Elevated Leukocyte Glucose Index Is Associated with Long-Term Arteriovenous Fistula Failure in Dialysis Patients.

(1) Background: Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred type of vascular access for dialysis in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). However, the primary patency of AVF at one year is under 70% due to several risk factors and comorbidities. Leukocyte glucose index (LGI), a new biomarker based on blood leukocytes and glucose values, has been found to be associated with poor outcomes in cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of LGI on the long-term primary patency of AVF following dialysis initiation. (2) Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study in which we initially enrolled 158 patients with ESKD admitted to the Vascular Surgery Department of the Emergency County Hospital of Targu Mures, Romania, to surgically create an AVF for dialysis between January 2020 and July 2023. The primary endpoint was AVF failure, defined as the impossibility of performing a chronic dialysis session due to severe restenosis or AVF thrombosis. After follow-up, we categorized patients into two groups based on their AVF status: "functional AVF" for those with a permeable AVF and "AVF failure" for those with vascular access dysfunction. (3) Results: Patients with AVF failure had a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (p = 0.013) and diabetes (p = 0.028), as well as a higher LGI value (1.12 vs. 0.79, p < 0.001). At ROC analysis, LGI had the strongest association with the outcome, with an AUC of 0.729, and an optimal cut-off value of 0.95 (72.4% sensitivity and 68% specificity). In Kaplan-Meier survival analyses, patients in the highest tertile (T3) of LGI had a significantly higher incidence of AVF failure compared to those in tertile 1 (p = 0.019). Moreover, we found that patients with higher baseline LGI values had a significantly higher risk of AVF failure during follow-up (HR: 1.48, p = 0.003). The association is independent of age and sex (HR: 1.65, p = 0.001), cardiovascular risk factors (HR: 1.63, p = 0.012), and pre-operative vascular mapping determinations (HR: 3.49, p = 0.037). (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, high preoperative values of LGI are positively associated with long-term AVF failure. The prognostic role of the biomarker was independent of age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, and pre-operative vascular mapping determinations.

COVID-19 and Clostridioides difficile Coinfection Analysis in the Intensive Care Unit.

Since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in late 2019, the global mortality attributable to COVID-19 has reached 6,972,152 deaths according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The association between coinfection with Clostridioides difficile (CDI) and SARS-CoV-2 has limited data in the literature. This retrospective study, conducted at Mureș County Clinical Hospital in Romania, involved 3002 ICU patients. Following stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria, 63 patients were enrolled, with a division into two subgroups-SARS-CoV-2 + CDI patients and CDI patients. Throughout their hospitalization, the patients were closely monitored. Analysis revealed no significant correlation between comorbidities and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) or non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV). However, statistically significant associations were noted between renal and hepatic comorbidties (p = 0.009), death and CDI-SARS-CoV-2 coinfection (p = 0.09), flourochinolone treatment and CDI-SARS-CoV-2 infection (p = 0.03), and an association between diabetes mellitus and SARS-CoV-2-CDI infection (p = 0.04), as well as the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (p = 0.04). The patients with CDI treatment were significantly younger and received immuno-modulator or corticotherapy treatment, which was a risk factor for opportunistic agents. Antibiotic and PPI (proton pump inhibitor) treatment were significant risk factors for CDI coinfection, as well as for death, with PPI treatment in combination with antibiotic treatment being a more significant risk factor.

Application of Adipose Stem Cells in 3D Nerve Guidance Conduit Prevents Muscle Atrophy and Improves Distal Muscle Compliance in a Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Model.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) represent a significant clinical problem, and standard approaches to nerve repair have limitations. Recent breakthroughs in 3D printing and stem cell technologies offer a promising solution for nerve regeneration. The main purpose of this study was to examine the biomechanical characteristics in muscle tissue distal to a nerve defect in a murine model of peripheral nerve regeneration from physiological stress to failure. METHODS: In this experimental study, we enrolled 18 Wistar rats in which we created a 10 mm sciatic nerve defect. Furthermore, we divided them into three groups as follows: in Group 1, we used 3D nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) and adipose stem cells (ASCs) in seven rats; in Group 2, we used only 3D NGCs for seven rats; and in Group 3, we created only the defect in four rats. We monitored the degree of atrophy at 4, 8, and 12 weeks by measuring the diameter of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle. At the end of 12 weeks, we took the TA muscle and analyzed it uniaxially at 10% stretch until failure. RESULTS: In the group of animals with 3D NGCs and ASCs, we recorded the lowest degree of atrophy at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks after nerve reconstruction. At 10% stretch, the control group had the highest Cauchy stress values compared to the 3D NGC group (0.164 MPa vs. 0.141 MPa, p = 0.007) and the 3D NGC + ASC group (0.164 MPa vs. 0.123 MPa, p = 0.007). In addition, we found that the control group (1.763 MPa) had the highest TA muscle stiffness, followed by the 3D NGC group (1.412 MPa), with the best muscle elasticity showing in the group in which we used 3D NGC + ASC (1.147 MPa). At failure, TA muscle samples from the 3D NGC + ASC group demonstrated better compliance and a higher degree of elasticity compared to the other two groups (p = 0.002 and p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that the combination of 3D NGC and ASC increases the process of nerve regeneration and significantly improves the compliance and mechanical characteristics of muscle tissue distal to the injury site in a PNI murine model.

Rare Case of Raoultella planticola Infective Endocarditis after Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery.

Infective endocarditis remains a condition associated with high morbidity and mortality, regardless of advances in diagnosis and therapeutics. The etiology, microbiology, and epidemiology of infective endocarditis have changed in the last years, with healthcare-associated infective endocarditis being responsible for a myriad of cases. Raoultella planticola is rarely the cause of infective endocarditis. We present a 72-year-old Caucasian female with a history of mitral valve replacement for rheumatic valve disease two months before the current presentation, without any immunosuppressive pathologies, diagnosed with Raoultella planticola infective endocarditis. Long-drawn antibiotic treatment led to a full recovery with no evidence of recurrence or relapse. This report highlights the importance of a multimodal approach for the diagnosis of bacterial etiology, the importance of selection and duration of an appropriate antibiotic regimen, and the presence of a rare opportunistic bacteria that has proven pathogenicity in a wide range of organ systems, usually in patients with several risk factors.

Textural Analysis of the Hyperdense Artery Sign in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke Predicts the Outcome of Thrombectomy.

Textural analysis is pivotal in augmenting the diagnosis and outcomes of endovascular procedures for stroke patients. Due to the detection of changes imperceptible to the human eye, this type of analysis can potentially aid in deciding the optimal type of endovascular treatment. We included 40 patients who suffered from acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion, and calculated 130 different textural features based on the non-enhanced CT scan using an open-source software (3D Slicer). Using chi-squared and Mann-Whitney tests and receiver operating characteristics analysis, we identified a total of 21 different textural parameters capable of predicting the outcome of thrombectomy (quantified as the mTICI score), with variable sensitivity (50-97.9%) and specificity (64.6-99.4%) rates. In conclusion, CT-based radiomics features are potential factors that can predict the outcome of thrombectomy in patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke, aiding in the decision between aspiration, mechanical, or combined thrombectomy procedure.

Pregnancy-Associated Spontaneous Coronary Acute Dissection as a Cause of Sudden Cardiac Death-Autopsy Findings and Literature Review: Is COVID-19 Related?

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of mortality globally (violent or non-violent), with few to no feasible remedies. The etiopathogenesis of SCD involves a complex and multilayered substrate in which dynamic factors interact with a preexistent cardiovascular pathology, which is often undiagnosed and untreated, leading to the rapid development of cardiac rhythm disorders and cardiac arrest. Cardiovascular disease is a rare but emerging factor in maternal mortality that can be justified by an upward trend in the mean age of pregnant individuals. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is defined as a non-traumatic and non-iatrogenic separation of the coronary arterial wall by intramural hemorrhage with or without an intimal tear. The resulting intramural hematoma compresses the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow and causing myocardial ischemia. SCAD continues to be misdiagnosed, underdiagnosed, and managed as an atherosclerotic acute coronary syndrome, which may harm patients with SCAD. The latest research shows that individuals who have or have had coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may also present coagulation abnormalities, so infection with COVID-19 during pregnancy can increase this hypercoagulable condition, thus increasing the risk of SCAD and SCD. This present study reports two cases over 35 years, one being infected with SARS-COV2 one month before the event and the other being tested positive during admission, both asymptomatic, who were declared healthy on periodic clinical evaluations, with pregnancies over 35 weeks, with normal fetal development, which suddenly caused chest pain, dyspnea, and loss of consciousness, required emergency c-sections, and died suddenly after they were performed. In both cases, the cause of death was SCAD on the anterior-descending artery. In both cases, emergency percutaneous coronary intervention was performed. The second part of the study represents a literature overview of SCAD during COVID-19. In addition to pregnancy hormonal changes, other potential hormone-mediated SCAD triggers are still under discussion.

The Occurrence of Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis in SARS-CoV-2 Infection/Vaccination: Our Experience and a Systematic Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: The neurological complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and the side effects of vaccination include immune-mediated diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) such as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). It is an acute-onset demyelinating disease that involves a rapid evolution and multifocal neurological deficits that develops following a viral or bacterial infection or, less frequently, following vaccination. Acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (AHLE) is the hemorrhagic variant of ADEM that presents a more severe evolution which can be followed by coma and death. The objectives of this study consist in evaluating the diagnosis, clinical characteristics, imaging and laboratory features, evolution, and treatment of ADEM and AHLE following COVID-19 infection or vaccination. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the medical literature according to PRISMA guidelines that included ADEM cases published between 1 January 2020 and 30 November 2022 following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and vaccination and also included our own clinical experience regarding this pathology. RESULTS: A total number of 74 patients were diagnosed with ADEM, 45 following COVID-19 infection and 29 after a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. A total of 13 patients (17.33%) presented AHLE. The moderate form of COVID-19 presented a positive correlation with AHLE (r = 0.691, p < 0.001). The existence of coma and AHLE was correlated with poor outcomes. The following more aggressive immunomodulatory therapies applied in severe cases were correlated with poor outcomes (major sequelae and death): therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) treatment (r = 382, p = 0.01) and combined therapy with corticosteroids and TPE (r = 0.337, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Vaccinations are essential to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the monitoring of adverse events is an important part of the strategic fight against SARS-CoV-2. The general benefits and the overall good evolution outweigh the risks, and prompt diagnosis is associated with a better prognosis in these patients.

Increased Epicardial Adipose Tissue and Heart Characteristics Are Correlated with BMI and Predict Silent Myocardial Infarction in Sudden Cardiac Death Subjects: An Autopsy Study.

BACKGROUND: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a significant global public health issue and the leading cause of death worldwide. Its etiopathogenesis is complex and multilayered, involving dynamic factors interacting with a preexistent cardiovascular pathology, frequently unknown, and resulting in cardiac rhythm disorders and cardiac arrest; Methods: This study conducted a retrospective descriptive analysis over a one-year period, identifying 321 autopsy cases of sudden deaths from the Institute of Legal Medicine in Mures County, Romania, in 2019. From the 321 sudden death cases, 189 autopsy reports were selected for analysis based on inclusion and exclusion; Results: The autopsies had a mean age of 61.16 years and included 140 males and 49 females. No significant differences were found between the silent myocardial infarction (SMI) and no-SMI groups regarding demographic data. The SMI group exhibited higher thickness of LV (left ventricle), IV (interventricular septum), EAT LCx (epicardial adipose tissue at left circumflex artery), EAT LAD (epicardial adipose tissue at left anterior descending artery), heart weight, and BMI (body mass index). The left coronary artery showed a higher incidence of type V plaques, while the right coronary artery showed higher incidences of type V and type VI plaque. The SMI group also exhibited a higher incidence of moderate and severe valvular atherosclerosis, severe left ventricle dilatation, and a lower incidence of mild left ventricle dilatation. In addition, the SMI group showed a higher presence of contraction band necrosis on histological examination. Multivariate analysis revealed that type V and type VI plaques for the right and left coronary arteries, moderate and severe valvular atherosclerosis, severe left ventricle dilatation, heart weight, EAT LCx, EAT LAD, LV thickness, IV thickness, BMI, and the presence of contraction band necrosis are all independent predictors of SMI; Conclusions: The findings suggest that SCD is a complex condition, and its etiopathogenesis involves dynamic factors interacting with pre-existing cardiovascular pathology. The risk factors of SCD are similar to those of ischemic heart disease. The findings of this study could guide clinicians in identifying patients at risk of SCD and implementing preventive measures.

Intimal CD31-Positive Relative Surfaces Are Associated with Systemic Inflammatory Markers and Maturation of Arteriovenous Fistula in Dialysis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Arteriovenous fistula dysfunction is a widely disputed subject in the scientific literature on end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The main cause of mortality and morbidity in these patients is the non-maturation or dysfunction of the arteriovenous fistula. Despite the many complications, the native arteriovenous fistula remains the gold standard in the treatment of these patients requiring renal replacement. This study aims to discuss the predictive role of some systemic inflammatory biomarkers (NLR, PLR, SII, IL-6), intimal hyperplasia, and neoangiogenesis (characterized by intimal-media CD31-positive relative surface) in arteriovenous fistula maturation failure. METHODS: The present study was designed as an observational, analytical, and prospective study which included patients diagnosed with ESKD with indications of radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistula (RCAVF). Demographic data, comorbidities, preoperative laboratory data and histological/digital morphometry analysis results were processed. The patients included were divided into two groups based on their AVF maturation status at 8 weeks: "Maturation" (Group 1) and "Failed Maturation" (Group 2). RESULTS: There was no difference in the demographic data. In terms of comorbidities, the second group had a greater incidence of heart failure (p = 0.03), diabetes (p = 0.04), peripheral artery disease (p = 0.002), and obesity (p = 0.01). Additionally, regarding the laboratory findings, these patients had higher levels of serum uric acid (p = 0.0005), phosphates (p < 0.0001), and creatinine (p = 0.02), as well as lower levels of total calcium (p = 0.0002), monocytes (p = 0.008), and lymphocytes (p < 0.0001). Moreover, all inflammatory markers (p = 0.001; p < 0.0001; p = 0.006, and p = 0.03) and Ca-P product (p < 0.0001) had higher baseline values in Group 2. Upon immunohistochemical analysis, regarding the density of neoformed vessels, there was a higher incidence of CD31-positive surfaces (p = 0.006) and CD31-positive relative surfaces (p = 0.001); the NLR (r = 0.323; p = 0.03), PLR (r = 0.381; p = 0.04), SII (r = 0.376; p = 0.03), and IL-6 (r = 0.611; p < 0.001) are all significantly correlated with vascular density, as evidenced by CD31. CONCLUSIONS: Heart failure, peripheral artery disease, obesity, and diabetes, as well as the systemic inflammatory markers (NLR, PLR, SII, IL-6), intimal hyperplasia, and CD31-positive relative surfaces are predictors of arteriovenous fistula maturation failures.

Transarterial Embolization of Ruptured Pancreaticoduodenal Artery Pseudoaneurysm Related to Chronic Pancreatitis.

We presented a 67-year-old woman with lightheadedness, diaphoresis, and acute epigastric and right hypochondrium pain, with a past medical history including stage 2 essential hypertension, chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy, and class 1 obesity. An abdominal contrast-enhanced CT scan showed an extensive hematoma (3 × 4 cm2 in size) located intra-abdominally, adjacent to the duodenojejunal area, with hyperdensity around the duodenum, positioned inferior to the pancreas (30-59 HU). Moreover, the CT scan also revealed an enhancing lesion as a pseudoaneurysm of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery, measuring 5 × 8 × 8 mm3 with active bleeding and associated hematoma. Following these investigations of the abdominal area, a decision was made to proceed with an endovascular intervention within the interventional radiology department. With the patient under conscious sedation, via a right common femoral artery approach, the superior mesenteric artery was catheterized. While injecting the contrast agent to obtain a better working projection, the pseudoaneurysm ruptured, and acute extravasation of the contrast agent was noted, followed by injection of a mixture of 1 mL Glubran 2 with 2 mL Lipiodol until complete obliteration of the pseudoaneurysm was obtained. The patient was hemodynamically stable at the end of the procedure and was discharged 6 days later in a good condition without active bleeding signs.

Relationship between Nutrition, Lifestyle Habits and Laboratory Parameters in Hypertensive Patients with/without Cognitive Dysfunction.

(1) Background: Cognitive dysfunction is a major concern in hypertensive patients. Lifestyle habits and nutrition influence laboratory parameters, with an impact on clinical course. The objective of the study was to evaluate nutrition and lifestyle habits in hypertensive patients with/without cognitive dysfunction and establish correlations to laboratory parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 50 patients admitted to the Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Clinic in Târgu Mureș were enrolled in this study between March-June 2021. We evaluated their cognitive function, and they filled in a questionnaire about lifestyle and nutrition. Biochemical blood tests were performed using a Konelab Prime 60i analyzer. IBM-SPSS22 and GraphPad InStat3 were used for statistics. RESULTS: Mean age of hypertensive patients (n = 50) was 70.42 ± 4.82 (SD) years, half of them had cognitive dysfunction. Zinc deficiency was present in 74% of the subjects. The subgroup with cognitive dysfunction had significantly higher BMI (p = 0.009) and microalbuminuria (p = 0.0479), as well as significantly lower magnesium intake (p = 0.032) and cholesterol intake (p = 0.022), compared to those with normal cognitive status. CONCLUSIONS: Nutrition is in a close relationship with laboratory parameters; significant differences (microalbuminuria, cholesterol intake, BMI, etc.) are present between hypertensive patients with/without cognitive dysfunction. A healthy diet is important for the maintenance of metabolic balance, the achievement of optimal body weight, and the prevention of complications.

Revisiting the Therapeutic Effects of Essential Oils on the Oral Microbiome.

The extensive use of antibiotics has resulted in the development of drug-resistant bacteria, leading to a decline in the efficacy of traditional antibiotic treatments. Essential oils (EOs) are phytopharmaceuticals, or plant-derived compounds, that possess beneficial properties such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, bacteriostatic, and bactericidal effects. In this review, we present scientific findings on the activity of EOs as an alternative therapy for common oral diseases. This narrative review provides a deeper understanding of the medicinal properties of EOs and their application in dentistry. It not only evaluates the effectiveness of these oils as antibacterial agents against common oral bacteria but also covers general information such as composition, methods of extraction, and potential toxicity. Further nonclinical and clinical studies must be conducted to determine their potential use and safety for treating oral diseases.

Polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) vs. Polyester (Dacron®) Grafts in Critical Limb Ischemia Salvage.

BACKGROUND: Critical ischemia of the lower limbs refers to the last stages of peripheral arterial disease. It is characterized by resting discomfort or trophic disorders such as ulceration, skin necrosis, or gangrene in the lower limbs. Critical ischemia corresponds to Leriche-Fontaine (LF) stages III-IV and Rutherford stages 4-6. The purpose of this study was to observe the patency and postoperative complications of patients who have had infra-inguinal surgical revascularization and compare the results based on the kind of graft utilized. METHODS: The present study was designed as an observational retrospective cohort study, including all patients from 2018 to 2019 diagnosed with severe ischemia of the lower limbs who were hospitalized at the Vascular Surgery Clinic of the County Emergency Clinical Hospital of Targu Mures. RESULTS: Patients with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft had a higher incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p = 0.01), stage III LF (70.41% vs. 55.29%), p = 0.03), and a lower incidence of stage IV LF (29.95% vs. 44.71%, p = 0.03). As for complications, the PTFE group showed a lower incidence of bypass thrombosis (29.59% vs. 44.71%; p = 0.03) and graft infection (9.18% vs. 21.18%; p = 0.02), but no statistical significance in the event of bleeding (p = 0.40). Regarding the outcomes, no statistical significance was seen for below-the-knee amputations or death. However, the PTFE group had a lower incidence of above-the-knee amputations (11.22% vs. 24.71%; p = 0.01). At multivariate analysis, the PTFE graft is an independent predictor of primary patency at 6, 12, and 24 months (OR: 2.15, p = 0.02; OR: 1.84, p = 0.04; and OR: 1.89, p = 0.03), as well as a protective factor against bypass thrombosis (OR: 0.52; p = 0.03), graft infection (OR: 0.37; p = 0.02), and above-the-knee amputation (OR: 0.38; p = 0.01).; Conclusions: According to this study's findings, there were minor differences regarding the long-term patency, bypass thrombosis, graft infections, and above-the-knee amputations. In addition, the PTFE graft group had a higher incidence of primary patency at 6, 12, and 24 months, as well as a lower incidence of bypass thrombosis, graft infection, and above-the-knee amputations.

Increased Epicardial Adipose Tissue (EAT), Left Coronary Artery Plaque Morphology, and Valvular Atherosclerosis as Risks Factors for Sudden Cardiac Death from a Forensic Perspective.

Background: In sudden cardiac deaths (SCD), visceral adipose tissue has begun to manifest interest as a standalone cardiovascular risk factor. Studies have shown that epicardial adipose tissue can be seen as a viable marker of coronary atherosclerosis. This study aimed to evaluate, from a forensic perspective, the correlation between body mass index (BMI), heart weight, coronary and valvular atherosclerosis, left ventricular morphology, and the thickness of the epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) in sudden cardiac deaths, establishing an increased thickness of EAT as a novel risk factor. Methods: This is a retrospective case−control descriptive study that included 80 deaths that were autopsied, 40 sudden cardiac deaths, and 40 control cases who hanged themselves and had unknown pathologies prior to their death. In all the autopsies performed, the thickness of the epicardial adipose tissue was measured in two regions of the left coronary artery, and the left ventricular morphology, macro/microscopically quantified coronary and valvular atherosclerosis, and weight of the heart were evaluated. Results: This study revealed a higher age in the SCD group (58.82 ± 9.67 vs. 53.4 ± 13.00; p = 0.03), as well as a higher incidence in females (p = 0.03). In terms of heart and coronary artery characteristics, there were higher values of BMI (p = 0.0009), heart weight (p < 0.0001), EAT of the left circumflex artery (LCx) (p < 0.0001), and EAT of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) (p < 0.0001). In the multivariate analysis, a high baseline value of BMI (OR: 4.05; p = 0.004), heart weight (OR: 5.47; p < 0.001), EAT LCx (OR: 23.72; p < 0.001), and EAT LAD (OR: 21.07; p < 0.001) were strong independent predictors of SCD. Moreover, age over 55 years (OR: 2.53; p = 0.045), type Vb plaque (OR: 17.19; p < 0.001), mild valvular atherosclerosis (OR: 4.88; p = 0.002), and moderate left ventricle dilatation (OR: 16.71; p = 0.008) all act as predictors of SCD. Conclusions: The data of this research revealed that higher baseline values of BMI, heart weight, EAT LCx, and EAT LAD highly predict SCD. Furthermore, age above 55 years, type Vb plaque, mild valvular atherosclerosis, and left ventricle dilatation were all risk factors for SCD.

The Predictive Role of Systemic Inflammatory Markers in the Development of Acute Kidney Failure and Mortality in Patients with Abdominal Trauma.

Background: Abdominal trauma is defined as a variety of injuries to the abdominal wall, solid or hollow intra-abdominal organs, and various intra-abdominal vessels. Recently, there has been a significant amount of interest in the establishment of a reliable biomarker that can predict the outcome in patients with an abdominal injury. The purpose of this study is to confirm the predictive role of inflammatory biomarkers and underlying risk factors and the risk of acute kidney insufficiency (AKI) developing and mortality in abdominal trauma patients; Materials and methods: The current study was intended as an observational, analytical, retrospective cohort study and included all patients over 18 years of age with a diagnosis of abdominal trauma confirmed through a CT scan admitted to the County Emergency Clinical Hospital of Targu-Mureș, Romania between January 2017, and December 2021; Results: Non-survivor patients had a greater age (p = 0.02), as well as a higher prevalence of ischemic heart disease (IHD) (p = 0.007), history of myocardial infarction (MI) (p = 0.002), peripheral arterial disease (PAD) (p = 0.01), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (p = 0.01), and all risk factors (p = 0.0004 and p < 0.0001). In terms of injured organs, we have in the second group a higher incidence of kidney injury (p = 0.003) and hemoperitoneum (p = 0.008). Multivariate analysis showed a high baseline value for all inflammatory biomarkers that are independent predictors of adverse outcomes for all recruited patients. Furthermore, for all hospitalized patients, the history of MI (p = 0.03; p = 0.001; and p = 0.003), PAD (p = 0.01; p = 0.01; and p = 0.002), obesity (for all p < 0.0001), CKD (p < 0.001; p = 0.01; and p = 0.001), and kidney injury (p = 0.02; p = 0.004; and p = 0.01) were independent predictors of all outcomes. Moreover, IHD (p = 0.008 and p = 0.02), tobacco (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.02), and hemoperitoneum (p = 0.009 and p = 0.01) were predictors of mortality and composite endpoint, but not for AKI risk, as well as atrial fibrillation [AF] (p = 0.04) as predictors of the composite endpoint Conclusions: Higher monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelets to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic inflammatory index (SII), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios (NLR), aggregate inflammatory systemic index (AISI), and systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) levels at admission, according to our data, highly predict AKI risk and death.

Computed Tomography Angiography Markers and Intraluminal Thrombus Morphology as Predictors of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Rupture.

Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a complex vascular disease characterized by progressive and irreversible local dilatation of the aortic wall. Currently, the indication for repair is linked to the transverse diameter of the abdominal aorta, using computed tomography angiography imagery, which is one of the most used markers for aneurysmal growth. This study aims to verify the predictive role of imaging markers and underlying risk factors in AAA rupture. Methods: The present study was designed as an observational, analytical, retrospective cohort study and included 220 patients over 18 years of age with a diagnosis of AAA, confirmed by computed tomography angiography (CTA), admitted to Vascular Surgery Clinic of Mures County Emergency Hospital in Targu Mures, Romania, between January 2018 and September 2022. Results: Patients with a ruptured AAA had higher incidences of AH (p = 0.006), IHD (p = 0.001), AF (p < 0.0001), and MI (p < 0.0001), and higher incidences of all risk factors (tobacco (p = 0.001), obesity (p = 0.02), and dyslipidemia (p < 0.0001)). Multivariate analysis showed that a high baseline value of all imaging ratios markers was a strong independent predictor of AAA rupture (for all p < 0.0001). Moreover, a higher baseline value of DAmax (OR:3.91; p = 0.001), SAmax (OR:7.21; p < 0.001), and SLumenmax (OR:34.61; p < 0.001), as well as lower baseline values of DArenal (OR:7.09; p < 0.001), DACT (OR:12.71; p < 0.001), DAfemoral (OR:2.56; p = 0.005), SArenal (OR:4.56; p < 0.001), SACT (OR:3.81; p < 0.001), and SThrombusmax (OR:5.27; p < 0.001) were independent predictors of AAA rupture. In addition, AH (OR:3.33; p = 0.02), MI (OR:3.06; p = 0.002), and PAD (OR:2.71; p = 0.004) were all independent predictors of AAA rupture. In contrast, higher baseline values of SAmax/Lumenmax (OR:0.13; p < 0.001) and ezetimibe (OR:0.45; p = 0.03) were protective factors against AAA rupture. Conclusions: According to our findings, a higher baseline value of all imaging markers ratios at CTA strongly predicts AAA rupture and AH, MI, and PAD highly predicted the risk of rupture in AAA patients. Furthermore, the diameter of the abdominal aorta at different levels has better accuracy and a higher predictive role of rupture than the maximal diameter of AAA.

Prognostic Nutritional Index, Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) Score, and Inflammatory Biomarkers as Predictors of Deep Vein Thrombosis, Acute Pulmonary Embolism, and Mortality in COVID-19 Patients.

Background: Numerous tools, including nutritional and inflammatory markers, have been evaluated as the predictors of poor outcomes in COVID-19 patients. This study aims to verify the predictive role of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI), CONUT Score, and inflammatory markers (monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic inflammatory index (SII), Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI), and Aggregate Index of Systemic Inflammation (AISI)) in cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and acute pulmonary embolism (APE) risk, as well as mortality, in COVID-19 patients. Methods: The present study was designed as an observational, analytical, retrospective cohort study, and included 899 patients over the age of 18 who had a COVID-19 infection, confirmed through real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and were admitted to the County Emergency Clinical Hospital and Modular Intensive Care Unit of UMFST "George Emil Palade" of Targu Mures, Romania between January 2020 and March 20212. Results: Non-Surviving patients were associated with a higher incidence of chronic kidney disease (p = 0.01), cardiovascular disease (atrial fibrillation (AF) p = 0.01; myocardial infarction (MI) p = 0.02; peripheral arterial disease (PAD) p = 0.0003), malignancy (p = 0.0001), tobacco (p = 0.0001), obesity (p = 0.01), dyslipidemia (p = 0.004), and malnutrition (p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that both nutritional and inflammatory markers had a high baseline value and were all independent predictors of adverse outcomes for all enrolled patients (for all p < 0.0001). The presence of PAD, malignancy, and tobacco, were also independent predictors of all outcomes. Conclusions: According to our findings, higher MLR, NLR, PLR, SII, SIRI, AISI, CONUT Score, and lower PNI values at admission strongly predict DVT risk, APE risk, and mortality in COVID-19 patients. Moreover, PAD, malignancy, and tobacco, all predicted all outcomes, while CKD predicts APE risk and mortality, but not the DVT risk.

Carotid Plaque Features and Inflammatory Biomarkers as Predictors of Restenosis and Mortality Following Carotid Endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is the first-line surgical intervention for cases of severe carotid stenoses. Unfortunately, the restenosis rate is high after CEA. This study aims to demonstrate the predictive role of carotid plaque features and inflammatory biomarkers (monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic inflammatory index (SII), Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI), and Aggregate Index of Systemic Inflammation (AISI)) in carotid restenosis and mortality at 12 months following CEA. METHODS: The present study was designed as an observational, analytical, retrospective cohort study and included all patients over 18 years of age with a minimum of 70% carotid stenosis and surgical indications for CEA admitted to the Vascular Surgery Clinic, Emergency County Hospital of Targu Mures, Romania between 2018 and 2021. RESULTS: According to our results, the high pre-operative values of inflammatory biomarkers-MLR (OR: 10.37 and OR: 6.11; p < 0.001), NLR (OR: 34.22 and OR: 37.62; p < 0.001), PLR (OR: 12.02 and OR: 16.06; p < 0.001), SII (OR: 18.11 and OR: 31.70; p < 0.001), SIRI (OR: 16.64 and OR: 9.89; p < 0.001), and AISI (OR: 16.80 and OR: 8.24; p < 0.001)-are strong independent factors predicting the risk of 12-month restenosis and mortality following CEA. Moreover, unstable plaque (OR: 2.83, p < 0.001 and OR: 2.40, p = 0.04) and MI (OR: 3.16, p < 0.001 and OR: 2.83, p = 0.005) were independent predictors of all outcomes. Furthermore, AH (OR: 2.30; p = 0.006), AF (OR: 1.74; p = 0.02), tobacco (OR: 2.25; p < 0.001), obesity (OR: 1.90; p = 0.02), and thrombotic plaques (OR: 2.77; p < 0.001) were all independent predictors of restenosis, but not for mortality in all patients. In contrast, antiplatelet (OR: 0.46; p = 0.004), statin (OR: 0.59; p = 0.04), and ezetimibe (OR:0.45; p = 0.03) therapy were protective factors against restenosis, but not for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our data revealed that higher preoperative inflammatory biomarker values highly predict 12-month restenosis and mortality following CEA. Furthermore, age above 70, unstable plaque, cardiovascular disease, and dyslipidemia were risk factors for all outcomes. Additionally, AH, AF, smoking, and obesity were all independent predictors of restenosis but not of mortality in all patients. Antiplatelet and statin medication, on the other hand, were protective against restenosis but not against mortality.

Systemic Inflammatory Biomarkers and Chest CT Findings as Predictors of Acute Limb Ischemia Risk, Intensive Care Unit Admission, and Mortality in COVID-19 Patients.

Background: Numerous tools, including inflammatory biomarkers and lung injury severity scores, have been evaluated as predictors of thromboembolic events and the requirement for intensive therapy in COVID-19 patients. This study aims to verify the predictive role of inflammatory biomarkers [monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic inflammatory index (SII), Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI), and Aggregate Index of Systemic Inflammation (AISI)] and the CT Severity Score in acute limb ischemia (ALI) risk, intensive unit care (ICU) admission, and mortality in COVID-19 patients.; Methods: The present study was designed as an observational, analytical, retrospective cohort study and included all patients older than 18 years of age with a diagnosis of COVID-19 infection, confirmed through real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and admitted to the County Emergency Clinical Hospital of Targu-Mureș, Romania, and Modular Intensive Care Unit of UMFST "George Emil Palade" of Targu Mures, Romania between January 2020 and December 2021. Results: Non-Survivors and "ALI" patients were associated with higher incidence of cardiovascular disease [atrial fibrillation (AF) p = 0.0006 and p = 0.0001; peripheral arterial disease (PAD) p = 0.006 and p < 0.0001], and higher pulmonary parenchyma involvement (p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed a high baseline value for MLR, NLR, PLR, SII, SIRI, AISI, and the CT Severity Score independent predictor of adverse outcomes for all recruited patients (all p < 0.0001). Moreover, the presence of AF and PAD was an independent predictor of ALI risk and mortality. Conclusions: According to our findings, higher MLR, NLR, PLR, SII, SIRI, AISI, and CT Severity Score values at admission strongly predict ALI risk, ICU admission, and mortality. Moreover, patients with AF and PAD had highly predicted ALI risk and mortality but no ICU admission.

Inflammatory Biomarkers as Prognostic Factors of Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis Following the Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Background and objectives: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is one of the most serious post-operative complications in the case of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aims to verify the predictive role of inflammatory biomarkers [monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelets-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic inflammatory index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI)] in acute DVT following TKA. Materials and methods: The present study was designed as an observational, analytical, retrospective cohort study and included all patients over 18 years of age with surgical indications for TKA, admitted to the Department of Orthopedics, Regina Maria Health Network, Targu Mures, Romania, and the Department of Orthopedics, Humanitas MedLife Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania between January 2017 and July 2022. The primary endpoint was the risk of acute DVT following the TKA, and the secondary endpoint was the length of hospital stay, and the outcomes were stratified for the baseline's optimal MLR, NLR, PLR, SII, SIRI, and AISI cut-off value. Results: DVT patients were associated with higher age (p = 0.01), higher incidence of cardiac disease [arterial hypertension (p = 0.02), atrial fibrillation (p = 0.01)], malignancy (p = 0.005), as well as risk factors [smoking (p = 0.03) and obesity (p = 0.02)]. Multivariate analysis showed a high baseline value for all hematological ratios: MLR (OR: 11.06; p < 0.001), NLR (OR: 10.15; p < 0.001), PLR (OR: 12.31; p < 0.001), SII (OR: 18.87; p < 0.001), SIRI (OR: 10.86; p < 0.001), and AISI (OR: 14.05; p < 0.001) was an independent predictor of DVT after TKA for all recruited patients. Moreover, age above 70 (OR: 2.96; p = 0.007), AH (OR: 2.93; p = 0.02), AF (OR: 2.71; p = 0.01), malignancy (OR: 3.98; p = 0.002), obesity (OR: 2.34; p = 0.04), and tobacco (OR: 2.30; p = 0.04) were all independent predictors of DVT risk. Conclusions: Higher pre-operative hematological ratios MLR, NLR, PLR, SII, SIRI, and AISI values determined before operations strongly predict acute DVT following TKA. Moreover, age over 70, malignancy, cardiovascular disease, and risk factors such as obesity and tobacco were predictive risk factors for acute DVT.