Assessing the Role of High-Dose ß-Agonists Use in Triggering Takotsubo Syndrome During Asthma Exacerbation.

A surge in catecholamine levels has been postulated as a potential mechanism causing cardiomyopathy, particularly Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS). Consequently, repeated exposure to ß1/ß2 agonists could contribute to the development of TTS in patients with asthma during periods of intense exacerbation.Even when no guidelines have been proposed for the identification and management of asthmatic patients who might develop TTS, recurrent asthma exacerbation requiring prolonged use of ß1/ß2 agonists have the potential of triggering life-threatening arrhythmias and increasing hospital deaths.We conducted a PubMed search for published case reports, experimental studies, animal studies, and review articles examining TTS documentation among patients with asthma. We encountered 45 articles, of which 21 were case reports that were reviewed separately for age, sex, diagnosis, recurrence, electrocardiogram findings, echo results, and mortality.Based on our review, it appears as if the use of high doses of ß-agonists may predispose patients with asthma to cardiac events that might be preventable if physicians are aware of this association and become more judicious in their use of ß-agonists. A standardized identification and treatment protocol would certainly be most helpful.

A Ghost in Coronary Artery - Coronary Artery Embolism After Discontinuation of Rivaroxaban in a Patient With Atrial Fibrillation: Case Report and Review of Literature.

Coronary artery embolism (CAE) is a rare clinical entity that can cause acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The exact prevalence of coronary artery embolism is unknown. CAE was found to be associated with conditions that can lead to thrombo-embolism, including infective endocarditis, atrial fibrillation, mitral valve disease, valve surgery. Herein, we report a 78-year-old male with a past medical history of atrial fibrillation on rivaroxaban who presented to the hospital emergency department complaining of chest pain. The patient's anticoagulation therapy was recently held due to a concern for gastrointestinal bleeding. After further evaluation of the patient's symptoms and reviewing his electrocardiogram (ECG) which showed ST-depression in lateral leads and ST-elevation in aVR, urgent cardiac catheterization was done which showed left main coronary artery thrombosis extending into the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and left circumflex artery (LCX). The patient was started on a heparin drip and underwent a successful aspiration thrombectomy with subsequent improvement in his symptoms.

Is Physiologic Stress Test with Imaging Comparable to Anatomic Examination of Coronary Arteries by Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography to Investigate Coronary Artery Disease? - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a noninvasive diagnostic modality that remains underutilized compared to functional stress testing (ST) for investigating coronary artery disease (CAD). Several patients are misdiagnosed with noncardiac chest pain (CP) that eventually die from a cardiovascular event in subsequent years. We compared CCTA to ST to investigate CP. Methods We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase from January 1, 2007 to July 1, 2018 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CCTA to ST in patients who presented with acute or stable CP. We used Review Manager (RevMan) [Computer program] Version 5.3 (Copenhagen: The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, 2014) for review and analysis. Results We included 16 RCTs enrolling 21,210 patients; there were more patients with hyperlipidemia and older patients in the ST arm compared to the CCTA arm. There was no difference in mortality: 103 in the CCTA arm vs. 110 in the ST arm (risk ratio [RR] = 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.71-1.21, P = .58, and I2 = 0%). A significant reduction was seen in myocardial infarctions (MIs) after CCTA compared to ST: 115 vs. 156 (RR = 0.71, CI = 0.56-0.91, P < .006, I2=0%). On subgroup analysis, the CCTA arm had fewer MIs vs. the ST with imaging subgroup (RR = 0.70, CI = 0.54-0.89, P = .004, I2 = 0%) and stable CP subgroup (RR = 0.66, CI = 0.50-0.88, P = .004, I2 = 0%). The CCTA arm showed significantly higher invasive coronary angiograms and revascularizations and significantly reduced follow-up testing and recurrent hospital visits. A trend towards increased unstable anginas was seen in the CCTA arm. Conclusions Our analysis showed a significant reduction in downstream MIs, hospital visits, and follow-up testing when CCTA is used to investigate CAD with no difference in mortality.

Renal Injury in All-Comers After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) following aortic valve replacement is associated with poor prognosis. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a novel strategy with a percutaneous approach and early recovery time. We conducted this meta-analysis to compare TAVR to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and their respective renal outcomes. Methods We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using MEDLINE, PUBMED, and Google Scholar databases from their inception till April 6, 2019, and included eight trials comparing TAVR to SAVR in cases that reported AKIs. Results We found a significant reduction in AKI after TAVR compared to SAVR at 30 days [n = 66 vs. n = 160, respectively; odds ratio (OR) = 0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.28-0.51; p: <0.00001, I2 = 0%]. At one year, a trend towards reduced renal failure was noted in the TAVR arm compared to the SAVR arm (n = 74 vs. n = 129, respectively; OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.32-1.01; p = 0.05, I2 = 69%). Conclusion Based on our findings and analysis, we have concluded that TAVR is associated with significantly reduced renal injury at 30 days when compared to SAVR.

The promising role of probiotic and synbiotic therapy in aminotransferase levels and inflammatory markers in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex and multifactorial. There is growing evidence that altered gut microbiota plays a key role in NAFLD progression. Probiotics/synbiotics, by modifying gut microbiota, may be a promising treatment choice for NAFLD management. AIM: The aim of this study was to study the effect of probiotics/synbiotics on various laboratory and radiographic parameters in NAFLD management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. We searched PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar for randomized-controlled trials that studied the role of probiotics/synbiotics in NAFLD. The primary outcome was change in baseline alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in the treatment arm. We used a random-effects model and inverse variance for the continuous data to estimate the mean difference (MD) and the standard mean difference (SMD) in RevMan Version 5.3. RESULTS: We included 12 randomized-controlled trials for analysis. The intervention arm, which comprised of the probiotic and/or the synbiotic arm, showed a significant improvement in alanine aminotransferase levels, MD=-13.93, confidence interval (CI)=-20.20 to -7.66, P value of less than 0.0001, I=92% and aspartate aminotransferase levels MD=-11.45, CI=-15.15 to -7.74, P value of less than 0.00001, I=91%. There was a reduction in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in the intervention arm, SMD=-0.68, CI=-1.10 to -0.26, P value of 0.001, I=0%. The liver fibrosis score improved in the intervention arm, MD=-0.71, CI=-0.81 to -0.61, P value less than 0.00001, I=0%. CONCLUSION: Probiotic/synbiotic use improves aminotransaminase levels and reduces proinflammatory marker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients.

A Comparison between Kidney Allograft Biopsies Performed by Nephrologists and Surgeons Versus Interventional Radiologists.

INTRODUCTION: Renal biopsy is an integral part of clinical nephrology practice that helps in the diagnosis of various renal diseases. Across the globe, it is performed by nephrologists and/or surgeons under ultrasound guidance. Lately, this novel procedure has been performed more frequently by the interventional radiologist (IR) as compared to nephrologists and surgeons. METHODS: We completed a retrospective review of 378 consecutive renal biopsies performed at our university hospital in the city center of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, between September 2008 and June 2011 for various indications. Baseline characteristics were comparable except systolic blood pressure (SBP), prothrombin time (PT), and international normalized ratio (INR) which was higher. Hemoglobin was lower in patients who underwent biopsy by the IR compared to those who were biopsied by nephrologists and/or surgeons. RESULTS: The primary outcome showed the average number of glomeruli obtained with each biopsy was significantly lower by nephrology or surgical teams, 9.09 ± 5.17 vs. 19.17 ± 11.11 obtained by the interventional radiology team, p-value <0.0001. The number of cores obtained with each biopsy was significantly lower by nephrologist or surgeon at the bedside, 1.57 ± 1.05 vs. 2.42 ± 1.26, p-value <0.0001. The average number of attempts to obtain one core was 2.00 ± 1.10 vs. 2.60 ± 1.17 by nephrologist and surgeon vs. IR, respectively, p-value <0.0001. CONCLUSION: Our study clearly shows the superior success of renal biopsy by the IR as compared to the nephrology and surgical teams. This calls for more robust training of nephrology fellows and surgery residents to obtain the renal biopsy to prevent the loss of this unique procedure skill by non-radiology clinicians.

Hydrocortisone Reduces 28-day Mortality in Septic Patients: A Systemic Review and Meta-analysis.

The goal of this study was to determine the utility of hydrocortisone in septic shock and its effect on mortality. We performed a systematic search from inception until March 01, 2018, according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines comparing hydrocortisone to placebo in septic shock patients and selected studies according to our pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Four reviewers extracted data into the predefined tables in the Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corp., New Mexico, US) sheet. We used RevMan software to perform a meta-analysis and draw Forest plots. We used a random effects model to estimate risk ratios. A two-sided p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of five randomized control trials (RCTs) with 5,838 patients were included in our analysis. The primary outcome was mortality at 28 days. Secondary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) and in-hospital mortality, mortality at 90 days and one year, reversal of shock, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay, incidence of superinfections, and incidence of limb and/or cerebral ischemia. The 28-day mortality was significantly reduced with hydrocortisone, 808 vs. 880 with placebo, Risk Ratio (RR)=0.92, confidence interval (CI) =0.85-0.99, p=0.04, I2=0%. There was no difference in ICU mortality (RR=0.93, CI=0.81-1.08), in-hospital mortality (RR=0.95, CI=0.84-1.08), 90-day mortality (RR=0.93, CI=0.84-1.02, p=0.10), and one-year mortality (RR=0.97, CI=0.84-1.12). Superinfections were significantly common with hydrocortisone, RR=1.16, CI=1.05-1.28, p=0.003. In conclusion, the use of hydrocortisone showed a significant reduction in mortality at 28 days and a trend toward reduced ICU mortality. This mortality reduction was observed at the cost of significantly higher superinfections.

Comparing fecal microbiota transplantation to standard-of-care treatment for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The use of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as a treatment option for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (rCDI) is well established. Various studies have used different forms and administration routes for FMT. We performed a systemic review and meta-analysis to update the clinical knowledge about different FMT modalities for curing rCDI compared with medical treatment (MT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We searched PubMed and Medline from inception through 10 May 2018 for randomized control trials (RCTs) comparing FMT (fresh or frozen) versus MT. We used Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool to assess bias in the RCTs. We estimated odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for each outcome using a random effects model. P values of less than 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: We included seven RCTs comprising a total of 543 patients with recurrent CDI. There was a nonsignificant trend toward resolution of diarrhea following a single fresh FMT infusion compared with frozen FMT and MT (OR=2.45, 95% CI=0.78-7.71, P=0.12, I=69%). Subgroup analysis of fresh FMT vs. frozen FMT showed no difference between the two groups (OR=2.13, 95% CI=0.22-20.41, P=0.51, I=61%). Frozen FMT infusion through upper route versus lower route showed no difference (OR=0.62, 95% CI=0.15-2.54, P=0.51, I=0%). There was a nonsignificant trend favoring multiple treatments with FMT versus multiple courses of MT (OR=3.68, 95% CI=0.74-18.22, P=0.11, I=0%). CONCLUSION: FMT is a promising treatment modality for rCDI compared with MT alone. Different forms and routes of FMT administration seem to be equally efficacious. In future, more well-designed RCTs directed at homogenous FMT preparation and delivery methods are required to validate these findings.

Reduction in postpercutaneous coronary intervention angina in addition to gastrointestinal events in patients on combined proton pump inhibitors and dual antiplatelet therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a standard treatment in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Studies have shown that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can potentially attenuate the antiplatelet effects of P2Y12 inhibitors with associated adverse cardiovascular outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medline was searched using Pubmed from inception to 8 November 2017 for randomized control trials studying the effect of PPIs on coronary artery disease with concomitant use of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). Overall, 692 studies were identified of which five randomized control trials were included. Statistical analysis was done using RevMan, version 5.3. RESULTS: Five studies with 6239 patients (3113 on PPI with DAPT and 3126 with only DAPT) were included. Our analysis showed that PPI significantly reduced the incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) bleed [22 vs. 66, odds ratio (OR)=0.37, confidence interval (CI)=0.23-0.61, P≤0.0001, I=0%], GI ulcers and GI erosions (7 vs. 18, OR=0.39, CI=0.16-0.94, P=0.04, I=0%), and the incidence of post-PCI unstable angina in patients treated with PPI and P2Y12 agents (46 vs. 67, OR=0.67, CI=0.45-0.99, P=0.05, I=0%). There was an insignificant difference in myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular cause of mortality. A trend toward decreased all-cause mortality with PPIs was noted. Heterogeneity was calculated using I. CONCLUSION: Concomitantly administered PPIs with P2Y12 inhibitors have a protective effect on the GI events. It also decreases the post-PCI angina without increased adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Ventricular septal defect: early against late surgical repair.

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a rare complication of right ventricular infarction (RVI) which is associated with significant mortality, if not treated appropriately. It typically occurs within the first 10-14 days after myocardial infarction. Surgical repair has been shown to reduce in-hospital mortality from 90% to 33-45%. Early surgical VSD repair has also been associated with high 30-day operative mortality of 34-37%. Furthermore, after an acute MI the friable myocardium enhances the risk of recurrent VSD with early surgical repair. We present a case of a middle-aged woman who developed VSD after an RVI. Her surgical repair was delayed by 2 weeks due to development of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. During this period, she was managed medically and later on underwent percutaneous repair with an amplatzer VSD occluder device. Keeping this patient encounter in mind, we would like to emphasize on the limited recommendations available for early against late surgical repair of VSD.