Contemporary Management and Outcomes of Patients With High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism

BACKGROUND

Contemporary care patterns/outcomes in high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) patients are unknown.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to characterize the management of high-risk PE patients and identify factors associated with poor outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the PERT (Pulmonary Embolism Response Team) Consortium Registry was performed. Patients presenting with intermediate-risk PE, high-risk PE, and catastrophic PE (those with hemodynamic collapse) were identified. Patient characteristics were compared with chi-square testing for categorical covariates and Student's t-test for continuous covariates. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations between clinical characteristics and outcomes in the high-risk population.

RESULTS

Of 5,790 registry patients, 2,976 presented with intermediate-risk PE and 1,442 with high-risk PE. High-risk PE patients were more frequently treated with advanced therapies than intermediate-risk PE patients (41.9% vs 30.2%; P < 0.001). In-hospital mortality (20.6% vs 3.7%; P < 0.001) and major bleeding (10.5% vs. 3.5%; P < 0.001) were more common in high-risk PE. Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated vasopressor use (OR: 4.56; 95% CI: 3.27-6.38; P < 0.01), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use (OR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.12-7.30; P = 0.03), identified clot-in-transit (OR: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.13-4.52; P = 0.02), and malignancy (OR: = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.13-2.56; P = 0.01) as factors associated with in-hospital mortality. Catastrophic PE patients (n = 197 [13.7% of high-risk PE patients]) had higher in-hospital mortality (42.1% vs 17.2%; P < 0.001) than those presenting with noncatastrophic high-risk PE. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (13.3% vs. 4.8% P < 0.001) and systemic thrombolysis (25% vs 11.3%; P < 0.001) were used more commonly in catastrophic PE.

CONCLUSIONS

In the largest analysis of high-risk PE patients to date, mortality rates were high with the worst outcomes among patients with hemodynamic collapse.

Multigenerational tests on Daphnia spp.: a vision and new perspectives

Multigenerational toxicity testing is a valuable tool for understanding the long-term effects of contaminants on aquatic organisms. This review focuses on the use of multigenerational tests with Daphnia, a widely used model organism in aquatic toxicological studies. The review highlights the importance of studying multiple generations to assess Daphnia spp. reproductive, growth, and physiological responses to various contaminants. We discuss the outcomes of multigenerational tests involving different contaminants, including nanoparticles, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. The results reveal that multigenerational exposure can lead to transgenerational effects, where the impacts of contaminants are observed in subsequent generations even after the initial exposure has ceased. These transgenerational effects often manifest as reproduction, growth, and development alterations. Furthermore, we emphasize the need for standardized protocols in multigenerational testing to ensure comparability and reproducibility of results across studies. We also discuss the implications of multigenerational testing for ecological risk assessment, as it provides a more realistic representation of the long-term effects of contaminants on populations and ecosystems. Overall, this review highlights the significance of multigenerational tests with Daphnia in advancing our understanding of the ecological impacts of contaminants. Such tests provide valuable insights into the potential risks associated with long-term exposure to pollutants and contribute to the development of effective mitigation strategies for aquatic ecosystems.

Nitrogen dioxide pollution increases vulnerability to COVID-19 through altered immune function

Previous ecological studies suggest the existence of possible interplays between the exposure to air pollutants and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Confirmations at individual level, however, are lacking. To explore the relationships between previous exposure to particulate matter < 10 μm (PM₁₀) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), the clinical outcome following hospital admittance, and lymphocyte subsets in COVID-19 patients with pneumonia. In 147 geocoded patients, we assessed the individual exposure to PM₁₀ and NO₂ in the 2 weeks before hospital admittance. We divided subjects according to the clinical outcome (i.e., discharge at home vs in-hospital death), and explored the lymphocyte-related immune function as an index possibly affecting individual vulnerability to the infection. As compared with discharged subjects, patients who underwent in-hospital death presented neutrophilia, lymphopenia, lower number of T CD45, CD3, CD4, CD16/56 + CD3 + , and B CD19 + cells, and higher previous exposure to NO₂, but not PM₁₀. Age and previous NO₂ exposure were independent predictors for mortality. NO₂ concentrations were also negatively related with the number of CD45, CD3, and CD4 cells. Previous NO₂ exposure is a co-factor independently affecting the mortality risk in infected individuals, through negative immune effects. Lymphopenia and altered lymphocyte subsets might precede viral infection due to nonmodifiable (i.e., age) and external (i.e., air pollution) factors. Thus, decreasing the burden of air pollutants should be a valuable primary prevention measure to reduce individual susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and mortality.

Current interventional therapies in acute pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third leading cause of cardiovascular mortality. The management of PE is currently evolving given the development of new technologies and team-based approaches. This document will focus on risk stratification of PEs, review of the current interventional therapies, the role of clinical endpoints to assess the effectiveness of different interventional therapies, and the role for mechanical circulatory support in the complex management of this disease.

Bleeding risk by intensity of anticoagulation in critically ill patients with COVID-19: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Studies report hypercoagulability in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), leading many institutions to escalate anticoagulation intensity for thrombosis prophylaxis.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the bleeding risk with various intensities of anticoagulation in critically ill patients with COVID-19 compared with other respiratory viral illnesses (ORVI).

PATIENTS/METHODS

This retrospective cohort study compared the incidence of major bleeding in patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) within a single health system with COVID-19 versus ORVI. In the COVID-19 cohort, we assessed the effect of anticoagulation intensity received on ICU admission on bleeding risk. We performed a secondary analysis with anticoagulation intensity as a time-varying covariate to reflect dose changes after ICU admission.

RESULTS

Four hundred and forty-three and 387 patients were included in the COVID-19 and ORVI cohorts, respectively. The hazard ratio of major bleeding for the COVID-19 cohort relative to the ORVI cohort was 1.26 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.86-1.86). In COVID-19 patients, an inverse-probability treatment weighted model found therapeutic-intensity anticoagulation on ICU admission had an adjusted hazard ratio of bleeding of 1.55 (95% CI: 0.88-2.73) compared with standard prophylactic-intensity anticoagulation. However, when anticoagulation was assessed as a time-varying covariate and adjusted for other risk factors for bleeding, the adjusted hazard ratio for bleeding on therapeutic-intensity anticoagulation compared with standard thromboprophylaxis was 2.59 (95% CI: 1.20-5.57).

CONCLUSIONS

Critically ill patients with COVID-19 had a similar bleeding risk as ORVI patients. When accounting for changes in anticoagulation that occurred in COVID-19 patients, therapeutic-intensity anticoagulation was associated with a greater risk of major bleeding compared with standard thromboprophylaxis.

Mid-term outcomes with the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiopulmonary failure secondary to massive pulmonary embolism

OBJECTIVES

There has been increasing interest in using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to rescue patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) in the advanced stages of respiratory or haemodynamic decompensation. We examined mid-term outcomes and risk factors for in-hospital mortality.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of 36 patients who required ECMO placement (32 veno-arterial ECMO, 4 veno-venous) following acute PE. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Risk factors for in-hospital mortality were assessed by logistic regression analysis. Functional status and quality of life were assessed by phone questionnaire.

RESULTS

Overall survival to hospital discharge was 44.4% (16/36). Two-year survival conditional to discharge was 94% (15/16). Two-year survival after veno-arterial ECMO was 39% (13/32). In patients supported with veno-venous ECMO, survival to discharge was 50%, and both patients were alive at follow-up. In univariable analysis, a history of recent surgery (P = 0.064), low left ventricular ejection fraction (P = 0.029), right ventricular dysfunction ≥ moderate at weaning (P = 0.083), on-going cardiopulmonary resuscitation at ECMO placement (P = 0.053) and elevated lactate at weaning (P = 0.002) were risk factors for in-hospital mortality. In multivariable analysis, recent surgery (P = 0.018) and low left ventricular ejection fraction at weaning (P = 0.013) were independent factors associated with in-hospital mortality. At a median follow-up of 23 months, 10 patients responded to our phone survey; all had acceptable functional status and quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Massive acute PE requiring ECMO support is associated with high early mortality, but patients surviving to hospital discharge have excellent mid-term outcomes with acceptable functional status and quality of life. ECMO can provide a stable platform to administer other intervention with the potential to improve outcomes. Risk factors for in-hospital mortality after PE and veno-arterial ECMO support were identified.

Interventional Therapies in Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Treatment of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) historically included anticoagulation and systemic thrombolytic therapy. More recently, catheter guided interventions provided promise of mitigating bleeding risks usually associated with systemic thrombolysis in intermediate to high risk PE patients. Catheter based interventions can broadly be divided into catheter directed thrombolysis and catheter based embolectomy. Both modalities are currently undergoing active research and each has their respective risks and benefits. The decision to administer these advanced therapies for acute PE can be challenging but can be accomplished via a multi-disciplinary PE response team.

Abstract 4: Disparities in the Use of Direct Oral Anticoagulant Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism in the United States, 2010-2016

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurs in approximately 100 persons per 100,000 each year in the United States, and for decades warfarin had been the mainstay of therapy. However, beginning in 2012 direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) were approved for treatment and prevention of VTE, and are now recommended as first-line therapy. We assessed the factors associated with direct oral anticoagulant use among commercially-insured VTE patients.

Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of adult patients with an incident diagnosis of VTE between 01/01/2010 and 12/01/2016 using OptumInsight’s Clinformatics Data Mart, a large US health care claims database. We identified the first filled anticoagulant prescription within 30 days of discharge, as well as baseline demographic and socioeconomic characteristics for all VTE patients with available prescription data. We then performed a multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, region of residence, household net worth, prescribing provider specialty, and clinical covariates to identify factors associated with the use of direct oral anticoagulants.

Results: There were 12,390 patients included in the analysis. In adjusted multivariate analyses, there was no difference in the use of DOAC among men and women (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.91 - 1.08, p=0.80). Black patients were less likely to receive a DOAC compared to white patients (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.76 - 0.98, p=0.020). There were no differences in the utilization among Asian patients (OR 1.21, 95% CI 0.83 - 1.75, p=0.324) or Hispanic patients (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.88 - 1.23, p=0.66) as compared to white patients.

Conclusion: Although DOAC adoption has increased steadily, among a commercially-insured population, black race was independently associated with the use of warfarin as compared to DOAC for incident VTE despite controlling for other socioeconomic factors. This finding was not present among Asian or Hispanic patients. This suggests the possibility of a racial disparity in access to this new pharmacotherapy.

Quantitative PCR detection of t(11;14) bcl-1/JH in mantle cell lymphoma patients: comparison of peripheral blood and bone marrow aspirate samples

OBJECTIVE

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) featured by participation of the lymph nodes, spleen, blood and bone marrow with a short remission period to standard therapies and a median overall survival of 4-5 years.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this study, we compare the levels of bcl-1/JH fusion products detected by q-PCR in the concurrent peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) aspirate samples from 7 patients with MCL.

RESULTS

In patients with moderate to high levels of bcl-1/JH copies, the results of q-PCR analysis of PB and BM aspirate samples correlate well. In patients with high levels of bcl-1/JH copies, instead, PB levels are a good indication of tumor burden. Finally, in patients with low levels of bcl-1/JH copies, the t(11;14) may be detected by identification of neoplastic cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that PB can be reliably used in place of BM aspirate both for detection of translocation status during minimal residual disease monitoring and for a possible molecular relapse, especially in those patients who have moderate to high levels of bcl-1/JH copies. If these results will be confirmed on a wider number of MCL patients, future study will be required to address the issue.

Evaluation of genotyping methods and the relative cost of pharmacogenomics

Recently, several methods to assess the quality of cost-effectiveness, cost-utility and cost-benefit in the pharmacogenomic field have become available. A relevant example is the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE forms a diverse clinical Advisory committee, which stimulates Pharma and Academic communities to produce a robust set of data, including the design and data source, for economic models of personalized healthcare. Personalized medicine includes genomic tests of each patients and their disease into their clinical treatments, so as minimize toxicity and maximize benefits. It is well known that Pharmacogenomics (PG) tests, performed before drug treatment, lower overall medical costs and provide higher quality of life and longer life expectancy. In this issue relative costs of genotyping methods and platforms, were evaluated by "manually cured criteria" due to lack of specific guidelines. Finally, with the progress made in this scenario over the next five years, health decision-making may able to accelerating the translation of genetic technologies into routine clinical laboratory.

Apparent diffusion coefficient obtained by magnetic resonance imaging as a prognostic marker in glioblastomas: correlation with MGMT promoter methylation status

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values can predict the status of MGMT of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and correlate with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

METHODS

This retrospective study included 47 patients with pathologically proven glioblastoma. All of them underwent MR DWI study before surgery (mean time 1 week) and the status of methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation was searched for. Minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were evaluated. OS and PSF parameters were calculated, and Student's t-test, Kaplan-Meier curves, linear and Cox regression were performed.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients showed positive methylation of the MGMT promoter. Patients showing MGMT promoter methylation had higher minimum ADC values, and they survived longer than those without MGMT promoter methylation. The median ADCmin value of 0.80 represents the cutoff value able to distinguish between methylated and un-methylated patients. Patients showing minimum ADC values higher than 0.80 survived longer than patients with minimum ADC values lower than 0.80. A linear correlation between minimum ADC values vs. the OS and PFS was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimum ADC values in glioblastoma multiforme could be used as a preoperative parameter to estimate the status of MGMT promoter methylation and the survival of patients.

The appropriate use of physical restraint: considerations

Many people with severe and profound mental retardation have poor oral health and suffer from inadequate oral hygiene. They may also have neurological disorders and limited intellect, which can erect barriers to dental treatment, such as resistive behavior. Lack of an agreed-upon definition of physical restraint by clinicians or governmental and administrative nondental professionals adds to the problem. As a result, controversy and confusion arise when the appropriate use of safety support systems, (i.e., physical restraint) is considered. The purpose of this paper is to address the need for and appropriate use of restraint for a specific population and set of conditions. The appropriate use of restraint permits the administration of oral hygiene, which can help control the level of oral health in this population; if restraint is not used, oral hygiene cannot be accomplished, dental disease increases, and dental neglect can be cited. This paper concludes with several sets of restraint guidelines for appropriate use.

[Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus infection and varicella]

The case of a 3-year-old boy affected with varicella associated to acute cellulitis by group A beta-hemolytic streptococci is reported. The causes of hospitalization were: high fever, decline of condition, onset of scarlet exanthema and a severe swelling in the inguinoscrotal area, during varicella. The diagnosis of streptococcal infection was confirmed by positive pharyngeal tampon, scarlet exanthema and following rise of ASLO. Since the association of these two infections is reported in literature more and more frequently, the possible causes and precautionary measures are analysed.

Closed versus open endotracheal suctioning in preterm infants: effects on cerebral oxygenation and blood volume

The aim of our study was to compare, using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), the effects on cerebral intracellular oxygenation and cerebral blood volume (CBV) of closed endotracheal suctioning (CS), which permits continuous ventilation of the patient, with open endotracheal suctioning (OS), which requires disconnection from the ventilator. Eleven preterm infants were studied. Each patient underwent one CS, followed, after 60 min, by one OS, or vice versa, three times during the same day. Modifications in CBV and oxidized cytochrome oxidase (CytO2) were continuously detected by NIRS; arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) heart rate (HR), transcutaneous carbon dioxide tension and mean arterial blood pressure were simultaneously recorded. Significant reductions in HR and SaO2 were observed following OS; the magnitude and duration of these negative effects of suctioning were significantly reduced with CS. In addition, the decrease in CBV was more pronounced than following CS. No changes in CytO2 concentration were seen.

Bronchopleural fistula: successful selective bronchial occlusion with a Fogarty's catheter in a preterm infant

A preterm infant (26 weeks' gestation) mechanically ventilated for respiratory distress syndrome developed severe interstitial emphysema of the right lung with a bronchopleural fistula, pneumothorax and mediastinal shift. Selective occlusion of the right main bronchus with a Fogarty's catheter produced rapid improvement in the clinical condition and radiological features. Occlusion of the main bronchus in a newborn with a bronchopleural fistula and pulmonary interstitial emphysema is an easily performed manoeuvre that can be life-saving.

Role of dipyridamole-echocardiography test in the evaluation of coronary reserve after coronary artery bypass grafting

The object of this study was to assess the usefulness of the dipyridamole-echocardiography test in the early evaluation of coronary artery bypass grafting, when the use of an exercise stress test is precluded. We studied 39 consecutive patients (37 men and two women, mean age 57.3 years) referred to our institute for elective coronary artery bypass. Five patients had single, 12 patients double, 20 patients triple vessel disease, and two had left main stem disease. Nineteen left internal mammary artery grafts, 20 sequential grafts, and 39 single vein grafts were performed. All the patients were subjected to the test before (time range 1 to 3 days) and after (time range 6 to 10 days) the operation in the absence of therapy. Dipyridamole was administered intravenously 0.56 mg/kg over 4 minutes (low dose); if no effect was apparent, an additional 0.28 mg/kg over 2 minutes (high dose) was given. During the test, blood pressure and a twelve-lead electrocardiogram were monitored. An arbitrary wall motion score was derived by dividing the left ventricle into six regions and grading from 0 to 3-normokinetic, hypokinetic, akinetic, and dyskinetic zones. Preoperatively the test was positive in 38 patients as evidenced by wall motion abnormalities (36 patients had electrocardiographic changes) and in one patient by electrocardiographic changes and chest pain; 22 tests were positive after the low dose and 17 after the high dose. Angina was present in 33 patients. Mean wall motion score was 1.64 per patient in the basal condition and 4.03 per patient after the test (p less than 0.001). After coronary bypass in three patients the test was positive at the same dosage that was used preoperatively, as shown by wall motion abnormalities (in two patients by electrocardiographic changes, as well). Four patients had symptoms. Furthermore, at 6 months' follow-up, a treadmill stress test performed in these three patients was positive for ischemia and angina. The wall motion score was 1.25 per patient in the basal condition and 1.53 per patient after the test (no significant difference). When the preoperative wall motion score obtained after dipyridamole echocardiography was compared with the postoperative score, a statistically significant difference was seen: 4.03 per patient versus 1.53 per patient (p less than 001). In eight patients we observed an improvement of basal myocardial contractility after the operation, which indicates the reversibility of wall motion abnormalities observed before coronary bypass. In conclusion our data show that the dipyridamole-echocardiography test is a suitable method for the early assessment of bypass grafting when other methods, exercise dependent, are not indicated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[Analysis of the spread of ambulatory electrocardiography in Italy]

The diffusion of ambulatory monitoring (AM) in Italy was evaluated by a questionnaire sent to 102 centers known to be active in this field. The 70 replays obtained constitute this report. In Italy the first center for AM was activated in 1970, thereafter many other new centers started with the maximal increase between 1978 and 1983. During 1985 these centers performed 36223 examinations (mean 517) with a great variability in the number of examinations performed per year: 11 centers performed greater than 1000 examinations a yr, 21 greater than 500 less than 1000 and 38 less than 500. This variability was independent by the number of recorders each center have (on average 4.78 per center) and by the number of personnel involved in the activity. Waiting list resulted to be 25 days on average (1.90) and 4.7 days were needed for the replay (1.20). The main complain resulted to be the difficulty to obtain in short period of time technical assistance. In the second part of the questionnaire more clinical questions were asked. AM resulted to be required the most for arrhythmias and ischemic heart disease whereas atypical chest pain, palpitations and lipothymia events were considered to be the major reasons for a negative examination. In conclusion our data allow to identify the clinical relevance of AM in Italy and its major applicants.