Background
The debate about the optimal approach for aortic valve replacement continues. We compared the hospital and long-term outcomes (survival, aortic valve reintervention, heart failure ...readmissions, and stroke) between transcatheter vs. surgical (TAVR vs. SAVR) aortic valve replacement. The study included 789 patients; 293 had isolated SAVR, and 496 had isolated TAVR. Patients with concomitant procedures were excluded. Propensity score matching identified 53 matched pairs.
Results
Patients who had TAVR were significantly older (
P
˂ 0.001) and had significantly higher EuroSCORE II (
P
˂ 0.001), NYHA class (
P
˂ 0.001), and more prevalence of diabetes mellitus (
P
˂ 0.001), hypertension (
P
˂ 0.001), chronic lung disease (
P
= 0.001), recent myocardial infarction (
P
= 0.002), and heart failure (
P
˂ 0.001), stroke (
P
= 0.02), atrial fibrillation (
P
= 0.004), and previous percutaneous coronary interventions (
P
˂ 0.001) than SAVR patients. In the matched cohort, atrial fibrillation occurred more frequently after SAVR (
P
= 0.01), and hospital stay was significantly longer in SAVR patients (
P
˂ 0.001). There were no differences in hospital mortality between groups (
P
˃ 0.99). Survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 97%, 95%, and 94% for SAVR and 91%, 79%, and 58% for TAVR patients. Survival was lower in TAVR patients before matching (
P
˂ 0.001) and after matching (
P
= 0.045). Freedom from the composite endpoint of stroke, aortic valve reintervention, and heart failure readmission at 1, 3, and 5 years was 98.9%, 96%, and 94% for SAVR and 94%, 86%, and 75% for TAVR. The composite endpoint was significantly higher in the TAVR group than in SVR before matching (
P
˂ 0.001), while there was no difference after matching (
P
= 0.07). There was no significant difference in the change in ejection fraction between groups (
β
: −0.88 (95%
CI
: −2.20–0.43),
P
= 0.19), and the reduction of the aortic valve peak gradient was significantly higher with TAVR (
β
: −7.80 (95%
CI
: −10.70 to −4.91);
P
˂ 0.001).
Conclusions
TAVR could reduce postoperative atrial fibrillation and hospital stay. SAVR could have long-term survival benefits over TAVR with comparable long-term stroke, heart failure readmission, and aortic valve reinterventions between SAVR and TAVR.
New-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (PoAF) is one of the most frequent yet serious complications following cardiac surgery. Long-term consequences have not been thoroughly investigated, and ...studies have included different cardiac operations. The objectives were to report the incidence and short- and long-term outcomes in patients with PoAF after mitral valve surgery.
This is a retrospective cohort study of 1401 patients who underwent mitral valve surgery from 2009 to 2020. Patients were grouped according to the occurrence of PoAF (
= 236) and the nonoccurrence of PoAF (
= 1165). Long-term outcomes included mortality, heart failure rehospitalization, stroke, and mitral valve reinterventions.
The overall incidence of PoAF was 16.8%. PoAF was associated with higher rates of operative mortality (8.9% vs. 3.3%,
< 0.001), stroke (6.9% vs. 1.5%,
< 0.001), and dialysis (13.6% vs. 3.5%,
< 0.001). ICU and hospital stays were significantly longer in patients with PoAF (
< 0.001 for both). PoAF was significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality HR: 1.613 (95% CI: 1.048-2.483);
= 0.03, heart failure rehospitalization HR: 2.156 (95% CI: 1.276-3.642);
= 0.004, and stroke HR: 2.722 (95% CI: 1.321-5.607);
= 0.007. However, PoAF was not associated with increased mitral valve reinterventions HR: 0.938 (95% CI: 0.422-2.087);
= 0.875.
Atrial fibrillation after mitral valve surgery is a common complication, with an increased risk of operative mortality. PoAF was associated with lower long-term survival, increased heart failure rehospitalization, and stroke risk. Future studies are needed to evaluate strategies that can be implemented to improve the outcomes of these patients.
Background
Atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery (POAF) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Several scores were used to predict POAF, with variable results. Thus, this study ...assessed the performance of several scoring systems to predict POAF after mitral valve surgery. Additionally, we identified the risk factors for POAF in those patients.
Methods
This retrospective cohort included 1381 recruited from 2009 to 2021. The patients underwent mitral valve surgery, and POAF occurred in 233 (16.87%) patients. The performance of CHADS2, CHA2DS2‐VASc, POAF, EuroSCORE II, and HATCH scores was evaluated.
Results
The median age was higher in patients who developed POAF (60 vs. 54 years; p < .001). CHA2‐DS2‐VASc, POAF, EuroSCORE II, and HATCH scores significantly predicted POAF, with areas under the curve of the receiver operator curve (AUCROC) of 0.56, 0.61, 0.58, and 0.54, respectively. We identified age > 58 years, body mass index > 28 kg/m2, creatinine clearance < 90 mL/min, reoperative surgery, and preoperative inotropic and intra‐aortic balloon pump use as predictors of POAF. We constructed a score from these variables (PSCC‐AF). A score > 2 significantly predicted POAF (p < .001). The AUCROC of this score was 0.67, which was significantly higher than the AUCROC of the POAF score (p = .009).
Conclusion
POAF after mitral valve surgery can be predicted based on preoperative patient characteristics. The new PSCC‐AF score significantly predicted POAF after mitral valve surgery and can serve as a bedside diagnostic tool for POAF risk screening. Further studies are needed to validate the PSCC‐AF‐mitral score externally.
POAF after mitral valve surgery can be predicted based on preoperative patient characteristics. The new PSCC‐AF score significantly predicted POAF after mitral valve surgery compared to other scores and can serve as a bedside diagnostic tool for POAF risk screening.
Glucose-Potassium Ratio (GPR) has emerged as a biomarker in several pathophysiological conditions. However, the association between GPR and long-term outcomes in stroke patients has not been ...investigated. Our study evaluated the applicability of baseline GPR as a predictive prognostic tool for clinical outcomes in ischemic stroke patients.
The multicenter retrospective cohort study included acute-subacute adult ischemic stroke patients who had their baseline serum GPR levels measured. Eligible patients were categorized into two sub-cohorts based on the baseline GPR levels (<1.67 vs. ≥ 1.67). The primary outcome was the incidence of 30-day hemorrhagic transformation, while stroke recurrence, and all-cause mortality within twelve months, were considered secondary.
Among 4083 patients screened, 1047 were included in the current study. In comparison with GPR < 1.67 group, patients with ≥ 1.67 GPR had a significantly higher ratio of all-cause mortality within twelve months (aHR 2.07 95 % CI 1.21–3.75 p = 0.01), and higher ratio of 30-day hemorrhagic transformation but failed to reach the statistical significance (aHR 1.60 95 % CI 0.95–2.79, p = 0.08).
Overall, baseline GPR serum is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality within twelve months in patients with acute and subacute ischemic stroke. Further clinical studies are necessary to validate these findings.
Gastrointestinal bleeding is a major healthcare burden and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, clinical presentation, and risk factors ...of patients presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding in the emergency department.
This retrospective study was conducted in two tertiary care hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The medical records of patients who presented to the emergency department with gastrointestinal bleeding between January 2010 and January 2020 were reviewed. Patients aged 18 years or older, with gastrointestinal bleeding (upper or lower) regardless of underlying cause, lifestyle, location of bleeding, health status, or medication use, were included. Demographic characteristics, initial vital signs, medical history, physical examination findings, comorbidities, medications, laboratory and radiological investigations, cause and stage of liver disease, management, and complications were recorded. Endoscopic findings and management of the bleeding site were collected according to the presenting symptoms.
A total of 760 patients were included. The mean age was 62.7 ± 17.8 years, and 61.4% were males. The most common comorbidities at presentation were hypertension (54.1%), diabetes mellitus (51.2%), and ischemic heart disease (18.2%). The origins of the bleeding were lower gastrointestinal in 52% and upper gastrointestinal in 48% of patients.
Lower gastrointestinal bleeding was found to be more common than upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Hemorrhoids, polyps, diverticular disease, and colonic ulcers were the major risk factors for lower gastrointestinal bleeding. In contrast, upper gastrointestinal bleeding was predominantly caused by esophageal varices, gastritis, and peptic ulcers.
Introduction Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders worldwide. There is still debate about the pathophysiology of IBS. Symptoms of IBS include ...abdominal pain and alternating bowel movements, but the severity differs among the patients, which affects their quality of life. Our main aim in this study is to find the impact of work hours on the quality of life of adult employees with irritable bowel syndrome in Saudi Arabia. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using an online self-administered survey including employees over 18 years old in Saudi Arabia. The survey was designed in three different parts. The first part is demographics and personal information, The second concentrates on IBS using the Rome-IV criteria while the third part reviewed the participant's quality of life by utilizing the quality-of-life scale (QOLS). Results The total number of participants was 1800; most of the population were females (954; 53%) and there were 846 (47%) males. The study showed that 27.11% were diagnosed with IBS. Furthermore, the result revealed significant differences between working hours, with employees who work more than nine hours (33.7%) being more affected by IBS than others. Nevertheless, significant independent risk factors for IBS were QOLS (OR = 0.988; 95% CI (0.981, 0.995), p = .001), being an employee in free business (OR = 1.755; 95% CI (1.134, 2.714) p = .012), working between 6 and 9 hours (OR = 0.623; 95% CI (0.404, 0.961), p = .032). Conclusion The impact of work hours on adult employees with IBS in Saudi Arabia has been noticed; the results showed that the prevalence of IBS among females is higher; employees working more than nine hours with a medium to sedentary work nature are more vulnerable to developing IBS. We suggest that IBS patients should address their needs to their employers.
•Viral severe acute respiratory infection accounts for a high economic burden.•The total burden was lower for early diagnosis vs delayed diagnosis.•The major cost driver of the net burden was disease ...management costs.•Rapid diagnostic tools can help accelerate the treatment process.
The authors conducted a study to estimate the rising disease and economic burden of viral severe acute respiratory infections and their management, including COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza types A and B, in early and delayed diagnosis scenarios in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from a national perspective.
This cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2022 using a de novo Excel-based universal cost-of-illness calculator model. The study used primary data, such as expert interviews, as well as secondary data from a thorough literature search.
The total economic burden of viral severe acute respiratory infections in patients with an early diagnosis was lower than those with a delayed diagnosis among patients with complications, both from the payer's (United States dollar USD 3846 million vs USD 4726 million) and societal (USD 4048 million vs USD 5020 million, respectively) perspectives. The major cost driver of the total economic burden for both early and delayed diagnosis was disease management costs: 49% (USD 1880 million) and 58% (USD 2730 million), respectively.
In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the total economic burden for COVID-19, influenza (epidemic phase), and respiratory syncytial virus was higher with a delayed diagnosis vs an early diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of using a broader diagnostic method.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is one of the most common knee injuries that leads to many consequences such as early osteoarthritis and knee joint instability.To explore the association of ...the types of ACL tear (complete and partial) and side of injury (dominant vs nondominate) with types of playing surfaces, sports, shoes, and mechanism of injuries as well as to determine whether higher levels of fatigue and physical fitness are risk factors for complete ACL tear.This cross-sectional study used a questionnaire to collect information from young male adults with a confirmed ACL injury who were attending rehabilitation programs. The outcomes of interest were patterns of ACL injury, levels of fatigue before the injury on a 0 to 10 scale, and levels of physical fitness (hours per week). Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis tests were used to assess the differences between groups, while the odds ratios were calculated to evaluate risk factors for complete ACL tear.One hundred thirteen young male adults with a confirmed ACL injury were enrolled. Most of the reported ACL injuries in this study were complete tear (80.5%) and occurred more frequently in the dominant leg (74.6%) due to noncontact mechanism (63.6%). More ACL injuries happened while playing soccer (97.2%) on artificial turf (53.3%). The level of fatigue before ACL injury was significantly higher in partial ACL tear injuries compared to complete ACL tear injuries (P = .014). For every 1-point increase in the level of fatigue on a 0-10 scale, there was a 25% reduction in complete ACL injury risk (P = .023).The pattern of ACL types of tear and side of injury varies in different playing surfaces and mechanisms of injuries. Higher levels of fatigue seem to be associated with a partial tear of the ACL and reduction of a complete ACL tear risk factor.
Health profession students experience tremendous levels of stress throughout their education. A high level of stress may have a negative effect on the cognitive functioning and learning of students.
...The study sought to determine the levels and main sources of stress and its possible correlation with academic performance in the preclinical female health profession.
The cross-sectional design involved the use of self-administered questionnaires. Data were collected from 260 students in health profession programmes in Saudi Arabia. The Medical Student Stressor Questionnaire (MSSQ) was used to collect the data from all second-, third-, and fourth-year undergraduate students.
A high level of stress was observed in 42.7% of the students, and a moderate stress level was observed in 41.5% of the students. The major source of stress experienced by students was related to the academic domain (mean= 2.7±0.73), followed by the group activity domain (mean= 2.1±0.91;
< 0.05). Second-year and third-year students were significantly less likely to show high stress levels compared with fourth-year students (AOR= 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1-0.8;
≤ 0.030 and AOR= 0.4; 95% CI: 0.1-0.5;
≤ 0.001, respectively). High stress levels were not found to be associated with students' age and academic performance.
Half of the students experienced high and severe levels of stress. Academic and group activity domains were perceived as the major stressors. The year of study was the only significant factor associated with stress levels. Stress among female health profession students should be acknowledged, and efforts should be made to alleviate it. Students should be guided to reduce their stress levels, as this can enhance their quality of life and study experience.
Skinfold measurement (SKF) can accurately measure abdominal obesity and is regarded as a surrogate marker to predict non-communicable diseases. The objective of the present study was to observe the ...degree of association between neck circumference (NC), SKF and handgrip strength (HGS). Secondly, also to know the effects of smoking on NC, HGS and SKF. The mean and standard deviations and frequencies in percentage were analyzed, respectively. The degree of association between NC, anthropometric characters and HGS was also analyzed using the Pearson correlation. Furthermore, multiple linear regression models were used to study the degree of influence of independent variables on dependent variables. Correlation assessment for neck circumference with waist circumference and HGS revealed a weak association. While with SKF for four sites, a strong association was found. A significant regression was found among the smokers in the model (F (2, 7) = 5.2,
-value of 0.04 with an R2 of 0.598). The predictor variables, like waist and NC, can produce a variation of 59.8% in the dependent variable. Whereas, among non-smokers, an insignificant regression was seen. In conclusion, neck circumference is associated with SKF. However, a small sample size of young smokers revealed that NC and waist circumference influenced HGS.
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