bleeding was 0.27 (95% CI, 0.07-0.95). There was no significant difference in risk of thromboembolic events in advanced CKD or ESRD patients on apixaban versus vitamin K antagonists (pooled OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.23-1.39). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with advanced CKD and ESRD, the use of apixaban was associated with lower risk of major bleeding compared to warfarin, and was found to be relatively effective with no excess risk of thromboembolic events.

Erectile dysfunction and atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pooled incidence or the prevalence of erectile dysfunction, and to assess the risk of erectile dysfunction in patients with atrial fibrillation. METHODS: A systematic review was carried out in the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases from inception through January 2018 to identify: (i) studies that reported the incidence and/or prevalence of erectile dysfunction in atrial fibrillation patients; or (ii) studies that assessed the association between atrial fibrillation and erectile dysfunction. Pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a random effects model. RESULTS: Five observational studies (27 841 patients) were enrolled. The pooled estimated prevalence of erectile dysfunction in atrial fibrillation patients was 57% (95% confidence interval 50-64, I2  = 0). A study showed an incidence of newly diagnosed erectile dysfunction in atrial fibrillation patients of 0.96% during the mean follow-up duration of 4.67 ± 3.20 years. There was a significant association of atrial fibrillation with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction, with a pooled odds ratio of 1.79 (95% confidence interval 1.44-2.23, I2  = 0%). The data on the risk of atrial fibrillation development in patients with erectile dysfunction were limited. A study showed the comparable risk of atrial fibrillation in patients with erectile dysfunction (odds ratio 1.03, 95% confidence interval 0.67-1.5), when compared with those without erectile dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests a significant association between erectile dysfunction and atrial fibrillation. The overall estimated prevalence of erectile dysfunction among atrial fibrillation patients is 57%. However, despite limited data, the current evidence suggests a low incidence of new erectile dysfunction in atrial fibrillation patients.

Long-Term Outcomes of Women With Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Having Subsequent Pregnancies.

BACKGROUND: Long-term maternal outcomes of subsequent pregnancies (SSPs) in patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) have not been analyzed. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to evaluate the long-term survival of SSPs in women with PPCM. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 137 PPCMs in the registry. The clinical and echocardiographic findings were compared between the recovery group (RG) and nonrecovery group (NRG), defined as left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50% and <50% after an index of pregnancy, respectively. RESULTS: Forty-five patients with SSPs were included with a mean age of 27.0 ± 6.1 years, 80% were of African American descent, and 75.6% from a low socioeconomic background. Thirty (66.7%) women were in the RG. Overall, SSPs were associated with a decrease in mean left ventricular ejection fraction from 45.1% ± 13.7% to 41.2% ± 14.5% (P = 0.009). At 5 years, adverse outcomes were significantly higher in the NRG compared with the RG (53.3% vs 20%; P = 0.04), driven by relapse PPCM (53.3% vs 20.0%; P = 0.03). Five-year all-cause mortality was 13.33% in the NRG compared with 3.33% in the RG (P = 0.25). At a median follow-up of 8 years, adverse outcomes and all-cause mortality rates were similar in the NRG and RG (53.3% vs 33.3% [P = 0.20] and 20% vs 20%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Subsequent pregnancies in women with PPCM are associated with adverse events. The normalization of left ventricular function does not guarantee a favorable outcome in the SSPs.

Characteristics and outcomes of patients with sepsis who had cortisol level measurements or received hydrocortisone during their intensive care unit management: A retrospective single center study.

Objectives: The current guidelines for managing patients with sepsis include the early cultures, administration of antibiotics, and fluid resuscitation. Several clinical trials have tried to determine whether or not the administration of corticosteroids improves outcomes in these patients. This study analyzed the characteristics of a large group of critically ill patients who either had cortisol levels drawn during their intensive care unit management or had hydrocortisone administered during their management. Methods: A list of patients who had cortisol levels measured or who had hydrocortisone administered empirically for the treatment of sepsis was identified by the medical record department at University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included the need for mechanical ventilation, the need for renal replacement therapy, the need for vasopressors, length of stay, and the development of nosocomial infections. Results: This study included 351 patients, including 194 women (55.3%). The mean age was 62.9 ± 16.1 years. The mean admission SOFA score was 9.3 ± 3.63, the mean APACHE 2 score was 18.15 ± 7.7, and the mean lactic acid level was 3.8 ± 4.0 mmol/L. One hundred sixty-two patients required intubation, 262 required vasopressors, 215 developed acute kidney injury, and 319 had cortisol levels measured. The mean length of stay was 11.5 ± 13.7 days; the mortality rate was 32.2%. Multiple variable analysis demonstrated that higher cortisol levels were associated with increased mortality (44.1% if cortisol ⩾20 µg/dL versus 17.5% if cortisol <20 µg/dL). One hundred forty-five patients received corticosteroids, and multivariable analysis demonstrated that these patients had increased mortality (40.0% versus 26.7%). Conclusion: In this study, higher cortisol levels were associated with increased mortality. The administration of hydrocortisone was associated with increased mortality possibly reflecting the use of this medication in patients who had a higher likelihood of poor outcomes.

Impact of Outpatient Diuretic Infusion Therapy on Healthcare Cost and Readmissions.

Background and Objectives: Heart failure (HF) is a complex syndrome with multiple etiologies resulting in impaired ventricular filling or pumping of blood. HF is as a major public health concern that leads to significant morbidity and mortality resulting in an enormous financial burden on the healthcare system. The study objectives were to assess the 30-day hospital readmission rates and its financial impact on the hospital. Methods: The study was a retrospective single-center analysis of decoded data of all HF patients admitted to an outpatient diuretic infusion program. Adult patients who were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days despite guideline derive medical therapy were included if they were enrolled in the outpatient diuretic infusion clinic. Adult patients who were included in this study received a furosemide dose of 40 mg intravenously (infusion over 3 hours) at the clinic visit. Patients whose clinical signs/symptoms improved and remained stable in consequent visits were eventually discharged from the clinic. Financial impact was assessed using data obtained from the hospital administration on cost of HF readmissions. Results: The results show a 30-day hospital readmission rate at 6-9% in the years analyzed (n=56) with a net savings of $562,815 to $736,560 per year. Conclusions: This treatment strategy has no detrimental effects in addition to generating substantial financial savings. It appears to be a useful addition to the existing medical treatment regimens chronic HF patients.

Intracranial Mycotic Aneurysm in a Left Ventricular Assist Device Patient: A Complication to Avoid.

In the current era of the increasing use of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) as a bridge to transplant or destination therapy, early diagnosis and therapy of complications are imperative to provide a better quality of life and improve outcomes. This case illustrates how superficial infections can lead to drastic complications in the setting of LVADs. The lack of signs and symptoms of systemic inflammatory response could be explained by cellular immunity impairment in patients on LVAD support. The formation of aneurysms is enhanced in the LVAD population due to altered hemodynamic physiology. It is possible that the combination of impaired cellular immunity and altered hemodynamics of the present-day continuous flow LVADS increases the risk of mycotic aneurysm formation and rupture in patients infected with less virulent organisms.

Regional differences in the association of cytomegalovirus seropositivity and multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite of a few decades of investigations, the association and role of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and multiple sclerosis (MS) remain inconclusive. Herein, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate the association between CMV IgG serostatus and MS. METHODS: A literature search was conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. Eligibility criteria included observational studies assessing the seroprevalence of CMV immunoglobulin G (IgG) in adults with MS and non-MS control. Two authors screened all resulting studies and evaluated the quality of the included studies. Pooled odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using a random-effect model. RESULTS: The search identified 771 unique citations, and 15 (3,591 MS patients and 4,241 controls) satisfied eligibility criteria. The meta-analysis of all included studies showed no significant association between CMV IgG seropositivity and MS with a substantial heterogeneity (OR 1.190; 95%CI 0.780-1.813; I2 32.7%). Subgroup analysis, stratified by geographic area, showed different associations and less heterogeneity in each geographical area. In Europe, CMV IgG seroprevalence was lower among people with MS than controls (OR 0.750; 95%CI 0.599-0.940; I213.9%). In contrast, CMV IgG seropositivity was more common among MS patients compared to controls in the Middle East region (OR 5.089; 95%CI 01.067-24.263; I2 5.6%). There was no significant association in North America. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence of the regional differences in the association between CMV IgG seropositivity and MS. Further biological and epidemiological studies are needed to identify the genetic or environmental factors which are potentially the effect modifiers of this association.

Atypical presentation of a forgotten disease: refractory hypotension in beriberi.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Thiamine deficiency is a treatable disease with an excellent prognosis. However, it is often unrecognized because of the diversity of its clinical presentations. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Herein, we report two atypical cases of nonalcoholic thiamine deficiency that presented with refractory hypotension in the absence of lactic acidosis. RESULTS: Case 1 developed recurrent hypotension, right-sided heart failure, and a classic triad of Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) after gastrointestinal surgery. Case 2 had decreased dietary intake and diuretic abuse, and had multiple episodes of syncope prior to present admission with refractory hypotension and mental status changes. The diagnosis of both cases was confirmed by undetectable pretreatment serum thiamine and dramatic improvement with thiamine replacement. CONCLUSIONS: In this report, we highlight refractory hypotension as a complication of, not only cardiovascular, but also neurologic beriberi. Moreover, thiamine replacement should be considered without delay in hypotensive patients with signs of WE and/or risk factors for beriberi.

Impact of chronic total occlusion on ventricular arrhythmia and mortality in ischaemic cardiomyopathy patient with implantable cardiac defibrillator: a meta-analysis.

Background: Recent studies suggested that chronic total occlusion of the coronary artery increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia (VA) and all-cause mortality in ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) patient who underwent implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) implantation. We aim to demonstrate an association between a presence of CTO and poor cardiovascular outcome in ICD implanted ICM patients. Objective: To examine the association between the presence of CTO and all-cause mortality in ICM with ICD implantation Methods: We comprehensively searched the databases of MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to February 2018. The studies that reported appropriated shock and all-cause mortality in ICD implanted ICM patients, compared between patients with and without CTO of the coronary artery, were included for meta-analysis. Results: Five studies from 2015 to 2018 were included in this meta-analysis involving 1,095 subjects (505 CTO and 590 non-CTO). The presence of CTO was associated with increased incidence of VA (pooled risk ratio = 1.75, 95% confidence interval: 1.10-2.77, p = 0.01) and all-cause mortality (pooled risk ratio = 1.63, 95% confidence interval: 1.10-2.41, p = 0.001) in ICD implanted ICM patients. Conclusions: Presence of CTO of the coronary artery increased risk of VA and all-cause mortality in ICD implanted ICM patients up to 75% and 63%, respectively. Our study suggested that CTO is an independent predictor of unfavourable outcome and revascularised option should be considered in ICM patients with ICD.

Incidence of atrial fibrillation in pregnancy and clinical significance: A meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia worldwide, and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, the incidence and maternal/fetal outcomes of AF in pregnancy remain unclear. This study's aims were to investigate the pooled incidence of AF in pregnant women and to assess maternal/fetal outcomes of AF in pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search for studies that reported incidence of AF in pregnancy, was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Database from inception through May 2018. Pooled incidence with 95%CI were calculated using a random-effect model. The protocol for this meta-analysis is registered with PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; no. CRD42018095955). RESULTS: We identified 7 cohort studies including 301,638 pregnancies. The pooled estimated incidence of AF in pregnancy among women with no known heart disease, and those with structural heart disease was 0.3% (95%CI: 0.01%-40.6%) and 2.2% (95%CI: 0.96%-5.01%), respectively. Among women with known AF, the pooled estimated incidence of recurrent AF in pregnancy was 39.2% (95%CI: 16.9%-67.2%). The pooled estimated incidence of pre-eclampsia and congestive heart failure among pregnant patients with AF was 4.1% (95%CI: 2.1%-7.8%) and 9.6% (95%CI: 5.7%-15.9%), respectively. The pooled estimated incidence of fetal events including premature birth, small for gestational age, respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, death was 26.6% (95%CI: 20.4%-34.0%). CONCLUSION: The overall estimated incidence of AF and recurrent AF during pregnancy is as high as 2.2% and 39.2%, respectively. AF during pregnancy may result in poor maternal and fetal outcomes.

Liver transplantation and atrial fibrillation: A meta-analysis.

AIM: To assess prevalence of pre-existing atrial fibrillation (AF) and/or incidence of AF following liver transplantation, and the trends of patient's outcomes overtime; to evaluate impact of pre-existing AF and post-operative AF on patient outcomes following liver transplantation. METHODS: A literature search was conducted utilizing MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Database from inception through March 2018. We included studies that reported: (1) prevalence of pre-existing AF or incidence of AF following liver transplantation; or (2) outcomes of liver transplant recipients with AF. Effect estimates from the individual study were extracted and combined utilizing random-effect, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird. The protocol for this meta-analysis is registered with PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, No. CRD42018093644). RESULTS: Twelve observational studies with a total of 38586 liver transplant patients were enrolled. Overall, the pooled estimated prevalence of pre-existing AF in patients undergoing liver transplantation was 5.4% (95%CI: 4.9%-5.9%) and pooled estimated incidence of AF following liver transplantation was 8.5% (95%CI: 5.2%-13.6%). Meta-regression analyses were performed and showed no significant correlations between year of study and either prevalence of pre-existing AF (P = 0.08) or post-operative AF after liver transplantation (P = 0.54). The pooled OR of mortality among liver transplant recipients with pre-existing AF was 2.34 (2 studies; 95%CI: 1.10-5.00). In addition, pre-existing AF is associated with postoperative cardiovascular complications among liver transplant recipients (3 studies; OR: 5.15, 95%CI: 2.67-9.92, I 2 = 64%). With limited studies, two studies suggested significant association between new-onset AF and poor clinical outcomes including mortality, cerebrovascular events, post-transplant acute kidney injury, and increased risk of graft failure among liver transplant recipients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The overall estimated prevalence of pre-existing AF and incidence of AF following liver transplantation are 5.4% and 8.5%, respectively. Incidence of AF following liver transplant does not seem to decrease overtime. Pre-existing AF and new-onset AF are potentially associated with poor clinical outcomes post liver transplantation.

Atrial fibrillation following heart transplantation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have suggested a high incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in heart transplant recipients. However, incidence trends of AF in heart transplant recipients remain unclear. The study's aims were (1) to investigate the pooled incidence/incidence trends of AF following heart transplantation and (2) to assess the mortality risk of heart transplant recipients with AF. METHODS: A literature search for studies that reported the incidence of AF following heart transplantation was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Database from inception through March 2018. Pooled incidence and odds ratios (OR) with 95%CI were calculated using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Eighteen studies (2 cohorts from clinical trials and 16 cohort studies) with 5393 heart transplant recipients were enrolled. The pooled estimated incidence of AF in heart transplant was 10.1% (95%CI: 7.6%-13.2%). Meta-analysis based on the type of anastomotic technique demonstrated a pooled estimated incidence of AF following heart transplantation of 18.7% (95%CI: 10.3%-31.5%) and 11.1% (95%CI: 6.5%-18.4%) by biatrial and bicaval techniques, respectively. There was a significant association between AF following a heart transplant and increased mortality risk with a pooled OR of 2.86 (95%CI: 2.08-3.93). Meta-regression analyses showed no significant correlations between the year of study and incidence of AF (P = 0.47) or mortality risk of AF after heart transplantation (P = 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: The overall estimated incidence of AF following heart transplantation is 10.1%. There is a significant association between AF and increased mortality after transplantation. Furthermore, incidence and mortality risk of AF following heart transplant does not seem to decrease over time.

Celiac disease and the risk of kidney diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Previous epidemiologic studies attempting to demonstrate the risk of kidney diseases among patients with celiac disease (CD) have yielded inconsistent results. This meta-analysis was conducted with the aims to summarize all available evidence. METHODS: A literature search was performed using MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to May 2016. Studies that provided relative risks, odd ratios, or hazard ratios examining the risk of kidney diseases among patients with CD versus individuals without CD were included. Pooled risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random-effect, generic inverse variance method. RESULTS: Eight studies met our eligibility criteria and were included in our analysis. A pooled RR of overall kidney diseases in patients with CD was 2.01 (95% CI, 1.44-2.81, I2=76%). The pooled RR of end-stage renal disease in patients with CD was 2.57 (95% CI, 2.03-3.24). Subgroup analyses showed that significant risks were increased for diabetic nephropathy (pooled RR of 1.49, 95% CI, 1.09-2.02) and IgA nephropathy (pooled RR of 2.62, 95% CI, 1.27-5.42) in patients with CD. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates a significantly increased risk of kidney diseases among patients with CD. These findings may influence clinical management and primary prevention of kidney diseases in patients with CD.