Perception, Prevalence, and Prediction of Severe Infection and Post-acute Sequelae of COVID-19.

Background: The aim of the study was to assess, characterize, and describe the prevalence and predicting factors of patient-reported severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC).

Methods: We prospectively surveyed patients who received care in our outpatient clinic for COVID-19 from March 13, 2020, through August 17, 2020, and then retrospectively reviewed their electronic health records. We collected data for age, sex, and persistence of symptoms and compared data for hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients.

Symptoms and Clinical Outcomes of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in the Outpatient Setting.

Because most cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are not severe, understanding the epidemiology of mild cases has important clinical implications. We aimed to describe the symptom profile and associated outcomes in a virtual outpatient COVID-19 clinic. We conducted a prospective cohort study from March through June 2020.

Calf muscle pump function as a predictor of all-cause mortality.

Calf muscle pump (CMP) promotes venous return from the lower extremity and contributes to preload and cardiac output. Impaired CMP function may reflect a measure of frailty or cumulative disease burden or may impede cardiac function. The study objective was to test the hypothesis that impaired CMP negatively impacts survival.

Predictive Value of Stress Testing, Revised Cardiac Risk Index, and Functional Status in Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery.

Objective: Patients undergoing noncardiac surgery are at risk for postoperative cardiovascular complications. Literature regarding the ability of the Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI), functional capacity, and stress testing to predict perioperative cardiac events is scarce. The authors examined the association of these parameters with perioperative cardiac events and their additive ability to predict these outcomes.

Utility of the Psychosocial Assessment of Candidates for Transplantation in Patients Undergoing Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.

Purpose: Psychosocial assessment of patients comprises an important element in the selection process of appropriate candidates for left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. We sought to determine the association of the well-validated psychosocial assessment of candidates for transplantation (PACT) scale to clinical outcomes post-LVAD implantation.

Materials And Methods: The PACT scale was used retrospectively to reconstruct psychosocial profiles of all patients who underwent a continuous-flow LVAD implantation for all indications at our institution between March 2008 and August 2012 (N = 230).

Dual antiplatelet therapy for acute coronary syndromes: How long to continue?

For patients with an acute coronary syndrome event, current guidelines recommend dual antiplatelet therapy for at least 12 months after drug-eluting stent placement. However, several clinical trials have assessed whether continuing dual antiplatelet therapy beyond 12 months is beneficial. We review the pros and cons of extending dual antiplatelet therapy.

Prognostic Role of Serum Chloride Levels in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure.

Background: Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) can be complicated by electrolyte abnormalities, but the major focus has been concentrated on the clinical significance of serum sodium levels.

Objectives: This study sought to determine the prognostic significance of serum chloride levels in relation to serum sodium levels in patients with ADHF.

Methods: We reviewed 1,318 consecutive patients with chronic heart failure admitted for ADHF to the Cleveland Clinic between July 2008 and December 2013.

Incorporating common biomarkers into the clinical management of heart failure.

Heart failure is a prevalent and costly disease, and its management with polypharmacy is complex. Commonly available biomarkers primarily help to 1) establish or refute the diagnosis of heart failure; 2) help to determine the disease severity; and 3) identify adverse consequences of treatment. Although several of them are commonly ordered (such as electrolytes, renal and liver function), their use is primarily based on broad clinical experience rather than established evidence.