Association of Shock Index with Echocardiographic Parameters in Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.

BACKGROUND: A high shock index (SI), the ratio of heart rate (HR) to systolic blood pressure (SBP), has been associated with unfavorable outcomes. We sought to determine the hemodynamic underpinnings of an elevated SI using 2-D and doppler Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE) in unselected cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patients. METHODS: We included Mayo Clinic CICU admissions from 2007 to 2018 who were in sinus rhythm at the time of TTE. The SI was calculated using HR and SBP at the time of TTE. Patients were grouped according to SI: <0.7, 4012 (64%); 0.7-0.99, 1764 (28%); and ≥ 1.0, 513 (8%). Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess associations between continuous variables. RESULTS: We included 6289 unique CICU patients, 58% of whom had acute coronary syndrome. The median age was 67.9 years old and 37.8% were females. The mean SI was 0.67 BPM/mmHg. As the SI increased, markers of left ventricular (LV) systolic function and forward flow decreased, including left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), fractional shortening, left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) velocity time integral (VTI), stroke volume, LV stroke work index, and cardiac power output. Biventricular filling pressures increased, and markers of right ventricular function worsened with rising SI. Most TTE measurements reflecting LV function and forward flow were inversely correlated with SI, including LV stroke work index (r = -0.59) and LVOT VTI (r = -0.41), as were both systemic vascular resistance index (r = -0.43) and LVEF (r = -0.23). CONCLUSION: CICU patients with elevated SI have worse biventricular function and systemic hemodynamics, particularly decreased stroke volume and related calculated TTE parameters. The SI is an easily available marker that can be used to identify CICU patients with unfavorable hemodynamics who may require further assessment.

Noninvasive Hemodynamic Characterization of Shock and Preshock Using Echocardiography in Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Patients.

BACKGROUND: Shock and preshock are defined on the basis of the presence of hypotension, hypoperfusion, or both. We sought to determine the hemodynamic underpinnings of shock and preshock noninvasively using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). METHODS AND RESULTS: We included Mayo Clinic cardiac intensive care unit patients from 2007 to 2015 with TTE within 1 day of admission. Hypotension and hypoperfusion at the time of cardiac intensive care unit admission were used to define 4 groups. TTE findings were evaluated across these groups, and in-hospital mortality was evaluated according to TTE findings in each group. We included 5375 patients with a median age of 69.2 years (36.8% women). The median left ventricular ejection fraction was 50%. Groups based on hypotension and hypoperfusion were assigned as follows: no hypotension or hypoperfusion, 59.7%; isolated hypotension, 15.3%; isolated hypoperfusion, 16.4%; and both hypotension and hypoperfusion, 8.7%. Most TTE variables of interest varied across these groups, with worse biventricular function, lower forward flow, and higher filling pressures as the degree of hemodynamic compromise increased. In-hospital mortality occurred in 8.2%, and inpatient deaths had more TTE parameter abnormalities. In-hospital mortality increased with the degree of hemodynamic compromise, and a marked gradient in in-hospital mortality was observed when the clinical classification of shock and preshock was combined with TTE findings reflecting worse biventricular function, lower forward flow, or higher filling pressures. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial differences in cardiac function are observed between cardiac intensive care unit patients with preshock and shock using TTE, and the combination of the clinical and TTE hemodynamic assessment provides robust mortality risk stratification.

Critical Care Cardiology Trials Network (CCCTN): a cohort profile.

AIMS: The aims of the Critical Care Cardiology Trials Network (CCCTN) are to develop a registry to investigate the epidemiology of cardiac critical illness and to establish a multicentre research network to conduct randomised clinical trials (RCTs) in patients with cardiac critical illness. METHODS AND RESULTS: The CCCTN was founded in 2017 with 16 centres and has grown to a research network of over 40 academic and clinical centres in the United States and Canada. Each centre enters data for consecutive cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) admissions for at least 2 months of each calendar year. More than 20 000 unique CICU admissions are now included in the CCCTN Registry. To date, scientific observations from the CCCTN Registry include description of variations in care, the epidemiology and outcomes of all CICU patients, as well as subsets of patients with specific disease states, such as shock, heart failure, renal dysfunction, and respiratory failure. The CCCTN has also characterised utilization patterns, including use of mechanical circulatory support in response to changes in the heart transplantation allocation system, and the use and impact of multidisciplinary shock teams. Over years of multicentre collaboration, the CCCTN has established a robust research network to facilitate multicentre registry-based randomised trials in patients with cardiac critical illness. CONCLUSION: The CCCTN is a large, prospective registry dedicated to describing processes-of-care and expanding clinical knowledge in cardiac critical illness. The CCCTN will serve as an investigational platform from which to conduct randomised controlled trials in this important patient population.

Associations of Vasopressor Requirements With Echocardiographic Parameters After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest.

BACKGROUND: Post-arrest hypotension is common after out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and many patients resuscitated after OHCA will require vasopressors. We sought to determine the associations between echocardiographic parameters and vasopressor requirements in OHCA patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed adult patients with OHCA treated with targeted temperature management between December 2005 and September 2016 who underwent a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). Categorical variables were compared using 2-tailed Fisher's exact and Pearson's correlation coefficients and variance (r2) values were used to assess relationships between continuous variables. RESULTS: Among 217 included patients, the mean age was 62 ± 12 years, including 74% males. The arrest was witnessed in 90%, the initial rhythm was shockable in 88%, and 58% received bystander CPR. At the time of TTE, 41% of patients were receiving vasopressors; this group of patients was older, had greater severity of illness, higher inpatient mortality and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was modestly lower (36.8 ± 17.1% vs. 41.4 ± 16.4%, P = 0.04). Stroke volume, cardiac power output and left ventricular stroke work index correlated with number of vasopressors (Pearson r -0.24 to -0.34, all P < 0.002), but the correlation with LVEF was weak (Pearson r -0.13, P = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: In patients after OHCA, left ventricular systolic dysfunction was associated with the need for vasopressors, and Doppler TTE hemodynamic parameters had higher correlation coefficients compared with vasopressor requirements than LVEF. This emphasizes the complex nature of shock after OHCA, including pathophysiologic processes not captured by TTE assessment alone.

Biventricular Function and Shock Severity Predict Mortality in Cardiac ICU Patients.

BACKGROUND: Ventricular function, including left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD), right ventricular systolic dysfunction (RVSD), and biventricular dysfunction (BVD), contribute to shock in cardiac ICU (CICU) patients, but the prognostic usefulness remains unclear. RESEARCH QUESTION: Do patients with ventricular dysfunction have higher mortality at each Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Intervention (SCAI) shock stage? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We identified patients in the CICU admitted with available echocardiography data. LVSD was defined as left ventricular ejection fraction < 40%, RVSD as moderate or greater systolic dysfunction by semiquantitative measurement, and BVD as the presence of both. Multivariate logistic regression determined the relationship between ventricular dysfunction and adjusted in-hospital mortality as a function of SCAI stage. RESULTS: The study population included 3,158 patients with a mean ± SD age of 68.2 ± 14.6 years, of which 51.8% had acute coronary syndromes. LVSD was present in 22.3%, RVSD in 11.8%, and BVD in 16.4%. After adjustment for SCAI shock stage, no difference in in-hospital mortality was found between patients with LVSD or RVSD and those without ventricular dysfunction (P > .05), but BVD was associated independently with higher in-hospital mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.815; 95% CI, 1.237-2.663; P = .0023). The addition of ventricular dysfunction to the SCAI staging criteria increased discrimination for hospital mortality (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.784 vs 0.766; P < .001). INTERPRETATION: Among patients admitted to the CICU, only BVD was associated independently with higher hospital mortality. The addition of echocardiography assessment to the SCAI shock criteria may facilitate improved clinical risk stratification.

Noninvasive echocardiographic cardiac power output predicts mortality in cardiac intensive care unit patients.

BACKGROUND: Low cardiac power output (CPO), measured invasively, can identify critically ill patients at increased risk of adverse outcomes, including mortality. We sought to determine whether non-invasive, echocardiographic CPO measurement was associated with mortality in cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patients. METHODS: Patients admitted to CICU between 2007 and 2018 with echocardiography performed within one day (before or after) admission and who had available data necessary for calculation of CPO were evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression determined the relationship between CPO and adjusted hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 5,585 patients (age of 68.3 ± 14.8 years, 36.7% female) were evaluated with admission diagnoses including acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in 56.7%, heart failure (HF) in 50.1%, cardiac arrest (CA) in 12.2%, shock in 15.5%, and cardiogenic shock (CS) in 12.8%. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 47.3 ± 16.2%, and the mean CPO was 1.04 ± 0.37 W. There were 419 in-hospital deaths (7.5%). CPO was inversely associated with the risk of hospital mortality, an association that was consistent among patients with ACS, HF, and CS. On multivariable analysis, higher CPO was associated with reduced hospital mortality (OR 0.960 per 0.1 W, 95CI 0.0.926-0.996, P = .03). Hospital mortality was particularly high in patients with low CPO coupled with reduced LVEF, increased vasopressor requirements, or higher admission lactate. CONCLUSIONS: Echocardiographic CPO was inversely associated with hospital mortality in unselected CICU patients, particularly among patients with increased lactate and vasopressor requirements. Routine calculation and reporting of CPO should be considered for echocardiograms performed in CICU patients.

Peripheral blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is associated with mortality across the spectrum of cardiogenic shock severity.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and mortality across the cardiogenic shock (CS) severity spectrum, defined using the Society of Cardiovascular Interventions and Angiography (SCAI) shock stages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patients between 2007 and 2015. Predictors of in-hospital mortality were analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS: We included 8280 patients aged 67.3 ± 15.2 years (37.2% females). Elevated NLR (≥7) was present in 45% of patients. NLR increased with worsening SCAI stage and was associated with higher in-hospital mortality in shock stages A to C (all p < 0.001). After multivariable adjustment, NLR remained associated with higher in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio 1.05 per 3.5 NLR units, 95% CI 1.03-1.08, p < 0.001), with an optimal cut-off of ≥7 (in-hospital mortality 13.1% vs. 4.1%, adjusted odds ratio 1.44, 95% CI 1.14-1.81, p = 0.002). Patients in SCAI stage A or B with NLR ≥7 had higher in-hospital mortality than patients in SCAI stage B or C with NLR <7, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated NLR is associated with higher in-hospital mortality in CICU patients with or at risk for CS, emphasizing the importance of systemic inflammation as a determinant of outcomes in CS patients.

Outcomes Associated With Norepinephrine Use Among Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Patients with Severe Shock.

BACKGROUND: Recent data suggests improved outcomes among cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patients treated with norepinephrine, especially patients with severe shock. We aimed to describe the association between norepinephrine and mortality in CICU patients with severe shock, defined as those requiring high-dose vasopressors (HDV). MATERIALS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively evaluated Mayo Clinic CICU patients treated with vasopressors from 2007 to 2015. HDV was defined as a peak Cumulative Vasopressor Index of four for any vasopressor. Peak norepinephrine equivalent (NEE) dose was used to compare vasopressor doses. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine predictors of hospital mortality. RESULTS: We included 2,090 patients with a median age of 69 years (IQR 59-78), including 35% females; 44% of patients received HDV. Hospital mortality was higher among patients receiving HDV (42% vs. 16%, unadjusted OR 3.87, 95% CI 3.16-4.75, P < 0.01). On multivariable analysis in HDV patients, hospital mortality increased with rising peak NEE (adjusted OR 1.02 per 0.01 mcg/kg/min, 95% CI 1.01-1.02, P  < 0.01) and the use of NE was associated with lower hospital mortality (adjusted OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.31-0.72, P < 0.01). After adjustment for illness severity, peak NEE and norepinephrine use were not associated with mortality among patients who did not require HDV. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality is high among CICU patients requiring HDV, and rises with increasing vasopressor requirements. Use of NE was associated with lower mortality among patients requiring HDV, but not among those without HDV, implying that patients with more severe shock may benefit from preferential use of NE.

Association between sepsis survivorship and long-term cardiovascular outcomes in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: We aimed to determine the association between sepsis and long-term cardiovascular events. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of observational studies evaluating post-sepsis cardiovascular outcomes in adult sepsis survivors. MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and Database of Systematic Reviews were searched from inception until April 21st, 2021. Two reviewers independently extracted individual study data and evaluated risk of bias. Random-effects models estimated the pooled crude cumulative incidence and adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) of cardiovascular events compared to either non-septic hospital survivors or population controls. Primary outcomes included myocardial infarction, stroke, and congestive heart failure; outcomes were analysed at maximum reported follow-up (from 30 days to beyond 5 years post-discharge). RESULTS: Of 12,649 screened citations, 27 studies (25 cohort studies, 2 case-crossover studies) were included with a median of 4,289 (IQR 502-68,125) sepsis survivors and 18,399 (IQR 4,028-83,506) controls per study. The pooled cumulative incidence of myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure in sepsis survivors ranged from 3 to 9% at longest reported follow-up. Sepsis was associated with a higher long-term risk of myocardial infarction (aHR 1.77 [95% CI 1.26 to 2.48]; low certainty), stroke (aHR 1.67 [95% CI 1.37 to 2.05]; low certainty), and congestive heart failure (aHR 1.65 [95% CI 1.46 to 1.86]; very low certainty) compared to non-sepsis controls. CONCLUSIONS: Surviving sepsis may be associated with a long-term, excess hazard of late cardiovascular events which may persist for at least 5 years following hospital discharge.

Managing the first 120 min of cardiogenic shock: from resuscitation to diagnosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cardiogenic shock continues to carry a high mortality, and recent randomized trials have not identified novel therapies that improve survival. Early optimization of patients with confirmed or suspected cardiogenic shock is crucial, as patients can quickly transition from a hemodynamic shock state to a treatment-resistant hemometabolic shock state, where accumulated metabolic derangements trigger a self-perpetuating cycle of worsening shock. RECENT FINDINGS: We describe a structured ABCDE approach involving stabilization of the airway, breathing and circulation, followed by damage control and etiologic assessment. Respiratory failure is common and many cardiogenic shock patients require invasive mechanical ventilation. Norepinephrine is titrated to restore mean arterial pressure and dobutamine is titrated to restore cardiac output and organ perfusion. Echocardiography is essential to identify potential causes and characterize the phenotype of cardiogenic shock. Coronary angiography is usually indicated, particularly when acute myocardial ischemia is suspected, followed by culprit-vessel revascularization if indicated. An invasive hemodynamic assessment can clarify whether temporary mechanical circulatory support is necessary. SUMMARY: Early stabilization of hemodynamics and end-organ function is necessary to achieve best outcomes in cardiogenic shock. Using a structured approach tailored to initial cardiogenic shock resuscitation may help to demonstrate benefit from novel therapies in the future.

Percutaneous Closure of a Giant Aortic Pseudoaneurysm Using Multimodality Imaging Guidance.

Ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm is a rare, life-threatening complication of cardiac surgery. Surgical management is recommended, however, transcatheter techniques offer a less invasive alternative. We describe successful percutaneous closure, guided by using multimodality imaging, in a patient with high surgical risk.

Defining Shock and Preshock for Mortality Risk Stratification in Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Patients.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have defined preshock as isolated hypotension or isolated hypoperfusion, whereas shock has been variably defined as hypoperfusion with or without hypotension. We aimed to evaluate the mortality risk associated with hypotension and hypoperfusion at the time of admission in a cardiac intensive care unit population. METHODS: We analyzed Mayo Clinic cardiac intensive care unit patients admitted between 2007 and 2015. Hypotension was defined as systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg or mean arterial pressure <60 mm Hg, and hypoperfusion as admission lactate >2 mmol/L, oliguria, or rising creatinine. Associations between hypotension and hypoperfusion with hospital mortality were estimated using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Among 10 004 patients with a median age of 69 years, 43.1% had acute coronary syndrome, and 46.1% had heart failure. Isolated hypotension was present in 16.7%, isolated hypoperfusion in 15.3%, and 8.7% had both hypotension and hypoperfusion. Stepwise increases in hospital mortality were observed with hypotension and hypoperfusion compared with neither hypotension nor hypoperfusion (3.3%; all P<0.001): isolated hypotension, 9.3% (adjusted odds ratio, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.4-2.2]); isolated hypoperfusion, 17.2% (adjusted odds ratio, 2.3 [95% CI, 1.9-3.0]); both hypotension and hypoperfusion, 33.8% (adjusted odds ratio, 2.8 [95% CI, 2.1-3.6]). Adjusted hospital mortality in patients with isolated hypoperfusion was higher than in patients with isolated hypotension (P=0.02) and not significant different from patients with both hypotension and hypoperfusion (P=0.18). CONCLUSIONS: Hypotension and hypoperfusion are both associated with increased mortality in cardiac intensive care unit patients. Hospital mortality is higher with isolated hypoperfusion or concomitant hypotension and hypoperfusion (classic shock). We contend that preshock should refer to isolated hypotension without hypoperfusion, while patients with hypoperfusion can be considered to have shock, irrespective of blood pressure.

The Prognostic Value of Lactate in Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Patients With Cardiac Arrest and Shock.

BACKGROUND: Lactate is a prognostic marker in critically ill patients, although currently available illness severity scores do not include lactate as a predictive parameter. We sought to describe the association between lactate and hospital mortality in patients admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) with cardiac arrest (CA) and shock. METHODS: Retrospective observational analysis of Mayo Clinic CICU patients admitted from 2007 to 2018 with measured lactate on admission, including patients with and without CA or shock. We examined hospital mortality as a function of admission lactate in patients. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine predictors of hospital mortality. RESULTS: We included 3,042 patients with a median age of 70 years (IQR 60-80), including 41% females, 26% with CA, and 39% with shock. The median APACHE-IV predicted mortality was 24% (IQR 11-51%), and the median admission lactate was 1.8 mmol/L (IQR 1.1-3.0). Hospital mortality occurred in 23% of patients and rose progressively with higher admission lactate, including in patients with and without CA or shock. After multivariable adjustment for clinical characteristics, therapies, and illness severity, a higher lactate remained associated with increased hospital mortality (adjusted OR 1.13 per mmol/L, 95% CI 1.06-1.20, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Admission lactate levels are strongly associated with increased hospital mortality among CICU patients, including those with and without CA or shock. The prognostic value of lactate levels is independent of established ICU prognostic scores and dependent on admission diagnosis, which may help inform clinicians caring for CICU patients.

Shock Severity and Hospital Mortality In Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients Treated With Targeted Temperature Management.

BACKGROUND: Shock in patients resuscitated after out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is associated with an increased risk of mortality. We sought to determine the associations between lactate level, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and vasopressor/inotrope doses with mortality. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of adult patients with OHCA of presumed cardiac etiology treated with targeted temperature management (TTM) between December 2005 and September 2016. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine predictors of hospital death. RESULTS: Among 268 included patients, the median age was 64 (55, 71.8) years, including 27% females. OHCA was witnessed in 89%, OHCA rhythm was shockable in 87%, and bystander CPR was provided in 64%. Vasopressors were required during the first 24 h in 60%. Hospital mortality occurred in 104 (38.8%) patients. Higher initial lactate, peak Vasoactive-Inotropic Score (VIS), and lower mean 24-h MAP were associated with higher hospital mortality (all P < 0.001). After multivariable regression, both higher initial lactate (adjusted OR 1.15 per 1 mmol/L higher, 95% CI 1.00-1.31, P = 0.03) and higher peak VIS (adjusted OR 1.20 per 10 units higher, 95% CI 1.10-1.54, P = 0.003) were associated with higher hospital mortality, but mMAP was not (P = 0.92). However, patients with a mMAP < 70 mm Hg remained at higher risk of hospital mortality after multivariable adjustment (adjusted OR 9.30, 95% CI 1.39-62.02, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In patients treated with TTM after OHCA, greater shock severity, as reflected by higher lactate levels, mMAP < 70 mmHg, and higher vasopressor requirements during the first 24 h was associated with an increased rate of hospital mortality.

Shock in the cardiac intensive care unit: Changes in epidemiology and prognosis over time.

There are few studies documenting the changing epidemiology and outcomes of shock in cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patients. We sought to describe the changes in shock epidemiology and outcomes over time in a CICU population. METHODS: We included 1859 unique patients admitted to the Mayo Clinic Rochester CICU from 2007 through 2018 with an admission diagnosis of shock. Temporal trends, including mortality, were assessed across 3-year periods. RESULTS: Shock comprised 15.1% of CICU admissions during the study period, increasing from 8.8% of CICU admissions in 2007 to 21.6% in 2018 (P < .01 for trend). Mean age was 68 ±â€¯14 years (38% females). Shock was cardiogenic in 65%, septic in 10% and mixed cardiogenic-septic in 15%. Concomitant diagnoses in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) included acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in 17%, heart failure (HF) in 35% and both in 40%. There was no significant change in the prevalence of individual shock subtypes over time (P > .1). Among patients with CS, the prevalence of ACS decreased and the prevalence of HF increased over time (P < .01). Hospital mortality was highest among patients with mixed shock (39%; P = .05). Among patients with CS, hospital mortality was lower among those with HF compared to those without HF (31% vs. 40%, P < .01). Hospital mortality decreased over time among patients with shock (P < .01) and CS (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of shock in the CICU has increased over time, with a substantial prevalence of mixed CS. The etiology of CS has changed over the last decade with HF overtaking ACS as the most common cause of CS in the CICU.

National Interhospital Transfer for Patients With Acute Cardiovascular Conditions.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Canada is protocolized, and timely patient transfer can improve outcomes. Population-based processes of care in Canada for other cardiovascular conditions remain less clear. We aimed to describe the interhospital transfer of Canadian patients with acute cardiovascular disease. METHODS: We reviewed the Canadian Institute for Health Information Discharge Abstract Database for adult patients hospitalized with acute cardiovascular disease between 2013 and 2018. We compared patient characteristics and clinical outcomes based on transfer status (transferred, nontransferred) and presenting hospital (teaching, large community, medium community, and small community hospitals). The primary outcome of interest was in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: There were 476,753 patients with primary acute cardiovascular diagnoses, 48,579 (10.2%) of whom were transferred. Transferred patients were more frequently younger, male, and had fewer comorbidities. The most common diagnoses among transferred patients were non-STEMI (44.2%), STEMI (29.0%), and congestive heart failure (9.4%). Using teaching hospitals as a reference, transfer to large and medium community hospitals was associated with lower hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 0.83, 95% confidence interval: 0.75-0.91 and 0.45, 95% confidence interval: 0.39-0.52, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 10% of patients with acute cardiovascular conditions are transferred to another hospital. Patient transfer may be associated with lower in-hospital mortality, with possible variability based on diagnosis, comorbidities, hospital of origin, and destination hospital. Further investigation into the optimization of care for patients with acute cardiovascular disease, including transfer practices, is warranted as regionalized care models continue to develop.

INTRODUCTION: Au Canada, le traitement de l'infarctus du myocarde avec sus-décalage du segment ST (STEMI) découle d'un protocole qui prévoit au moment opportun le transfert des patients pour permettre d'améliorer les résultats cliniques. On n'en sait encore peu sur les processus de soins auprès de la population canadienne en ce qui concerne les autres maladies cardiovasculaires. Nous avions pour objectif de décrire les transferts interhospitaliers de patients canadiens atteints d'une maladie cardiovasculaire aiguë. MÉTHODES: Nous avons passé en revue les résumés de la base de données de l'Institut canadien d'information sur la santé sur les congés des patients hospitalisés atteints d'une maladie cardiovasculaire aiguë entre 2013 et 2018. Nous avons comparé les caractéristiques des patients et les résultats cliniques en fonction du statut du transfert (patients transférés ou non transférés) et de l'hôpital de destination (hôpitaux d'enseignement, grands hôpitaux communautaires, hôpitaux communautaires moyens et petits hôpitaux communautaires). Le principal critère étudié était la mortalité intrahospitalière. RÉSULTATS: Parmi les 476 753 patients qui avaient un diagnostic principal de maladie cardiovasculaire aiguë, 48 579 (10,2 %) ont été transférés. Les patients transférés étaient plus fréquemment jeunes, de sexe masculin, et avaient peu de comorbidités. Les diagnostics les plus fréquents parmi les patients transférés étaient les non-STEMI (44,2 %), les STEMI (29,0 %) et l'insuffisance cardiaque congestive (9,4 %). En utilisant comme référence les hôpitaux d'enseignement, les transferts vers de grands hôpitaux communautaires et des hôpitaux communautaires moyens étaient associés à une plus faible mortalité intrahospitalière (ratio d'incidence approché ajusté : 0,83, intervalle de confiance à 95 %, 0,75-0,91 et 0,45, intervalle de confiance à 95 %, 0,39-0,52, et ce, respectivement). CONCLUSIONS: Approximativement 10 % des patients atteints d'une maladie cardiovasculaire aiguë sont transférés vers un autre hôpital. Le transfert des patients peut être associé à une plus faible mortalité intrahospitalière et montrer une variabilité en fonction du diagnostic, des comorbidités, de l'hôpital d'origine et de l'hôpital de destination. D'autres études liées à l'optimisation des soins des patients atteints d'une maladie cardiovasculaire aiguë, qui porteront de plus sur les pratiques de transfert, sont justifiées puisque l'élaboration de modèles de soins régionaux se poursuit.

Noninvasive Echocardiographic Left Ventricular Stroke Work Index Predicts Mortality in Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Patients.

BACKGROUND: Reduced left ventricular stroke work index (LVSWI) has been associated with adverse outcomes in several populations of patients with chronic heart disease, but no prior studies have examined this metric in cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patients. We sought to determine whether a low LVSWI, as measured noninvasively using transthoracic echocardiography, is associated with higher mortality in CICU patients. METHODS: Using a database of unique Mayo Clinic CICU admissions from 2007 to 2018, we identified patients with LVSWI measured by transthoracic echocardiography within 1 day of CICU admission. Hospital mortality was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression, and 1-year mortality was analyzed using multivariable Cox proportional-hazards analysis, adjusted for left ventricular ejection fraction and known predictors of hospital mortality. RESULTS: We included 4536 patients with a mean age of 68±14 years (36% women). Admission diagnoses (not mutually exclusive) included acute coronary syndrome in 62%, heart failure in 46%, and cardiogenic shock in 11%. The mean LVSWI was 38±14 g×min/m2, and in-hospital mortality occurred in 6% of patients. LVSWI had better discrimination for hospital mortality than left ventricular ejection fraction (P<0.001 by De Long test). Higher LVSWI was associated with lower in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 0.72 per 10 g×min/m2 higher [95% CI, 0.61-0.84]; P<0.001) and lower 1-year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.812 per 1 g×min/m2 higher [95% CI, 0.759-0.868]; P<0.001). Stepwise decreases in hospital and 1-year mortality were observed with higher LVSWI. CONCLUSIONS: Low LVSWI, reflecting poor left ventricular systolic and diastolic performance, is associated with increased short-term and long-term mortality among CICU patients. This emphasizes the importance of Doppler transthoracic echocardiography as a predictor of outcomes among critically ill patients. Further study is required to determine whether early interventions to optimize LVSWI can improve outcomes in the CICU setting.

Comprehensive Cardiac Care After Cardiac Arrest.

Cardiac arrest (CA) results in multiorgan ischemia until return of spontaneous circulation and often is followed by a low-flow shock state. Upon restoration of circulation and organ perfusion, resuscitative teams must act quickly to achieve clinical stability while simultaneously addressing the underlying etiology of the initial event. Optimal cardiovascular care demands focused management of the post-cardiac arrest syndrome and associated shock. Acute coronary syndrome should be considered and managed in a timely manner, because early revascularization improves patient outcomes and may suppress refractory arrhythmias. This review outlines the diagnostic and therapeutic considerations that define optimal cardiovascular care after CA.

Association between mean arterial pressure during the first 24 hours and hospital mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock.

BACKGROUND: The optimal MAP target for patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) remains unknown. We sought to determine the relationship between mean arterial pressure (MAP) and mortality in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patients with CS. METHODS: Using a single-center database of CICU patients admitted between 2007 and 2015, we identified patients with an admission diagnosis of CS. MAP was measured every 15 min, and the mean of all MAP values during the first 24 h (mMAP24) was recorded. Multivariable logistic regression determined the relationship between mMAP24 and adjusted hospital mortality. RESULTS: We included 1002 patients with a mean age of 68 ± 13.7 years, including 36% females. Admission diagnoses included acute coronary syndrome in 60%, heart failure in 74%, and cardiac arrest in 38%. Vasoactive drugs were used in 72%. The mMAP24 was higher (75 vs. 71 mmHg, p < 0.001) among hospital survivors (66%) compared with non-survivors (34%). Hospital mortality was inversely associated with mMAP24 (adjusted OR 0.9 per 5 mmHg higher mMAP24, p = 0.01), with a stepwise increase in hospital mortality at lower mMAP24. Patients with mMAP24 < 65 mmHg were at higher risk of hospital mortality (57% vs. 28%, adjusted OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.4-3.0, p < 0.001); no differences were observed between patients with mMAP24 65-74 vs. ≥ 75 mmHg (p > 0.1). CONCLUSION: In patients with CS, we observed an inverse relationship between mMAP24 and hospital mortality. The poor outcomes in patients with mMAP24 < 65 mmHg provide indirect evidence supporting a MAP goal of 65 mmHg for patients with CS.

The Basics of ARDS Mechanical Ventilatory Care for Cardiovascular Specialists.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has placed pressure on health care systems and intensive care unit capacity worldwide. Respiratory insufficiency is the most common reason for hospital admission in patients with COVID-19. The most severe form of respiratory failure is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Patients with ARDS are often treated with invasive mechanical ventilation according to established evidence-based and guideline recommended management strategies. With growing strain on critical care capacity, clinicians from diverse backgrounds, including cardiovascular specialists, might be required to help care for the growing number of patients with severe respiratory failure and ARDS. The aim of this article is to outline the fundamentals of ARDS diagnosis and management, including mechanical ventilation, for the nonintensivist. In the absence of mechanical ventilation trials specifically in patients with COVID-19-associated ARDS, the information presented is on the basis of general ARDS trials.