Impact of Acute Kidney Injury on Mortality Outcomes in Patients Hospitalized for COPD Exacerbation: A National Inpatient Sample Analysis.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) worsens outcomes in COPD exacerbation (COPDe), yet limited data compare the demographics and mortality risk factors of COPDe admissions with and without AKI. Understanding this association may enhance risk stratification and management strategies. The aim of this study was to identify demographic differences and mortality risk factors in COPDe admissions with and without AKI.

Association of antiphospholipid syndrome with infective endocarditis and sepsis induced by Staphylococcus aureus: A U.S. nationwide inpatient sample analysis.

BackgroundAntiphospholipid syndrome (APS) predisposes patients to thrombosis and cardiac valve lesions such as Libman-Sacks endocarditis. These vegetations are sterile yet can provide a nidus for infection; the risk of infective endocarditis (IE) and other serious infections in APS patients remains poorly quantified in large populations, representing a knowledge gap.ObjectiveTo quantify the risk of the primary outcome, IE, and secondary outcomes of MRSA sepsis and MSSA sepsis, associated with APS using a large, nationally representative inpatient database.

Impact of Biologics and Proton Pump Inhibitors on Gastrointestinal Infection Risk in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients: A Retrospective Analysis of Pathogen-Specific Outcomes and Treatment Interactions.

: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients face elevated gastrointestinal (GI) infection risks due to immune dysregulation and gut dysbiosis. While steroids and immunosuppressants are known to increase infection risk, data on biologics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) remain limited, particularly for non-Clostridioides difficile (C.diff) infections.

Evaluating Outcomes of Over-Expanding Versus Conventional Sizing in transcatheter aortic valve replacement for Borderline Aortic Annulus: A Meta-Analysis.

Approximately 20-40% of patients that present for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with a balloon-expandable (BE) transcatheter heart valve (THV) fall into a borderline aortic annulus size (BAAS). There are potential benefits to over-expanding an under-sized THV (OE-THV) in such cases that include reduced electrical disturbances and annular injury at the expense of increased paravalvular leak (PVL). We conducted a meta-analysis of data comparing conventional sized vs OE-THV strategy for BAAS and review the literature for BE-THV in such cases.

Balloon valvuloplasty and transcatheter aortic valve replacement aortofemoral bypass grafts: A case report and review of literature.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) can be performed through multiple access sites with the preferred approach being transfemoral. In patients with severe peripheral arterial disease and previous grafts, the safety of transfemoral access direct graft puncture, especially when performed twice within a short period, remains unclear compared to alternative access methods. We present a case demonstrating the safety and efficacy of direct graft puncture for transfemoral access during balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) and TAVR.

Cancer-Associated Venous Thromboembolism Among Hospitalized Patients with Solid and Hematological Malignancies: A Comprehensive National Study.

Introduction: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of non-cancer-related mortality in cancer patients. Understanding how demographic factors and cancer types influence VTE risk is critical for developing prevention strategies. This study investigates the incidence of VTE in a large cancer patient population, focusing on gender, race, and differences between solid and hematological malignancies.

Predictors of complications and extended length of stay following percutaneous transluminal renal artery angioplasty.

Patients with renal artery stenosis (RAS) who fail medical management may be evaluated for Percutaneous transluminal renal artery angioplasty/stenting (PTRA/S). Comorbidities increasing the risk of complications following PTRA have not been explored well. Patients undergoing PTRA/S for RAS were sampled using National Inpatient Sample (NIS) Database.

Intrathecal Baclofen Pump Refill-Related Cardiac Arrest: A Case Report.

We present the case of a 45-year-old male with a history of multiple sclerosis complicated by spasticity and paraplegia, who developed altered mental status and type II respiratory failure requiring intubation on the same day his intrathecal baclofen pump was refilled by his pain physician. Shortly after admission, the patient experienced cardiac arrest four times within two hours until the pump contents were aspirated, and the patient was stabilized. This case report emphasizes the significance of vigilance and prompt recognition of intrathecal baclofen poisoning, which can lead to life-threatening toxicities and withdrawals.

Systemic sclerosis and acute heart failure in prosthetic heart valve patients: A retrospective analysis.

Background: Acute heart failure in patients with prosthetic heart valves is a complex problem with clinical and therapeutic challenges. Systemic sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease frequently associated with valvular abnormalities. The association between systemic sclerosis and acute heart failure in patients with prosthetic heart valves remains understudied.

Using novel machine learning tools to predict optimal discharge following transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Background: Although transcatheter aortic valve replacement has emerged as an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement, it requires extensive healthcare resources, and optimal length of hospital stay has become increasingly important. This study was conducted to assess the potential of novel machine learning models (artificial neural network and eXtreme Gradient Boost) in predicting optimal hospital discharge following transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Aim: To determine whether artificial neural network and eXtreme Gradient Boost models can be used to accurately predict optimal discharge following transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance and Associated Cardiovascular Outcomes in a Hospital Setting-A Fresh Perspective.

There is a paucity of data on the cardiovascular implications of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, especially among hospitalized patients. Our study aimed to investigate the association between MGUS and cardiovascular outcomes in a hospital setting using the National Inpatient Sample database. MGUS patients were sampled using ICD-10 codes.

Exploring the Relationship Between Cannabis Use and COVID-19 Outcomes.

Cannabis use is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide, yet the full spectrum of its effects largely remain unknown. Although cannabis have immunomodulatory properties, there remains a significant gap in our understanding of the potential impact of marijuana use on COVID-19 outcomes. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of chronic cannabis use on severe COVID-19.

Impact of psoriasis on the risk of device-related infective endocarditis in patients with permanent pacemakers: a propensity-matched analysis.

Background: Device-related infective endocarditis (IE) is associated with high mortality, resulting in a growing emphasis on identifying and managing comorbidities that increase the risk of IE in these patients. Psoriasis is increasingly being recognized as having multiple cardiovascular manifestations. However, little is known about the impact of psoriasis on IE risk in patients with permanent pacemakers (PPM).

Worsening of anemia increases the risks of complications and prolonged length of stay following revision total shoulder arthroplasty.

Background: There are no studies currently in the literature that assesses complications following revision total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) in patients with varying severity of anemia. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of preoperative anemia severity on postoperative complications following revision TSA.

Methods: Patients undergoing revision TSA from 2013 to 2019 were queried in a national database.

Heart failure - An unexplored risk factor for infective endocarditis after pacemaker implantation.

Background: With the widespread use of permanent pacemakers (PPM), and increased mortality associated with pacemaker endocarditis, it is essential to evaluate comorbidities that could potentially increase the risk of infective endocarditis (IE). Heart failure (HF), a common comorbidity, has not been well studied as an independent risk factor for development of IE in individuals with PPM.

Methods: The US National Inpatient Sample database was used to sample individuals with PPM.

Underutilization of left heart catheterization in kidney transplant patients presenting with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in kidney transplant (KT) patients. The perceived risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) may create a reluctance to perform coronary angiography in patients presenting with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).

Methods: National Inpatient Sample (NIS) Database was used to sample individuals presenting with NSTEMI.

Contemporary experience of mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair technology in patients with mitral annular calcification.

Background: Mitral annular calcification (MAC) has been an exclusion for many of the earlier pivotal trials that were instrumental in gaining device approval and indications for mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER).

Aims: To evaluate the impact of MAC on the procedural durability and success of newer generation MitraClip® systems (G3 and G4 systems).

Methods: Data were collected from Northwell TEER registry.

A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials Assessing the Efficacy of PARP Inhibitors in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer ranks as the second most common malignancy in males. Prostate cancer progressing on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPis) have been at the forefront of the treatment of CRPC.

The calcium-clot connection: investigating the association between primary hyperparathyroidism and acute venous thromboembolism.

Primary hyperthyroidism (PHPT) is a relatively uncommon disease and leads to increased calcium levels. Ionized calcium, known as clotting Factor IV, may lead to overt coagulation cascade activation, increasing the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). National Inpatient Sample Database was used to sample individuals with primary hyperparathyroidism, and baseline demographics and comorbidities were collected using ICD-10 codes.