Large animal models to study effectiveness of therapy devices in the treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Our understanding of the complex pathophysiology of Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is limited by the lack of a robust in vivo model. Existing in-vivo models attempt to reproduce the four main phenotypes of HFpEF; ageing, obesity, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. To date, there is no in vivo model that represents all the haemodynamic characteristics of HFpEF, and only a few have proven to be reliable for the preclinical evaluation of potentially new therapeutic targets. HFpEF accounts for 50% of all the heart failure cases and its incidence is on the rise, posing a huge economic burden on the health system. Patients with HFpEF have limited therapeutic options available. The inadequate effectiveness of current pharmaceutical therapeutics for HFpEF has prompted the development of device-based treatments that target the hemodynamic changes to reduce the symptoms of HFpEF. However, despite the potential of device-based solutions to treat HFpEF, most of these therapies are still in the developmental stage and a relevant HFpEF in vivo model will surely expedite their development process. This review article outlines the major limitations of the current large in-vivo models in use while discussing how these designs have helped in the development of therapy devices for the treatment of HFpEF.

Antiandrogens for the treatment of COVID-19 patients: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Antiandrogens may carry a potential benefit as a therapeutic agent against COVID-19. However, studies have been yielding mixed results, thus hindering any objective recommendations. This necessitates a quantitative synthesis of data to quantify the benefits of antiandrogens. We systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, clinical trial registers, and reference lists of included studies to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Results from the trials were pooled using a random-effects model and outcomes were reported as risk ratios (RR) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Fourteen RCTs with a total sample size of 2593 patients were included. Antiandrogens yielded a significant mortality benefit (RR 0.37; 95% CI; 0.25-0.55). However, on subgroup analysis, only proxalutamide/enzalutamide and sabizabulin were found to significantly reduce mortality (RR 0.22, 95% CI: 0.16-0.30 and RR 0.42, 95% CI: 0.26-0.68, respectively), while aldosterone receptor antagonists and antigonadotropins did not show any benefit. No significant between-group difference was found in the early or late initiation of therapy. Antiandrogens also reduced hospitalizations and the duration of hospital stay, and improved recovery rates. Proxalutamide and sabizabulin may be effective against COVID-19, however, further large-scale trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Evaluating the safety and efficacy of daprodustat for anemia of chronic kidney disease: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

PURPOSE: Anemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has traditionally been treated with recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO). Recently, daprodustat, a hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl-hydroxylase inhibitor, has also been shown to increase hematocrit. It remains unclear whether daprodustat or rhEPO should be the treatment of choice for anemia of CKD. We aimed to assess the efficacy and cardiovascular safety of daprodustat versus rhEPO in CKD patients. METHODS: Online databases were queried in April 2022 for articles comparing the efficacy and safety of daprodustat in DD-CKD and NDD-CKD subgroups. Results from trials were pooled using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Data on 8245 CKD patients from eight clinical trials were included. Our results show that in comparison to rhEPO, daprodustat maintained the same efficacy in increasing hemoglobin levels in both the DD-CKD (MD: 0.10; 95% CI [- 0.13,0.34]; p = 0.50) and NDD-CKD (MD: - 0.01; 95% CI [- 0.38,0.35]; p = 0.95) subgroups. Daprodustat significantly lowered hepcidin levels and significantly increased TIBC in both subgroups. Additionally, daprodustat significantly reduced the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (RR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.89-0.98; p = 0.02) and its myocardial infarction (MI) component (RR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.59-0.92; p = 0.006) in the DD-CKD subgroup. CONCLUSION: Daprodustat has similar efficacy compared to rhEPO for the treatment of anemia of CKD. On treatment, the reduced experience of MACE was reported in DD-CKD patients as compared to rhEPO. Furthermore, effects on iron metabolism varied by parameter, with daprodustat being superior to rhEPO in some cases and inferior in others.

Predictors of permanent pacemaker insertion after mitral valve replacement: A systematic review.

As the established surgical mitral valve replacement (MVR) expands toward various contemporary techniques and access routes, the predictors and burden of procedure-related complications including the need for permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation need to be identified. Digital databases were searched systematically to identify studies reporting the incidence of PPM implantation after MVR. Detailed study and patient-level baseline characteristics including the type of study, sample size, follow-up, number of post-MVR PPM implantations, age, gender, and baseline ECG abnormalities were abstracted. A total of 12 studies, recruiting 37,124 patients were included in the final analysis. Overall, 2820 (7.6%) patients required a PPM with the net rate ranging from 1.7% to 10.96%. Post-MVR atrioventricular (AV) block was the most commonly observed indication for PPM, followed by sinoatrial (SA) node dysfunction, and bradycardia. Age, male gender, pre-existing comorbid conditions, prior CABG, history of arrhythmias or using antiarrhythmic drugs, atrial fibrillation ablation, and double valve replacement were predictors of PPM implantation post-MVR. Age, male gender, comorbid conditions like diabetes and renal impairment, prior CABG, double valve replacement, and antiarrhythmic drugs served as positive predictors of PPM implantation in patients undergoing MVR.

Effectiveness of Autologous Fat Transfer in the Treatment of Scar-Related Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Autologous fat transfer (AFT) has been introduced as a potential treatment option for scar-tissue and its related symptoms. However, the scientific evidence for its effectiveness remains unclear. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the available evidence regarding the effectiveness of autologous fat transfer for the treatment of scar-tissue and its related conditions. METHODS: PubMed/Medline database was queried from its inception till the end of November 2021. All the relevant studies assessing the effect of autologous fat transfer in the treatment of scar-related conditions were pooled in using a random-effects model. RESULTS: 9 studies (n=179) were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled analysis demonstrates significant improvement in all subscales of the POSAS patient score with most prominent in color 2.4 points (95% CI 1.78-3.041), stiffness 2.9 points (95% CI 2.33-3.45), irregularity 2.2 points (95% CI 1.093-3.297) and thickness 1.8 points (95% CI 0.804-2.719), respectively. Pain and itch improved relatively lesser, 1.3 points (95% CI 0.958-1.674) and 0.6 points (95% CI 0.169-1.215), respectively. The POSAS observer scale showed a relatively lower improvement with the least in vascularity 0.5 points (95% CI 0.098-0.96), pigmentation 0.8 points (95% CI 0.391-1.276) and surface area 0.8 points (95% CI 0.34-1.25). Thickness improved by 1.4 points (95% CI 0.582-2.3), relief 1.0 points (95% CI 0.461-1.545) and pliability 1.5 points (95% CI 1.039-2.036). CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that autologous fat transfer (AFT) is a promising treatment for scar-related conditions as it provides beneficial results in the scar quality. Future research should focus on the long-term effects of AFT and high-level evidence studies such as, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies are required. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Understanding Phantom Shocks in Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Recipients.

Phantom shocks in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) recipients create a complex nexus between cardiac treatment and psychological distress. These sensations, mimicking therapeutic shocks without device activation, deeply affect patients' functionality and well-being. Heightened anxiety, depression, and hopelessness predispose individuals to these occurrences, posing significant challenges. This article delves into the intricate nature of phantom shocks, highlighting subtle clinical cues to differentiate them from genuine therapy shocks. Through a case study of a 75-year-old male with recurrent ICD shocks, diagnosed eventually with phantom shocks, the interplay between psychological distress and physical sensations is underscored. Urgent intervention to address the patient's anxiety and depression using psychotherapy and antidepressants became imperative. The case underscores the immense psychological toll of phantom shocks, exacerbating fear, hopelessness, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite treatment attempts, their impact persisted, leading to a shift to comfort-focused care. While research identifies factors such as education levels and prior therapy, predicting and managing phantom shocks remains challenging. This article stresses the need for clinician vigilance, urging proactive identification and tailored interventions to mitigate the profound effects of phantom shocks. The current research landscape lacks comprehensive strategies, necessitating further exploration and targeted therapies to restore patient well-being. In conclusion, comprehensive understanding and specialized care for phantom shocks in ICD recipients, addressing both cardiac and psychological aspects, are imperative. Early recognition and tailored interventions offer promise in alleviating their adverse effects, reinstating patient control, and improving their quality of life.

Disparities in heart failure between White, Black, and Hispanic young adults: insights from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of heart failure (HF) is increasing among young adults in the United States with pervasive racial and ethnic differences in this population. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate contemporary associations between race and ethnicity, clinical comorbidities, and outcomes among young to middle-aged adults with HF. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. All participants with a self-report of HF aged 20-64 years from 2005 to 2018 were included and stratified by race and ethnicity [non-Hispanic (NH) Whites, NH Blacks, and Hispanics]. Data on baseline characteristics including age, sex, marital status, citizenship, education level, body mass index, insurance, waist circumference, cigarette smoking, marijuana use, and relevant clinical comorbidities were included. Weighted logistic regression was performed to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) to determine the association of race and ethnicity with HF. Cox proportional-hazards models were used to assess the association of race and ethnicity with all-cause and cardiac mortality. RESULTS: A total of 1,940,447 young to middle-aged adults had self-reported HF between 2005 and 2018, of whom 61% were NH White, 40% were NH Black, and 22% were Hispanic. When compared with NH White adults, NH Black adults had higher odds of HF adjusted for age, sex, insurance status, marital status, education level, citizenship status, and clinical comorbidities (adjusted aOR 2.63, 95% CI: 1.71-4.05, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the odds of HF between Hispanic and NH White adults (aOR 1.18, 95% CI: 0.64-2.18, p = 0.585). NH Black adults had higher mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and a comparable or lower burden of cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular clinical comorbidities compared with NH White and Hispanic adults. No statistical significance was noted by race and ethnicity for all-cause and cardiac mortality during a follow-up of 5 years. CONCLUSION: NH Black young to middle-aged adults were more likely to have HF which may be related to higher blood pressure given the largely similar burden of clinically relevant comorbidities compared with other racial and ethnic groups.

Enhancing glycaemic control and promoting cardiovascular health: the therapeutic potential of Trigonella foenumgraecum in diabetic patients - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The antidiabetic potential of fenugreek has been highlighted in past literature, and various in-vitro and in-vivo studies have validated its glucose-lowering effects; however, very limited data are available on its effects on diabetic patients. Objective: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials that assessed patients who were administered fenugreek. Methods: The PRISMA guidelines (Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/MS9/A361) were followed when conducting this meta-analysis. PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and MEDLINE were searched from inception until June 2023, for randomized control trials that compared fenugreek with control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and reported the following outcomes of interest: fasting blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and postprandial glucose levels. The findings were presented as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and were pooled using a random effects model. Results: Fenugreek significantly (P<0.001) reduced the fasting blood sugar (FBS), HbA1c levels and postprandial glucose levels in diabetic patients when compared to the control. Conclusion: Among patients with type 2 DM, our comparisons demonstrated a reduction in FBS, HbA1c levels and postprandial glucose levels with the administration of fenugreek seed at 2-5 mg dose in powder form.

Cardiovascular Outcomes and Readmissions of Atrial Fibrillation Among Patent Foramen Ovale Occluder Device Recipients: A Propensity Matched National Readmission Study.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder devices are increasingly utilized in minimally invasive procedures used to treat cryptogenic stroke. Data on the impact of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) among PFO occluder device recipients are limited. The Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried between 2016 and 2019 to identify PFO patients with and without AF. The 2 groups were compared using propensity score matching (PSM) and multivariate regression models. The outcomes included in-hospital mortality, acute kidney injury (AKI), Mechanical circulatory support use (MCS), Cardiogenic shock (CS), acute ischemic stroke, bleeding, and other cardiovascular outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA v. 17. Out of 6508 Weighted hospitalizations for PFO occluder device procedure over the study period, 877 (13.4%) had AF compared to 5631 (86.6%) who did not. On adjusted analysis, PFO with AF group had higher rates of MCS (PSM, 4.5% vs 2.2 %, P value = 0.011) and SCA (PSM, 7.6% vs 4.6 %, P value = 0.015) compared to PFO with no AF. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of in-hospital mortality (PSM, 5.4% vs 6.4 %, P value = 0.39), CS (PSM, 8.3% vs 5.9 %, P value = 0.075), AKI (PSM, 32.4% vs 32.3 %, P value = 0.96), bleeding (PSM, 2.08% vs 1.3%, P value = 0.235) or the readmission rates among both cohorts. Additionally, AF was associated with higher hospital length of stay (9.5 ± 13.2 vs 8.2 ± 24.3 days, P-value = 0.012) and total cost ($66,513 ± $80,922 vs $52,013±$125,136, 0.025, P-value = 0.025) compared to PFO without AF. AF among PFO occluder device recipients is associated with increased adverse outcomes, including MCS use and SCA, with no difference in mortality and readmission rates among both cohorts. Long-term follow-up needs further studies.

The effect of oral anticoagulants on the incidence of dementia in patients with atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Dementia is a recognized complication of atrial fibrillation (AF). Oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy can potentially be protective against this complication. Methods: A comprehensive search of MEDLINE and Embase for comparative observational studies reporting the efficacy of OAC therapy for the incidence of dementia in patients with AF was conducted from its inception until March 2023. Studies that had patients with prior use of OAC or with a previous history of dementia were excluded. Results: A total of 22 studies were included in this review involving 617,204 participants. The pooled analysis revealed that OAC therapy, including direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), was associated with a reduced incidence of dementia in AF patients. Specifically, compared to non-OAC treatment, OACs demonstrated a significant reduction in dementia incidence (HR 0.68, 95 % CI [0.58, 0.80], p < 0.00001), with similar findings observed for DOACs (HR 0.69, 95 % CI [0.51, 0.94], p = 0.02) and VKAs (HR 0.73, 95 % CI [0.56, 0.95], p = 0.02). The comparison of DOAC vs VKA revealed that DOACs are associated with reduced risk of dementia (HR 0.87, 95 % CI [0.79, 0.96], p = 0.004). Conclusion: Our SR and meta-analysis showed that the use of OAC therapy is associated with a reduced risk of dementia in individuals with AF. However, our results are limited by the potential influence of confounding bias and significant heterogeneity in the analyses.

Major Complications and Failure Modes of the Angiosculpt Scoring Balloon Catheter: Analysis of the MAUDE Database.

Since its Food and Drug Administration approval in January 2007, the Angiosculpt scoring balloon catheter has been widely utilized in severely calcified stenotic vascular lesions. We sought to characterize the complication rates, failure modes, and outcomes associated with the Angiosculpt catheter. Using queried events from October 2013 to December 2020 from the Food and Drug Administration Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database, we analyzed the Angiosculpt scoring balloon catheter complication rates and mode of failure. A total of 248 complications were reported. Most reported complications occurred in the superficial femoral artery (SFA) (19.4%, n = 48), followed by the left anterior descending artery (8.1%, n = 20). Severe vessel calcifications were reported in (26.6%, n = 66) of the complications. Most complications occurred with damage to the device, such as tip break (44.8%, n = 111) and balloon rupture (26.6%, n = 66). Some complications were due to difficulties in the withdrawal of the catheter (23.8%, n = 59). Balloon rupture is observed at a significantly higher rate amongst calcified vessels (60.6% vs 14.8%), P = < 0.001, and in cases involving the SFA (39.4% vs 11.3%), P = < 0.001. All-cause complications in calcified vessels are associated with the SFA (39.4% vs 12.5%), P = < 0.001, and left anterior descending artery (16.7% vs 5.1%), P = < 0.001. The Angiosculpt scoring balloon catheter has a relatively low complication rate. Most complications were associated with a device tip break, balloon rupture, and difficulties in withdrawal in severely calcified vessels.

Close, but no cigar: an unfortunate case of primary angiitis of the central nervous system.

Primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) is an uncommon and misunderstood disease, where little is known regarding its immunopathogenesis and appropriate treatment. Due to the constellation of nonspecific clinical features and imaging findings, PACNS is a diagnostic conundrum for clinicians and can be very difficult to treat. Case Presentation: A 64-year-old male with a history of prostate cancer presented to the emergency department with expressive aphasia and severe headache. Previously, he was diagnosed with ischemic strokes at outside hospitals and was subsequently initiated on anticoagulation medication but was later readmitted with a new onset of nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage and later was found to have ischemic changes in the right temporoparietal lobe. He was suspected to have hypercoagulability of malignancy, as he was unresponsive to a wide variety of anticoagulants and his symptoms continued to deteriorate. On presentation, the physical examination was significant for right homonymous hemianopia, with positive antinuclear antibodies and notable erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The results from the full serologic workup was negative. Subsequent imaging of the brain revealed multifocal stenoses in multiple arteries. On further examination, digital subtraction angiography was concerning for vasculopathy, and was initiated on corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide. Discussion: This is one of the first cases of PACNS in which recurrent strokes were the presenting symptom for PACNS. Vasculitis should be a considered differential in patients with recurrent ischemic strokes and failed anticoagulant therapy. It is important to rule out malignancy and infectious causes due to the wide spectrum of conditions that cause central nervous system vasculitis.

Oxygen targets following cardiac arrest: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Introduction: The appropriate oxygen target post-resuscitation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients is uncertain. We sought to compare lower versus higher oxygen targets in patients following OHCA. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov until January 2023 to include all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated conservative vs. liberal oxygen therapy in OHCA patients. Our primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 90 days while our secondary outcomes were the level of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) at 48 h, ICU length of stay (LOS), and favorable neurological outcome (the proportion of patients with Cerebral Performance Category scores of 1-2 at end of follow-up). We used RevMan 5.4 to pool risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences (MDs). Results: Nine trials with 1971 patients were included in our review. There was no significant difference between the conservative and liberal oxygen target groups regarding the rate of all-cause mortality (RR 0.95, 95% CI: 0.80 to 1.13; I2 = 55%). There were no significant differences between the two groups when assessing favorable neurological outcome (RR 1.01, 95% CI: 0.92 to 1.10; I2 = 4%), NSE at 48 h (MD 0.04, 95% CI: -0.67 to 0.76; I2 = 0%), and ICU length of stay (MD -2.86 days, 95% CI: -8.00 to 2.29 days; I2 = 0%). Conclusions: Conservative oxygen therapy did not decrease mortality, improve neurologic recovery, or decrease ICU LOS as compared to a liberal oxygen regimen. Future large-scale RCTs comparing homogenous oxygen targets are needed to confirm these findings.

Meta-Analysis on the Impact of Coronary Bypass Graft Markers on Angiographic Procedural Outcomes.

Utilization of radio-opaque coronary artery bypass graft markers is known to decrease the amount of contrast dye required to complete the procedure. The practice of marking bypass grafts varies significantly among surgeons. Limited data exist comparing the outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention with and without coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) markers. We sought to explore the impact of proximal radio-opaque markers placed during CABG in subsequent percutaneous coronary intervention procedural risks. In our understanding of the current literature, this is the first meta-analysis conducted to evaluate the association between procedural angiographic metrics and CABG radio-opaque markers. We performed a query of MEDLINE and Scopus databases through August 2022 to identify relevant studies evaluating procedural metrics among patients with previous CABG with and without radio-opaque markers who underwent angiography. The primary outcomes of interest were fluoroscopy time, amount of contrast, and duration of angiography. We identified a total of 4 studies with 2,046 patients with CABG (CABG with markers n = 688, CABG without markers n = 1,518).2-5 Total fluoroscopy time was significantly reduced among patients with CABG markers compared with those with no markers (odds ratio [OR] -3.63, p <0.0001). The duration of angiography (OR -36.39, p >0.10) was reduced, although the result was not statistically significant. However, the amount of contrast utilization was significantly reduced (OR -33.41, p <0.0001). In patients who underwent CABG with radio-opaque markers, angiographic procedural metrics were improved, including reduced fluoroscopic time and the amount of contrast agent required compared with no markers.

In-Hospital Outcomes of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Propensity Matched National Cohort.

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TTS) is an acute reversible left ventricular dysfunction with regional ballooning secondary to various physical or psychological triggers, including COVID-19. The impact of TTS on outcomes in COVID-19 patients is not well studied. The Nationwide in-patient sample database from 2019 to 2020 was utilized to identify TTS patients with and without COVID-19. Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) codes U07.1 and I51.81 were used as disease identifiers for COVID-19 and TTS, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to report adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and propensity score match (PSM) was done to compare outcomes among TTS patients with and without COVID. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. A total of 83,215 TTS patients for the period 2019-2020 were included in our study, of which 1665 (2%) had COVID-19. COVID-19 with TTS group had higher adjusted odds of in-hospital mortality (aOR 7.23, PSM 32.7% vs 10.16%, p = <0.001), cardiogenic shock; (aOR 2.32, PSM 16.7% vs 9.5%, P < 0.001) and acute kidney injury; (aOR 2.30, PSM 47.5% vs 33.1%, P< 0.001) compared to TTS without COVID-19. TTS hospitalizations with COVID-19 were associated with longer lengths of stay (12 ± 12 vs 7 ± 9 days) and higher total cost ($47,702 ± $67,940 vs $26,957 ± $44,286) compared to TTS without COVID. TTS with COVID-19 group had a higher proportion of males compared to TTS without COVID-19 group (37.8% vs 18.5%). TTS with COVID-19 group had a greater proportion of non-white race. The proportion of Blacks, Hispanics, and Asian/Pacific Islander was higher in the COVID-19 TTS group compared to TTS without COVID-19 group (12.9% vs 8.4%, 20.4% vs 6.5%, 5 vs 2.2%, respectively). TTS in the setting of COVID-19 illness has worse outcomes in terms of in-hospital mortality, cardiogenic shock, and acute kidney injury. Male sex and non-white race were more likely to be affected by TTS in the setting of COVID-19. The out-of-hospital morbidity and mortality in patients who suffered TTS during COVID-19 illness need further study. Studies are needed to provide mechanistic insights into the interaction between COVID-19 and TTS.

A National Perspective on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Heart Failure Hospitalizations in the United States.

Nationwide data of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on heart failure (HF) hospitalizations is lacking. We conducted this study to elucidate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HF hospitalizations. Additionally, we assessed the differences in hospitalization characteristics during the pandemic and the impact that a concurrent diagnosis of COVID-19 has on various outcomes and predictors of inpatient mortality among patients admitted for HF. The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was queried for all hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of HF between 2017 and 2020. Monthly HF hospitalizations were trended longitudinally over this period. Beginning April 1, 2020, concurrent COVID-19 infections were identified. Subsequently, we stratified HF hospitalizations between April 2020 and December 2020 (HF-2020) based on if concomitant COVID-19 was diagnosed, forming the HF-COVID+ve and HF-COVID-ve groups respectively. HF-2020 was also compared with prepandemic HF hospitalizations between April 2019 and December 2019 (HF-2019). Baseline characteristics were compared, and adjusted outcomes were obtained. During the initial COVID-19 surge in April 2020, HF admissions were reduced by 47% compared to January 2020. Following this decline, HF hospitalizations increased but did not reach prepandemic levels. HF-2020 admissions had an increased complication burden compared to HF-2019, including acute myocardial infarction (8.9% vs 6.6%, P < 0.005) and pulmonary embolism (4.1% vs 3.4%, P < 0.005) indicating a sicker cohort of patients. HF-COVID+ve hospitalizations had 2.9 times higher odds of inpatient mortality compared to HF-COVID-ve and an increased adjusted length of stay by 2.16 days (P < 0.005). A pandemic of the same magnitude as COVID-19 can overwhelm even the most advanced health systems. Early resource mobilization and preparedness is essential to provide care to a sick cohort of patients like acute HF, who are directly and indirectly effected by the consequences of the pandemic which has worsened hospitalization outcomes.

Pseudocystic myxoid liposarcoma of the posterior chest wall - a rare case report.

Introduction and importance: Liposarcoma (LPS) is a common soft-tissue sarcoma predominantly diagnosed in adults, arising from malignant adipose cells. Among its various subtypes, myxoid LPS (MLPS) stands out as the second most frequent, accounting for ~30% of all LPS cases. This particular subtype typically manifests in males between the ages of 40 and 50 and is commonly found in the lower extremities. Although rare, MLPS may also occur in the head, neck, and infrequently in the back. Chest wall LPS cases are also sparsely reported. Case presentation: In this report, we present a case of MLPS in a 69-year-old male patient who presented with a complaint of firm swelling on the right posterior chest wall, which was progressively increasing in size over the past 10 years. The tumour was located in the posterior chest wall on the left side, and further diagnostic evaluation using computed tomography (CT) and MRI was conducted to identify its characteristics and extent. Clinical discussion: The use of CT scanning plays a crucial role in differentiating between various lipomatous tumour types, aiding in the identification and classification of MLPS. However, MRI emerges as a more effective technique for detecting microscopic fat compared to CT or ultrasonography, providing valuable insights for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Conclusion: Surgery remains the primary therapeutic approach for managing LPSs, including MLPS. Adjuvant preoperative radiation is recommended due to its significant sensitivity and potential for improved outcomes. Given the rarity of this presentation and the varied anatomical locations, a multidisciplinary approach is paramount in effectively managing such cases. Medical practitioners should collaborate closely, considering the unique challenges posed by MLPS to ensure optimal patient care and treatment outcomes.