Fatores preditivos da permanência em uma Unidade de Queimados / Factors predicting burn unit length-of-stay

Introdução: A taxa de mortalidade em pacientes queimados diminuiu significativamente, tornando importante avaliar outros desfechos, como o tempo de internação, que aumenta a morbidade física e psicológica, o risco de infecção hospitalar e os custos financeiros. O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a relevância de vários fatores no tempo de internação na Unidade de Queimados. Método: Foram incluídos neste estudo 711 pacientes admitidos entre 2011 e 2020 na Unidade de Queimados do Hospital de São José, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Central, Lisboa, Portugal. Os dados coletados foram analisados utilizando o PSPP para Windows. Resultados: Os pacientes eram predominantemente do sexo masculino, com idade média de 54 anos. O tempo médio de permanência hospitalar foi de 29 dias. Os fatores que prolongaram a estadia hospitalar foram relacionados à gravidade da queimadura, ao número de cirurgias e ao tempo decorrido até a primeira cirurgia, valores laboratoriais alterados tanto no perfil hematológico quanto químico durante a hospitalização, e a presença e o número de infecções documentadas. Conclusão: Existem fatores potencialmente modificáveis que infiuenciam o tempo de permanência hospitalar. Nosso estudo nos permite concluir que o tempo decorrido até a primeira intervenção cirúrgica e a presença e o número de infecções documentadas prolongam significativamente esse desfecho, e ênfase deve ser dada à implementação de medidas que favoreçam a intervenção cirúrgica precoce e o controle rigoroso de infecções.

Introduction: Burn patients' mortality rate has decreased significantly, making it important to evaluate other outcomes, such as length-of-stay, which increases physical and psychological morbidity, risk of nosocomial infection, and financial costs. The objective of this study is to analyze the relevance of several factors in the Burn Unit length-of-stay. Material and Methods: 711 patients were included in this study, admitted between 2011 and 2020 to the Burn Unit at São José Hospital, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal. Collected data was analyzed using PSPP for Windows. Results: Patients included in the study were predominantly males, with a mean age of 54 years. The mean length of stay was 29 days. The factors that prolonged in-hospital stay were those related to the severity of the burn, the number of surgeries and the time elapsed until the first one, altered laboratory values in both hematologic and chemistry profile during the hospitalization, and the presence and number of documented infections. Conclusion: There are potentially modifiable factors that influence length-of-stay. Our study allows us to conclude that the time elapsed until the first surgical intervention and the presence and number of documented infections significantly prolong this outcome, and emphasis should be given to the implementation of measures that favor early surgical intervention and strict infection control.

Towards better mortality prediction in cancer patients in the ICU: a comparative analysis of prognostic scales: systematic literature review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictive ability of mortality prediction scales in cancer patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). DESIGN: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using a search algorithm in October 2022. The following databases were searched: PubMed, Scopus, Virtual Health Library (BVS), and Medrxiv. The risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 scale. SETTING: ICUs admitting cancer patients. PARTICIPANTS: Studies that included adult patients with an active cancer diagnosis who were admitted to the ICU. INTERVENTIONS: Integrative study without interventions. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Mortality prediction, standardized mortality, discrimination, and calibration. RESULTS: Seven mortality risk prediction models were analyzed in cancer patients in the ICU. Most models (APACHE II, APACHE IV, SOFA, SAPS-II, SAPS-III, and MPM II) underestimated mortality, while the ICMM overestimated it. The APACHE II had the SMR (Standardized Mortality Ratio) value closest to 1, suggesting a better prognostic ability compared to the other models. CONCLUSIONS: Predicting mortality in ICU cancer patients remains an intricate challenge due to the lack of a definitive superior model and the inherent limitations of available prediction tools. For evidence-based informed clinical decision-making, it is crucial to consider the healthcare team's familiarity with each tool and its inherent limitations. Developing novel instruments or conducting large-scale validation studies is essential to enhance prediction accuracy and optimize patient care in this population.

Are heart attacks deadlier on weekends? Evidence of weekend effect in Brazil / Os ataques cardíacos são mais letais nos fins de semana? Evidência do "efeito final de semana" no Brasil

Abstract This article aims to examine the effects of weekend admission on in-hospital mortality for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Brazil. Information from the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System (SIH/SUS) of urgently admitted patients diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) between 2008 and 2018 was used, made available through the Hospital Admission Authorization (AIH). Multivariable logistic regression models, controlling for observable patient characteristics, hospital characteristics and year and hospital-fixed effects, were used. The results were consistent with the existence of the weekend effect. For the model adjusted with the inclusion of all controls, the chance of death observed for individuals hospitalized on the weekend is 14% higher. Our results indicated that there is probably an important variation in the quality of hospital care depending on the day the patient is hospitalized. Weekend admissions were associated with in-hospital AMI mortality in Brazil. Future research should analyze the possible channels behind the weekend effect to support public policies that can effectively make healthcare equitable.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é examinar os efeitos da internação no final de semana na mortalidade hospitalar de pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) no Brasil. Foram utilizadas informações do Sistema de Informação Hospitalar do Sistema Único de Saúde (SIH/SUS) de pacientes internados em urgência com diagnóstico de infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) entre 2008 e 2018, disponibilizados por meio da Autorização de Internação Hospitalar (AIH). Foram usados modelos de regressão logística multivariada, controlando as características observáveis ​​do paciente, características do hospital e efeitos fixos de ano e hospital. Os resultados foram consistentes com a existência do efeito fim de semana. Para o modelo ajustado com a inclusão de todos os controles, a chance de óbito observada para indivíduos internados no final de semana é 14% maior. Nossos resultados indicaram que provavelmente existe uma variação importante na qualidade da assistência hospitalar dependendo do dia em que o paciente fica internado. Internações em finais de semana foram associadas à mortalidade por IAM intra-hospitalar no Brasil. Pesquisas futuras devem analisar os possíveis canais por trás do weekend effect para subsidiar políticas públicas que possam efetivamente tornar o atendimento equitativo.

Analysis of Survival Modification by Furosemide Use in a Cohort of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients with Severe or Critical Disease in Mexico: Due to Its Chemical Structure, Furosemide Is More than Just a Diuretic.

In the ongoing fight against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), researchers are exploring potential treatments to improve outcomes, especially in severe cases. This includes investigating the repurposing of existing medications, such as furosemide, which is widely available. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of furosemide on mortality rates among COVID-19 patients with severe or critical illness. We assessed a cohort of 515 hospitalized adults who experienced a high mortality rate of 43.9%. Using a multivariate analysis with adjusted risk ratios (AdRRs), factors like smoking (AdRR 2.48, 95% CI 1.53-4.01, p < 0.001), a high Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) score (AdRR 7.89, 95% CI 5.82-10.70, p < 0.001), mechanical ventilation (AdRR 23.12, 95% CI 17.28-30.92, p < 0.001), neutrophilia (AdRR 2.12, 95% CI 1.52-2.95, p < 0.001), and an elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (AdRR 2.39, 95% CI 1.72-3.32, p < 0.001) were found to increase mortality risk. In contrast, vaccination and furosemide use were associated with reduced mortality risk (AdRR 0.58, p = 0.001 and 0.60, p = 0.008; respectively). Furosemide showed a pronounced survival benefit in patients with less severe disease (PSI < 120) and those not on hemodialysis, with mortality rates significantly lower in furosemide users (3.7% vs. 25.7%). A Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed longer survival and better oxygenation levels in patients treated with furosemide. Furthermore, a Structure-Activity Relationship analysis revealed that furosemide's sulfonamide groups may interact with cytokine sites such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), potentially explaining its beneficial effects in COVID-19 management. These findings suggest that furosemide could be a beneficial treatment option in certain COVID-19 patient groups, enhancing survival and improving oxygenation.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Elective and Emergency Surgeries, and Postoperative Mortality in a Brazilian Metropolitan Area: A Time-Series Cohort Study.

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic posed a worldwide challenge, leading to radical changes in surgical services. The primary objective of the study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 on elective and emergency surgeries in a Brazilian metropolitan area. The secondary objective was to compare the postoperative hospital mortality before and during the pandemic. Patients and Methods: Time-series cohort study including data of all patients admitted for elective or emergency surgery at the hospitals in the Public Health System of Federal District, Brazil, between March 2018 and February 2022, using data extracted from the Hospital Information System of Brazilian Ministry of Health (SIH/DATASUS) on September 30, 2022. A causal impact analysis was used to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on elective and emergency surgeries and hospital mortality. Results: There were 174,473 surgeries during the study period. There was a reduction in overall (absolute effect per week: -227.5; 95% CI: -307.0 to -149.0), elective (absolute effect per week: -170.9; 95% CI: -232.8 to -112.0), and emergency (absolute effect per week: -57.7; 95% CI: -87.5 to -27.7) surgeries during the COVID-19 period. Comparing the surgeries performed before and after the COVID-19 onset, there was an increase in emergency surgeries (53.0% vs 68.8%, P < 0.001) and no significant hospital length of stay (P = 0.112). The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on postoperative hospital mortality was not statistically significant (absolute effect per week: 2.1, 95% CI: -0.01 to 4.2). Conclusion: Our study showed a reduction in elective and emergency surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic, possibly due to disruptions in surgical services. These findings highlight that it is crucial to implement effective strategies to prevent the accumulation of surgical waiting lists in times of crisis and improve outcomes for surgical patients.

Curva de Aprendizagem da Mortalidade Hospitalar da Substituição da Válvula Aórtica Transcateter: Insights do Registro Nacional Brasileiro / Learning Curve for In-Hospital Mortality of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Insights from the Brazilian National Registry

Resumo Fundamento Dados robustos sobre a curva de aprendizagem (LC) da substituição da válvula aórtica transcateter (TAVR) são escassos nos países em desenvolvimento. Objetivo Avaliar a LC da TAVR no Brasil ao longo do tempo. Métodos Analisamos dados do registro brasileiro de TAVR de 2008 a 2023. Pacientes de cada centro foram numerados cronologicamente em número sequencial de caso (NSC). A LC foi realizada usando um spline cúbico restrito ajustado para o EuroSCORE-II e o uso de próteses de nova geração. Ainda, os desfechos hospitalares foram comparados entre grupos definidos de acordo com o nível de experiência, com base no NSC: 1º ao 40º caso (experiência inicial), 41º ao 80º caso (experiência básica), 81º ao 120º caso (experiência intermediária) e 121º caso em diante (experiência alta). Análises adicionais foram conduzidas de acordo com o número de casos tratados antes de 2014 (>40 e ≤40 procedimentos). O nível de significância adotado foi p <0,05. Resultados Foram incluídos 3194 pacientes de 25 centros. A idade média foi 80,7±8,1 anos e o EuroSCORE II médio foi 7±7,1. A análise da LC demonstrou uma queda na mortalidade hospitalar ajustada após o tratamento de 40 pacientes. Um patamar de nivelamento na curva foi observado após o caso 118. A mortalidade hospitalar entre os grupos foi 8,6%, 7,7%, 5,9%, e 3,7% para experiência inicial, básica, intermediária e alta, respectivamente (p<0,001). A experiência alta foi preditora independente de mortalidade mais baixa (OR 0,57, p=0,013 vs. experiência inicial). Centros com baixo volume de casos antes de 2014 não mostraram uma redução significativa na probabilidade de morte com o ganho de experiência, enquanto centros com alto volume de casos antes de 2014 apresentaram uma melhora contínua após o caso de número 10. Conclusão Observou-se um fenômeno de LC para a mortalidade hospitalar do TAVR no Brasil. Esse efeito foi mais pronunciado em centros que trataram seus 40 primeiros casos antes de 2014 que naqueles que o fizeram após 2014.

Abstract Background Robust data on the learning curve (LC) of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are lacking in developing countries. Objective To assess TAVR's LC in Brazil over time. Methods We analyzed data from the Brazilian TAVR registry from 2008 to 2023. Patients from each center were numbered chronologically in case sequence numbers (CSNs). LC was performed using restricted cubic splines adjusted for EuroSCORE-II and the use of new-generation prostheses. Also, in-hospital outcomes were compared between groups defined according to the level of experience based on the CSN: 1st to 40th (initial-experience), 41st to 80th (early-experience), 81st to 120th (intermediate-experience), and over 121st (high-experience). Additional analysis was performed grouping hospitals according to the number of cases treated before 2014 (>40 and ≤40 procedures). The level of significance adopted was <0.05. Results A total of 3,194 patients from 25 centers were included. Mean age and EuroSCORE II were 80.7±8.1 years and 7±7.1, respectively. LC analysis demonstrated a drop in adjusted in-hospital mortality after treating 40 patients. A leveling off of the curve was observed after case #118. In-hospital mortality across the groups was 8.6%, 7.7%, 5.9%, and 3.7% for initial-, early-, intermediate-, and high-experience, respectively (p<0.001). High experience independently predicted lower mortality (OR 0.57, p=0.013 vs. initial experience). Low-volume centers before 2014 showed no significant decrease in the likelihood of death with gained experience, whereas high-volume centers had a continuous improvement after case #10. Conclusion A TAVR LC phenomenon was observed for in-hospital mortality in Brazil. This effect was more pronounced in centers that treated their first 40 cases before 2014 than those that reached this milestone after 2014.

Time­dependent ROC curve analysis to determine the predictive capacity of seven clinical scales for mortality in patients with COVID­19: Study of a hospital cohort with very high mortality.

Clinical data from hospital admissions are typically utilized to determine the prognostic capacity of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) indices. However, as disease status and severity markers evolve over time, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis becomes more appropriate. The present analysis assessed predictive power for death at various time points throughout patient hospitalization. In a cohort study involving 515 hospitalized patients (General Hospital Number 1 of Mexican Social Security Institute, Colima, Mexico from February 2021 to December 2022) with COVID-19, seven severity indices [Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) PaO2/FiO2 arterial oxygen pressure/fraction of inspired oxygen (Kirby index), the Critical Illness Risk Score (COVID-GRAM), the National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS-2), the quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (qSOFA), the Fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) and the Viral Pneumonia Mortality Score (MuLBSTA were evaluated using time-dependent ROC curves. Clinical data were collected at admission and at 2, 4, 6 and 8 days into hospitalization. The study calculated the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for each index at these time points. Mortality was 43.9%. Throughout all time points, NEWS-2 demonstrated the highest predictive power for mortality, as indicated by its AUC values. PSI and COVID-GRAM followed, with predictive power increasing as hospitalization duration progressed. Additionally, NEWS-2 exhibited the highest sensitivity (>96% in all periods) but showed low specificity, which increased from 22.9% at admission to 58.1% by day 8. PSI displayed good predictive capacity from admission to day 6 and excellent predictive power at day 8 and its sensitivity remained >80% throughout all periods, with moderate specificity (70.6-77.3%). COVID-GRAM demonstrated good predictive capacity across all periods, with high sensitivity (84.2-87.3%) but low-to-moderate specificity (61.5-67.6%). The qSOFA index initially had poor predictive power upon admission but improved after 4 days. FIB-4 had a statistically significant predictive capacity in all periods (P=0.001), but with limited clinical value (AUC, 0.639-0.698), and with low sensitivity and specificity. MuLBSTA and IKIRBY exhibited low predictive power at admission and no power after 6 days. In conclusion, in COVID-19 patients with high mortality rates, NEWS-2 and PSI consistently exhibited predictive power for death during hospital stay, with PSI demonstrating the best balance between sensitivity and specificity.

Postoperative intensive care allocation and mortality in high-risk surgical patients: evidence from a low- and middle-income country cohort.

BACKGROUND: The escalation of surgeries for high-risk patients in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) lacks evidence on the positive impact of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission and lacks universal criteria for allocation. This study explores the link between postoperative ICU allocation and mortality in high-risk patients within a LMIC. Additionally, it assesses the Ex-Care risk model's utility in guiding postoperative allocation decisions. METHODS: A secondary analysis was conducted in a cohort of high-risk surgical patients from a 800-bed university-affiliated teaching hospital in Southern Brazil (July 2017 to January 2020). Inclusion criteria encompassed 1431 inpatients with Ex-Care Model-assessed all-cause postoperative 30-day mortality risk exceeding 5%. The study compared 30-day mortality outcomes between those allocated to the ICU and the Postanesthetic Care Unit (PACU). Outcomes were also assessed based on Ex-Care risk model classes. RESULTS: Among 1431 high-risk patients, 250 (17.47%) were directed to the ICU, resulting in 28% in-hospital 30-day mortality, compared to 8.9% in the PACU. However, ICU allocation showed no independent effect on mortality (RR = 0.91; 95% CI 0.68‒1.20). Patients in the highest Ex-Care risk class (Class IV) exhibited a substantial association with mortality (RR = 2.11; 95% CI 1.54-2.90) and were more frequently admitted to the ICU (23.3% vs. 13.1%). CONCLUSION: Patients in the highest Ex-Care risk class and those with complications faced elevated mortality risk, irrespective of allocation. Addressing the unmet need for adaptable postoperative care for high-risk patients outside the ICU is crucial in LMICs. Further research is essential to refine criteria and elucidate the utility of risk assessment tools like the Ex-Care model in assisting allocation decisions.

Usefulness of the qSOFA score for predicting hospital mortality in cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: The quick Sequential Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) is a score that has been proposed to quickly identify patients at higher risk of death. OBJECTIVE: To describe the usefulness of the qSOFA score to predict in-hospital mortality in cancer patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried out between January 2021 and December 2022. Hospital mortality was the dependent variable. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was calculated to determine the discriminative ability of qSOFA to predict in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 587 cancer patients were included. A qSOFA score higher than 1 obtained a sensitivity of 57.2%, specificity of 78.5%, a positive predictive value of 55.4% and negative predictive value of 79.7%. The AUC of qSOFA for predicting in-hospital mortality was 0.70. In-hospital mortality of patients with qSOFA scores of 2 and 3 points was 52.7 and 64.4%, respectively. In-hospital mortality was 31.9% (187/587). CONCLUSION: qSOFA showed acceptable discriminative ability for predicting in-hospital mortality in cancer patients.

ANTECEDENTES: El quick Sequential Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) es una puntuación propuesta para identificar de forma rápida a pacientes con mayor probabilidad de morir. OBJETIVO: Describir la utilidad de la puntuación qSOFA para predecir mortalidad hospitalaria en pacientes con cáncer. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal realizado entre enero de 2021 y diciembre de 2022. La mortalidad hospitalaria fue la variable dependiente. Se calculó el área bajo la curva ROC (ABC) para determinar la capacidad discriminativa de qSOFA para predecir mortalidad hospitalaria. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 587 pacientes con cáncer. La puntuación qSOFA < 1 obtuvo una sensibilidad de 57.2 %, una especificidad de 78.5 %, un valor predictivo positivo de 55.4 % y un valor predictivo negativo de 79.7 %. El ABC de qSOFA para predecir mortalidad hospitalaria fue de 0.70. La mortalidad hospitalaria de los pacientes con qSOFA de 2 y 3 puntos fue de 52.7 y 64.4 %, respectivamente. La mortalidad hospitalaria fue de 31.9 % (187/587). CONCLUSIÓN: qSOFA mostró capacidad discriminativa aceptable para predecir mortalidad hospitalaria en pacientes con cáncer.

Comparative Analysis of Modified BT Shunt and Central Shunt in Pediatric Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Cyanotic congenital heart diseases constitute 40-45% of all congenital heart diseases. In patients who are not suitable for primary repair, modified BT (MBT) shunt and central shunt (CS) procedures are still frequently used. METHODS: This study included 62 pediatric patients who underwent MBT shunt or CS via median sternotomy. Patients' demographic, echocardiographic, operative, and postoperative data were collected retrospectively. The patients were classified as single ventricle and bi-ventricle according to their cardiac anatomy, and the presence of prematurity and heterotaxy was noted. Procedure details of the patients who underwent endovascular intervention prior to the surgery were investigated, and operation data were accessed from the surgery notes. Data regarding postoperative follow-ups were obtained and comparatively analyzed. RESULTS: Of the total 62 patients, 32 (51.6%) were newborns and 16 (25.8%) had a body weight < 3 kg. MBT shunt was applied to 48 patients (77.4%), while CS was applied to 14 patients (22.6%). There was no significant difference between the two surgical procedures in terms of requirement for urgent shunt or cardiopulmonary bypass, additional simultaneous surgical intervention, need for high postoperative inotropes, and in-hospital mortality (P>0.05). The rate of congestive heart failure in patients with in-hospital mortality was determined as 66.7% and it was significantly higher than in patients without heart failure (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: MBT shunt and CS are still frequently used in cyanotic patients. The use of small-diameter shunts, particularly when centrally located, can prevent the onset of congestive heart failure and lower mortality.

Dengue hospitalizations and in-hospital mortality changes in trend in Ecuador: a nationwide study from 2015 to 2022.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze dengue hospitalizations and in-hospital mortality trends in Ecuador, along with sociodemographic factors influencing adverse outcomes. METHODS: This study included 31,616 dengue hospitalizations in Ecuador during 2015-2022, of which 115 (0.36%) died. Data were extracted from national hospital registries. Age adjusted rates were calculated, and for the analysis of changes in trend, a Joinpoint regression was performed. Multivariate binary and multinomial logistic regressions were performed for assessing sociodemographic factors influencing dengue adverse outcomes. RESULTS: During 2015-2022, the mean age adjusted dengue hospitalization rate was 22.3 per 100,000 inhabitants with 49.41% annual decrease during 2015-2017 and 31.73% annual increase during 2017-2022 with higher rates in 2020 with 31.61, 2021 with 34.42, and 2022 with 25.81. The mean dengue in-hospital mortality rate was 0.08, mortality rates did not show significant changes during 2015-2022. Higher probability of death was observed in ages ≥50 years and ethnic minorities. People living in rural areas exhibited a 64% higher risk for complicated dengue hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: It was observed as an important accomplishment in Ecuador's ongoing efforts to improve healthcare regarding dengue. 0.36% of dengue hospitalizations ended in death which is below the recommended 1%. The increase in dengue hospitalizations in Ecuador during recent years remains a concern. The COVID-19 pandemic might have influenced dengue prevention and vector control to be neglected leading to an increase in cases.

Length of Hospitalization and Mortality among Stroke Patients before and after the Implementation of a Specialized Unit: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using Real-World Data from One Reference Hospital in Southern Brazil.

Stroke constitutes a significant global cause of mortality and disability. The implementation of stroke units influences hospital quality indicators, guiding care management. We aimed to compare hospital length of stay (LOS), in-hospital mortality, and post-discharge mortality between stroke patients admitted in the pre- and post-implementation periods of a stroke unit in a public hospital in southern Brazil. This retrospective cohort study used real-world data from one reference hospital, focusing on the intervention (stroke unit) and comparing it to the general ward (control). We analyzed the electronic medical records of 674 patients admitted from 2009 to 2012 in the general ward and 766 patients from 2013 to 2018 in the stroke unit. Admission to the stroke unit was associated with a 43% reduction in the likelihood of prolonged hospitalization. However, there was no significant difference in the risk of in-hospital mortality between the groups (Hazard ratio = 0.90; Interquartile range = 0.58 to 1.39). The incidence of death at three, six and twelve months post-discharge did not differ between the groups. Our study results indicate significant improvements in care processes for SU patients, including shorter LOS and better adherence to treatment protocols. However, our observations revealed no significant difference in mortality rates, either during hospitalization or after discharge, between the SU and GW groups. While SU implementation enhances efficiency in stroke care, further research is needed to explore long-term outcomes and optimize management strategies.

Noncardiac Surgery in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices: A 11-Year Institutional Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Limited options in the end-stage treatment of heart failure have led to increased use of left ventricular assist devices. For this reason, the rate of non-cardiac surgeries in patients with left ventricular assist devices is also increasing. Our study aims to analyze surgical rate, anesthesia management, and results by reviewing our 11-year experience with patients who underwent non-cardiac surgery receiving left ventricular assist devices support. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 57 patients who underwent non-cardiac surgery and 67 non-cardiac surgical procedures among 274 patients who applied between January 2011 and December 2022 and underwent left ventricular assist devices implantation with end-stage heart failure. RESULTS: Fifty (74.6%) patients with left ventricular assist devices admitted to the hospital for non-cardiac surgery were emergency interventions. The most common reasons for admission were general surgery (52.2%), driveline wound revision (22.3%), and neurological surgery (14.9%). This patient group has the highest in-hospital mortality rate (12.8%) and the highest rate of neurological surgery (8.7%). While 70% of the patients who underwent neurosurgery were taken to surgery urgently, the International Normalized Ratio values of these patients were between 3.5 and 4.5 at the time of admission to the emergency department. CONCLUSION: With a perioperative multidisciplinary approach, higher morbidity and mortality risks can be reduced during emergencies and major surgical procedures.

Evaluation of Pan-Immuno-Inflammation Value for In-Hospital Mortality in Acute Pulmonary Embolism Patients

ABSTRACT Background: Pan-immuno-inflammation value is a new and comprehensive index that reflects both the immune response and systemic inflammation in the body. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic relevance of pan-immuno-inflammation value in predicting in-hospital mortality in acute pulmonary embolism patients and to compare it with the well-known risk scoring system, pulmonay embolism severity index, which is commonly used for a short-term mortality prediction in such patients. Methods: In total, 373 acute pulmonary embolism patients diagnosed with contrast-enhanced computed tomography were included in the study. Detailed cardiac evaluation of each patient was performed and pulmonary embolism severity index and pan-immuno-inflammation value were calculated. Results: In total, 60 patients died during their hospital stay. The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that baseline heart rate, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, lactate dehydrogenase, pan-immuno-inflammation value, and pulmonary embolism severity index were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality in acute pulmonay embolism patients. When comparing with pulmonary embolism severity index, pan-immuno-inflammation value was non-inferior in terms of predicting the survival status in patients with acute pulmonay embolism. Conclusion: In our study, we found that the PIV was statistically significant in predicting in-hospital mortality in acute pulmonay embolism patients and was non-inferior to the pulmonary embolism severity index. (Rev Invest Clin. 2024;76(2):97-102)

O Índice de Imuno Inflamação Sistêmica Prevê Mortalidade Hospitalar em Pacientes Submetidos à Cirurgia Cardíaca com Circulação Extracorpórea / The Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index Predicts In-Hospital Mortality in Patients Who Underwent On-Pump Cardiac Surgery

Resumo Fundamento: O índice de imuno-inflamação sistêmica (SII), um novo índice inflamatório calculado usando contagens de plaquetas, neutrófilos e linfócitos, demonstrou ser um fator de risco independente para a identificação de doença arterial coronariana de alto risco em pacientes submetidos a intervenção coronária percutânea e cardiovascular e cirurgia com circulação extracorpórea (CEC). A relação entre as taxas de mortalidade relacionadas ao SII e à CEC permanece obscura. Objetivo: Esta pesquisa foi desenhada para investigar o uso do SII para prever mortalidade hospitalar em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca com CEC. Métodos: Quatrocentos e oitenta pacientes submetidos a procedimento cardíaco envolvendo CEC durante 3 anos foram coletados do banco de dados do hospital. Foram comparados os dados demográficos, comorbidades, perfis hematológicos e bioquímico e dados operatórios dos grupos. Análises múltiplas de regressão logística foram feitas para determinar preditores independentes de mortalidade. Os fatores prognósticos foram avaliados por análise multivariada e os valores preditivos de SII, relação neutrófilo-linfócito (NLR) e razão plaqueta-linfócito (PLR) para mortalidade foram comparados. Um valor de p <0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados: Dos 480 pacientes, 78 desenvolveram mortalidade hospitalar após cirurgia cardíaca. O SII foi um preditor independente de mortalidade hospitalar (odds ratio: 1,003, intervalo de confiança de 95%: 1,001-1,005, p<0,001). O valor de corte do SII foi >811,93 com sensibilidade de 65% e especificidade de 65% (área sob a curva: 0,690). Os valores preditivos de SII, PLR e NLR foram próximos entre si. Conclusão: Altos escores pré-operatórios do SII podem ser usados para determinação precoce de tratamentos apropriados, o que pode melhorar os resultados cirúrgicos de cirurgia cardíaca no futuro.

Abstract Background: Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), a new inflammatory index calculated using platelet, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, has been demonstrated to be an independent risk factor for the identification of high-risk coronary artery disease in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention and cardiovascular surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The relationship between SII and CPB-related mortality rates remains unclear. Objective: This research was designed to investigate the use of SII to predict in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB. Methods: Four hundred eighty patients who underwent a cardiac procedure involving CPB over 3 years, were obtained from the hospital's database. The demographic data, comorbidities, hematological and biochemical profiles, and operative data of the groups were compared. Multiple logistic regression analyses were done to determine independent predictors of mortality. Prognostic factors were assessed by multivariate analysis, and the predictive values of SII, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) for mortality were compared. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Of 480 patients, 78 developed in-hospital mortality after cardiac surgery. SII was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (Odds ratio: 1.003, 95% confidence interval: 1.001-1.005, p<0.001). The cut-off value of the SII was >811.93 with 65% sensitivity and 65% specificity (area under the curve: 0.690). The predictive values of SII, PLR, and NLR were close to each other. Conclusion: High preoperative SII scores can be used for early determination of appropriate treatments, which may improve surgical outcomes of cardiac surgery in the future.

Caracterización clínico-epidemiológica de pacientes con un primer evento de fibrilación auricular

Fundamento: Pese a la importancia del primer evento de fibrilación auricular como una de las urgencias médicas más tratadas, en Cienfuegos, son insuficientes los estudios en los que se describan las características clínico-epidemiológicas de estos pacientes. Objetivo: Caracterizar clínica y epidemiológicamente los pacientes con primer evento de fibrilación auricular en Cienfuegos entre los años 2020-2022. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal. El universo estuvo conformado por 54 pacientes con diagnóstico de primer evento de fibrilación auricular ingresados en el Servicio de Cardiología del Hospital General Universitario Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima de Cienfuegos entre los años 2020-2022. Las variables estudiadas fueron: edad, sexo, color de la piel, hábitos tóxicos, antecedentes patológicos personales, manifestaciones clínicas, parámetros ecocardiográficos y tratamiento. Se calcularon la frecuencia absoluta y relativa de las variables. Los resultados se presentaron en tablas. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino, el grupo etáreo de 36-55 años, el color de piel blanca, y el tabaquismo. Los antecedentes patológicos personales más frecuentes fueron: la hipertensión arterial (74,1 %), la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (16,7 %) y las valvulopatías (11,1 %). Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes fueron: las palpitaciones (77,8 %), seguidas de la disnea (12,9 %). Los parámetros ecocardiográficos estuvieron en el rango de la normalidad. El tratamiento farmacológico se aplicó al 68,5 % seguido de cardioversión farmacológica y eléctrica en el 16,7 %. Conclusiones: El mayor número de pacientes con primer evento de fibrilación auricular, tienen un corazón estructuralmente sano, por lo que se considera de vital importancia la prevención de recurrencias, esto evitará la creación de condiciones eléctricas y anatómicas que perpetúen la arritmia.

Foundation: Despite the importance of the first event of atrial fibrillation as one of the most treated medical emergencies, in Cienfuegos, there are insufficient studies describing the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of these patients. Objective: To clinically and epidemiologically characterize patients with the first event of atrial fibrillation in Cienfuegos between the years 2020-2022. Method: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out. The universe was made up of 54 patients diagnosed with a first event of atrial fibrillation admitted to the Cardiology Service of the Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima General University Hospital in Cienfuegos between the years 2020-2022. The variables studied were: age, sex, skin color, toxic habits, personal pathological history, clinical manifestations, echocardiographic parameters and treatment. The absolute and relative frequencies of the variables were calculated. The results were presented in tables. Results: The male sex, the age group of 36-55 years, white skin color, and smoking predominated. The most common personal pathological history was: high blood pressure (74.1%), type 2 diabetes mellitus (16.7%) and valvular heart disease (11.1%). The most frequent clinical manifestations were: palpitations (77.8%), followed by dyspnea (12.9%). Echocardiographic parameters were within the normal range. Pharmacological treatment was applied to 68.5% followed by pharmacological and electrical cardioversion in 16.7%. Conclusions: The largest number of patients with a first event of atrial fibrillation have a structurally healthy heart, so the prevention of recurrences is considered of vital importance, this will avoid the creation of electrical and anatomical conditions that perpetuate the arrhythmia.

Covid-19 in-hospital fatality among hospitalized patient residents of the two largest and smaller cities of the Brazilian states / Mortalidade hospitalar por Covid-19 entre pacientes hospitalizados residentes nas duas maiores e menores cidades dos estados brasileiros

Objective: To estimate the relative risk of COVID-19 in-hospital mortality rates among patients according to residing in the two largest cities of each state or residing in any smaller city, and to describe different patterns across states and macro-regions of Brazil. Method: The sample included all hospitalizations confirmed for COVID-19 that occurred in Brazil with a recorded outcome of the hospitalization by the end of December 2021. The exposure assessed was patients residing in the two largest cities of the state or any smaller cities. The outcome was in-hospital mortality rates caused by COVID-19. Multilevel Poisson regression was used to estimate adjusted relative risks for each state and macro-region of Brazil. Result: The analytic sample was composed of 1,658,934 hospitalized COVID-19 cases. For the whole country, living in the two largest cities of each state was associated with a lower risk of in-hospital mortality rate. Nevertheless, in two states of the North region (Amazonas and Pará), individuals living in the largest cities presented greater in-hospital fatality rates than those living in smaller cities. Conclusion: At the two biggest states of the Brazilian North region, the pattern of association between living in the largest cities and in-hospital fatality was inverse, and higher proportions of deaths without access to a hospital bed were identified, indicating singular vulnerability. The findings highlight the need for a more equitable distribution of health care services and qualified professionals in the vast territory of Brazil

Objetivo: Estimar o risco relativo de taxas de mortalidade hospitalar pela COVID-19 entre pacientes de acordo com residir nas duas maiores cidades de cada estado ou residir em qualquer cidade menor e descrever diferentes padrões entre estados e macrorregiões do Brasil. Método: A amostra incluiu todas as internações confirmadas por COVID-19 ocorridas no Brasil com registro da internação por COVID-19 até o final de dezembro de 2021. A exposição avaliada foi pacientes residentes nas duas maiores cidades do estado ou em cidades menores. O desfecho estudado foi as taxas de mortalidade hospitalar causadas pela COVID-19. A regressão de Poisson multinível foi utilizada para estimar os riscos relativos ajustados de cada estado e macrorregião do Brasil. Resultado: A amostra analítica foi composta por 1.658.934 casos hospitalizados por COVID-19. Para todo o país, morar nas duas maiores cidades de cada estado foi associado a um menor risco de taxa de mortalidade hospitalar. Apesar disso, em dois estados da região Norte (Amazonas e Pará), os indivíduos residentes nas maiores cidades apresentaram maiores taxas de letalidade hospitalar do que aqueles residentes nas cidades menores. Conclusão: Nos dois maiores estados da região Norte brasileira, o padrão de associação entre morar nas maiores cidades e mortalidade hospitalar foi inverso, e foram identificadas maiores proporções de mortes sem acesso a leito hospitalar, indicando vulnerabilidade singular. Os resultados destacam a necessidade de uma distribuição mais equitativa dos serviços de saúde e de profissionais qualificados no todo território do Brasil

Epidemiological differences, clinical aspects, and short-term prognosis of patients with healthcare-associated and community-acquired infective endocarditis.

Background: The prevalence of healthcare-associated infective endocarditis in Brazil is poorly known. Aim: To analyze the epidemiological, clinical and microbiological characteristics, and the prognosis of healthcare-associated infective endocarditis (HAIE) compared with community-acquired infective endocarditis (CIE) and identify the associated factors with hospital mortality. Method: A historical cohort study was carried out, with a data collection period from January 2009 to December 2019 at the Federal University of São Paulo. Data were collected from medical records of patients with infective endocarditis (IE) hospitalized during the study period. Patients were classified into three groups: CIE, non-nosocomial HAIE (NN-HAIE) and nosocomial HAIE (NHAIE). Results: A total of 204 patients with IE were included; of these, 127 (62.3%) were cases of HAIE, of which 83 (40.7%) were NN-HAIE and 44 (21.6%) were NHAIE. Staphylococcus spp. Were the main causative agents, especially in HAIE groups (P<0.001). Streptococcus spp. were more prevalent in the CIE group (P<0.001). In-hospital mortality was 44.6%, with no differences between groups. Independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality were age ≥ 60 years (odds ratio (OR): 6.742), septic shock (OR 5.264), stroke (OR 3.576), heart failure (OR 7.296), and Intensive Care Unit admission (OR 7.768). Conclusion: HAIE accounted for most cases in this cohort, with a higher prevalence of non-nosocomial infections. Staphylococcus spp. were the main causative agents. Hospital mortality was high, 44.6%, with no difference between groups.

Utilidad de la puntuación qSOFA para predecir mortalidad hospitalaria en pacientes con cáncer / Usefulness of the qSOFA score for predicting hospital mortality in cancer patients

Resumen Antecedentes: El quick Sequential Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) es una puntuación propuesta para identificar de forma rápida a pacientes con mayor probabilidad de morir. Objetivo: Describir la utilidad de la puntuación qSOFA para predecir mortalidad hospitalaria en pacientes con cáncer. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal realizado entre enero de 2021 y diciembre de 2022. La mortalidad hospitalaria fue la variable dependiente. Se calculó el área bajo la curva ROC (ABC) para determinar la capacidad discriminativa de qSOFA para predecir mortalidad hospitalaria. Resultados: Se incluyeron 587 pacientes con cáncer. La puntuación qSOFA < 1 obtuvo una sensibilidad de 57.2 %, una especificidad de 78.5 %, un valor predictivo positivo de 55.4 % y un valor predictivo negativo de 79.7 %. El ABC de qSOFA para predecir mortalidad hospitalaria fue de 0.70. La mortalidad hospitalaria de los pacientes con qSOFA de 2 y 3 puntos fue de 52.7 y 64.4 %, respectivamente. La mortalidad hospitalaria fue de 31.9 % (187/587). Conclusión: qSOFA mostró capacidad discriminativa aceptable para predecir mortalidad hospitalaria en pacientes con cáncer.

Abstract Background: The quick Sequential Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) is a score that has been proposed to quickly identify patients at higher risk of death. Objective: To describe the usefulness of the qSOFA score to predict in-hospital mortality in cancer patients. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study carried out between January 2021 and December 2022. Hospital mortality was the dependent variable. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was calculated to determine the discriminative ability of qSOFA to predict in-hospital mortality. Results: A total of 587 cancer patients were included. A qSOFA score higher than 1 obtained a sensitivity of 57.2 %, specificity of 78.5 %, a positive predictive value of 55.4 % and negative predictive value of 79.7 %. The AUC of qSOFA for predicting in-hospital mortality was 0.70. In-hospital mortality of patients with qSOFA scores of 2 and 3 points was 52.7 and 64.4 %, respectively. In-hospital mortality was 31.9 % (187/587). Conclusions: qSOFA showed acceptable discriminative ability for predicting in-hospital mortality in cancer patients.

Nationwide study of in-hospital maternal mortality in Ecuador, 2015-2022.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze estimates of in-hospital delivery-related maternal mortality and sociodemographic factors influencing this mortality in Ecuador during 2015 to 2022. Methods: Data from publicly accessible registries from the Ecuadorian National Institute of Statistics and Censuses were analyzed. Maternal mortality ratios (MMRs) were calculated, and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to obtain unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios. Results: There was an increase in in-hospital delivery-related maternal deaths in Ecuador from 2015 to 2022: MMRs increased from 3.70 maternal deaths/100 000 live births in 2015 to 32.22 in 2020 and 18.94 in 2022. Manabí province had the highest rate, at 84.85 maternal deaths/100 000 live births between 2015 and 2022. Women from ethnic minorities had a higher probability of in-hospital delivery-related mortality, with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 9.59 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 6.98 to 13.18). More maternal deaths were also observed in private health care facilities (AOR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.4 to 2.84). Conclusions: Efforts to reduce maternal mortality have stagnated in recent years. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, an increase in maternal deaths in hospital settings was observed in Ecuador. Although the pandemic might have contributed to the stagnation of maternal mortality estimates, socioeconomic, demographic and clinical factors play key roles in the complexity of trends in maternal mortality. The results from this study emphasize the importance of addressing not only the medical aspects of care but also the social determinants of health and disparities in the health care system.