Semi-quantitative pulmonary congestion score: prevalence and diuretic management implications after heart failure discharge.

INTRODUCTION: Persistent congestion after heart failure (HF) discharge is associated with a higher risk of readmissions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: eighty-two patients included after HF discharge. The aim of the study was to characterize semiquantitatively the degree of pulmonary congestion and its changes, describing the relationship between these findings and diuretic management. RESULTS: On the first visit, despite the absence of clinical congestion in the majority of patients, half of the had some degree of pulmonary congestion by ultrasound. After global assessment in this initial visit (clinical and ultrasound) the diuretic was lowered in 50 patients (60%), kept the same in 16 (20%) and it was increased in the rest. In the 45 patients without ultrasound congestion, diuretic reduction was attempted in 80%, being this strategy successful in the majority of them. CONCLUSIONS: Lung ultrasound, using simple quantification methods, allows its real incorporation into clinical practice, helping us in the decision making process.

Coronary Artery Calcification and Risk of Cardiac Complication in Geriatric Trauma Population.

BACKGROUND: Better means of identifying patients with increased cardiac complication (CC) risk is needed. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is reported on routine chest CT scans. We assessed the correlation of CAC and CCs in the geriatric trauma population. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, observational study of patients 55 years and older who had chest CT scan from May to September 2022 at a level 1 trauma center. Radiologists scored CAC as none, mild, moderate, or severe. None-to-mild CAC (NM-CAC) and moderate-to-severe CAC (MS-CAC) were grouped and in-hospital CCs assessed (arrhythmia, ST elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI], non-STEMI, congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema, cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock, and cardiac mortality). Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Five hundred sixty-nine patients had a chest CT, of them 12 were excluded due to missing CAC severity. Of 557 patients, 442 (79.3%) had none-to-mild CAC and 115 (20.7%) has MS-CAC; the MS-CAC group was older (73.3 vs 67.4 years) with fewer male patients (48.7% vs 54.5%), had higher cardiac-related comorbidities, and had higher abbreviated injury scale chest injury scores. The MS-CAC group had an increased rate of CC (odds ratio [OR] 1.81, p = 0.016). Cardiac complications statistically more common in MS-CAC were congestive heart failure (OR 3.41, p = 0.003); cardiogenic shock (OR 3.3, p = 0.006); non-STEMI I or II (OR 2.8, p = 0.017); STEMI (OR 5.9, p = 0.029); and cardiac-caused mortality (OR 5.27, p = 0.036). No statistical significance between pulmonary edema (p = 0.6), new-onset arrhythmia (p = 0.74), or cardiac arrest (p = 0.193). CONCLUSIONS: CAC as reported on chest CT scans demonstrates a significant correlation with CC and should warrant additional cardiac monitoring.

Massive primary pulmonary artery rhabomyosarcoma: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary artery sarcomas (PAS) are rare tumours causing an insidiously progressive obstruction of the pulmonary circulation. The clinical presentation is often indistinguishable from chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). However, the atypical appearance of a heterogeneous filling defect in CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) should prompt further investigation. CASE PRESENTATION: A previously healthy young man presented with massive haemoptysis, acute respiratory distress, and progressive exertional dyspnea since the year before. Echocardiography demonstrated severe right ventricular dysfunction and highly probable pulmonary hypertension. CTPA revealed an extensive filling defect with an appearance concerning PAS. Due to syncopal episodes at rest, the patient underwent urgent pulmonary artery endarterectomy (PEA). A massive tree-like tumour was excised as a result. Post-operatively, reperfusion injury and refractory pulmonary oedema mandated extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Unfortunately, ECMO was complicated with massive haemolysis and acute kidney injury. The patient succumbed to multi-organ failure. Through tissue analysis established a diagnosis of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. DISCUSSION: Unfortunately, the patient had not reached out for his worsening dyspnea. PASs should not be mistaken for a thrombus and anticoagulation should be avoided. The urgent condition precluded biopsy and tissue diagnosis. Similarly, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was not feasible. Post-operatively, reperfusion injury and pulmonary oedema ensued, which mandated ECMO. This complication should be anticipated preoperatively. There is a need for more data on PASs to establish a consensus for management.

Injury patterns and mortality associated with near-hanging in children.

BACKGROUND: The pathophysiology of near-hanging in children is different from that of adults due to anatomic, physiologic, and injury-related mechanisms, with evidence suggesting that blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVI) and cervical spine injuries (CSI) are uncommon. We sought to estimate the incidence of secondary injuries and their association with mortality in pediatric near-hanging victims. METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational study of children (≤17 years) with a diagnosis code for hanging between October 1, 2015 and February 28, 2023 who presented to one of 47 geographically diverse US children's hospitals. We evaluated the incidence of the following secondary injuries: cerebral edema, pneumothorax, pulmonary edema, BCVI, and CSI. We performed Fisher's exact test with Bonferroni correction to identify associations between intentionality, sex, age, and secondary injuries with mortality. RESULTS: We included 1929 children, of whom 33.8% underwent neuroimaging, 45.9% underwent neck imaging, and 38.7% underwent neck angiography. The most common injury was cerebral edema (24.0%), followed by pulmonary edema (3.2%) and pneumothorax (2.8%). CSI (2.1%) and BCVI (0.9%) occurred infrequently. Cerebral edema, pneumothorax, pulmonary edema, and younger age (≤12 years) were associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In this multi-center study of pediatric near-hanging victims, BCVI and CSI occurred rarely and were not associated with mortality. While children in our study underwent neck imaging more frequently than head imaging, cerebral edema occurred more often than other injury types and imparted the highest mortality risk. Given the rarity of BCVI and CSI, a selective approach to neck imaging may be warranted in pediatric near-hanging events.

Left atrial myxoma presenting with acute pulmonary edema and syncope in a middle-aged black African woman: a case report.

Cardiac myxoma is a very rare benign cardiac neoplasm. Its annual incidence globally is between 0.5 to 1 case per one million individuals. It has a 0.03% prevalence rate in the general population. It commonly occurs in the left atrium, but can also be located in the other heart chambers. Its clinical presentations are variable, non-specific, and can mimic various cardiovascular and systemic diseases, posing a diagnostic dilemma. Thus, a high index of suspicion with appropriate use of radiologic and laboratory diagnostic tools is essential for its accurate diagnosis and management. The diagnosis and management of a rare case of left atrial myxoma in a middle-aged African woman who presented with heart failure-like symptoms, features of acute pulmonary edema, and syncope is presented in this literature. The diagnosis was suspected following echocardiography. The tumor was surgically excised, and the diagnosis was confirmed histopathologically. The patient´s post-operative condition has been excellent.

Pickering syndrome in a patient with Takayasu's arteritis.

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a chronic granulomatous large vessel arteritis. The renal arteries are affected in up to 60% of patients with TA, with renal artery stenosis (RAS) potentially leading to ischemic nephropathy, severe arterial hypertension, and heart failure. Bilateral RAS may rarely present with recurrent flash pulmonary edema, a life-threatening association which has been termed Pickering syndrome. In this report, we describe a 55-year-old woman with severe refractory arterial hypertension admitted for acute pulmonary edema, initially treated unsuccessfully with medical therapy with vasodilators and diuretics. Given the instrumental findings of bilateral RAS and suggestive signs and symptoms, the diagnosis of TA was made, resulting as the first described case of Pickering syndrome being the clinical presentation of TA. Interventional therapy with renal artery angioplasty procedure was performed with stenting of both right and left renal arteries, leading to the resolution of the clinical scenario and the successful discharge of the patient. At the 1 year follow-up visit the patient was asymptomatic and in good clinical conditions; a significant reduction in antihypertensive therapy was achieved while immunosuppressive therapy was continued. This case highlights that secondary causes of TA should always be sought in patients with refractory hypertension who do not respond to standard treatment; also, TA should be suspected in young patients with bilateral RAS, especially when other typical signs of TA are present; lastly, a thorough investigation is essential in complicated cases, as rare diseases like TA may manifest in unusual ways.

Re-expansion Pulmonary Edema: A Rare Complication of Chest Drain Insertion in Spontaneous Pneumothorax.

Re-expansion pulmonary edema (RPE) after chest drain insertion is rare. The objective of this clinical case report is to highlight the importance of this chest drain insertion complication. A 35-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a chief complaint of shortness of breath and pleuritic chest pain. Further physical examination and radiographic investigations showed a left-sided hemipneumothorax. A chest drain was inserted, but subsequently the patient developed worsening shortness of breath, desaturation, and coughed out pink frothy sputum. Repeated chest radiographic and computed tomographic thorax findings suggested RPE. A nonrebreathable mask with high-flow oxygen was given to the patient to maintain his oxygen saturation. The patient was referred to the cardiothoracic team and was admitted to the hospital. Despite conservative management in the ward, the patient underwent lung decortication. Postdecortication, the left-sided lung re-expanded well, and the patient was discharged home. This case highlighted this rare, potentially fatal complication of chest drain insertion for spontaneous pneumothorax.

[Impact of VA-ECMO combined with IABP and timing on outcome of patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic shock].

Objective: To investigate the impact of combined use and timing of arterial-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) with intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) on the prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic shock (AMICS). Methods: This was a prospective cohort study, patients with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock who received VA-ECMO support from the Heart Center of Lanzhou University First Hospital from March 2019 to March 2022 in the registration database of the Chinese Society for Extracorporeal Life Support were enrolled. According to combination with IABP and time point, patients were divided into VA-ECMO alone group, VA-ECMO+IABP concurrent group and VA-ECMO+IABP non-concurrent group. Data from 3 groups of patients were collected, including the demographic characteristics, risk factors, ECG and echocardiographic examination results, critical illness characteristics, coronary intervention results, VA-ECMO related parameters and complications were compared among the three groups. The primary clinical endpoint was all-cause death, and the safety indicators of mechanical circulatory support included a decrease in hemoglobin greater than 50 g/L, gastrointestinal bleeding, bacteremia, lower extremity ischemia, lower extremity thrombosis, acute kidney injury, pulmonary edema and stroke. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to analyze the survival outcomes of patients within 30 days of follow-up. Using VA-ECMO+IABP concurrent group as reference, multivariate Cox regression model was used to evaluate the effect of the combination of VA-ECMO+IABP at different time points on the prognosis of AMICS patients within 30 days. Results: The study included 68 AMICS patients who were supported by VA-ECMO, average age was (59.8±10.8) years, there were 12 female patients (17.6%), 19 cases were in VA-ECMO alone group, 34 cases in VA-ECMO+IABP concurrent group and 15 cases in VA-ECMO+IABP non-concurrent group. The success rate of ECMO weaning in the VA-ECMO+IABP concurrent group was significantly higher than that in the VA-ECMO alone group and the VA-ECMO+IABP non-concurrent group (all P<0.05). Compared with the ECMO+IABP non-concurrent group, the other two groups had shorter ECMO support time, lower rates of acute kidney injury complications (all P<0.05), and lower rates of pulmonary edema complications in the ECMO alone group (P<0.05). In-hospital survival rate was significantly higher in the VA-ECMO+IABP concurrent group (28 patients (82.4%)) than in the VA-ECMO alone group (9 patients) and VA-ECMO+IABP non-concurrent group (7 patients) (all P<0.05). The survival rate up to 30 days of follow-up was also significantly higher surviving patients within were in the ECMO+IABP concurrent group (26 cases) than in VA-ECMO alone group (9 patients) and VA-ECMO+IABP non-concurrent group (4 patients) (all P<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that compared with the concurrent use of VA-ECMO+IABP, the use of VA-ECMO alone and non-concurrent use of VA-ECMO+IABP were associated with increased 30-day mortality in AMICS patients (HR=2.801, P=0.036; HR=2.985, P=0.033, respectively). Conclusions: When VA-ECMO is indicated for AMICS patients, combined use with IABP at the same time can improve the ECMO weaning rate, in-hospital survival and survival at 30 days post discharge, and which does not increase additional complications.

Relationship of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C, a Lymphangiogenesis Modulator, With Edema Formation, Congestion and Outcomes in Acute Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Although vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) is a known lymphangiogenesis modulator, its relationship with congestion formation and outcomes in acute heart failure (AHF) is unknown. METHODS: Serum VEGF-C levels were measured in 237 patients hospitalized for AHF. The population was stratified by VEGF-C levels and linked with clinical signs of congestion and outcomes. RESULTS: The study's population was divided in VEGF-C tertiles: low (median [Q25-Q75]: 33 [15-175]), medium (606 [468-741]) and high (1141 [968-1442] pg/mL). The group with low VEGF-C on admission presented with the highest prevalence of severe lower-extremity edema (low VEGF-C vs medium VEGF-C vs high VEGF-C): 30% vs 13% vs 20%; P = 0.02); the highest percentage of patients with ascites: 22% vs 9% vs 6%; P = 0.006; and the lowest proportion of patients with pulmonary congestion: 22% vs 30% vs 46%; P = 0.004. The 1-year mortality rate was the highest in the low VEGF-C tertile: 35% vs 28% vs 18%, respectively; P = 0.049. The same pattern was observed for the composite endpoint (death and AHF rehospitalization): 45% vs 43% vs 26%; P = 0.029. The risks of death at 1-year follow-up and composite endpoint were significantly lower in the high VEGF-C group. CONCLUSIONS: Low VEGF-C was associated with more severe signs of congestion (signs of fluid accumulation) and adverse clinical outcomes.

Association of adverse respiratory events with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors versus dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors among patients with type 2 diabetes in South Korea: a nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Impaired respiratory function remains underrecognized in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), despite common pulmonary impairment. Meanwhile, there is little data available on the respiratory effects of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). Hence, we examined the association between SGLT2i use and the risk of adverse respiratory events in a real-world setting. METHODS: We conducted a population-based, nationwide cohort study using an active-comparator new-user design and nationwide claims data of South Korea from January 2015 to December 2020. Among individuals aged 18 years or older, propensity score matching was done to match each new user of SGLT2is with dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4is), with patients followed up according to an as-treated definition. The primary outcome was respiratory events, a composite endpoint of acute pulmonary edema, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pneumonia, and respiratory failure. Secondary outcomes were the individual components of the primary outcome and in-hospital death. Cox models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs. RESULTS: Of 205,534 patient pairs in the propensity score matched cohort, the mean age of the entire cohort was 53.8 years and 59% were men, with a median follow-up of 0.66 years; all baseline covariates achieved balance between the two groups. Incidence rates for overall respiratory events were 4.54 and 7.54 per 1000 person-years among SGLT2i and DPP4i users, respectively, corresponding to a rate difference of 3 less events per 1000 person-years (95% CI - 3.44 to - 2.55). HRs (95% CIs) were 0.60 (0.55 to 0.64) for the composite respiratory endpoint, 0.35 (0.23 to 0.55) for acute pulmonary edema, 0.44 (0.18 to 1.05) for ARDS, 0.61 (0.56 to 0.66) for pneumonia, 0.49 (0.31 to 0.76) for respiratory failure, and 0.46 (0.41 to 0.51) for in-hospital death. Similar trends were found across individual SGLT2is, subgroup analyses of age, sex, history of comorbidities, and a range of sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest a lower risk of adverse respiratory events associated with patients with T2D initiating SGLT2is versus DPP4is. This real-world evidence helps inform patients, clinicians, and guideline writers regarding the respiratory effects of SGLT2i in routine practice.

Trends in and outcomes associated with obstructive sleep apnea during deliveries in the United States, 2000-2019.

BACKGROUND: Population-level data on obstructive sleep apnea among pregnant women in the United States and associated risk for adverse outcomes during delivery may be of clinical importance and public health significance. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess trends in and outcomes associated with obstructive sleep apnea during delivery hospitalizations. STUDY DESIGN: This repeated cross-sectional study analyzed delivery hospitalizations using the National Inpatient Sample. Temporal trends in obstructive sleep apnea were analyzed using joinpoint regression to estimate the average annual percentage change with 95% confidence intervals. Survey-adjusted logistic regression models were fit to assess the association between obstructive sleep apnea and mechanical ventilation or tracheostomy, acute respiratory distress syndrome, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, peripartum hysterectomy, pulmonary edema/heart failure, stillbirth, and preterm birth. RESULTS: From 2000 to 2019, an estimated 76,753,013 delivery hospitalizations were identified, of which 54,238 (0.07%) had a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea. During the study period, the presence of obstructive sleep apnea during delivery hospitalizations increased from 0.4 to 20.5 cases per 10,000 delivery hospitalizations (average annual percentage change, 20.6%; 95% confidence interval, 19.1-22.2). Clinical factors associated with obstructive sleep apnea included obesity (4.3% of women without and 57.7% with obstructive sleep apnea), asthma (3.2% of women without and 25.3% with obstructive sleep apnea), chronic hypertension (2.0% of women without and 24.5% with obstructive sleep apnea), and pregestational diabetes mellitus (0.9% of women without and 10.9% with obstructive sleep apnea). In adjusted analyses accounting for obesity, other clinical factors, demographics, and hospital characteristics, obstructive sleep apnea was associated with increased odds of mechanical ventilation or tracheostomy (adjusted odds ratio, 21.9; 95% confidence interval, 18.0-26.7), acute respiratory distress syndrome (adjusted odds ratio, 5.9; 95% confidence interval, 5.4-6.5), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-1.7), stillbirth (adjusted odds ratio, 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-1.4), pulmonary edema/heart failure (adjusted odds ratio, 3.7; 95% confidence interval, 2.9-4.7), peripartum hysterectomy (adjusted odds ratio, 1.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-2.23), and preterm birth (adjusted odds ratio, 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.2). CONCLUSION: Obstructive sleep apnea diagnoses are increasingly common in the obstetrical population and are associated with a range of adverse obstetrical outcomes during delivery hospitalizations.

[Reexpansion edema : complication of pleural effusion drainage]. / L'image du mois. Œdème de réexpansion compliquant le drainage d'un pneumothorax.

Reexpansion pulmonary edema is a rare complication of pleural effusion drainage (liquid or gas). Its pathophysiology is not fully understood but it seems to be induced by an increase in the permeability of the alveolar-capillary membrane. The purpose of this case report is to present the clinic of reexpansion edema and also to provide practitioners with a management strategy.

Résumé : L'œdème pulmonaire de réexpansion est une complication rare du drainage d'un épanchement pleural (liquide ou gazeux). Sa physiopathologie n'est pas parfaitement comprise, mais elle semble être induite par une augmentation de la perméabilité de la membrane alvéolo-capillaire. Le but de ce rapport de cas est de présenter la clinique de l'œdème de réexpansion et également d'apporter aux praticiens une stratégie de prise en charge.

Pulmonary Congestion on Lung Ultrasound Predicts Increased Risk of 30-Day Readmission in Heart Failure Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Heart failure exacerbations are a common cause of hospitalizations with a high readmission rate. There are few validated predictors of readmission after treatment for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Lung ultrasound (LUS) is sensitive and specific in the assessment of pulmonary congestion; however, it is not frequently utilized to assess for congestion before discharge. This study assessed the association between number of B-lines, on LUS, at patient discharge and risk of 30-day readmission in patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). METHODS: This was a single-center prospective study of adults admitted to a quaternary care center with a diagnosis of ADHF. At the time of discharge, the patient received an 8-zone LUS exam to evaluate for the presence of B-lines. A zone was considered positive if ≥3 B-lines was present. We assessed the risk of 30-day readmission associated with the number of lung zones positive for B-lines using a log-binomial regression model. RESULTS: Based on data from 200 patients, the risk of 30-day readmission in patients with 2-3 positive lung zones was 1.25 times higher (95% CI: 1.08-1.45), and in patients with 4-8 positive lung zones was 1.50 times higher (95% CI: 1.23-1.82, compared with patients with 0-1 positive zones, after adjusting for discharge blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and hemoglobin. CONCLUSION: Among patients admitted with ADHF, the presence of B-lines at discharge was associated with a significantly increased risk of 30-day readmission, with greater number of lung zones positive for B-lines corresponding to higher risk.

Endotracheal Intubation at 3,600 Meters Above Sea Level for High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema Followed by Helicopter Evacuation in Nepal.

Ranging from 64 to 8848 m above sea level, Nepal is a country rich in hilly and mountainous terrain.1 24.8% of Nepal's land area is above 3000 m, 18.9% is between 3000 and 5000 m, and 5.9% is above 5000 m.2 Hikers and trekkers are increasingly attracted to this challenging altitude and terrain, which presents risks for altitude sickness and other physical complications. Responding to medical emergencies in high-altitude areas in Nepal is highly challenging. This difficulty is often exacerbated by inclement weather, unavailability of helicopters, and poor communication regarding the location and condition of patients requiring medical attention and evacuation. High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is an illness characterized by non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, which occurs not infrequently in individuals who rapidly ascend above 2500-3000 m in elevation,3 and which has a high mortality rate if not treated in a timely manner. Improved outcomes would be likely if skilled and equipped medical staff had better access to the sites of high-altitude expeditions in Nepal, so that life-saving interventions could be performed promptly. We report the case of a patient with HAPE who was intubated in the field at an altitude of 3600 m, and then evacuated via helicopter to a healthcare facility.

The impact of renal artery stenting on therapeutic aims.

Renal artery stenosis manifests as poorly-controlled hypertension, impaired renal function or pulmonary oedema, therefore the success of treatment is dependent on indication. This study aims to determine the outcomes of patients undergoing renal artery stenting (RASt) based on therapeutic aim compared to criteria used in the largest randomised trial. Retrospective case-note review of patients undergoing RASt between 2008-2021 (n = 74). The cohort was stratified by indication for intervention (renal dysfunction, hypertension, pulmonary oedema) and criteria employed in the CORAL trial, with outcomes and adverse consequences reported. Intervention for hypertension achieved significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and antihypertensive agents at 1 year (median 43 mmHg, 1 drug), without detrimental impact on renal function. Intervention for renal dysfunction reduced serum creatinine by a median 124 µmol/L, sustained after 6 months. Intervention for pulmonary oedema was universally successful with significant reduction in SBP and serum creatinine sustained at 1 year. Patients who would have been excluded from the CORAL trial achieved greater reduction in serum creatinine than patients meeting the inclusion criteria, with equivalent blood pressure reduction. There were 2 procedure-related mortalities and 5 procedural complications requiring further intervention. 5 patients had reduction in renal function following intervention and 7 failed to achieve the intended therapeutic benefit. Renal artery stenting is effective in treating the indication for which it has been performed. Previous trials may have underestimated the clinical benefits by analysis of a heterogenous population undergoing a procedure rather than considering the indication, and excluding patients who would maximally benefit.

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema, High Altitude Cerebral Edema, and Acute Mountain Sickness: an enhanced opinion from the High Andes - La Paz, Bolivia 3,500 m.

Traveling to high altitudes for entertainment or work is sometimes associated with acute high altitude pathologies. In the past, scientific literature from the lowlander point of view was primarily based on mountain climbing. Sea level scientists developed all guidelines, but they need modifications for medical care in high altitude cities. Acute Mountain Sickness, High Altitude Pulmonary Edema, and High Altitude Cerebral Edema are medical conditions that some travelers can face. We present how to diagnose and treat acute high altitude pathologies, based on 51 years of high altitude physiology research and medical practice in hypobaric hypoxic diseases in La Paz, Bolivia (3,600 m; 11,811 ft), at the High Altitude Pulmonary and Pathology Institute (HAPPI - IPPA). These can occasionally present after flights to high altitude cities, both in lowlanders or high-altitude residents during re-entry. Acute high altitude ascent diseases can be adequately diagnosed and treated in high altitude cities following the presented guidelines. Treating these high-altitude illnesses, we had no loss of life. Traveling to a high altitude with sound medical advice should not be feared as it has many benefits. Nowadays, altitude descent and evacuation are not mandatory in populated highland cities, with adequate medical resources.

Can albumin reduce the mortality of patients with cirrhosis and ascites? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Albumin therapy in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis has always been a controversial issue. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of albumin in reducing mortality and controlling complications in patients with liver cirrhosis and provide a reference for relevant decision-making. METHODS: Databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched to collect eligible articles published before January 2022, which were analyzed by Revman 5.3. RESULTS: A total of 10 randomized controlled trials (2040 patients) were included. Based on the meta-analysis results, no significant difference in mortality was shown between the albumin administration group and the control group (HR = 1.01; 95% CI, 0.97-1.05; P = 0.62). Subgroup analysis showed that albumin administration had no significant short-term or long-term survival benefits in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis and increased the risk of pulmonary edema adverse reactions (RR = 3.14; 95% CI, 1.48-6.65; P = 0.003). Subgroup analysis based on albumin administration time showed that short-term (HR = 0.93; 95% CI, 0.76-1.13; P = 0.47) or long-term (HR = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.87-1.08; P = 0.58) administration of albumin could not significantly reduce the mortality of patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. In contrast, albumin administration could significantly reduce the recurrence rate of ascites (RR = 0.56; 95% CI, 0.46-0.68; P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Short-term(<1 month) or long-term (>1 month) administration of albumin can not significantly reduce the mortality of patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, and a large amount of albumin infusion will increase the risk of pulmonary edema.

Diagnostic value of transpulmonary thermodilution measurements for acute respiratory distress syndrome in a pig model of septic shock.

BACKGROUND: No direct approach assessing pulmonary vascular permeability exists in the current therapeutic strategy for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Transpulmonary thermodilution measures hemodynamic parameters such as pulmonary vascular permeability index and extravascular lung water, enabling clinicians to assess ARDS severity. The aim of this study is to explore a precise transpulmonary thermodilution-based criteria for quantifying the severity of lung injury using a clinically relevant septic-ARDS pig model. METHODS: Thirteen female pigs (weight: 31 ± 2 kg) were intubated, mechanically ventilated under anesthesia, and either assigned to septic shock-induced ARDS or control group. To confirm the development of ARDS, we performed computed tomography (CT) imaging in randomly selected animals. The pulmonary vascular permeability index, extravascular lung water, and other hemodynamic parameters were consecutively measured during the development of septic lung injury. Lung status was categorized as normal (partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen ≥ 400), or injured at different degrees: pre-ARDS (300-400), mild-to-moderate ARDS (100-300), or severe ARDS (< 100). We also measured serum inflammatory cytokines and high mobility group box 1 levels during the experiment to explore the relationship of the pulmonary vascular permeability index with these inflammatory markers. RESULTS: Using CT image, we verified that animals subjected to ARDS presented an extent of consolidation in bilateral gravitationally dependent gradient that expands over time, with diffuse ground-glass opacification. Further, the post-mortem histopathological analysis for lung tissue identified the key features of diffuse alveolar damage in all animals subjected to ARDS. Both pulmonary vascular permeability index and extravascular lung water increased significantly, according to disease severity. Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that a cut-off value of 3.9 for the permeability index provided optimal sensitivity and specificity for predicting severe ARDS (area under the curve: 0.99, 95% confidence interval, 0.98-1.00; sensitivity = 100%, and specificity = 92.5%). The pulmonary vascular permeability index was superior in its diagnostic value than extravascular lung water. Furthermore, the pulmonary vascular permeability index was significantly associated with multiple parameters reflecting clinicopathological changes in animals with ARDS. CONCLUSION: The pulmonary vascular permeability index is an effective indicator to measure septic ARDS severity.