Airway management may influence postoperative ventilation need in preterm infants after laser eye treatment.

BACKGROUND: Retinopathy of prematurity is treated with laser photocoagulation under general anaesthesia with intubation using endotracheal tube (ETT), which carries a risk for postoperative mechanical ventilation (MV). Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) may provide a safe alternative. We assessed the need for postoperative MV in preterm infants who received LMA versus ETT. METHODS: In this single-centre, retrospective cohort study, preterm infants who underwent laser photocoagulation between 2014-2021 were enroled. For airway management, patients received either LMA (n = 224) or ETT (n = 47). The outcome was the rate of postoperative MV. RESULTS: Patients' age were 37 [35;39] weeks of postmenstrual age, median bodyweight of Group LMA was higher than Group ETT's (2110 [1800;2780] g versus 1350 [1230;1610] g, respectively, p < 0.0001). After laser photocoagulation, 8% of Group LMA and 74% of Group ETT left the operating theatre requiring MV. Multiple logistic regression revealed that the use of LMA and every 100 g increase in bodyweight significantly decreased the odds of mechanical ventilation (OR 0.21 [95% CI 0.07-0.60], and 0.73 [95% CI 0.63-0.84], respectively). Propensity score matching confirmed that LMA decreased the odds of postoperative MV (OR 0.30 [95% CI 0.11-0.70]). CONCLUSION: The use of LMA is associated with a reduced need for postoperative MV. IMPACT: Using laryngeal mask airway instead of endotracheal tube for airway management in preterm infants undergoing general anaesthesia for laser photocoagulation for treating retinopathy of prematurity could significantly decrease the postoperative need for mechanical ventilation. According to our current understanding, this has been the largest study investigating the effect of laryngeal mask airway during general anaesthesia in preterm infants. Our study suggests that the use of laryngeal mask airway is a viable alternative to intubation in the vulnerable population of preterm infants in need of laser treatment.

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum 1792) adenocarcinoma investigation with various diagnostic imaging techniques.

Diagnostic imaging techniques provide a new aspect of the ante-mortem and post-mortem diagnostics in fish medicine. Ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide more information about the internal organs and pathognomic lesions. The authors used diagnostic imaging techniques to evaluate and describe the neoplastic malformation in a 3-year-old female rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The fish was examined with Siemens Somatom Definition AS + CT scanner and Siemens Biograph mMR scanner. The animal was lethargic and showed anorectic signs and muscular dystrophy. During the post-mortem investigation, histopathology and immunohistochemistry were also performed allowing us to identify the neoplasms. The results showed a large soft tissue mass in the first mid-intestine segment, which proved to be an adenocarcinoma. This subsequently led to digestion problems and absorption disorders. Immunohistochemically, neoplastic cells of carcinoma revealed E-cadherin and pancytokeratin positivity. This is the first study to report the use of MRI and CT for studying gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma in rainbow trout.

Teaching nontechnical skills in the undergraduate education of health care professionals: a nationwide cross-sectional study in Hungary.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our cross-sectional study was to evaluate the current situation and curriculum of nontechnical skills (NTS) training in the undergraduate education of health care professionals in Hungary. METHODS: All institutes with relevant NTS training in Hungarian faculties of medicine and faculties of health sciences were asked to fill out a 19-item questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were performed, and the characteristics of NTS teaching and non-NTS teaching institutes were compared. The independent predictors of teaching NTS in a particular institute were identified with multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Seventy-seven institutes responded (52% response rate), of which 66% trained NTS. The most frequent method of NTS training is talking about them during a practice or lecture, and less than half of NTS respondents use simulation. The most frequent cause of not teaching NTS is a lack of human or technical resources. The type of faculty (p = 0.025), academic year (p = 0.001), field of medicine (p = 0.025), and importance of teamwork (p = 0.021) differed between NTS and noNTS institutes. Teaching students in academic year two represented the only independent predictor of NTS education (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that the undergraduate curriculum of Hungarian universities includes some type of NTS education; however, this education requires further development.

Anti-Inflammatory Cytokine Profiles in Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura-Differences Compared to COVID-19.

Thromboinflammation/immunothrombosis plays a role in several diseases including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and COVID-19. Unlike the extensive research that has been conducted on COVID-19 cytokine storms, the baseline and acute phase cytokine profiles of TTP are poorly characterized. Moreover, we compared the cytokine profiles of TTP and COVID-19 to identify the disease-specific/general characteristics of thromboinflammation/immunothrombosis. Plasma concentrations of 33 soluble mediators (SMs: cytokines, chemokines, soluble receptors, and growth factors) were measured by multiplex bead-based LEGENDplex™ immunoassay from 32 COVID-19 patients (32 non-vaccinated patients in three severity groups), 32 TTP patients (remission/acute phase pairs of 16 patients), and 15 control samples. Mainly, the levels of innate immunity-related SMs changed in both diseases. In TTP, ten SMs decreased in both remission and acute phases compared to the control, one decreased, and two increased only in the acute phase compared to remission, indicating mostly anti-inflammatory changes. In COVID-19, ten pro-inflammatory SMs increased, whereas one decreased with increasing severity compared to the control. In severe COVID-19, sixteen SMs exceeded acute TTP levels, with only one higher in TTP. PCA identified CXCL10, IL-1RA, and VEGF as the main discriminators among their cytokine profiles. The innate immune response is altered in both diseases. The cytokine profile of TTP suggests a distinct pathomechanism from COVID-19 and supports referring to TTP as thromboinflammatory rather than immunothrombotic, emphasizing thrombosis over inflammation as the driving force of the acute phase.

From wild to captive: Understanding the main nutritional diseases of sharks in public aquariums.

The establishment of a well-adapted and accurate feeding regimen is a fundamental determining factor in the maintenance of shark species in captivity. Replicating the natural diet in captivity is commonly accepted and recommended. Given the diverse nutritional composition of prey, supplementation may become necessary. The captive environment poses unique challenges, making sharks susceptible to an array of health issues, including numerous diseases. Mitigating these risks demands detailed husbandry practices, an appropriate physical environment and a balanced diet. Supplementation, encompassing vitamins and minerals, becomes imperative for the provision of essential nutrients. This complexity has rendered the formulation of an adapted feeding plan for aquarists exceptionally challenging. The scarcity of information in these species adds to the issue, mandating extrapolation from various shark groups and to species with analogous characteristics. This literature review concentrates predominantly on benthic and pelagic shark species prevalent in contemporary aquariums. The central argument posits that dietary choices in captivity rely on factors such as availability, quality and consistency of supply. The advocated approach highlights the importance of a balanced, diverse feeding that closely mirrors natural diets. It is then crucial to emphasize that these are general guidelines, and the specific dietary requisites may diverge between shark species. Collaborating with experts in marine biology, shark husbandry and veterinary care is imperative for the formulation and perpetuation of an adapted diet for captive sharks.

Avian astrovirus caused mortality in pheasant (Phasianus colchicus, Linnaeus, 1758) farm in Hungary.

We present the clinical symptoms, pathologic lesions and diagnostic possibilities of the avian astrovirus-related mortality in a pheasant colony. In addition to enteritis in chicks, we also confirmed acute nephrosis. The genome section of the astrovirus was detected and verified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. After sequencing the isolated genome section based on BLAST driver analysis (601-base pair-long) avian astrovirus has the same ORF-1b gene as turkey astrovirus 1 (TAstV1).

Using intra-breath oscillometry in obesity hypoventilation syndrome to detect tidal expiratory flow limitation: a potential marker to optimize CPAP therapy.

BACKGROUND: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy has profound effects in obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS). Current therapy initiation focuses on upper airway patency rather than the assessment of altered respiratory mechanics due to increased extrapulmonary mechanical load. METHODS: We aimed to examine the viability of intra-breath oscillometry in optimizing CPAP therapy for OHS. We performed intra-breath oscillometry at 10 Hz in the sitting and supine positions, followed by measurements at increasing CPAP levels (none-5-10-15-20 cmH2O) in awake OHS patients. We plotted intra-breath resistance and reactance (Xrs) values against flow (V') and volume (V) to identify tidal expiratory flow limitation (tEFL). RESULTS: Thirty-five patients (65.7% male) completed the study. We found a characteristic looping of the Xrs vs V' plot in all patients in the supine position revealing tEFL: Xrs fell with decreasing flow at end-expiration. Intra-breath variables representing expiratory decrease of Xrs became more negative in the supine position [end-expiratory Xrs (mean ± SD): -1.9 ± 1.8 cmH2O·s·L- 1 sitting vs. -4.2 ± 2.2 cmH2O·s·L- 1 supine; difference between end-expiratory and end-inspiratory Xrs: -1.3 ± 1.7 cmH2O·s·L- 1 sitting vs. -3.6 ± 2.0 cmH2O·s·L- 1 supine, p < 0.001]. Increasing CPAP altered expiratory Xrs values and loop areas, suggesting diminished tEFL (p < 0.001). 'Optimal CPAP' value (able to cease tEFL) was 14.8 ± 4.1 cmH2O in our cohort, close to the long-term support average of 13.01(± 2.97) cmH2O but not correlated. We found no correlation between forced spirometry values, patient characteristics, apnea-hypopnea index and intra-breath oscillometry variables. CONCLUSIONS: tEFL, worsened by the supine position, can be diminished by stepwise CPAP application in most patients. Intra-breath oscillometry is a viable method to detect tEFL during CPAP initiation in OHS patients and tEFL is a possible target for optimizing therapy in OHS patients.

Perioperative Gelatin Use Is Associated With Increased Complication Rates and Does Not Prevent Postoperative Fluid Overload in Patients Undergoing Elective Cardiac Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The benefit of using gelatin solution in cardiac surgery is still controversial. Previous data suggested adverse interactions of gelatin infusion with acute kidney injury (AKI) or coagulopathy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between perioperative gelatin use and fluid overload (FO), hemodynamic stability, and outcomes compared to crystalloid-based fluid management. DESIGN: A retrospective study design. SETTING: At a single-center tertiary university setting. PARTICIPANTS: Propensity score-matched cohort study of 191 pairs of patients scheduled for cardiac surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Patients received either gelatin + crystalloid or pure crystalloid-based perioperative fluid management. The primary outcomes were the frequency of FO and hemodynamic stability defined by the vasoactive-inotropic score. Postoperative complications and 3-year survival were analyzed also. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patients who received gelatin experienced more frequent postoperative FO than controls (11.0% v 3.1%, p = 0.006) despite comparable hemodynamic stability in both groups. Gelatin administration was linked with a higher rate of postoperative complications, including blood loss, AKI, and new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation. Use of gelatin infusion resulted in an adjusted odds ratio of 1.982 (95% CI 1.051-3.736, p = 0.035) for developing early postoperative AKI. This study confirmed a dose-dependent relationship between gelatin infusion and AKI. Thirty-day mortality and 3-year survival were similar in the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Gelatin administration versus crystalloid fluid management showed a significant association with a higher rate of FO and an increased risk for early postoperative AKI in a dose-dependent manner.

Exploring red cell distribution width as a biomarker for treatment efficacy in home mechanical ventilation.

BACKGROUND: With the growing practice of home mechanical ventilation, there is a need to identify biological markers for adequate follow-up. Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a promising candidate because it is convenient, objective and may reflect treatment effect over a long period of time. The aim of this study was to explore the possible role of RDW as a marker for home mechanical ventilation in real-life, unselected chronic respiratory patient populations. METHODS: First, we identified characteristic RDW values for mixed case, unselected chronic respiratory failure and home mechanical ventilated patients through retrospective review within our institutional database. Next, we conducted a prospective observational study to identify RDW changes during the first six months of optimized home mechanical ventilation treatment. Adult patients starting home mechanical ventilation were included. Factors affecting RDW change during the first 6 months of treatment were analysed. RESULTS: RDW was elevated in both chronic respiratory failure and home mechanical ventilation patients compared to healthy individuals in the retrospective review. In the prospective study of 70 patients, we found that 55.4% of patients starting home mechanical ventilation have abnormal RDW values which are reduced from 14.7 (IQR = 13.2-16.2)% to 13.5 (IQR = 13.1-14.6)% during the first 6 months of HMV treatment (p < 0.001). RDW improvement correlates with improvement in self-reported health-related quality of life and sleepiness scale scores, as well as physical functional status during the same time frame. RDW proved to be a comparable marker to other parameters traditionally used to evaluate treatment efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: RDW is elevated in chronic respiratory failure patients and is significantly reduced in the first six months of optimized home mechanical ventilation. Although further research is needed to verify if RDW change reflects outcome and how comorbidities influence RDW values, our results suggest that RDW is a promising marker of home mechanical ventilation efficacy. Trial registration This study was approved by and registered at the ethics committee of Semmelweis University (TUKEB 250/2017 and TUKEB 250-1/2017, 20th of December 2017 and 1st of October 2019).

Poor Preoperative Nutritional Status, but Not Hormone Levels, Are Associated With Mortality After Cardiac Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The authors' aim was to examine the preoperative hormone and nutritional status in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: The authors' research was a single-center, prospective, observational study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03736499). PARTICIPANTS & INTERVENTIONS: The authors examined 252 patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery. Preoperative thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), prolactin, and testosterone levels were collected and analyzed after the surgery. The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT), and Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) were all calculated as a sum and groups. Frailty was calculated based on the modified Frailty Index-11. The primary outcome was overall mortality. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 64.23 years (standard deviation: 11.07 years). Thirty-three patients (13.01%) died during the median follow-up time of 20.48 months (interquartile range: 18.90-22.98 months). Thyroid hormones were examined as continuous variables and also in 3 groups based on low, normal, and high hormone levels. Continuous TSH (p = 0.230), continuous fT3 (p = 0.492), and continuous fT4 (p = 0.657) were not significantly associated with total mortality. After adjustment for the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II and postoperative complications, the following nutritional scores were associated with total mortality: GNRI < 91 (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR]: 4.384; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.866-10.303, p = 0.001), the higher CONUT group (AHR: 1.736; 95% CI: 1.736-2.866, p = 0.031), and a PNI < 48 points (AHR: 3.465; 95% CI: 1.735-6.918, p < 0.001). The modified Frailty Index-11 was not associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Before cardiac surgery, nutritional status should be assessed because the findings may help to decrease mortality. The hormone levels were not associated with mortality.

Perioperative Factor Concentrate Use is Associated With More Beneficial Outcomes and Reduced Complication Rates Compared With a Pure Blood Product-Based Strategy in Patients Undergoing Elective Cardiac Surgery: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to compare factor concentrate (FC)-based and blood product-based hemostasis management of coagulopathy in cardiac surgical patients in terms of postoperative bleeding, required blood products, and outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective, propensity score-matched analysis. SETTING: Single, tertiary, academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred eighteen matched pairs of 433 consecutive patients scheduled for cardiac surgery in two isolated periods with distinct strategies of hemostasis management. INTERVENTIONS: Patients received either blood product-based (period I) or FC-based (period II) hemostasis management to treat perioperative coagulopathy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patients treated with FC management experienced less postoperative blood loss (907 v 1,153 mL, p = 0.014) and required less red blood cell and fresh frozen plasma transfusion (2.3 v 3.7 units p < 0.0001, and 2.0 v 3.4 units p < 0.0001, respectively) compared with subjects in the blood product-based management group. The frequency of Stage 3 acute kidney injury and 30-day mortality rate were significantly higher in the blood product-based group than in the FC management group (6.8% v 0.8%, p = 0.016, and 7.2% v 0.8%, p = 0.022, respectively). FC management-related thromboembolic events were not registered. The FC strategy was associated with a 2.19-fold decrease in the odds of massive postoperative bleeding (p < 0.0001), a 2.56-fold decrease in the odds of polytransfusion (p < 0.0001), and a 13.16-fold decrease in the odds of early postoperative death (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: FC-based versus blood product-based management is associated with reduced blood product needs and fewer complications, and was not linked to a higher frequency of thromboembolic events or a decrease in long-term survival in cardiac surgical patients developing perioperative coagulopathy and bleeding.

ADHD symptomatology of children with congenital heart disease 10 years after cardiac surgery: the role of age at operation.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate the differences in ADHD symptomatology between healthy controls and children who underwent cardiac surgery at different ages. METHODS: Altogether, 133 children (54 patients with congenital heart disease undergoing first cardiac surgery under 3 years of age, 26 operated at the age of 3 or later, and 53 healthy controls) were examined. Patients completed the Youth Self Report (YSR), while their parents completed the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) and the ADHD Rating Scale-IV. RESULTS: Children receiving surgery for the first time under the age of 3 years were more likely diagnosed with cyanotic type malformation and have undergone to a greater number of operations. However, ADHD symptoms of those treated surgically at or above 3 years of age were more severe than that of the control group or those who were treated surgically at a younger age. The control group and those treated surgically below the age of three did not differ across any of the ADHD symptom severity indicators. CONCLUSIONS: The age at the time of cardiac surgery might be associated with later ADHD symptom severity - with lower age at operation associated with better outcomes. Further, adequately powered studies are needed to confirm these exploratory findings and investigate the moderators of this relationship.

The effect of cognitive dysfunction on mid- and long-term mortality after vascular surgery.

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, previous studies have noted the importance of frailty, which is a frequently used term in perioperative risk evaluations. Psychological and socioeconomical domains were investigated as part of frailty syndrome. The aim of this study was to assess the importance of these factors in mortality after vascular surgery. METHODS: In our prospective, observational study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02224222), we examined 164 patients who underwent elective vascular surgery between 2014 and 2017. At the outpatient anaesthesiology clinic, patients completed a questionnaire about cognitive functions, depression and anxiety, social support and self-reported quality of life were assessed using a comprehensive frailty index, in addition to medical variables. Propensity score matching was performed to analyse the difference between patients and controls in a nationwide population cohort. The primary outcome was 4 year mortality. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 67.05 years (SD: 9.49 years). Mini-Mental State Examination scores of less than 27 points were recorded for 41 patients. Overall mortality rates were 22.4 and 47.6% in the control and cognitive impairment groups, respectively (p = 0.013). In the univariate Cox regression analysis, cognitive impairment measured using age- and education-adjusted MMSE scores increased the risk of mortality (AHR: 2.842, 95% CI: 1.389-5.815, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Even mild cognitive dysfunction measured preoperatively using the MMSE represents a potentially important risk factor for mortality after vascular surgery.

Intussusception caused by intestinal neoplasia in mature rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum 1792).

The aquaculture industry is growing and includes the farming and breeding of more than 580 aquatic species worldwide. The rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum 1792) is the most commonly bred trout species in Hungary. As broodfish form the basis of most fish farms, investigation into tumours occurring in trout, although under-researched, has proven to be a valuable and necessary field of study. During our investigation, we examined a broodstock of 3- to 6-year-old rainbow trouts (800) affected with idiopathic intestinal tumours (3%) which had consequentially led to ileus (40%). While performing necropsy, initial pathological observations showed intussusceptions. Tumours were discovered upon opening the body cavity, as well as metastasis forming in the livers and in the vessels of the gills. Histopathological and immunohistochemical tests allowed us to identify the neoplasms. The primary adenocarcinoma was found to have been developed within the intestines of the fish. The tumour tissue broke through the basal membrane and infiltrated the propria, protruding asymmetrically into the lumen of the mid-intestines, causing it to narrow significantly. This subsequently led to passage disorders, invagination of the intestinal segment and finally the emaciation of the fish. Histopathological and immunohistochemical inspection of the tumour cells displayed a high mitotic index, confirming malignancy.

The efficacy of virtual distance training of intensive therapy and anaesthesiology among fifth-year medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) brought several challenges in medical education. The aim of our study was to investigate whether virtual distance trainings (VDT) organized during the COVID-19 pandemic at our university were effective in replacing in-person bed-side education in intensive therapy and anaesthesiology among fifth-year medical students, both from students' and instructors' perspectives. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study consisting of three parts: a 20-item students' questionnaire filled out by students participating in VDT, a 22-item instructors' questionnaire filled out by instructors taking part in virtual distance education and a 20-item knowledge test completed by students participating in VDT, as well as by students visiting bed-side trainings (BT) during the same semester, before COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaires focused on effectiveness, content, self-preparedness, technical background and interactivity of VDT. Instructors' and students' responses given to the common questions, as well as the knowledge test results were compared. Mann-Whitney U test was used for group comparisons and binary logistic regression was performed to analyze the influence of previous health-care experience on students' feeling of self-preparedness. RESULTS: One hundred thirthen students (response rate {RR}: 68%) and 29 instructors (RR: 97%) filled out the questionnaires. The majority of students found our VDT useful and effective; however, a considerable number of participants felt disadvantaged by taking VDT instead of BT sessions and would recommend keeping virtual distance education methods combined with BT. Instructors found VDT overall effective and deemed the transfer of their knowledge satisfactory; however, they described worse interactivity and contact with students during virtual sessions compared to in-person teaching. Instructors showed a clearer consensus that VDT should not replace BT in the future, while students' answers were more divided in this regard. Previous health-care experience did not influence students' feeling of self-preparedness. One hundred and twenty-seven students (56 after VDT {RR: 34%}; 71 after BT {RR: 67%}) completed the end-of-semester knowledge test. Students attending VDT performed better than students visiting BT (median score VDT:83.5 vs BT:77.3; p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Virtual distance learning incorporating virtual practice sessions was effective in maintaining continuous education of intensive therapy and anaesthesiology among fifth-year medical students during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Home mechanical ventilation: quality of life patterns after six months of treatment.

BACKGROUND: It has been shown that home mechanical ventilation improves quality of life, but it has not been widely studied which particular patient groups benefit the most from starting this type of therapy. The purpose of this prospective observational study was to evaluate quality of life change patterns 6 months after initiation of home mechanical ventilation in patients suffering from chronic respiratory failure using patient reported outcomes. METHODS: We enrolled 74 chronic respiratory failure patients starting invasive or noninvasive home mechanical ventilation through the Semmelweis University Home Mechanical Ventilation Program. Quality of life was evaluated at baseline and at 6 months after initiation of home mechanical ventilation using the Severe Respiratory Insufficiency Questionnaire. RESULTS: Overall quality of life showed 10.5% improvement 6 months after initiation of home mechanical ventilation (p < 0.001). The greatest improvement was observed in Respiratory complaint (20.4%, p = 0.015), Sleep and attendant symptoms (19.3%, p < 0.001), and Anxiety related subscales (14.4%, p < 0.001). Interface (invasive versus noninvasive ventilation) was not associated with improvement in quality of life (p = 0.660). Severely impaired patients showed the greatest improvement (CC = -0.328, p < 0.001). Initial diagnosis contributed to the observed change (p = 0.025), with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obesity hypoventilation syndrome patients showing the greatest improvement, while amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients showed no improvement in quality of life. We found that patients who were started on long term ventilation in an acute setting, required oxygen supplementation and had low baseline quality of life, showed the most improvement during the six-month study period. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights the profound effect of home mechanical ventilation on quality of life in chronic respiratory failure patients that is indifferent of ventilation interface but is dependent on initial diagnosis and some baseline characteristics, like acute initiation, oxygen supplementation need and baseline quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was approved by and registered at the ethics committee of Semmelweis University (SE TUKEB 251/2017; 20th of December, 2017).

Validation of the Hungarian version of the SRI Questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: Home mechanical ventilation is a reliable treatment for patients suffering from chronic respiratory failure, improving survival and quality of life. Prevalence has been increasing worldwide as a result of evolving technical possibilities, telemedicine and improving national guidelines. Projects to establish a national guideline and registry for patients treated with home mechanical ventilation are currently under way in Hungary and our aim was to validate a quality of life questionnaire suited for evaluation and follow up in this specific patient group. The Severe Respiratory Insufficiency Questionnaire (SRI) is a quality of life tool designed to evaluate patients receiving home mechanical ventilation and has been validated both in patient groups receiving invasive and noninvasive ventilation. METHODS: The Hungarian version of the SRI was created using the translation-backtranslation method, which was then tested for validity, viability and reliability in a cohort involving patients from three centers, receiving long-term home mechanical ventilation for chronic respiratory failure through an invasive or noninvasive interface. Patient data was collected (demographic data, lung function test, arterial blood gas, ventilation settings) and quality of life was measured with the previously validated SF-36 and newly created Hungarian SRI Questionnaires at two time points. RESULTS: One hundred four patients receiving home mechanical ventilation were enrolled. The time to complete the SRI Questionnaire was 8.6 (±3.1) minutes, 69.2% questionnaires were self-administered. Exploratory factor analysis explained 73.8% of the variance of the questionnaire, but resulted in 13 scales. We found correlations between the SRI subscale scores to corresponding scales of the previously validated general quality of life survey SF-36. The Cronbach alpha coefficient was 0.928 for the Summary Scale of the SRI Questionnaire, proving high internal consistency. Reproducibility was high for most scales, resulting in a high overall correlation for the summary score (0.877, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The Hungarian version of the SRI Questionnaire is a viable, valid, reliable and reproduceable quality of life tool applicable for patients treated with home mechanical ventilation.

Perioperative Low Tetraiodothyronine Levels and Adverse Outcomes After Heart Transplantation: A Retrospective, Observational Study.

OBJECTIVES: Thyroid dysfunction has been shown to be associated with increased all-cause mortality and severity of chronic heart failure in critical illness and severe cardiac diseases. The present study was conducted to ascertain the relationship between perioperative free triiodothyronine and free tetraiodothyronine (fT4) levels and postoperative adverse outcomes after heart transplantation (HTX). DESIGN: Retrospective, observational study. SETTING: Single-center study in a quaternary care university clinical center. PARTICIPANTS: The study comprised adult patients who underwent HTX between 2015 and 2019 and had at least 1 perioperative thyroid hormone laboratory test on the day of surgery or in the 24 hours before/after the procedure (free triiodothyronine, fT4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone). INTERVENTIONS: No interventions were applied. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was primary graft dysfunction (PGD), defined by the consensus conference of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. A total of 151 patients were included in the final analyses. Twenty-nine (19.2%) patients had PGD. Fourteen (9.3%) patients had low fT4 levels. An independent association was found between fT4 and PGD (odds ratio 6.49; 95% confidence interval 2.26-18.61; p = 0.001), with adjusted multivariate Cox regression models. CONCLUSION: The perioperative fT4 level could be a prognostic marker of adverse outcomes in HTX. The authors suggest appropriate perioperative monitoring of fT4 levels. Additional research is warranted to examine the optimal timing, dosage, and method of replacement.

Geometric, elastic and contractile-relaxation changes in coronary arterioles induced by Vitamin D deficiency in normal and hyperandrogenic female rats.

Vitamin D (VitD) hypovitaminosis and androgen excess (AE) are both risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in fertile women. However, the possible early interaction between AE and VitD status is not clear. Our goal was to describe how VitD status influences early changes in the biomechanical reactivity of small coronary arterioles in adult female rats after transdermal testosterone treatment. Forty-six adolescent, 90-110-gram-weighed female Wistar rats were randomly grouped into 4 groups. Twenty-four animals received an optimal VitD-supplemented diet, from which 12 animals underwent transdermal testosterone treatment. Twenty-two animals received a VitD-deficient diet, from which 11 were treated with testosterone. At 8 weeks of treatment, invasive arterial blood pressure was registered after in vivo cannulation of carotid artery. Arteriolar end and side branches (200 µm diameter) of the left anterior descendent coronary artery (LAD) were obtained and examined with pressure arteriography in vitro. Similar segments were removed for histological examination. The inner and outer radii of the arterioles were measured using video-microscopy. Normal myogenic tone, maximal passive vasorelaxation and vasoconstriction of the arterioles were measured and statistically analyzed. The vessels' maximal smooth muscle relaxant potential, thromboxane-induced contraction capacity and normal myogenic tone were significantly influenced by actual VitD status. A lower relaxation capacity and increased wall thickness were observed in VitD-deficient groups, which could cause rigidity of the coronary arterioles and elevate cardiovascular risk. Supplementation of VitD could improve myogenic tone and relaxation and hold cardiovascular benefits.

Management of acutely decompensated chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in late pregnancy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy in patients with pulmonary hypertension is associated with increased risk of maternal and fetal death. Physiological changes during pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period may all lead to acute decompensation of chronic right heart failure with rapid progression to circulatory collapse. As such, guidelines discourage planned pregnancies in women suffering from pulmonary hypertension. There are, however, rare cases of pulmonary hypertension which have previously been undiagnosed and only become apparent during late stage pregnancy. These individuals require close monitoring and multidisciplinary management. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the case of a 34-year-old female who presented with acute decompensation of previously undiagnosed pulmonary hypertension during the 30th week of her second pregnancy. Echocardiography and CT scan confirmed severe pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure with no new thromboembolic component. Following stabilization of cardiorespiratory parameters with high FiO2 noninvasive ventilation, intravenous epoprostenol and levosimendan treatment, Cesarean section was performed under epidural anesthesia. Close monitoring was continued in the postoperative period and cardiovascular parameters were managed with ongoing inotropic and escalating vasodilator therapy. The findings were consistent with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Persistent hypoxia was found to be a result of right bronchial obstruction caused by blood clots, which resolved with bronchoscopic intervention. Ongoing postpartum management resulted in improved cardiovascular parameters and oxygenation. Epoprostenol treatment was successfully converted to subcutaneous treprostinil therapy and the patient was discharged home to care for her healthy baby girl. Optimal timing of pulmonary endarterectomy will be chosen based upon functional status and patient preference. CONCLUSIONS: The case described is the first published report of previously undiagnosed pulmonary hypertension presenting with acute right heart failure in late pregnancy successfully managed by pharmacological therapy, noninvasive ventilation and a Cesarean performed under epidural anesthesia. The case illustrates that despite the challenges, acutely discovered right heart failure can be successfully managed with a comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment plan.