Faculty Bibliography

Gender-specific differences in thrombosis have been reported in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. We sought to investigate the influence of age on the relation between gender and incident thrombosis or death in COVID-19. We identified consecutive adults aged ≥18 years hospitalized with COVID-19 from March 1, 2020, to April 17, 2020, at a large New York health system. In-hospital thrombosis and all-cause mortality were evaluated by gender and stratified by age group. Logistic regression models were generated to estimate the odds of thrombosis or death after multivariable adjustment. In 3,334 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, 61% were men. Death or thrombosis occurred in 34% of hospitalizations and was more common in men (36% vs 29% in women, p <0.001; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36 to 1.91). When stratified by age, men had a higher incidence of death or thrombosis in younger patients (aged 18 to 54 years: 21% vs 9%, aOR 3.17, 95% CI 2.06 to 5.01; aged 55 to 74 years: 39% vs 28%, aOR 1.63, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.10), but not older patients (aged ≥75 years: 55% vs 48%; aOR 1.20, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.59) (interaction p value: 0.01). For the individual end points, men were at higher risk of thrombosis (19% vs 12%; aOR 1.65, 95% CI 1.33 to 2.05) and mortality (26% vs 23%; aOR 1.41, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.69) than women, and gender-specific differences were attenuated with older age. Associations between thrombosis and mortality were most striking in younger patients (aged 18 to 54 years, aOR 8.25; aged 55 to 74 years, aOR 2.38; aged >75 years, aOR 1.88; p for interaction <0.001) but did not differ by gender. In conclusion, the risk of thrombosis or death in COVID-19 is higher in men compared with women and is most apparent in younger age groups.

Background Adults hospitalized with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) are at increased risk for thrombosis. Relationships between age and sex and the incidence and outcomes of thrombosis in COVID-19 are unknown. Methods We included consecutive adults age >=18 years hospitalized with COVID-19 from March 1^st to April 17^th 2020 at a large New York health system. In-hospital thrombosis and all-cause mortality were determined. The incidence of death and thrombosis were evaluated in subgroups by age and sex. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds of an event adjusted for demographics and clinical covariates. Results Among 3334 COVID-19 patients, 61% were men. Men had a higher incidence of thrombosis (19% vs. 12%; aOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.30-1.97) and death or thrombosis (23% vs. 25%; aOR 1.18, 95% CI 1.00-1.41) than women. Sex differences in thrombotic risk were greatest in the youngest individuals and attenuated with older age (18-54 years: aOR 3.89, 95% CI 2.24-7.05; 55-74 years: aOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.21-2.41; >=75 years: aOR 1.07, 95% CI 0.74-1.54 for men versus women). In both sexes, COVID-19 with versus without thrombosis was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (43% vs. 21%, p<0.001; aOR 3.21, 95%CI 2.63-3.92). Conclusion Men hospitalized with COVID-19 have a greater risk of thrombosis than women. And sex differences were most pronounced among younger patients. Mechanisms of differential thrombotic risk by sex in COVID-19 are unknown and require further study. [Formula presented]
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BACKGROUND:Perioperative cardiovascular events are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality after non-cardiac surgery. We propose a simplified method for perioperative risk stratification. METHODS:A retrospective cohort study identified patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery between 2009-2015 in the United States National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, race and surgery type were generated to estimate the impact of traditional cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, current smoking) on odds of perioperative myocardial infarction (MI). Time to event analysis was conducted using competing risk analysis, with MI as the outcome event and death as the competing risk. RESULTS:A total of 3,848,501 non-cardiac surgeries were identified. Post-operative MI occurred in 0.37% of patients and 1.04% of patients died. The 30-day event rate of perioperative MI increased in a stepwise fashion with additional risk factors (0.41% for one, 0.81% for two, and 1.07% for three; P-for-trend < 0.001) after accounting for the competing risk of death. In comparison to those with no risk factors, patients with one, two and three risk factors had increased odds of MI (aOR 2.07; 95% CI 1.96-2.19; aOR 3.63 95% CI 3.43-3.85; aOR 5.54 95% CI 5.09-6.04). Perioperative MI was rare (0.10%) in patients without risk factors. CONCLUSIONS:Patients with cardiovascular risk factors are at increased risk of perioperative MI, those without risk factors are at low risk. Further evaluation is needed to determine the impact of a simplified risk score in the perioperative setting.

INTRODUCTION: Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a common and challenging-to-treat infectious organism affecting more than 1.7 billion people globally. While primarily a respiratory illness, it can spread to other parts of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract. Abdominal tuberculosis (TB) is rare, accounting for 5% of all TB cases worldwide, of which only 1-2% involve the stomach. Most gastric cases are secondary to pulmonary infections, however primary gastric TB can arise following ingestion of the organism.We describe a case of primary gastric TB in a patient with newly diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 40-year-old man visiting from Ecuador with no prior medical history presented to the emergency room with one month of abdominal bloating and decreased oral intake. Physical examination was notable for cachexia and oral thrush; however, the abdomen was soft, nontender and nondistended. Blood work was positive for HIV with a CD4 count of 34 cells/mm³. An abdominal CT revealed an ill-defined soft tissue mass along the lesser curvature of the stomach with numerous enlarged adjacent lymph nodes. Subsequent upper endoscopy showed a friable gastric mass within the cardia and an erosion in the lesser body. Biopsies were obtained and pathology was notable for numerous acid-fast bacilli. Neither H. pylori nor carcinoma was identified. PCR analysis of tissue was positive for M. tuberculosis. Evaluation for pulmonary TB was unremarkable with a normal chest x-ray and negative sputum acid fast stains. The patient was ultimately discharged on anti-TB therapy with a plan to initiate antiretroviral therapy the following week. DISCUSSION: Primary gastric TB is exceedingly rare and is generally observed in patients with immunosuppression secondary to HIV, cirrhosis, diabetes, or treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor agents. Abdominal TB primarily arises via reactivation of a latent infection, however primary cases may arise from ingestion of unpasteurized milk or undercooked meat. The rarity of gastric TB has been attributed to the low density of lymphoid tissue, acidic pH, and rapid emptying of stomach contents. Typical sites of involvement include the antrum and pre-pyloric area with lesions typically being ulcerative. Treatment is similar as to pulmonary TB with prolonged antibiotic therapy, however symptoms of perforation, abscess bleeding, or obstruction may require surgery. (Figure Presented)

INTRODUCTION/UNASSIGNED:Catheter-related right atrial thrombosis is an under-recognized complication of central venous catheter placement. We performed a retrospective review, characterizing clinical aspects of catheter-related right atrial thrombosis (CRAT). METHODS/UNASSIGNED:To identify cases, a literature search was conducted in PubMed and additional items selected by review of related items and bibliography review. Key clinical data were extracted and analyzed both in total and as stratified by hemodialysis versus non-hemodialysis groups. RESULTS/UNASSIGNED:A total of 68 catheter-related right atrial thrombosis events were reported in 63 patients (five recurrences, of which 4 involved catheter left in place following primary treatment). Median (interquartile range) time to CRAT diagnosis was longer among hemodialysis patients - 12 (4.0-24.0) weeks compared to 5.5 (1.8-16.1) weeks among non-hemodialysis patients. The most common presentations were asymptomatic in 16/68 (23.5%), fever/sepsis in 21/68 (30.9%), pulmonary embolism in 11/68 (16.2%), catheter dysfunction in 8/68 (11.8%), dyspnea in 8/68 (11.8%), and new murmur or valvular dysfunction in 8/68 (11.8%) patients. Primary treatment selection was anticoagulation in 33/68 (48.5%), surgical thrombectomy in 17/68 (25.0%), thrombolysis in 12/68 (17.6%), or no active therapy in 6/68 (8.8%) patients. Primary treatment failure for anticoagulation and thrombolysis was 27.3% and 33.3%, respectively. The most common rescue therapy was surgical thrombectomy, ultimately resulting in an overall rate of 26/62 (41.9%). Overall, per-patient mortality was 13/63 (20.6%). Intracardiac tip position - 27/34 (79.4%) - overshadowed thrombophilia - 16/63 (25.4%) - as a risk factor for CRAT. CONCLUSION/UNASSIGNED:Catheter-related right atrial thrombosis is an underdiagnosed complication of central venous catheter placement. For the hemodialysis population, a fistula-first approach is advocated. While many instances were asymptomatic, the development of unexplained fever, dyspnea, catheter dysfunction, or new murmur should trigger a search for this complication.

Given the intersection between diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease (CVD), pharmacologic agents used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus must show cardiovascular safety. Comorbid conditions, including heart failure and chronic kidney disease, are increasingly prevalent in patients with diabetes; therefore, they also play a large role in drug safety. Although biguanides, sulfonylurea, glitazones, and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors have variable effects on cardiovascular events, sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists have consistently shown safety and reduction in cardiovascular events in patients with established CVD. These medications are becoming essential tools for cardioprotection for patients with diabetes and CVD. They may also have roles in primary prevention and renal protection. This paper will review the cardiovascular impact, adverse effects, and possible mechanisms of action of pharmacologic agents used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes.

Background Heart failure (HF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) commonly co-exist, and are associated with adverse postoperative cardiovascular outcomes. The impact of CKD in HF patients undergoing noncardiac surgery is uncertain. Methods Patients with HF undergoing non-cardiac surgery were identified from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program between 2009-2015. Patients were classified into 5 groups based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and requirement of dialysis and were followed prospectively for the primary outcome of death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; a composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke) within 30-days post-operatively. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, race, surgery type, and clinical history and surgery type were generated to estimate the association between CKD stage and outcomes. Results Among 27,612 HF patients undergoing surgery, 65.1% had CKD (19.7% with eGFR 45-60, 20.3% eGFR 30-45, and 25.1% eGFR < 30 with or without dialysis). The incidence of postoperative death and MACE increased with worsening CKD (Table). After multivariable adjustment, eGFR <60 was associated with increased odds of MI and cardiac arrest and eGFR <45 was associated with postoperative mortality. No association was observed between CKD and stroke. Conclusion Among HF patients, the presence of CKD is common and is associated with increased risk for postoperative mortality and MACE. [Figure presented]
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Background and Purpose- Perioperative stroke is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Conventional cardiovascular risk scores have not been compared to predict acute stroke after noncardiac surgery. Methods- Patients undergoing noncardiac surgery between 2009 and 2010 were identified from the US National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (n=540 717). Patients were prospectively followed for 30 days postoperatively for the primary outcome of stroke. Established cardiovascular and perioperative risk scores (CHADS₂, CHA₂DS₂-VASc, Revised Cardiac Risk Index, Mashour et al risk score, Myocardial Infarction or Cardiac Arrest risk score, and National Quality Improvement Project American College of Surgeons surgical risk calculator) were assessed to predict perioperative stroke. Results- Stroke occurred in the perioperative period of 1474 noncardiac surgeries (0.27%). Patients with perioperative stroke were older, more frequently male, had lower body mass index, and were more likely to have undergone vascular surgery or neurosurgery than patients without stroke ( P<0.001 for each comparison). All risk prediction models were associated with increased risk of perioperative stroke (C statistic [AUC] range, 0.743-0.836). The Myocardial Infarction or Cardiac Arrest risk score (AUC, 0.833) and American College of Surgeons surgical risk calculator (AUC, 0.836) had the most favorable test characteristics and a greater ability to discriminate perioperative stroke when compared with Revised Cardiac Risk Index, CHADS₂, CHA₂DS₂-VASc, and Mashour risk scores ( P for comparison, <0.001; Delong). Risk scores did not provide consistent discriminative ability across surgery types and were least predictive in vascular surgery (AUC range, 0.588-0.672). Conclusions- The Myocardial Infarction or Cardiac Arrest risk score and American College of Surgeons surgical risk calculator surgical risk scores provide excellent risk discrimination for perioperative stroke in most patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. Stroke prediction was less optimal in patients undergoing vascular surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS/OBJECTIVE:Diabetes mellitus is a coronary heart disease (CHD) risk-equivalent for the outcome of peripheral vascular disease. The impact of diabetes with comorbid risk factors on the outcome of peripheral vascular disease remains unexplored. METHODS:We performed a cross-sectional analysis of participants in Lifeline Vascular Screening Inc. age 40-90 who were screened for peripheral vascular disease, defined as lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD, ABI <0.9) and/or carotid artery stenosis (CAS, internal CAS ≥50%). CHD was defined as prior myocardial infarction or revascularization. Risk factors included hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and family history of cardiovascular disease. RESULTS:Among 3,517,804 participants, PAD and CAS was identified in 4.4% and 3.7%, respectively. Diabetes was identified in 376,528 participants, 324,680 (86%) of whom did not have CHD. Among diabetic participants without CHD, prevalence of PAD increased with 1-2 (4.3%), 3-4 (7.3%), and ≥5 (12.0%) comorbid risk factors (p trend < 0.0001). The pattern was similar for CAS (3.7%, 6.2%, 8.8%, p trend < 0.0001). Compared to participants without diabetes, those with diabetes and 1-2, 3-4 and ≥5 risk factors had increasing odds of PAD and CAS after adjustment for age, sex and race/ethnicity (1.0, 95% CI 0.98-1.06; 1.8, 95% CI 1.8-1.89; 3.5, 95% CI 3.43-3.64, respectively, p trend < 0.0001). By comparison, in nondiabetic participants, CHD increased odds of PAD and CAS by 2-fold (2.06, 95% CI 2.02-2.1; 2.19, 95% CI 2.15-2.23 respectively). CONCLUSIONS:Diabetes, particularly with comorbid risk factors, confers increased odds of PAD and CAS, even in the absence of CHD. Counseling regarding screening and prevention for peripheral vascular disease among individuals with diabetes and multiple risk factors may be useful.

OBJECTIVE:Patients undergoing noncardiac surgery frequently have diabetes mellitus (DM) and an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. It is unknown whether temporal declines in the frequency of perioperative major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) apply to patients with DM. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS/METHODS:Patients ≥45 years of age who underwent noncardiac surgery from January 2004 to December 2013 were identified using the U.S. National Inpatient Sample. DM was identified using ICD-9 diagnosis codes. Perioperative MACCEs (in-hospital all-cause mortality, acute myocardial infarction, or acute ischemic stroke) by DM status were evaluated over time. RESULTS:for interaction <0.001). Trends for individual end points were all less favorable for patients with DM versus those without DM. CONCLUSIONS:In an analysis of >10.5 million noncardiac surgeries from a large U.S. hospital admission database, perioperative MACCEs were more common among patients with DM versus without DM. Perioperative MACCEs increased over time and individual end points were all less favorable for patients with DM. Our findings suggest that a substantial unmet need exists for strategies to reduce the risk of perioperative cardiovascular events among patients with DM.