Predictors of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease progression: a Brazilian single-center cohort / Preditores de progressão da doença renal policística autossômica dominante: uma coorte brasileira de centro único

Abstract Introduction: Identifying risk factors for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) progression is important. However, studies that have evaluated this subject using a Brazilian sample is sparce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify risk factors for renal outcomes and death in a Brazilian cohort of ADPKD patients. Methods: Patients had the first medical appointment between January 2002 and December 2014, and were followed up until December 2019. Associations between clinical and laboratory variables with the primary outcome (sustained decrease of at least 57% in the eGFR from baseline, need for dialysis or renal transplantation) and the secondary outcome (death from any cause) were analyzed using a multiple Cox regression model. Among 80 ADPKD patients, those under 18 years, with glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m2, and/or those with missing data were excluded. There were 70 patients followed. Results: The factors independently associated with the renal outcomes were total kidney length - adjusted Hazard Ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.137 (1.057-1.224), glomerular filtration rate - HR (95% CI): 0.970 (0.949-0.992), and serum uric acid level - HR (95% CI): 1.643 (1.118-2.415). Diabetes mellitus - HR (95% CI): 8.115 (1.985-33.180) and glomerular filtration rate - HR (95% CI): 0.957 (0.919-0.997) were associated with the secondary outcome. Conclusions: These findings corroborate the hypothesis that total kidney length, glomerular filtration rate and serum uric acid level may be important prognostic predictors of ADPKD in a Brazilian cohort, which could help to select patients who require closer follow up.

Resumo Introdução: É importante identificar fatores de risco para progressão da doença renal policística autossômica dominante (DRPAD). Entretanto, são escassos os estudos que avaliam esse assunto utilizando amostra brasileira. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar fatores de risco para desfechos renais e óbito em coorte brasileira de pacientes com DRPAD. Métodos: Os pacientes tiveram o primeiro atendimento médico entre janeiro/2002 e dezembro/2014, sendo acompanhados até dezembro/2019. Associações entre variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais com desfecho primário (redução sustentada de pelo menos 57% na TFGe em relação ao valor basal, necessidade de diálise ou transplante renal) e desfecho secundário (óbito por qualquer causa) foram analisadas pelo modelo de regressão múltipla de Cox. Entre 80 pacientes com DRPAD, foram excluídos aqueles menores de 18 anos, com TFG <30 mL/min/1,73 m2 e/ou aqueles com dados ausentes. Foram acompanhados 70 pacientes. Resultados: Fatores independentemente associados aos desfechos renais foram: comprimento renal total - Razão de Risco (HR) ajustada com intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC 95%): 1,137 (1,057-1,224), taxa de filtração glomerular - HR (IC 95%): 0,970 (0,949-0,992) e nível sérico de ácido úrico - HR (IC 95%): 1,643 (1,118-2,415). Diabetes mellitus - HR (IC 95%): 8,115 (1,985-33,180) e TFG - HR (IC 95%): 0,957 (0,919-0,997) foram associados ao desfecho secundário. Conclusões: Esses achados corroboram a hipótese de que comprimento renal total, TFG e nível sérico de ácido úrico podem ser importantes preditores prognósticos de DRPAD em uma coorte brasileira, o que pode ajudar a selecionar pacientes que necessitam de acompanhamento mais próximo.

Acute kidney injury in nonagenarians: clinical characteristics and mortality / Injúria renal aguda em nonagenários: características clínicas e mortalidade

Abstract Introduction: Nonagenarians constitute a rising percentage of inpatients, with acute kidney injury (AKI) being frequent in this population. Thus, it is important to analyze the clinical characteristics of this demographic and their impact on mortality. Methods: Retrospective study of nonagenarian patients with AKI at a tertiary hospital between 2013 and 2022. Only the latest hospital admission was considered, and patients with incomplete data were excluded. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to define risk factors for mortality. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 150 patients were included, with a median age of 93.0 years (91.2-95.0), and males accounting for 42.7% of the sample. Sepsis was the most common cause of AKI (53.3%), followed by dehydration/hypovolemia (17.7%), and heart failure (17.7%). ICU admission occurred in 39.3% of patients, mechanical ventilation in 14.7%, vasopressors use in 22.7% and renal replacement therapy (RRT) in 6.7%. Death occurred in 56.7% of patients. Dehydration/hypovolemia as an etiology of AKI was associated with a lower risk of mortality (OR 0.18; 95% CI 0.04-0.77, p = 0.020). KDIGO stage 3 (OR 3.15; 95% CI 1.17-8.47, p = 0.023), ICU admission (OR 12.27; 95% CI 3.03-49.74, p < 0.001), and oliguria (OR 5.77; 95% CI 1.98-16.85, p = 0.001) were associated with mortality. Conclusion: AKI nonagenarians had a high mortality rate, with AKI KDIGO stage 3, oliguria, and ICU admission being associated with death.

Resumo Introdução: Nonagenários constituem um percentual de pacientes internados em ascensão, sendo a injúria renal aguda (IRA) frequente nesses pacientes. Sendo assim, é importante analisar as características clínicas dessa população e seu impacto na mortalidade. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de pacientes nonagenários com IRA entre 2013 e 2022 em um hospital terciário. Apenas o último internamento foi considerado e pacientes com dados incompletos foram excluídos. Uma análise por regressão logística foi realizada para definir fatores de risco para mortalidade. Um valor de p < 0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados: Foram incluídos 150 pacientes com mediana de idade 93,0 anos (91,2-95,0) e sexo masculino em 42,7%. Sepse foi a causa mais comum de IRA (53,3%), seguida de desidratação/hipovolemia (17,7%) e insuficiência cardíaca (17,7%). Admissão na UTI ocorreu em 39,3% dos pacientes, ventilação mecânica em 14,7%, uso de vasopressores em 22,7% e realização de terapia renal substitutiva (TRS) em 6,7%. Óbito ocorreu em 56,7% dos pacientes. Desidratação/hipovolemia como etiologia da IRA foi associado a menor risco de mortalidade (OR 0,18; IC 95% 0,04-0,77, p = 0,020). Estágio KDIGO 3 (OR 3,15; IC 95% 1,17-8,47, p = 0,023), admissão na UTI (OR 12,27; IC 95% 3,03-49,74, p < 0,001) e oligúria (OR 5,77; IC 95% 1,98-16,85, p = 0,001) foram associados à mortalidade. Conclusão: Nonagenários com IRA apresentaram alta mortalidade e IRA KDIGO 3, oligúria e admissão na UTI foram associadas ao óbito.

Impact of cancer on the mortality of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies by flexible parametric multistate modelling.

BACKGROUND: Patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) have an increased risk of cancer, but their cancer-related disease burden remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: To explore how cancer might impact the mortality of patients with IIM and examine the associated prognostic factors for cancer and death. METHODS: We identified patients with IIM diagnosed between 1998 and 2020 and ascertained their cancer and death records via linkage to the Swedish healthcare and population registers. Transition hazards from IIM diagnosis to cancer and death were estimated in multistate models using flexible parametric methods. We then predicted the probability of having cancer or death, and the duration of staying alive at a given time from IIM and cancer diagnoses from a crude model. We also explored prognostic factors for progression to cancer and death in a multivariable model. RESULTS: Of 1826 IIM patients, 310 (17%) were diagnosed with cancer before and 306 (17%) after IIM diagnosis. In patients diagnosed with cancer after IIM, the 5-year probability of death from cancer and from other causes was 31% and 18%, respectively, compared to 7% and 15% in patients without cancer after IIM. We reported several factors associated with risk of progression to cancer and death. Specifically, patients with first cancer after IIM who were older at IIM diagnosis, had cancer history, dermatomyositis and a cancer diagnosis within 1 year following IIM faced a greater cancer-specific mortality. CONCLUSION: We observed a substantial increase in mortality from cancer, compared to before, rather than other causes after a cancer diagnosis following IIM, suggesting an unmet medical need for effective cancer management in IIM patients. This finding, along with the identified prognostic factors, provides useful insight into future research directions for improving cancer management in IIM patients.

Evaluation of a nomogram model for predicting in-hospital mortality risk in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction and acute heart failure post-PCI.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify the risk factors contributing to in-hospital mortality in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who develop acute heart failure (AHF) post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Based on these factors, we constructed a nomogram to effectively identify high-risk patients. METHODS: In the study, a collective of 280 individuals experiencing an acute STEMI who then developed AHF following PCI were evaluated. These subjects were split into groups for training and validation purposes. Utilizing lasso regression in conjunction with logistic regression analysis, researchers sought to pinpoint factors predictive of mortality and to create a corresponding nomogram for forecasting purposes. To evaluate the model's accuracy and usefulness in clinical settings, metrics such as the concordance index (C-index), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were employed. RESULTS: Key risk factors identified included blood lactate, D-dimer levels, gender, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and Killip class IV. The nomogram demonstrated high accuracy (C-index: training set 0.838, validation set 0.853) and good fit (Hosmer-Lemeshow test: χ2 = 0.545, p = 0.762), confirming its clinical utility. CONCLUSION: The developed clinical prediction model is effective in accurately forecasting mortality among patients with acute STEMI who develop AHF after PCI.

Mortality in Innu communities in Labrador, 1993-2018: a cross-sectional study of causes and location of death.

In Canada, most people prefer to die at home. However, the proportion of deaths that occur in hospital has increased over time. This study examined mortality rates and proportionate mortality in Innu communities in Labrador, and compared patterns to other communities in Labrador and Newfoundland. We conducted a cross-sectional ecological study with mortality data from the vital statistics system. This included information about all deaths in Newfoundland and Labrador from 1993 to 2018. We used descriptive statistics and rates to examine patterns by age, sex, cause and location. During the 2003 to 2018 period the leading cause of death in the Innu communities (excluding external causes) was cancer, followed by circulatory disease and respiratory disease. Between 1993 and 2018, there was a lower percentage of hospital deaths and a higher percentage of at home deaths in Innu communities than in the rest of the province. The majority of deaths among Innu were due to cancer and chronic diseases. We found a higher percentage of at home deaths in Innu communities compared to the rest of the province.

Incidence-Based Breast Cancer Mortality Trends in Estonia Before and After the Introduction of Organized Mammography Screening: A Register-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the relatively low breast cancer incidence in Estonia, mortality remains high, and participation in mammography screening is below the recommended 70%. The objective of this register-based study was to evaluate incidence-based (IB) breast cancer mortality before and after the introduction of organized mammography screening in 2004. METHODS: Breast cancer deaths individually linked to breast cancer diagnosis were obtained from the Estonian Cancer Registry and used for calculating IB mortality. We compared age-specific IB mortality rates across 5-year birth cohorts and 5-year periods. Poisson regression was used to compare IB mortality for one age group invited to screening (50-63) and three age groups not invited to screening (30-49, 65-69, and 70+) during two periods before and after screening initiation (1993-2003 and 2004-2014). Joinpoint regression was used for age-standardized incidence and IB mortality trends. RESULTS: Age-standardized IB mortality has been decreasing since 1997. Age-specific IB mortality for birth cohorts never exposed to screening showed a continuous increase with age, while in cohorts exposed to organized screening the mortality curve flattened or declined after the age of first invitation. Significant decreases in mortality from 1993-2003 to 2004-2014 were seen in the 30-49 (age-adjusted rate ratio 0.51, 95% CI 90.42-0.63) and 50-63 (0.65, 95% CI 0.56-0.74) age groups, while no decline was seen in the 65-69 and 70+ age groups. CONCLUSIONS: The age specific IB mortality curves in birth cohorts exposed to screening and the significant mortality decline in the target age group after the initiation of the organized program suggest a beneficial effect of screening. Improved treatment without screening has not reduced mortality in older age groups. Our results support raising the upper screening age limit to 74 years.

Predictive value of POSSUM scoring system for postoperative complications and mortality in elderly patients with colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The POSSUM scoring system, widely employed in assessing surgical risks, offers a simplified and objective approach for the prediction of complications and mortality in patient. Despite its effectiveness in various surgical fields, including orthopedics and cardiovascular surgery, yet its utilization in elderly patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery is infrequent. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the predictive value of POSSUM scoring system for postoperative complications and mortality in elderly with colorectal cancer. METHODS: 306 elderly colorectal cancer patients were grouped according to the complications and death within 30 days after surgery. Among them, 108 cases in complication group, 198 cases in non-complication group, 16 cases in death group and 290 cases in survival group. POSSUM scores of all subjects were obtained and its predictive value for postoperative complications and mortality of elderly was conducted by ROC curve. RESULTS: No apparent difference were observed in complications and mortality among patients with different disease types, operation types and operation timing (P> 0.05). The R2 in complication group was higher than non-complication group (P< 0.05). The R1 in death group were higher than survival group (P< 0.05). The AUC of R2 for predicting postoperative complications was 0.955 with a sensitivity of 88.89% and a specificity of 94.44% and the AUC of R1 for evaluating postoperative mortality of elderly with colorectal cancer was 0.783 with a sensitivity of 56.25% and a specificity of 82.93%. CONCLUSION: POSSUM score system has a certain predictive value for postoperative complications and mortality in elderly with colorectal cancer. However, the predicted mortality rate is higher than actual mortality rate.

Impact of Catheter Ablation of Electrical Storm on Survival: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Electrical storm (ES) is a life-threatening condition, associated with substantial early and subacute mortality. Catheter ablation (CA) is a well-established therapy for ES. However, data regarding the impact of CA on the short-term and midterm survival of patients admitted for ES remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: This multicenter study aimed to investigate the impact of CA of ES on survival outcomes, while accounting for key patient characteristics associated with treatment selection. METHODS: A propensity score-matching (PSM) analysis was performed on 780 consecutive patients admitted for ES in 4 tertiary centers. PSM (1:1) based on the main characteristics associated with the use of CA or medical therapy alone was performed, resulting in 2 groups of 288 patients. RESULTS: After PSM, patients who underwent CA (n = 288) and those treated with medical therapy alone (n = 288) did not present any significant differences in the main demographic characteristics, ES presentation, and management. Compared with medical therapy alone, CA was associated with a significantly lower rate of ES recurrence at 1 year (5% vs 26%; P < 0.001). Similarly, CA was associated with a higher 1-year (91% vs 81%; P < 0.001) and 3-year (78% vs 71%; P = 0.017) survival after discharge. In subgroup analyses, effect of ablation therapy remained consistent in patients older than 70 years of age (HR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.24-0.66), with substantial efficacy in patients with a LVEF <35% (HR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.27-0.59). CONCLUSIONS: In propensity-matched analyses, this large study shows that CA-based management of patients admitted for ES is associated with a reduction in mortality compared with medical treatment, particularly in patients with a low ejection fraction.

From Other Journals: A Review of Recent Articles by Our Editorial Team.

In this review we provide a brief description of recently published articles addressing topics relevant to pediatric cardiologists. Our hope is to provide a summary of the latest articles published recently in other journals in our field. The articles address: 1- The use of AI in fetal echocardiography, 2- The role of Apixaban in thromboembolism prevention in pediatric congenital heart disease, 3- Cardiovascular events in childhood cancer survivors, and lastly 4- the new consensus statement on cardiac catheterization for pediatrics and adults with congenital heart disease.

Association of Iron Therapy with Mortality in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction and Iron Deficiency.

Iron deficiency (ID) is common in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). It is unknown whether patients with AMI combined with ID will benefit from iron supplementation therapy. This study aimed to assess the relationship between iron therapy and mortality in AMI patients. Retrospective analysis was performed in subjects screened from the Medical Information Mart in Intensive Care-IV database. The data were obtained from ICU patients admitted to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center between 2008 and 2019. The patients were divided into two groups according to iron treatment exposure. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed in the original cohort at a 1:1 ratio. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to adjust for confounding factors. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality. A total of 426 patients were included in this study. After 1:1 PSM, 208 patients were analyzed. Iron treatment was associated with a lower risk of 28-day mortality (9 deaths (8.65%) in the iron treatment group vs. 21 deaths (20.19%) in the non-iron treatment group; HR = 0.39; 95% CI = 0.17-0.89; p = 0.025) and in-hospital mortality (4 deaths (3.85%) in the iron treatment group vs. 12 deaths (11.54%) in the non-iron treatment group; OR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.03-0.74; p = 0.029). Iron treatment was associated with reduced 28-day mortality in patients with AMI combined with ID. Iron treatment had no significant effect on the length of hospitalization or the length of ICU stay. Prospective studies are needed to verify this conclusion.

Association of hospital volume with survival but not with postoperative mortality in glioblastoma patients in Belgium.

OBJECTIVES: Standard of care treatment for glioblastoma (GBM) involves surgical resection followed by chemoradiotherapy. However, variations in treatment decisions and outcomes exist across hospitals and physicians. In Belgium, where oncological care is dispersed, the impact of hospital volume on GBM outcomes remains unexplored. This nationwide study aims to analyse interhospital variability in 30-day postoperative mortality and 1-/2-year survival for GBM patients. METHODS: Data collected from the Belgian Cancer Registry, identified GBM patients diagnosed between 2016 and 2019. Surgical resection and biopsy cases were identified, and hospital case load was determined. Associations between hospital volume and mortality and survival probabilities were analysed, considering patient characteristics. Statistical analysis included logistic regression for mortality and Cox proportional hazard models for survival. RESULTS: A total of 2269 GBM patients were identified (1665 underwent resection, 662 underwent only biopsy). Thirty-day mortality rates post-resection/post-biopsy were 5.1%/11.9% (target < 3%/<5%). Rates were higher in elderly patients and those with worse WHO-performance scores. No significant difference was found based on hospital case load. Survival probabilities at 1/2 years were 48.6% and 21.3% post-resection; 22.4% and 8.3% post-biopsy. Hazard ratio for all-cause death for low vs. high volume centres was 1.618 in first 0.7 year post-resection (p < 0.0001) and 1.411 in first 0.8 year post-biopsy (p = 0.0046). CONCLUSION: While 30-day postoperative mortality rates were above predefined targets, no association between hospital volume and mortality was found. However, survival probabilities demonstrated benefits from treatment in higher volume centres, particularly in the initial months post-surgery. These variations highlight the need for continuous improvement in neuro-oncological practice and should stimulate reflection on the neuro-oncological care organisation in Belgium.

Association between tricyclic antidepressants and health outcomes among older people: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Tricyclic antidepressants are effective for managing depression and other disorders. However, they can cause adverse reactions due to their anticholinergic properties, with the risk of such events increasing with age. This study identifies and describes clinical studies that evaluate associations between the use of tricyclic antidepressants and adverse health outcomes (falls, fractures, and mortality) among older people. A systematic search of the literature in English, Spanish, and French was conducted using the electronic databases PubMed, ISI Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Cochrane. The systematic review included a total of 18 studies. The meta-analysis examined the 14 studies that investigated the association between the use of tricyclic antidepressants and the risk of falls and fractures (4 of the 18 studies focused on mortality and so were excluded from the meta-analysis). The odds ratio (OR) was 1.40 (95 % CI = 1.27-1.53, p < 0.001). The Cochran Q test was significant (X2 = 79.72, p < 0.001), indicating high heterogeneity (I2 = 84.9 %). An additional meta-analysis was conducted on studies reporting hazard ratios (HRs), yielding an HR of 1.21 (95 % CI = 0.93-1.58, p = 0.16). Meta-regression analysis indicated that the years of follow-up could have a significant effect on the association studied (p = 0.008). In conclusion, enhancing our understanding of the use of antidepressants and the associated risk of adverse events in older adults will enable the identification of the most appropriate type of antidepressant for each clinical situation.

Declined intrinsic capacity predicts long-term mortality in Chinese older adults: Beijing Longitudinal Study of Aging.

BACKGROUND: Intrinsic capacity reflects an individual's functions and capacities across their lifetime. There are few studies on whether the level of intrinsic capacity can predict long-term mortality in Chinese populations. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of intrinsic capacity on long-term outcomes in older Chinese adults. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Beijing Longitudinal Study of Aging. Overall, 1699 community-dwelling adults aged ≥60 years were included and followed up for 8 years. Intrinsic capacity was determined according to the World Health Organization definition. The predictive ability for adverse outcomes was assessed using the age- and sex-adjusted Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: A decline in intrinsic capacity domains was observed in 729 (42.9 %) participants. Declines in the mobility, cognition, vitality, sensory and psychology domains were observed in 21.8 %, 15.1 %, 11.4 %, 9.10 %, and 14.2 % of the participants, respectively. Low intrinsic capacity was associated with worse physical performance, frailty, social frailty, chronic diseases, fracture, and falls. A greater decline in intrinsic capacity predicted an elevated 8-year mortality rate (decline in overall intrinsic capacity hazard ratio 2.91, 95 % confidence interval 2.44-3.47, P < 0.001; decline in one domain hazard ratio 2.11, 95 % confidence interval 1.71-2.61, P < 0.001; decline in two domains hazard ratio 3.54, 95 % confidence interval 2.81-4.45, P < 0.001; decline in three or more domains hazard ratio 5.30, 95 % confidence interval 4.09-6.87, P < 0.001); adjusted models did not affect prediction performance. Among the five domains of intrinsic capacity, cognition was the strongest predictor of mortality (hazard ratio 3.17, 95 % confidence interval 2.63-3.81, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Intrinsic capacity is useful in identifying older adults at higher risk of adverse outcomes, presenting significant implications for healthcare policies in China.

Pediatric Burn Injuries: Risk Factors for Increased Mortality.

INTRODUCTION: Burn injuries are among the top ten leading causes of unintentional death in pediatric patients and are encountered by pediatric surgeons in all practice settings. There is a lack of literature evaluating mortality in pediatric burn injuries in regard to nonaccidental burns and potential disparities. Our study aims to determine the risk factors associated with mortality in pediatric burn injuries and highlight the characteristics of this patient population. METHODS: We utilized the Trauma Quality Improvement Program database from 2017 to 2019 to identify primary burn injuries in children ≤14 y old. Physical abuse descriptors were used to identify patients with suspected nonaccidental injuries. Further demographics, including age, race, ethnicity, and insurance type, were evaluated. Descriptive statistics were generated and a multivariable logistic regression analysis was utilized to evaluate risk factors for mortality. RESULTS: 13,472 pediatric burn patients (≤14 y old) were identified. The overall mortality was low (<1%). Children with burns to multiple body regions had the highest independent risk of mortality in this cohort. All older age groups had an independent risk of mortality compared to the youngest patients, but those from ages 5 to <10 y old had the highest risk of mortality (OR = 11.40; 95% confidence interval: 4.41-29.43, P < 0.001). Black children had a significantly higher mortality compared to White children. Nonaccidental burns carried a mortality that was twice that of accidental burns. Government insurance type was the primary insurance type for a majority of patients who died. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors for mortality in pediatric burn include Black race, multiple affected body regions, and nonaccidental burns. This study identified an increased mortality risk in the older age groups in contrast to previous studies that showed increased mortality in younger patients suffering from burn injuries.

Effect of the use of potentially inappropriate medications on the mortality of Brazilian older adults: SABE cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the association between potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use and the risk of death among community-dwelling older Brazilian adults. METHODS: Participants from the Health, Well-Being, and Aging Cohort Study (SABE) in São Paulo, Brazil, between 2000 and 2016 were included. The dependent variable was all-cause mortality, measured as the time elapsed until death. The exposure of interest was the use of PIM according to the Beers Criteria 2019 version. All covariates, except for sex and education, were considered time-varying. RESULTS: PIM use was not associated with mortality after adjusting for covariates (HR = 0.99; 95 % CI: 0.88-1.12). There was a significant interaction between PIM use and age (HR = 0.98; 95 % CI: 0.96-0.99). CONCLUSION: The association between PIM use and the risk of death was moderated by age. Future studies should consider the impact of necessary medication omissions when assessing the mortality risk associated with PIM use.

Maternal smoking during pregnancy could accelerate aging in the adulthood: evidence from a perspective study in UK Biobank.

BACKGROUND: Maternal smoking during pregnancy (MSDP) is significantly linked to the short- or long-term health of offspring. However, little research has examined whether MSDP affect the aging rate of offspring. METHODS: This study used questionnaires to determine out whether the participants' mothers smoked when they were pregnant. For evaluating aging rate, we used the following several outcome measures: telomere length, frailty index, cognitive function, homeostatic dysregulation score, KDM-age, age-related hospitalization rate, premature death, and life expectancy. RESULT: After adjusting for covariates, we found that the offspring of the MSDP group had significantly shorter telomere length in adulthood by 0.8 % (ß = -0.008,95%CI:-0.009 to -0.006) compared with non-MSDP group. Compared to the non-MSDP group, participants in MSDP group showed higher levels of homeostatic dysregulation (ß = 0.015,95%CI: 0.007-0.024) and were frailer (ß = 0.008,95%CI:0.007-0.009). The KDM age increased by 0.100 due to MSDP (ß = 0.100,95 % CI:0.018-0.181), and the age acceleration of KDM algorithm also increases significantly (ß = 0.101, 95%CI:0.020-0.183). Additionally, we found that the risk of aging-related hospitalizations was significantly higher than the non-MSDP group by 10.4 %(HR = 1.104,95%CI:1.066-1.144). Moreover, MSDP group had a 12.2 % increased risk of all-cause premature mortality (HR = 1.122,95%CI:1.064-1.182) and a significant risk of lung cancer-specific premature mortality increased by 55.4 %(HR = 1.554,95%CI:1.346-1.793). In addition, participants in the MSDP group had significantly decreased cognitive function and shorter life expectancies than those in non-MSDP group. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated a significant association between MSPD and accelerated aging, elevated hospitalization rates, increased premature mortality rates, and reduced life expectancies in offspring.

Association of Naples Prognostic Score and Lung Health: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: The Naples Prognostic Score (NPS) is a novel indicator of inflammatory and nutritional status, but its relationship to lung health is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship of NPS to lung health problems. METHODS: A total of 15,600 participants aged 20 years or older with an available assessment of chronic lung diseases were enrolled from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2012. The NPS was calculated based on serum albumin, total cholesterol, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio. Associations of NPS with chronic lung disease (diagnosed asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema), respiratory symptoms (cough, phlegm production, wheeze, and exertional dyspnea), and spirometric measurements (FEV1, FVC, and obstructive or restrictive spirometry pattern) were evaluated. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and multiple Cox regressions were used to assess the significance of NPS in relation to all-cause mortality and chronic lower respiratory diseases mortality in participants. Furthermore, to comprehensively assess the association between NSP and chronic lower respiratory diseases mortality, Fine-Gray subdistribution hazards model was performed to analyze non-chronic lower respiratory diseases mortality as a competitive risk. RESULTS: People with a higher NPS score were associated with greater odds of asthma, chronic bronchitis, respiratory symptoms (including phlegm production, wheeze, and exertional dyspnea), and a greater risk of obstructive and restrictive spirometry. A higher NPS score was significantly associated with decreased FEV1 and FVC in both overall participants and those with lung health problems. Longitudinally, we found that those in the category with highest NPS were at greater risk of all-cause mortality and chronic lower respiratory diseases mortality in those with chronic lung disease, and respiratory symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: An elevated NPS is associated with a host of adverse pulmonary outcomes. Prospective studies to define NPS as a biomarker for impaired lung health are warranted.

Decreasing levels of atmospheric pollution and simultaneous reduced number of cardiovascular hospital admissions and operations with improved results. Analysis of the Italian National Registries.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to determine a correlation between decrease of levels of atmospheric pollution (as determined by air levels of Particulate Matters with a diameter equal or less to 2.5 microns) and reduced number of hospital admissions and operations for patients with common cardiovascular diseases in Italy. METHODS: We correlated number of hospital admissions and cardiovascular operations and atmospheric levels of PM.2.5 from 2015 to 2019 in Italy. This time interval was chosen because the possibility to analyze data about other established cardiovascular risk factors as reported by the European Union Eurostat. RESULTS: A statistically significant decrease of hospital admissions for cardiovascular and pulmonary emergencies was registered in Italy from 2015 to 2019 (p<0.01). The number also of cardiovascular operations showed a trend towards reduction with improved 30-days results, without reaching a statistically significant correlation (p =0.10). In the period 2015-2019, there was a steady decrease of atmospheric levels of pM2.5, either in urban or rural areas (p<0.01). The decrease of atmospheric levels of PMs2.5 started in 2010 and continued with a steady trend until the year 2019. In the period 2015-2019 exposure of the Italian population to established risk factors for cardiovascular diseases showed a small increase. The number of admissions and operations for non- cardiovascular and non-pulmonary diseases remained unchanged in the period 2015-2019. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of our study underline the possibility that decrease of atmospheric pollution may determine almost immediate decrease of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.

Sitting time, physical activity and mortality: a cohort study in low-income older Americans.

INTRODUCTION: Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are recognized as independent risk factors for many diseases. However, studies investigating their associations with total and cause-specific mortality in low-income and Black populations are limited, particularly among older adults. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted among 8,337 predominantly low-income and Black Americans aged ≥65 years residing in the southern United States. Participants reported their daily sitting time and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) at baseline (2002-2009), and mortality data were collected through 2019. Analysis was conducted from September 2022 to October 2023. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 12.25 years, nearly 50% (n = 4,111) were deceased. A prolonged sitting time (>10 hours/day vs. <4 hours/day) was associated with an elevated all-cause mortality (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.04-1.27) after adjusting for LTPA and other potential confounders. LTPA was associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality, with an adjusted HR of 0.75 (95% CI 0.64, 0.88) associated with 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity. Individuals who were physically inactive and had a sitting time of >10 h/d had the highest mortality risk (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.23-1.78), compared with those who were physically active and had low sitting time. These associations were more pronounced for mortality due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). CONCLUSIONS: High sitting time is an independent risk factor for all-cause and CVD mortality, and LTPA could partially attenuate the adverse association of prolonged sitting time with mortality.

Prehospital point-of-care medication burden as a predictor of poor related outcomes in unselected acute diseases.

How prehospital medication predicts patient outcomes is unclear. The aim of this work was to unveil the association between medication burden administration in prehospital care and short, mid, and long-term mortality (2, 30, and 365 day) in unselected acute diseases and to assess the potential of the number of medications administered for short, mid, and long-term mortality prediction. A prospective, multicenter, ambulance-based, cohort study was carried out in adults with unselected acute diseases managed by emergency medical services (EMS). The study was carried out in Spain with 44 ambulances and four hospitals. The principal outcome was cumulative mortality at 2, 30, and 365 days. Epidemiological variables, vital signs, and prehospital medications were collected. Patients were classified into four categories: no medication dispensed in prehospital care, one to two medications, three to four medications, and five or more medications. A total of 6401 patients were selected. The 2-day mortality associated with each group was 0.5%, 1.8%, 6.5%, and 18.8%. The 30-day mortality associated with each group was 3.8%, 6.2%, 13.5%, and 31.9%. The 365-day mortality associated with each group was 11%, 15.3%, 25.2%, and 45.7%. The predictive validity of the number of drugs administered, measured by the area under the curve, was 0.808, 0.720, and 0.660 for 2-, 30-, and 365-day mortality, respectively. Our results showed that prehospital drugs could provide relevant information regarding the mortality prediction of patients. The incorporation of this score could improve the management of high-risk patients by the EMS.