Comparison of In-Hospital Outcomes between Early and Late Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis in Acute Pulmonary Embolism: A Retrospective Observational Study.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether early initiation of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) in patients presenting with acute pulmonary embolism is associated with improved in-hospital outcomes. A retrospective cohort was extracted from the 2016-2019 National Inpatient Sample database, consisting of 21,730 weighted admissions undergoing CDT acute PE. From the time of admission, the sample was divided into early (<48 h) and late interventions (>48 h). Outcomes were measured using regression analysis and propensity score matching. No significant differences in mortality, cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock, or intracranial hemorrhage (p > 0.05) were found between the early and late CDT groups. Late CDT patients had a higher likelihood of receiving systemic thrombolysis (3.21 [2.18-4.74], p < 0.01), blood transfusion (1.84 [1.41-2.40], p < 0.01), intubation (1.33 [1.05-1.70], p = 0.02), discharge disposition to care facilities (1.32 [1.14-1.53], p < 0.01). and having acute kidney injury (1.42 [1.25-1.61], p < 0.01). Predictors of late intervention were older age, female sex, non-white ethnicity, non-teaching hospital admission, hospitals with higher bed sizes, and weekend admission (p < 0.01). This study represents a comprehensive evaluation of outcomes associated with the time interval for initiating CDT, revealing reduced morbidity with early intervention. Additionally, it identifies predictors associated with delayed CDT initiation. The broader ramifications of these findings, particularly in relation to hospital resource utilization and health disparities, warrant further exploration.

Differential Mortality Among Heart Failure Patients Across Different COVID-19 Surges in New York City.

ABSTRACT: Learning from the healthcare system's response to the COVID-19 pandemic is essential to better prepare for potential future crises. We sought to assess mortality rates for patients admitted for acute decompensated heart failure (HF) and to analyze which factors demonstrated a statistically significant correlation with this primary endpoint. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of acute decompensated HF within the New York City Health and Hospitals 11-hospital system across the different COVID surge periods. Mortality information was collected in 4,405 participants (mean [SD] age 70.54 [14.44] years, 1885 [42.87%] female).The highest mortality existed in the first surge (9.02%), then improved to near prepandemic levels (3.65%) in the second (3.91%) and third surges (5.94%, p < 0.0001). In-hospital mortality inversely correlated with receipt of a COVID-19 vaccination, but had no correlation with left ventricular ejection fraction or the number of vaccination doses. Mortality for acute decompensated HF patients improved after the first surge, suggesting that hospitals adequately adapted to provide quality care. As future infectious outbreaks may occur, emergency preparedness must ensure that adequate focus and resources remain for other clinical entities, such as HF, to ensure optimal care is delivered across all areas of illness.

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.

Choosing Wisely and Promoting High-Value Care and Staff Safety During the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Large Safety Net System.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: As the COVID-19 pandemic brought surges of hospitalized patients, it was important to focus on reducing overuse of tests and procedures to not only reduce potential harm to patients but also reduce unnecessary exposure to staff. The objective of this study was to create a Choosing Wisely in COVID-19 list to guide clinicians in practicing high-value care at our health system. METHODS: A Choosing Wisely in COVID-19 list was developed in October 2020 by an interdisciplinary High Value Care Council at New York City Health + Hospitals, the largest public health system in the United States. The first phase involved gathering areas of overuse from interdisciplinary staff across the system. The second phase used a modified Delphi scoring process asking participants to rate recommendations on a 5-point Likert scale based on criteria of degree of evidence, potential to prevent patient harm, and potential to prevent staff harm. RESULTS: The top 5 recommendations included avoiding tracheal intubation without trial of noninvasive ventilation (4.4); not placing routine central venous catheters (4.33); avoiding routine daily laboratory tests and batching laboratory draws (4.19); not ordering daily chest radiographs (4.17); and not using bronchodilators in the absence of reactive airway disease (4.13). CONCLUSION: We successfully developed Choosing Wisely in COVID-19 recommendations that focus on evidence and preventing patient and staff harm in a large safety net system to reduce overuse.

A Case of Type V Hyperlipoproteinemia Resistant to Insulin Treatment.

Type V hyperlipoproteinemia or multifactorial chylomicronemia syndrome is a rare lipid disorder triggered mainly by uncontrolled diabetes, obesity, poor diet, or particular medications. It is associated with an increased risk of acute pancreatitis and accelerated coronary artery disease which may manifest in younger age groups. We present a case of a 42-year-old male who presented to the emergency department (ED) complaining of a non-healing hand injury. Upon laboratory workup, the patient was found to have an elevated total cholesterol (TC) of 1129 mg/dL, very low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides (TG) > 4000 mg/dL with an inability to calculate low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Lipoprotein electrophoresis revealed an actual TG level of > 7000 mg/dL, increased chylomicrons, normal B and pre-B-lipoproteins, and increased L-lipoproteins with an elevated Apolipoprotein B. Despite these derangements, the patient did not exhibit any abdominal complaints, demonstrating a normal lipase level. The physical exam was indicative of bilateral arcus senilis and obesity. Insulin drip was initiated along with intravenous (IV) hydration and it required 12 days to bring triglycerides down to less than 1000 mg/dL. The total cholesterol was also seen to be down trending to around 500 mg/dL and the HDL improved to 22 mg/dL. We present this case as a unique presentation of asymptomatic chylomicronemia resistant to insulin treatment with an elevated ApoB but with no evidence of pancreatitis or coronary artery disease.

Comparison of in-hospital outcomes and complications of left atrial appendage closure with the Watchman device between males and females.

AIMS: Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with WATCHMAN device is being used for patients with atrial fibrillation (AFB) and, as an off-label use, atrial flutter (AFL) who can't comply with long-term anticoagulation. We aim to study the differences in outcomes between sexes in patients undergoing Watchman device implantation. METHODOLOGY: The National Inpatient Sample was queried between 2016 and 2019 using ICD-10 clinical modification codes I48x for AFB and AFL. Patients who underwent LAAO were identified using the procedural code 02L73DK. Comorbidities and complications were identified using ICD procedure and diagnosis codes. Differences in primary outcomes were analyzed using multivariable regression and propensity score matching. RESULTS: 38 105 admissions were identified, of which 16 795 (44%) were females (76 ± 7.6 years) and 21 310 (56%) were males (75 ± 8 years). Females were more likely to have cardiac (frequencies: 5.8% vs 3.75%, aOR: 1.5 [1.35-1.68], p1 day inpatient (1.79 [1.67-1.93], P < 0.01) and be discharged to a facility (1.54 [1.33-1.80], P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Females are more likely to develop cardiac, renal, bleeding, pulmonary and TEE-related complications following LAAO procedure, while concurrently showing higher mortality, length of stay and discharge to facilities.

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.

Antiplatelet therapy for coronary artery disease in 2023: current status and future prospects.

INTRODUCTION: Antiplatelet therapy is the cornerstone for prevention and management of ischemic complications among patients with coronary artery disease. Over the past decades, advancement in stent technologies and increasing awareness about the prognostic impact of major bleeding have led to evolving priorities in the management of antithrombotic regimens, from exclusive concerns regarding recurrent ischemic events to an individualized equipoise between ischemic and bleeding risk through a patient-centered comprehensive approach. AREAS COVERED: The purpose of this review is to highlight the current evidence that supports the various management strategies for antiplatelet therapy and discuss future directions of pharmacological regimens for coronary syndromes. We will also discuss the rationale behind use of antiplatelet therapy, current guideline recommendations, risk scores for ischemic and bleeding risk evaluation, and tools to help assess treatment response. EXPERT OPINION: While tremendous advancements have been made in antithrombotic agents and regimens, future directions for antiplatelet therapy in patients with coronary artery disease would involve focus on novel therapeutic targets, development of new antiplatelet agents, implementation of more innovative regimens with current agents and further research to validate contemporary antiplatelet strategies.

The Difference Between Cystatin C- and Creatinine-Based Estimated GFR in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: Insights From PARADIGM-HF.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: The clinical implications of the discrepancy between cystatin C (cysC)- and serum creatinine (Scr)-estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are unknown. STUDY DESIGN: Post-hoc analysis of randomized trial data. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 1,970 patients with HFrEF enrolled in PARADIGM-HF with available baseline cysC and Scr measurements. EXPOSURE: Intraindividual differences between eGFR based on cysC (eGFRcysC) and Scr (eGFRScr; eGFRdiffcysC-Scr). OUTCOMES: Clinical outcomes included the PARADIGM-HF primary end point (composite of cardiovascular [CV] mortality or HF hospitalization), CV mortality, all-cause mortality, and worsening kidney function. We also examined poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL), frailty, and worsening HF (WHF), defined as HF hospitalization, emergency department visit, or outpatient intensification of therapy between baseline and 8-month follow-up. ANALYTICAL APPROACH: Fine-Gray subdistribution hazard models and Cox proportional hazards models were used to regress clinical outcomes on baseline eGFRdiffcysC-Scr. Logistic regression was used to investigate the association of baseline eGFRdiffcysC-Scr with poor HRQoL and frailty. Linear regression models were used to assess the association of WHF with eGFRcysC, eGFRScr, and eGFRdiffcysC-Scr at 8-month follow-up. RESULTS: Baseline eGFRdiffcysC-Scr was higher than +10 and lower than-10mL/min/1.73m2 in 13.0% and 35.7% of patients, respectively. More negative values of eGFRdiffcysC-Scr were associated with worse outcomes ([sub]hazard ratio per standard deviation: PARADIGM-HF primary end point, 1.18; P=0.008; CV mortality, 1.34; P=0.001; all-cause mortality, 1.39; P<0.001; worsening kidney function, 1.31; P=0.05). For a 1-standard-deviation decrease in eGFRdiffcysC-Scr, the prevalences of poor HRQoL and frailty increased by 29% and 17%, respectively (P≤0.008). WHF was associated with a more pronounced decrease in eGFRcysC than in eGFRScr, resulting in a change in 8-month eGFRdiffcysC-Scr of-4.67mL/min/1.73m2 (P<0.001). LIMITATIONS: Lack of gold-standard assessment of kidney function. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with HFrEF, discrepancies between eGFRcysC and eGFRScr are common and are associated with clinical outcomes, HRQoL, and frailty. The decline in kidney function associated with WHF is more marked when assessed with eGFRcysC than with eGFRScr. PLAIN-LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Kidney function assessment traditionally relies on serum creatinine (Scr) to establish an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). However, this has been challenged with the introduction of an alternative marker, cystatin C (cysC). Muscle mass and nutritional status have differential effects on eGFR based on cysC (eGFRcysC) and Scr (eGFRScr). Among ambulatory patients with heart failure enrolled in PARADIGM-HF, we investigated the clinical significance of the difference between eGFRcysC and eGFRScr. More negative values (ie, eGFRScr>eGFRcysC) were associated with worse clinical outcomes (including mortality), poor quality of life, and frailty. In patients with progressive heart failure, which is characterized by muscle loss and poor nutritional status, the decline in kidney function was more pronounced when eGFR was estimated using cysC rather than Scr.

Safety and efficacy of apixaban, dabigatran and rivaroxaban in obese and morbidly obese patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation: A real-world analysis.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation and heart failure are combined risk factors for thromboembolic events. Obese and morbidly obese individuals have been underrepresented in clinical trials studying safety and efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). OBJECTIVES: Study the comparative safety and efficacy of DOACs in obese and morbidly obese patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter, and concomitant congestive heart failure. METHODS: In the present single-center retrospective observational study, patients with an ICD-9 code of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, and congestive heart failure on a DOAC (apixaban[n = 155], rivaroxaban[n = 335], dabigatran[n = 393]) were followed for a median 12.5 months (IQR: 22.1 months). Obesity was defined as a body mass index, BMI ≥ 30 and < 40 kg/m2 [n = 614], and morbid obesity as BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 [n = 269]. Clinical endpoints were grouped into safety (composite of intracranial-hemorrhage, gastrointestinal-bleeds, hemorrhagic-stroke, and other bleeds), and efficacy (composite of ischemic-stroke and systemic-embolism) endpoints. Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare safety, efficacy, and all-cause mortality outcomes. RESULTS: In obese patients, no statistical difference was observed in efficacy of DOACs. A statistical difference was observed in the safety of DOACs in obese patients. Apixaban was found to be safer than dabigatran [hazard ratio [HR] 0.37 (0.16-0.87), p = .02] and rivaroxaban [HR 0.29 (0.12-0.67), p = .004]. In morbidly obese patients, there was no overall statistical difference in the efficacy or safety of DOACs. CONCLUSION: In obese patients with congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter on DOACs, apixaban has the most favorable safety profile compared to rivaroxaban and dabigatran.

Reducing unnecessary routine laboratory testing for noncritically ill patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Reducing unnecessary routine laboratory testing is a Choosing Wisely® recommendation, and new areas of overuse were noted during the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: To reduce unnecessary repetitive routine laboratory testing for patients with COVID-19 during the pandemic across a large safety net health system. DESIGNS, SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: This quality improvement initiative was initiated by the System High-Value Care Council at New York City Health + Hospitals (H + H), the largest public healthcare system in the United States consisting of 11 acute care hospitals. INTERVENTION: four overused laboratory tests in noncritically ill hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were identified: C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and procalcitonin. A two-pronged electronic health record intervention was implemented consisting of (1) nonintrusive, informational nudge statements placed on selected order sets, and (2) a forcing function of one consecutive day limit on ordering. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES: The average of excess tests per encounter days (ETPED) for each of four target laboratory testing only in patients with COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: Interdisciplinary System High-Value Care Council identified four overused laboratory tests (inflammatory markers) in noncritically ill hospitalized patients with COVID-19: C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and procalcitonin. Within an 11-hospital safety net health system, a two-pronged electronic health record intervention was implemented consisting of (1) nonintrusive, informational nudge statements placed on selected order sets, and (2) a forcing function of one consecutive day limit on ordering. The preintervention period (March 16, 2020 to January 24, 2021) was compared to the postintervention period (January 25, 2021 to March 22, 2022). RESULTS: Time series linear regression showed decreases in CRP (-17.9%, p < .05), ferritin (-37.6%, p < .001), and LDH (-30.1%, p < .001). Slope differences were significant (CRP, ferritin, and LDH p < 0.001; procalcitonin p < 0.05). Decreases were observed across weekly averages: CRP (-19%, p < .01), ferritin (-37.9%, p < .001), LDH (-28.7%, p < .001), and procalcitonin (-18.4%, p < .05). CONCLUSION: This intervention was associated with reduced routine inflammatory marker testing in non-intensive care unit COVID-19 hospitalized patients across 11 hospitals. Variation was high among individual hospitals.

The difference between cystatin C- and creatinine-based assessment of kidney function in acute heart failure.

AIMS: Acute heart failure (HF) is associated with muscle mass loss, potentially leading to overestimation of kidney function using serum creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFRsCr ). Cystatin C-based eGFR (eGFRCysC ) is less muscle mass dependent. Changes in the difference between eGFRCysC and eGFRsCr may reflect muscle mass loss. We investigated the difference between eGFRCysC and eGFRsCr and its association with clinical outcomes in acute HF patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: A post hoc analysis was performed in 841 patients enrolled in three trials: Diuretic Optimization Strategy Evaluation (DOSE), Renal Optimization Strategies Evaluation (ROSE), and Cardiorenal Rescue Study in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (CARRESS-HF). Intra-individual differences between eGFRs (eGFRdiff ) were calculated as eGFRCysC -eGFRsCr at serial time points during HF admission. We investigated associations of (i) change in eGFRdiff between baseline and day 3 or 4 with readmission-free survival up to day 60; (ii) index hospitalization length of stay (LOS) and readmission with eGFRdiff at day 60. eGFRCysC reclassified 40% of samples to more advanced kidney dysfunction. Median eGFRdiff was -4 [-11 to 1.5] mL/min/1.73 m2 at baseline, became more negative during admission and remained significantly different at day 60. The change in eGFRdiff between baseline and day 3 or 4 was associated with readmission-free survival (adjusted hazard ratio per standard deviation decrease in eGFRdiff : 1.14, P = 0.035). Longer index hospitalization LOS and readmission were associated with more negative eGFRdiff at day 60 (both P ≤ 0.026 in adjusted models). CONCLUSIONS: In acute HF, a marked difference between eGFRCysC and eGFRsCr is present at baseline, becomes more pronounced during hospitalization, and is sustained at 60 day follow-up. The change in eGFRdiff during HF admission and eGFRdiff at day 60 are associated with clinical outcomes.

Epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of infective endocarditis: a single-center retrospective study in the Bronx, New York.

OBJECTIVE: There is paucity of data on the epidemiological, microbiological, and clinical characteristics of patients admitted with infective endocarditis (IE) in the Bronx, New York. PATIENT AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study at Jacobi Medical Center, a tertiary care hospital in the Bronx. All adult patients who were hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of new-onset IE between January 1st, 2010 and September 30th, 2020 were included. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. A logistic regression model was used to identify baseline variables associated with in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: 182 patients were included in this analysis (female sex: 38.5%, median age: 54 years). 46 patients (25.3%) reported intravenous drug use. 153 patients (84.1%) had positive blood cultures. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was the most common isolated pathogen (45.1% of monomicrobial IE). Nearly half of the cases secondary to S. aureus were methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (34/69). 164 patients (90.1%) were diagnosed with native valve IE. The mitral valve was involved in 32.4% of patients followed by the aortic valve (19.8%). The in-hospital mortality was 18.1%. The mortality was higher in the cohort 2010-2015 compared to the cohort 2016-2020 (22.1% vs 14.6%). Increasing age, MRSA IE, and active malignancy were the only variables found to have significant association with in-hospital death. CONCLUSION: S. aureus was the most common causative agent and MRSA accounted for about half of the S. aureus IE cases. The incidence of IE in patients with intravenous drug use increased over time, while the median age decreased. The in-hospital death rate was higher in 2010-2015 compared to 2016-2020.

Exploring the Changes in Code Status During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Implications for Future Pandemic Care.

Objective: We aim to explore patterns of inpatient code status during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with a similar timeframe the previous year, as well as utilization of palliative care services.Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study using data from the Montefiore Health system of all inpatient admissions between March 15-May 31, 2019 and March 15-May 31, 2020. Univariate logistic regression was performed with full code status as the outcome. All statistically significant variables were included in the multivariable logistic regression.Results: The total number of admissions declined during the pandemic (16844 vs 11637). A lower proportion of patients had full code status during the pandemic (85.1% vs 94%, P < .001) at the time of discharge/death. There was a 20% relative increase in the number of palliative care consultations during the pandemic (12.2% vs 10.5%, P < .001). Intubated patients were less often full code (66.5% vs 82.2%, P < .001) during the pandemic. Although a lower portion of COVID-19 positive patients had a full code status compared with non-COVID patients (77.6% vs 92.4%, P<.001), there was no statistically significant difference in code status at death (38.3% vs 38.3%, P = .96).Conclusions: The proportion of full code patients was significantly lower during the pandemic. Age and COVID status were the key determinants of code status during the pandemic. There was a higher demand for palliative care services during the pandemic.

Current Advancement in Diagnosing Atrial Fibrillation by Utilizing Wearable Devices and Artificial Intelligence: A Review Study.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia affecting 8-10% of the population older than 80 years old. The importance of early diagnosis of atrial fibrillation has been broadly recognized since arrhythmias significantly increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy with reduced cardiac function. However, the prevalence of atrial fibrillation is often underestimated due to the high frequency of clinically silent atrial fibrillation as well as paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, both of which are hard to catch by routine physical examination or 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). The development of wearable devices has provided a reliable way for healthcare providers to uncover undiagnosed atrial fibrillation in the population, especially those most at risk. Furthermore, with the advancement of artificial intelligence and machine learning, the technology is now able to utilize the database in assisting detection of arrhythmias from the data collected by the devices. In this review study, we compare the different wearable devices available on the market and review the current advancement in artificial intelligence in diagnosing atrial fibrillation. We believe that with the aid of the progressive development of technologies, the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation shall be made more effectively and accurately in the near future.

Statin Use in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: A Comprehensive Analysis of the New York City Public Hospital System.

INTRODUCTION: Statins have been commonly used for primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention. We hypothesized that statins may improve in-hospital outcomes for hospitalized patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to its known anti-inflammatory effects. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study at the largest municipal health care system in the United States, including adult patients who were hospitalized for COVID-19 between March 1 and December 1, 2020. The primary endpoint was in-hospital death. Propensity score matching was conducted to balance possible confounding variables between patients receiving statins during hospitalization (statin group) and those not receiving statins (non-statin group). Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of statin use and other variables with in-hospital outcomes. RESULTS: There were 8897 patients eligible for study enrollment, with 3359 patients in the statin group and 5538 patients in the non-statin group. After propensity score matching, both the statin and non-statin groups included 2817 patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the statin group had a significantly lower risk of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.63-0.80; P < .001) and mechanical ventilation (OR 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.71-0.90; P < .001) compared with the non-statin group. CONCLUSION: Statin use was associated with lower likelihood of in-hospital mortality and invasive mechanical ventilation in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Elevated red cell distribution width and cardiovascular mortality in ASCVD risk cohorts: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III).

BACKGROUND: Although red cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality, the relationship between an elevated RDW and cardiovascular mortality among various ASCVD risk groups is unknown. METHODS: We utilized the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III, which uses a complex, multistage, clustered design to represent the civilian, community-based US population. Out of 30,818 subjects whose data were entered during the 1988-1994 period, 8884 subjects over 40 years of age, representing a weighted sample of 85,323,902 patients, were selected after excluding missing variables. The ACC/AHA pooled cohort equation (PCE) was used to calculate atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, and low (<7.5%), intermediate (7.5-20%), and high (>20%) risk groups were created. The primary endpoint was cardiovascular mortality. A multivariate proportional hazard regression was performed using the Fine and Gray (sub-distribution) method. Red cell distribution (RDW), C-reactive protein (CRP), age, sex, race, diabetes, smoking status, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were used as covariates in each of the ACC/AHA pooled cohort risk groups. RESULTS: The adjusted hazard ratios for RDW >14 (Normal range 12.5-14.5 %) as compared to <13 were 2.79 (95% confidence intervals (95% CI) 2.77-2.81, p < 0.01), 2.02 (95% CI 2.01-2.02, p < 0.01), 1.18 (95% CI 1.18-1.18, p < 0.01) in the low, intermediate and high-risk groups respectively. The 20-year cumulative cardiovascular mortality (RDW >14 vs. <13) was 4% vs. 1.3% low, 17.7% vs. 7.7% in intermediate and 28.1% vs. 24.6% in high ASCVD risk groups respectively. CONCLUSION: Our findings support that measurement of RDW in the intermediate ASCVD group may be clinically valuable for further risk stratification and prognostication in the general population of people aged more than 40 years of age with regards to identifying those at an increased risk for cardiovascular mortality.

Obesity, Inflammation, and Mortality in COVID-19: An Observational Study from the Public Health Care System of New York City.

Severe obesity increases the risk for negative outcomes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Our objectives were to investigate the effect of BMI on in-hospital outcomes in our New York City Health and Hospitals' ethnically diverse population, further explore this effect by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and timing of admission, and, given the relationship between COVID-19 and hyperinflammation, assess the concentrations of markers of systemic inflammation in different BMI groups. A retrospective study was conducted in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in the public health care system of New York City from 1 March 2020 to 31 October 2020. A total of 8833 patients were included in this analysis (women: 3593, median age: 62 years). The median body mass index (BMI) was 27.9 kg/m2. Both overweight and obesity were independently associated with in-hospital death. The association of overweight and obesity with death appeared to be stronger in men, younger patients, and individuals of Hispanic ethnicity. We did not observe higher concentrations of inflammatory markers in patients with obesity as compared to those without obesity. In conclusion, overweight and obesity were independently associated with in-hospital death. Obesity was not associated with higher concentrations of inflammatory markers.

Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) - A New Paradigm for the Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third leading cause of cardiovascular mortality. Patients with PE can present with a wide array of symptoms, ranging from mild to life threatening. The mainstay of PE treatment is anticoagulation; however, many advanced options are available for more severe patients, including catheter- directed interventions, surgical treatments, and hemodynamic support. Although different risk scores and clinical guidelines exist, the primary treating teams are frequently left uncertain on the most suitable treatment for a specific complex patient. Pulmonary Embolism Response Teams (PERT), composed of multidisciplinary experts, have emerged and been implemented in many centers and are available 24 hours a day to help guide the primary team. PERTs have changed the way complex PE patients are managed. In centers with a PERT, teams are called upon very frequently, and there is a significant increase in the use of advanced treatments for PE, although there are differences between centers based upon the center's specific PERT protocol and available capabilities. As PE is an evolving area, and more studies are necessary, PERTs around the world can help advance the field and improve the treatment offered to PE patients.