Effect of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors on the 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension: An Updated Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), initially developed for type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) treatment, have shown potential benefits beyond glycemic control, including a positive impact on the blood pressure (BP). This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate their effects on patients with type 2 DM and hypertension. METHODS: We searched the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases for relevant randomized controlled trials published until May 31, 2023. Ten randomized controlled trials involving participants with confirmed type 2 DM were selected. The intervention group received SGLT2i, whereas the control group received a placebo or standard care. The primary outcomes were the 24-hour ambulatory systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP). RESULTS: The results showed a significant reduction in the 24-hour ambulatory SBP (weighted mean difference, -5.08 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval, -7.02 to -3.14; P <.00001) and DBP (weighted mean difference, -2.73 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval, -4.25 to -1.20; P =.0005) with the use of SGLT2i compared with that using the placebo. However, a high-heterogeneity level was observed in both analyses (SBP, I2 = 83%; DBP, I2 = 91%). Sensitivity analysis excluding specific studies reduced heterogeneity while maintaining statistically significant and clinically relevant reductions in the BP. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this meta-analysis proves that SGLT2i significantly reduce the 24-hour ambulatory BP. SGLT2i may be considered an effective treatment option for lowering the BP in addition to standard care in patients with hypertension and type 2 DM.

Copeptin plus troponin in the rapid rule out of acute myocardial infarction and prognostic value on post-myocardial infarction outcomes: a systematic review and diagnostic accuracy study.

BACKGROUND: A critical and unmet therapeutic need is the prompt and reliable exclusion of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which would allow for prompt discharge from the emergency department. High-sensitivity troponin (HS-TnT) combined with copeptin has been proposed to expedite the diagnostic exclusion of AMI in addition to its predictive usefulness in the intermediate and long-term outcomes of AMI. The European Society of Cardiology recommends the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) as a prognostic score to manage acute coronary syndrome (ACS) without ST segment elevation. The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of HS-TnT combined with copeptin in ruling out AMI compared to HS-TnT alone. By combining a low GRACE score (108) with negative HS-TnT (14 ng/L) and copeptin (14 pmol/L), non-ST and ACS were reliably ruled out, including non-ST segment elevation MI and unstable angina. RESULTS: The present research included nine studies with a total of 13,232 participants. The negative predictive value (NPV) for copeptin and HS-TnT was found to be slightly higher in combination (62-99%) than for HS-TnT alone (60-99%). The sensitivity of copeptin ranged from 0% to 100%, with a pooled sensitivity of 0.79 (CI 95% 0.76, 0.82). The specificity of copeptin ranged from 13% to 100%, with a pooled specificity of 0.89 (CI 95% 0.85, 0.91), a pooled positive likelihood ratio (PLR) of 9.86 (CI 95% 4.42, 22.02), and a pooled negative likelihood ratio (NLR) of 0.08. (95% CI 0.01, 0.44). CONCLUSIONS: The use of combined negative copeptin and highly sensitive troponin testing in low-to-intermediate risk patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome resulted in a quick discharge with a safe and rapid rule out of non-ST + ACS.

Large bore occlusive sheath management.

The field of interventional cardiology has evolved in its ability to carry out complex procedures. Procedures such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), and mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices require large bore access for successful deployment. With the use of large bore-access, comes with it an increased risk for vascular complications, such as thrombosis and limb ischemia. It is paramount for the interventional cardiologist to know how to manage such complications. In this manuscript, we describe our strategies for the management of occlusive sheaths increasingly encountered with large bore accesses in the upper and lower extremities. Strategies such as peeling away of the introducer sheath and the creation of internal and external bypass circuits are described. By using the described techniques, one can provide prolonged hemodynamic support and maintain large bore sheath access, without jeopardizing perfusion to the extremity.

Mechanical circulatory support for acute right ventricular failure in the setting of pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) failure due to pulmonary embolism (PE) increases morbidity and mortality and contributes to prolonged hospital length of stay and higher costs of care. RV mechanical circulatory support (MCS) including Impella RP devices have been increasingly used in hemodynamically compromised PE patients who are refractory to intravascular volume expansion and inotropic therapy. However, effectiveness and safety of Impella RP, in hemodynamically unstable PE patients is unknown. METHODS: We included consecutive patients who presented to Detroit Medical Center between November 3, 2015 and October 2, 2017 with acute PE and had evidence of hemodynamic compromise indicating Impella RP. RESULTS: Total of five cases were identified. All patients met the shock definition due to massive or submassive PE and therefore received Impella RP on admission. Cardiac index was improved from mean of 1.69/min/m2, (0.88-2.15 L/min/m2 ), to 2.5 L/min/m2 (range 1.88-3.4), after 24 h of treatment. Similarly, mean heart rate reduced to 92 beats per minute (79-105), and mean systolic blood pressure increased to 140 mmHg (115-179). No significant changes were found in renal function, hemoglobin and platelets level during device use. One patient experienced hemoglobin drop from 13.7 to 7.3 g/dL but did not require blood transfusion. All patients survived to discharge. CONCLUSION: In patients with PE and RV shock, Impella RP device resulted in immediate hemodynamic benefit with reversal of shock and favorable survival to discharge.

The impact of atrial fibrillation on transcatheter mitral valve repair outcomes: A propensity-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: The concomitant presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the setting of Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair (TMVR) represents a clinical challenge. Despite the high AF burden in patients presenting for the TMVR procedure, there are no studies that evaluate the impact of AF on in-hospital outcomes of TMVR in a nationally representative United States sample reflecting real practice. Therefore, we sought to study the outcomes of AF patients undergoing TMVR. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study included 1026 patients from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) registry. Patients (age ≥18 years) who had undergone TAVR as a primary procedure from 2011 to 2014 were included, using the ICD-9-CM diagnostic codes. We examined patient characteristics and in-hospital outcomes. To account for patient and hospital-level baseline differences, we performed propensity score-matched analysis. The prevalence of AF was approximately 56%. After adjusting for patient-level and hospital-level characteristics, there was no statistical difference regarding in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] 0.72, 95%CI 0.29-1.80, P = 0.487), post-TMVR complications, length of stay (OR 1.15, 95%CI 0.97-1.38, P = 0.111), and cost of hospitalization (OR 1.04, 95%CI 0.94-1.14, P = 0.475) between the group with AF versus without AF. However, patients with AF were more likely to have non-routine hospital discharge (42.94% vs 35.48% P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: AF is a frequently encountered arrhythmia among patients undergoing TMVR with MitraClip. However, TMVR can be performed safely in the vast majority of patients, irrespective of their baseline rhythm.

Access and closure management of large bore femoral arterial access.

Femoral and radial artery access continue to be the standard of care for percutaneous coronary interventions. Cardiac catheterization has progressed to encompass a wide range of diagnostic and interventional procedures including coronary, peripheral, endovascular, and structural heart disease interventions. Despite advanced technology to make these procedures safe, bleeding, and vascular complications continue to be a substantial source of morbidity, especially in patients undergoing large-bore access procedures. New variations of percutaneous devices have reduced complications associated with these procedures. However, safe vascular access with effective hemostasis requires special techniques which have not been well described in the literature. Large-bore femoral artery access is feasible, safe, and associated with low complication rates when a protocol is implemented. Wayne State University, Detroit Medical Center Heart Hospital is a tertiary care, high-volume center for endovascular, structural heart and complex high risk indicated procedures with more 150 procedures involving mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices per year. In this manuscript, we describe our approach to femoral artery large-bore sheath insertion and management. Our protocol includes proper identification of the puncture site, device selection, insertion, assessment of limb perfusion while on prolong MCS support, and hemostasis techniques after sheath removal.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement versus surgical aortic valve replacement in patients with cirrhosis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the in-hospital outcomes in cirrhosis patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) versus those undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). BACKGROUND: Over the last 10 years, TAVR has emerged as a therapeutic option for treating severe aortic stenosis in high-risk patients. Cirrhosis patients have a high risk of operative morbidity and mortality while undergoing cardiac surgery. This study's hypothesis was that TAVR is a safer alternative compared to SAVR in cirrhosis patients. METHODS: The study population was derived from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) for the years 2011-2012 using ICD-9-CM procedure codes 35.21 and 35.22 for SAVR, and 35.05 and 35.06 for TAVR. Patients <50 years of age and those who concomitantly underwent other valvular procedures were excluded. ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes were used to identify patients with liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension, and esophageal varices. Using propensity score matching, two matched cohorts were derived in which the outcomes were compared using appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS: There were 30 patients in the SAVR and TAVR group each. Compared to the TAVR group, the patients in SAVR group had significantly higher rate of transfusion of whole blood or blood products (p = 0.037), longer mean postprocedural length of stay (p = 0.006), and nonsignificantly higher mean cost of hospitalization (p = 0.2), any complications rate (p = 0.09), and liver complications rate (p = 0.4). In-hospital mortality rate was same in the both the groups. No patients in the TAVR group required open-heart surgery or cardiopulmonary bypass. CONCLUSION: TAVR could be a viable option for aortic valve replacement in cirrhosis patients.

Impact of Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors Use on Outcomes After Lower Extremity Endovascular Interventions From Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2006-2011).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to study the impact of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPI) on in-hospital outcomes. BACKGROUND: There is paucity of data regarding the impact of GPI on the outcomes following peripheral endovascular interventions. METHODS: The study cohort was derived from Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database between the years 2006 and 2011. Peripheral endovascular interventions and GPI utilization were identified using appropriate ICD-9 Diagnostic and procedural codes. Two-level hierarchical multivariate mixed models were created. The study outcomes were: primary (in-hospital mortality and amputation studied separately) and secondary (composite of in-hospital mortality and postprocedural complications). Hospitalization costs were also assessed. RESULTS: GPI utilization (OR, 95% CI, P-value) was independently predictive of lower amputation rates (0.36, 0.27-0.49, <0.001). There was no significant difference in terms of in-hospital mortality (0.59, 0.31-1.14, P 0.117), although GPI use predicted worse secondary outcomes (1.23, 1.03-1.47, 0.023). Following propensity matching, the amputation rate was lower (3.2% vs. 8%, P < 0.001), while hospitalization costs were higher in the cohort that received GPI ($21,091 ± 404 vs. 19,407 ± 133, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Multivariate analysis revealed GPI use in peripheral endovascular interventions to be suggestive of an increase in composite end-point of in-hospital mortality and postprocedural complications, no impact on in-hospital mortality alone, significantly lower rate of amputation, and increase in hospitalization costs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Variability in utilization of drug eluting stents in United States: Insights from nationwide inpatient sample.

OBJECTIVES: We studied the trends and predictors of drug eluting stent (DES) utilization from 2006 to 2011 to further expound the inter-hospital variability in their utilization. BACKGROUND: We queried the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) between 2006 and 2011 using ICD-9-CM procedure code, 36.06 (bare metal stent) or 36.07 (drug eluting stents) for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). Annual hospital volume was calculated using unique identification numbers and divided into quartiles for analysis. METHODS AND RESULTS: We built a hierarchical two level model adjusted for multiple confounding factors, with hospital ID incorporated as random effects in the model. About 665,804 procedures (weighted n = 3,277,884) were analyzed. Safety concerns arising in 2006 reduced utilization DES from 90% of all PCIs performed in 2006 to a nadir of 69% in 2008 followed by increase (76% of all stents in 2009) and plateau (75% in 2011). Significant between-hospital variation was noted in DES utilization irrespective of patient or hospital characteristics. Independent patient level predictors of DES were (OR, 95% CI, P-value) age (0.99, 0.98-0.99, <0.001), female(1.12, 1.09-1.15, <0.001), acute myocardial infarction(0.75, 0.71-0.79, <0.001), shock (0.53, 0.49-0.58, <0.001), Charlson Co-morbidity index (0.81,0.77-0.86, <0.001), private insurance/HMO (1.27, 1.20-1.34, <0.001), and elective admission (1.16, 1.05-1.29, <0.001). Highest quartile hospital (1.64, 1.25-2.16, <0.001) volume was associated with higher DES placement. CONCLUSION: There is significant between-hospital variation in DES utilization and a higher annual hospital volume is associated with higher utilization rate of DES. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Endovascular Interventional Cardiology: 2015 in Review.

Minimally invasive interventional procedures have become an appealing option for patients with endovascular disease historically referred to surgery. This article reviews the major advancements and trials published in 2015.

Impact of annual operator and institutional volume on percutaneous coronary intervention outcomes: a 5-year United States experience (2005-2009).

BACKGROUND: The relationship between operator or institutional volume and outcomes among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) is unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cross-sectional study based on the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's Nationwide Inpatient Sample between 2005 to 2009. Subjects were identified by International Classification of Diseases, 9(th) Revision, Clinical Modification procedure code, 36.06 and 36.07. Annual operator and institutional volumes were calculated using unique identification numbers and then divided into quartiles. Three-level hierarchical multivariate mixed models were created. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality; secondary outcome was a composite of in-hospital mortality and peri-procedural complications. A total of 457,498 PCIs were identified representing a total of 2,243,209 PCIs performed in the United States during the study period. In-hospital, all-cause mortality was 1.08%, and the overall complication rate was 7.10%. The primary and secondary outcomes of procedures performed by operators in 4(th) [annual procedural volume; primary and secondary outcomes] [>100; 0.59% and 5.51%], 3(rd) [45-100; 0.87% and 6.40%], and 2(nd) quartile [16-44; 1.15% and 7.75%] were significantly less (P<0.001) when compared with those by operators in the 1(st) quartile [≤15; 1.68% and 10.91%]. Spline analysis also showed significant operator and institutional volume outcome relationship. Similarly operators in the higher quartiles witnessed a significant reduction in length of hospital stay and cost of hospitalization (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Overall in-hospital mortality after PCI was low. An increase in operator and institutional volume of PCI was found to be associated with a decrease in adverse outcomes, length of hospital stay, and cost of hospitalization.

Large right ventricular mass causing outflow tract obstruction secondary to metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

We present a case of a 87-year-old patient presenting with signs suggestive of new-onset heart failure which lead to the diagnosis of a large right ventricular mass occupying the entire cavity and extending to the right ventricular outflow tract.

Mechanical Support in High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism: Review Article.

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) may manifest with mild nonspecific symptoms or progress to a more severe hemodynamic collapse and sudden cardiac arrest. A substantial thrombotic burden can precipitate sudden right ventricular strain and failure. Traditionally, systemic thrombolytics have been employed in such scenarios; however, patients often present with contraindications, or these interventions may prove ineffective. Outcomes for this medically complex patient population are unfavorable, necessitating a compelling argument for advanced therapeutic modalities or alternative approaches. Moreover, patients frequently experience complications beyond hemodynamic instability, such as profound hypoxia and multiorgan failure, necessitating assertive early interventions to avert catastrophic consequences. The existing data on the utilization of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices are not exhaustive. Various options for percutaneous MCS devices exist, each possessing distinct advantages and disadvantages. There is an imminent imperative to develop a tailored approach for this high-risk patient cohort to enhance their overall outcomes.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Conventional Acupuncture and Pharmacological Approaches for Cardiac Arrhythmias: An Umbrella Review.

With a global incidence of approximately 3.4% and an annual mortality rate of 3.7 million, cardiac arrhythmias (CAs) are a pressing global health issue. Their increasing prevalence, especially among older people, is intensifying the challenge for health care systems worldwide. This study aims to compare the safety and effectiveness of acupuncture and pharmacological treatments for CAs, addressing critical gaps in understanding optimal therapeutic approaches. A search of PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane database of systematic reviews was performed to identify data compiled through September 2023 for this umbrella review. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as the foundation for meta-analyses and peer-reviewed systematic reviews were the primary focus of the literature search. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation method was used to assess the overall certainty of the evidence, whereas AMSTAR 2 and the Cochrane Collaboration tool were used to evaluate the quality of the included reviews. Following a comprehensive review, three systematic analyses of 27 RCTs were integrated. Acupuncture led to a slightly greater reduction in the recurrence rate of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) compared to standard pharmaceutical therapy (risk ratio [RR], 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88-1.27; I2 = 56%; P = .55), although the difference was not statistically significant. In contrast, acupuncture significantly outperformed pharmacological treatment in the context of ventricular premature beats (VPBs) (RR, 1.16; 95 CI, 1.08-1.25; I2 = 0%; P < .0001). The reduction in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF)/atrial flutter was increased with acupuncture, albeit without statistical significance (RR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.88-1.42; I2 = 0%; P = .36). Acupuncture also led to a greater reduction in heart rate (HR) compared to pharmaceutical treatment despite notable heterogeneity and a lack of statistical significance (mean difference, -1.55; 95% CI, -41.37 to 38.28; I2 = 99%; P = .94). Adverse events were effectively managed, affirming the favorable safety profile of acupuncture. Our study suggests that acupuncture leads to a greater reduction in the recurrence rates of VPBs, AF, and atrial flutter but not significantly so in paroxysmal SVT or post-treatment HR. While promising for specific arrhythmias, the varying effectiveness of acupuncture underscores the need for further research and clinical assessment to determine its precise role and suitability in managing particular cardiac conditions.

Comparison of long-term clinical outcomes of bioabsorbable polymer versus durable polymer drug-eluting stents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: One million individuals in the USA die from acute myocardial infarction (MI), which currently affects 3 million people globally. The available data about the early and late outcomes of both biodegradable polymer drug-eluting stents (BP-DES) and durable polymer drug-eluting stents exhibit inconsistency. We performed a meta-analysis comparing the safety and efficacy of BP-DES with DP-DES. METHODS: PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Cochrane, Ovid Medline, and Clinical Trials.gov databases were used to find out studies comparing BP-DES to DP-DES. All the analyses used the random-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 18 studies were incorporated in this meta-analysis that involved 28,874 patients, out of which 11,997 received the BP Stent, and the rest of 16,578 received the DP stent. Thorough analyses revealed that the risk of all-cause death was significantly higher in the BP-DES group (5.4% vs 2.7%) (RR 1.22, p 0.02) for two years or less than two-year follow-up. For studies with more than two years of follow-up, all-cause death was 9.07% (599/6603) in BP-DES and 9.47% (531/5602) in the DP-DES group but failed to achieve statistically significant levels (RR 0.97, p 0.58). CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed no clinically significant (P value was > 0.05) differences in all-cause death, cardiac death, target lesion revascularization (TLR), late stent thrombosis, device-oriented composite endpoint/target lesion failure (DOCE/TLF), myocardial infarction (MI), target vessel MI, target vessel revascularization (TVR), target vessel infarction (TVI) between BP-DES and DP-DES for more than two years of follow-up. Additionally, all-cause death was only outcomes which found to have a statistically significant difference for less than two years of follow-up, while remaining were statistically non-significant.

Thyroid and Its Ripple Effect: Impact on Cardiac Structure, Function, and Outcomes.

Thyroid dysfunction is a widespread and complex issue in the field of endocrine disorders. It has a significant impact on multiple physiological systems, particularly on the heart. This review explores the complex interaction between thyroid dysfunction and cardiac dynamics, examining the detailed network of molecular, cellular, and systemic changes that underlie the close connection between these two physiological areas. Thyroid dysfunction, which includes both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, is a common endocrine condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine regulate various metabolic activities essential for maintaining cellular balance. Disruptions in thyroid function result in widespread consequences, affecting the cardiovascular system. Thyroid hormones directly impact cardiac muscle cells, controlling their ability to contract, their electrical properties, and their reaction to hypertrophy. Thyroid dysfunction goes beyond the level of individual cells and involves complex interactions among vascular dynamics, neurohormonal control, and endothelial function. These factors all contribute to the development of cardiovascular illness. The impact of thyroid dysfunction on cardiac structure, function, and outcomes is not limited to a one-way pattern. Instead, it involves a dynamic two-way interaction. The manifestations of this condition can vary from minor changes in the electrical activity of the heart to more obvious structural abnormalities, such as an increase in the size of the heart muscle and a decrease in its ability to relax during the filling phase. Furthermore, the correlation between thyroid dysfunction and adverse cardiovascular outcomes, such as heart failure and arrhythmias, highlights the clinical importance of this connection. This review provides a complete overview of the relationship between thyroid dysfunction and cardiac dynamics by analyzing a wide range of research from clinical, molecular, and epidemiological perspectives. This study seeks to enhance our comprehension of the comprehensive effects of thyroid dysfunction on the anatomy and function of the heart by explaining the complex molecular mechanisms and systemic consequences. The goal is to establish a basis for informed clinical treatment and future research efforts.

Thrombolysis vs Anticoagulation: Unveiling the Trade-Offs in Massive Pulmonary Embolism.

Massive pulmonary embolism (MPE) is a severe form of venous thromboembolism (VTE) wherein enormous blood clots block the pulmonary arteries, resulting in substantial illness and death. Even with the progress made in diagnostic methods and treatments, the most effective approach for managing MPE is still a topic of considerable discussion. This study examines the delicate equilibrium between thrombolysis and anticoagulation in managing the problematic clinical situation posed by MPE, elucidating the compromises linked to each strategy. The genesis of MPE lies in the pathophysiology of VTE, when blood clots that originate from deep veins in the lower legs or pelvis move to the pulmonary vasculature, leading to an abrupt blockage. This obstruction leads to a series of hemodynamic alterations, such as elevated pulmonary vascular resistance, strain on the right ventricle, and compromised cardiac output, finally resulting in cardiovascular collapse. The seriousness of MPE is commonly categorized according to hemodynamic stability, with significant cases presenting immediate risks to patient survival. Traditionally, heparin has been the primary approach to managing MPE to prevent the spread of blood clots and their movement to other parts of the body. Nevertheless, there have been ongoing discussions regarding the effectiveness of thrombolysis, which entails the immediate delivery of fibrinolytic drugs to remove the blood clot. The use of thrombolysis in managing MPE is being reconsidered because of concerns over bleeding complications and long-term results despite its capacity to resolve the blocking clot quickly. This review rigorously analyzes the current body of evidence, exploring the intricacies of thrombolysis and anticoagulation in MPE. The focus is on evaluating the risk-benefit balance of each treatment option, considering aspects such as the patient's other medical conditions, hemodynamic stability, and potential long-term consequences. This review aims to clarify the complexities of the thrombolysis versus anticoagulation dilemma. It seeks to provide clinicians, researchers, and policymakers with a thorough understanding of the trade-offs in managing MPE. The goal is to facilitate informed decision-making and enhance patient outcomes.

Treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension With Sotatercept: A Meta-Analysis.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) results from proliferative remodeling and narrowing of the pulmonary vasculature. Sotatercept is a first-in-class fusion protein that has recently garnered attention for showing improvements in patients with PAH. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assesses the overall efficacy of Sotatercept in treating PAH. PubMed, Google Scholar, and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched using relevant keywords and MeSH terms. Studies were included if RCTs compared Sotatercept with placebo in patients with PAH. Our comprehensive literature search yielded 3,127 results, of which two RCTs with 429 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The patients were on background therapy for PAH. Results of the meta-analysis show that when compared with placebo, Sotatercept improved the six-minute walk distance (mean difference [MD] 34.99; 95% confidence interval [CI] 19.02-50.95; P < 0.0001), the World Health Organization (WHO) functional class (odds ratio [OR] 2.50; 95% CI 1.50-4.15; P = 0.0004), and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR, MD -253.90; 95% CI -356.05 to -151.75; P < 0.00001). However, reduction in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP, MD -1563.14; 95% CI -3271.93 to 145.65; P = 0.07) was not statistically significant in the Sotatercept group versus placebo. In conclusion, Sotatercept improves the six-minute walk distance, WHO functional class, and PVR in patients with PAH receiving background therapy. However, the effect on NT-proBNP levels was not statistically significant. More research is needed to assess the clinical relevance of these findings.

Racial disparities in left main stenting: insights from a real world inner city population.

BACKGROUND: Left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease is associated with significant cardiovascular mortality. The data on patient characteristics' predicting outcomes after LMCA revascularization is sparse. METHODS: A retrospective study of 227 patients with LMCA disease documented on coronary angiography from March 2000 to December 2008. Data included demographic variables, co-morbidities, cardiac function, and medications. Race was self-identified. The study outcome was a composite end-point including myocardial infarction (MI) and all-cause mortality. Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed to study the effect of various patient attributes including race and gender on the composite end-point. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were specifically compared between individuals who had the study outcome versus those who did not. Mean age was higher in the group with study outcomes when compared to the group without any outcomes (64.3 ± 11.8 years versus 59.2 ± 13.6 years; p = 0.013). After the final multivariate regression analysis, only African American (AA) race and age were found to be independent predictors of adverse cardiac outcome at the end of the first year (race-hazard ratio (HR) 3.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38-10.62, p = 0.010; age-HR 1.08, 95% CI 1.04-1.13, p < 0.001) and at the end of the study (race-HR 2.71, 95% CI 1.44-5.10, p = 0.002; age-HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.08, p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: In our study of patients with unprotected LMCA disease, AA race, and age were significantly predictive of poor prognosis following revascularization, while gender had no predictive value in prognosticating cardiovascular mortality.

A Report of Cauda Equina Syndrome Caused by Spinal Epidural Hematoma, a Complication of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Management.

This case report delves into the infrequent yet substantial occurrence of cauda equina syndrome (CES) arising from a spinal epidural hematoma (SEH), a potential complication during deep vein thrombosis (DVT) treatment. An 83-year-old female patient previously diagnosed with various medical conditions, including moderate spinal stenosis, chronic kidney disease, and chronic lower extremity stasis, was detected with notable iliofemoral DVT during an office-based venous study. The patient was urgently referred to the Emergency Department. Following hospitalization, her cardiologist diagnosed DVT, prompted by the patient's report of significant swelling and pain in the left lower limb over the past week. A venous ultrasound unveiled occlusive DVT originating from the common femoral vein, extending down to the infrapopliteal vessels, with a complete absence of venous Doppler signal. Employing the ClotTriever device (Terumo Corporation, Shibuya City, Tokyo, Japan), a mechanical aspiration thrombectomy procedure, effectively resolved DVT. However, CES was diagnosed in the patient on a subsequent day due to the emergence of SEH. This case underscores the intricate balance required when managing DVT, involving anticoagulation or alternate therapies while acknowledging the potential risk of hemorrhagic complications leading to epidural hematoma and consequent CES. It is crucial for clinicians managing DVT and employing therapeutic strategies to be aware of this infrequent yet pivotal complication. This report highlights the significance of prompt identification and intervention in such cases, emphasizing the need for vigilance and understanding of potential complications during DVT treatment.