Reference Interval Harmonization: Harnessing the Power of Big Data Analytics to Derive Common Reference Intervals across Populations and Testing Platforms.

BACKGROUND: Harmonization in laboratory medicine is essential for consistent and accurate clinical decision-making. There is significant and unwarranted variation in reference intervals (RIs) used by laboratories for assays with established analytical traceability. The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists (CSCC) Working Group on Reference Interval Harmonization (hRI-WG) aims to establish harmonized RIs (hRIs) for laboratory tests and support implementation. METHODS: Harnessing the power of big data, laboratory results were collected across populations and testing platforms to derive common adult RIs for 16 biochemical markers. A novel comprehensive approach was established, including: (a) analysis of big data from community laboratories across Canada; (b) statistical evaluation of age, sex, and analytical differences; (c) derivation of hRIs using the refineR method; and (d) verification of proposed hRIs across 9 laboratories with different instrumentation using serum and plasma samples collected from healthy Canadian adults. RESULTS: Harmonized RIs were calculated for all assays using the refineR method, except free thyroxine. Derived hRIs met proposed verification criterion across 9 laboratories and 5 manufacturers for alkaline phosphatase, albumin (bromocresol green), chloride, lactate dehydrogenase, magnesium, phosphate, potassium (serum), and total protein (serum). Further investigation is needed for some analytes due to failure to meet verification criteria in one or more laboratories (albumin [bromocresol purple], calcium, total carbon dioxide, total bilirubin, and sodium) or concern regarding excessively wide hRIs (alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, and thyroid stimulating hormone). CONCLUSIONS: We report a novel data-driven approach for RI harmonization. Findings support feasibility of RI harmonization for several analytes; however, some presented challenges, highlighting limitations that need to be considered in harmonization and big data analytics.

Potential biomarkers of tissue hypoxia during acute hemodilutional anemia in cardiac surgery: A prospective study to assess tissue hypoxia as a mechanism of organ injury.

PURPOSE: Hemodilutional anemia is associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) and mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery by mechanisms that may include tissue hypoxia. Our hypothesis was to assess if changes in the potential hypoxic biomarkers, including methemoglobin and erythropoietin, correlated with a decrease in hemoglobin (Hb) concentration following hemodilution on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). METHODS: Arterial blood samples were taken from patients (n = 64) undergoing heart surgery and CPB at baseline, during CPB, following CPB, and in the intensive care unit (ICU). Potential hypoxic biomarkers were measured, including methemoglobin, plasma Hb, and erythropoietin. Data were analyzed by repeated measures one-way analysis of variance on ranks and linear regression. RESULTS: Hemoglobin levels decreased following CPB and methemoglobin increased in the ICU (P < 0.001 for both). No correlation was observed between the change in Hb and methemoglobin (P = 0.23). By contrast, reduced Hb on CPB correlated with increased lactate, reduced pH, and increased erythropoietin levels following CPB (P ≤ 0.004 for all). Increased plasma Hb (P < 0.001) also correlated with plasma erythropoietin levels (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These data support the hypothesis that erythropoietin rather than methemoglobin is a potential biomarker of anemia-induced tissue hypoxia. The observed relationships between decreased Hb during CPB and the increase in lactate, reduced pH, and increase in erythropoietin levels suggest that early changes in plasma erythropoietin may be a pragmatic early biomarker of anemia-induced renal hypoxia. Further study is required to determine if anemia-induced increases in erythropoietin may predict AKI in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01883713). Registered 21 June 2013.

Universal tranexamic acid therapy to minimize transfusion for major joint arthroplasty: a retrospective analysis of protocol implementation.

PURPOSE: Tranexamic acid (TXA) therapy can reduce red blood cell (RBC) transfusion; however, this therapy remains underutilized in many surgical patient populations. We assessed whether implementation of a protocol to facilitate universal administration of TXA in patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty would reduce the incidence of RBC transfusion without increasing adverse clinical outcomes. METHODS: We implemented a quality of care policy to provide universal administration of intravenous TXA at a dose of 20 mg·kg(-1) iv to all eligible patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty from October 21, 2013 to April 30, 2014. We compared data from an equal number of patients before and after protocol implementation (n = 422 per group). The primary outcome was RBC transfusion with secondary outcomes including postoperative hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and length of hospital stay. Adverse events were identified from the electronic medical records. Data were analyzed by a Chi square test and adjusted logistic and linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Implementation of the protocol resulted in an increase in TXA utilization from 45.8% to 95.3% [change 49.5%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 44.1 to 54.5; P < 0.001]. This change was associated with a reduction in the rate of RBC transfusion from 8.8% to 5.2%, (change -3.6%; 95% CI, -0.1 to -7.0; P = 0.043). Pre- and post-protocol mean [standard deviation (SD)] Hb values were similar, including the nadir Hb prior to RBC transfusion [72 (8) g·L(-1) vs 70 (8) g·L(-1), respectively; mean difference -1 g·L(-1); 95% CI, -3 to 5; P = 0.569]. Length of stay was not altered, and no increase in adverse events was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a perioperative TXA protocol was associated with both an increase in TXA use and a reduction in RBC transfusion following hip or knee arthroplasty. Adverse events and length of hospital stay were not influenced by the protocol.

Differential HIF and NOS responses to acute anemia: defining organ-specific hemoglobin thresholds for tissue hypoxia.

Tissue hypoxia likely contributes to anemia-induced organ injury and mortality. Severe anemia activates hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signaling by hypoxic- and neuronal nitric oxide (NO) synthase- (nNOS) dependent mechanisms. However, organ-specific hemoglobin (Hb) thresholds for increased HIF expression have not been defined. To assess organ-specific Hb thresholds for tissue hypoxia, HIF-α (oxygen-dependent degradation domain, ODD) luciferase mice were hemodiluted to mild, moderate, or severe anemia corresponding to Hb levels of 90, 70, and 50 g/l, respectively. HIF luciferase reporter activity, HIF protein, and HIF-dependent RNA levels were assessed. In the brain, HIF-1α was paradoxically decreased at mild anemia, returned to baseline at moderate anemia, and then increased at severe anemia. Brain HIF-2α remained unchanged at all Hb levels. Both kidney HIF-1α and HIF-2α increased earlier (Hb ∼70-90 g/l) in response to anemia. Liver also exhibited an early HIF-α response. Carotid blood flow was increased early (Hb ∼70, g/l), but renal blood flow remained relatively constant, only increased at Hb of 50 g/l. Anemia increased nNOS (brain and kidney) and endothelia NOS (eNOS) (kidney) levels. Whereas anemia-induced increases in brain HIFα were nNOS-dependent, our current data demonstrate that increased renal HIFα was nNOS independent. HIF-dependent RNA levels increased linearly (∼10-fold) in the brain. However, renal HIF-RNA responses (MCT4, EPO) increased exponentially (∼100-fold). Plasma EPO levels increased near Hb threshold of 90 g/l, suggesting that the EPO response is sensitive. Collectively, these observations suggest that each organ expresses a different threshold for cellular HIF/NOS hypoxia responses. This knowledge may help define the mechanism(s) by which the brain and kidney maintain oxygen homeostasis during anemia.

Priming of hypoxia-inducible factor by neuronal nitric oxide synthase is essential for adaptive responses to severe anemia.

Cells sense and respond to changes in oxygen concentration through gene regulatory processes that are fundamental to survival. Surprisingly, little is known about how anemia affects hypoxia signaling. Because nitric oxide synthases (NOSs) figure prominently in the cellular responses to acute hypoxia, we defined the effects of NOS deficiency in acute anemia. In contrast to endothelial NOS or inducible NOS deficiency, neuronal NOS (nNOS)(-/-) mice demonstrated increased mortality during anemia. Unlike wild-type (WT) animals, anemia did not increase cardiac output (CO) or reduce systemic vascular resistance (SVR) in nNOS(-/-) mice. At the cellular level, anemia increased expression of HIF-1α protein and HIF-responsive mRNA levels (EPO, VEGF, GLUT1, PDK1) in the brain of WT, but not nNOS(-/-) mice, despite comparable reductions in tissue PO(2). Paradoxically, nNOS(-/-) mice survived longer during hypoxia, retained the ability to regulate CO and SVR, and increased brain HIF-α protein levels and HIF-responsive mRNA transcripts. Real-time imaging of transgenic animals expressing a reporter HIF-α(ODD)-luciferase chimeric protein confirmed that nNOS was essential for anemia-mediated increases in HIF-α protein stability in vivo. S-nitrosylation effects the functional interaction between HIF and pVHL. We found that anemia led to nNOS-dependent S-nitrosylation of pVHL in vivo and, of interest, led to decreased expression of GSNO reductase. These findings identify nNOS effects on the HIF/pVHL signaling pathway as critically important in the physiological responses to anemia in vivo and provide essential mechanistic insight into the differences between anemia and hypoxia.

New solutions to old problems: A practical approach to identify samples with intravenous fluid contamination in clinical laboratories.

OBJECTIVES: Contamination with intravenous (IV) fluids is a common cause of specimen rejection or erroneous results in hospitalized patients. Identification of contaminated samples can be difficult. Common measures such as failed delta checks may not be adequately sensitive nor specific. This study aimed to determine detection criteria using commonly ordered tests to identify IV fluid contamination and validate the use of these criteria. METHODS: Confirmed contaminated and non-contaminated samples were used to identify patterns in laboratory results to develop criteria to detect IV fluid contamination. The proposed criteria were implemented at a tertiary care hospital laboratory to assess performance prospectively for 6 months, and applied to retrospective chemistry results from 3 hospitals and 1 community lab to determine feasibility and flagging rates. The algorithm was also tested at an external institution for transferability. RESULTS: The proposed algorithm had a positive predictive value of 92 %, negative predictive value of 91 % and overall agreement of 92 % when two or more criteria are met (n = 214). The flagging rates were 0.03 % to 0.07 % for hospital and 0.003 % for community laboratories. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed algorithm identified true contamination with low false flagging rates in tertiary care urban hospital laboratories. Retrospective and prospective analysis suggest the algorithm is suitable for implementation in clinical laboratories to identify samples with possible IV fluid contamination for further investigation.

The Impact of an Accelerated Diagnostic Protocol Using Conventional Troponin I for Patients With Cardiac Chest Pain in the Emergency Department.

Background: This study strove to assess the impact of the implementation of an accelerated diagnostic protocol (ADP), using shortened serial-testing intervals and a conventional troponin I (c-TnI) test, on emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS). Methods: This retrospective cohort study included adults (aged ≥ 18 years) presenting to a Canadian ED with a primary complaint of cardiac chest pain between January 14, 2017 and January 15, 2019. For non-high-risk patients, the troponin delta timing decreased from 6 hours to 3 hours, and a different conventional troponin I level cut-point was implemented on January 15, 2018. The primary outcome was ED LOS. Secondary outcomes included disposition status, consultation proportions, and major adverse cardiac events within 30 days. Results: A total of 3133 patient interactions were included. Although the overall decrease in median ED LOS was not significant (P = 0.074), a significant reduction occurred in ED LOS (-33 minutes; 95% confidence interval: -53.6 to -12.4 minutes) among patients who were discharged in the post-ADP group. Consultations were unchanged between groups (36.1% before vs 33.8% after; P = 0.17). The major adverse cardiac events outcomes were unchanged across cohorts (15.9% vs 15.3%; P = 0.62). Conclusions: The implementation of an ADP, with a conventional troponin I test, for cardiac chest pain in a Canadian ED was not associated with a significant reduction of LOS for all patients; however, a significant reduction occurred for patients who were discharged, and the strategy appears safe.

Contexte: Cette étude visait à évaluer les répercussions de la mise en œuvre d'un protocole de diagnostic accéléré avec intervalles plus courts entre les épreuves séquentielles et dosage classique de la troponine I sur la durée du séjour à l'urgence. Méthodologie: Cette étude de cohortes rétrospective a été menée chez des adultes (âgés de 18 ans ou plus) qui se sont présentés à l'urgence d'un hôpital canadien principalement pour une douleur thoracique cardiaque entre le 14 janvier 2017 et le 15 janvier 2019. Chez les patients qui n'étaient pas exposés à un risque élevé, l'intervalle de dosage de la troponine (delta) est passé de 6 heures à 3 heures, et une nouvelle valeur seuil a été utilisée pour le dosage classique de la troponine I à compter du 15 janvier 2018. Le critère d'évaluation principal était la durée du séjour à l'urgence. Les critères d'évaluation secondaires comprenaient le statut au moment de la sortie, les proportions de consultation et les événements cardiovasculaires indésirables majeurs dans les 30 jours. Résultats: Au total, 3 133 interactions avec des patients ont été incluses. Bien que la diminution globale de la durée médiane du séjour à l'urgence n'ait pas été significative (p = 0,074), une réduction significative du séjour à l'urgence (-33 minutes; intervalle de confiance à 95 % : -53,6 à -12,4 minutes) a été observée chez les patients ayant reçu leur congé appartenant au groupe dans lequel le protocole de diagnostic accéléré a été mis en œuvre. Les consultations étaient inchangées entre les groupes (36,1 % avant vs 33,8 % après; p = 0,17). Les résultats relatifs aux événements cardiovasculaires indésirables majeurs sont demeurés inchangés dans les cohortes (15,9 % vs 15,3 %; p = 0,62). Conclusions: La mise en œuvre d'un protocole de diagnostic accéléré, avec un dosage classique de la troponine I, en cas de douleur thoracique d'origine cardiaque, à l'urgence d'un établissement canadien ne s'est pas traduite par une réduction significative du séjour à l'urgence chez tous les patients. Une réduction significative a néanmoins été observée chez les patients qui ont reçu leur congé, et la stratégie s'est avérée sûre.

Elevated Troponin T in Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitor Myositis: A Case of Mistaken Myocarditis.

A patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma on axitinib and pembrolizumab had elevated high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T and normal high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I with unremarkable cardiac investigations. A noncardiac cause (myositis) was the likely cause for cardiac troponin T elevation. Cardiac troponin I may be a more appropriate marker to support a myocarditis diagnosis with concurrent myositis.

Rationale and design of the multi organ inflammation with serial testing study: a comprehensive assessment of functional and structural abnormalities in patients with recovered COVID-19.

Introduction: Short-term clinical outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection are generally favorable. However, 15-20% of patients report persistent symptoms of at least 12 weeks duration, often referred to as long COVID. Population studies have also demonstrated an increased risk of incident diabetes and cardiovascular disease at 12 months following infection. While imaging studies have identified multi-organ injury patterns in patients with recovered COVID-19, their respective contributions to the disability and morbidity of long COVID is unclear. Methods: A multicenter, observational study of 215 vaccine-naïve patients with clinically recovered COVID-19, studied at 3-6 months following infection, and 133 healthy volunteers without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients with recovered COVID-19 were screened for long COVID related symptoms and their impact on daily living. Multi-organ, multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and circulating biomarkers were acquired to document sub-clinical organ pathology. All participants underwent pulmonary function, aerobic endurance (6 min walk test), cognition testing and olfaction assessment. Clinical outcomes were collected up to 1 year from infection. The primary objective of this study is to identify associations between organ injury and disability in patients with long-COVID symptoms in comparison to controls. As a secondary objective, imaging and circulating biomarkers with the potential to exacerbate cardiovascular health were characterized. Discussion: Long-term sequelae of COVID-19 are common and can result in significant disability and cardiometabolic disease. The overall goal of this project is to identify novel targets for the treatment of long COVID including mitigating the risk of incident cardiovascular disease. Study registration: clinicaltrials.gov (MOIST late cross-sectional study; NCT04525404).

Imprecision of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays at the female 99th-percentile.

BACKGROUND: An analytical benchmark for high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) assays is to achieve a coefficient of variation (CV) of ≤ 10.0 % at the 99th percentile upper reference limit (URL) used for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction. Few prospective multicenter studies have evaluated assay imprecision and none have determined precision at the female URL which is lower than the male URL for all cardiac troponin assays. METHODS: Human serum and plasma matrix samples were constructed to yield hs-cTn concentrations near the female URLs for the Abbott, Beckman, Roche, and Siemens hs-cTn assays. These materials were sent (on dry ice) to 35 Canadian hospital laboratories (n = 64 instruments evaluated) participating in a larger clinical trial, with instructions for storage, handling, and monthly testing over one year. The mean concentration, standard deviation, and CV for each instrument type and an overall pooled CV for each manufacturer were calculated. RESULTS: The CVs for all individual instruments and overall were ≤ 10.0 % for two manufacturers (Abbott CVpooled = 6.3 % and Beckman CVpooled = 7.0 %). One of four Siemens Atellica instruments yielded a CV > 10.0 % (CVpooled = 7.7 %), whereas 15 of 41 Roche instruments yielded CVs > 10.0 % at the female URL of 9 ng/L used worldwide (6 cobas e411, 1 cobas e601, 4 cobas e602, and 4 cobas e801) (CVpooled = 11.7 %). Four Roche instruments also yielded CVs > 10.0 % near the female URL of 14 ng/L used in the United States (CVpooled = 8.5 %). CONCLUSIONS: The number of instruments achieving a CV ≤ 10.0 % at the female 99th-percentile URL varies by manufacturer and by instrument. Monitoring assay precision at the female URL is necessary for some assays to ensure optimal use of this threshold in clinical practice.

Functional importance of Dicer protein in the adaptive cellular response to hypoxia.

The processes by which cells sense and respond to ambient oxygen concentration are fundamental to cell survival and function, and they commonly target gene regulatory events. To date, however, little is known about the link between the microRNA pathway and hypoxia signaling. Here, we show in vitro and in vivo that chronic hypoxia impairs Dicer (DICER1) expression and activity, resulting in global consequences on microRNA biogenesis. We show that von Hippel-Lindau-dependent down-regulation of Dicer is key to the expression and function of hypoxia-inducible factor α (HIF-α) subunits. Specifically, we show that EPAS1/HIF-2α is regulated by the Dicer-dependent microRNA miR-185, which is down-regulated by hypoxia. Full expression of hypoxia-responsive/HIF target genes in chronic hypoxia (e.g. VEGFA, FLT1/VEGFR1, KDR/VEGFR2, BNIP3L, and SLC2A1/GLUT1), the function of which is to regulate various adaptive responses to compromised oxygen availability, is also dependent on hypoxia-mediated down-regulation of Dicer function and changes in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Therefore, functional deficiency of Dicer in chronic hypoxia is relevant to both HIF-α isoforms and hypoxia-responsive/HIF target genes, especially in the vascular endothelium. These findings have relevance to emerging therapies given that we show that the efficacy of RNA interference under chronic hypoxia, but not normal oxygen availability, is Dicer-dependent. Collectively, these findings show that the down-regulation of Dicer under chronic hypoxia is an adaptive mechanism that serves to maintain the cellular hypoxic response through HIF-α- and microRNA-dependent mechanisms, thereby providing an essential mechanistic insight into the oxygen-dependent microRNA regulatory pathway.

Treatment with a highly selective ß1 antagonist causes dose-dependent impairment of cerebral perfusion after hemodilution in rats.

BACKGROUND: Acute ß-blockade has been associated with a dose-dependent increase in adverse outcomes, including stroke and mortality. Acute blood loss contributes to the incidence of these adverse events. In an attempt to link the risks of acute blood loss and ß-blockade, animal studies have demonstrated that acute ß-blockade impairs cerebral perfusion after hemodilution. We expanded on these findings by testing the hypothesis that acute ß-blockade with a highly ß(1)-specific antagonist (nebivolol) causes dose-dependent cerebral hypoxia during hemodilution. METHODS: Anesthetized rats and mice were randomized to receive vehicle or nebivolol (1.25 or 2.5 mg/kg) IV before hemodilution to a hemoglobin concentration near 60 g/L. Drug levels, heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO), regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF, laser Doppler), and microvascular brain Po(2) (P(Br)O(2), G2 Oxyphor) were measured before and after hemodilution. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS), neuronal NOS (nNOS), inducible NOS, and hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α were assessed by Western blot. HIF-α expression was also assessed using an HIF-(ODD)-luciferase mouse model. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance with significance assigned at P < 0.05, and corrected P values are reported for all post hoc analyses. RESULTS: Nebivolol treatment resulted in dose-specific plasma drug levels. In vehicle-treated rats, hemodilution increased CO and rCBF (P < 0.010) whereas P(Br)O(2) decreased to 45.8 ± 18.7 mm Hg (corrected P < 0.001; 95% CI 29.4-69.7). Both nebivolol doses comparably reduced HR and attenuated the CO response to hemodilution (P < 0.012). Low-dose nebivolol did not impair rCBF or further reduce P(Br)O(2) after hemodilution. High-dose nebivolol attenuated the rCBF response to hemodilution and caused a further reduction in P(Br)O(2) to 28.4 ± 9.6 mm Hg (corrected P = 0.019; 95% CI 17.4-42.7). Both nebivolol doses increased brain endothelial NOS protein levels. Brain HIF-1α, inducible NOS, and nNOS protein levels and brain HIF-luciferase activity were increased in the high-dose nebivolol group after hemodilution (P < 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that nebivolol resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in cerebral oxygen delivery after hemodilution as reflected by a decrease in brain tissue Po(2) and an increase in hypoxic protein responses (HIF-1α and nNOS). Low-dose nebivolol treatment did not result in worsened tissue hypoxia after hemodilution, despite comparable effects on HR and CO. These data support the hypothesis that acute ß-blockade with a highly ß(1)-specific antagonist causes a dose-dependent impairment in cerebral perfusion during hemodilution.

The importance of verifying manufacturer's claim on specimen stability: An example in serum angiotensin converting enzyme testing.

Appropriate specimen handling is integral to quality and minimizing medical errors. Clinical laboratories often rely on manufacturer's claims for handling specimens, such as sample stability conditions. Serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is an example in which manufacturer claims and stability in the literature is limited. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the importance to verify manufacturer's stability using serum ACE as an example. Serum was collected from 39 healthy volunteers and ACE activity levels measured at baseline, after 4 h, 1, 3, 7 days at room temperature, after 3, 7, and 14 days refrigerated at 4 °C, after 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks frozen at -20 °C, and after three freeze/thaw cycles. An additional 42 discarded patient serum specimens were re-analyzed after 1 or 2 weeks frozen at -20 °C. To evaluate stability performance, percent difference was compared to the clinical acceptance criteria, which was defined as a ½ total allowable error of ±10.9 %. This study found serum ACE to be stable 4 h at room temperature, 14 days refrigerated at 4 °C, up to 1 week frozen at -20 °C, and up to three freeze/thaw cycles. The preferred storage condition for serum ACE is refrigerated at 4 °C as there was minimal change in percent bias over the 14 day period. The false increase observed in samples stored frozen longer than 1 week could impact clinical decision making. The stability findings differed from manufacturer claims, highlighting the importance of verifying stability, especially for esoteric testing such as serum ACE where specimens travel long distances in varying climates to reach centralized testing locations.

Distribution of videos demonstrating best practices in preventing hemolysis is associated with reduced hemolysis among nurse-collected specimens in hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Minimizing hemolysis during phlebotomy ensures accurate chemistry results and reduces test cancellations and specimen recollections. We developed videos demonstrating best practices to reduce hemolysis and tested whether distribution to clinical nurse educators (CNEs) for provision to nursing staff affected the degree of specimen hemolysis in hospital inpatient units and outpatient clinics. METHODS: Videos of common blood collections demonstrating best practices to reduce hemolysis were filmed and then distributed via email link to all hospital-based CNEs in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (https://vimeo.com/user18866730/review/159869683/a0cec9827f). Roche Cobas hemolysis index (H-index) results from specimens collected +/- 12 months from the date of video distribution were extracted from Roche Cobas IT middleware (cITM) and linked to collection location. An interrupted time series (ITS) analysis with collection location as the unit of anlaysis was used to quantify impact of video distribution on the trajectory of weekly mean log-H-index weighted by inverse variance. RESULTS: In +/- 3 months of data flanking video distribution (n = 137 241 collections), where overall impact was strongest, H-index trajectory (change in units per week) decreased immediately following video distribution (-5.7% / week, p < 0.01). This was accompanied by a 22% drop in overall H-index from the week before to the week after video distribution (y-intercept change, or gap). There was also a small but significant overall decrease in the proportion of hemolyzed specimens (-0.3%, p < 0.01). These changes were not observed at all collection locations, and in fact increases occured at some locations. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a novel and convenient educational aid that, when distributed, was associated with beneficial changes in specimen hemolysis at hospital inpatient units and outpatient clinics. Including it in ongoing nursing education will fill a knowledge gap that may help to reduce specimen hemolysis.

Effect of a High-Sensitivity Troponin I and Associated Diagnostic Protocol on Emergency Department Length of Stay: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: The objective of this study was to assess the introduction of a high-sensitivity troponin I (hs-TnI) assay and its associated accelerated protocol on emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS) for patients presenting with chest pain, compared to an accelerated diagnostic protocol using conventional troponin (TnI) testing. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all adults with a primary presenting complaint of chest pain of cardiac origin and a Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale score of 2 or 3, between November 8, 2019 and November 9, 2021, to a tertiary-care urban Canadian ED. The primary outcome was ED LOS. Secondary outcomes included consultation proportions and major adverse cardiac events within 30 days of the index ED visit. Results: A total of 2640 patients presenting with chest pain were included, with 1333 in the TnI group and 1307 in the hs-TnI group. Median ED LOS decreased significantly, from 392 minutes for the TnI group, and 371 minutes for the hs-TnI group (median difference = 21 minutes; 95% confidence interval: 5.3, 36.7). The numbers of consultations and admissions were not statistically different between study periods. The major adverse cardiac events outcomes did not change following the implementation of the hs-TnI test (13.6% vs 13.1%; P = 0.71). Conclusions: The implementation of an accelerated chest pain protocol using an hs-TnI assay in a tertiary-care Canadian ED was associated with a modest reduction of LOS for all patients, and a substantial reduction of LOS for patients undergoing serial troponin testing. This strategy was safe, with no increase in adverse outcomes.

Contexte: Cette étude visait à évaluer l'introduction du dosage de la troponine I de haute sensibilité (hs-TnI) et le protocole accéléré qui lui est associé sur la durée des séjours aux urgences dans le cas des patients qui consultent pour une douleur thoracique, comparativement à un protocole diagnostique accéléré faisant appel à un test de troponine classique (TnI). Méthodologie: Nous avons mené une étude de cohorte rétrospective portant sur tous les adultes qui se sont présentés aux urgences d'un établissement urbain de soins tertiaires canadien entre le 8 novembre 2019 et le 9 novembre 2021 principalement pour une douleur thoracique d'origine cardiaque et dont le score était de 2 ou 3 à l'Échelle canadienne de triage et de gravité (ETG). Le principal critère d'évaluation était la durée du séjour au service des urgences. Les critères d'évaluation secondaires comprenaient la fréquence des consultations et les événements cardiaques indésirables majeurs dans les 30 jours ayant suivi la visite de référence aux urgences. Résultats: Au total, 2640 patients qui s'étaient présentés aux urgences pour une douleur thoracique ont été inclus, 1333 se trouvant dans le groupe TnI et 1307 dans le groupe hs-TnI. La durée médiane du séjour aux urgences a diminué considérablement, passant de 392 minutes dans le groupe TnI à 371 minutes dans le groupe hs-TnI (différence médiane de 21 minutes; intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 % : 5,3-36,7). Les consultations et les admissions n'ont pas affiché de différence statistique entre les périodes de l'étude. Les événements cardiaques indésirables majeurs n'ont pas varié après l'introduction du dosage de la hs-TnI (13,6 % vs 13,1 %; p = 0,71). Conclusions: L'adoption d'un protocole accéléré pour la douleur thoracique à l'aide du dosage de la hs-TnI au service des urgences d'un établissement de soins tertiaires canadien a été associée à une légère réduction de la durée du séjour pour l'ensemble des patients et à une réduction substantielle de cette durée pour les patients soumis à des analyses de la troponine en série. De plus, cette stratégie était sûre sans hausse des événements indésirables.

Anticoagulation in type 2 myocardial infarctions: Lessons learned from the rivaroxaban in type 2 myocardial infarctions feasibility trial.

Background: Type 2 myocardial infarction (T2MI) occurs when myocardial oxygen demand exceeds myocardial oxygen supply. T2MIs occur more frequently and have worse outcomes compared to Type 1 myocardial infarction caused by an acute plaque rupture. No clinical trial evidence is available to guide pharmacological therapies in this high-risk population. Methods: The Rivaroxaban in Type 2 Myocardial Infarction (R2MI) trial (NCT04838808) was a trainee-led, pragmatic, pilot study that randomised patients with a T2MI to either rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily or placebo. The trial was stopped early due to low recruitment. Investigators explored the challenges of conducting the trial in this population. This was supplemented by a retrospective chart review of 10,000 consecutive troponin assays undertaken during the study period. Results: Over a 1-year period, 276 patients with T2MI were screened for inclusion of which only 7 (2.5%) were randomised in the trial. Study investigators identified trial design and participant population factors that limited recruitment. These included: heterogeneity of patient presentation, poor clinical prognosis, and lack of dedicated non-trainee study personnel. The major limitation to recruitment was the frequency of identified exclusion criterion. The retrospective chart review identified 1715 patients with an elevated high-sensitivity troponin level, of which 916 (53%) were adjudicated to be related to T2MI. Of these, 94.5% possessed an exclusion criterion for the trial. Conclusion: Patients with a T2MI are challenging to recruit into clinical trials involving oral anticoagulation. Future studies should account for only ∼1 in every 20 screened individuals being a candidate for study recruitment.

Plasma methemoglobin as a potential biomarker of anemic stress in humans.

PURPOSE: Transfusion of allogeneic red blood cells (RBCs) is one of the main treatments of acute anemia secondary to blood loss and fluid resuscitation within the operating room. Decisions to transfuse blood are based largely on intermediate biological markers (hemoglobin, arterial oxygen saturation, blood pressure, heart rate) which may not accurately reflect inadequacy of tissue oxygen delivery. Based on experimental studies, we hypothesized that anemia-induced tissue hypoxia activates adaptive mechanisms which promote local vascular nitric oxide (NO) production to improve tissue perfusion and survival during acute anemia. Hemoglobin (Hb) oxidation to methemoglobin (MetHb) may be a byproduct of such local NO production. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that MetHb is a biomarker of hypoxic-anemic stress during acute hemodilution associated with cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: With institutional ethics approval, routine laboratory arterial blood gas and co-oximetry values were obtained from 295 patients undergoing heart surgery during February 1 to September 30, 2010, and the values were assessed retrospectively. All samples with an arterial oxygen saturation value ≥ 90% were included (n = 1,421). The maximal change in Hb associated with hemodilution on cardiopulmonary bypass was determined within 48 hr of surgery (n = 180). A chart review was performed to determine the incidence of RBC transfusion and exogenous nitrate administration. All anonymous data were analyzed by linear regression to determine the relationship between Hb and MetHb. A Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and Student's t test were used to determine changes in Hb, MetHb, and carboxyhemoglobin (CarboxHb) levels. All data are presented as mean and significance was assigned at P < 0.05. RESULTS: A significant decrease in Hb [118 (20) g x L(-1) vs 94 (18) g x L(-1)] was associated with an increase in MetHb [0.88 (0.22)% vs 0.95 (0.24)%] (P < 0.001 for both), but not CarboxHb [1.08 (0.47)% vs 1.08 (0.49)%]. Regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between the change in Hb and MetHb (F = 40.3; P < 0.001) but not between the change in Hb and CarboxyHb (F = 0.2; P = 0.694). This correlation was not influenced by RBC transfusion or exogenous nitrate use. CONCLUSIONS: A negative correlation was observed between the change in Hb and MetHb in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass. These data support the previously unreported hypothesis that MetHb may be a marker of anemic stress associated with reduced tissue perfusion during acute hemodilution in humans. Further prospective studies are needed to determine if these changes in MetHb are linked to adverse outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Cardiac and cardiometabolic phenotyping of trastuzumab-mediated cardiotoxicity: a secondary analysis of the MANTICORE trial.

AIMS: An improved understanding of the pathophysiology of trastuzumab-mediated cardiotoxicity is required to improve outcomes of patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer. We aimed to characterize the cardiac and cardiometabolic phenotype of trastuzumab-mediated toxicity and potential interactions with cardiac pharmacotherapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study was an analysis of serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and circulating biomarker data acquired from patients with HER2-positive early-stage breast cancer participating in a randomized-controlled clinical trial for the pharmaco-prevention of trastuzumab-associated cardiotoxicity. Circulating biomarkers (B-type natriuretic peptide, troponin I, MMP-2 and -9, GDF-15, neuregulin-1, and IGF-1) and MRI of cardiac structure and function and abdominal fat distribution were acquired prior to trastuzumab, post-cycle 4 and post-cycle 17. Ninety-four participants (51 ± 8 years) completed the study with 30 on placebo, 33 on perindopril, and 31 on bisoprolol. Post-cycle 4, global longitudinal strain deteriorated from baseline in both placebo (+2.0 ± 2.7%, P = 0.002) and perindopril (+0.9 ± 2.5%, P = 0.04), but not with bisoprolol (-0.2 ± 2.1%, P = 0.55). In all groups combined, extracellular volume fraction and GDF-15 increased post-cycle 4 (+1.3 ± 4.4%, P = 0.004; +130 ± 150%, P ≤ 0.001, respectively). However, no significant change in troponin I was detected throughout trastuzumab. In all groups combined, visceral and intermuscular fat volume increased post-cycle 4 (+7 ± 17%, P = 0.02, +8 ± 23%, P = 0.02, respectively), while muscle volume and IGF-1 decreased from post-cycle 4 to 17 (-2 ± 10%, P = 0.008, -18 ± 28%, P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Trastuzumab results in impaired cardiac function and early myocardial inflammation. Trastuzumab is also associated with deleterious changes to the cardiometabolic phenotype which may contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk in this population.