Association Between Chronic Diseases and Frailty in a Sample of Older Greek Inpatients.

INTRODUCTION: Previous reports have associated frailty with the existence of various chronic diseases. Especially for cardiovascular diseases, this relationship seems to be bidirectional as common pathophysiological mechanisms lead to the progression of both diseases and frailty. The study aimed to examine the relationship between chronic diseases and frailty in a sample of older Greek inpatients Methodology: In 457 consecutively admitted older patients (226, 49.5% females), the median age was 82 years (interquartile range [IQR] 75-89), and demographic factors, medical history, cause of admission, and the degree of frailty assessed with the Clinical Frailty Scale were recorded. The level of frailty was calculated for the pre-hospital status of the patients. Parametric tests and logistic regression analysis were applied to identify diseases independently associated with frailty. RESULTS: Using the scale, 277 patients (60.6%) were classified as frail and 180 as non-frail (39.4%). In univariate analysis, frail patients were more likely to have respiratory disease, dementia, Parkinson's disease, chronic kidney disease (CKD), atrial fibrillation (AFIB), neoplastic disease, depression, stroke, heart failure (HF), and coronary artery disease. In binomial regression analysis, the diseases that were statistically significantly associated with frailty were respiratory diseases (P = 0.009, odds ratio [OR] = 2.081, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.198-3.615), dementia (P ≤ 0.001, OR = 20.326, 95% CI 8.354-49.459), Parkinson's disease (P = 0.049, OR = 3.920, 95% CI 1.005-15.295), CKD (P = 0.018, OR = 2.542, 95% CI 1.172-5.512), AFIB (P = 0.017, OR = 1.863, 95% CI 1.118-3.103), HF (P = 0.002, OR = 2.411, 95% CI 1.389-4.185), and coronary artery disease (P = 0.004, OR = 2.434, 95% CI 1.324-4.475). CONCLUSIONS: Among diseases independently associated with frailty, chronic diseases such as respiratory diseases, dementia, Parkinson's disease, CKD, and cardiovascular diseases (AFIB, HF, and coronary heart disease) have an important role. Recognizing the diseases that are highly related to frailty may contribute, by their optimal management, to delaying the progression or even reversing frailty in a large proportion of the elderly.

Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: Unraveling Pathophysiology, Clinical Manifestations, and Emerging Prevention Strategies.

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) remains a challenge in the context of reperfusion procedures for myocardial infarction (MI). While early revascularization stands as the gold standard for mitigating myocardial injury, recent insights have illuminated the paradoxical role of reperfusion, giving rise to the phenomenon known as ischemia-reperfusion injury. This comprehensive review delves into the intricate pathophysiological pathways involved in MIRI, placing a particular focus on the pivotal role of endothelium. Beyond elucidating the molecular intricacies, we explore the diverse clinical manifestations associated with MIRI, underscoring its potential to contribute substantially to the final infarct size, up to 50%. We further navigate through current preventive approaches and highlight promising emerging strategies designed to counteract the devastating effects of the phenomenon. By synthesizing current knowledge and offering a perspective on evolving preventive interventions, this review serves as a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers engaged in the dynamic field of MIRI.

Atrial Fibrillation After Patent Foramen Ovale Closure: Incidence, Pathophysiology, and Management.

This comprehensive review explores the incidence, pathophysiology, and management of atrial fibrillation (AF) following percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO). Although AF is considered a common adverse event post PFO closure, its incidence, estimated at <5%, varies based on monitoring methods. The review delves into the challenging task of precisely estimating AF incidence, given subclinical AF and diverse diagnostic approaches. Notably, a temporal pattern emerges, with peak incidence around the 14th day after closure and a subsequent decline after the 45th day, mimicking general population AF trends. The pathophysiological mechanisms behind post PFO closure AF remain elusive, with proposed factors including local irritation, device-related interference, tissue stretch, and nickel hypersensitivity. Management considerations encompass rhythm control, with flecainide showing promise, and anticoagulation tailored to individual risk profiles. The authors advocate for a personalized approach, weighing factors like age, comorbidities, and device characteristics. Notably, postclosure AF is generally considered benign, often resolving spontaneously within 45 days, minimizing thromboembolic risks. Further studies are required to refine understanding and provide evidence-based guidelines.

Mortality Rates in Patients Undergoing Urgent Versus Elective Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Meta-analysis.

Patients with severe aortic stenosis (AoS) often present with acute heart failure and compensation, frequently leading to cardiogenic shock. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) has been recently performed as a bailout treatment in such patients. The aim of our meta-analysis is to compare urgent TAVR with elective procedures. We systematically screened three databases searching for studies comparing urgent vs elective TAVR. Primary endpoint is the 30-days mortality. Secondary endpoints included in-hospital mortality, device success, periprocedural vascular complications, 30-days stroke, 30-days acute kidney injury (AKI), permanent pacemaker implantation (PPM), moderate or severe paravalvular leakage, and 30-days bleeding. Seventeen studies were included, with a total of 84,495 patients. Urgent TAVR was associated with an increased risk for 30-days mortality [Risk Ratio (RR): 2.53, 95% Confidence Intervals (CI): 1.81-3.54)], in-hospital mortality (RR: 2.67, 95% CI: 1.94-3.68), periprocedural vascular complications (RR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.28-2.85) and AKI (RR: 2.83, 95% CI: 1.93-4.14), compared with elective procedure. No differences were observed in the other secondary endpoints. Urgent TAVR was associated with higher in-hospital and 30-days mortality, possibly driven by the increased incidence of AKI and vascular complications in urgent TAVR. The results highlight the importance of early TAVR in stable AoS patients.

Overcoming the Obstacle of Suicide Left Ventricle After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Phenomenon.

Suicide left ventricle after transcatheter aortic valve replacement is a well described phenomenon associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Prompt actions should be implemented to prevent this situation, and the alarm signs should be recognized. We present a case report of successful recognition, prevention and treatment of this complication. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Access Sites: Same Goals, Distinct Aspects, Various Merits and Demerits.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been established as a safe and efficacious treatment for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS). Despite being initially developed and indicated for high-surgical-risk patients, it is now offered to low-risk populations based on the results of large randomized controlled trials. The most common access sites in the vast majority of patients undergoing TAVI are the common femoral arteries; however, 10-20% of the patients treated with TAVI require an alternative access route, mainly due to peripheral atherosclerotic disease or complex anatomy. Hence, to achieve successful delivery and implantation of the valve, several arterial approaches have been studied, including transcarotid (TCr), axillary/subclavian (A/Sc), transapical (TAp), transaortic (TAo), suprasternal-brachiocephalic (S-B), and transcaval (TCv). This review aims to concisely summarize the most recent literature data and current guidelines as well as evaluate the various access routes for TAVI, focusing on the indications, the various special patient groups, and the advantages and disadvantages of each technique, as well as their adverse events.