Comparison of Biochemical Parameters in Patients with Hepatitis B, C, and Dual Hepatitis B and C in Northwest Pakistan

The leading causes of hepatitis are viral infections, Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Millions of people have been infected with these deadly viral infections worldwide, and in Pakistan, every tenth person is infected with these viruses. Different populations respond with different rates to infectious diseases due to host genomic differences. To evaluate and compare the biochemical parameters in different types of hepatitis (Hepatitis B, C, and Co-infection) and different ethnic groups, a total of 200 pre-screened patients were recruited from District Headquarters Teaching Hospital Dera Ismail Khan and Tank. Blood samples (5ml) were taken from patients and were assayed for biochemical parameters, including four liver function tests (LFTs) and two renal function tests (RFTs). In 200 patients, the mean scores of Alanine transaminase (ALT) were 376±335, 315±265, and 478±519 IU/L in HBV, HCV, and co-infected patients, respectively. Moreover, the mean score of ALT was 31±7.2 IU/l in the normal control group. All other biochemical parameters demonstrated elevated levels in co-infection, HBV, and HCV, respectively, except total proteins. The RFTs showed a threshold or upper normal limit (UNL); nonetheless, when compared to normal control subjects, RFTs parameters were high in infected patients, as compared to normal control. Ethnicity wise comparison of parameters indicated that Pushtoon ethnic group indicated a high degree of severity of HBV infection and co-infection, as compared to Saraiki and Rajpoot ethnic groups, while Saraiki ethnic group showed a higher severity of HCV than both of Pushtoon and Rajpoot. Rajpoot ethnic group was least affected than both Pushtoon and Saraiki ethnic groups. Co-infected patients were more severely affected, as compared to HBV and HCV patients. The ethnicity-wise study provided evidence that different ethnic groups showed different degrees of severity. There may be some genetic background involved in hepatitis B and C viral infection due to which all three ethnic groups showed different degrees of severity. In gender-wise comparisons, male patients were more affected than female patients.

Large Variation in Heart Transplant Selection Practices During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose

A growing proportion of transplant donors and recipients have a history of COVID infection. Transplant societies issued guidelines to support decisions regarding donor selection and recipient activation after COVID infection, but outcome data are still limited. This study sought to characterize heterogeneity in current clinical practice and opinions regarding cardiac donation after recipient or donor COVID infection.

Methods

An online survey was distributed to heart transplant clinicians through a professional society message board and social media. Responses were collected between September 29 and October 18, 2021.

Results

204 healthcare professionals from diverse geographic regions (North and South America, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia) completed the survey, including 143 (70%) transplant cardiologists, 42 (21%) cardiac surgeons and 19 (9%) other heart transplant clinicians. 80% of clinicians felt COVID vaccine should be mandatory before transplant. There was significant variation in clinical practice for donor acceptance and recipient management, including several scenarios directly addressed by society guidelines - see Figure 1 for a sample of responses.

Conclusion

There is significant variation in the clinical approach to common scenarios following donor or recipient COVID infection. This reflects continued uncertainty with post-transplant outcomes impacted by pre-transplant COVID infection. Granular outcome data are needed to better inform clinical decisions.

Opposing roles for sMAdCAM and IL‐15 in COVID‐19 associated cellular immune pathology

Immune cell dysregulation and lymphopenia characterize COVID‐19 pathology in moderate to severe disease. While underlying inflammatory factors have been extensively studied, homeostatic and mucosal migratory signatures remain largely unexplored as causative factors. In this study, we evaluated the association of circulating IL‐6, soluble mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule (sMAdCAM), and IL‐15 with cellular dysfunction characterizing mild and hypoxemic stages of COVID‐19. A cohort of SARS‐CoV‐2 infected individuals (n = 130) at various stages of disease progression together with healthy controls (n = 16) were recruited from COVID Care Centres (CCCs) across Mumbai, India. Multiparametric flow cytometry was used to perform in‐depth immune subset characterization and to measure plasma IL‐6 levels. sMAdCAM, IL‐15 levels were quantified using ELISA. Distinct depletion profiles, with relative sparing of CD8 effector memory and CD4+ regulatory T cells, were observed in hypoxemic disease within the lymphocyte compartment. An apparent increase in the frequency of intermediate monocytes characterized both mild as well as hypoxemic disease. IL‐6 levels inversely correlated with those of sMAdCAM and both markers showed converse associations with observed lympho‐depletion suggesting opposing roles in pathogenesis. Interestingly, IL‐15, a key cytokine involved in lymphocyte activation and homeostasis, was detected in symptomatic individuals but not in healthy controls or asymptomatic cases. Further, plasma IL‐15 levels negatively correlated with T, B, and NK count suggesting a compensatory production of this cytokine in response to the profound lymphopenia. Finally, higher levels of plasma IL‐15 and IL‐6, but not sMAdCAM, were associated with a longer duration of hospitalization.

Low vitamin D levels and prognosis in a COVID-19 pediatric population: a systematic review

We aim to study the relationship between vitamin D level, risk and severity of Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) infection in pediatric population through systematic review. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar from December 2019 to June 2021 for retrieving articles studying association between vitamin D deficiencies with COVID-19. Qualitative details were synthesized in evidence table and quantitative data was used for deriving pooled estimate through meta-analysis. After initial search of 2261 articles, eight eligible studies (two reviews) were included in the systematic review. Meta-analysis of the quantitative data (six studies) showed pooled prevalence of vitamin D deficiency as 45.91% (95% CI: 25.148-67.450). In infected pediatric patients, low levels of vitamin D increased the risk of severe disease (odds ratio-5.5; 95% CI: 1.560-19.515; P = 0.008). It was also found that children and adolescents having vitamin D deficiency had greater risk of COVID infection as compared to patients with normal vitamin D levels. Improvement in disease severity with vitamin D supplementation was also noted. The systematic review showed that almost half of the pediatric COVID patients suffer from vitamin D deficiency. It is also clear that the low level of vitamin D is associated with greater risk of infection and poorer outcome in pediatrics.

Racial disparities in renal outcomes of pulmonary hypertension hospitalizations: analysis of 2016 to 2018 National Inpatient Sample

Background

Although the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension among black and white individuals are similar, black individuals have been reported to have worse prognosis. However, data on renal outcomes and racial disparities in pulmonary hypertension patients are extremely limited.

Purpose

To investigate the racial differences in acute renal failure outcome of pulmonary hypertension hospitalizations.

Methods

We queried 2016–2018 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database to identify pulmonary hypertension patients using appropriate ICD-10 codes. Race variable in the database was used to categorize pulmonary hypertension patients into Blacks and Others groups (Whites, Hispanics, Asian or Pacific Islanders). We used Chi-square test to evaluate the difference between binary variable, and Student's t- test for differences between continuous variables. Multivariate logistic regression was used in outcomes analysis to adjust for potential hospital and patient level confounders.

Results

Among the total 1,362,765 pulmonary hypertension patients across three years, 68% (906,994) were Whites, 18.9% (251,530) were Blacks, 7.8% (104,169) Hispanics and 2% (30,139) Asian or Pacific Islanders. Blacks with pulmonary hypertension were younger (mean age, 64.1 vs. 73.1 years; p<0.01), more females (57.4% vs. 42.5%; p<0.01), higher prevalence of diabetes (47.2% vs. 39.9%; p<0.01), systolic heart failure (31.2% vs. 25.1%; p<0.01), chronic kidney disease (43.2% vs. 36.4%; p<0.01), end-stage renal disease (17.1% vs. 6.8%; p<0.01), obesity, obstructive sleep apnea and anemia compared to Other races. After adjusting for hospital and patient level confounders including above mentioned comorbidities, Blacks had higher odds of acute renal failure compared to Others [Adjusted Odds ratio: 1.15 (1.11 – 1.18); p<0.01]. Blacks with pulmonary hypertension were also associated with unadjusted longer length of stay (7.0 vs. 6.4 days; p<0.01) and similar total hospitalization charges (USD: $78,408 vs. $80,076; p=0.18) compared to Others.

Conclusions

Racial minorities are underrepresented among patients with pulmonary hypertension. Blacks with pulmonary hypertension have higher co-morbidity and are associated with worse in-hospital renal outcomes compared to other races. They are also associated with longer length of stay. Vigilant renal functions monitoring, and early nephrologists involvement are needed during hospitalization to prevent worse renal outcomes in this patient population.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Clinical characteristics of patients with hereditary transthyretin mutations primarily associated with cardiomyopathy and other rare transthyretin mutations: insights from a genetic testing programme

Background/Introduction

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (hATTR; ATTRv) is a progressive, fatal disease caused by mutations in the transthyretin gene (TTR) that results in deposition of amyloid throughout the body, including in the heart. The p.V142I and p.T80A mutations typically manifest with a cardiomyopathy (CM) phenotype. Early diagnosis, which can be facilitated by genetic testing, is key to achieving optimal patient outcomes.

Purpose

To characterise the clinical profile and symptom burden of patients with hereditary transthyretin mutations associated primarily with a CM phenotype and rare hereditary transthyretin mutations.

Methods

This analysis used data from hATTR Compass, a genetic testing programme in the United States and Canada for patients suspected of having hATTR with polyneuropathy (PN) and patients with a family history of hATTR. Sequencing was performed using a TTR single-gene test, a gene panel of inherited cardiovascular disorders (CardioNext), or a gene panel of inherited neuromuscular disorders (NeuropathySelect). Akcea is aware of isolated data quality issues. Importantly, these do not affect the conclusions of this analysis.

Results

Cardiology specialists referred 466 patients with p.V142I, 15 with p.T80A, and 28 with rare TTR mutations to this programme. Of patients who reported sex, 57%, 53%, and 52% with p.V142I, p.T80A, and rare mutations, respectively, were male. Of patients who reported ethnicity, most with p.V142I were African American (94%), whereas the majority of patients with p.T80A and rare TTR mutations were Caucasian (100% and 69%, respectively). 24%, 60%, and 50%, of patients with p.V142I, p.T80A, and rare TTR mutations, respectively, had a family history of hATTR. The majority of patients with p.V142I (74%), p.T80A (53%), and rare TTR (54%) mutations were 65 years of age or older. Although most patients with p.V142I, p.T80A, and rare TTR mutations experienced symptoms/manifestations of heart disease (94% vs 100% vs 85%), many also presented with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (23% vs 44% vs 30%) and with sensory (27% vs 44% vs 65%), motor (15% vs 11% vs 25%), and autonomic (19% vs 11% vs 30%) dysfunction.

Conclusion

Most patients with the p.V142I mutation were African American, whereas many with p.T80A and other rare TTR mutations were Caucasian. Family history of hATTR was more common among patients with p.T80A and other rare TTR mutations than among patients with p.V142I. Regardless of the underlying mutation variant, many hATTR patients can present with various symptoms/manifestations aside from CM, such as PN and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. Recognising the neurological symptoms that can occur alongside CM and performing subsequent genetic testing facilitates diagnosis of hATTR. Early diagnosis is critical in hATTR because it is progressive and fatal, and early initiation of disease-modifying therapy is essential to optimising patient outcomes.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): This study was sponsored by Akcea Therapeutics, an affiliate of Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Burden of atrial fibrillation in influenza hospitalizations: analysis from 2018 national inpatient sample

Introduction

Influenza infection could cause systemic inflammatory response and lead to increase sympathetic tone. The association and impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) on Influenza has not been well studied.

Purpose

To evaluate the association of atrial fibrillation with mortality and resource utilization in influenza hospitalizations.

Methods

We queried 2018 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database to identify influenza and AF hospitalizations using appropriate ICD-10 codes. Influenza with AF group was compared to influenza without AF. Chi-square test and linear regression were used for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust for potential hospital and patient confounders (age, sex, race, diabetes, systolic heart failure, chronic kidney disease, obesity, charlson co-morbidity index, hospital location, teaching status, bed size and income status). Discharge weights provided in the database was used to calculate the national estimates. STATA 16.1 was used to perform all statistical analysis.

Results

345,419 weighted influenza hospitalizations were identified. Of which, 78,824 (22.8%) of them had atrial fibrillation. Influenza patients with AF were older (mean age: 77 vs. 65 yrs; p<0.01) but had similar number of female (52% vs 48%; p<0.01) compared to influenza patients without AF. After adjusting for potential hospital and patient level confounders, we observed statistically significant increase in mortality [Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 1.5 (1.4–1.7); p<0.01], length of stay [6.5 vs 5.4 days; p<0.01], total hospitalization charges [USD: $65,302 vs $54,149; p<0.01], right heart failure [aOR: 2.4 (1.6–3.6); p<0.01], cardiogenic shock [aOR: 1.9 (1.5–2.5); p<0.01] in influenza patients with AF when compared to those without AF.

Conclusion

Presence of AF is an independent predictor of mortality, length of stay, hospitalization charges, right heart failure and cardiogenic shock in hospitalized patients with influenza. This study helps to assume prognosis and raise awareness on the intensity of care needed toward these patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Internal jugular vein ultrasound in patients with chronic congestive heart failure

Background

Bedside assessment of intravascular volume in patients with chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) is often difficult. Under- and over-diuresis are common causes of morbidity and readmissions in these patients.

Purpose

We hypothesized that ultrasound assessment of the internal jugular vein would be easier and more reproducible than clinically assessing jugular venous pressure (JVP). Our goal was to create a bedside test that would be simpler to learn than inferior vena cava (IVC) assessment and easier to perform in obese patients.

Methods

Adults with HF (n=53, 52% men, mean age 65 years, mean BMI 29.6 kg/m2, mean LVEF 44%) scheduled for right heart catheterization (RHC) had an ultrasound of their right internal jugular (RIJ) vein performed immediately prior. Cross-sectional area of RIJ was measured during normal breathing with patients at 90 and 45 degrees recumbency and was indexed by height (RIJI). JVP was also assessed clinically. Results were compared to right atrial pressure (RAP) measured by RHC. Operators were blinded to RHC results and vice versa.

Results

JVP was correctly assessed clinically in only 43%. RIJI at 90 and 45 degrees were significantly larger in patients with elevated RAP compared to euvolemic patients (Table). At 90 degrees, RIJI of >15 predicted a RAP of >10 mmHg with 68% sensitivity and 72% specificity. At 45 degrees, RIJI of >10 predicted a RAP of >10 mmHg with 94% sensitivity and a negative predictive value of 80% (Table). Simply being able to see the RIJ at 90 degrees (n=34) had an 82.4% positive predictive value for elevated RAP. IVC data could not be obtained on 23% of patients due to body habitus or inability to lay flat.

Conclusion

Ultrasonographic RIJI is more accurate than clinical assessment in patients with CHF and can be accurately performed even in obese patients. It requires only a basic linear ultrasound probe and was easily performed by clinicians at various stages of training with reproducible results. With the increased availability of bedside ultrasound in clinical practice, it is a feasible method of evaluating chronic CHF patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Clinical and echocardiographic risk score predicts need for hospitalization among patients with COVID-19

Background

Age and medical co-morbidities are known predictors of disease severity in coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Whether baseline transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) abnormalities could refine risk-stratification in this context remains unknown.

Purpose

To analyze performance of a risk score combining clinical and pre-morbid TTE features in predicting risk of hospitalization among patients with COVID-19.

Methods

Adult patients testing positive for COVID-19 between March 1st and October 31st, 2020 with pre-infection TTE (within 15–180 days) were selected. Those with severe valvular disease, acute cardiac events between TTE and COVID-19, or asymptomatic carriers of virus (on employment screening/nursing home placement) were excluded. Baseline demographic, clinical co-morbidities, and TTE findings were extracted from electronic health records and compared between groups stratified by hospital admission. Total sample was randomly split into training (≈70%) and validation (≈30%) sets. Age was transformed into ordered categories based on cubic spline regression. Regression model was developed on the training set. Variables found significant (at p<0.10) on univariate analysis were selected for multivariate analysis with hospital admission as outcome. β-coefficients were obtained from 5000 bootstrapped samples after forced entry of significant variables, and scores assigned using Schneeweiss's scoring system. Final risk score performance was compared between training/validation cohorts using receiver-operating curve (ROC) and calibration curve analyses.

Results

192 patients were included, 83 (43.2%) were admitted. Clinical/TTE characteristics stratified by hospitalization are in Table 1. Moderate or worse pulmonary hypertension and left atrial enlargement were only TTE parameters with coefficients deserving a score (Table 1). The risk score had excellent discrimination in training and validation sets (figure 1 left panel; AUC 0.785 versus 0.836, p=0.452). Calibration curves showed strong linear correlation between predicted and observed probabilities of hospitalization in both training and validation sets (Figure 1, middle and right panels, respectively). ROC analysis revealed a score ≥7 as having best overall quality with sensitivity and specificity of 70–75% in both training and validation sets. A score ≥12 had 98% and 97% specificity and ≥14 had 100% specificity.

Conclusion

A combined clinical and echocardiographic risk score shows promise in predicting risk of hospitalization among patients with COVID-19, and hence help anticipate resource utilization. External validation and comparison against clinical risk score alone is worth further investigation.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Predictors of cardiac implantable electronic device infection in the United States

Background

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) are important tools for managing arrhythmias, improving hemodynamics, and preventing sudden cardiac death. Device infection (DI) remains a significant complication of CIED and is associated with high morbidity, mortality, and healthcare cost.

Purpose

To analyze predictors of DI and its in-hospital outcomes.

Methods

National Inpatient Sample 2011–2018 database was analyzed for admissions for CIED implantation or DI. Baseline and hospital level characteristics were derived. The Chi-square test and student t-test were used for comparison of categorical and continuous variables respectively. Variables with p<0.20 from univariate analysis were included in the multivariate logistic regression to identify independent predictors of DI.

Results

A total of 1,604,173 admissions for CIED implantations and 71,007 (4.4%) admissions for DI were reported during 2011–2018. There was no significant change in annual admissions for DI (range 8550 to 9307, p for trend=0.98). Those with DI were more likely to be male (69.3 vs 57%, p<0.001) and had higher Charlson comorbidity index score ≥3 (46.6%-vs-36.8%, p<0.001). Multivariate analysis identified post-procedural hematoma (odds ratio (OR)=3.96; 95% Confidence Interval (CI)=3.46–4.54), congestive heart failure (CHF; OR=2.80, 95% CI=2.66–2.96), age group 45–60 years (OR=2.46, 95% CI=2.30–2.63), malnutrition (OR=1.99, 95% CI=1.85–2.15), coagulopathy (OR=1.75, 95% CI=1.64–1.86), end-stage renal disease (OR=1.65, 95% CI=1.53–1.78), atrial fibrillation (OR=1.42; 95% CI=1.35–1.49), non-Hispanic race (OR=1.25; 95% CI=1.16–1.36), coronary artery disease (OR=1.21; 95% CI=1.15–1.26), and thyroid disease (OR=1.15; 95% CI=1.09–1.12) [all p<0.001] as independent predictors of DI. Prevalence of CHF, malnutrition, and atrial fibrillation increased in those admitted with DI over the observation period as shown in Figure 1 (p for trend <0.001). Prevalence of diabetes mellitus also increased during the observation period although it was not an independent predictor of DI (p for trend <0.001). Pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis were most common complications in those with DI (4.1 and 3.6% respectively). Annual in-hospital mortality ranged from 3.9 to 5.7% (mean 4.4%, p for trend=0.07).

Conclusion

DI is relatively common and continues to be associated with high morbidity and mortality. Prevalence of DI has not changed significantly despite technical and technological advances in device implantation. Evaluation of risk factors for DI and management of modifiable comorbidities may be needed to reduce the incidence of this important complication of CIED implantation.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest – an insight from multi-centre data

Background

In general, rates of in-hospital cardiac arrest are reportedly 9 to 10 arrests per 1000 admissions, with survival rates of approximately 20–25%. Data regarding clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with COVID-19 who received in-hospital CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) are limited. This information can help guide end-of-life care conversations between families and health care workers based on real-world experience.

Purpose

To observe the outcomes (survival to discharged alive from the hospital) in critically sick COVID-19 patients who experienced in-hospital cardiac arrest.

Methods

This is a multi-centre institutional review board (IRB) approved retrospective study. The RT-PCR confirmed adult COVID-19 patients consecutively admitted from March 1st to April 30, 2020, were included. Data were extracted manually using the hospital's electronic medical record. The final date of follow-up to monitor clinical outcomes was January 2021.

Results

A total of 721 patients were admitted to the hospital. Of these, only 64 (8.87%) patients had “no CPR” orders.Cardiac arrest occurred in 141 (19.5%) patients. The mean duration of beginning of resuscitation was less than a minute and the mean duration of CPR was 19 minutes. The median age was 65 years; 62.4% were male. The most common co-morbidities were hypertension (66%) and diabetes mellitus (56%). The initial rhythm was non-shockable in 93.7% of patients [asystole in 48.4% and Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA) in 45.3% of patients]. Only six (4.2%) patients had pulseless ventricular tachycardia and three (2.1%) patients had ventricular fibrillation. A total of eight patients (5.6%) survived and were discharged from the hospital; six (4.25%) had non-shockable and two (0.82%) had shockable initial rhythms. The median age of those who survived was 60 years (Figure 1).

Conclusions

Our study showed that critically sick patients with COVID-19 have a high rate of cardiac arrest and poor outcomes in those who received CPR. A non-shockable initial rhythm indicates that non-cardiac reasons might be playing a major role. These include acute respiratory insufficiency, severe sepsis, or multiorgan failure. These data should inform end-of-life care discussions between providers and patients' families.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Associations of weekend versus weekday admission on transesophageal echocardiogram utilization and outcomes in infective endocarditis hospitalizations

Background

Infective endocarditis (IE) occurs worldwide and is associated with high mortality. Diagnosis and management of IE requires timely transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), which may not be consistently available in many institutions, especially on weekends. Hence, we wanted to evaluate the effect of weekend admission on IE in-hospital outcomes.

Purpose

To evaluate the differences in mortality and TEE utilization between weekend and weekday admissions in IE hospitalizations.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we queried the 2017 and 2018 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database to identify primary diagnosis of IE using appropriate ICD-10 CM codes. The variable for weekend admission which is available in the dataset was used to categorize hospitalizations into weekend and weekday admission groups. TEE procedures were identified using appropriate ICD-10 PCS codes. We used the Chi-square test to evaluate the difference between binary variables, and Student's t- test for differences between continuous variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for potential hospital and patient level confounders (age, sex, race, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, acute renal failure, diabetes, and Elixhauser comorbidity index score). Stata SE 16.1 was used to perform all statistical analyses.

Results

Among the identified 27,735 weighted adult IE hospitalizations, 6,145 (22.1%) were admitted on weekends. Weekend IE admissions were similar to weekday in all measured aspects except for elective admissions (Table 1). There were more elective admissions on the weekday compared to the weekend (11.3% for weekday vs. 4.9% for weekend; p<0.01). The mean age was 51 years for both hospitalizations. There were more TEEs in the first 24 hrs in weekday compared to weekend hospitalizations (7.8% vs. 3.4%; p<0.01). After adjusting for potential patient and hospital level confounders, there was no difference in mortality [Adjusted Odds ratio (aOR): 0.91 (0.62–1.33); p=0.63)], valve replacement procedures [aOR: 0.91 (0.62–1.33); p=0.63)] or incidence of atrioventricular (AV) blocks [aOR: 0.91 (0.62–1.33); p=0.63)] comparing weekend versus weekday IE hospitalizations. Additionally, we did not observe any mean difference in length of stay and total hospitalization charges between weekend and weekday hospitalizations.

Conclusion

In patients with IE, weekend admissions did not have a clinically significant difference in mortality, length of stay, incidence of AV blocks or valve replacements compared to weekday admissions. TEEs were performed equally in IE hospitalizations regardless of day of admission; however, early TEEs (within 24 hours of admission) were more commonly associated with weekday admission. Despite this, there was no clinically significant difference in the mortality between early TEEs and TEEs done after 24 hours of admission.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Impact of gastrointestinal hemorrhage on hospital outcomes of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Background

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) may be at relatively high risk of gastrointestinal hemorrhage (GIH) due to acquired von Willebrand disease (aVWD) and anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation among others factors.

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate impact of GIH on in-hospital outcomes of patients with HCM.

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample reported 45,305 admissions for adults with HCM during a two-year period (2016–2017). Among them, 1,490 patients (3.3%) also had GIH. Baseline characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of the two groups were compared. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent impact of GIH on in-hospital outcomes of HCM patients.

Results

Out of 45,305 HCM patients, 1490 (3.2%) also had concomitant diagnosis of GIH. HCM patients with GIH were older (70±9 vs 66±23 years), were more often male (64% vs 61%), and had higher prevalence of prior myocardial infarction (12% vs 7%, p<0.001) and cirrhosis (7.1% vs 2.6%, p<0.001) while being less often obese (15% vs 22%, p=0.01) or having a history of congestive heart failure (30% vs 36%, p=0.03) [Table 1]. Hospital mortality was significantly higher among those with GIH (6.4% vs 3.5%, p<0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified GIH as an independent predictor of higher in-hospital mortality [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.60, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.02–2.63, p=0.001], hypovolemic shock (aOR=5.17, 95% CI=2.5–10.6, p<0.001), mean length of stay (Δ +2.4 days, p<0.001) and mean hospital cost (Δ +$21,162, p=0.004).

Conclusion

Adults with HCM and GIH are older, less often obese with higher prevalence of cirrhosis and prior myocardial infarction. Presence of GIH is an independent predictor of higher mortality, hypovolemic shock, length of stay and hospital cost in HCM adults admitted to hospital.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Table 1

Impact of cardiac rhythm abnormality on hospital outcomes of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Background

Serious cardiac arrhythmias [atrial fibrillation/flutter (AFF), and ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VTF)] are associated with adverse outcomes in general population of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate the impact of such rhythm abnormalities on in-hospital outcomes of adults with HCM.

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample reported 45,305 admissions for adults with HCM during a two-year period (2016–2017). Among them, 21,220 patients (47%) also had AFF and/or VTF. Baseline characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of the two groups were compared. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent impact of rhythm abnormalities on in-hospital outcomes of HCM patients.

Results

HCM patients with arrhythmias were older (68±26 vs 64±29 years), were more often male (43% vs 36%), and had higher prevalence of congestive heart failure (45% vs 28%), chronic kidney disease (27% vs 22%), hyperlipidemia (52% vs 48%), obstructive sleep apnea (17% vs 13%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (22% vs 18%) and thyroid disease (19% vs 16%) [Table 1, all p<0.001]. Hospital mortality was significantly higher among those with arrhythmias (4.7% vs 2.7%, p<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified arrhythmias as an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio=1.51, 95% confidence interval=1.19–1.91, p=0.001), increased mean length of stay (Δ +0.75 days, p<0.001) and increased mean total hospital cost (Δ +$18,263, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Adults with HCM and AFF and/or VTF are older and have higher prevalence of comorbid conditions. Presence of such rhythm abnormalities is an independent predictor of higher mortality, length of stay and total cost in HCM adults admitted to hospital.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Table 1

Improving adherence to cholesterol lowering guidelines through an interactive digital tool

Background

Statins are the cornerstone of primary and secondary prevention of atheroscleoric cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Our previous retrospective analysis of 1042 consecutive patient encounters at a large urban academic institution found that one in five patients were not prescribed an appropriate statin therapy. These patients tended to be younger, of Black race, and met statin-eligibility solely via a 10-year ASCVD risk score ≥7.5%. Only one-third of patients had follow-up cholesterol levels ordered to monitor treatment efficacy.

Purpose

To improve adherence to cholesterol guidelines at our academic institution.

Methods

We implemented multiple interventions over a four-month period to support clinical decision making of guideline directed statin therapy: a) development of an online interactive tool, b) physician education on updated cholesterol guidelines and utilization of the tool, c) display of guideline summary in the workspace, and d) a documentation reminder in the electronic health record. We randomly selected encounter dates, from which 622 consecutive patient visits were analyzed. The primary outcome measures were: prescription rates of statins, documentation of a 10-year ASCVD risk score, and follow-up cholesterol levels ordered to monitor treatment efficacy.

Results

Out of the 622 patients, 232 met statin indication. In this post-intervention group, statin prescriptions rates improved when compared to the pre-intervention group (90.5% vs 82.3%, p=0.006). Among the patients who met statin indication solely via a 10-year ASCVD risk score ≥7.5%, there was an increase in documentation of the calculated 10-year ASCVD risk score (72.3% vs 57.8%; p=0.039) and in statin prescription rate (90.8% vs 67.6%; p<0.001). In addition, there was an increase in follow-up cholesterol levels ordered in all patients included in our study who met statin indication (64.1% vs 33.3%; p<0.001).

Conclusion

Our study showed higher rates of statin prescription, 10-year ASCVD risk score documentation, and treatment monitoring after multiple interventions, including an easily accessible online interactive tool, at a large urban academic institution.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Statin Prescription Rates

1219 Patient Satisfaction with Virtual Orthopaedic Clinics During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has elicited the need to deliver consultation appointments remotely due to social-distancing measures, as well as some individuals having to shield. Virtual clinics are not a familiar setting for orthopaedic surgeons or their patients, but it is a necessity in the current climate and potentially also in the future.

Aim

This study aims to determine patient satisfaction of virtual orthopaedic consultations, during the COVID-19 pandemic and for the future.

Method

A 10-question survey assessed the satisfaction level of both new and follow-up patients towards virtual clinics for consultations with orthopaedic surgeons.

Results

Based on 100 patients who completed the surveys in a 6-month study during the pandemic, it was found that a majority (90%) of patients reported being satisfied (either very satisfied or satisfied) with the telephone clinics and would be content on having virtual clinics in the future.

Conclusions

Many patients view virtual clinics as an acceptable substitute for face-to-face appointments, specifically during the pandemic. However, it was also reported that a majority of patients would still prefer a physical examination as well. If virtual consultations are to persist beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, further exploration would need to be carried out to determine the efficacy.

Simulating diluted bitumen spills in boreal lake limnocorrals - part 2: Factors affecting the physical characteristics and submergence of diluted bitumen

We examined the fate and behaviour of diluted bitumen (dilbit) as it weathered for 70 days in freshwater limnocorrals (10 m diameter × 1.5 m depth) installed in a boreal lake to simulate dilbit spills in a natural aquatic environment. We added seven different dilbit spill volumes, ranging from 1.5 to 180 L, resulting in oil-to-water ratios between 1:71,000 (v/v, %) and 1:500 (v/v, %). Volatile hydrocarbons in the dilbit slick decreased rapidly after the dilbit was spilled on the water's surface, and dilbit density and viscosity significantly increased (>1 g mL^-1 and >5,000,000 mPa s, respectively). Dilbit sank to the bottom sediments in all treatments, and the time to sinking was positively correlated with spill volume. The lowest dilbit treatment began to sink on day 12, whereas the highest dilbit treatment sank on day 31. Dilbit submerged when its density surpassed the density of freshwater (>0.999 g mL^-1), with wind, rain, and other factors contributing to dilbit sinking by promoting the break-up of the surface slick. This experiment improves our ability to predict dilbit's aquatic fate and behaviour, and its tendency to sink in a boreal lake. Our findings should be considered in future pipeline risk assessments to ensure the protection of these important aquatic systems.