Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Sex and Racial Disparities in Chest Pain Presentation and Management Through the Emergency Department.

Background: Sex and racial disparities in the presentation and management of chest pain persist, however, the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on these disparities have not been studied. We sought to determine whether the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to pre-existing sex and racial disparities in the presentation, management, and outcomes of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with chest pain. Methods: We conducted an observational cohort study with retrospective data collection of patients between January 1, 2016, and May 1, 2022. This was a single study conducted at a quaternary academic medical center of all patients who presented to the ED with a complaint of chest pain or chest pain equivalent symptoms. Patient were further segregated into different groups based on sex (male, female), race, ethnicity (Asian, Black, Hispanic, White, and other), and age (18 - 40, 41 - 65, > 65). We compared diagnostic evaluations, treatment decisions, and outcomes during prespecified time points before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: This study included 95,764 chest pain encounters. Total chest pain presentations to the ED fell about 38% during the early pandemic months. Females presented significantly less than males during initial COVID-19 (48% vs. 52%, P < 0.001) and Asian females were least likely to present. There was an increase in the total number of troponins and echocardiograms ordered during peak COVID-19 across both sexes, but females were still less likely to have these tests ordered across all timepoints. The number of coronary angiograms did not increase during peak COVID-19, and females were less likely to undergo coronary angiogram during all timepoints. Finally, females with chest pain were less likely to be diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during all timepoints, while in-hospital deaths were similar between males and females during all timepoints. Conclusions: During COVID-19, females, especially Asian females, were less likely to present to the ED for chest pain. Non-White patients were less likely to present to the ED compared to White patients prior to and during the pandemic. Disparities in management and outcomes of chest pain encounters remained similar to pre-COVID-19, with females receiving less cardiac workup and AMI diagnoses than males, but in-hospital mortality remaining similar between groups and timepoints.

Use of n-Butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate for Fallopian Tube Embolization via Selective Catheterization in a Rabbit Model: Feasibility Study for Potential Nonsurgical Sterilization.

PURPOSE: To determine whether fallopian tube embolization with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (nBCA) administered via a microcatheter in a rabbit model was technically feasible and resulted in short-term tubal occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 10 female New Zealand white rabbits, the 2 cervices were cannulated using a 5-F catheter and hydrophilic guide wire transvaginally. Salpingography confirmed tubal patency bilaterally. A 2.4-F microcatheter was advanced to the distal fallopian tube, and nBCA/ethiodized oil was administered as the microcatheter was withdrawn to fill the length of the tube. A metallic coil was deployed prior to nBCA administration in half of the fallopian tubes. Rabbits were evaluated for tubal occlusion with salpingography at 1 month, followed by euthanasia and histopathologic analysis. Inflammation and fibrosis were graded from 0 (normal) to 3 (severe). RESULTS: Fallopian tube embolization was technically successful in 17 (85%) of 20 fallopian tubes. Thirteen (76%) of 17 embolized fallopian tubes were occluded at 1 month on salpingography (nBCA only, 7/9; nBCA and coil, 6/8). On histopathologic analysis, direct or indirect evidence of occlusion was observed in 14 (82%) of 17 fallopian tubes. Mild or early fibrosis was observed in 65% of the tubes. The mean inflammation and fibrosis scores for the embolized tubes were 0.62 and 0.94, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrated that embolization of rabbit fallopian tubes using nBCA administered via a microcatheter is technically feasible and results in occlusion of most fallopian tubes in the short term with minimal inflammation. Investigation of efficacy in preventing pregnancy over the long term is warranted.

Lower Extremity Amputations Among Veterans: Have Ambulatory Outcomes and Survival Improved?

BACKGROUND: We hypothesize among patients undergoing lower extremity amputation, access to pre-, and post operative rehabilitation services; as well as improved medical care, have led to higher rates of postoperative ambulation, and improved survival. METHODS: Retrospective single center review of all major lower extremity amputations performed at the Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare System from 2000-2020 stratified into multiyear cohorts. We abstracted demographics, operative indication, comorbidities, preoperative medical management, perioperative complications, discharge location, and pre and postoperative ambulatory status. Odds of ambulation after amputation were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Survival was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Multivariate logistic predictors were selected based on prior literature and clinical experience. RESULTS: We identified 654 operations in our study, noting fewer amputations performed in the latest 3 cohort years as compared to the initial cohort (2000-2004). Patients undergoing below-knee amputations (BKA) had 2.7 times (P < 0.05) greater odds of postoperative ambulation and 86% (P < 0.05) increased odds of survival compared to above-knee amputations (AKA). The odds of ambulation increased by 8.8% (P < 0.05) for each consecutive study year. Ambulation post-amputation conferred 13.2 times (P < 0.05) greater odds of survival. The odds of survival in "emergent" operations decreased by 48% (P < 0.05) compared to an "elective" operation. For each additional comorbidity, the odds of survival decreased by 18% (P < 0.05). Patients with any perioperative complication had a 48% (P < 0.05) lower odds of survival. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates demonstrated significant survival difference between patients by amputation level and postoperative ambulatory status (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ambulatory status following distal amputation has improved over time and is significantly associated with increased survival post-amputation. Patients undergoing a BKA or discharged home were most likely to ambulate postoperatively. Amputation level, preoperative comorbidities, and perioperative complications remain strong predictors of survival.