A new opportunity for patient selection and optimization: Systematic review of cognitive frailty in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation.

The prognostic implication of cognitive frailty assessment in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate assessment strategies and their significance for patients undergoing LVAD implantation. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature from inception until September 2022 and a review of meeting proceedings were performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies that investigated the prognostic value of cognitive frailty or any related cognition-based assessment in patients undergoing LVAD implantation were included. Study characteristics, patient demographics, and type of cognitive assessment were extracted. Primary outcomes included length of stay, readmissions, and all-cause mortality. Of 664 records retrieved, 12 (4 prospective, 8 retrospective) involving 16 737 subjects (mean age, 56.9 years; 78.3% men) met inclusion criteria; 67% of studies used the Montreal Cognitive Assessment to assess cognitive frailty. Outcomes reported were highly variable, with 42% reporting readmission, 33% reporting LOS, and 83% reporting mortality data; only two studies provided data on all three. Cognitive frailty was associated with prolonged length of stay in 75% of studies reporting this outcome. Only 40% and 60% of studies that reported readmissions and mortality outcomes, respectively, suggested a predictive association. Pre-LVAD cognitive frailty is likely associated with worse outcomes postimplant. However, the heterogenous reporting of outcomes data and lack of consistent definitions in the literature limit its prognostic value. Additional research on markers for cognitive frailty and improved standards of reporting may allow for future analyses and enhance preoperative risk assessment and patient care. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 204-210.

One year follow up for case series of myocarditis following mRNA vaccination against SARS-CoV-2.

In 2021, the first rounds of modified mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 were tested and deployed. The vaccines themselves had great efficacy against severe infection, with rare and minimal side effects. One adverse effect that was reported, however, was incidence of myocarditis seen amongst mostly young males after their second vaccination dose. The disease course was self-limited. This study group published a case series in August of 2021 of four cases of this phenomenon. This paper is a followup to the original case series, providing an updated literature review and expert recommendations concerning the safety and benefits of the vaccines.

Isolated Cardiac Sarcoidosis with High-Grade Heart Block: Utilization of New Diagnostic Guidelines.

Cardiac sarcoidosis can present with heart failure and conduction disease. This is a case of a 58-year-old male who presented for dyspnea, edema, and varying degrees of heart block. Using new updated diagnostic guidelines and multimodal cardiac imaging, he was diagnosed with isolated cardiac sarcoidosis.

Strategies for Incorporating Lifestyle Medicine in Everyday Hospital Practice.

Cardiovascular disease and its associated risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes are contributing to a large portion of morbidity, mortality, and health care costs in the United States. Diet and lifestyle education have been shown to be beneficial in reducing cost, mortality, and morbidity associated with these diseases. However, the lack of implementation of diet and lifestyle tools into clinical practices and into hospital systems leaves much room for improvement. Obstacles such as poor physician education, financial concerns, patient preference, and social resistance to change have made it difficult to promote healthy lifestyle and nutrition practices throughout all aspects of health systems. Some hospital systems and hospital-based clinical practices have had important successes in creating prevention clinic models, implementing plant-based menus in their hospital systems, and incorporating intensive rehabilitation programs that will pave the way for more future change. This review describes the current deficits, obstacles, and innovative strategies for implementing lifestyle medicine into hospital systems.

Myocarditis following mRNA vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, a case series.

INTRODUCTION: mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have emerged as a new form of vaccination that has proven to be highly safe and effective against COVID-19 vaccination. Rare adverse events including myocarditis have been reported in the literature. METHODS: Data were gathered from the electronic medical record of four patients personally treated by the authors. RESULTS: Four patients, ages 20 to 30, presented with myocarditis characterized by chest pain, elevations in troponin-I and C-reactive protein, and negative viral serologies two to four days following mRNA vaccine administration. One had a cardiac MRI showing delayed gadolinium enhancement in a subpericardial pattern. All experienced symptom resolution by the following day, and the two who have returned for follow-up had normal troponin-I and CRP values. DISCUSSION: Along with previously reported instances, these cases raise suspicion for a possible link between mRNA vaccines and myocarditis.