Red blood cell distribution width in elderly hospitalized patients with cardiovascular disease

BACKGROUND Red blood cell distribution width(RDW)is elevated in patients with cardiovascular disease(CVD).AIM To determine RDW values and impact of CV and non-CV coexisting morbidities in elderly patients hospitalized with chronic CVD.METHODS This prospective study included 204 consecutive elderly patients(age 77.5[7.41]years,female 94[46%],left ventricular ejection fraction 53.00%[37.50,55.00])hospitalized with chronic CVD at the Cardiology Department of Larissa University General Hospital(Larissa,Greece)from January 2019 to April 2019.Elderly patients were selected due to the high prevalence of coexisting morbidities in this patient population.Hospitalized patients with acute CVD(acute coronary syndromes,new-onset heart failure[HF],and acute pericarditis/myocarditis),primary isolated valvular heart disease,sepsis,and those with a history of blood transfusions or cancer were excluded.The evaluation of the patients within 24 h from admission included clinical examination,laboratory blood tests,and echocardiography.RESULTS The most common cardiac morbidities were hypertension and coronary artery disease,with acutely decompensated chronic heart failure(ADCHF)and atrial fibrillation(AF)also frequently being present.The most common non-cardiac morbidities were anemia and chronic kidney disease followed by diabetes mellitus,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,and sleep apnea.RDW was significantly elevated 15.48(2.15);121(59.3%)of patients had RDW>14.5%which represents the upper limit of normal in our institution.Factors associated with RDW in stepwise regression analysis were ADCHF(coefficient:1.406;95%confidence interval[CI]:0.830-1.981;P<0.001),AF(1.192;0.673 to 1.711;P<0.001),and anemia(0.806;0.256 to 1.355;P=0.004).ADCHF was the most significant factor associated with RDW.RDW was on average 1.41 higher for patients with than without ADCHF,1.19 higher for patients with than without AF,and 0.81 higher for patients with than without anemia.When patients were grouped based on the presence or absence of anemia,ADCHF and AF,heart rate was not increased in those with anemia but was significantly increased in those with ADCHF or AF.CONCLUSION RDW was elevated in elderly hospitalized patients with chronic CVD.Factors associated with RDW were anemia and CV factors associated with elevated heart rate(ADCHF,AF),suggesting sympathetic overactivity.

Liver replacement therapy with extracorporeal blood purification techniques current knowledge and future directions

Clinically,it is highly challenging to promote recovery in patients with acute liver failure(ALF)and acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF).Despite recent advances in understanding the underlying mechanisms of ALF and ACLF,standard medical therapy remains the primary therapeutic approach.Liver transplantation(LT)is considered the last option,and in several cases,it is the only intervention that can be lifesaving.Unfortunately,this intervention is limited by organ donation shortage or exclusion criteria such that not all patients in need can receive a transplant.Another option is to restore impaired liver function with artificial extracorporeal blood purification systems.The first such systems were developed at the end of the 20th century,providing solutions as bridging therapy,either for liver recovery or LT.They enhance the elimination of metabolites and substances that accumulate due to compromised liver function.In addition,they aid in clearance of molecules released during acute liver decompensation,which can initiate an excessive inflammatory response in these patients causing hepatic encephalopathy,multiple-organ failure,and other complications of liver failure.As compared to renal replacement therapies,we have been unsuccessful in using artificial extracorporeal blood purification systems to completely replace liver function despite the outstanding technological evolution of these systems.Extracting middle to high-molecular-weight and hydrophobic/protein-bound molecules remains extremely challenging.The majority of the currently available systems include a combination of methods that cleanse different ranges and types of molecules and toxins.Furthermore,conventional methods such as plasma exchange are being re-evaluated,and novel adsorption filters are increasingly being used for liver indications.These strategies are very promising for the treatment of liver failure.Nevertheless,the best method,system,or device has not been developed yet,and its probability of getting developed in the near future is also low.Furthermore,little is known about the effects of liver support systems on the overall and transplant-free survival of these patients,and further investigation using randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses is needed.This review presents the most popular extracorporeal blood purification techniques for liver replacement therapy.It focuses on general principles of their function,and on evidence regarding their effectiveness in detoxification and in supporting patients with ALF and ACLF.In addition,we have outlined the basic advantages and disadvantages of each system.

COVID-19 and the heart

An outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) occurred in December 2019 due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-Co V-2),which is a strain of SARS-Co V.Patients infected with the virus present a wide spectrum of manifestations ranging from mild flu-like symptoms,cough,fever and fatigue to severe lung injury,appearing as bilateral interstitial pneumonia or acute respiratory failure.Although SARS-Co V-2 infection predominantly offends the respiratory system,it has been associated with several cardiovascular complications as well.For example,patients with COVID-19 may either develop type 2 myocardial infarction due to myocardial oxygen demand and supply imbalance or acute coronary syndrome resulting from excessive inflammatory response to the primary infection.The incidence of COVID-19 related myocarditis is estimated to be accountable for an average of 7% of all COVID-19 related fatal cases,whereas heart failure(HF) may develop due to infiltration of the heart by inflammatory cells,destructive action of pro-inflammatory cytokines,micro-thrombosis and new onset or aggravated endothelial and respiratory failure.Lastly,SARSCo V-2 can engender arrhythmias through direct myocardial damage causing acute myocarditis or through HF decompensation or secondary,through respiratory failure or severe res-piratory distress syndrome.In this comprehensive review we summarize the COVID-19 related cardiovascular complications(acute coronary syndromes,myocarditis,HF,arrhythmias) and discuss the main underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.

Patent hemostasis of radial artery:Comparison of two methods

BACKGROUND Radial artery obstruction is the most common complication of coronary angiography performed via transradial access.Patent hemostasis can significantly reduce the risk of radial artery occlusion.Previous studies utilized sophisticated methods to evaluate radial artery patency.Simplified and easily applicable methods for successful patent hemostasis are currently lacking.AIM To determine which method(pulse oximeter vs the traditional radial artery palpation)is better to achieve patent hemostasis.METHODS This prospective,single center study included 299 consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention between November 2017 and July 2019.Patients less than 18 years old,with a history of radial artery disease,or no palpable artery pulse were excluded from the study.Patients were randomly assigned to two groups.In the first group,radial artery flow was assessed by palpation of the artery during hemostasis(traditional method).In the second group,radial artery patency was estimated with the use of a pulse oximeter.Two different compression devices were used for hemostasis(air chamber and pressure valve).The primary study endpoint was the achievement of successful patent hemostasis.RESULTS The two groups(pulse oximeter vs artery palpation)had no significant differences in age,sex,body mass index,risk factors,or comorbidities except for supraventricular arrhythmias.The percentage of patients with successful patent hemostasis was significantly higher in the pulse oximeter group(82.2%vs 68.1%,P=0.005).A lower percentage of patients with spasm was recorded in the pulse oximeter group(9.9%vs 19.0%,P=0.024).The incidence of local complications,edema,bleeding,hematoma,vagotonia,or pain did not differ between the two groups.In the multivariate analysis,the use of a pulse oximeter(OR:2.35,95%CI:1.34-4.13,P=0.003)and advanced age(OR:1.04,95%CI:1.01-1.07,P=0.006),were independently associated with an increased probability of successful patent hemostasis.The type of hemostatic device did not affect patent hemostasis(P=0.450).CONCLUSION Patent hemostasis with the use of pulse oximeter is a simple,efficient,and safe method that is worthy of further investigation.Larger randomized studies are required to consider its clinical implications.

Gastroenterology and liver disease during COVID-19 and in anticipation of post-COVID-19 era: Current practice and future directions

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)has emerged as a major threat to global public health.The virus causes the clinical syndrome known as coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),in which multiple organs can get affected.Apart from manifestations of the respiratory system,which predominate,its clinical presentation is frequently accompanied by symptoms of the gastrointestinal(GI)tract and liver abnormalities.The correlation of symptoms and abnormalities with disease severity is discussed,leading to ambiguous results from international literature.Moreover,the disease infects patients with coexisting liver and GI disorders affecting both their health status and the availability of healthcare services provided to them.The risk of transmission of the disease during aerosol-generating procedures has changed the diagnostic approach and follow-up algorithms for liver and GI diseases.For the safety of both doctors and patients,telemedicine and distant evaluation have become everyday practice,whereas several routines and emergency visits at outpatient and emergency departments have been postponed or delayed.Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is underway,providing hope to humanity and the expectation that the post-COVID-19 era is near.This review aims to update knowledge about the manifestations of COVID-19 related to liver and GI diseases and the effect of the pandemic on the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for these diseases with a special focus on how current practices have changed and what changes will possibly remain in the future.