Sex and racial disparities in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-related cardiovascular events: National inpatient sample analysis (2019)

BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)increases cardiovascular disease(CVD)risk irrespective of other risk factors.However,large-scale cardiovascular sex and race differences are poorly understood.AIM To investigate the relationship between NAFLD and major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events(MACCE)in subgroups using a nationally representative United States inpatient sample.METHODS We examined National Inpatient Sample(2019)to identify adult hospitalizations with NAFLD by age,sex,and race using ICD-10-CM codes.Clinical and demographic characteristics,comorbidities,and MACCE-related mortality,acute myocardial infarction(AMI),cardiac arrest,and stroke were compared in NAFLD cohorts by sex and race.Multivariable regression analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics,hospitalization features,and comorbidities.RESULTS We examined 409130 hospitalizations[median 55(IQR 43-66)years]with NFALD.NAFLD was more common in females(1.2%),Hispanics(2%),and Native Americans(1.9%)than whites.Females often reported non-elective admissions,Medicare enrolment,the median age of 55(IQR 42-67),and poor income.Females had higher obesity and uncomplicated diabetes but lower hypertension,hyperlipidemia,and complicated diabetes than males.Hispanics had a median age of 48(IQR 37-60),were Medicaid enrollees,and had non-elective admissions.Hispanics had greater diabetes and obesity rates than whites but lower hypertension and hyperlipidemia.MACCE,all-cause mortality,AMI,cardiac arrest,and stroke were all greater in elderly individuals(P<0.001).MACCE,AMI,and cardiac arrest were more common in men(P<0.001).Native Americans(aOR 1.64)and Asian Pacific Islanders(aOR 1.18)had higher all-cause death risks than whites.CONCLUSION Increasing age and male sex link NAFLD with adverse MACCE outcomes;Native Americans and Asian Pacific Islanders face higher mortality,highlighting a need for tailored interventions and care.

Excess cardiovascular mortality in men with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease:A cause for concern!

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)has emerged as the commonest cause of chronic liver disease worldwide in recent years.With time,our understanding of NAFLD has evolved from an isolated liver condition to a systemic disease with significant manifestations beyond the liver.Amongst them,cardiovascular diseases(CVDs)are the most important and clinically relevant.Recent research supports a strong independent link between NALFD and CVD beyond the shared risk factors and pathophysiology.Female sex hormones are well known to not only protect against CVD in pre-menopausal females,but also contribute to improved adipose tissue function and preventing its systemic deposition.Recent research highlights the increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular-cerebral events(MACCE)amongst male with NAFLD compared to females.Further,racial variation was observed in MACCE outcomes in NAFLD,with excess mortality in the Native Americans and Asian Pacific Islanders compared to the other races.

Protective effects of catalpol on cardio-cerebrovascular diseases: A comprehensive review

Catalpol,an iridoid glucoside isolated from Rehmannia glutinosa,has gained attention due to its potential use in treating cardio-cerebrovascular diseases(CVDs).This extensive review delves into recent studies on catalpol's protective properties in relation to various CVDs,such as atherosclerosis,myocardial ischemia,infarction,cardiac hypertrophy,and heart failure.The review also explores the compound's anti-oxidant,anti-inflammatory,and anti-apoptotic characteristics,emphasizing the role of vital signaling pathways,including PGC-1a/TERT,PI3K/Akt,AMPK,Nrf2/HO-1,estrogen receptor(ER),Nox4/NF-kB,and GRP78/PERK.The article discusses emerging findings on catalpol's ability to alleviate diabetic cardiovascular complications,thrombosis,and other cardiovascular-related conditions.Although clinical studies specifically addressing catalpol's impact on CVDs are scarce,the compound's established safety and well-tolerated nature suggest that it could be a valuable treatment alternative for CVD patients.Further investigation into catalpol and related iridoid derivatives may unveil new opportunities for devising natural and efficacious CVD therapies.

In-hospital outcomes in COVID-19 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by severity of obesity:Insights from national inpatient sample 2020

BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases independently of other risk factors.However,data on its effect on cardiovascular outcomes in coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)hospitalizations with varied obesity levels is scarce.Clinical management and patient care depend on understanding COVID-19 admission results in NAFLD patients with varying obesity levels.AIM To study the in-hospital outcomes in COVID-19 patients with NAFLD by severity of obesity.METHODS COVID-19 hospitalizations with NAFLD were identified using International Classification of Disease-10 CM codes in the 2020 National Inpatient Sample database.Overweight and Obesity Classes Ⅰ,Ⅱ,and Ⅲ(body mass index 30-40)were compared.Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events(MACCE)(all-cause mortality,acute myocardial infarction,cardiac arrest,and stroke)were compared between groups.Multivariable regression analyses adjusted for sociodemographic,hospitalization features,and comorbidities.RESULTS Our analysis comprised 13260 hospitalizations,7.3% of which were overweight,24.3% Class Ⅰ,24.1% Class Ⅱ,and 44.3% Class Ⅲ.Class Ⅲ obesity includes younger patients,blacks,females,diabetics,and hypertensive patients.On multivariable logistic analysis,Class Ⅲ obese patients had higher risks of MACCE,inpatient mortality,and respiratory failure than Class Ⅰ obese patients.Class Ⅱ obesity showed increased risks of MACCE,inpatient mortality,and respiratory failure than Class I,but not significantly.All obesity classes had non-significant risks of MACCE,inpatient mortality,and respiratory failure compared to the overweight group.CONCLUSION Class Ⅲ obese NAFLD COVID-19 patients had a greater risk of adverse outcomes than class Ⅰ.Using the overweight group as the reference,unfavorable outcomes were not significantly different.Morbid obesity had a greater risk of MACCE regardless of the referent group(overweight or Class Ⅰ obese)compared to overweight NAFLD patients admitted with COVID-19.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors in peripheral artery disease:A review of efficacy,safety,and outcomes

Peripheral artery disease(PAD)is a common condition characterized by atherosclerosis in the peripheral arteries,associated with concomitant coronary and cerebrovascular diseases.Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9(PCSK9)inhibitors are a class of drugs that have shown potential in hypercholesterolemic patients.This review focuses on the efficacy,safety,and clinical outcomes of PCSK9 inhibitors in PAD based on the literature indexed by PubMed.Trials such as FOURIER and ODYSSEY demonstrate the efficacy of evolocumab and alirocumab in reducing cardiovascular events,offering a potential treatment option for PAD patients.Safety evaluations from trials show few adverse events,most of which are injection-site reactions,indicating the overall safety profile of PCSK9 inhibitors.Clinical outcomes show a reduction in cardiovascular events,ischemic strokes,and major adverse limb events.However,despite these positive findings,PCSK9 inhibitors are still underutilized in clinical practice,possibly due to a lack of awareness among care providers and cost concerns.Further research is needed to establish the long-term effects and cost-effectiveness of PCSK9 inhibitors in PAD patients.

Logistic Regression Analysis on the Correlation between Physical Diseases and Life Events and Depression in the Elderly

[Objectives]This study was conducted to explore the effects of physical diseases and life events on depression among urban elderly people.[Methods]Five hundred urban elderly people in Shiyan City were selected using a convenient sampling method to investigate and diagnose depression using the Geriatric Mental State Schedule and its accompanying computer diagnostic system.The Minimum Data Set(MDS)and related factor survey form were used to investigate physical diseases and life events,and statistical analysis was conducted using methods such as logistic regression analysis and factor analysis.[Results]The prevalence rates of angina,stroke,or partial paralysis,migraine,vision problems,hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism,as well as the number of physical diseases were significantly higher in elderly depression patients than in objects free of depression.Stroke or partial paralysis[OR(95%CI)=6.389(1.684,24.237)],emotional trauma events[OR(95%CI)=1.438(1.069,1.934)]and adverse health and economic events[OR(95%CI)=1.652(1.099,2.483)]were risk factors for late life depression(LLD).[Conclusions]Some physical diseases and life events may affect the onset process of depression in urban elderly people,and various measures need to be taken to reduce the risk of physical diseases and life events on depression.

Acute heart failure as an adverse event of tumor necrosis factor inhibitor therapy in inflammatory bowel disease:A review of the literature

Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors(anti-TNFs)are widely used therapies for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD);however,their administration is not risk-free.Heart failure(HF),although rare,is a potential adverse event related to administration of these medications.However,the exact mechanism of development of HF remains obscure.TNFαis found in both healthy and damaged hearts.Its effects are concentration-and receptor-dependent,promoting either cardio-protection or cardiomyocyte apoptosis.Experimental rat models with TNFαreceptor knockout showed increased survival rates,less reactive oxygen species formation,and improved diastolic left ventricle pressure.However,clinical trials employing anti-TNF therapy to treat HF had disappointing results,suggesting abolishment of the cardioprotective properties of TNFα,making cardiomyocytes susceptible to apoptosis and oxidation.Thus,patients with IBD who have risk factors should be screened for HF before initiating anti-TNF therapy.This review aims to discuss adverse events associated with the administration of anti-TNF therapy,with a focus on HF,and propose some approaches to avoid cardiac adverse events in patients with IBD.

Metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease: The new nomenclature and its impact

BACKGROUND In 2020,an international expert panel proposed a new definition of fatty liver:Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD).The MAFLD added the criteria for defining metabolic dysfunctions,which are high-risk factors for liver-related and cardiovascular events.Contrary to the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)definition,it allows the coexistence of MAFLD and significant alcohol use in the same patient.AIM To review the existing data that evaluate the clinical profile and long-term outcome difference between the patients identified as MAFLD and NAFLD.METHODS Databases MEDLINE via PubMed and EMBASE were searched and relevant publications up to June 28,2022 were assessed.Studies were included if they involved human participants diagnosed with MAFLD.RESULTS A total of 2324 records were reviewed,of which 1575 duplicate citations were removed.Of the 2324 records screened,207 articles were excluded,and 542 articles were assessed for their eligibility,for which 511 were excluded.The remaining 31 articles were selected for review.MAFLD diagnostic criteria were able to identify more individuals with fatty liver.Studies have shown that patients included using the MAFLD criteria were associated with higher risks of hepatic fibrosis when compared to NAFLD.All-cause mortality,cardiovascular diseaserelated,and cancer-related mortality were shown to be higher in MAFLD patients.MAFLD patients also had higher baseline metabolic derangement,and risks of developing obesity,diabetes,and cardiovascular events.Of the 3 subtypes,diabetes mellitus has the strongest association with negative outcomes,followed by metabolic dysfunction and elevated body mass index.Within the subtypes of MAFLD,patients with more metabolic conditions at the time of diagnosis had worse hepatic and liver injury compared to those with a single metabolic condition.CONCLUSION MAFLD is a new definition of fatty liver disease that is gaining increasing acceptance.It is based on empirical clinical practice on positive inclusion of metabolic risk factors and recent evidence suggests that it helps to identify patients with higher risk for liver-related as well as cardiovascular events.

Genetic associations with adverse events from anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy in inflammatory bowel disease patients

AIM To study the type and frequency of adverse events associated with anti-tumor necrosis factor(TNF)therapy and evaluate for any serologic and genetic associations.METHODS This study was a retrospective review of patients attending the inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) centers at Cedars-Sinai IBD Center from 2005-2016. Adverse events were identified via chart review. IBD serologies were measured by ELISA. DNA samples were genotyped at Cedars-Sinai using Illumina Infinium Immunochipv1 array per manufacturer's protocol. SNPs underwent methodological review and were evaluated using several SNP statistic parameters to ensure optimal allele-calling. Standard and rigorous QC criteria were applied to the genetic data, which was generated using immunochip. Genetic association was assessed by logistic regression after correcting for population structure.RESULTS Altogether we identified 1258 IBD subjects exposed to anti-TNF agents in whom Immunochip data were available. 269/1258 patients(21%) were found to have adverse events to an anti-TNF-α agent that required the therapy to be discontinued. 25% of women compared to 17% of men experienced an adverse event. All adverse events resolved after discontinuing the antiTNF agent. In total: n = 66(5%) infusion reactions; n = 49(4%) allergic/serum sickness reactions; n = 19(1.5%) lupus-like reactions, n = 52(4%) rash, n = 18(1.4%) infections. In Crohn's disease, Ig A ASCA(P = 0.04) and Ig G-ASCA(P = 0.02) levels were also lower in patients with any adverse events, and anti-I2 level in ulcerative colitis was significantly associated with infusion reactions(P = 0.008). The logistic regression/human annotation and network analyses performed on the Immunochip data implicated the following five signaling pathways: JAK-STAT(Janus Kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription), measles, IBD, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and toxoplasmosis for any adverse event. CONCLUSION Our study shows 1 in 5 IBD patients experience an adverse event to anti-TNF therapy with novel serologic, genetic, and pathways associations.

Prediabetes: An overlooked risk factor for major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events in atrial fibrillation patients

BACKGROUND Prediabetes is a well-established risk factor for major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events(MACCE).However,the relationship between prediabetes and MACCE in atrial fibrillation(AF)patients has not been extensively studied.Therefore,this study aimed to establish a link between prediabetes and MACCE in AF patients.AIM To investigate a link between prediabetes and MACCE in AF patients.METHODS We used the National Inpatient Sample(2019)and relevant ICD-10 CM codes to identify hospitalizations with AF and categorized them into groups with and without prediabetes,excluding diabetics.The primary outcome was MACCE(all-cause inpatient mortality,cardiac arrest including ventricular fibrillation,and stroke)in AF-related hospitalizations.RESULTS Of the 2965875 AF-related hospitalizations for MACCE,47505(1.6%)were among patients with prediabetes.The prediabetes cohort was relatively younger(median 75 vs 78 years),and often consisted of males(56.3%vs 51.4%),blacks(9.8%vs 7.9%),Hispanics(7.3%vs 4.3%),and Asians(4.7%vs 1.6%)than the non-prediabetic cohort(P<0.001).The prediabetes group had significantly higher rates of hypertension,hyperlipidemia,smoking,obesity,drug abuse,prior myocardial infarction,peripheral vascular disease,and hyperthyroidism(all P<0.05).The prediabetes cohort was often discharged routinely(51.1%vs 41.1%),but more frequently required home health care(23.6%vs 21.0%)and had higher costs.After adjusting for baseline characteristics or comorbidities,the prediabetes cohort with AF admissions showed a higher rate and significantly higher odds of MACCE compared to the non-prediabetic cohort[18.6%vs 14.7%,odds ratio(OR)1.34,95%confidence interval 1.26-1.42,P<0.001].On subgroup analyses,males had a stronger association(aOR 1.43)compared to females(aOR 1.22),whereas on the race-wise comparison,Hispanics(aOR 1.43)and Asians(aOR 1.36)had a stronger association with MACCE with prediabetes vs whites(aOR 1.33)and blacks(aOR 1.21).CONCLUSION This population-based study found a significant association between prediabetes and MACCE in AF patients.Therefore,there is a need for further research to actively screen and manage prediabetes in AF to prevent MACCE.

Myeloperoxidase and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein for Predicting Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

Background: Research has shown that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a major inflammatory marker for prediction of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Myeloperoxidase (MPO) also plays an important role in atherosclerosis initiation and development. In present study, the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) were investigated. Methods: MPO, hs-CRP and ACS-related risk factors from 201 ACS (78 AMI and 123 UAP) and 210 non-ACS (84 SAP and 126 non-CHD) patients confirmed by coronary angiography were detected, and the data were analyzed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Spearman’s correlation coefficients. MACEs of 285 CHD patients were investigated during the 4-year period follow-up from March 2010 to May 2014. Results: The areas under ROC curve for diagnosing ACS were 0.888 (95% CI 0.843 - 0.933) for MPO, and 0.862 (95% CI 0.815-0.910) for hs-CRP, respectively. There were significantly correlations between MPO and hs-CRP in both ACS and non-ACS groups. Regarding to ACS patients, both MPO and hs-CRP were positively correlated with BMI, TC, TG, LDL-C and Hcy. Prospective study demonstrated that the incidences of MACEs associated significantly with elevated MPO baseline level (yes vs no, OR 7.383, 95% CI 4.095 - 13.309) and high hs-CRP baseline level (yes vs no, OR 4.186, 95% CI 2.469 - 7.097) in CHD patients. Conclusions: The present study provides the epidemiological evidence that elevated baseline MPO and hs-CRP levels are both valuable predictors of MACEs in CHD patients. MPO and hs-CRP would prompt the progression of atherosclerosis and development from SAP to ACS.

C-reactive protein as a predictor for cardiac events in Chinese elderly patients with coronary heart disease

Background and objective To assess the predictive value of C-reactive protein(CRP) for major adverse cardiac events and the association between CRP level and the coronary lesion morphology and extent in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).Methods CRP was measured on admission in 177 consecutive elderly (age≥60 years) patients with CHD who underwent coronary angiography. Patients were divided into high CRP group (CRP≥3mg/L) and normal CRP group (CRP ＜3mg/L). The association between CRP levels and the coronary lesion features, including severity of stenosis (mild, moderate, severe), extent of lesion (diffused or nondiffused), eccentricity of the plaque (eccentric or non-eccentric) were analyzed. Patients were followed up for a mean of 8 months for the occurrences of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Results Compared with patients in normal CRP group, patients in high CRP group were more frequently to have unstable angina, multi-vessel, diffuse, eccentric lesions, positive remodeling, and non-smooth plaques (P＜0.01). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed patients in high CRP group had a significantly lower MACE-free survival rate than patients in normal CRP group (Log-rank = 12.0, P＜0.01); Cox regression analysis indicated CRP level as an independent predictor for the occurrence of MACE (OR=3.16, P＜0.05) Conclusions High CRP level is associated with more extend, severe and eccentric coronary lesions and is an independent predictor for MACE in elderly patients with CHD.

Role of antidiabetic agents in type 2 diabetes patients with chronic kidney disease

Insulin resistance is a condition in which the target tissues have a decreased response to insulin signaling,resulting in glucose uptake defect,and an increased blood sugar level.Pancreatic beta cells thus enhance insulin production to compensate.This situation may cause further beta cell dysfunction and failure,which can lead diabetes mellitus(DM).Insulin resistance is thus an important cause of the development of type 2 DM.Insulin resistance has also been found to have a strong relationship with cardiovascular disease and is common in chronic kidney disease(CKD)patients.The mechanisms of insulin resistance in CKD are complex and multifactorial.They include physical inactivity,inflammation and oxidative stress,metabolic acidosis,vitamin D deficiency,adipose tissue dysfun-ction,uremic toxins,and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation.Currently,available anti-diabetic agents,such as biguanides,sulfonylureas,thiazolidinediones,alfa-glucosidase inhibitors,glucagon-like peptide-1-based agents,and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors,have different effects on insulin resistance.In this short review,we describe the potential mechanisms of insulin resistance in CKD patients.We also review the interaction of currently available anti-diabetic medications with insulin resistance.

Control of modifiable risk factors and major adverse cardiovascular events in people with peripheral artery disease and diabetes

BACKGROUND People with diabetes and peripheral artery disease(PAD)have a high risk of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE).Prior research suggests that medical therapies aimed to control modifiable risk factors are poorly implemented in patients with PAD.AIM To examine the association between the control of modifiable risk factors,estimated by the novel PAD-medical score,and the incidence of MACE in people with PAD and diabetes.METHODS Participants were recruited from out-patient clinics if they had a diagnosis of both PAD and diabetes.Control of reversible risk factors was assessed by a new composite measure,the PAD-medical score.This score takes into account the control of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,blood pressure,blood glucose,smoking and prescription of an anti-platelet.Participants were followed to record incidence of myocardial infarction,stroke and cardiovascular death(MACE).The association of PAD-medical score with MACE was assessed using Cox proportional hazard analyses adjusting for age,sex and prior history of ischemic heart disease and stroke.RESULTS Between 2002 and 2020,a total of 424 participants with carotid artery disease(n=63),aortic or peripheral aneurysm(n=121)or lower limb ischemia(n=240)were prospectively recruited,and followed for a median duration(inter-quartile range)of 2.0(0.2–4.4)years.Only 33(7.8%)participants had the optimal PAD-medical score of five,with 318(75%)scoring at least three out of five.There were 89(21.0%)participants that had at least one MACE during the follow-up period.A one-unit higher PAD-medical score was associated with lower risk of MACE(HR=0.79,95%CI:0.63-0.98)after adjusting for other risk factors.CONCLUSION The PAD-medical score provides a simple way to assess the control of modifiable risk factors targeted by medical management aimed to reduce the incidence of MACE.

Effects of adjuvant Chinese patent medicine therapy on major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with coronary heart disease angina pectoris:a population-based retrospective cohort study

Objective: This study aimed to explore the effects of Chinese patent medicine(CPM) in reducing the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE) in patients with coronary heart disease(CHD) angina pectoris and improving clinical effectiveness and provide evidence for its use as clinical adjuvant therapy.Methods: Twenty-eight thousand five hundred and seventeen patients hospitalized with CHD angina pectoris from 6 hospitals were divided into CPM group(n = 11,374) and non-CPM group(n = 17,143) to evaluate the incidence of MACE, including myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, and coronary artery bypass grafting.Results: The incidence of MACE in the CPM group was lower than that in the non-CPM group. CPM therapy was an independent protective factor that reduced the overall risk of MACE [adjusted hazard ratio = 0.40, 95% confidence interval(0.33;0.49)]. Patients in the CPM group who received one, two, or three types of CPM could benefit from adjuvant treatment with CPM, and taking more types of CPM was associated with a lower risk of MACE. In addition, the male population was better than the female population at taking CPM, and middle-aged people aged 55 to 64 were more suited to take CPM based on Western medicine.Conclusions: The use of CPM as adjuvant therapy can decrease the occurrence of MACE in patients with CHD angina pectoris,especially in men and middle-aged people, and the drug treatment plan should be optimized accordingly. However, this conclusion needs further verification by prospective cohort studies in the future.

Association of fatigue with short-term prognosis in young and middle-aged patients with coronary heart disease

Background:To investigate the effect of fatigue on the short-term prognosis of young and middle-aged patients with coronary heart disease(CHD).Methods:A cross-sectional,observational survey was distributed at a tertiary hospital in Suzhou,China.Patients were assessed for fatigue and their prognosis was assessed at 3 and 6 months after discharge.General Information Questionnaire,Fatigue Scale and Seattle Angina Questionnaire(SAQ)were used for the survey.The Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze the impact of fatigue on the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events(MACEs)at 3 and 6 months after discharge.Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the effect of fatigue on health-related quality of life(HRQoL)at 3 and 6 months after discharge.Results:199 patients were followed up with in the end.43 patients(21.6%)with MACE three months after discharge had a total SAQ score of(399.76±39.61).The overall SAQ score was(425.14±22.66)and 52 patients(26.1%)experienced MACE six months after discharge.Fatigue was identified as a risk factor for MACE 6 months after discharge by the Cox proportional hazard model(HR=2.939,95%CI:0.177~0.655,P=0.001)and as an independent risk factor for quality of life 3 and 6 months after discharge by multiple linear regression(P<0.001).Conclusions:In individuals who are young or middle-aged and have coronary heart disease,fatigue is a risk factor for the short-term prognosis.It is advised that clinical professionals prioritize patient fatigue assessment and improve management of fatigue symptoms.

Enlightenment of COVID-19 Treated by Botanical Drugs on the Development of Drugs for Rare Diseases in China

Objective To study the feasibility of developing botanical drugs to treat intractable diseases and play an important role in dealing with major public health crises.Methods From January 1990 to May 2021,a bibliographic search was carried out on the use of botanical drugs,rare disease drugs,related registration management policies and regulations in PubMed and CNKI.The following keywords were searched in the database:Rare disease policies and regulations,orphan drugs,botanical drugs for intractable diseases,botanical drugs for the treatment of new coronary pneumonia,traditional Chinese medicine,and emergency guidelines for major public health crisis.Other data were obtained from“Chinese Pharmacopoeia”and relevant Chinese government websites for sorting and analysis.Results and Conclusion Based on 39 Chinese corresponding policies and regulations,challenges and opportunities of developing and researching drugs for treating rare diseases were found out after the analysis and comparison.Based on the study of national policies on drugs for rare diseases,the priority review and approval procedures in the drug registration,as well as China’s emergency guidelines and policies for major public health events,some problems in the use of drugs for rare diseases are found out.Therefore,it is recommended to actively adopt the property rights protection system,explore the folk prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine and the potential of hospital preparations,and the registration review strategy of giving priority to the use of botanical drugs for rare diseases.Thus,the international status of botanical drugs for rare disease and the influence of responding to major public health events can be enhanced.

Elevated cardiovascular risk and acute events in hospitalized colon cancer survivors:A decade-apart study of two nationwide cohorts

BACKGROUND Over the years,strides in colon cancer detection and treatment have boosted survival rates;yet,post-colon cancer survival entails cardiovascular disease(CVD)risks.Research on CVD risks and acute cardiovascular events in colorectal cancer survivors has been limited.AIM To compare the CVD risk and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in current colon cancer survivors compared to a decade ago.METHODS We analyzed 2007 and 2017 hospitalization data from the National Inpatient Sample,studying two colon cancer survivor groups for CVD risk factors,mortality rates,and major adverse events like pulmonary embolism,arrhythmia,cardiac arrest,and stroke,adjusting for confounders via multivariable regression analysis.RESULTS Of total colon cancer survivors hospitalized in 2007(n=177542)and 2017(n=178325),the 2017 cohort often consisted of younger(76 vs 77 years),male,African-American,and Hispanic patients admitted non-electively vs the 2007 cohort.Furthermore,the 2017 cohort had higher rates of smoking,alcohol abuse,drug abuse,coagulopathy,liver disease,weight loss,and renal failure.Patients in the 2017 cohort also had higher rates of cardiovascular comorbidities,including hypertension,hyperlipidemia,diabetes,obesity,peripheral vascular disease,congestive heart failure,and at least one traditional CVD(P<0.001)vs the 2007 cohort.On adjusted multivariable analysis,the 2017 cohort had a significantly higher risk of pulmonary embolism(PE)(OR:1.47,95%CI:1.37-1.48),arrhythmia(OR:1.41,95%CI:1.38-1.43),atrial fibrillation/flutter(OR:1.61,95%CI:1.58-1.64),cardiac arrest including ventricular tachyarrhythmia(OR:1.63,95%CI:1.46-1.82),and stroke(OR:1.28,95%CI:1.22-1.34)with comparable all-cause mortality and fewer routine discharges(48.4%vs 55.0%)(P<0.001)vs the 2007 cohort.CONCLUSION Colon cancer survivors hospitalized 10 years apart in the United States showed an increased CVD risk with an increased risk of acute cardiovascular events(stroke 28%,PE 47%,arrhythmia 41%,and cardiac arrest 63%).It is vital to regularly screen colon cancer survivors with concomitant CVD risk factors to curtail long-term cardiovascular complications.

Stressful life events and psychosocial correlates of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease activity

AIM To investigate the association of psychiatric and psychosocial correlates with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) activity in children and adolescents.METHODS A total of 85 pediatric IBD patients(in remission or active state of the disease) and their parents completed a series of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews measuring life events,depression,anxiety,family dysfunction,and parent mental health.Differences between the remission and the IBD active group and the association of any significant variable with the disease activity state were examined.RESULTS Parents of children being in active state of the disease reported more life events(P = 0.005) and stressful life events(P = 0.048) during the past year and more mental health symptoms(P < 0.001),while the childrenthemselves reported higher levels of anxiety symptoms(P = 0.017) compared to the remission group.In the logistic regression multivariate analysis,the only predictor which had a significant positive effect on the probability of the patients being in active state was parent mental health symptoms(OR = 4.8;95%CI:1.2-25.8).CONCLUSION Life events,child anxiety and parent mental health symptoms may be important correlates of pediatric IBD activity and targets of thorough assessment and treatment.

Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis of a patient with MYH-9 related disease and COVID-19 infection:A case report

BACKGROUND The May-Hegglin anomaly is among a group of genetic disorders known as MYH9-related disease.Patients with inherited platelet disorders such as May-Hegglin anomaly are at a variably increased risk for bleeding due to a combination of platelet dysfunction and thrombocytopenia.Patients admitted to the hospital with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infection are at an increased risk for a venous thromboembolism event(VTE).The National Institutes of Health COVID-19 treatment guidelines recommend using a prophylactic dose of heparin as VTE prophylaxis for adults who are receiving high-flow oxygen.We describe a patient admitted for COVID-19 infection with pneumonia and a history of May-Hegglin anomaly.The patient presented a challenge to determine prophylactic anticoagulation as there are no clear guidelines for this patient population.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we describe the case of a 39-year-old woman admitted with acute hypoxic respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19 pneumonia.She had a history of May-Hegglin anomaly and demonstrated risk for bleeding since childhood,including a life-threatening bleeding event at the age of 9 years requiring blood and platelet transfusions.Her baseline platelet count was 40-50×109/L throughout her adult life.Her family history was also notable for May-Hegglin disorder in her mother,maternal uncle,maternal grandfather and her son.Computed tomography/pulmonary angiography revealed bilateral consolidative opacities consistent with multifocal pneumonia.Complete blood count was notable for platelet count of 54×109/L.She was admitted for inpatient respiratory support with high-flow oxygen per nasal cannula and was managed with guideline-directed therapy for COVID-19,including baricitinib and dexamethasone.The Hematology/Oncology consultation team was requested to assist with management of VTE prophylaxis in the setting of active COVID-19 infection and an inherited bleeding disorder.After review of the literature and careful consideration of risks and benefits,it was decided to treat the patient with prophylactic enoxaparin.She was closely monitored in the hospital for bleeding and worsening thrombocytopenia.She had no bleeding or signs of VTE.Her respiratory status improved,and she was discharged home after 5 d of hospitalization with supplemental oxygen by nasal cannula and dexamethasone.At the 6-month follow-up,the patient successfully discontinued her home oxygen use after only a few weeks following discharge.CONCLUSION The patient presented a challenge to determine prophylactic anticoagulation as anticoagulation guidelines exist for patients with COVID-19,but there are no clear guidelines for management of patients with COVID-19 and inherited bleeding disorders,particularly those with MYH9-related disease.She was discharged after recovery from the COVID-19 infection without bleeding or thrombosis.As there are no published guidelines for this situation,we present a pragmatic,informed approach to a patient with MYH9-related disease who had an indication for anticoagulation.