Follow-up care after COVID-19 and its related concerns.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (1). Overall COVID-19-related rates of mortality are low; deaths usually occur in patients older than 60 and those suffering from serious chronic diseases. Most of the patients recover within one or two weeks. However, in approximately 5-10 % of the patients some of the symptoms persist for weeks and months. Post-COVID-19 syndrome is a multisystem disease with overlapping symptoms and may occur even in patients who were relatively mildly affected during the acute phase of the disease. Evaluating the number of patients with or after the novel coronavirus infection in the Czech Republic, it can be estimated that in the next months there will be about 50,000 new patients suffering from long-COVID-19 requiring attention of general practitioners in the least, and, in all probability, also of other medical specialists. A thorough knowledge of the syndrome and efficient ideally evidence-based guidelines have to be formulated to combat the adverse impact of the pandemic.

Local thrombolysis for deep vein thrombosis: why, for whom and how?

Despite the progress achieved in prevention and therapy in recent decades, venous thromboembolic disorder still presents medical burden. Incidence is estimated about 100-200/100 000 per year. Patients, who underwent deep vein thrombosis are at risk of recurrence and/or development of post-thrombotic syndrome. Both can affect the quality of life. In acute phase of the disease anticoagulation and compression are effective therapy in most cases. But in severe clinical manifestations escalation of the therapy should be considered. Surgical embolectomy is possible, but complication rate is high. Endovascular approaches are viable option. Catheter directed local thrombolysis is effective not only in situation of limb emergency (phlegmasia). We summarize indications, technical approach and evidence for this specific treatment.

Terlipressin in the treatment of late phase catecholamine-resistant septic shock.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Norepinephrine, but also dopamine and epinephrine are recommended as first line vasopressors in the treatment of septic shock. In some patients, septic shock deteriorates and becomes to be resistant to catecholamines. In this situation, addition of vasopressin or terlipressin can be advantageous. The aim of our pilot study was to evaluate the impact of terlipressin on open label norepinephrine requirements and mortality. METHODOLOGY: In a randomized, controlled, single centre study we assigned patients with late advanced septic shock refractory to catecholamines (norepinephrine >0.6µg/kg/min for more than 24h) to receive either continuously terlipressin 4mg/24h for 72 hours in addition to open label norepinephrine (TERLI group) or to continue therapy only with catecholamines (CON group). All vasopressor infusions were titrated to maintain a target blood pressure. RESULTS: We enrolled 30 patients, of whom 13 were assigned to terlipressin and in 17 we continued in catecholamine therapy. There was no significant difference in norepinephrine consumption between the groups. Open label norepinephrine infusion rates decreased significantly in the TERLI group as compared with initial consumption, but the decrease we observed only in 7 (54%) patients. There was no significant difference between groups in the rate of death at day 28 (77% in TERLI group and 94% in CON group; p=0.18) or at day 90 (91% vs. 94%; p=0.85). CONCLUSIONS: Continuous terlipressin infusion was not effective in reducing norepinephrine consumption or in the mortality of patients, if administered in late phase of catecholamine refractory septic shock.

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury and its contemporary prevention.

The complexity and application range of interventional and diagnostic procedures using contrast media (CM) have recently increased. This allows more patients to undergo procedures that involve CM administration. However, the intrinsic CM toxicity leads to the risk of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI). At present, effective therapy of CI-AKI is rather limited. Effective prevention of CI-AKI therefore becomes crucially important. This review presents an in-depth discussion of CI-AKI incidence, pathogenesis, risk prediction, current preventive strategies, and novel treatment possibilities. The review also discusses the difference between CI-AKI incidence following intraarterial and intravenous CM administration. Factors contributing to the development of CI-AKI are considered in conjunction with the mechanism of acute kidney damage. The need for ultimate risk estimation and the prediction of CI-AKI is stressed. Possibilities of CI-AKI prevention is evaluated within the spectrum of existing preventive measures aimed at reducing kidney injury. In particular, the review discusses intravenous hydration regimes and pre-treatment with statins and N-acetylcysteine. The review further focuses on emerging alternative imaging technologies, alternative intravascular diagnostic and interventional procedures, and new methods for intravenous hydration guidance; it discusses the applicability of those techniques in complex procedures and their feasibility in current practise. We put emphasis on contemporary interventional cardiology imaging methods, with a brief discussion of CI-AKI in non-vascular and non-cardiologic imaging and interventional studies.

Cardiac sequelae after COVID-19: Results of a 1-year follow-up study with echocardiography and biomarkers.

Objective: To evaluate the need for cardiac monitoring in unselected patients recovered from COVID-19 and to estimate the risk of heart complications after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Materials and methods: During March 2020 and January 2021, 106 patients who had recovered from SARS-CoV-2 (alpha and beta variants) were enrolled in prospective observational cohort study CoSuBr (Covid Survivals in Brno). The diagnosis was based on a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction swab test of the upper respiratory tract. Demographic parameters, patient history, clinical evaluation, cardiac biomarkers, ECG and echocardiography were recorded during three visits (Visit 1 at least 6 weeks after infection, Visit 2 three months later, and Visit 3 one year after Visit 1). Results: 58.5% of the study group (n = 106) were female, while the mean age was 46 years (range 18-77 years). The mean time interval between the onset of infection and the follow-up visit was 107 days. One quarter (24.5%) of the patients required hospitalization during the acute phase of the disease; the rest recovered at home. 74% suffered a mild form of the disease, with 4.8, 18.1, and 2.9% suffering moderate, severe, and critical forms, respectively. At the time of enrolment, 64.2% of the patients reported persistent symptoms, while more than half of the whole group (50.9%) mentioned at least one symptom of possible cardiac origin (breathing problems, palpitations, exercise intolerance, fatigue). In the 1-year follow-up after COVID-19 infection, left ventricle ejection fraction showed no significant decrease [median (IQR) change was -1.0 (-6.0; 4.0)%, p = 0.150], and there were no changes of troponin (mean change -0.1 ± 1.72 ng/L; p = 0.380) or NT-proBNP [median (IQR) change 2.0 (-20.0; 29.0) pg/mL; p = 0.315]. There was a mild decrease in right ventricle end diastolic diameter (-mean change 2.3 ± 5.61 mm, p < 0.001), while no right ventricle dysfunction was detected. There was very mild progress in left ventricle diastolic diameter [median (IQR) change 1.0 (-1.0; 4.0) mm; p = 0.001] between V1 and V3, mild enlargement of the left atrium (mean change 1.2 ± 4.17 mm; p = 0.021) and a non-significant trend to impairment of left ventricle diastolic dysfunction. There was a mild change in pulmonary artery systolic pressure [median (IQR) change 3.0 (-2.0; 8.0) mmHg; p = 0.038]. Conclusion: Despite a lot of information regarding cardiac impairment due to SARS-CoV2, our study does not suggest an increased risk for developing clinically significant heart changes during the 1-year follow-up. Based on our results, routine echocardiography and biomarkers collection is currently not recommended after COVID-19 recovery.

COVID-19 vaccine booster significantly decreases the risk of intensive care unit hospitalization in heart failure patients during the Omicron variant wave: A population-based study.

Background: Heart failure (HF) patients are at higher risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Omicron variant has many novel mutations including those in the spike protein, leading to questions about vaccine effectiveness. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine with or without a booster (i.e., after the third dose) during the Omicron variant wave. Methods: Chronic heart failure patients in the Czech Republic were included in the analysis. COVID-19 infection was monitored from January 1st 2022 to March 31st 2022. The analysis was conducted on data collected in the National Health Information System. Vaccine effectiveness of vaccinated (with or without booster) vs. unvaccinated patients was analyzed for incidence of COVID-19, COVID-19-related hospitalizations, COVID-19 related intensive care unit admissions, and COVID-19 related mechanical ventilation/extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment. Findings: From a total 165,453 HF patients in the Czech Republic, 9,728 contracted COVID-19 (22.9% of them not vaccinated, 23.2% vaccinated and 53.8% vaccinated and boosted). Risk of intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization was 7.6% in the unvaccinated group, 4.8% in the vaccinated group and 2.9% in the boosted group. The calculated effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine in prevention of ICU hospitalization in the vaccinated group was 41.9 and 76.6% in the boosted group. Interpretation: The results demonstrated moderate vaccine effectiveness in the prevention of severe COVID-19 in vaccinated but not boosted HF patients. Much stronger effectiveness was found in those who were vaccinated and boosted.

Our experience with transoral incisionless plication of gastroesophageal reflux disease: NOTES procedure.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Natural Orifice Transluminal Surgery (NOTES) has been introduced in endoscopic surgery as a new system offering the advantage of a less invasive procedure. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) appears to be the most promising application of NOTES treatment. The aims of our study were to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this procedure and length of hospital stay. METHODOLOGY: Patients indicated for surgery of GERD were randomly assigned (ratio 2:1) to transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF group, n=34) and control group, where gold standard Nissen laparoscopic fundoplication was performed (NLF group, n=18). For TIF the Plicator® method was initially used for 18 patients, but the company terminated production in 2008 without a follower. During the last 2 years the EsophyX® method was used for 16 patients. RESULTS: After the evaluation of 34 TIF patients and 18 NLF patients we observed similar efficacy of TIF procedures compared with NLF after 3 and 12 months. The hospital stay was significantly shorter (p<0.0001) in TIF group (average, 2.9±0.8 days) than in NLF group (6.4±0.7). The TIF procedure was safe; we observed 1 serious adverse event in the TIF group and 3 in the NLF group. CONCLUSIONS: It can be summarized that both NOTES TIF procedures are, after the initial learning curve, safe and effective methods for treatment of GERD, allowing substantial shortening of hospital stay. The effect of both procedures was sustained over 12 months. Longer follow-up is necessary to verify efficacy for more years.

Brain natriuretic peptide in decompensation of liver cirrhosis in non-cardiac patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Brain natriuretic peptide is recently widely used as a diagnostic and prognostic marker of heart failure. Plasma levels of this peptide are elevated in other, non-cardiac conditions as well, among others in liver cirrhosis, especially presenting with fluid retention and,--ascites. METHODS: Circulating levels of BNP was determined in 25 non-cardiac patients, 20 men, 5 women admitted at our medicine department from March 2006 to September 2007 with decompensate ascitic liver cirrhosis. Severity of disease was measured by Child and MELD (Model of End Stage of Liver Disease) score. RESULTS: Plasma BNP was increased in our patients (range 21-1078 pg/ml) and significantly correlated with the severity of liver failure assigned as Child's classification (r = 0.51; p = 0.009) and MELD score (r = 0.56; p = 0.003) as well as with the glomerular filtration rate (r = -0.62; p = 0.0009). Four patients with initial BNP > 600 ng/L died, while all 21 patients with BNP < 600 ng/L survived (p = 0.0019). CONCLUSION: B-type natriuretic peptide in plasma correlated significantly with the severity of liver disease in cirrhotic patients. High plasma BNP seems to be a good negative prognostic factor of the death in cirrhosis.

Therapeutic influence of 20 % albumin versus 6% hydroxyethylstarch on extravascular lung water in septic patients: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Recent studies demonstrated that extravascular lung water (EVLW) is a reliable and independent marker for outcome. The primary therapeutically goal in critically ill patients is to resuscitate and retain adequate organ perfusion by fluid administration, where is necessary to achieve adequate intravascular filling, but avoid initiation of pulmonary edema. METHODOLOGY: Patients with severe sepsis were randomly allocated to a group treated with 20% Albumin 100 ml every 12 hours (ALB; n = 30) or with 6% hydroxyethylstarch 130/0, 4 250 ml every 6 hours (HES; n = 26). Both treatments were completed by crystalloids or norephinephrin as necessary. We analyzed amount of developed EVLW, and relation with mortality, PaO2/FiO2 and alveolo-arterial oxygen difference. RESULTS: We observed significantly greater decrease of EVLW when compared with baseline during whole monitored period of 72 hours in ALB group in contrast to HES patients (p < 0.05). Despite no significant changes of EVLW in HES group, we noted improve of PaO2/FiO2 and AaDO2 in both groups. We did not observed significant difference in mortality. CONCLUSION: The present study results show can summarize that albumin reduces in a higher amount and earlier the extravascular lung water than HES, but this reduction was not associated with improvement of oxygenation functions, which was better in HES group.

Can procalcitonin help us in timing of re-intervention in septic patients after multiple trauma or major surgery?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In surgical sepsis, the rapid identification of source of infection at an early stage after surgery or serious trauma is crucial for favorable outcome. The discrimination between local and generalized infection is critical for correct treatment. METHODOLOGY: In a randomized, controlled, single-centre study we investigated 72 patients with severe sepsis after major abdominal surgery or surgery for multiple trauma. Patients were divided in 2 groups: in the first group (PCT, n=38), more important role in the treatment decision was given to PCT level (severe sepsis with PCT >2 ng/mL signalled bacteremia and pushed us to change antibiotics and intravascular devices, severe sepsis with PCT < or =2 ng/mL prompted use of ultrasonography and/or CT, followed by repeated surgery in patients with localized infection). The control group (CON, n=34) was treated by standard evaluation of all parameters by consultant surgeon. We investigated 28-day all-cause mortality, sepsis-related complications, the duration of stay in the intensive care unit, and ventilated days. RESULTS: The hospital mortality was in PCT group 26% and 38% in control group (p = 0.28). Average SOFA score was 7.9 +/- 2.8 in PCT group vs. 9.3 +/- 3.3 (p = 0.06). The decline of ICU days (16.1 +/- 6.9 vs. 19.4 +/- 8.9; p = 0.09) and ventilated days (10.3 +/- 7.8 vs. 13.9 +/- 9.4; p = 0.08) in PCT group was observed, but the difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a clear tendency to decrease extent of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in patients, in which therapeutic decision was made earlier using procalcitonin as an additional marker separating local infection from generalized one.