Outcomes of Hospitalised COVID-19 Patients Arriving With Hypoxic Respiratory Failure.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxia is a common complication seen in people with COVID-19 and can often be the presenting symptom. METHODS: Using a multi-centre observational database, we analysed 3,624 hospitalised COVID-19 PCR-positive patients at Methodist Health System, Dallas, Texas, USA from March 2020 to December 2020. We compared in-hospital death or hospice referral rates and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) between patients with four levels of oxygen (O2) requirements (0-1 L/min, 2-10 L/min, 11-20 L/min, 21-100 L/min). MACE included congestive heart failure (CHF) exacerbations, myocardial infarctions (MI), strokes, pulmonary embolism (PE) / deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and shock. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine comorbidities and demographics associated with mortality. Multinomial regression analysis was used to find which of these variables were associated with hypoxia. RESULTS: Patients who arrived needing 0-1 L/min of O2 had reduced risk of mortality compared to those requiring 2-10 L/min (OR=1.54, 95% CI=1.207-1.976, p<0.0001), 11-20 L/min (OR=4.55, 95% CI=3.169-6.547, p<0.0001), or 21-100 L/min (OR=12.06, 95% CI=8.548-17.016, p<0.0001). In addition, patients who arrived needing 0-1 L/min of O2 showed reduced risk of MACE compared to those requiring 2-10 L/min (OR=1.20, 95% CI=1.029-1.409, p<0.0001), 11-20 L/min (OR=2.76, 95% CI 2.06-3.696, p<0.0001), or 21-100 L/min (OR=6.74, 95% CI 4.966-9.155, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Hypoxia on arrival is associated with a significantly increased risk of mortality and MACE among hospitalised patients with COVID-19. This data will promote better prognostication and help reduce negative outcomes in an inpatient setting.

Is there a benefit of aspirin therapy for primary prevention to reduce the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in patients with elevated Lipoprotein (a)-A review of the evidence.

Aspirin has long been recognized as a beneficial treatment for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) due to its antiplatelet effects. However, there is a need to more precisely identify individuals who would benefit from aspirin therapy for primary prevention in order to reduce the risk of ASCVD. Those with elevated lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels are at increased risk of ASCVD. In this article, we provide an overview of studies that have explored the use of aspirin therapy in individuals with elevated Lp(a). We discuss the potential mechanisms by which aspirin therapy may reduce ASCVD risk, and present a review of the data on the effectiveness of aspirin therapy in reducing ASCVD risk in individuals with elevated Lp(a). The presented evidence suggests that individuals with elevated Lp(a) benefit more from aspirin therapy for reduction of ASCVD events than the general population.

Loperamide-Induced Ventricular Tachycardia Storm.

Loperamide is an over-the-counter antilaxative medication with minor opioid properties. For this reason, it has recently become a drug of concern for the Food and Drug Administration due to its potential for abuse. In addition, further apprehension pertaining to its over-the-counter availability has developed due to the recent increase in reported cases of loperamide overdose or prolonged use leading to arrhythmias. We described a rare case of loperamide-induced ventricular tachycardia storm.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection and acute myocardial infarction in women.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is increasingly recognized as a cause of acute coronary syndrome, acute myocardial infarction, and sudden death in young patients, particularly women, presenting to the emergency department with chest pain. It is the most common cause of nonatherosclerotic coronary artery disease in women <50 years of age. Current guidelines for SCAD management come from case series that have demonstrated low success rates and high rates of complications with percutaneous coronary intervention. Expert consensus suggests conservative care, and observation is preferred in many patients. However, patients with ongoing symptoms of cardiac ischemia or hemodynamic or electrical instability with compromised myocardial perfusion remain challenging. With this case report, we aim to increase awareness of SCAD and critical aspects of its diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Further investigation is needed to clarify the ideal candidates for revascularization to optimize outcomes and limit morbidity and mortality.