African Americans Possessed High Prevalence of Comorbidities and Frequent Abdominal Symptoms, and Comprised A Disproportionate Share of Covid-19 Mortality among 9,873 Us- Hospitalized Patients Early in the Pandemic.

Background and aim: Identifying clinical characteristics and outcomes of different ethnicities in the US may inform treatment for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Aim of this study is to identify predictors of mortality among US races/ethnicities. Design Setting and participants: We retrospectively analyzed de-identified data from 9,873 COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized at 15 US hospital centers in 11 states (March 2020-November 2020). Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was to identify predictors of mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Results: Among the 9,873 patients, there were 64.1% African Americans (AA), 19.8% Caucasians, 10.4% Hispanics, and 5.7% Asians, with 50.7% female. Males showed higher in-hospital mortality (20.9% vs. 15.3%, p=0.001). Non- survivors were significantly older (67 vs. 61 years) than survivors. Patients in New York had the highest in-hospital mortality (OR=3.54 (3.03 - 4.14)). AA patients possessed higher prevalence of comorbidities, had longer hospital stay, higher ICU admission rates, increased requirement for mechanical ventilation and higher in-hospital mortality compared to other races/ethnicities. Gastrointestinal symptoms (GI), particularly diarrhea, were more common among minority patients. Among GI symptoms and laboratory findings, abdominal pain (5.3%, p=0.03), elevated AST (n=2653, 50.2%, p=<0.001, OR=2.18), bilirubin (n=577, 12.9%, p=0.01) and low albumin levels (n=361, 19.1%, p=0.03) were associated with mortality. Multivariate analysis (adjusted for age, sex, race, geographic location) indicates that patients with asthma, COPD, cardiac disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, immunocompromised status, shortness of breath and cough possess higher odds of in-hospital mortality. Among laboratory parameters, patients with lymphocytopenia (OR2=2.50), lymphocytosis (OR2=1.41), and elevations of serum CRP (OR2=4.19), CPK (OR2=1.43), LDH (OR2=2.10), troponin (OR2=2.91), ferritin (OR2=1.88), AST (OR2=2.18), D-dimer (OR2=2.75) are more prone to death. Patients on glucocorticoids (OR2=1.49) and mechanical ventilation (OR2=9.78) have higher in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: These findings suggest that older age, male sex, AA race, and hospitalization in New York were associated with higher in-hospital mortality rates from COVID-19 in early pandemic stages. Other predictors of mortality included the presence of comorbidities, shortness of breath, cough elevated serum inflammatory markers, altered lymphocyte count, elevated AST, and low serum albumin. AA patients comprised a disproportionate share of COVID-19 death in the US during 2020 relative to other races/ethnicities.

RNA Interference-based Therapies for the Reduction of Cardiovascular Risk.

Globally, there remains an unwavering increase in the incidence of cvd - from 271 million in 1990 to 523 million in 2019. Among the several modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors of heart disease, dyslipidemia is an important and prevalent risk factor mediated by both genetics and lifestyle factors. Hence, lowering lipid levels, specifically, ldl-c levels (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), is a key strategy in decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. A reduction of 20 mg/dl in ldl-c levels has been found to prevent 2-3 cases of coronary artery disease (cad) for every 1000 individuals. Studies have also found reductions in ldl-c levels to be associated with a mortality benefit. However, ldl-c levels reduction may not eliminate the risk of significant cardiovascular events.

Epidemiologic and Clinical Characteristics of Marantic Endocarditis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 416 Reports.

Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) is a distinctive condition marked by the presence of aseptic fibrin depositions on cardiac valves due to hypercoagulability and endocardial damage. There is a scarcity of large cohort studies clarifying factors associated with morbidity and mortality of this condition. A systematic literature review was performed utilizing the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web-of-Science databases to retrieve case reports and series documenting cases of NBTE from inception until September-2022. A descriptive analysis of basic characteristics was carried out, followed by multivariate regression analysis to identify risk factors associated with morbidity and mortality. A total of 416 case reports and series were identified, of which 450 patients were extracted. The female-to-male ratio was around 2:1 with an overall sample median age of 48 (interquartile range [IQR]:34-61). Stroke-like symptoms were the most common presentation and embolic phenomena occurred in 70% of cases, the majority of which were due to stroke. Cancer was associated with higher embolic complications (aOR:6.38, 95% CI = 3.75-10.83, p < 0.01) in comparison to other NBTE etiologies, while age, sex, and vegetation size were not (p > 0.05). All-cause in-hospital mortality was 36%, with cancer etiology being associated with higher mortality: 56% (aOR:3.64, 95% CI = 1.57-8.43, p < 0.01) in comparison to other NBTE etiologies:19%. A significant decrease in NBTE mortality was seen in recent years in comparison to admissions that occurred during the 20th century (aOR:0.07, 95% CI = 0.04-0.15, p < 0.01). While there has been an observed improvement in overall in-hospital mortality rates for patients admitted with NBTE in recent years, it is important to note that cases associated with a cancer etiology are still linked to high morbidity and mortality during hospitalization.

Differences between Lower Extremity Arterial Occlusion vs. Stenosis and Predictors of Successful Endovascular Interventions.

Background and Objectives: In patients with peripheral artery disease, there is insufficient understanding of characteristics that predict successful revascularization of the lower extremity (LE) chronic total occlusions (CTOs) and baseline differences in demographic, clinical, and angiographic characteristics in patients with LE CTO vs. non-CTO. We aim to explore these differences and predictors of successful revascularization among CTO patients. Materials and Methods: Two vascular centers enrolled LE-CTO patients who underwent endovascular revascularization. Data on demographics, clinical, angiographic, and interventional characteristics were collected. LE non-CTO arterial stenosis patients were compared. A total of 256 patients with LE revascularization procedures were studied; among them, 120 had CTOs and 136 had LE stenosis but no CTOs. Results: Aspirin use (Odds ratio, OR: 3.43; CI 1.32-8.88; p = 0.011) was a positive predictor whereas a history of malignancy (OR: 0.27; CI 0.09-0.80; p = 0.018) was a negative predictor of successful crossing in the CTO group. The CTO group had a higher history of myocardial infarction (29.2 vs. 18.3%, p = 0.05), end-stage renal disease (19.2 vs. 9.6%, p = 0.03), and chronic limb-threatening ischemia as the reason for revascularization (64.2 vs. 22.8%, p < 0.001). They were more likely to have advanced TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) stages, multi-vessel revascularization procedures, longer lesions, and urgent treatment. Conclusions: The use of aspirin is a positive predictor whereas a history of malignancy is a negative predictor for successful crossing in CTO lesions. Additionally, LE-CTO patients have a higher incidence of comorbidities, which is expected given their higher disease burden. Successful endovascular re-vascularization can be associated with baseline clinical variables.

The Role of ChatGPT in the Advancement of Diagnosis, Management, and Prognosis of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease.

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease incidence has risen mainly due to poor control of preventable risk factors and still constitutes a significant financial and health burden worldwide. ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence language-based model developed by OpenAI. Due to the model's unique cognitive capabilities beyond data processing and the production of high-quality text, there has been a surge of research interest concerning its role in the scientific community and contemporary clinical practice. To fully exploit ChatGPT's potential benefits and reduce its possible misuse, extreme caution must be taken to ensure its implications ethically and equitably. In this narrative review, we explore the language model's possible applications and limitations while emphasizing its potential value for diagnosing, managing, and prognosis of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.

Risk Stratification Tools to Guide a Personalized Approach for Cardiac Monitoring in Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source.

Current recommendations support a personalized sequential approach for cardiac rhythm monitoring to detect atrial fibrillation after embolic stroke of undetermined source. Several risk stratification scores have been proposed to predict the likelihood of atrial fibrillation after embolic stroke of undetermined source. This systematic review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the field by identifying risk scores proposed for this purpose, assessing their characteristics and the cohorts in which they were developed and validated, and scrutinizing their predictive performance. We identified 11 risk scores, of which 4 were externally validated. The most frequent variables included were echocardiographic markers and demographics. The areas under the curve ranged between 0.70 and 0.94. The 3 scores with the highest area under the curve were the Decryptoring (0.94 [95% CI, 0.88-1.00]), newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation (0.87 [95% CI, 0.79-0.94]), and AF-ESUS (Atrial Fibrillation in Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source) (0.85 [95% CI, 0.80-0.87]), of which only the latter was externally validated. Risk stratification scores can guide a personalized approach for cardiac rhythm monitoring after embolic stroke of undetermined source.

Cardiometabolic effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrinopathy affecting many women of reproductive age. Although its physiology is poorly understood, hyperandrogenemia and insulin resistance play a pivotal role in this complex syndrome, predisposing patients to a variety of cardiovascular and metabolic modalities. Current therapeutic options, including lifestyle modifications and medications, often do not satisfactorily improve clinical outcomes. SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) are a novel option which can potentially improve many hormonal and metabolic parameters for patients with PCOS, though the net cardiovascular effects remain under investigation in this population of patients with PCOS. Overall, the use of SGLT-2i may be associated with beneficial somatometric, metabolic and hormonal outcomes of PCOS. To date, all available studies have recorded body mass index, waist and hip circumference, and fat mass reductions, improved insulin and androgen levels, and reduced blood pressure. The aim of the present review is to summarise PCOS-related manifestations and mechanisms leading to cardiovascular disease, to explore the cardiometabolic impact of SGLT2i on PCOS, and to critically analyse the cardiometabolic and hormonal outcomes of the recent studies on the use of SGLT2i in women with PCOS.

Assessment of the Utilization of Validated Diagnostic Predictive Tools and D-Dimer in the Evaluation of Pulmonary Embolism: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study from a Public Hospital in New York City.

INTRODUCTION: A significant increase in the use of computed tomography with pulmonary angiography (CTPA) for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) has been observed in the past twenty years. We aimed to investigate whether the validated diagnostic predictive tools and D-dimers were adequately utilized in a large public hospital in New York City. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent CTPA for the specific indication of ruling out PE over a period of one year. Two independent reviewers, blinded to each other and to the CTPA and D-dimer results, estimated the clinical probability (CP) of PE using Well's score, the YEARS algorithm, and the revised Geneva score. Patients were classified based on the presence or absence of PE in the CTPA. RESULTS: A total of 917 patients were included in the analysis (median age: 57 years, female: 59%). The clinical probability of PE was considered low by both independent reviewers in 563 (61.4%), 487 (55%), and 184 (20.1%) patients based on Well's score, the YEARS algorithm, and the revised Geneva score, respectively. D-dimer testing was conducted in less than half of the patients who were deemed to have low CP for PE by both independent reviewers. Using a D-dimer cut-off of <500 ng/mL or the age-adjusted cut-off in patients with a low CP of PE would have missed only a small number of mainly subsegmental PE. All three tools, when combined with D-dimer < 500 ng/mL or 95%. CONCLUSION: All three validated diagnostic predictive tools were found to have significant diagnostic value in ruling out PE when combined with a D-dimer cut-off of <500 ng/mL or the age-adjusted cut-off. Excessive use of CTPA was likely secondary to suboptimal use of diagnostic predictive tools.

Right-to-Left Shunt in Divers with Neurological Decompression Sickness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the association between the presence of a right-to-left shunt (RLS) and neurological decompression sickness (NDCS) and asymptomatic brain lesions among otherwise healthy divers. BACKGROUND: Next to drowning, NDCS is the most severe phenotype of diving-related disease and may cause permanent damage to the brain and spinal cord. Several observational reports have described the presence of an RLS as a significant risk factor for neurological complications in divers, ranging from asymptomatic brain lesions to NDCS. METHODS: We systematically reviewed the MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL databases from inception until November 2021. A random-effects model was used to compute odds ratios. RESULTS: Nine observational studies consisting of 1830 divers (neurological DCS: 954; healthy divers: 876) were included. RLS was significantly more prevalent in divers with NDCS compared to those without (62.6% vs. 27.3%; odds ratio (OR): 3.83; 95% CI: 2.79-5.27). Regarding RLS size, high-grade RLS was more prevalent in the NDCS group than the no NDCS group (57.8% versus 18.4%; OR: 4.98; 95% CI: 2.86-8.67). Further subgroup analysis revealed a stronger association with the inner ear (OR: 12.13; 95% CI: 8.10-18.17) compared to cerebral (OR: 4.96; 95% CI: 2.43-10.12) and spinal cord (OR: 2.47; 95% CI: 2.74-7.42) DCS. RLS was more prevalent in divers with asymptomatic ischemic brain lesions than those without any lesions (46.0% vs. 38.0%); however, this was not statistically significant (OR: 1.53; 95% CI: 0.80-2.91). CONCLUSIONS: RLS, particularly high-grade RLS, is associated with greater risk of NDCS. No statistically significant association between RLS and asymptomatic brain lesions was found.

Obesity and Peripheral Artery Disease: Current Evidence and Controversies.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Obesity is a significant public health problem and a major risk factor for the development and progression of atherosclerosis and its cardiovascular manifestations. Lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects 3%-10% of the Western population and, if left untreated, can lead to devastating outcomes with both an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Interestingly, the association between obesity and PAD remains debatable. Whereas it is well known that PAD and obesity frequently overlap in the same patients, many studies have demonstrated a negative association between obesity and PAD and a protective effect of obesity on disease development and progression, a phenomenon described as the "obesity paradox." Possible mechanisms for this paradox may include genetic background, as assessed by mendelian randomization studies, adipose tissue dysfunction, and body fat distribution rather than adiposity, while other factors, such as sex, ethnicity, sarcopenia in the elderly population, or aggressive treatment of co-existing metabolic conditions in individuals with obesity compared to those with normal weight, could have some impact as well. RECENT RINDINGS: Few reviews and meta-analyses examining systematically the relationship between obesity and PAD exist. The impact of PAD development due to the presence of obesity remains largely controversial. However, the most current evidence, backed by a recent meta-analysis, suggests a potential protective role of a higher body mass index on PAD-related complications and mortality. In this review, we discuss the association between obesity and PAD development, progression, and management, and the potential pathophysiologic mechanisms linking the two diseases.

Humoral and Cellular Response and Associated Variables Nine Months following BNT162b2 Vaccination in Healthcare Workers.

In this study, we aimed to illustrate the trajectory of humoral and cellular immunity nine months after primary vaccination with the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine among 189 healthcare workers (HCWs). Additionally, we endeavored to identify correlations between immunity parameters and a number of common variables and comorbidities. A total of 189 healthcare workers (HCWs), vaccinated against COVID-19, were finally included in the study. All of the subjects had received two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine; had undergone antibody tests one, four and nine months post-vaccination; and had completed a medical questionnaire. Further samples taken at nine months were tested for cellular immunity. No participants had evidence of COVID-19 infection pre- or post-vaccination. An anti-S1 receptor binding domain (RBD) antibody assay was used to assess humoral response, and cellular immunity was estimated with an INF-γ release assay (IGRA). Statistical analysis was performed using STATA. We report a statistically significant antibody drop over time. Being above the age of 40 or a smoker reduces the rise of antibodies by 37% and 28%, respectively. More than half of the participants did not demonstrate T-cell activation at nine months. Female gender and antibody levels at four months predispose detection of cellular immunity at nine months post-immunization. This study furthers the qualitative, quantitative, and temporal understanding of the immune response to the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine and the effect of correlated factors.

Ethnic and sex-based differences in outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a glimpse of the largest municipal healthcare system in the United States.

Background: Ethnic and sex-based disparity in outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) may exist and could be due to social factors and inequality in care. We aimed to study whether ethnic and sex-based differences in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes occurred in a safety net hospital within the largest municipal healthcare system in the United States. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients successfully resuscitated from an OHCA and brought to New York City Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, from January 2019 to September 2021. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest characteristics, do not resuscitate and withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy orders, and disposition data were collected and analyzed using regression models. Results: Out of 648 patients screened, 154 were included (48.1% women). On multivariable analysis, sex [odds ratio (OR): 0.84; 95% CI: 0.30-2.4; P=0.74] and ethnic background (OR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.58-1.12; P=0.196) did not predict discharge survival. No significant sex difference in do not resuscitate (P=0.76) or withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy (P=0.39) orders was found. Younger age (OR: 0.96; P=0.04) and initial shockable rhythm (OR: 7.26; P=0.01) independently predicted survival, both at discharge and at one year. Conclusions: Among patients resuscitated after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, neither sex nor ethnic background predicted discharge survival and no sex differences in end-of-life preferences were found. These findings are distinct from those of previously published reports. Given the unique population studied, distinct from those of registry-based studies, socioeconomic factors likely served as bigger drivers of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes rather than ethnic background or sex.

The clinical utility of plasma and urine metanephrines in hypertensive emergency.

INTRODUCTION: Metanephrines (MTNs) are metabolites of catecholamines and are constantly produced in high amounts by pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs). Marked MTN elevations (> 3 times the upper limit of normal [ULN]) are highly suggestive of PPGL. The frequency of marked MTN elevations in non-PPGL hypertensive emergencies (HTNEs) is unknown. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed plasma free metanephrine (PMTN) and 24-h urinary fractionated metanephrine (UMTN) levels in 48 consecutive patients (59.7 ± 15.6 years; 48% female; BMI: 31 ± 9.7 kg/m2) hospitalized for HTNE, defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) > 180 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) > 120 mmHg with end-organ damage. PMTNs were measured in 47 patients, UMTNs were measured in 16 patients, and both PMTNs and UMTNs were measured in 15 patients. RESULTS: PMTN/UMTN levels were not associated with SBP/DBP, comorbidities, end-organ damage, or interfering medications, the exception being that plasma normetanephrines (PNMNs) were significantly associated with comorbidities (Adj. R2 = 0.16; p = 0.04) and interfering medications (Adj. R2 = 0.15; p = 0.03), although with weak correlation. Marked MTN (specifically PNMN) elevations (647, 521, and 453 pg/mL; normal ≤ 148 pg/mL) were noted in only three patients (6%). DISCUSSION: Marked MTN elevations in HTNE are uncommon. Therefore, we recommend against measuring MTN in the setting of an apparent precipitating cause of HTNE to avoid unnecessary testing and imaging. Testing for MTN in HTNE should be pursued only when there is no clear precipitating cause and in cases where there is strong underlying clinical suspicion for PPGL. However, should testing be performed, marked MTN elevations should not be disregarded as being a commonly occurring result of HTNE.

Efficacy and safety of vitamin-K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention in patients with heart failure and sinus rhythm: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

INTRODUCTION: Heart failure (HF) is a major public health issue associated with significantly increased risk of stroke. It remains uncertain whether oral anticoagulation (OAC) in patients with heart failure and sinus rhythm (HF-SR) could improve prognosis. METHODS: We performed a systematic search of PubMed and Embase databases for randomized controlled clinical trials assessing oral anticoagulants versus antiplatelets or placebo in patients with HF or ventricular dysfunction/cardiomyopathy without clinical HF and SR. The outcomes assessed were stroke/systemic embolism, major bleeding, myocardial infarction, all-cause mortality, and HF hospitalization. RESULTS: Seven trials of 15,794 patients were eligible for our analyses. The overall follow-up duration was 32,367 patient-years corresponding to a mean follow-up of 2.05 years per patient. Four trials included patients treated with warfarin and three included patients treated with rivaroxaban. OAC was associated with reduced rate of stroke or systemic embolism compared to control (odds ratio (OR): 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.44, 0.73, number needed to treat (NNT): 71.9) but higher rate of major bleeding (OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.47, 2.50, number needed to harm (NNH): 57.1). In the subgroup analysis according to the type of OAC, rivaroxaban was associated with significantly reduced rate of stroke or systemic embolism (1.24 vs 1.97 events per 100 patient-years, respectively, OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.88, NNT: 82) and higher risk of major bleeding (OR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.20) compared to antiplatelets or placebo. There was no significant differences between groups for the outcomes of myocardial infarction, all-cause mortality, and HF hospitalization. CONCLUSION: This analysis shows that any benefit of OAC for stroke prevention may be offset by an increased risk of major bleeding in HF-SR patients. A well-designed randomized controlled trial of newer safer OACs is needed in this population.

Sex Differences in Periprocedural and Long-Term Outcomes Following Transcatheter Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is among the most common arrhythmias associated with an increased risk of cardioembolic phenomena, including stroke. Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has proven beneficial in reducing stroke and mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation who have contraindications to anticoagulation. However, the sex differences in outcomes following LAAO have not been studied systematically. METHODS: Electronic databases PUBMED, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched until March 2022 for studies evaluating patient outcomes following LAAO for AF. The primary outcomes of interest were the risks of periprocedural stroke, major bleeding, pericardial complications, and all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included stroke risks, major bleeding, device-related thrombus, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality on long-term follow-up. A random-effects model meta-analysis was conducted, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I-squared test. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were included in the final analysis encompassing 111,775 patients, out of which 45,441 (40.7 %) were women. Women had a significantly higher risk of peri-procedural complications including all-cause mortality [relative risk (RR), 95 % confidence intervals (CI); RR 1.94, 95 % CI 1.40-2.69], stroke [RR 1.85, 95 % CI 1.29-2.67], major bleeding [RR 1.63, 95 % CI 1.08-2.44], and pericardial events [RR 1.80, 95 % CI 1.58-2.05]. However, there were no statistically significant differences between sexes in terms of risk of stroke, major bleeding, device-related thrombus, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality on long-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: Among patients undergoing LAAO implantation, women were at higher risk of periprocedural complications than men. This risk was not significant on long-term follow-up.

A Meta-Analysis on the Impact of High BMI in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: A paradoxical association of obesity with lower risk of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) outcomes has been reported. We aimed to systematically review the literature and compare TAVR-related morbidity and mortality among individuals with overweight or obesity and their peers with normal body mass index (BMI). METHODS: PubMed and Embase databases were systematically searched for studies reporting TAVR outcomes in different BMI groups. Separate meta-analyses were conducted for studies reporting hazard ratios (HR) and odds ratios/relative risks. Short- and mid-/long-term outcomes were examined. RESULTS: 26 studies with a total of 74,163 patients were included in our study. Overweight was associated with lower risk of short-term mortality (HR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.60-0.98) and mid-/long-term mortality (HR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.70-0.89). Obesity was associated with lower risk for mid-/long-term mortality (HR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.73-0.86), but no difference was observed in short-term mortality, although a trend was noted (HR: 0.87l 95% CI: 0.74-1.01). Individuals with obesity demonstrated an association with higher odds of major vascular complications (OR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.05-1.68). Both overweight (OR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.03-1.30) and obesity (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.06-1.50) were associated with higher likelihood for receiving permanent pacemakers after TAVR. CONCLUSION: Individuals with overweight and obesity were associated with lower mortality risk compared to those with normal BMI but with higher likelihood of major vascular complications and permanent pacemaker implantation after TAVR.

COVID-19 Therapeutics: Improvise-Adapt-Learn.

"In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity"-Sun Tzu, The Art of War [...].