Outcomes of percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion device implantation in atrial fibrillation patients based on underlying stroke risk.

AIMS: To determine outcomes in atrial fibrillation patients undergoing percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) based on the underlying stroke risk (defined by the CHA2DS2-VASc score). METHODS AND RESULTS: Data were extracted from the National Inpatient Sample for calendar years 2016-20. Left atrial appendage occlusion implantations were identified on the basis of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification code of 02L73DK. The study sample was stratified on the basis of the CHA2DS2-VASc score into three groups (scores of 3, 4, and ≥5). The outcomes assessed in our study included complications and resource utilization. A total of 73 795 LAAO device implantations were studied. Approximately 63% of LAAO device implantations occurred in patients with CHA2DS2-VASc scores of 4 and ≥5. The crude prevalence of pericardial effusion requiring intervention was higher with increased CHA2DS2-VASc score (1.4% in patients with a score of ≥5 vs. 1.1% in patients with a score of 4 vs. 0.8% in patients with a score of 3, P < 0.01). In the multivariable model adjusted for potential confounders, CHA2DS2-VASc scores of 4 and ≥5 were found to be independently associated with overall complications [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18-1.35, and aOR 1.88, 95% CI 1.73-2.04, respectively] and prolonged length of stay (aOR 1.18, 95% CI 1.11-1.25, and aOR 1.54, 95% CI 1.44-1.66, respectively). CONCLUSION: A higher CHA2DS2-VASc score was associated with an increased risk of peri-procedural complications and resource utilization after LAAO. These findings highlight the importance of patient selection for the LAAO procedure and need validation in future studies.

Meta-Analysis on the Impact of Ventricular Arrhythmias on Mortality in Patients With Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices.

Patients with continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (CFLVADs) have an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias (VA), but the impact of VA on survival is unclear. A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted to identify studies that reported the impact of VA on all-cause mortality and right ventricular failure (RVF) in patients with CFLVAD. The Mantel-Haenszel method was used to calculate the 95% confidence interval (CI) and pooled risk ratio (RR) with a random-effects model. A total of 19 observational studies with 4,544 patients and a median follow-up of 18.5 months (interquartile range 11.5 to 26.4) were included. There was statistically significantly higher mortality in patients with any VA than in those with no VA after CFLVAD implantation (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.75, p = 0.04, I2 = 78%). On sensitivity analysis, after removing the largest study by Rehorn et al,10 the association between overall mortality and VA was lost, suggesting that these results should be interpreted with caution. Early VA developing within 30 days after implantation was associated with a higher risk of mortality (RR 1.37, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.63, p <0.01, I2 = 52%), whereas late VA developing after 30 days after CFLVAD implantation was not associated with any significant difference in mortality (RR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.80 to 1.24; p = 0.98, I2 = 35%). In addition, there was a statistically significant higher risk of RVF in patients with VA than in those with no VA (RR 1.58, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.08, p <0.01, I2 = 0%). In conclusion, in patients with CFLVAD, the development of any VA was associated with a 33% higher risk of all-cause mortality. Early VA developing within 30 days after implantation was significantly associated with a higher risk of mortality, whereas late VA was not associated with mortality. VA after left ventricular assist device was significantly associated with a higher risk of developing RVF.

Aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular outcomes in diabetes mellitus: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of aspirin for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes mellitus remains controversial. DESIGN: A meta-analysis to investigate the effects of aspirin for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Ten randomized controlled trials were selected using MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases until 27 September 2018. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and risk differences (RDs) reported as incident events per 1000 person-years were calculated. RESULTS: In 33,679 patients, aspirin did not significantly reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular outcomes (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87-1.00, P = 0.06; RD -0.68 incident cases per 1000 person-years (95% CI -1.54, 0.17)), cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.83-1.09, P = 0.49; RD 0.11 incident cases per 1000 person-years (95% CI -0.80, 1.02)), myocardial infarction (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.75-1.11, P = 0.36; RD -0.66 incident cases per 1000 person-years (95% CI -2.07, 0.75)), or stroke (RR 0.91, 95% C, 0.76-1.10, P = 0.33; RD -0.55 incident cases per 1000 person-years (95% CI -1.57, 0.47)). There was a significantly higher risk of total bleeding associated with aspirin (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.07-1.55, P = 0.01; RD 1.49 incident cases per 1000 person-years (95% CI 0.36, 2.61)). CONCLUSION: The use of aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes mellitus increases the risk of total bleeding without reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Dissecting Cellulitis of the Scalp: A Rare Dermatological Manifestation of Crohn's Disease.

Dissecting cellulitis is an inflammatory disease of the skin. We report a case of recurrent dissecting cellulitis in a patient with Crohn's disease. A 31-year-old man with a history of purulent scalp lesions presented with night sweats, weight loss, abdominal pain, and hematochezia. Colonoscopy revealed a diffuse friable mucosa with extensive pseudopolyps. Scalp biopsy demonstrated epidermoid inclusion cysts with granulation tissue and chronic inflammatory cell infiltration, indicative of dissecting cellulitis. The incidence of dissecting cellulitis with Crohn's disease is underreported. This dermatologic condition has a tendency to recur, and considering an underlying disease is key for its appropriate treatment.