Characterization of skin sympathetic nerve activity in patients with cardiomyopathy and ventricular arrhythmia

Background Heightened sympathetic nerve activity is associated with occurrence of ventricular arrhythmia (VA). Objective To investigate the association of skin sympathetic nerve activity (SKNA) and VA occurrence. Methods We prospectively enrolled 65 patients with severe cardiomyopathy. Of these, 39 had recent sustained VA episodes (VA-1 group), 11 had intractable VA undergoing sedation with general anesthesia (VA-2 group), and 15 had no known history of VA (VA-Ctrl group). All patients had simultaneous SKNA and electrocardiogram recording. SKNA was assessed using an average value (aSKNA), a variable value (vSKNA), and the number of bursts of SKNA (bSKNA). Results The VA-1 group had higher aSKNA and vSKNA compared with the VA-Ctrl group (aSKNA: 1.41 ± 0.53 μV vs 0.98 ± 0.41 μV, P = .003; vSKNA: 0.52 ± 0.22 μV vs 0.30 ± 0.16 μV, P 15% reduction in aSKNA after therapy was associated with a lower subsequent VA event rate (hazard ratio, 0.222; 95% CI, 0.057–0.864; P = .03). Conclusion Patients with VA had increased SKNA as compared with control. Both SKNA and sustained VA could be suppressed by general anesthesia. The aSKNA at baseline was an independent predictor of VA recurrence

The Digital MIQE Guidelines Update: Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Digital PCR Experiments for 2020

Digital PCR (dPCR) has developed considerably since the publication of the Minimum Information for Publication of Digital PCR Experiments (dMIQE) guidelines in 2013, with advances in instrumentation, software, applications, and our understanding of its technological potential. Yet these developments also have associated challenges; data analysis steps, including threshold setting, can be difficult and preanalytical steps required to purify, concentrate, and modify nucleic acids can lead to measurement error. To assist independent corroboration of conclusions, comprehensive disclosure of all relevant experimental details is required. To support the community and reflect the growing use of dPCR, we present an update to dMIQE, dMIQE2020, including a simplified dMIQE table format to assist researchers in providing key experimental information and understanding of the associated experimental process. Adoption of dMIQE2020 by the scientific community will assist in standardizing experimental protocols, maximize efficient utilization of resources, and further enhance the impact of this powerful technology

Left Main Coronary Artery Compression following Melody Pulmonary Valve Implantation: Use of Impella Support as Rescue Therapy and Perioperative Challenges with ECMO

The purpose of this case is to describe the complex perioperative management of a 30-year-old woman with congenital heart disease and multiple resternotomies presenting with pulmonary homograft dysfunction and evaluation for percutaneous pulmonary valve replacement. Transvenous, transcatheter Melody valve placement caused left main coronary artery occlusion and cardiogenic shock. An Impella ventricular assist device (VAD) provided rescue therapy during operating room transport for valve removal and pulmonary homograft replacement. ECMO support was required following surgery. Several days later during an attempted ECMO wean, her hemodynamics deteriorated abruptly. Transesophageal and epicardial echocardiography identified pulmonary graft obstruction, requiring homograft revision due to large thrombosis. This case illustrates a role for Impella VAD as bridge to definitive procedure after left coronary occlusion and describes management of complex perioperative ECMO support challenges

Impact of ketamine versus propofol for anesthetic induction on cognitive dysfunction, delirium, and acute kidney injury following cardiac surgery in elderly, high-risk patients

Objective: Evaluate the effects of ketamine versus propofol when used for induction of anesthesia in elderly, high-risk cardiac surgical patients on postoperative complications including cognitive dysfunction, delirium, and acute kidney injury. Methods: Prospective, randomized study performed at a tertiary medical center. A total of 52 patients aged ≥70 and older presenting for complex cardiac surgery were randomized to receive either ketamine or propofol for induction of anesthesia. Patients underwent a battery of cognitive testing preoperatively and postoperatively and the incidence of delirium and acute kidney injury were measured. Norepinephrine (NEE) equivalents following induction were assessed for each group. Results: A total of 49 patients were included, 25 in the ketamine group and 24 in the propofol group with 3 patients excluded from the analysis. No difference was found between groups in either postoperative cognitive dysfunction or delirium incidence. Acute kidney injury occurred in 6 (24%) patients in the ketamine group in 12 (50%) patients in the propofol group, but the difference did not meet statistical significance (P = 0.08; Relative Risk = 2.1, 95% CI 0.9–4.7). NEE equivalents were lower in the ketamine group, 9.6 ± 22.2 versus 32.7 ± 46.0, P < 0.03. Conclusions: The use of ketamine versus propofol for induction of anesthesia did not impact the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction or delirium. Twice as many patients in the propofol group developed acute kidney injury, although not reaching statistical significance and warranting further investigation. In elderly, high-risk patients, ketamine was associated with a significantly reduced need for vasopressor support following induction

Angiotensin II Infusion for Shock: A Multicenter Study of Postmarketing Use.

BACKGROUND: Vasodilatory shock refractory to catecholamine vasopressors and arginine vasopressin is highly morbid and responsible for significant mortality. Synthetic angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor that may be suitable for use in these patients. RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the safety and effectiveness of angiotensin II and what variables are associated with a favorable hemodynamic response? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a multicenter, retrospective study at five tertiary medical centers in the United States. The primary end point of hemodynamic responsiveness to angiotensin II was defined as attainment of mean arterial pressure (MAP) of ≥ 65 mm Hg with a stable or reduced total vasopressor dosage 3 h after drug initiation. RESULTS: Of 270 included patients, 181 (67%) demonstrated hemodynamic responsiveness to angiotensin II. Responders showed a greater increase in MAP (+10.3 mm Hg vs +1.6 mm Hg, P < .001) and reduction in vasopressor dosage (−0.20 μg/kg/min vs +0.04 μg/kg/min; P < .001) compared with nonresponders at 3 h. Variables associated with favorable hemodynamic response included lower lactate concentration (OR 1.11; 95% CI, 1.05-1.17, P < .001) and receipt of vasopressin (OR, 6.05; 95% CI, 1.98-18.6; P = .002). In severity-adjusted multivariate analysis, hemodynamic responsiveness to angiotensin II was associated with reduced likelihood of 30-day mortality (hazard ratio, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.35-0.71; P < .001). Arrhythmias occurred in 28 patients (10%) and VTE was identified in 4 patients. INTERPRETATION: In postmarketing use for vasopressor-refractory shock, 67% of angiotensin II recipients demonstrated a favorable hemodynamic response. Patients with lower lactate concentrations and those receiving vasopressin were more likely to respond to angiotensin II. Patients who responded to angiotensin II experienced reduced mortality