bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis practice and its association with outcomes in Australia and New Zealand burns patients
Authors: Tracy Lincoln M , Cameron Peter A , Singer Yvonne , Earnest Arul , Wood Fiona , Cleland Heather , Gabbe Belinda J 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Patients with burn injuries are considered to have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). While untreated VTEs can be fatal, no studies have examined chemoprophylaxis effectiveness. This study aimed to quantify the variation in prevalence of VTE prophylaxis use in patients in Australian and New Zealand burns units and whether prophylaxis use is associated with in-hospital outcomes following burn injury.

Methods
Admission data for adult burns patients (aged ≥16 years) admitted between 1 July 2016 and 31 December 2018 were extracted from the Burns Registry of Australia and New Zealand. Mixed effects logistic regression modelling investigated whether VTE prophylaxis use was associated with the primary outcome of in-hospital mortality.

Results
There were 5066 admissions over the study period. Of these patients, 81% (n = 3799) with a valid response to the VTE prophylaxis data field received some form of VTE prophylaxis. Use of VTE prophylaxis ranged from 48.6% to 94.8% of patients between units. In-hospital death was recorded in &lt;1% of patients (n = 33). After adjusting for confounders, receiving VTE prophylaxis was associated with a decrease in the adjusted odds of in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio = 0.21; 95% CI, 0.07–0.63; p = 0.006).

Conclusions
Variation in the use of VTE prophylaxis was observed between the units, and prophylaxis use was associated with a decrease in the odds of mortality. These findings provide an opportunity to engage with units to further explore differences in prophylaxis use and develop future best practice guidelines.
The Risk of Resurgence in Vaccine-Preventable Infections Due to Coronavirus Disease 2019—Related Gaps in Immunization
Authors: Feldman Amy G , O’Leary Sean T , Danziger-Isakov Lara 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Nationally, immunization delivery has decreased significantly during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Internationally, &gt;60 national vaccine programs have been disrupted or suspended. As a result of these immunization declines, the global community is at risk for a resurgence in vaccine-preventable infections including measles, pertussis, and polio—all highly contagious diseases that result in significant morbidity and mortality in children. Measles outbreaks have already occurred in many countries that suspended their vaccination programs. Outbreaks in the United States are likely to occur when social distancing stops and children return to school. Healthcare providers have acted quickly to institute multiple risk mitigation strategies to restore vaccine administration. However, childhood immunization rates remain below pre–COVID-19 levels. Partnerships between healthcare providers, community leaders, and local, state, regional, and national public health departments are needed to reassure families that vaccine delivery during COVID-19 is safe and to identify and catch up those children who are underimmunized.
Prenatal diagnosis of vascular ring: evaluation of fetal diagnosis and postnatal outcomes
Authors: Aly S , Papneja K , Mawad W , Jaeggi E , Yoo SJ 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
The performance of fetal echocardiogram in diagnosing vascular ring (VR) and its impact on postnatal outcomes has not been well examined.

Methods
We reviewed all patients with VR diagnosis from 2000-2020.

Results
50 patients with antenatal diagnosis of VR; 42(84%) with right aortic arch aberrant left subclavian artery and left-sided ductus arteriosus ((RAA-ALS) and 8(16%) with double aortic arch (DAA) were compared to 120 patients with postnatal diagnosis; 90(75%) with DAA, 22(18%) with RAA-ALS (Table 1). Prenatal diagnosis of VR increased over study period; 4 vs 31, 10 vs 29, 14 vs 25, 22 vs 35 between 2000-2005, 2005-2010, 2010-2015, and 2015-2020 respectively, p&lt; 0.01. Prenatal diagnosis of VR was associated with less symptoms [26(52%) vs 72(60%), p &lt; 0.003] and less cross-sectional imaging [22(44%) vs 82(69%), p = 0.0001]. Postnatal diagnosis of VR was associated with more surgical interventions (102(85%) vs 28(56%), p = 0.002), later surgical repair (22.9 ± 35 vs 12.6 ± 10.2 months, p &lt; 0.01), more postoperative complications [8/102 (7.8%) vs 1/28 (3.5%), p = 0.04] and more residual symptoms (2/28(7%) vs 30/102(29%), p = 0.001 respectively].

Conclusion
Prenatal diagnosis of VR has evolved over time. RAA-ALS versus DAA were dominant in the prenatally and postnatally diagnosed cohorts respectively. Prenatal diagnosis of VR was associated less symptoms, less cross-sectional imaging, earlier age of surgical intervention and less residual symptoms.
Table 1 Prenatal Diagnosis (N = 50) Postnatal Diagnosis (N = 120) p-value Gestational Age (weeks) 39 ± 3 38 ± 2 0.9 Male (%) 31 (62%) 69(58%) 0.8 Subtype of vascular ring: Double aortic arch RAA-ALSA Others 8 (16%) 42 (80 %) 0 (0 %) 90 (72%) 22 (17%) 8 (11%) 0.002 0.01 Associated intracardiac CHD: VSD TOF DORV AVSD Coarctation of aorta Others 11 (22%) 1 1 3 0 3 3 24 (20%) 5 7 2 2 3 5 0.8 Associated genetic diagnosis: 22q11 deletion Trisomy 21 Others 9 (18%) 6 3 0 32 (26%) 29 3 0 0.1 Symptomatic presentation: Respiratory Gastrointestinal 26 (52 %) 15 11 72 (60 %) 57 15 &lt;0.03 Age at first symptoms (month) 3.2 ± 2.8 21.6 ± 37 0.01 Diagnostic modalities: Fetal echocardiogram Postnatal echocardiogram Barium swallow Bronchoscopy CT scan MRI 50 (100%) 50 (100%) 2 (4%) 3 (6%) 18 (36 %) 4 (8%) 0 (0%) 120 (100%) 23 (25 %) 18 (15 %) 65 (54%) 7 (14%) Surgical repair 28 (56%) 102 (85%) 0.02 Age at surgical repair (month) 12.6 ± 10.2 22.9 ± 35 &lt;0.01 Postoperative complications 1 (3%) 8 (7%) 0.03 Residual symptoms 2 (1%) 30 (25%) 0.001 Age at most recent follow up (mo) 26 ± 7 60 ± 7 0.02 Table 1: Comparison of patients with prenatal versus postnatal diagnosis of vascular ring
Can the atrial septal defect size in newborn patient predict spontaneous closure?
Authors: Sawamura K , Afonso TR , Oliveira WAA , Lianza ACL , Tavares GMP , Vieira MLC , Fischer CH , Zacharias RSB , Morhy SS 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

onbehalf
Hospital Albert Eisntein"s pediatric echocardiogram team
Can atrial septal defect size in newborn predict spontaneous closure?

Introduction
Spontaneous closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) has been reported to occur in 33%-75% of patients. Factors that influence spontaneous closure are size of the ASD and age of the patients.

Purpose
We aimed to investigate if the diameter of ASD measured by echocardiogram in the newborn can anticipate clinical outcome and predict spontaneous closure.

Methods
We reviewed 1012 two-dimensional echocardiograms (2DE) performed in the first days of life of newborn at our hospital from January 2015 to December 2019 with ASD or patent foramen ovale (PFO) as initial diagnoses. The exclusion criteria were associated congenital heart disease, except ventricular septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus both without repercussion. 153 newborns with ASD or PFO in the first 2DE were included in this study. The individual data collected were age at the exam, birth weight, gestational age, height by birth, ASD diameter, total diameter of atrial septum and Septum/ASD ratio (Table 1). The results were expressed as mean ± SD, or percentage. Comparisons of continuous variables between groups of patients were performed using the Student T test. Statistical significance was determined by p &lt;0,05. The newborn was grouped according to the observation or not of spontaneous closure.

Results
ASD or PFO was found in 153 newborns. 60 had PFO, spontaneous closure was reported in 38 (63%). 93 had ASD in the first 2DE, spontaneous closure was reported in 41 (44%). The mean age of diagnosis was 3,37 ±4,39 days of life. The diameter of the ASD in the first exam and the septum/ASD ratio were associated with spontaneous closure. There was no association between spontaneous closure of ASD and birth weight or gestational age in this studied group.

Conclusion
The ASD diameter obtained at the first 2DE in the first days of life was associated with spontaneous closure of the defect.
Table 1 Non-closure group (N = 52) Closure group (N= 41) P Age at the exam (days) 3,48 (±4,52) 3,2 (±4,27) 0,78 Birth weight (grams) 2459,85 (±1098,79) 2350,12 (±1247,70) 0,65 Gestational age (weeks) 34,88 (±5,17) 34,54 (±5,10) 0,75 Height by birth (cm) 44,46 (±6,81) 43,67 (±6,77) 0,57 ASD diameter (mm) 3,66 (± 2,66 (±0,57) &lt;0,01 Septum diameter (mm) 18,74 (±3,9) 18,92(±4,51) 0,83 Septum/ ASD ratio 5,74 (±2,38) 7,28 (±1,96) &lt;0,01 cm = centimeter, mm = millimeter, ASD = atrial septal defect. Unit: Mean and standard deviation.
How common is aortic dilatation?
Authors: Babu A , Meng Z , Oji O , Bowker TJ , Xiao HB 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Introduction
Aortic dilatation is most commonly associated with hypertension, bicuspid aortic valve and connective tissue diseases such as Marfan’s. It is a precursor to life threatening complications such as rupture or dissection of the aorta. The current ESC Guidelines recommend surgical intervention once the aortic diameter is &gt;50 mm in patients with Marfan syndrome (Ic) and &gt;55 mm in patients with a bicuspid or normal aortic valve morphology (IIb). There is currently a lack of literature on the prevalence of aortic dilatation in the general or even hospital population although there is historical data suggesting the incidence of thoracic aortic aneurysm to be 5.9 cases per 100,000.
Purpose
The aim is to investigate the prevalence of aortic dilatation by echocardiography in our hospital population which may help lay the foundation for population studies and identify prognostic factors which may determine the time of surgical intervention.
Methods
We carried out a retrospective survey using the digital echocardiogram archive and the electronic patient record system at our hospital. This survey covered the period between 1st October 2016 and 1st November 2018. For randomisation purposes, all transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE) performed on every Thursday during this period were included. All patients with an echocardiographic report of aortic root or ascending aorta dilatation were enrolled. Other information including echocardiographic dimensions along with demographics and past medical history was collected.
Results
During this 24-month period, we analysed a total of 3019 TTEs. 209 patients (6.9%) were reported to have aortic dilatation. 137 (66%) were male and the median age was 67 years. The mean height and weight were 169cm and 80kg, respectively. A bicuspid aortic valve was confirmed in 10 (4.8%) patients. 132 (63%) patients had a history of hypertension. On echocardiogram, 75 (36%) patients had septal hypertrophy and 26 (12.4%) had a dilated left ventricle.

Conclusion
Our findings are unique and for the first time, to our knowledge, we report the echocardiographic prevalence of aortic dilatation in the hospital population (6.9%). It is a staggering 40-fold increase when compared to the the prevalence of aortic aneurysm, the most likely end point of aortic dilatation. Based on our figures, there would be at least 400 patients with a dilated aorta in a year in our hospital alone. The prevalence of bicuspid aortic valve in our cohort (4.8%) was nearly three times higher than the general population where it is quoted as 1-2%. Our study also emphasised the established link between hypertension and aortic dilatation with an increased frequency in our cohort (63%) compared to the global prevalence (31%). Given the devastating sequelae of aortic dilatation and its increased prevalence in our patient population, it will be very important to keep these patients under routine surveillance and particularly those with hypertension.
Metformin in non-diabetic patients with metabolic syndrome and diastolic dysfunction: the MET-DIME randomized trial
Authors: Ladeiras-Lopes R , Sampaio F , Leite S , Santos-Ferreira D , Vilela E , Leite-Moreira A , Bettencourt N , Gama V , Braga P , Fontes-Carvalho R 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Merck

Background
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) affects one out of 3 adults in the western world and is associated with preclinical diastolic dysfunction that impairs functional capacity and quality of life (QoL).

Purpose
This randomized trial was designed to evaluate if the addition of metformin to the standard treatment of non-diabetic patients with MetS improves diastolic dysfunction.

Methods
Prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded-endpoint trial. Fifty-four non-diabetic adults with MetS and diastolic dysfunction were randomized to lifestyle counseling or lifestyle counseling plus metformin (target dose 1000 mg bid). The primary endpoint was the change in mean e’ velocity (assessed at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months). Secondary endpoints were improvements in insulin resistance, functional capacity and QoL. Linear mixed effects modelling was used for longitudinal data analysis using modified intention-to-treat (mITT) and per-protocol (PP) approaches.

Results
Forty-nine patients were included in the mITT analysis (mean age = 51.8 ± 6.4; 55% males). Metformin treatment was associated with a significant decrease in HOMA-IR. There was a significantly different mean change in e’ velocity during the study period between trial arms, both in the mITT (at 24 months, change of +0.67 ± 1.90cm/s in metformin arm vs. -0.33 ± 1.50cm/s in control arm) and PP populations (+0.80 ± 1.99cm/s in metformin arm vs. -0.37 ± 1.52cm/s in control arm), using a random intercept linear mixed model. There were no significant differences in peak oxygen uptake and SF-36 scores between trial arms.

Conclusion
Treatment with metformin of non-diabetic MetS patients with diastolic dysfunction, on top of lifestyle counseling, is associated with improved diastolic function.
Abstract Figure.
Echocardiographic systolic and diastolic function alterations in multiple myeloma patients treated with Carfilzomib
Authors: Mingrone G , Astarita A , Maffei I , Cesareo M , Airale L , Bruno G , Vallelonga F , Catarinella C , Salvini M , Bringhen S , Gay F , Veglio F , Milan A 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Carfilzomib improves the prognosis of multiple myeloma (MM) patients, but significantly increases cardiovascular toxicity. The timing and effect of carfilzomib therapy on left ventricular function is still under investigation.

Purpose
We sought to assess the echocardiographic systo-diastolic changes, including global longitudinal strain (GLS), in patients treated with carfilzomib and to identify predictors of increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events (CVAEs) during therapy.

Methods
88 patients with MM performed a baseline cardiovascular evaluation comprehensive of transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) before the start of Carfilzomib therapy and after about 6 months. All patients were clinically followed-up to early identify the occurrence of CVAEs for the whole therapy duration.

Results
After Carfilzomib treatment, mean GLS slightly decreased (-22.2% ± 2.6 vs -21.3% ± 2.5; p &lt; 0.001). 58% of patients experienced CVAEs during therapy: 71% of them had uncontrolled hypertension, 29% had major CVAEs or CV events not related to arterial hypertension. GLS variation during therapy was not related to an increased risk of CVAEs; however, patients with baseline GLS ≥ -21% and/or left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 60% had an increased risk of major CVAEs (OR = 6.2, p = 0.004; OR = 3.7, p = 0.04, respectively). Carfilzomib led to an increased risk of diastolic dysfunction (5.6% vs 13.4% p = 0.04) and to a rise in E/e’ (8.9 ± 2.7 vs 9.7 ± 3.7; p = 0.006).

Conclusions
Carfilzomib leads to early LV function impairment early demonstrated by GLS changes and diastolic dysfunction. Baseline echocardiographic parameters, especially GLS and LVEF, might improve cardiovascular risk stratification before treatment.
Left atrial function in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction vs. aortic stenosis: evidence for atrial myopathy?
Authors: Jin X , Melle JV , Voors AA , Sim DKL , Jaufeerally FR , Lee SSG , Soon D , Loh SY , Ding ZP , Richard MA , Lam CSP , Ling LH 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background and Aim
Left atrial (LA) enlargement and impaired LA function are frequently found in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Whether these structural and functional LA abnormalities are a consequence of increased LA pressure or whether HFpEF patients have an intrinsic LA myopathy is unknown. We compared LA pressure, size and function between patients with HFpEF and aortic stenosis, as a comparator with LA pressure overload, as well as community-dwelling control subjects.

Methods
Extensive echocardiographic assessments were performed in 219 patients with HFpEF (age 68 ± 11, 48% female), 173 patients with moderate to severe AS (age 69 ± 11, 55% female, aortic valve area index 0.55 ± 0.15 cm2/m2), and 219 controls (age 65 ± 9, 48% female, 42.2% hypertensive)

Results
Compared to controls, both patients with HFpEF and AS had larger LV and LA size and worse LV systolic, diastolic and LA function. Compared with AS patients, HFpEF patients had smaller LA volume index (40.2 ± 19.4 vs. 44.5 ± 11.9 ml/m2 p = 0.01) but similar LV filling pressure estimated by E/e’ (13.4 ± 4.8 13.4 ± 4.8 , p = 0.12). Despite smaller LA volume index and similar LV filling pressure, HFpEF patients had remarkably poorer LA function compared to AS [reservoir GLS, 22.6 ± 10% vs 31.4 ± 10.1 (p &lt; 0.001); contractile GLS, 15.8 ± 6.1% vs 17.5 ± 6.9 (p &lt; 0.05); LASrs, 0.92 ± 0.35% vs 1.27 ± 0.41 (p &lt; 0.001); LASre, -1.49 ± 0.65 vs -1.86 ± 0.67 (p &lt; 0.001)]. The differences in LA reservoir GLS and LASrs remained significant after adjustment for atrial fibrillation, diabetes, coronary artery disease, LV ejection fraction and LV mass index.

Conclusion
Patients with HFpEF had significantly worse LA function than patients with AS, despite similar LA pressure overload. These findings support the concept of an intrinsic LA myopathy in patients with HFpEF, beyond LA pressure overload.
Abstract Figure.
Different effects on right ventricular function in different etiology of secondary tricuspid regurgitation
Authors: Tsai WC , Lee WY , Huang MS , Lee WH 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Ministry of Science and Technology, Excutive Yuan, Taiwan

Background
Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is traditionally classified as primary or secondary TR. The effects of TR on right ventricular (RV) function were not consistent. We hypothesized that secondary TR is not a unique group, sophisticated sub-grouping can be useful for studying effects of TR on RV function.

Methods
207 consecutive patients identified as significant TR (moderate and severe) by echocardiography were recruited. Standard measurements for right heart were done according to guideline. Lateral tricuspid annulus systolic tissue velocity (S’) and RV fractional area change (FAC) were used for RV function. We classified these patients into primary TR and 6 subgroups of secondary TR according to a new systemic approach.

Results
Mean age of subjects was 71.2 ± 14.7 years, and there were 84 (40.6%) male. There were 29 (14%) primary TR. Secondary TR was further classified into 6 groups included 18 (8.7%) pacemaker related, 81 (39.1 %) left heart diseases, 6 (2.9%) congenital heart diseases, 3 (1.4%) RV myopathy, 27 (13.0%) pulmonary hypertension, and 43 (20.8%) idiopathic TR. Among 4 major groups (congenital heart disease and RV myopathy were not included in analysis due to low numbers) of secondary TR, S’ was significant higher in idiopathic TR and RV FAC were higher in pacemaker related and idiopathic TR. RV dysfunction was defined as FAC &lt; 35%. RV dysfunction presented mostly in pulmonary hypertension related TR and leastly in idiopathic TR (59.3% vs. 14%, p &lt;0.001). Multivariate analysis using idiopathic TR as reference and controlled TR maximal velocity, RV end-diastolic area, right atrial area, and severity of TR, left heart disease related TR had higher risk of RV dysfunction (OR 4.178, 95% CI 1.490-11.703, p = 0.007).

Conclusions
Effects of TR on RV function were different among different subgroups of secondary TR. Left heart disease related TR had highest risk for RV dysfunction. Secondary TR should not be regarded as a single disease.
prognostic evaluation of patients benefiting from a trans aortic valve replacement according to the type of aortic stenosis
Authors: Lacout M , David C , Bernard A , Saint Etienne C , Clerc JM , Quilliet L , Dion F , Caze C 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Aortic Stenosis (AS) is a common condition in patients over 75 years. Latest ESC recommendations differentiate 4 types of AS according to: Indexed Stroke Volume (SVi), mean gradient and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The aim of our study is to evaluate prognosis of patients who have had a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), in terms of mortality, according to the 4 types of AS.

Methods
This study compares prognosis of 620 patients who had TAVR between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2018. Patients were classified into 4 groups according to AS type: high gradient; low gradient, low flow, low LVEF; low gradient, low flow, normal LVEF; low gradient, normal flow.

Results
69 patients (11.1%) died within 12 months of the procedure: 49 in the high gradient group (9.4%); 13 in the low gradient, low flow, low LVEF group (47.1%); 1 in the low gradient, low flow, normal LVEF group (5%); 6 in the low gradient, normal flow, normal LVEF group (18.2%). All-cause mortality at one year follow-up is higher in low-gradient, low-flow, altered LVEF group (p = 0.0004) than in other groups. Patients in this group were significantly more often admitted for heart failure than patients in high-gradient group (p = 0.009).

Conclusion
A complete echocardiography evaluation is needed to evaluate AS, its severity and type. Patients in the low gradient, low flow, low LVEF group have an independent risk of mortality at 12 months higher than other groups and are more hospitalized than patients in the high gradient group.