Variation in risk-adjusted cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) length of stay and the association with in-hospital mortality: An analysis from the Critical Care Cardiology Trials Network (CCCTN) registry.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that there is wide variability in cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) length of stay (LOS); however, these studies are limited by the absence of detailed risk assessment at the time of admission. Thus, we evaluated inter-hospital differences in CICU LOS, and the association between LOS and in-hospital mortality. METHODS: Using data from the Critical Care Cardiology Trials Network (CCCTN) registry, we included 22,862 admissions between 2017 and 2022 from 35 primarily tertiary and quaternary CICUs that captured consecutive admissions in annual 2-month snapshots. The primary analysis compared inter-hospital differences in CICU LOS, as well as the association between CICU LOS and all-cause in-hospital mortality using a Fine and Gray competing risk model. RESULTS: The overall median CICU LOS was 2.2 (1.1-4.8) days, and the median hospital LOS was 5.9 (2.8-12.3) days. Admissions in the longest tertile of LOS tended to be younger with higher rates of pre-existing comorbidities, and had higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores, as well as higher rates of mechanical ventilation, intravenous vasopressor use, mechanical circulatory support, and renal replacement therapy. Unadjusted all-cause in-hospital mortality was 9.3%, 6.7%, and 13.4% in the lowest, intermediate, and highest CICU LOS tertiles. In a competing risk analysis, individual patient CICU LOS was correlated (r2 = 0.31) with a higher risk of 30-day in-hospital mortality. The relationship remained significant in admissions with heart failure, ST-elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. CONCLUSIONS: In a large registry of academic CICUs, we observed significant variation in CICU LOS and report that LOS is independently associated with all-cause in-hospital mortality. These findings could potentially be used to improve CICU resource utilization planning and refine risk prognostication in critically ill cardiovascular patients.

Modes of Death in Patients with Cardiogenic Shock in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit: A Report from the Critical Care Cardiology Trials Network.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on how patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) die. METHODS: The Critical Care Cardiology Trials Network is a research network of cardiac intensive care units coordinated by the Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) Study Group (Boston, MA). Using standardized definitions, site investigators classified direct modes of in-hospital death for CS admissions (October 2021 to September 2022). Mutually exclusive categories included 4 modes of cardiovascular death and 4 modes of noncardiovascular death. Subgroups defined by CS type, preceding cardiac arrest (CA), use of temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS), and transition to comfort measures were evaluated. RESULTS: Among 1068 CS cases, 337 (31.6%) died during the index hospitalization. Overall, the mode of death was cardiovascular in 82.2%. Persistent CS was the dominant specific mode of death (66.5%), followed by arrhythmia (12.8%), anoxic brain injury (6.2%), and respiratory failure (4.5%). Patients with preceding CA were more likely to die from anoxic brain injury (17.1% vs 0.9%; P < .001) or arrhythmia (21.6% vs 8.4%; P < .001). Patients managed with tMCS were more likely to die from persistent shock (P < .01), both cardiogenic (73.5% vs 62.0%) and noncardiogenic (6.1% vs 2.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Most deaths in CS are related to direct cardiovascular causes, particularly persistent CS. However, there is important heterogeneity across subgroups defined by preceding CA and the use of tMCS.

Sex specific considerations in cardiovascular drug therapy.

Despite major advances in cardiac research over the past three decades, cardiovascular disease (CVD) still remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in women and men worldwide. However, a major challenge for health care providers is that the current guidelines for cardiovascular drug therapies do not consider the impact of sex in the development of treatment plan for optimizing therapies for women. Clinical research in recent years suggests significant pharmacological and pharmacokinetic differences between females and males which have been attributed in part to differences in body composition, plasma protein binding capacity, drug metabolism and excretion. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review regarding sex- specific differences and drugs commonly used for cardiovascular diseases in women and men. Understanding how sex related differences influence drug efficacy and cardiovascular disease outcomes is crucial for not only optimizing treatment strategies for women and men but to encourage the implementation of specific guidelines that address sex difference as a consideration for treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA): a review of pathophysiology and management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) (≥ 50% stenosis) accounts for 5-8% of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) presentations. The demographic characteristics, risk factors, and management of patients with MINOCA differ from those with atherosclerotic ACS. The objective of this review is to provide a contemporary understanding of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of MINOCA. RECENT FINDINGS: MINOCA is increasingly being recognized as an important and distinct cause of myocardial infarction among patients presenting with ACS. The predominant pathophysiologic mechanisms of MINOCA include both coronary (epicardial vasospasm, coronary microvascular disorder, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, coronary thrombus/embolism) and noncoronary (Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, myocarditis) pathologies. Coronary imaging with intravascular ultrasound and optical coherent tomography, coronary physiology testing, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging offers important investigative modalities to facilitate diagnosis for appropriate management of MINOCA patients. SUMMARY: MINOCA is an important cause of ACS observed in certain patients with unique challenges for diagnosis and management. A high index of suspicion and a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation are critical for early recognition and successful management.

Antithrombotic therapy after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: current perspective.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has expanded as a treatment option for severe aortic stenosis throughout the surgical risk spectrum. Decreasing procedural risk and inclusion of lower risk population has shifted the focus to optimization of postprocedural management and balancing the thrombotic and bleeding complications. In this review, we outline various patient and procedure related factors affecting choice of antithrombotic therapy post TAVR and provide an update of recent development in this area. RECENT FINDINGS: Multiple studies have confirmed the high incidence of both ischemic and bleeding complications in the early to midterm post-TAVR. In addition, new data has emerged for the role of high resolution computed tomography to detect decreased leaflet mobility and leaflet micro thrombi associated with implications for bioprosthetic valve dysfunction and cerebrovascular events post TAVR. Randomized clinical trials have reported increased bleeding with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and oral anticoagulation (OAC) plus antiplatelet therapy. These findings suggest that aspirin monotherapy or OAC monotherapy likely provides the appropriate balance for antithrombotic protection and risk of bleeding. SUMMARY: Majority of patients undergoing TAVR have multiple comorbidities and are at increased risk of ischemic and bleeding complications. In the absence of robust clinical evidence, there is significant variability among guideline recommendations and antithrombotic therapy post TAVR across institutions. The available evidence confirms a high rate of bleeding with more potent and prolonged antithrombotic regimens without a documented benefit for clinical endpoints. The authors favor a conservative anti thrombotic approach and suggest monotherapy with aspirin or systemic anticoagulation based upon an individual's risk of thromboembolic complications. DAPT is reserved for patients with recent stenting and OAC plus aspirin is prescribed for patients with established CAD in the post TAVR setting.

Second-generation sequencing assistance in the diagnosis of Pasteurella multocida empyema: A case report. / 二代测序协助诊断多杀巴斯德菌脓胸1例.

Pasteurella multocida empyema is rare and easy to be misdiagnosed. An 81-year-old male patient showed symptoms with cough, sputum, and fever for 3 days. Community-acquired pneumonia was diagnosed firstly. After anti-infection treatment, the patient was still in fever. Chest radiography showed pleural effusion, closed thoracic drainage was performed and the reddish-brown fluid was drained out. The second-generation sequencing was performed on pleural fluid and Pasteurella multocida was detected. Pasteurella multocida has strict requirements for growth conditions and it difficult to cultivate. The application of second-generation sequencing is helpful to diagnose the pathogen rapidly.

Assessment and management of coronary artery disease in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is commonly observed in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Significant variability exists across institutions for strategies used for CAD diagnosis and its management. The heart team often relies upon traditional practice patterns and the decision for revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is influenced by patient, angiographic, operator, and system-related factors. RECENT FINDINGS: Contemporary coronary tomography angiography (CTA) shows significant promise for detection of clinically important CAD and preliminary data support CTA use for TAVR patients. The prognostic implications of CAD in a TAVR population remain unclear with studies showing conflicting data for the benefits of PCI. Recent trials show that medical management is an effective initial treatment strategy for stable CAD, a finding likely also applicable for asymptomatic and stable TAVR patients. In addition, PCI performed pre-TAVR, concomitant with TAVR or after TAVR has been shown to produce similar outcomes. Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is mandated after PCI but associated with increased risk of bleeding in TAVR population with accumulating evidence for single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) post-TAVR unless DAPT or anticoagulation is indicated for another reason. SUMMARY: Although coronary angiography remains the predominant modality for CAD assessment, CTA is increasingly being used in TAVR patients. There is limited evidence to guide CAD management in TAVR patients with significant variability in practice patterns. Medical therapy is recommended for asymptomatic and stable CAD patients with applicability for TAVR population. Despite prior concerns, recent studies suggest successful coronary access post-TAVR and similar outcomes for PCI offered pre-TAVR, concomitant with TAVR and post-TAVR settings. Safety of DAPT should be an important consideration for PCI in TAVR patients. Ongoing studies will determine the preferred testing for CAD diagnosis, benefit of revascularization, timing of PCI, and optimum antithrombotic therapy for TAVR populations.

Percutaneous management of coronary bifurcation lesions: current perspective.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Coronary artery disease affecting bifurcations poses a challenge for percutaneous intervention. Several techniques and strategies for percutaneous management of bifurcation lesions have been described in the literature with variable data available for outcomes. In this review, we provide an overview of the strategies and techniques used for percutaneous intervention of bifurcation lesions with an update of recent technical developments and clinical evidence. RECENT FINDINGS: The coronary bifurcation lesions of both left main and other coronary segments are best treated with a provisional stenting strategy where main branch is treated with a stent placement and side branch intervention reserved for angiographically or physiologically determined hemodynamically significant residual stenosis despite application of a proximal stent optimization technique. When a provisional stent strategy is not likely to be successful due to anatomic or morphologic lesion characteristics and a large side branch or distal left main bifurcation is involved, an upfront bifurcation stenting strategy with double kissing crush technique may provide the optimum results. Coronary imaging and fractional flow determination may guide lesion specific management, facilitate device selection and improve clinical outcomes for percutaneous therapy for bifurcation lesions. SUMMARY: Despite advances in technology and procedural techniques, percutaneous intervention of coronary bifurcation lesions remains challenging and associated with higher adverse outcomes compared to non bifurcation lesions. Among the several bifurcation strategies, a provisional stenting approach is preferred for technical simplicity and better long term outcomes. Double kissing crush technique provides superior clinical results and should be preferred when a two stent strategy is indicated. Use of coronary imaging and physiology assessment should be incorporated in the algorithm of bifurcation interventions for greater technical and clinical success.

Percutaneous coronary intervention for the management of stable ischemic heart disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to summarize landmark studies and recent evidence in support for and against benefits of routine percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the management of patients with stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD). RECENT FINDINGS: Randomized controlled trials have raised uncertainty regarding the prognostic benefits of routine PCI in patients with SIHD. The benefits of PCI to improve symptoms and quality of life (QOL), thought to be more established, was brought into question recently by the ORBITA trial. Two hundred participants with single vessel SIHD optimized first on antianginal therapy were randomized to PCI or sham PCI procedure. At 6 weeks, there was no significant difference in the primary endpoint of exercise time increment (PCI minus sham PCI 16.6 s, 95% confidence interval -8.9 to 42.0 s, P = 0.20), or secondary endpoints of change in angina or QOL scores between the groups. SUMMARY: Findings from this first placebo-controlled trial of PCI in patients with single vessel SIHD suggest that PCI need not necessarily be the first line or default strategy for symptomatic improvement. Results from the ongoing ISCHEMIA (International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness with Medical and Invasive Approaches) trial will provide further guidance regarding symptomatic and prognostic benefits of early angiography and revascularization for higher risk SIHD patients with moderate-severe ischemia.

The Utility of Systolic and Diastolic Echocardiographic Parameters for Predicting Coronary Artery Disease Burden as Defined by the SYNTAX Score.

BACKGROUND: Early identification of high-grade ischemia based on echocardiographic diastolic abnormalities may be clinically useful in the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) setting. This could provide the clinician with an awareness of the burden of coronary artery disease (CAD) before angiography is performed to allow for early intervention of suspected ischemic lesions. The objective of the study was to assess whether 2D transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)-derived tissue Doppler imaging parameters can predict the severity of CAD in comparison with the cardiac catheterization-derived SYNTAX score. METHODS: A retrospective study of 74 stable angina or patients with ACS was performed in 2012 at a single tertiary care center. In all study subjects, TTE and angiography were performed within 6 months of each other without revascularization in the interim. RESULTS: The study population included a total of 74 patients (mean age 67 ± 12 years) with 77% presenting with an ACS. The median SYNTAX score was 24.0 (6.0-35.0). The E-wave velocity was higher, and deceleration time (DT) was lower in the high SYNTAX group in comparison with the low/intermediate SYNTAX group (P = 0.045 and P = 0.001, respectively). Septal mitral annular S' was lower in the high SYNTAX group (P = 0.02). After multivariate analysis, E/A ratio (OR 0.03, 95% 0.00-0.36, P = 0.0067), DT (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89-0.97, P = 0.0001) and septal annular S'-wave velocity (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.16-0.71, P = 0.0038) remained strong predictors of a high SYNTAX score. CONCLUSION: Early identification of systolic and diastolic dysfunction based on echocardiographic parameters may be of important clinical significance for predicting CAD burden prior to invasive angiography.

Acute Q fever pneumonia diagnosed by metagenomic next-generation sequencing.

INTRODUCTION: Q fever, a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii), presents diagnostic challenges due to its clinical and radiological nonspecificity, which often mimics community-acquired pneumonia, coupled with the limitations of traditional diagnostic methods. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has become an indispensable tool in clinical diagnostics for its high-throughput pathogen identification capabilities. Herein, we detail a case of acute Q fever pneumonia diagnosed with mNGS. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient exhibited symptoms of fever, cough, expectoration, and diarrhea for three days, with the pathogen undetected in initial laboratory assessments. Bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were conducted, leading to the identification of C. burnetii in the lavage fluid via mNGS. Consequently, the patient was promptly initiated on a treatment regimen of 100 mg doxycycline, administered orally every 12 hours. RESULTS: Post-treatment, the patient's temperature normalized, and a full recovery was observed. The follow-up chest CT scan revealed complete resolution of the right lower lobe consolidation. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical presentation of Q fever pneumonia lacks specificity, making diagnosis based solely on symptoms and imaging challenging. mNGS offers a superior alternative for identifying elusive or rarely cultured pathogens.

Canadian Cardiovascular Society/Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance Clinical Practice Update on Myocardial Infarction With No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease (MINOCA).

Myocardial infarction with no obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) represents 6%-15% of all acute coronary syndromes, and women are disproportionately represented. MINOCA is an encompassing preliminary diagnosis, and emerging evidence supports a more expansive comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic clinical approach. The current clinical practice update summarizes the latest evidence regarding the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic evaluation of MINOCA. A cascaded approach to diagnostic workup is outlined for clinicians, for noninvasive and invasive diagnostic pathways, depending on clinical setting and local availability of diagnostic modalities. Evidence concerning the nonpharmacological and pharmacological treatment of MINOCA are presented and summarized according to underlying cause of MINOCA, with practical tips on the basis of expert opinion, outlining a real-life, evidence-based, comprehensive approach to management of this challenging condition.

Resistant starch intake facilitates weight loss in humans by reshaping the gut microbiota.

Emerging evidence suggests that modulation of gut microbiota by dietary fibre may offer solutions for metabolic disorders. In a randomized placebo-controlled crossover design trial (ChiCTR-TTRCC-13003333) in 37 participants with overweight or obesity, we test whether resistant starch (RS) as a dietary supplement influences obesity-related outcomes. Here, we show that RS supplementation for 8 weeks can help to achieve weight loss (mean -2.8 kg) and improve insulin resistance in individuals with excess body weight. The benefits of RS are associated with changes in gut microbiota composition. Supplementation with Bifidobacterium adolescentis, a species that is markedly associated with the alleviation of obesity in the study participants, protects male mice from diet-induced obesity. Mechanistically, the RS-induced changes in the gut microbiota alter the bile acid profile, reduce inflammation by restoring the intestinal barrier and inhibit lipid absorption. We demonstrate that RS can facilitate weight loss at least partially through B. adolescentis and that the gut microbiota is essential for the action of RS.

The Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance ATLAS on the Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Cardiovascular Disease in Women - Chapter 8: Knowledge Gaps and Status of Existing Research Programs in Canada.

Despite significant progress in medical research and public health efforts, gaps in knowledge of women's heart health remain across epidemiology, presentation, management, outcomes, education, research, and publications. Historically, heart disease was viewed primarily as a condition in men and male individuals, leading to limited understanding of the unique risks and symptoms that women experience. These knowledge gaps are particularly problematic because globally heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. Until recently, sex and gender have not been addressed in cardiovascular research, including in preclinical and clinical research. Recruitment was often limited to male participants and individuals identifying as men, and data analysis according to sex or gender was not conducted, leading to a lack of data on how treatments and interventions might affect female patients and individuals who identify as women differently. This lack of data has led to suboptimal treatment and limitations in our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of heart disease in women, and is directly related to limited awareness and knowledge gaps in professional training and public education. Women are often unaware of their risk factors for heart disease or symptoms they might experience, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatments. Additionally, health care providers might not receive adequate training to diagnose and treat heart disease in women, leading to misdiagnosis or undertreatment. Addressing these knowledge gaps requires a multipronged approach, including education and policy change, built on evidence-based research. In this chapter we review the current state of existing cardiovascular research in Canada with a specific focus on women.

En dépit des avancées importantes de la recherche médicale et des efforts en santé publique, il reste des lacunes dans les connaissances sur la santé cardiaque des femmes sur les plans de l'épidémiologie, du tableau clinique, de la prise en charge, des résultats, de l'éducation, de la recherche et des publications. Du point de vue historique, la cardiopathie a d'abord été perçue comme une maladie qui touchait les hommes et les individus de sexe masculin. De ce fait, la compréhension des risques particuliers et des symptômes qu'éprouvent les femmes est limitée. Ces lacunes dans les connaissances posent particulièrement problème puisqu'à l'échelle mondiale la cardiopathie est la cause principale de décès chez les femmes. Jusqu'à récemment, la recherche en cardiologie, notamment la recherche préclinique et clinique, ne portait pas sur le sexe et le genre. Le recrutement souvent limité aux participants masculins et aux individus dont l'identité de genre correspond au sexe masculin et l'absence d'analyses de données en fonction du sexe ou du genre ont eu pour conséquence un manque de données sur la façon dont les traitements et les interventions nuisent aux patientes féminines et aux individus dont l'identité de genre correspond au sexe féminin, et ce, de façon différente. Cette absence de données a mené à un traitement sous-optimal et à des limites de notre compréhension des mécanismes sous-jacents de la cardiopathie chez les femmes, et est directement reliée à nos connaissances limitées, et à nos lacunes en formation professionnelle et en éducation du public. Le fait que les femmes ne connaissent souvent pas leurs facteurs de risque de maladies du cœur ou les symptômes qu'elles peuvent éprouver entraîne des retards de diagnostic et de traitements. De plus, le fait que les prestataires de soins de santé ne reçoivent pas la formation adéquate pour poser le diagnostic et traiter la cardiopathie chez les femmes les mène à poser un mauvais diagnostic ou à ne pas traiter suffisamment. Pour pallier ces lacunes de connaissances, il faut une approche à plusieurs volets, qui porte notamment sur l'éducation et les changements dans les politiques, et qui repose sur la recherche fondée sur des données probantes. Dans ce chapitre, nous passons en revue l'état actuel de la recherche existante sur les maladies cardiovasculaires au Canada, plus particulièrement chez les femmes.

Interhospital Variation in Admissions Managed With Critical Care Therapies or Invasive Hemodynamic Monitoring in Tertiary Cardiac Intensive Care Units: An Analysis From the Critical Care Cardiology Trials Network Registry.

BACKGROUND: Wide interhospital variations exist in cardiovascular intensive care unit (CICU) admission practices and the use of critical care restricted therapies (CCRx), but little is known about the differences in patient acuity, CCRx utilization, and the associated outcomes within tertiary centers. METHODS: The Critical Care Cardiology Trials Network is a multicenter registry of tertiary and academic CICUs in the United States and Canada that captured consecutive admissions in 2-month periods between 2017 and 2022. This analysis included 17 843 admissions across 34 sites and compared interhospital tertiles of CCRx (eg, mechanical ventilation, mechanical circulatory support, continuous renal replacement therapy) utilization and its adjusted association with in-hospital survival using logistic regression. The Pratt index was used to quantify patient-related and institutional factors associated with CCRx variability. RESULTS: The median age of the study population was 66 (56-77) years and 37% were female. CCRx was provided to 62.2% (interhospital range of 21.3%-87.1%) of CICU patients. Admissions to CICUs with the highest tertile of CCRx utilization had a greater burden of comorbidities, had more diagnoses of ST-elevation myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, or cardiogenic shock, and had higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores. The unadjusted in-hospital mortality (median, 12.7%) was 9.6%, 11.1%, and 18.7% in low, intermediate, and high CCRx tertiles, respectively. No clinically meaningful differences in adjusted mortality were observed across tertiles when admissions were stratified by the provision of CCRx. Baseline patient-level variables and institutional differences accounted for 80% and 5.3% of the observed CCRx variability, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In a large registry of tertiary and academic CICUs, there was a >4-fold interhospital variation in the provision of CCRx that was primarily driven by differences in patient acuity compared with institutional differences. No differences were observed in adjusted mortality between low, intermediate, and high CCRx utilization sites.

Canadian Cardiovascular Society/Canadian Association of Interventional Cardiology 2023 Focused Update of the Guidelines for the Use of Antiplatelet Therapy.

Antiplatelet therapy (APT) is the foundation of treatment and prevention of atherothrombotic events in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Selecting the optimal APT strategies to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events, while balancing bleeding risk, requires ongoing review of clinical trials. Appended, the focused update of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society/Canadian Association of Interventional Cardiology guidelines for the use of APT provides recommendations on the following topics: (1) use of acetylsalicylic acid in primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; (2) dual APT (DAPT) duration after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients at high bleeding risk; (3) potent DAPT (P2Y12 inhibitor) choice in patients who present with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and possible DAPT de-escalation strategies after PCI; (4) choice and duration of DAPT in ACS patients who are medically treated without revascularization; (5) pretreatment with DAPT (P2Y12 inhibitor) before elective or nonelective coronary angiography; (6) perioperative and longer-term APT management in patients who require coronary artery bypass grafting surgery; and (7) use of APT in patients with atrial fibrillation who require oral anticoagulation after PCI or medically managed ACS. These recommendations are all on the basis of systematic reviews and meta-analyses conducted as part of the development of these guidelines, provided in the Supplementary Material.

Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin) for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Evidence regarding using acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) for the prevention of cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) is inconsistent. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis. METHODS: A literature search was performed (January 1990 to February 2022) and publications meeting the inclusion criteria were reviewed, and a meta-analysis was performed using RevMan software. The primary outcome was a composite of CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, individual components of the primary outcome and major bleeding. RESULTS: The study cohort comprised 33525 diabetic patients from 9 randomized controlled trials. The primary outcome was significantly lower for aspirin vs. placebo (7.9 vs. 8.6, RR (risk ratio) 0.92, 95% CI (confidence interval) 0.86-0.99). All-cause mortality (10 vs. 10.3%, RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.90-1.03), CV death (4.4 vs. 4.7%, RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.83-1.04), non-fatal MI (4.6 vs. 4.8% RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.83- 1.15) and stroke (3.2 vs. 3.5%, RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.75-1.06) were similar between the two treatment groups. Major bleeding was significantly higher for aspirin compared with placebo (3.4 vs. 2.8%, RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.01-1.39). CONCLUSION: Aspirin use in patients with DM reduces the composite endpoint of CV death, non-fatal MI and stroke compared with a placebo. However, routine use of aspirin for primary prevention among diabetic patients cannot be advised due to the increased risk of major bleeding. These findings suggest careful risk assessment of individual patients.

Family Engagement in the Adult Cardiac Intensive Care Unit: A Survey of Family Engagement Practices in the Cardiac Critical Care Trials Network.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular and critical care professional societies recommend incorporating family engagement practices into routine clinical care. However, little is known about current family engagement practices in contemporary cardiac intensive care units (CICUs). METHODS: We implemented a validated 12-item family engagement practice survey among site investigators participating in the Critical Care Cardiology Trials Network, a collaborative network of CICUs in North America. The survey includes 9 items assessing specific engagement practices, 1 item about other family-centered care practices, and 2 open-ended questions on strategies and barriers concerning family engagement practice. We developed an engagement practice score by assigning 1 point for each family engagement practice partially or fully adopted at each site (max score 9). We assessed for relationships between the engagement practice score and CICU demographics. RESULTS: All sites (N=39; 100%) completed the survey. The most common family engagement practices were open visitation (95%), information and support to families (85%), structured care conferences (n=82%), and family participation in rounds (77%). The median engagement practice score was 5 (interquartile range, 4). There were no differences in engagement practice scores by geographic region or CICU type. The most commonly used strategies to promote family engagement were family presence during rounds (41%), communication (28%), and family meetings (28%). The most common barriers to family engagement were COVID-related visitation policies (38%) and resource limitations (13%). CONCLUSIONS: Family engagement practices are routinely performed in many CICUs; however, considerable variability exists. There is a need for strategies to address the variability of family engagement practices in CICUs.

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Across the Health Care Pathway: A National, Multicenter, Patient-Informed Investigation.

BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidelines for the management and convalescence of patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) have yet to be developed. The targeted content, delivery, and outcomes of interventions that benefit this population remain unclear. Patient-informed data are required to substantiate observational research and provide evidence to inform and standardize clinical activities. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients diagnosed with SCAD (N=89; 86.5% women; mean age, 53.2 years) were purposively selected from 5 large tertiary care hospitals. Patients completed sociodemographic and medical questionnaires and participated in an interview using a patient-piloted semistructured interview guide. Interviews were transcribed and subjected to framework analysis using inductive and then deductive coding techniques. Approximately 1500 standard transcribed pages of interview data were collected. Emotional distress was the most commonly cited precipitating factor (56%), with an emphasis on anxiety symptoms. The awareness and detection of SCAD as a cardiac event was low among patients (35%) and perceived to be moderate among health care providers (55%). Health care providers' communication of the prognosis and self-management of SCAD were perceived to be poor (79%). Postevent psychological disorders among patients were evident (30%), and 73% feared recurrence. Short- and longer-term follow-up that was tailored to patients' needs was desired (72%). Secondary prevention programming was recommended, but there were low completion rates of conventional cardiac rehabilitation (48%), and current programming was deemed inadequate. CONCLUSIONS: This early-stage, pretrial research has important implications for the acute and long-term management of patients with SCAD. Additional work is required to validate the hypotheses generated from this patient-oriented research.