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Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Jul 2024The discovery of regulatory cell death processes has driven innovation in cardiovascular disease (CVD) therapeutic strategies. Over the past decade, ferroptosis, an... (Review)
Review
The discovery of regulatory cell death processes has driven innovation in cardiovascular disease (CVD) therapeutic strategies. Over the past decade, ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death driven by excessive lipid peroxidation, has been shown to drive the development of multiple CVDs. This review provides insights into the evolution of the concept of ferroptosis, the similarities and differences with traditional modes of programmed cell death (e.g., apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis), as well as the core regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis (including cystine/glutamate transporter blockade, imbalance of iron metabolism, and lipid peroxidation). In addition, it provides not only a detailed review of the role of ferroptosis and its therapeutic potential in widely studied CVDs such as coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and aortic aneurysm but also an overview of the phenomenon and therapeutic perspectives of ferroptosis in lesser-addressed CVDs such as cardiac valvulopathy, pulmonary hypertension, and sickle cell disease. This article aims to integrate this knowledge to provide a comprehensive view of ferroptosis in a wide range of CVDs and to drive innovation and progress in therapeutic strategies in this field.
Topics: Ferroptosis; Humans; Animals; Cardiovascular Diseases; Lipid Peroxidation; Iron
PubMed: 38788596
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116761 -
Medicine May 2024Some observational studies have highlighted a significant association between cholecystitis and factors leading to sudden death; however, the specific relationship... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Some observational studies have highlighted a significant association between cholecystitis and factors leading to sudden death; however, the specific relationship between the 2 has not been fully elucidated. The primary objective of this study was to elucidate the causal interplay between cholecystitis and augmented risk of sudden cardiac death. We used large-scale genetic summary data from genome-wide association study, genetic summary statistics were sourced from 3 eminent repositories: the UK Biobank (N = 463,010), the FinnGen consortium (N = 215,027), and the European Bioinformatics Institute (N = 471,251). By employing 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to decipher the causal interplay between cholecystitis and sudden death etiologies, a meta-analytical approach was employed to amalgamate the findings derived from these disparate data sources. The primary MR methodologies used included inverse variance weighting with random effects, inverse variance weighting with fixed effects, maximum likelihood, MR-Egger, and weighted median. Subsequently, we performed heterogeneity testing, polyvalency examination, and sensitivity analysis to bolster the robustness of causal relationship assessments. Meta-analysis and amalgamating variegated data sources revealed a statistically significant inverse correlation between cholecystitis and ventricular arrhythmias (odds ratio, 0.896; 95% confidence interval: 0.826-0.971; P = .008). Similarly, an inverse association was observed between cholecystitis and aortic aneurysm (odds ratio, 0.899; 95% confidence interval: 0.851-0.951, P < .001). This study substantiates the absence of a direct causal link between cholecystitis and cerebrovascular accidents (P = .771), pulmonary embolism (P = .071), and acute myocardial infarction (P = .388). A direct causal correlation existed between cholecystitis and sudden death associated with ventricular arrhythmias and aortic aneurysms. The onset of cholecystitis may mitigate the risk of sudden death due to ventricular arrhythmias and aortic aneurysms.
Topics: Humans; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Death, Sudden, Cardiac; Genome-Wide Association Study; Cholecystitis; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38787985
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038240 -
Surgical Case Reports May 2024Pulmonary abscess is a severe infection commonly seen in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial pneumonia, immune deficiency disease,...
BACKGROUND
Pulmonary abscess is a severe infection commonly seen in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial pneumonia, immune deficiency disease, drug-induced immunocompromised state, and congenital pulmonary disease. The treatment strategy in pregnant women with a pulmonary abscess is considered challenging since adverse effects on the fetus must be avoided to ensure safe delivery.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 34-year-old female patient at 24 weeks of gestation (G2P1) was admitted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology due to sudden right chest pain. The patient had no significant medical history, including congenital anomalies, and no history of drug addiction or smoking. Laboratory data indicated high levels of inflammation (white blood cell 12,000/µL, C-reactive protein 16.0 mg/dL), and computed tomography demonstrated a large intrapulmonary cyst located in the middle of the right lower lobe, with some fluid collection. As the patient had no medical history of congenital pulmonary anomalies, she was initially diagnosed with a pulmonary cyst infection and treated with intravenous antibiotics. However, the infection did not resolve for over a week, and a spike in fever developed after admission. There was no definitive evidence concerning the risk of preterm delivery and fetal abortion during non-obstetric surgery. However, to control the severely infected pulmonary abscess that was refractory to antibiotics and obtain a pathological diagnosis while saving the life of both the mother and fetus, we elected to perform an emergent right lower lobectomy by open thoracotomy with a fissureless maneuver after receiving informed consent. Postoperatively, the infection gradually improved, and the patient was discharged on the 16th postoperative day without any major complications in the mother or fetus. Although she later experienced coronavirus disease-19 at 29 weeks of gestation, a boy was born at 40th weeks of gestation without any complications. Pathologically, no infectious agents, malignancies, or congenital anomalies other than lung abscesses associated with the pulmonary infarction were observed. The mother and child were healthy 1 year postoperatively.
CONCLUSIONS
We experienced a rare case of a pulmonary abscess in a pregnant woman who needed an emergent right lower lobectomy to control the severe infection and obtain a correct pathological diagnosis. Under cooperation from an obstetrician and anesthesiologist, emergency pulmonary resection can be performed safely for serious abscess formation even for pregnant women who have several months left until delivery.
PubMed: 38780682
DOI: 10.1186/s40792-024-01932-8 -
Acta Cardiologica Sinica May 2024The objective of this study was to examine whether there is an elevated risk of developing contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with high systolic pulmonary...
INTRODUCTION
The objective of this study was to examine whether there is an elevated risk of developing contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with high systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
METHODS
A total of 213 patients diagnosed with STEMI and who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled in the study. The patients were stratified into two groups based on the presence of CIN. Comparisons between these groups included an assessment of demographic characteristics, laboratory findings, and risk factors. SPAP was calculated for each patient upon admission through echocardiography, and subsequent comparisons were performed between the groups.
RESULTS
The distribution of the study population was as follows: 33 (15.5%) were CIN(+) and 180 (84.5%) were CIN(-). SPAP [odds ratio (OR) = 1.295, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.157-1.451, p < 0.001], and diabetes (OR = 1.241, 95% CI: 1.194-1.287, p = 0.013) were identified as independent factors associated with CIN development. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, SPAP above a cut-off level of 31.5 mmHg could determine the presence of CIN with a sensitivity of 91.0% and specificity of 90.0% (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
SPAP on echocardiography is an independent predictor of the development of CIN in patients with STEMI. Its ease of calculation renders it a valuable tool for predicting CIN among STEMI patients.
PubMed: 38779160
DOI: 10.6515/ACS.202405_40(3).20240129B -
Clinical and Experimental Emergency... May 2024Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is associated with exacerbations and high risk of serious outcomes. Our goal was to determine the appropriateness of the ED...
BACKGROUND
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is associated with exacerbations and high risk of serious outcomes. Our goal was to determine the appropriateness of the ED management of COPD exacerbations.
METHODS
This observational cohort study incorporated a health records review and included COPD exacerbation cases seen at two large academic EDs. We included all patients with the primary diagnosis of COPD exacerbation. From the electronic medical record, demographic and clinical data were abstracted, and the Ottawa COPD Risk Score (OCRS) was calculated for each. Short-term serious outcomes (SSO) included ICU admission, intubation, myocardial infarction, non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIV), and death at 30 days. Cases were judged for appropriateness of treatment according to explicit indications and standards developed a priori.
RESULTS
We enrolled 500 cases with mean age 71.9, female 51.2%, admitted 50.2%, and death 4.4%. The calculated OCRS score was >2 for 70.8% of patients. The treatments provided were inhaled beta-agonists (82.6%), inhaled anticholinergics (76.6%), corticosteroids (75.2%), antibiotics (71.0%), oxygen (63.8%), NIV (8.8%) and intubation (0.6%). Overall, 50.0% of cases were judged to have had inadequate management due to missing treatments. Specifically, the proportion of missing treatments were inhaled beta agonist (17.0%), inhaled anticholinergic (22.6%), corticosteroids (24.4%), antibiotics (12.8%), and NIV (2.0%).
CONCLUSIONS
Adequate treatment of COPD exacerbation was lacking in 50.0% of patients in these two large academic EDs. Concerning were the number of patients not receiving corticosteroids or antibiotics. Implementation of explicit treatment standards should lead to improved patient care of this common and serious condition.
PubMed: 38778492
DOI: 10.15441/ceem.24.197 -
Critical Care Science 2024To provide insights into the potential benefits of goal-directed therapy guided by FloTrac in reducing postoperative complications and improving outcomes. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To provide insights into the potential benefits of goal-directed therapy guided by FloTrac in reducing postoperative complications and improving outcomes.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate goal-directed therapy guided by FloTrac in major surgery, comparing goal-directed therapy with usual care or invasive monitoring in cardiac and noncardiac surgery subgroups. The quality of the articles and evidence were evaluated with a risk of bias tool and GRADE.
RESULTS
We included 29 randomized controlled trials with 3,468 patients. Goal-directed therapy significantly reduced the duration of hospital stay (mean difference -1.43 days; 95%CI 2.07 to -0.79; I2 81%), intensive care unit stay (mean difference -0.77 days; 95%CI -1.18 to -0.36; I2 93%), and mechanical ventilation (mean difference -2.48 hours, 95%CI -4.10 to -0.86, I2 63%). There was no statistically significant difference in mortality, myocardial infarction, acute kidney injury or hypotension, but goal-directed therapy significantly reduced the risk of heart failure or pulmonary edema (RR 0.46; 95%CI 0.23 - 0.92; I2 0%).
CONCLUSION
Goal-directed therapy guided by the FloTrac sensor improved clinical outcomes and shortened the length of stay in the hospital and intensive care unit in patients undergoing major surgery. Further research can validate these results using specific protocols and better understand the potential benefits of FloTrac beyond these outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Length of Stay; Postoperative Complications; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Intensive Care Units; Respiration, Artificial; Early Goal-Directed Therapy; Monitoring, Physiologic
PubMed: 38775544
DOI: 10.62675/2965-2774.20240196-en -
Cureus Apr 2024Free-floating thrombus (FFT) of the aorta is a rare condition characterized by a nonadherent portion of thrombus floating within the aortic lumen. Hypercoagulability is...
Free-floating thrombus (FFT) of the aorta is a rare condition characterized by a nonadherent portion of thrombus floating within the aortic lumen. Hypercoagulability is a well-known complication of COVID-19 infection, and thromboses related to COVID-19-related hypercoagulability commonly present in the form of venous or arterial thrombosis such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), ischemic stroke, and myocardial infarction. Unfortunately, FFT associated with COVID-19 infection has been rarely reported in the literature. We report the case of a 53-year-old female patient with an unusual presentation of a pedunculated thrombus in the descending thoracic aorta caused by COVID-19-related hypercoagulability. The patient was treated with anticoagulation therapy and did not require invasive procedures. FFT is a rare but potentially catastrophic complication of COVID-19 infection. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent complications like limb ischemia and stroke.
PubMed: 38774159
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58676 -
JAMA Network Open May 2024While β-blockers are associated with decreased mortality in cardiovascular disease (CVD), exacerbation-prone patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)...
IMPORTANCE
While β-blockers are associated with decreased mortality in cardiovascular disease (CVD), exacerbation-prone patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who received metoprolol in the Beta-Blockers for the Prevention of Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (BLOCK-COPD) trial experienced increased risk of exacerbations requiring hospitalization. However, the study excluded individuals with established indications for the drug, raising questions about the overall risk and benefit in patients with COPD following acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether β-blocker prescription at hospital discharge is associated with increased risk of mortality or adverse cardiopulmonary outcomes in patients with COPD and AMI.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This prospective, longitudinal cohort study with 6 months of follow-up enrolled patients aged 35 years or older with COPD who underwent cardiac catheterization for AMI at 18 BLOCK-COPD network hospitals in the US from June 2020 through May 2022.
EXPOSURE
Prescription for any β-blocker at hospital discharge.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcome was time to the composite outcome of death or all-cause hospitalization or revascularization. Secondary outcomes included death, hospitalization, or revascularization for CVD events, death or hospitalization for COPD or respiratory events, and treatment for COPD exacerbations.
RESULTS
Among 3531 patients who underwent cardiac catheterization for AMI, prevalence of COPD was 17.1% (95% CI, 15.8%-18.4%). Of 579 total patients with COPD and AMI, 502 (86.7%) were prescribed a β-blocker at discharge. Among the 562 patients with COPD included in the final analysis, median age was 70.0 years (range, 38.0-94.0 years) and 329 (58.5%) were male; 553 of the 579 patients (95.5%) had follow-up information. Among those discharged with β-blockers, there was no increased risk of the primary end point of all-cause mortality, revascularization, or hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR], 1.01; 95% CI, 0.66-1.54; P = .96) or of cardiovascular events (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.65-1.92; P = .69), COPD-related or respiratory events (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.34-1.66; P = .48), or treatment for COPD exacerbations (rate ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.53-1.91; P = .98).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this cohort study, β-blocker prescription at hospital discharge was not associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes in patients with COPD and AMI. These findings support use of β-blockers in patients with COPD and recent AMI.
Topics: Humans; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Male; Female; Myocardial Infarction; Aged; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Longitudinal Studies; Hospitalization
PubMed: 38771577
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.7535 -
Cureus Apr 2024Coronary artery fistulas are abnormal connections between the coronary arteries and the heart or other surrounding vascular structures. Although they are usually...
Coronary artery fistulas are abnormal connections between the coronary arteries and the heart or other surrounding vascular structures. Although they are usually congenital, they can also occur iatrogenically or due to trauma. They are usually asymptomatic, but they can cause serious and even fatal complications. These complications include myocardial infarction, embolism, thrombosis, arrhythmia, and rupture. In a 54-year-old woman admitted to the emergency department with an acute inferior myocardial infarction, a giant coronary-pulmonary artery fistula was detected on angiography. The fistula could not be closed percutaneously, and computed tomography angiography (CTA) revealed extensive aneurysms and diffuse calcifications. Large fistulas should be closed due to the risk of rupture. Small fistulas should be detected by CTA, and radiologists should be familiar with the imaging features.
PubMed: 38770477
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58627 -
Transplantation Direct Jun 2024Four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) is a plasma product that contains factors II, VII, IX, X, protein C, and protein S. PCC can be used off-label to treat...
BACKGROUND
Four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) is a plasma product that contains factors II, VII, IX, X, protein C, and protein S. PCC can be used off-label to treat coagulopathy during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). However, its use comes with safety concerns regarding thrombosis. The purpose of our study is to determine the safety of PCC in OLT.
METHODS
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who received 4-factor PCC during OLT at our institution from January 1, 2018, to May 1, 2022, with a 1:1 match of 83 patients who received PCC and 83 patients who did not. We evaluated 30-d mortality, 1-y mortality, prevalence of thrombotic complications (portal vein thrombosis, deep venous thrombosis, myocardial infarction, and pulmonary embolus), and postoperative intensive care (ICU) length of stay (LOS).
RESULTS
There was no significant difference in 30-d mortality (odds ratio [OR] 5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58-42.8; = 0.14), 1-y mortality (OR 3; 95% CI, 0.61-14.86; = 0.18), or ICU LOS (OR -13.8; 95% CI, -39.2 to 11.6; = 0.29). There was no increased incidence of thrombotic complications among patients receiving PCC 90 d after surgery, including portal vein thrombosis (OR 1.5; 95% CI, 0.42-5.32; = 0.53), pulmonary embolus (OR 1; 95% CI, 0.14-7.1; = 0.99), deep venous thrombosis (OR 0.67; 95% CI, 0.11-3.99; = 0.66), and myocardial infarction (OR 1.67; 95% CI, 0.4-6.97; = 0.48).
CONCLUSIONS
Although there was a statistically insignificant increase in mortality after PCC administration during OLT, we did not see a significant increase in perioperative complications, including thrombotic events and increased ICU LOS.
PubMed: 38769975
DOI: 10.1097/TXD.0000000000001637