Intersecting Epidemics: Examining the Impact of Internalized Homophobia and Depression Symptoms on HIV Testing Through a Suicide Syndemic Among Young Black Men Who Have Sex with Men.

Young Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) in the USA face disproportionate rates of HIV incidence. Mental health vulnerabilities, including depression, anxiety, substance use, and trauma, further exacerbate the HIV epidemic among this population. Internalized homophobia, discrimination, and depression contribute to elevated rates of suicidal behavior among young BMSM, which in turn may influence engagement in HIV prevention behaviors, such as HIV testing. However, limited research has examined the interplay among suicidal behaviors, internalized homophobia, depression, and HIV testing among young BMSM. This study utilized syndemic theory to explore the relationships among these factors in a sample of 400 young BMSM ages 18-29. Results indicate alarming rates of suicidal behavior among young BMSM, with significant associations among internalized homophobia, depression symptoms, suicidal behavior, and HIV testing. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions and HIV prevention services tailored to address the unique challenges faced by young BMSM. Comprehensive, multi-level, community-centered interventions are essential to address the syndemics affecting young BMSM, promoting holistic health and well-being while improving outcomes across the HIV prevention continuum.

Understanding the impact of environmentally relevant alkyl C12-16 dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride concentrations on zebrafish health.

Alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chlorides (ADBACs), classified as second-generation quaternary ammonium compounds, are extensively employed across various sectors, encompassing veterinary medicine, food production, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, ophthalmology, and agriculture. Consequently, significant volumes of ADBAC C12-C16 are discharged into the environment, posing a threat to aquatic organisms. Regrettably, comprehensive data regarding the toxicological characteristics of these compounds remain scarce. This research aimed to determine whether or not ADBAC C12-C16, at environmentally relevant concentrations (0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 µg/L), may instigate oxidative stress and alter the expression of apoptosis-related genes in the liver, brain, gut, and gills of Danio rerio adults (5-6 months). The findings revealed that ADBAC C12-C16 elicited an oxidative stress response across all examined organs following 96 h of exposure. Nonetheless, the magnitude of this response varied among organs, with the gills exhibiting the highest degree of susceptibility, followed by the gut, liver, and brain, in descending order. Only the gut and gills of the examined organs displayed a concentration-dependent reduction in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Akin to the oxidative stress response, all organs exhibited a marked increase in bax, blc2, casp3, and p53 expression levels. However, the gills and gut manifested a distinctive suppression in the expression of nrf1 and nrf2. Our Principal Component Analysis (PCA) confirmed that SOD, CAT, nrf1, and nrf2 were negatively correlated to oxidative damage biomarkers and apoptosis-related genes in the gills and gut; meanwhile, in the remaining organs, all biomarkers were extensively correlated. From the above, it can be concluded that ADBAC C12-C16 in low and environmental concentrations may threaten the health of freshwater fish.

Evaluating human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling among Latinas in the United States: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Latinas experience the greatest cervical cancer incidence compared with other ethnic/racial groups in the United States (US) due in part to significant disparities in screening uptake. Social and structural conditions that impede access to and participation in screening include language barriers, concerns about documentation status, logistical issues (e.g., transportation, limited clinic hours), and cultural beliefs regarding modesty and promiscuity. To overcome these challenges, self-sampling for human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing has emerged as a potentially promising method for promoting cervical cancer screening among this population. Thus, this systematic review aimed to assess the acceptability of HPV self-sampling among US Latinas. METHODS: Using EBSCOhost and PubMed databases, we searched for studies published in the past two decades (2003-2023) that described participation in HPV self-sampling among Latinas. Eleven articles met inclusion criteria. RESULTS: The majority of studies were conducted in Florida, California, and Puerto Rico, were single-arm designs, and involved the use of community health workers and Spanish-language materials (e.g., brochures). Across studies, the majority of participants reported that self-sampling was acceptable with respect to ease of use, comfort (lack of pain), privacy, and convenience; however, some women were concerned about the accuracy of self-sampling or whether they had performed sample collection correctly. CONCLUSION: Given the high acceptability, self-collection of cervicovaginal samples for HPV testing may offer a feasible option for enhancing participation in cervical cancer screening in this population that encounters significant barriers to screening.

Medical-Legal Partnerships: a promising approach for addressing health-harming legal needs among people with HIV.

Introduction: People with HIV (PWH), particularly those at the intersection of sexual and gender identities, face enduring obstacles to accessing HIV care, including structural stigma, structural racism and discrimination, housing instability, and limited access to health insurance. To address these challenges, Medical-Legal Partnerships (MLPs) in HIV care offer an innovative approach that integrates medical and legal services. By targeting health-harming legal needs (HHLN), MLPs aim to enhance the HIV care continuum outcomes for PWH. Methods: This study examines the benefits and challenges of MLPs within organizations serving PWH through the social-ecological model. MLP providers (n=111) identified organizational-level challenges such as funding limitations, resource integration issues, and staffing constraints. Results: MLPs demonstrated numerous benefits, including patient impact and benefits, comprehensive service provision, enhanced staff support and capacity, and potential for policy influence. Discussion: These results underscore the feasibility of MLPs while offering valuable insights into their efficacy and challenges, guiding the implementation of MLPs to address health-harming legal needs, including discrimination, and thereby improving HIV care outcomes.

A Low-Cost Wearable Device to Estimate Body Temperature Based on Wrist Temperature.

The remote monitoring of vital signs and healthcare provision has become an urgent necessity due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the world. Blood oxygen level, heart rate, and body temperature data are crucial for managing the disease and ensuring timely medical care. This study proposes a low-cost wearable device employing non-contact sensors to monitor, process, and visualize critical variables, focusing on body temperature measurement as a key health indicator. The wearable device developed offers a non-invasive and continuous method to gather wrist and forehead temperature data. However, since there is a discrepancy between wrist and actual forehead temperature, this study incorporates statistical methods and machine learning to estimate the core forehead temperature from the wrist. This research collects 2130 samples from 30 volunteers, and both the statistical least squares method and machine learning via linear regression are applied to analyze these data. It is observed that all models achieve a significant fit, but the third-degree polynomial model stands out in both approaches. It achieves an R2 value of 0.9769 in the statistical analysis and 0.9791 in machine learning.

Patients Age 40 Years and Younger With Multiple Myeloma Have the Same Prognosis as Older Patients: An Analysis of Real-World Patients' Evidence From Latin America.

PURPOSE: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a highly heterogeneous, incurable disease most frequently diagnosed in the elderly. Therefore, data on clinical characteristics and outcomes in the very young population are scarce. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed clinical characteristics, response to treatment, and survival in 103 patients with newly diagnosed MM age 40 years or younger compared with 256 patients age 41-50 years and 957 patients age 51 years or older. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in sex, isotype, International Scoring System, renal involvement, hypercalcemia, anemia, dialysis, bony lesions, extramedullary disease, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The most used regimen in young patients was cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, dexamethasone, followed by cyclophosphamide, thalidomide, dexamethasone and bortezomib, thalidomide, dexamethasone. Of the patients age 40 years or younger, only 53% received autologous stem-cell transplant (ASCT) and 71.1% received maintenance. There were no differences in overall survival (OS) in the three patient cohorts. In the multivariate analysis, only high LDH, high cytogenetic risk, and ASCT were statistically associated with survival. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, younger patients with MM in Latin America have similar clinical characteristics, responses, and OS compared with the elderly.

A Scoping Review of Biobehavioural Interventions to Improve PrEP Continuum of Care in Latin America.

According to the literature, biobehavioural interventions or combined strategies would reduce the risk of HIV infection by more than 7,000 new cases each day, which would contribute to the battle facing Latin America, where despite the high incidence and prevalence of HIV in the region, access to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is very limited. The objective of this research was, consistent with the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses), to conduct a scoping review to assess the evidence of available outcome data on biobehavioural interventions and programs to address gaps in the PrEP continuum of care in Latin America. The search was conducted in the databases EBSCOhost, WoS, Scopus, and ProQuest, and include all studies published from 2010 to 2021. One hundred eighty-six studies were identified and evaluated according to the eligibility criteria in six stages starting with the elimination of duplicates until the selection of studies that met the previously mentioned criteria; at the end five studies were chosen which were submitted to the methodological quality assessment including compliance with ethical guidelines. Results show that biobehavioural interventions promoting PrEP in Latin America are effective in increasing condom use, decreasing HIV risk, and increasing PrEP awareness, uptake, adherence, and retention. The limited number of interventions in the PrEP continuum of care indicates a need for the uptake of dissemination and implementation science (D&I) frameworks. D&I could help facilitate the translation of evidence-based practices, interventions, and policies to address the HIV crisis in Latin America.

Según la literatura, las intervenciones bioconductuales o estrategias combinadas reducirían el riesgo de infección por VIH en más de 7000 nuevos casos cada día, lo que contribuiría a la batalla que enfrenta América Latina, región en la que, a pesar de la alta incidencia y prevalencia del VIH, el acceso a la PrEP (profilaxis preexposición) es muy limitado. De acuerdo con las directrices de PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses), el objetivo de esta investigación fue realizar una revisión de alcance para evaluar la evidencia de los datos de resultados disponibles sobre intervenciones bioconductuales y programas para abordar las brechas en el continuo de atención de PrEP en América Latina. La búsqueda se realizó en las bases de datos EBSCOhost, WoS, Scopus y ProQuest, e incluyó todos los estudios publicados de 2010 a 2021. Se identificaron ciento ochenta y seis estudios, y se evaluaron de acuerdo con los criterios de elegibilidad en seis etapas, iniciando por la eliminación de duplicados hasta la selección de estudios que cumplieran los criterios previamente mencionados; al final se eligieron cinco estudios, los cuales fueron sometidos a la evaluación de calidad metodológica, incluyendo el cumplimiento de los lineamientos éticos. Los resultados muestran que las intervenciones bioconductuales que promueven la PrEP en América Latina son efectivas para aumentar el uso del condón, disminuir el riesgo de VIH y aumentar la conciencia, la aceptación, la adherencia y la retención de la PrEP. El número limitado de intervenciones en el continuo de atención de la PrEP indica la necesidad de adoptar marcos científicos de difusión e implementación (D&I); marcos que podrían ayudar a facilitar la traducción de prácticas, intervenciones y políticas basadas en la evidencia para abordar la crisis del VIH en América Latina.

A Scoping Review of Biobehavioural Interventions to Improve PrEP Continuum of Care in Latin America

According to the literature, biobehavioural interventions or combined strategies would reduce the risk of HIV infection by more than 7,000 new cases each day, which would contribute to the battle facing Latin America, where despite the high incidence and prevalence of HIV in the region, access to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is very limited. The objective of this research was, consistent with the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses), to conduct a scoping review to assess the evidence of available outcome data on biobehavioural interventions and programs to address gaps in the PrEP continuum of care in Latin America. The search was conducted in the databases EBSCOhost, WoS, Scopus, and ProQuest, and include all studies published from 2010 to 2021. One hundred eighty-six studies were identified and evaluated according to the eligibility criteria in six stages starting with the elimination of duplicates until the selection of studies that met the previously mentioned criteria; at the end five studies were chosen which were submitted to the methodological quality assessment including compliance with ethical guidelines. Results show that biobehavioural interventions promoting PrEP in Latin America are effective in increasing condom use, decreasing HIV risk, and increasing PrEP awareness, uptake, adherence, and retention. The limited number of interventions in the PrEP continuum of care indicates a need for the uptake of dissemination and implementation science (D&I) frameworks. D&I could help facilitate the translation of evidence-based practices, interventions, and policies to address the HIV crisis in Latin America.

Según la literatura, las intervenciones bioconductuales o estrategias combinadas reducirían el riesgo de infección por VIH en más de 7000 nuevos casos cada día, lo que contribuiría a la batalla que enfrenta América Latina, región en la que, a pesar de la alta incidencia y prevalencia del VIH, el acceso a la PrEP (profilaxis preexposición) es muy limitado. De acuerdo con las directrices de PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses), el objetivo de esta investigación fue realizar una revisión de alcance para evaluar la evidencia de los datos de resultados disponibles sobre intervenciones bioconductuales y programas para abordar las brechas en el continuo de atención de PrEP en América Latina. La búsqueda se realizó en las bases de datos EBSCOhost, WoS, Scopus y ProQuest, e incluyó todos los estudios publicados de 2010 a 2021. Se identificaron ciento ochenta y seis estudios, y se evaluaron de acuerdo con los criterios de elegibilidad en seis etapas, iniciando por la eliminación de duplicados hasta la selección de estudios que cumplieran los criterios previamente mencionados; al final se eligieron cinco estudios, los cuales fueron sometidos a la evaluación de calidad metodológica, incluyendo el cumplimiento de los lineamientos éticos. Los resultados muestran que las intervenciones bioconductuales que promueven la PrEP en América Latina son efectivas para aumentar el uso del condón, disminuir el riesgo de VIH y aumentar la conciencia, la aceptación, la adherencia y la retención de la PrEP. El número limitado de intervenciones en el continuo de atención de la PrEP indica la necesidad de adoptar marcos científicos de difusión e implementación (D&I); marcos que podrían ayudar a facilitar la traducción de prácticas, intervenciones y políticas basadas en la evidencia para abordar la crisis del VIH en América Latina.

[Revista Médica del IMSS: Institutional heritage and Important reference]. / Revista Médica del IMSS: patrimonio institucional e importante referente formativo.

In a context that has tended towards globalization, in which obtaining economic resources is usually the driving force of societies, information resources have frequently been treated as private goods for which one must pay. A strategy for the above has been open and free access to information, a factor of great importance for the construction of more open media.

En un contexto que ha tendido a lo globalizado, en el que la obtención de recursos económicos suele ser el motor de las sociedades, los recursos de información han sido tratados con frecuencia como bienes privados por los que hay que pagar. Una estrategia a lo anterior ha sido el acceso abierto y gratuito a la información, un factor de gran importancia para la construcción de medios más abiertos.

Feasibility and acceptability of CRiSOL: A pilot peer-based intervention to address syndemic health issues afflicting Latino immigrants in the U.S.

Substance use, HIV/AIDS, domestic violence and mental health (SAVAME) are syndemic health issues that disproportionately burden Latinos in the U.S. Yet, there are limited evidence-based interventions to address these interrelated syndemic issues and their shared socio-ecological determinants. This study sought to test the feasibility and acceptability of CRiSOL, a peer-based, resilience-focused intervention to reduce the impact of the SAVAME syndemic on Latino immigrants. Fifteen Latino immigrant community leaders were recruited and trained to serve as health promotion agents in their naturally existing social networks. The training was implemented with high fidelity, received with high satisfaction by the peer leaders, and associated with significant improvements in their knowledge, leadership skills, and social capital. During an 8-month outreach phase, nine leaders remained active in the program and documented 825 one-on-one interactions with community members, during which they provided advice/counseling (52.2% of interactions), health information/education (32.5%), referrals to health and social services (38.5%), food aid (39.9%), and service navigation/assistance (10.2%). While future research must be conducted to establish the effectiveness of CRiSOL, findings from this pilot evaluation indicate the feasibility, acceptability, and high level of reach of this intervention and suggest significant potential to reduce the SAVAME syndemic burden in Latino communities.

Deterioro cognitivo post-COVID-19: definiciones, fisiopatología, clínica y tratamientos / Post-COVID-19 cognitive decline: definitions, pathophysiology, symptomatology and treatments

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir, de acuerdo con la literatura actual, las características clínico-demográficas y los tratamientos farmacológicos y no farmacológicos en los cambios cognitivos desarrollados después de la infección por el SARS-CoV-2. Material y métodos: Realizamos una búsqueda no sistemática en Medline (PubMed), con el objetivo de encontrar información sobre conceptos actualizados en definiciones clínicas, fisiopatología, características clínicas y estrategias terapéuticas, para lo cual se utilizó términos MeSH y se consideró artículos publicados desde el año 2020 sobre el deterioro cognitivo post-COVID-19. Resultados: Los factores de riesgo asociados incluyen sexo femenino, enfermedades crónicas, tabaquismo y antecedentes de hospitalización. Dentro de los dominios cognitivos más afectados se encuentran la memoria, la atención y las funciones ejecutivas. Los dominios cognitivos menos afectados son el lenguaje y las habilidades visoespaciales. Los estudios de neuroimagen han demostrado ser de utilidad para determinar correlaciones anatómicas con el deterioro cognitivo. Las terapias farmacológicas y otras estrategias no farmacológicas no cuentan con suficiente nivel de evidencia para demostrar su efectividad contra el deterioro cognitivo. La rehabilitación cognitiva y la psicoterapia pueden ayudar a mejorar el deterioro cognitivo y también algunos síntomas neuropsiquiátricos. Conclusiones: La caracterización de las definiciones y el espectro clínico-cognitivo como complicación post-COVID-19 están más estructurados en la actualidad; sin embargo, aún no se cuenta con suficiente nivel de evidencia para poder desarrollar guías de tratamiento estandarizadas para el deterioro cognitivo. El manejo interdisciplinario con rehabilitación neurocognitiva, fármacos, neuromodulación y otras terapias podría aportar mejoras en el pronóstico del déficit cognitivo.

ABSTRACT The objective of this review is to describe, in accordance with the current literature, the demographic-clinical characteristics, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments in the cognitive changes developed after infection by the SARS-CoV-2. Method, we conducted a non-systematic search in MEDLINE (PubMed) with the aim of finding bibliography including original studies describing current concepts in clinical definitions, pathophysiology, clinical features and therapeutic strategies. Utilizing MeSH terminology, including articles published since 2020. Results, associated risk factors of cognitive decline include female sex, chronic diseases, smoking, and history of hospitalization. Frequently affected cognitive domains are memory, attention, and executive function. Less commonly, language and visuospatial function is reported. Functional and structural imaging has demonstrated anatomical correlations with cognitive symptoms. Current pharmacological strategies lack enough evidence in terms of efficacy and effectiveness to design therapeutic guidelines. Cognitive rehabilitation and psychotherapy have demonstrated some benefits improving the cognitive decline and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Conclusions, characterization of post-COVID-19 syndromes definitions and clinical features is improving. However, the current level of evidence is insufficient for the development of treatment guidelines specific for cognitive decline. An interdisciplinary approach including cognitive rehabilitation, drugs, neuromodulation and other therapies could improve the outcome.

Clinical predictors and outcomes of pulmonary infarction in patients with central pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND: Given the heterogeneity of predisposing factors associated with pulmonary infarction (PI) and the lack of clinically relevant outcomes among patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) complicated by PI, further investigation is required. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients with central PE in an 11-year period. Data were stratified according to the diagnosis of PI. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to analyze factors associated with PI development and determine if PI was associated with severe hypoxemic respiratory failure and mechanical ventilation use. RESULTS: Of 645 patients with central PE, 24% (n = 156) had PI. After adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, and clinical features on admission, only age (OR 0.98, CI 0.96-0.99; p = 0.008) was independently associated with PI. Regarding outcomes, 35% (n = 55) had severe hypoxemic respiratory failure, and 19% (n = 29) required mechanical ventilation. After adjusting for demographics, PE severity, and right ventricular dysfunction, PI was independently associated with severe hypoxemic respiratory failure (OR 1.78; CI 1.18-2.69, p = 0.005) and mechanical ventilation (OR 1.92; CI 1.14-3.22, p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Aging is a protective factor against PI. In acute central PE, subjects with PI had higher odds of developing severe hypoxemic respiratory failure and requiring mechanical ventilation.

[Who reads the Revista Médica del IMSS? Altmetrics answer it]. / ¿Quién lee la Revista Médica del IMSS? Las métricas alternativas responden.

The Revisa Médica del IMSS is considered a track of national and international scientific dissemination that presents the results of clinical research carried out within the Institute. Altmetrics, or alternative metrics, emerged as an alternative to citation-based metrics and allow authors to visualize the impact of their works that have not received citations to identify the characteristics of the readers who consult their published article. It is important that scientific journals have accurate information from their readers, as it will provide them with an overview of the use of the information produced in their area of expertise or in their institution. This editorial explores the characteristics of the readers of the Revista Médica del IMSS through the analysis of alternative metrics available in the Dimensions database.

La Revista Médica del IMSS es considerada como un medio de divulgación científica nacional e internacional que presenta los resultados de la investigación clínica realizada dentro del Instituto. Las Altmetrics, o métricas alternativas, surgieron como una alternativa a las métricas basadas en citación y permiten a los autores visibilizar el impacto de sus trabajos que no han recibido citas para identificar las características de los lectores que consultan su artículo publicado. Es importante que las revistas científicas cuenten con información precisa de sus lectores, pues les brindará un panorama sobre el uso de la información que se produce en su área de especialidad o en su institución. En este editorial se exploran las características de los lectores de la Revista Médica del IMSS a través del análisis de las métricas alternativas disponibles en la base de datos Dimensions.

A microfluidic approach for label-free identification of small-sized microplastics in seawater.

Marine microplastics are emerging as a growing environmental concern due to their potential harm to marine biota. The substantial variations in their physical and chemical properties pose a significant challenge when it comes to sampling and characterizing small-sized microplastics. In this study, we introduce a novel microfluidic approach that simplifies the trapping and identification process of microplastics in surface seawater, eliminating the need for labeling. We examine various models, including support vector machine, random forest, convolutional neural network (CNN), and residual neural network (ResNet34), to assess their performance in identifying 11 common plastics. Our findings reveal that the CNN method outperforms the other models, achieving an impressive accuracy of 93% and a mean area under the curve of 98 ± 0.02%. Furthermore, we demonstrate that miniaturized devices can effectively trap and identify microplastics smaller than 50 µm. Overall, this proposed approach facilitates efficient sampling and identification of small-sized microplastics, potentially contributing to crucial long-term monitoring and treatment efforts.

Hepatitis C (HCV) among Black and Latino sexual minority men (SMM) in the Southern United States: Protocol of a prospective cohort epidemiological study.

BACKGROUND: Sexual minority men (SMM) who engage in condomless anal sex and injection drug use are at increased risk for viral Hepatitis C (HCV) infection. Additionally, studies have found racial disparities in HCV cases across the United States. However, very few epidemiological studies have examined factors associated with HCV infection in HIV-negative Black and Latino SMM. This paper describes the rationale, design, and methodology of a prospective epidemiological study to quantify the HCV prevalence and incidence and investigate the individual and environmental-level predictors of HCV infection among HIV-negative, Black and Latino SMM in the Southern U.S. METHODS: Beginning in September 2021, 400 Black and Latino SMM, aged 18 years and above, will be identified, recruited and retained over 12-months of follow-up from two study sites: greater Washington, DC and Dallas, TX areas. After written informed consent, participants will undergo integrated HIV/STI testing, including HCV, HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Subsequently, participants will complete a quantitative survey-including a social and sexual network inventory-and an exit interview to review test results and confirm participants' contact information. Individual, interpersonal, and environmental factors will be assessed at baseline and follow-up visits (6 and 12 months). The primary outcomes are HCV prevalence and incidence. Secondary outcomes are sexual behavior, substance use, and psychosocial health. RESULTS: To date (March 2023) a total of 162 participants have completed baseline visits at the DC study site and 161 participants have completed baseline visits at the Texas study site. CONCLUSION: This study has several implications that will directly affect the health and wellness of Black and Latino SMM. Specifically, our results will inform more-focused HCV clinical guidelines (i.e., effective strategies for HCV screening among Black/Latino SMM), intervention development and other prevention and treatment activities and development of patient assistance programs for the treatment of HCV among uninsured persons, especially in Deep South, that have yet to expand Medicaid.

Clinical features and risk factors of adverse clinical outcomes in central pulmonary embolism using machine learning analysis.

BACKGROUND: In prior studies, central pulmonary embolism (PE) was associated with high clot burden and was considered an independent predictor for thrombolysis. Further information about predictors of adverse outcomes in these patients is needed for better risk stratification. The objective is to describe independent predictors of adverse clinical outcomes in patients with central PE. METHODS: Large retrospective, observational, and single-center study of hospitalized patients with central PE. Data were gathered on demographics, comorbidities, clinical features on admission, imaging, treatments, and outcomes. Multivariable standard and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) machine learning logistic regressions and sensitivity analyses were used to analyze factors associated with a composite of adverse clinical outcomes, including vasopressor use, mechanical ventilation, and inpatient mortality. RESULTS: A total of 654 patients had central PE. The mean age was 63.1 years, 59% were women, and 82% were African American. The composite adverse outcome was observed in 18% (n = 115) of patients. Serum creatinine elevation (odds ratio [OR] = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.20-1.57; p = 0.0001), white blood cell (WBC) count elevation (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.05-1.15; p < 0.001), higher simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) score (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.18-1.84; p = 0.001), serum troponin elevation (OR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.02-1.56; p = 0.03), and respiratory rate increase (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.0-1.05; p = 0.02) were independent predictors of adverse clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: Among patients with central PE, higher sPESI score, WBC count elevation, serum creatinine elevation, serum troponin elevation, and respiratory rate increase were independent predictors of adverse clinical outcomes. Right ventricular dysfunction on imaging and saddle PE location did not predict adverse outcomes.

Clinical characteristics and treatment of patients with central pulmonary embolism and right heart thrombus.

INTRODUCTION: Right heart thrombus (RHT), also known as clot in transit, is an uncommon finding in pulmonary embolism (PE) that is associated with increased inpatient mortality. To date, there is no consensus on the management of RHT. Therefore, we aim to describe the clinical features, treatments, and outcomes of patients with simultaneous RHT and PE. METHODS: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional, and single-center study of hospitalized patients with central PE who had RHT visualized on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) from January 2012 to May 2022. We use descriptive statistics to describe their clinical features, treatments, and outcomes, including mechanical ventilation, major bleeding, inpatient mortality, length of hospital stay, and recurrent PE on follow-up. RESULTS: Of 433 patients with central PE who underwent TTE, nine patients (2%) had RHT. The median age was 63 years (range 29-87), most were African American (6/9), and females (5/9). All patients had evidence of RV dysfunction and received therapeutic anticoagulation. Eight patients received RHT-directed interventions, including systemic thrombolysis (2/9), catheter-directed suction embolectomy (4/9), and surgical embolectomy (2/9). Regarding outcomes, 4/9 patients were hemodynamically unstable, 8/9 were hypoxemic, and 2/9 were mechanically ventilated. The median length of hospital stay was six days (range 1-16). One patient died during hospital admission, and two patients had recurrent PE. CONCLUSION: We described the different therapeutic approaches and outcomes of patients with RHT treated in our institution. Our study adds valuable information to the literature, as there is no consensus on the treatment of RHT. HIGHLIGHTS: Right heart thrombus (RHT) was a rare finding in central pulmonary embolism. Most patients with RHT had evidence of RV dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. Most patients received RHT-directed therapies in addition to therapeutic anticoagulation.