Empagliflozin and Cardiovascular and Kidney Outcomes across KDIGO Risk Categories: Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multinational Trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the Empagliflozin Cardiovascular Outcome Event Trial in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients (EMPA-REG Outcome), empagliflozin, in addition to standard of care, significantly reduced risk of cardiovascular death by 38%, hospitalization for heart failure by 35%, and incident or worsening nephropathy by 39% compared with placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. Using EMPA-REG Outcome data, we assessed whether the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) CKD classification had an influence on the treatment effect of empagliflozin. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: Patients with type 2 diabetes, established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and eGFR≥30 ml/min per 1.73 m2 at screening were randomized to receive empagliflozin 10 mg, empagliflozin 25 mg, or placebo once daily in addition to standard of care. Post hoc, we analyzed cardiovascular and kidney outcomes, and safety, using the two-dimensional KDIGO classification framework. RESULTS: Of 6952 patients with baseline eGFR and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio values, 47%, 29%, 15%, and 8% were classified into low, moderately increased, high, and very high KDIGO risk categories, respectively. Empagliflozin showed consistent risk reductions across KDIGO categories for cardiovascular outcomes (P values for treatment by subgroup interactions ranged from 0.26 to 0.85) and kidney outcomes (P values for treatment by subgroup interactions ranged from 0.16 to 0.60). In all KDIGO risk categories, placebo and empagliflozin had similar adverse event rates, the notable exception being genital infection events, which were more common with empagliflozin for each category. CONCLUSIONS: The observed effects of empagliflozin versus placebo on cardiovascular and kidney outcomes were consistent across the KDIGO risk categories, indicating that the effect of treatment benefit of empagliflozin was unaffected by baseline CKD status. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NAME AND REGISTRATION NUMBER: EMPA-REG OUTCOME, NCT01131676.

Paroxysmal Ventricular Standstill: A Rare Cardiac Manifestation of Syncope.

BACKGROUND Transient abrupt loss of consciousness due to sudden but pronounced decrease in cardiac output caused by a change in heart rate and rhythm is termed Stokes-Adams disease. Causes of Stokes-Adams syndrome are 1) transition from normal rhythm to high grade block, 2) slowing of idioventricular rhythm in the course of complete heart block, and 3) abnormal ventricular rhythm such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Paroxysmal ventricular standstill is one of the rarest causes of Stokes-Adams attack. It is well documented that some patients with a diagnosis of epilepsy actually have a cardiac cause for their convulsions. Brevity of these episodes sometimes makes diagnosis difficult. CASE REPORT We present a case of 40-year-old builder who was normally fit and healthy who developed paroxysmal ventricular standstill. He presented to the Emergency Department with multiple episodes of seizure-like activity. Blood tests which included antibody screen were normal except for hypophosphatemia. Computed tomography head scan was normal. He was commenced on intravenous phenytoin infusion which did not abort his seizure-like episodes. Eventually, ventricular standstill was recorded on cardiac monitoring. The seizure-like episodes were determined to be Stokes-Adams attacks. He underwent transcutaneous pacing and then transvenous pacing with eventual permanent pacemaker insertion. He did not have further episodes at yearly follow-up. CONCLUSIONS This case serves as a reminder of the diagnostic dilemma between syncope and seizures. Misdiagnosing cardiac dysrhythmia for epilepsy could lead to adverse consequences for the patient. It is incumbent upon the emergency physician to perform cardiac monitoring on all patients who present with syncope or convulsion in order that dysrhythmia is observed during such episode.

A complicated chinese herbal medicine nephrotoxicity.

Chinese herbal medicine is widely used globally. In many instances, it is associated with severe adverse outcomes. We report case of a Chinese herbal nephropathy occurring in a 43-year-old woman showing renal impairment, metabolic acidosis, Stokes - Adams syndrome, hypernatremia, and hypokalemia, characteristics not usually encountered in published cases.

Emergency Physician Attitudes, Preferences, and Risk Tolerance for Stroke as a Potential Cause of Dizziness Symptoms.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated emergency physicians' (EP) current perceptions, practice, and attitudes towards evaluating stroke as a cause of dizziness among emergency department patients. METHODS: We administered a survey to all EPs in a large integrated healthcare delivery system. The survey included clinical vignettes, perceived utility of historical and exam elements, attitudes about the value of and requisite post-test probability of a clinical prediction rule for dizziness. We calculated descriptive statistics and post-test probabilities for such a clinical prediction rule. RESULTS: The response rate was 68% (366/535). Respondents' median practice tenure was eight years (37% female, 92% emergency medicine board certified). Symptom quality and typical vascular risk factors increased suspicion for stroke as a cause of dizziness. Most respondents reported obtaining head computed tomography (CT) (74%). Nearly all respondents used and felt confident using cranial nerve and limb strength testing. A substantial minority of EPs used the Epley maneuver (49%) and HINTS (head-thrust test, gaze-evoked nystagmus, and skew deviation) testing (30%); however, few EPs reported confidence in these tests' bedside application (35% and 16%, respectively). Respondents favorably viewed applying a properly validated clinical prediction rule for assessment of immediate and 30-day stroke risk, but indicated it would have to reduce stroke risk to <0.5% to be clinically useful. CONCLUSION: EPs report relying on symptom quality, vascular risk factors, simple physical exam elements, and head CT to diagnose stroke as the cause of dizziness, but would find a validated clinical prediction rule for dizziness helpful. A clinical prediction rule would have to achieve a 0.5% post-test stroke probability for acceptability.

Speech pathologists' experiences with stroke clinical practice guidelines and the barriers and facilitators influencing their use: a national descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: Communication and swallowing disorders are a common consequence of stroke. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been created to assist health professionals to put research evidence into clinical practice and can improve stroke care outcomes. However, CPGs are often not successfully implemented in clinical practice and research is needed to explore the factors that influence speech pathologists' implementation of stroke CPGs. This study aimed to describe speech pathologists' experiences and current use of guidelines, and to identify what factors influence speech pathologists' implementation of stroke CPGs. METHODS: Speech pathologists working in stroke rehabilitation who had used a stroke CPG were invited to complete a 39-item online survey. Content analysis and descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. RESULTS: 320 participants from all states and territories of Australia were surveyed. Almost all speech pathologists had used a stroke CPG and had found the guideline "somewhat useful" or "very useful". Factors that speech pathologists perceived influenced CPG implementation included the: (a) guideline itself, (b) work environment, (c) aspects related to the speech pathologist themselves, (d) patient characteristics, and (e) types of implementation strategies provided. CONCLUSIONS: There are many different factors that can influence speech pathologists' implementation of CPGs. The factors that influenced the implementation of CPGs can be understood in terms of knowledge creation and implementation frameworks. Speech pathologists should continue to adapt the stroke CPG to their local work environment and evaluate their use. To enhance guideline implementation, they may benefit from a combination of educational meetings and resources, outreach visits, support from senior colleagues, and audit and feedback strategies.

Síndrome de Lance Adams / Lance Adams Syndrome

La mioclonía poshipoxia crónica o síndrome de Lance Adams es una complicación rara que se produce en pacientes que sobreviven a la hipoxia o la hipotensión prolongada, días o semanas después del daño cerebral. Se presentó un caso con este síndrome, secundario a shock hipovolémico por embarazo ectópico roto. El electroencefalograma con ausencia de paroxismos apoya el origen subcortical de las mioclonías, con respuesta favorable al alonazepán. Se detallaron estudios de neuroimagen y potenciales evocados auditivos de tallo cerebral(AU)

The chronic poshipoxia myoclonus or Lance Adams syndrome is a rare complication that occurs in patients who survive prolonged hypoxia or hypotension, days or weeks after the complication. A case with this syndrome, hypovolemic shock secondary to a ruptured ectopic pregnancy is presented. EEG with no paroxysms supports the origin of myoclonus subcortical with favorable response to alonazepán. Neuroimaging and auditory evoked potentials and brainstem studies were detailed(AU)

Adams-Stokes attack as the first symptom of acute rheumatic fever: report of an adolescent case and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Acquired complete heart block, in pediatric age is mainly the results of direct injury to conduction tissue during cardiac surgery or cardiac catheterisation. It can also be observed in different clinical settings as infectious diseases, neoplasia, and inflammatory diseases. It has a wide range of presentation and in some settings it can appear a dramatic event. Although a rare finding during acute rheumatic fever, with a transient course, it may need a specific and intensive treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of an Adams-Stokes attack in an adolescent with acute rheumatic carditis and complete atrio-ventricular block. The attack was the first symptom of carditis.We reviewed the literature and could find 25 cases of complete atrio-ventricular block due to rheumatic fever. Ten of the 25 patients experienced an Adams-Stokes attack. Nineteen of the 25 patients were certainly in the pediatric age group. Seven of the 19 pediatric cases experienced an Adams-Stokes attack. In 16/25 cases, the duration of the atrio-ventricular block was reported: it lasted from a few minutes to ten days. Pacemaker implantation was necessary in 7 cases. CONCLUSION: Rheumatic fever must be kept in mind in the diagnostic work-up of patients with acquired complete atrio-ventricular block, particularly when it occurs in pediatric patients. The insertion of a temporary pacemaker should be considered when complete atrio-ventricular block determines Adams-Stokes attacks. Complete heart block during acute rheumatic fever is rare and is usually transient. Along with endocarditis, myocarditis and pericarditis, complete atrio-ventricular block has been recognized, rarely, during the course of acute rheumatic carditis.

Análisis preliminar del cuestionario Potenziani para la validación diagnóstica del hipogonadismo de comienzo tardío y su concordancia con los cuestionarios de Heinemann (AMS) y de Morley (ADAM) / Preliminary analysis of the Potenziani questionnaire for the late onset hypogonadism diagnostic validation and its concordance with the Heinemann (AMS) and Morley (ADAM) questionnaires

Hipogonadismo de comienzo tardío, es una condición que afecta 6% al 12% de hombres entre 40 y 70 años y aun así, está subdiagnosticada, por lo que se propone un cuestionario de validación diagnóstica, con el objetivo de lograr mayor sensibilidad, especifidad y predictividad que los cuestionarios ya existentes. Se analizaron 107 hombres entre 45 y 70 años, con disminución del entusiasmo en actividad diaria, cansancio fácil, menor productividad en su trabajo, cambios del humor con propensión a la irritabilidad, disminución de su masa magra muscular, con tendencia al sobrepeso y afectación en actividades recreativas y deportivas. Se hizo interrogatorio exhaustivo, examen físico y pruebas de laboratorio (perfil 20, perfil hormonal urológico masculino, antígeno prostático específico total, libre y relación libre/total, examen de orina y urocultivo). Se solicitó contestar al paciente tres cuestionarios de validación diagnóstica del hipogonadismo de comienzo tardío: Heinemann AMS (Ageing Males Survey-1999, St. Louis University, Androgen Deficiency in Aging Male), Morley ADAM-2000 y el cuestionario de validadción diagnóstica del hipogonadismo de comienzo tardío-Potenziani-2007, para ser comparados y demostrar su validez con pruebas de especificidad y sensibilidad, índice de Youden, pruebas de concordancia con intervalos de confianza del 95%, en relación al diagnóstico bioquímico del hipogonadismo de comienzo tardío. Los resultados arrojaron que el cuestionario "Potenziani" fue más sensible (88,57%), fue más específico (41,67%), tuvo el índice de validez más alto (57,01%) y el valor predictivo positivo más alto de los tres cuestionarios con el 42,5%. Por tal motivo se ha demostrado que el cuestionario propuesto es más adecuado que Heineman-AMS y el Morley-ADAM en la aproximación diagnóstica del síndrome de hipogonadismo de comienzo tardio

Late onset hypogonadism a condition which affect 6%-12% of men between 40-70 years old, and still it is subdiagnosed for which we did a validation questionnaire with the objetive to be more sensitive, especific and predictive that old questionnaires. We analized 107 men with ages between 45-70 years old whom consulted for libido deterioration, erectile dysfunction, less enthusiasm of daily life, less work-productivity, easy tiredness, humor changes with irritability, less muscle mass, overweight, and deterioration of sexual life in general. We performed exhaustive interrogatory, physical examination, and laboratoty test (20 profile, hormonal-urologic profile, prostatic specific antigen, urine and urocultive). We ask them to complete three questionnaires of late onset hypogonadism diagnostic validation: Heinemann AMS, Morley ADAM, Potenziani 2007, to be compared and show its validity with specificity and sensibility tests, Youden Index, test of concordance with confidence interval of 95%, in relation to biochemical diagnosis of deficiency testosterone syndrome. The results were that the Potenziani`s cuestionary was more sensible (88.57%), more specific (41.67%), with the validation index more high (57.01%) and with the positive predictive value more high too (42.5%). For that reason we show that Potenziani`s validation questionnaire of late onset hypogonadism, is more adecuate in the diagnostic aproximation of this condition

Síndrome de bridas amnióticas: caso clínico y revisión del tema / Amniotic band syndrome: case report and review of the literatura

El síndrome de bridas amnióticas (SBA) es un conjunto de anomalías congénitas, que asocia lesiones por constricción o amputación de miembros o dedos, asociado a la presencia de bridas amnióticas. Es una entidad con baja incidencia y suele ser de aparición esporádica. Suele cursar con anillos de constricción en la parte distal de los miembros o en los dedos o en casos más graves presentar amputación completa de miembros u asociación con otras malformaciones. El diagnóstico prenatal se produce sólo en el 29-50% de los casos. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con diagnóstico ecográfico de brida amniótica en la semana 12 de gestación (AU)

Amniotic band syndrome is a set of congenital birth defects consisting of constriction rings and limb or digit amputations, associated with the presence of amniotic bands. The incidence of this complication is low and its occurrence is sporadic. This syndrome usually causes constriction rings in the distal end of limbs or digits, which, in severe cases, can lead to complete amputation of the limbs or other malformations. Only 29-50% of cases are diagnosed prenatally. We report the case of a patient with an ultrasonographic diagnosis of amniotic band syndrome in week 12 of pregnancy (AU)

Aubrey Leatham and the introduction of cardiac pacing to the UK.

In the early 1950s, Dr Aubrey Leatham established a cardiac unit at St. George's Hospital, Hyde Park Corner, London. He developed and taught the essential clinical skill of cardiac auscultation. Under his guidance a clinical department for the care of cardiac patients was developed and coupled to physiological academic research. He was a pioneer in cardiac pacing and, in 1961, Harold Siddons, O'Neal Humphries, and Aubrey Leatham implanted the first 'indwelling' pacemaker in the UK in a 65-year-old man with repeated Stokes-Adams attacks due to complete heart block. The nickel-cadmium 'accumulator', which powered the pacemaker, had to be recharged once a week.

Convulsive syncope: a condition to be differentiated from epilepsy.

The clinical presentation of epilepsy and syncope can be confusingly similar. We present a patient with reflex syncopal episodes that mimic seizures using video-EEG recordings. During the episodes, head/eye deviations, automatisms and dystonic movements, suggesting an epileptic seizure, were observed. The EEG revealed diffuse slow waves when the patient lost consciousness and complete cessation of the cerebral activity occurred when the dystonic movements started. On ECG recordings, bradycardia, followed by complete asystolia lasting for 40 seconds, was observed. We conclude that the differential diagnosis of epilepsy and syncope can be quite misleading and clinical features may not always be reliable. In cases where diagnosis is uncertain, circulatory and cardiac causes should always be kept in mind and video-EEG with simultaneous cardiac recordings are mandatory for accuracy of diagnosis.

Cardiac pacemaker treatment of heart block in Enugu a 5-year review.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic heart block is a treatable cardiac cause of death which occurs globally. In Nigeria it is increasingly diagnosed and treated with permanent artificial cardiac pacemaker insertion and pulse generator implantation, sometimes after a period of misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. METHODS: Twenty-three patients who were diagnosed with symptomatic heart block and surgically treated with permanent artificial cardiac pacemaker in National Cardiothoracic Centre, Enugu, between April 2001 and March 2006 had their case notes retrospectively reviewed and information entered into a proforma. This was analyzed. Patients diagnosed with symptomatic heart block but not treated with artificial cardiac pacemaker insertion were excluded from the study. There were eight such patients who could not afford the cost of surgical treatment during the period under review. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 70 years and the commonest presentation was shortness of breath (100%). Hypertensive heart disease was present in 65% of the patients and a history of chronic chloroquine usage was positive in 73% of the patients. Predominant pretreatment pulse rate was in the range of 30-40 per minute (43%) while 21% of the patients had pulse rate below 30 per minute. These categories of patients commonly had Stoke-Adams syndrome. Sixty-seven per cent of the patients had predominantly systolic hypertension on admission and 16% had hypotension. Third degree heart block was present in 65% of the patients and 89% of all patients needed pre-pacing haemodynamic stabilization with positive inotropic/chronotropic drug(s). Treatment consisted of permanent endocardial pacing in 65% and epicardial pacing in 35% of the patients with equally good response in symptoms, haemodynamic parameters and electrocardiographic features. CONCLUSION: Permanent artificial cardiac pacing is, the reliable treatment of symptomatic heart block and should be included in the National Health Insurance Scheme list.

Unrecognized paroxysmal ventricular standstill masquerading as epilepsy: a Stokes-Adams attack.

Recognition of cardiac syncope masquerading as epilepsy may be difficult in the Emergency Department. We report a middle-aged man with recent onset convulsions who posed a diagnostic puzzle before it was found that he had paroxysmal ventricular standstill with complete atrioventricular block: he made a complete recovery after temporary pacemaker insertion. The main lessons from this case were (1) a convulsive seizure of only seconds duration and with an abrupt return of consciousness suggests syncope not epilepsy, (2) repeated, convulsive syncopes without provocation suggest cardiac syncope, (3) a 12-lead ECG should be recorded as soon as possible after such a series of episodes and should not be discontinued until an event is captured, and (4) Emergency Department clinicians should be familiar with any automatic gain on their ECG machine, lest fast, atrial activity be mistaken for narrow complex tachycardia. In summary, a good clinical history is of prime importance in differentiating convulsive syncope from epilepsy, and a simple, non-invasive cardiovascular evaluation may help to diagnose the condition as cardiac syncope.

Hemiblocks revisited.

The trifascicular nature of the intraventricular conduction system and the concept of trifascicular block and hemiblock were described by Rosenbaum and his coworkers in 1968. Since then, anatomic, pathological, electrophysiological, and clinical studies have confirmed the original description and scarce advances have been developed on the subject. In the present study, we attempt to review and redefine reliable criteria for the electrocardiographic and vectorcardiographic diagnosis of left anterior and posterior hemiblock. One of the most important problems related to hemiblocks is that they may simulate or conceal the electrocardiographic signs of myocardial infarction or myocardial ischemia and may mask or simulate ventricular hypertrophy. Illustrative examples of these associations are shown to help the interpretation of electrocardiograms. The incidence and prevalence of the hemiblocks is presented based on studies performed in hospital patients and general populations. One of the most common causes of hemiblocks is coronary artery disease, and there is a particularly frequent association between anteroseptal myocardial infarction and left anterior hemiblock. The second most important cause is arterial hypertension, followed by cardiomyopathies and Lev and Lenègre diseases. The hemiblocks may also occur in aortic heart disease and congenital cardiopathies. Left anterior hemiblock is more common in men and increases in frequency with advancing age. Evidence is presented regarding the relationship of spontaneous closure of ventricular septal defects, which may explain the finding of this and other conduction defects in young populations. Isolated left anterior hemiblock is a relatively frequent finding in subjects devoid of evidence of structural heart disease. Conversely, isolated left posterior hemiblock is a very rare finding; its prognostic significance is unknown and is commonly associated with right bundle-branch block. The most remarkable feature of this association is that the prognosis is much more serious with a great propensity to develop complete atrioventricular block and Adams-Stoke seizures.

'Cardiogenic vertigo'--true vertigo as the presenting manifestation of primary cardiac disease.

BACKGROUND: A 90-year-old woman presented to a hospital emergency department with a brief loss of consciousness that was heralded by spinning vertigo lasting approximately 2 min. She had a long history of intermittent brief episodes of rotatory vertigo, presyncope, and non-vertiginous dizziness, occurring either with or without loss of consciousness. Although initially attributed to symptomatic carotid artery stenosis, these episodes persisted, despite surgical restoration of carotid artery blood flow 1 year after her first syncope. Her medical history was otherwise notable for hypertension, mild depression and a gradual decline in gait and balance function attributed to left hip arthritis and older age. INVESTIGATIONS: Bedside history and examination, non-contrast head CT scan, electrocardiogram, transthoracic echocardiogram, and bedside cardiac telemetry. DIAGNOSIS: Sick sinus syndrome or severe reflex bradycardia with asystole causing recurrent, episodic vertigo, presyncope, non-vertiginous dizziness and syncope (Stokes-Adams attacks). MANAGEMENT: Placement of a temporary pacing wire, followed by surgical implantation of a single-chamber ventricular (VVI) pacemaker.