Predictive Potential of ECMO Blood Flow for Hemolysis and Outcome of Patients with Severe ARDS.

Treatment with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) has become a frequently considered rescue therapy in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Hemolysis is a common complication in patients treated with ECMO. Currently, it is unclear whether increased ECMO blood flow (Q̇) contributes to mortality and might be associated with increased hemolysis.

Therapeutic Consequences and Prognostic Impact of Multimorbidity in Heart Failure: Time to Act.

: In heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), the early diagnosis and proper treatment of comorbidities (CMs) are of fundamental relevance. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of CMs among real-world patients requiring hospitalisation for HFrEF and to investigate the effect of CMs on the implementation of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) and on all-cause mortality (ACM). : The data of a consecutive HFrEF patient cohort hospitalised for HF between 2021 and 2024 were analysed retrospectively.

Transfemoral Compared to Transapical Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Chronic Dialysis-Dependent Patients.

Patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESRD) represent a high-risk population in terms of both development of and death by cardiovascular diseases. Outcome data of ESRD patients with severe aortic valve stenosis (AS) treated by transcatheter aortic valve implantation (AVI) are scarce. We aim to compare the outcome of ESRD patients undergoing transfemoral (TF) or transapical (TA) AVI.

Efficacy and Safety of Three Cycles of TIP and Sequential High Dose Chemotherapy in Patients with Testicular Non-Seminomatous Germ Cell Tumors.

: Salvage treatment options have not been validated in relapsed or refractory germ cell tumors. Moreover, the study populations including these patients have different heterogeneities. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of three cycles of TIP sequential high-dose chemotherapy in patients with testicular non-seminomatous germ cell tumors who relapsed or had a refractory course after first-line platinum-based chemotherapy.

Biomarkers of Importance in Monitoring Heart Condition After Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Despite notable advancements in cardiovascular medicine, morbidity and mortality rates associated with myocardial infarction (MI) remain high. The unfavourable prognosis and absence of robust post-MI protocols necessitate further intervention. In this comprehensive review, we will focus on well-established and novel biomarkers that can provide insight into the processes that occur after an ischemic event.

Strategies in Diagnosis and Therapy of External Outflow Graft Obstruction in Patients with a Fully Magnetically Levitated Left Ventricular Assist Device: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

The HeartMate 3 (HM3, Abbott) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is the only commercially available option considered suitable for long-term circulatory support. External compression of the outflow graft causing obstruction (eOGO) is a serious adverse event affecting patients on long-term support. The obstruction occurs due to the accumulation of gelatinous substance between the bend relief and outflow graft.

Quantification of the Survival Disadvantage Associated with Major Amputation in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease.

: Despite advancements in vascular surgery, the mortality among peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients undergoing major amputations remains high. While a large body of evidence has previously covered survival rates after major amputation, there is less evidence regarding the associated survival penalty from an epidemiological perspective. The present analysis aimed at quantifying the survival disadvantage after major lower limb amputation while investigating which factors are associated with mortality in this patient cohort.

Characteristics of Gastrointestinal Bleeding While Taking Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation and Differences Among Drugs-A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are frequently used to prevent embolism in atrial fibrillation. Gastrointestinal bleeding is frequent, but its drug-specific characteristics remain unclear. This study examined the frequency and characteristics of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation for different DOACs.

Proximal Femur Fractures: Evaluating the Necessity of On-Call Surgery.

The decision of the Joint Federal Committee on the treatment of hip fractures stipulates that proximal femur fractures must be treated within the first 24 h. This leads to organizational and personnel difficulties in day-to-day care. Therefore, we investigated the question at what times of day we operate to maintain this timeline and whether there is a difference in the outcome for the patients according to treatment hours.

Impact of Modified Blumgart Anastomosis on Pancreatic Fistula and Pancreaticojejunostomy Time During Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Single-Center Experience.

/: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of modified Blumgart anastomosis methods during pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) on the incidence of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD). : This is a retrospective cohort study analyzing data of patients who underwent LPD from 2018 to 2022. The primary endpoint was the incidence of grade B and C POPF based on the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula criteria and PJ anastomosis time.

Absorbable Powder Haemostat Use in Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery.

: Significant intraoperative and postoperative blood loss are rare but possibly life-threatening complications after lung resection surgery either during open or minimally invasive procedures. Microporous Polysaccharide Haemospheres (ARISTA™AH) have demonstrated time-efficient haemostasis, lower postoperative blood volumes and a lower blood transfusion requirement, without any identified adverse events across other specialities. The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of ARISTA™AH on short-term postoperative outcomes in thoracic surgery.

Long-Term Results of Kidney Transplantation in Patients Aged 60 Years and Older.

The results of kidney transplantation (KTx) in elderly patients are deteriorated by more frequent use of organs procured from older or extended criteria donors (ECDs). To eliminate the influence of donor factors on the transplantation results, the pair analysis method was applied. The study aimed to assess the survival, during long-term follow-up after transplantation, of recipients and transplanted kidneys, graft function, and factors influencing survival in recipients aged 60 years and older (≥60) compared to recipients aged less than 60 years (<60) who received a kidney from the same brain death donor (DBD).

Safety of High-Dose Intravenous Iron in Hemodialysis Patients: Results from the National Health Insurance Service (2019-2020) in South Korea.

: Intravenous (IV) iron administration is used widely for treating anemia in hemodialysis (HD) patients. In this study, we investigated the safety of IV iron therapy in this population. : This study analyzed claims data from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) and included patients with end-stage renal disease who were receiving HD for more than 3 months as of 1 January 2019.

Clinical Characteristics of Fever After Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Decannulation: Differentiating Infectious from Non-Infectious Causes of Fever and Their Impact on Outcomes.

A fever is an important sign that affects patient outcomes with various etiologies in the post-decannulation period of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO); however, the cause is not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and clinical implications of fevers after ECMO decannulation in critically ill patients. We conducted a retrospective, single-center study of adult patients who were successfully weaned off venoarterial (VA) or venovenous (VV) ECMO.

Glycated Hemoglobin and Cardiovascular Disease in Patients Without Diabetes.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the most critical public health problems in the contemporary world because they are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most substantial risk factors for developing CVDs. Glycated hemoglobin is a product of the non-enzymatic glycation of hemoglobin present in erythrocytes.

En Caul Cesarean Delivery-A Safer Way to Deliver a Premature Newborn? Narrative Review.

Premature deliveries and preterm newborns are of a special significance to obstetricians. Despite great improvement in neonatal intensive care in the last two decades, prematurity is still the leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Complications associated with premature deliveries are malpresentation, prolapse of the umbilical cord, entrapment of some parts of the fetal body, as well as severe bruising or bone fractures.

Initial Outcomes of Physician-Modified Inner-Branched Endovascular Repair for Distal Aortic Arch Aneurysm.

Few clinical studies have reported on physician-modified inner-branched endovascular repair (PMiBEVAR) for aortic arch aneurysm. Herein, we evaluate the outcomes of proximal landing zone 2 PMiBEVAR. This retrospective study analyzed data from six patients who underwent zone 2 PMiBEVAR for aortic arch aneurysms at a single center between October 2021 and June 2024.

Metabolomics in Atrial Fibrillation: Unlocking Novel Biomarkers and Pathways for Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Personalized Treatment.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia in the adult population associated with a high rate of severe consequences leading to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore, its prompt recognition is of high clinical importance. AF detection often remains challenging due to unspecific symptoms and a lack of reliable biomarkers for its prediction.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids as Potential Predictors of Sudden Cardiac Death and Cardiovascular Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) poses a significant burden on the modern-day public health system; however, while our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology is still evolving and may not be complete, many insights are known and applied every day. Targeted prevention methods are continually being developed and refined. We conducted a systemic review and meta-analysis to identify a blood nutritional biomarker that can predict and screen population groups at high risk for cardiovascular disease mortality (CVD mortality) or SCD.

Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA) in Cardiac Surgery: A Narrative Review.

Perioperative dysglycaemia in cardiac surgery is associated with poor outcomes. Glycaemic variability rather than glucose levels is a predictor of the length of an ICU stay, a rise in creatinine and acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA) values correspond closely to average blood glucose levels and cut-off values can be used to define a diabetic and pre-diabetic status.

Preclinical Identification of Poorly Controlled COPD: Patients with a Single Moderate Exacerbation Matter Too.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains a critical global health challenge, characterized by high morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Current guidelines may overlook patients who present with only one moderate exacerbation or with frequent short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) use. Building on findings from the Seleida study, this research refines the criteria for poor COPD control to include these patients, aiming to improve early identification of high-risk cases in primary care.

Impact of Uric Acid Levels on Mortality and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Relation to Kidney Function.

: Uric acid levels are linked to cardiovascular outcomes and mortality, especially in chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, their impact across varying kidney function remains unclear. : We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership Common Data Model (OMOP-CDM) database from a single center.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Outcomes and Treatment of Patients Admitted with Heart Failure: A Nationwide Analysis.

: Heart failure is the leading cause of hospital admission and mortality. Racial disparities have been demonstrated in various cardiovascular disorders; however, the data for in-hospital outcomes, complications, and procedural rates are limited. : Utilizing the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, this retrospective cohort study included adult patients admitted with a principal diagnosis of heart failure.

Clinical Impact of Sarcopenia in the Decision-Making Process for Patients with Acute Diverticulitis.

Acute diverticulitis (AD), an inflammatory complication of diverticulosis, affects around 4% of individuals with diverticulosis, with increased incidence in older populations. This study aims to assess the impact of sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass, on the clinical decision-making and outcomes of patients with AD. A retrospective study was conducted on 237 patients admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) between January 2014 and February 2022.

Distribution of Pathogens in Early- and Late-Onset Sepsis Among Preterm Infants: A Decade-Long Study in a Tertiary Referral Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Neonatal sepsis, a severe infection in newborns, remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among preterm infants. This study aimed to investigate the distribution of pathogens responsible for early-onset sepsis (EOS) and late-onset sepsis (LOS), the annual variability of pathogens responsible for each type of infection, and potential trends in their profiles in preterm infants from a tertiary care neonatal intensive care unit over a ten-year period. We analyzed 177 episodes of confirmed bloodstream infection between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2023.