Use of ADAM-C and CHA2DS2-VASc scores to predict complex aortic atheroma after brain ischemia: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Complex aortic atheroma (CAA) is a common cause of acute brain ischemia (BI), including ischemic stroke (IS) and transient ischemic attack (TIA), and is associated with recurrence. The CHA2DS2-VASc score is a useful tool for predicting stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), and can also predict cardiovascular events in other populations, including non-AF populations. The ADAM-C score is a new risk score for predicting the diagnostic yield of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) after BI. We aimed to evaluate the ability of CHA2DS2-VASc and ADAM-C scores to predict CAA after BI. METHODS: This prospective, multicenter, observational study included 1479 patients aged over 18 years who were hospitalized for BI. CAA was defined as the presence of one or more of the following criteria: thrombus, ulcerated plaque, or plaque thickening ≥ 4 mm. RESULTS: CAA was diagnosed in 216 patients (14.6%). CHA2DS2-VASc and ADAM-C scores were significantly higher in the CAA group versus the non-CAA group (P < .0001 for both). The CHA2DS2-VASc and ADAM-C scores appear to be good predictors of CAA (AUC 0.699 [0.635, 0.761] and 0.759 [0.702, 0.814], respectively). The sensitivity, specificity, predictive positive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the scores for detecting CAA were 94%, 22%, 17%, and 96%, respectively, for a CHA2DS2-VASc score < 2, and 90%, 46%, 22%, and 96%, respectively, for an ADAM-C score < 3 CONCLUSIONS: CHA2DS2-VASc and ADAM-C scores are able to predict CAA after BI. CHA2DS2-VASc < 2 and ADAM-C < 3 both have an interesting NPV of 96%.

ADAM-C score: New risk score for predicting diagnostic yield of transesophageal echocardiography after cerebral ischemia.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The clinical utility of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) after brain ischemia (BI) remains a matter of debate. We aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of TEE and to build a score that could help physicians to identify which patients should better benefit from TEE. METHODS: This prospective, multicenter, observational study included patients over 18 years old, hospitalized for BI. TEE findings were judged discriminant if the results showed important information leading to major changes in the management of patients. Most patients with patent foramen ovale were excluded. Variables independently associated with a discriminant TEE were used to build the prediction model. RESULTS: Of the entire population (1479 patients), 255 patients (17%) were classified in the discriminant TEE group. Five parameters were selected as predictors of a discriminant TEE. Accordingly, the ADAM-C score could be calculated as follows: Score = 4 (if age ≥60) + 2 (if diabetes) + 2 (if aortic stenosis from any degrees) + 1 (if multi-territory stroke) + 2 (if history of coronary artery disease). At a threshold lower than 3, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value (NPV) of detecting discriminant TEE were 88% (95% CI 85-90), 44% (95% CI 41-47), 21% (95% CI 19-27), and 95% (95% CI 94-97), respectively. CONCLUSION: A simple score based on clinical and transthoracic echocardiographic parameters can help physicians to identify patients who might not benefit from TEE. Indeed, a score lower than 3 has an interesting NPV of 95% (95% CI 94-97).

Continuous control of tracheal cuff pressure and microaspiration of gastric contents in critically ill patients.

RATIONALE: Underinflation of the tracheal cuff frequently occurs in critically ill patients and represents a risk factor for microaspiration of contaminated oropharyngeal secretions and gastric contents that plays a major role in the pathogenesis of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact of continuous control of tracheal cuff pressure (P(cuff)) on microaspiration of gastric contents. METHODS: Prospective randomized controlled trial performed in a single medical intensive care unit. A total of 122 patients expected to receive mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours through a tracheal tube were randomized to receive continuous control of P(cuff) using a pneumatic device (intervention group, n = 61) or routine care of P(cuff) (control group, n = 61). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was microaspiration of gastric contents as defined by the presence of pepsin at a significant level in tracheal secretions collected during the 48 hours after randomization. Secondary outcomes included incidence of VAP, tracheobronchial bacterial concentration, and tracheal ischemic lesions. The pneumatic device was efficient in controlling P(cuff). Pepsin was measured in 1,205 tracheal aspirates. Percentage of patients with abundant microaspiration (18 vs. 46%; P = 0.002; OR [95% confidence interval], 0.25 [0.11-0.59]), bacterial concentration in tracheal aspirates (mean ± SD 1.6 ± 2.4 vs. 3.1 ± 3.7 log(10) cfu/ml, P = 0.014), and VAP rate (9.8 vs. 26.2%; P = 0.032; 0.30 [0.11-0.84]) were significantly lower in the intervention group compared with the control group. However, no significant difference was found in tracheal ischemia score between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous control of P(cuff) is associated with significantly decreased microaspiration of gastric contents in critically ill patients.

Clinical significance of unsuspected rise in cardiac troponin in the setting of falls in older people.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the clinical significance of unsuspected rise in cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels in elderly patients who have fallen. DESIGN: Monocentre prospective observational pilot study. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive elderly patients (age >65 years) referred to the emergency department after being immobilised on the ground after a fall. MEASUREMENTS: Clinical, laboratory and Doppler echocardiography data were collected on admission to assess the cardiac correlates of increased cTnI. The survival endpoint was a composite of death or cardiovascular event. RESULTS: 60 patients were included in this study. Mean age was 81+/-8 years. Cardiac TnI was > or =0.05 ng/ml in at least one blood sample in 40 patients (67%). New diagnosis of cardiac disease was performed in 14 patients, 13 of them had cTnI > or =0.05 ng/ml. Transient apical ballooning was diagnosed in six patients. During a median follow-up of 92 (49-131) days death occurred in six patients, myocardial infarction in three, stroke in one and acute heart failure in five. Cardiac TnI > or =0.05 ng/ml was a predictor of these events (p=0.034). CONCLUSION: An unsuspected rise in cTnI correlates with new diagnosis of cardiac disease and is a potential marker of stress induced cardiomyopathy in elderly patients who fall. Cardiac TnI might be a strong predictor of outcome in these patients.

Evaluation of blood pressure control in an obstructive sleep apnea population followed in cardiology.

OBJECTIVE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common factor involved in uncontrolled blood pressure (BP). Management of OSA is part of cardiologist work. We have few data on BP control in a population of OSA followed by cardiologists. AIM: We evaluated the prevalence of effective BP control using ambulatory measurement in a population of patients followed in cardiology. METHODS: Data from 69 OSA patients treated for more than 6 months by continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) were collected prospectively from March 2012 until December 2012. These patients were divided into 2 groups according to the results of 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). Controlled BP was defined as a 24 h BP <130/80 mmHg. RESULTS: All patients were hypertensive. 44 patients (63 %) had uncontrolled hypertension (HTN). The onset of OSA (p = 0.01) and persistent daytime sleepiness appeared as predictors of uncontrolled BP. Systolic BP (SBP) during consultation and all the ABPM variables were higher in uncontrolled BP patients. Uncontrolled BP was associated with greater left ventricular mass (p = 0.02) and greater diameter of the ascending aorta (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Control of HTN should be evaluated in all OSA patients, using ABPM. The onset of OSA and high SBP during consultation are both factors associated with uncontrolled BP in this population. Repeating ABPM should be of interest for the follow up of these patients.

Pathophysiology of airway colonization in critically ill COPD patient.

Although noninvasive ventilation (NIV) use in severe acute exacerbation of COPD has substantially reduced the need for intubation, an important number of COPD patients still are mechanically ventilated through a tracheal tube in the ICU. Intubation is a major risk factor for lower respiratory tract colonization (LRTC) in ICU patients. Other risk factors for LRTC include colonization of the oral cavity, nasopharynx, and gastric content. Aspiration of contaminated oropharyngeal secretions is increased by supine position, underinflation of tracheal cuff, coma, and sedation. Tracheal tube biofilm formation plays an important role as a reservoir for microorganisms. Reduced cough reflex, altered mucocilliary clearance, hypersecretion and retention of mucus are frequent in COPD patients. In addition, malnutrition and corticosteroid use are common in this population resulting in altered cellular, and humoral immunity and higher risk for LRTC. Incidence of LRTC varies from 22-95% of intubated patients. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most frequently isolated microorganism at day 3 after intubation in COPD patients. LRTC is a major risk factor for ventilator-associated pneumonia, which is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in ICU patients. Several measures could be suggested to reduce LRTC in critically ill COPD patients. NIV use in severe acute exacerbations reduces the need for intubation. In addition, the early use of NIV averts respiratory failure after extubation and could reduce the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation. Other measures might be efficient in preventing LRTC such as semirecumbent position, avoidance of gastric distension, polyurethane-cuffed tracheal tubes, silver-coated tracheal tubes, subglottic aspiration, and continuous control of cuff pressure. Further studies should determine the impact of preventive measures aiming at preventing LRTC on outcome of COPD patients requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation in the ICU.