Diagnostic accuracy of venous system ultrasound for subtypes of acute kidney injury

BACKGROUND

Management of acute kidney injury (AKI) in the ED can be difficult due to uncertainty regarding the aetiology. This study investigated the diagnostic value of venous system ultrasound for determining the aetiological subtypes of AKI in the ED.

METHODS

This multidisciplinary prospective cohort study was conducted in a single academic ED over the course of a year. Adult patients with AKI were evaluated using the venous excess ultrasound (VExUS) score, which is a four-step ultrasound protocol. The protocol begins with the inferior vena cava (IVC) measurement and examines organ flow patterns, including portal, hepatic and renal veins in the presence of dilated IVC. The AKI subtypes (hypovolaemia, cardiorenal, systemic vasodilatation and renal) were adjudicated by nephrologists and emergency physicians, considering data that became available during the hospitalisation. We determined the diagnostic test characteristics of VExUS for identifying each of the four AKI aetiological subtypes.

RESULTS

150 patients with AKI were included in the study. Hypovolaemia was the most frequent finally adjudicated cause of AKI (66%), followed by cardiorenal (18%), systemic vasodilatation (8.7%) and renal (7.3%). In diagnosing the cardiorenal subtype, the area under the curve (AUC) for VExUS grade >0 was 0.819, with 77.8% sensitivity and 80.5% specificity, and the AUC for IVC maximum diameter >20.4 mm was 0.865, with 74.1% sensitivity and 86.2% specificity. For the hypovolaemia subtype, the AUC for VExUS grade ≤0 was 0.711, with 83.8% sensitivity and 56.9% specificity, and the AUC for IVC maximum diameter ≤16.8 mm was 0.736, with 73.7% sensitivity and 68.6% specificity. None of the parameters achieved adequate test characteristics for renal and systemic vasodilatation subtypes.

CONCLUSION

The VExUS score has good diagnostic accuracy for cardiorenal AKI and fair accuracy for hypovolaemic AKI but cannot identify renal and systemic vasodilatation subtypes. It should not therefore be used in isolation to determine the cause of AKI in the ED.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04948710.

Coronary Involvement of Behçet's Disease: Saccular Coronary Artery Aneurysm

Coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) are rarely reported in large angiographic series. The majority are atherosclerotic in origin. Other causes are connective tissue disorders, trauma, vasculitis, congenital, mycotic, and idiopathic. We herein present the case of an symptomatic patient with a giant left anterior descending artery aneurysm. The CAA was successfully treated by surgical resection and a mammary artery bypass graft.

Central vs. Peripheral Cannulation During Reoperations: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study is to compare the postoperative outcomes and early mortality of peripheral and central cannulation techniques in cardiac reoperations using propensity score matching analysis.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort, patients who underwent cardiac reoperations with median resternotomy were analyzed in terms of propensity score matching. Between November 2010 and September 2020, 257 patients underwent cardiac reoperations via central (Group 1) or peripheral (Group 2) cannulation. A 1:1 propensity score matching was performed to balance the influence of potential confounding factors to compare postoperative data and mortality rate.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences when comparing the matched groups regarding early mortality (P=0.51), major cardiac injury (P=0.99), prolonged ventilation (P=0.16), and postoperative stroke (P=0.99). The development of acute renal failure (P=0.02) was statistically less frequent in Group 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Performing cardiopulmonary bypass via peripheral cannulation increases acute renal failure in cardiac reoperations. In contrast, peripheral or central cannulation have similar early mortality rate in cardiac reoperations.

Fate of the Patent False Lumen of the Descending Aorta After Surgical Treatment for Acute Type 1 Aortic Dissection

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting false lumen patency in the descending thoracic aorta among patients who underwent surgery for acute type 1 aortic dissection.

METHODS

A total of 112 patients with acute type 1 aortic dissection, with the flap below the diaphragm level, underwent surgery between January 2010 and September 2019. Of these, 60 patients who were followed up for ≥ 12 months and whose computed tomography scans were available were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: group I, consists of patent false lumen (n=36), and group II, consists of thrombosed false lumen (n=24). Demographic data, operative techniques, postoperative descending aortic diameters, reintervention, and late mortality were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period of all patients was 37.6±26.1 months (range: 12-104). The diameter increase in the proximal and distal descending aorta was significantly higher in the patent false lumen group (5.3±3.7 mm vs. 3.25±2.34 mm; P=0.015; 3.1±2.52 mm vs. 1.9±1.55 mm; P=0.038, respectively). No significant difference in terms of hypertension was found between the two groups during the follow-up period (21 patients, 58.3% vs. 8 patients, 33.3%; P=0.058). A total of 29 patients (48.3%) were found to be hypertensive in the postoperative period.

CONCLUSION

After surgical treatment for acute type 1 aortic dissection, patients should be monitored closely, regardless of whether the false lumen is patent or thrombosed. Mortality and reintervention can be seen in patients with patent false lumen during follow-up.

Impact of Indexed Effective Orifice Area on the Quality of Life of Patients after Aortic Valve Replacement

BACKGROUND

Improving health related quality of life is an important goal of aortic valve replacement. Inadequate effective orifice area of prosthesis according to the patient's body surface area may be associated with poor outcomes. In this study, we aimed to analyze impact of indexed effective orifice area (iEOA) on patients' quality of life after aortic valve replacement.

METHODS

A total of 138 patients who underwent isolated aortic valve replacement were included to the study. Quality of life assessment was performed with EuroQol Group EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. Patients were divided into three groups based on iEOA (Group 1 had an iEOA of <0.65 cm2/m2 (19 patients), Group 2 had an iEOA between 0.65-0.85 cm2/m2 (71 patients), and Group 3 had an iEOA of >0.85 cm2/m2). Mean EQ-5D-5L scores were compared among the groups statistically.

RESULTS

Mean EQ-5D-5L scores were lower in Group 1 than in Groups 2 and 3 (Group 1: 0.72 ± 0.18, Group 2: 0.83 ± 0.20, and Group 3: 0.86 ± 0.9, p = 0.044 and p = 0.014). The EQ-5D-5L score was significantly lower in patients with a ≥20 mmHg transvalvular gradient than those with a <20 mmHg (0.74 ± 0.25 vs. 0.84 ± 0.18, p = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that an iEOA <0.65 cm2/m2 is significantly associated with impaired postoperative health-related quality of life. Newer generation prostheses, transcatheter valve implantation, and root enlargement techniques should be kept in mind in preoperative planning.

Do novel oral anticoagulant drugs used in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation act only as anticoagulants?

OBJECTIVE

Although inflammation has an important role in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF), the effect of novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC) used to reduce the risk of ischemic stroke and embolism on inflammation remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of NOAC, which have been shown to have anticoagulant properties, on inflammation and platelet reactivation, which have an important role in the pathogenesis of AF.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 530 patients, including 380 patients with nonvalvular AF using NOAC and 150 patients with nonvalvular AF who did not use any NOAC were included in the study. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was calculated as the ratio of absolute neutrophil count to absolute lymphocyte count. Mean platelet volume (MPV), red cell distribution width (RDW), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) values of both groups were assessed both on admission and at three-month follow-up.

RESULTS

When the complete blood count (CBC) changes of the groups included in the study were compared, the RDW, MPV, and NLR values showed a greater decrease in the NOAC group compared to the non-NOAC group (p=0.000 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated that the NOAC used in anticoagulation treatment do not only act as anticoagulants but also reduce inflammation and platelet reactivation, which have an important role in the pathogenesis of AF and thromboembolism.

Predictors and outcomes of conversion to sternotomy in minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting

Background

This study aims to investigate the risk factors and surgical outcomes of conversion to median sternotomy in minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting.

Methods

Between January 2017 and July 2022, a total of 274 patients (246 males, 28 females; mean age: 57.0±9.6 years; range, 33 to 81 years) who underwent conventional (n=116) or robot-assisted (n=158) minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcome measure of the study was conversion to median sternotomy, and the secondary outcome measures were operative mortality, length of intensive care unit and hospital stay.

Results

Conversion to median sternotomy was required in 26 (9.5%) patients. The most common cause of conversion was intramyocardial left anterior descending artery (27.0%). Among preoperative and operative characteristics, only age was statistically significant risk factor for conversion to sternotomy (odds ratio=1.06, p=0.01). Operative mortality occurred in one patient (0.36%) patient in the entire cohort. The length of intensive care unit and hospital stay was significantly longer in patients requiring conversion to median sternotomy (p=0.002 and p<0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in other postoperative outcomes between the two groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion

Intramyocardial left anterior descending artery is the most common reason for conversion to sternotomy, and older age increases the risk of conversion. Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting can be performed with satisfactory results, even if it requires conversion to sternotomy.

Predictive value of age, creatinine, and ejection fraction (ACEF) scoring system for operative mortality in patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection

Purpose

Stanford type A aortic dissection (TAAD) is the most common and fatal type of dissection. An easier-to-use risk stratification may help eliminate bias in patients at high risk of dissection. The age, serum creatinine, and ejection fraction (ACEF) score is a simple risk model developed to predict the mortality risk of elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between preoperative ACEF score and operative mortality in patients with TAAD undergoing emergency surgery.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, 113 patients diagnosed with TAAD between January 2017 and September 2021 were evaluated. The primary endpoint was operative mortality. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed for the ACEF score, ACEF II score, and European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II. Univariate and multivariate analyses of operative mortality were performed using the logistic regression model.

Results

Operative mortality occurred in 23 (20.4%) patients. The cutoff ACEF score was calculated as 1.1 for predicting operative mortality (area under the curve = 0.712, P value = 0.002, sensitivity = 74.0%, specificity = 67.8%, likelihood ratio = 2.3). Based on the cutoff value, 46 (40.7%) patients had a high ACEF score (ACEF ≥ 1.1) and 67 (59.3%) patients had a low ACEF score (ACEF < 1.1). The high ACEF score was associated with an increased incidence of operative mortality compared with the low ACEF score (37.0% vs. 9.0%; P = 0.001).

Conclusions

The ACEF score can be used as a useful and relatively simple tool for risk stratification before TAAD surgery. However, the ACEF score is only indicated for risk assessment and should not affect treatment.

Accuracy of Multi-organ Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Acute Kidney Injury Etiologies

This study investigated the diagnostic performance of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for acute kidney injury (AKI) etiological subgroups in emergency department (ED) patients. Multi-organ POCUS including kidney, bladder, inferior vena cava (IVC), lung and cardiac examinations were used to identify five AKI subgroups: hypovolemia, reduced cardiac output, systemic vasodilatation and renal vasomodulation, renal and post-renal. One hundred sixty-five AKI patients were included in the study. The most diagnostic parameter in the post-renal group was the presence of any hydronephrosis, with a sensitivity of 93.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 68.1-99.8) and specificity of 85.9% (95% CI: 79.3-91.1). For the reduced cardiac output group, the most diagnostic parameter was IVC maximum diameter &gt;17 mm with a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI: 83.2-100) and specificity of 70.2% (95% CI: 61.6-77.7). For the hypovolemia group, the most diagnostic parameter was IVC maximum diameter ≤17.9 mm with a sensitivity of 81.2% (95% CI: 71.2-88.8) and specificity of 56.5% (95% CI: 44-68.4). For the systemic vasodilatation and renal vasomodulation group, the most diagnostic parameter was diffuse ascites with a sensitivity of 56.3% (95% CI: 29.9-80.2) and specificity of 89.9% (95% CI: 83.8-94.2). None of the parameters were significant for the renal group. We concluded that multi-organ POCUS is of diagnostic value for AKI subgroups.

MOTS-c as a predictor of coronary lesions and complexity in patients with stable coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE

Atherosclerosis plays a major role in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). It has been shown that mitochondrial open-reading-frame of the twelve S rRNA-c (MOTS-c), a mitochondrial-derived peptide, has preventive effects on atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between MOTS-c levels and CAD presence and severity using SYNTAX score (SS) in patients with stable angina pectoris.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ninety-two consecutive patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD+) and ninety-two consecutive patients with normal coronary artery (CAD-) were included. Presence and severity of coronary artery disease were determined using the SS.

RESULTS

We observed that the MOTS-c levels was lower in the CAD group (111±13 vs. 161±23, p<0.001). The MOTS-c levels were also found to be significant independent predictors for CAD in multiple regression analysis (p<0.001). A MOTS-c levels ≥130.9 had 80.3% sensitivity and 73.2% specificity (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.858, 95% CI: 0.895-0.999, p<0.001) for predicting CAD.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors revealed that there is a strong correlation between MOTS-c levels and CAD. Therefore, MOTS-c may help identify patients with CAD, thus allowing for early preventive treatment.

Prognostic values of the C-reactive protein to albumin ratio and prognostic nutritional index in carotid endarterectomy patients

OBJECTIVES

C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) are novel parameters with proven prognostic importance in the postoperative outcomes of coronary and peripheral vascular diseases. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the ability of CAR and PNI to predict major cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) during the postoperative period of Carotid artery endarterectomy (CEA).

METHODS

A total of 505 carotid endarterectomy patients were retrospectively evaluated. Of 505 patients, 23 patients who died and who experienced myocardial infarction or major neurologic complication in the first 30 days after the operation were included in MACCE group (Group 1). The remaining 482 patients were included in Group 2. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate preoperative serum albumin value, lymphocytes count, PNI, and CAR to predict the MACCE. The DeLong test was used to compare the area below the curve (AUC) with each of these parameters.

RESULTS

CAR (2.48 ± 1.82 and 1.64 ± 1.37) and CRP (9.98 ± 7.42 and 6.81 ± 5.70) values are statistically higher in Group 1 than in Group 2. PNI (41.59 ± 3.11 and 43.54 ± 4.20) and albumin (40.43 ± 3.15 and 42.35 ± 4.15) values were significantly lower in Group 1 than in Group 2. The accuracy of albumin (AUC: 0.669) in the prediction of MACCE was found to be the highest among CAR (AUC: 0.631), PNI (AUC:0.667), and CRP (AUC:0.631).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative nutritional and inflammatory status is significantly associated with post-operative outcomes. PNI and CAR can be used for preoperative evaluation, as CEA is recommended for patients who have low possibility of having postoperative major adverse events.

Relationship between Health Literacy and Frailty in Older Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an increased risk of frailty, morbidity, and mortality in older adults. Limited health literacy (HL) is a condition that can cause frailty in CKD. Frailty leads to a decreased resistance to stress situations caused by activities of daily living and increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between HL and frailty in older adults with stage 4-5 CKD.

METHODS

A total of 109 patients with stage 4-5CKD were included. All patients underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment. Health literacy was assessed by the Turkish version of the European Health Literacy Questionnaire. Frailty status was measured using the Fried Frailty Index.

RESULTS

The median age was 72 (68-80) years and 72 patients (66.1%) had lowHL. Forty-six patients (42.2%) were frail, and frailty was more common in the low HL group.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that low HL level was common in geriatric patients with stage 4-5 CKD and was associated with frailty, as well as a decrease in daily and instrumental life activities, decrease in acceptance of illness scale, and compliance with medical treatment.

Comparison of Anterior Mitral Leaflet Repair Techniques with and without the Use of Chordal Replacement in Patients with Degenerative Mitral Valve Insufficiency

BACKGROUND

The aim of our study was to compare the outcome of patients who underwent mitral valve anterior leaflet repair with and without chordal replacement for degenerative mitral valve insufficiency.

METHODS

This study was conducted at our center between May 2006 and May 2013. The study included 125 patients with degenerative mitral valve insufficiency (64 males, 61 females; mean age 47 years, age range 16-78 years) who underwent mitral valve repair with anterior leaflet procedures. The patients were divided into 2 groups. Group A consisted of 56 patients with chordal replacement, and group B consisted of 69 patients with other repair techniques performed.

RESULTS

No significant difference was determined between the 2 groups in mortality, recurrence, and reoperation rates. The mortality rate was 3.6% in group A and 1.4% in group B. During the follow-up period, 3 patients were reoperated on (mitral valve replacement) because of severe mitral valve insufficiency. Two of these patients were from group A (3.6%), and the other was from group B (1.4%). One patient in group A underwent intraoperative mitral valve replacement after unsuccessful chordal replacement. Fifty patients (89.3%) in group A and 65 patients (94.2%) in group B exhibited no or mild recurrence of mitral valve insufficiency.

CONCLUSION

Mitral valve repair in patients with degenerative mitral valve insufficiency resulting from anterior leaflet pathology is a safe procedure because of its durability and good long-term results. Despite the difficulty of the chordal replacement procedure, it may be used as an alternative technique for anterior mitral valve leaflet repair.

The effect of autonomic nervous system dysfunction on oxygen consumption during daily living activities in patients with spinal cord injury

STUDY DESIGN

Case-control study.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the level of autonomic nervous system dysfunction in patients with spinal cord injury and to determine its effect on the basal metabolic rate and oxygen consumption during daily living activities.

SETTING

Turkish Armed Forces Rehabilitation Center, Ankara, Turkey.

METHODS

Thirty-six patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) were allocated into two groups according to the presence of autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction was investigated with the measurements of blood pressure and heart rate during urodynamic examination and several provocative maneuvers (standing at tilt table, forcing deep respiration and Valsalva). Groups were compared in terms of the basal metabolic rate and oxygen consumption during daily living activities. Measurement of the basal metabolic rate was determined by indirect calorimetry under standardized conditions. Total body fat mass and lean tissue mass were measured in all participants using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry by standard methods. Telemetric intrapulmonary gas exchange analyzer was used to measure oxygen consumption during daily living activities.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in age, time since injury, body mass lean and fat rates, or sensory and motor scores (P>0.05). Basal metabolic rates and oxygen consumption during daily living activities were not different between the groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the presence of autonomic dysfunction does not change oxygen consumption at rest and during daily living activities.

The effect of functional electrical stimulation cycling on late functional improvement in patients with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective single-arm study.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling on late functional recovery, spasticity, gait parameters and oxygen consumption during walking in patients with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI).

SETTING

Turkish Armed Forces Rehabilitation Center, Ankara, Turkey.

METHODS

Ten patients with chronic (duration of more than 2 years) incomplete SCI who could ambulate at least 10 m independently or with the assistance of a cane or walker, but no hip-knee-ankle-foot orthosis. The subjects underwent 1-h FES cycling sessions three times a week for 16 weeks. Outcome measures including the total motor score, the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score, the Modified Ashworth Scale for knee spasticity, temporal spatial gait parameters and oxygen consumption rate during walking were assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 months after the baseline.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant improvements in total motor scores, the FIM scores and spasticity level at the 6-month follow-up (P<0.01). The changes in gait parameters reached no significant level (P>0.05). Oxygen consumption rate of the patients showed significant reduction at only 6 months compared with baseline (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that FES cycling may provide some functional improvements in the late period of SCI.

SPONSORSHIP

The study was supported by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK).

Ultrasound guided block of the saphenous neuroma following use of an AFO in a patient with paraplegia. A case report

The saphenous nerve is the terminal branch of the femoral nerve and a pure sensory nerve that provide sensation to medial leg. Injury to saphanous nerve following trauma or surgery of the knee can result in formation of a painful neuroma along its distribution. We present a case of saphenous neuroma following use of an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) in a patient with paraplegia. A 36-year-old patient with paraplegia who was capable of walking independently with his AFO presented to our department with a 3-month history of pain in his left calf. Examination revealed tenderness, paresthesias and positive Tinel sign over the anteromedial aspect of the calf. Ultrasonographic examination of the painful area showed a mass with heterogenous echogenity which was consistent with a saphenous neuroma at the site where fastener band of AFO compressed to skin. We performed a nerve block with steroid and local anesthetic injection under ultrasound guidance to the neuroma. The patient reported pain relief following injection. The use of the AFO may cause a painful saphenous neuroma which is an unusual cause of extremity pain in patients with paraplegia. Ultrasound may be a beneficial diagnostic tool and a guidance for the therapeutic interventions in this condition.

The effects of phenol neurolysis of the obturator nerve on the distribution of buttock-seat interface pressure in spinal cord injury patients with hip adductor spasticity

OBJECTIVES

Hip adductor spasticity may adversely effect shear-force and pressure distribution on the buttocks, where ulcerations most frequently appear in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Phenol neurolysis of the obturator nerve (ON) is commonly used to manage hip adductor spasticity. This study aimed to determine the effects on the distribution of buttock-seat interface pressure (BSIP) in a group of SCI patients with adductor spasticity that underwent ON blockade with phenol.

METHODS

We reviewed the records of SCI patients that were admitted to our clinic between January 2009 and December 2009. BSIP values (obtained with an X-sensor 48) and hip adductor spasticity levels of SCI patients with hip adductor spasticity that underwent ON blockade with phenol were collected. BSIP distributions of the patients were divided into two portions: first one is the BSIP distribution at the pressure ≤37 mm Hg, and the second one is at the pressure >37 mm Hg.

RESULTS

The study included 20 SCI patients (19 males and 1 female), with a mean age of 42.85±13.24 years. Although the percentage of BSIP distribution at ≤37 mm Hg range increased significantly (P<0.001), after ON neurolysis, BSIP distribution at >37 mm Hg range decreased significantly (P<0.001). In addition, mean hip adductor spasticity decreased significantly after ON neurolysis (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Phenol neurolysis of the ON is a promising treatment for the management of hip adductor spasticity in SCI patients and also has positive effects on BSIP, which has a crucial function in the development of pressure ulcers.