Outcomes Associated with the Use of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Blockade in Hospitalized Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection

BackgroundData regarding the benefits or harm associated with the continuation of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), especially the effect on inflammation, in patients who are hypertensive and hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States are unclear.MethodsThis is a single-center cohort study of patients sequentially hospitalized with COVID-19 at Stony Brook University Medical Center from March 7, 2020 to April 1, 2020, inclusive of these dates. Data collection included history of known comorbidities, medications, vital signs, and laboratory values (at admission and during the hospitalization). Outcomes include inflammatory burden (composite scores for multiple markers of inflammation), AKI, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), need for invasive mechanical ventilation, and mortality.ResultsOf the 300 patients in the study cohort, 80 patients (27%) had history of ACEI or ARB use before admission, with 61% (49/80) of these patients continuing the medications during hospitalization. Multivariable analysis revealed that the history of ACEI or ARB use before hospitalization was not associated with worse outcomes. In addition, the continuation of these agents during hospitalization was not associated with an increase in adverse outcomes and predicted fewer ICU admissions (odds ratio, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.81) with a decrease in the severity of inflammatory burden (peak C-reactive protein, 6.9±3.1 mg/dl, P=0.03; peak inflammation score, 2.3±1.1 unit reduction, P=0.04).ConclusionsUse of ACEI or ARBs before hospitalization was not associated with adverse outcomes in COVID-19, and the therapeutic benefits of continuing ACEI or ARB in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 was not offset by adverse outcomes.

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VCAM-1 Is Upregulated in Uranium Miners Compared to Other Miners

Life ◽

10.3390/life11111223 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (11) ◽

pp. 1223

Author(s):

Nour A. Ass’ad ◽

Xin Shore ◽

Orrin Myers ◽

Alexandra R. Camacho ◽

Quiteria Jacquez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adhesion Molecule ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

The United States ◽

Intercellular Adhesion Molecule ◽

Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 ◽

Metal Mining ◽

Amyloid A ◽

History Of ◽

Screening Clinic ◽

Mining Coal

The United States has a rich history of mining including uranium (U)-mining, coal mining, and other metal mining. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are largely understudied in miners and recent literature suggests that when compared to non-U miners, U-miners are more likely to report CVD. However, the molecular basis for this phenomenon is currently unknown. In this pilot study, a New Mexico (NM)-based occupational cohort of current and former miners (n = 44) were recruited via a mobile screening clinic for miners. Serum- and endothelial-based endpoints were used to assess circulating inflammatory potential relevant to CVD. Non-U miners reported significantly fewer pack years of smoking than U-miners. Circulating biomarkers of interest revealed that U-miners had significantly greater serum amyloid A (SAA), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1, ng/mL), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1, ng/mL), and VCAM-1 mRNA expression, as determined by the serum cumulative inflammatory potential (SCIP) assay, an endothelial-based assay. Even after adjusting for various covariates, including age, multivariable analysis determined that U-miners had significantly upregulated VCAM-1 mRNA. In conclusion, VCAM-1 may be an important biomarker and possible contributor of CVD in U-miners. Further research to explore this mechanism may be warranted.

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Managing the Patient With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Methamphetamine Use: A Practical Perspective for the Clinician

Advances in Pulmonary Hypertension ◽

10.21693/1933-088x-17.2.55 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 17 (2) ◽

pp. 55-62 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Nimaljeet Tarango ◽

Andrea Gergay Baird

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension ◽

Arterial Hypertension ◽

San Francisco ◽

Medical Center ◽

The United States ◽

Methamphetamine Abuse ◽

Methamphetamine Use ◽

Personal Experiences ◽

History Of ◽

Pulmonary Arterial

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a serious, chronic, progressive cardiopulmonary disease. PAH is associated with several concomitant conditions, as well as drugs and toxins.12 Methamphetamine abuse is likely associated with the development of PAH.3 Methamphetamine abuse is epidemic in the United States and abroad, with rates of new users escalating since 2012. There are over 100,000 new users annually as young as 12 years old. Treating a patient with a history of methamphetamine abuse poses many challenges for a clinician, including nonadherence, therapeutic treatment selection, complex psychosocial issues, and relapse or continued drug abuse. Patients with methamphetamine-associated PAH (Meth-APAH) have higher mortality rates when compared to idiopathic PAH.3 Having a better understanding of the complexities of addiction and working with a multidisciplinary team that includes a social worker to provide care and counseling to these patients can improve their trajectory. In this article, we will offer insight and background into methamphetamine abuse and addiction, as well as discuss a practical approach for clinicians in treating a patient with Meth-APAH, based on the literature, as well as our personal experiences at University of California, San Francisco Medical Center.

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Association of Proteinuria and Hematuria with Acute Kidney Injury and Mortality in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19

Kidney & Blood Pressure Research ◽

10.1159/000511946 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 45 (6) ◽

pp. 1018-1032

Author(s):

Imran Chaudhri ◽

Richard Moffitt ◽

Erin Taub ◽

Raji R. Annadi ◽

Minh Hoai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Acute Kidney Injury ◽

Invasive Mechanical Ventilation ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Kidney Injury ◽

Hospitalized Patients ◽

Hospital Death ◽

Study Cohort ◽

Icu Admission ◽

Risk Of Death ◽

Increased Risk

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is strongly associated with poor outcomes in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but data on the association of proteinuria and hematuria are limited to non-US populations. In addition, admission and in-hospital measures for kidney abnormalities have not been studied separately. Methods: This retrospective cohort study aimed to analyze these associations in 321 patients sequentially admitted between March 7, 2020 and April 1, 2020 at Stony Brook University Medical Center, New York. We investigated the association of proteinuria, hematuria, and AKI with outcomes of inflammation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), and in-hospital death. We used ANOVA, t test, χ2 test, and Fisher’s exact test for bivariate analyses and logistic regression for multivariable analysis. Results: Three hundred patients met the inclusion criteria for the study cohort. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that admission proteinuria was significantly associated with risk of in-hospital AKI (OR 4.71, 95% CI 1.28–17.38), while admission hematuria was associated with ICU admission (OR 4.56, 95% CI 1.12–18.64), IMV (OR 8.79, 95% CI 2.08–37.00), and death (OR 18.03, 95% CI 2.84–114.57). During hospitalization, de novo proteinuria was significantly associated with increased risk of death (OR 8.94, 95% CI 1.19–114.4, p = 0.04). In-hospital AKI increased (OR 27.14, 95% CI 4.44–240.17) while recovery from in-hospital AKI decreased the risk of death (OR 0.001, 95% CI 0.001–0.06). Conclusion: Proteinuria and hematuria both at the time of admission and during hospitalization are associated with adverse clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

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Comorbid Medical Conditions as Predictors of Overall Survival in Glioblastoma Patients

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-019-56574-w ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Matthew T. Carr ◽

Camille J. Hochheimer ◽

Andrew K. Rock ◽

Alper Dincer ◽

Lakshmi Ravindra ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Proportional Hazards ◽

Medical Center ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Cox Proportional Hazards ◽

Individual Characteristic ◽

Prior History ◽

Central Nervous System Tumor ◽

Medical Conditions ◽

Characteristic Analysis ◽

History Of

AbstractGlioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive central nervous system tumor with a poor prognosis. This study was conducted to determine any comorbid medical conditions that are associated with survival in GBM. Data were collected from medical records of all patients who presented to VCU Medical Center with GBM between January 2005 and February 2015. Patients who underwent surgery/biopsy were considered for inclusion. Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was performed to assess the relationship between survival and sex, race, and comorbid medical conditions. 163 patients met inclusion criteria. Comorbidities associated with survival on individual-characteristic analysis included: history of asthma (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 2.63; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.24–5.58; p = 0.01), hypercholesterolemia (HR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.09–3.50; p = 0.02), and incontinence (HR: 2.29; 95% CI: 0.95–5.57; p = 0.07). History of asthma (HR: 2.22; 95% CI: 1.02–4.83; p = 0.04) and hypercholesterolemia (HR: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.11–3.56; p = 0.02) were associated with shorter survival on multivariable analysis. Surgical patients with GBM who had a prior history of asthma or hypercholesterolemia had significantly higher relative risk for mortality on individual-characteristic and multivariable analyses.

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Association between Charlson-Deyo Score and delay to colonoscopy in veterans subsequently diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2019.37.27_suppl.288 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 37 (27_suppl) ◽

pp. 288-288

Author(s):

Thi Khuc ◽

Christian Jackson

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

United States ◽

Occult Blood ◽

The United States ◽

Fecal Occult Blood ◽

Study Cohort ◽

Fecal Occult ◽

Final Study ◽

Increased Risk ◽

History Of

288 Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States and expected to cause 51,020 deaths in 2019. Early detection with yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT) has been proven to decrease CRC mortality. A 30-day delay from positive FOBT to colonoscopy is associated with increased risk of CRC. The Veterans Affairs Health System (VAHS) treats approximately 11% of CRCs in the United States. The effects of an aging population, physician shortage, and increased military personnel entering the VAHS may increase demands on VAHS resources. The primary aim of this study was to determine risk factors that caused delay to colonoscopy. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed records of 600 patients referred for colonoscopy from January 1999 to January 2009, who were subsequently diagnosed with CRC. Patients with a prior CRC diagnosis were excluded. The final study cohort consisted of 530 patients. We analyzed the relationship between 10 variables and delay in time from initial consultation to colonoscopy. Variables consisted of age, sex, race, ethnicity, CRC location, marital status, history of mental health diagnosis, tobacco use, substance abuse, Charlson/Deyo (C/D) score and season of referral for colonoscopy. A delay in time was defined as 30 days or greater. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, race, CRC location and C/D score. Results: A total of 87.17% of patients experienced a delay in time from initial consultation to colonoscopy. When analyzed with a predictive variable of delay to colonoscopy, C/D score of ≥ 2 versus 0, was associated with higher odds of delay in time to colonoscopy (OR = 2.18, p = 0.02). African American race and Hispanic ethnicity was associated with a higher odds of delay in time to colonoscopy, but was not statistically significant (OR = 1.47, p = 0.47, OR = 1.37, p = 0.48). Conclusions: Patients with a C/D score ≥ 2 were 218% more likely to have delay in time from initial consult to colonoscopy, resulting in a delayed CRC diagnosis. C/D score may be used to determine which patients should have more frequent reminders to schedule their colonoscopy to prevent delays in care. Randomized and prospective studies will need to be performed.

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Evaluation of Thrombotic Risk in Thyroid Cancer

Journal of the Endocrine Society ◽

10.1210/jendso/bvab048.1758 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. A861-A861

Author(s):

Chukwuka Akamnonu ◽

David A Cohen

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Thyroid Cancer ◽

Medical Center ◽

Academic Medical Center ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

The United States ◽

Primary Objective ◽

Cancer History ◽

Thrombotic Risk ◽

History Of

Abstract Introduction: Current guidelines from the International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis recommend limited screenings for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) with no identifiable precipitating factor (termed unprovoked). There is paucity of data with regards to thyroid cancer screening in the setting of an unprovoked VTE. Studies from Europe have shown an association between VTE and thyroid cancer; however, these studies do not account for differences in iodine availability, thus the need for studies in the United States. Understanding the risk of thyroid cancer as a provocative factor in developing a deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) may be able to facilitate case detection of disease and prevent future morbidity and mortality from thyroid cancer and/or VTE. Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to understand the risk of developing VTE in the setting of thyroid cancer. Methods: In this retrospective chart review study, we reviewed electronic medical records of patients with a history of DVT or PE between ages 18-99, presenting to all outpatient clinics at a single academic medical center in New Jersey between October 1, 2015, and Dec 31, 2018. We screened for coexistent cancer history among this group, and from this sample we further isolated cases of thyroid cancer. Results: 345 patients were found to have a history of VTE. 187 were female (54%) and 113 (29%) had a history of malignancy. The most common cancers were breast (19%), colorectal (9%), leukemia (9%), prostate (8%), and lymphoma (8%). Thyroid cancer accounted for 2% of all discovered cases. Conclusion: In this retrospective analysis, 2% of all patients with VTE and cancer carried a diagnosis of thyroid cancer. Although this suggests a relatively low risk, given the medical burden of a venous thromboembolism and the comparable proportion of thyroid cancer in all new cancer cases, thyroid cancer should be considered a provoking factor in unprovoked VTE.

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Outcomes of COVID-19 in Patients With a History of Cancer and Comorbid Cardiovascular Disease

Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network ◽

10.6004/jnccn.2020.7658 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Sarju Ganatra ◽

Sourbha S. Dani ◽

Robert Redd ◽

Kimberly Rieger-Christ ◽

Rushin Patel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Mechanical Ventilation ◽

Severe Disease ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Supplemental Oxygen ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Patients With Cancer ◽

Vulnerable Patient ◽

History Of ◽

Secondary Endpoints

Background: Cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are independently associated with adverse outcomes in patients with COVID-19. However, outcomes in patients with COVID-19 with both cancer and comorbid CVD are unknown. Methods: This retrospective study included 2,476 patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 at 4 Massachusetts hospitals between March 11 and May 21, 2020. Patients were stratified by a history of either cancer (n=195) or CVD (n=414) and subsequently by the presence of both cancer and CVD (n=82). We compared outcomes between patients with and without cancer and patients with both cancer and CVD compared with patients with either condition alone. The primary endpoint was COVID-19–associated severe disease, defined as a composite of the need for mechanical ventilation, shock, or death. Secondary endpoints included death, shock, need for mechanical ventilation, need for supplemental oxygen, arrhythmia, venous thromboembolism, encephalopathy, abnormal troponin level, and length of stay. Results: Multivariable analysis identified cancer as an independent predictor of COVID-19–associated severe disease among all infected patients. Patients with cancer were more likely to develop COVID-19–associated severe disease than were those without cancer (hazard ratio [HR], 2.02; 95% CI, 1.53–2.68; P<.001). Furthermore, patients with both cancer and CVD had a higher likelihood of COVID-19–associated severe disease compared with those with either cancer (HR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.11–3.10; P=.02) or CVD (HR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.21–2.66; P=.004) alone. Patients died more frequently if they had both cancer and CVD compared with either cancer (35% vs 17%; P=.004) or CVD (35% vs 21%; P=.009) alone. Arrhythmias and encephalopathy were also more frequent in patients with both cancer and CVD compared with those with cancer alone. Conclusions: Patients with a history of both cancer and CVD are at significantly higher risk of experiencing COVID-19–associated adverse outcomes. Aggressive public health measures are needed to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 infection in this vulnerable patient population.

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Higher comorbidities and early death in hospitalized African-American patients with Covid-19

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/s12879-021-05782-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Raavi Gupta ◽

Raag Agrawal ◽

Zaheer Bukhari ◽

Absia Jabbar ◽

Donghai Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Kidney Disease ◽

African American ◽

Kidney Disease ◽

Ace Inhibitors ◽

Medical Center ◽

Academic Medical Center ◽

Invasive Mechanical Ventilation ◽

Laboratory Data ◽

The United States ◽

Prognostic Indicators

Abstract Background African-Americans/Blacks have suffered higher morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 than all other racial groups. This study aims to identify the causes of this health disparity, determine prognostic indicators, and assess efficacy of treatment interventions. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of clinical features and laboratory data of COVID-19 patients admitted over a 52-day period at the height of the pandemic in the United States. This study was performed at an urban academic medical center in New York City, declared a COVID-only facility, serving a majority Black population. Results Of the 1103 consecutive patients who tested positive for COVID-19, 529 required hospitalization and were included in the study. 88% of patients were Black; and a majority (52%) were 61–80 years old with a mean body mass index in the “obese” range. 98% had one or more comorbidities. Hypertension was the most common (79%) pre-existing condition followed by diabetes mellitus (56%) and chronic kidney disease (17%). Patients with chronic kidney disease who received hemodialysis were found to have lower mortality, than those who did not receive it, suggesting benefit from hemodialysis Age > 60 years and coronary artery disease were independent predictors of mortality in multivariate analysis. Cox proportional hazards modeling for time to death demonstrated a significantly high ratio for COPD/Asthma, and favorable effects on outcomes for pre-admission ACE inhibitors and ARBs. CRP (180, 283 mg/L), LDH (551, 638 U/L), glucose (182, 163 mg/dL), procalcitonin (1.03, 1.68 ng/mL), and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (8.3:10.0) were predictive of mortality on admission and at 48–96 h. Of the 529 inpatients 48% died, and one third of them died within the first 3 days of admission. 159/529patients received invasive mechanical ventilation, of which 86% died and of the remaining 370 patients, 30% died. Conclusions COVID-19 patients in our predominantly Black neighborhood had higher in-hospital mortality, likely due to higher prevalence of comorbidities. Early dialysis and pre-admission intake of ACE inhibitors/ARBs improved patient outcomes. Early escalation of care based on comorbidities and key laboratory indicators is critical for improving outcomes in African-American patients.

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History of the Department of Surgery at Albany Medical Center

The American Surgeon ◽

10.1177/000313481307900317 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 79 (3) ◽

pp. 221-231 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

David J. Conti ◽

Neil Lempert ◽

Steven C. Stain

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Medical Education ◽

Medical Center ◽

The United States ◽

Medical College ◽

Albany Medical College ◽

Integral Role ◽

History Of ◽

Flexner Report ◽

Teaching Programs

Surgeons have always played an integral role in the history of the Albany Medical Center and Albany Medical College. In addition to supporting vital patient care and teaching programs, the Department of Surgery has played an important administrative role providing the college with five deans. The origins of the Department of Surgery reach back to 1910 when the American Medical Association-sponsored Flexner report proposed dramatic changes in the structure and format of medical education in the United States. In response to the recommendations of the report, the medical center restructured its faculty and curriculum to meet the demands of a rapidly advancing profession. One result of this reorganization was the formation of the Department of Surgery in 1912. Dr. Arthur Elting was named the first Chair of the Department in 1915. This report will review the history of the Department, focusing on the eight surgeons who have served as Chair.

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Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Pregnancy-Related Acute Kidney Injury

Kidney360 ◽

10.34067/kid.0000102019 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 (3) ◽

pp. 169-178

Author(s):

Kelly Beers ◽

Huei Hsun Wen ◽

Aparna Saha ◽

Kinsuk Chauhan ◽

Mihir Dave ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Socioeconomic Factors ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Ethnic Disparities ◽

Kidney Injury ◽

The United States ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Medical Comorbidities ◽

Black Patients ◽

Hispanic Patients ◽

Discharge From Hospital

BackgroundPregnancy-related AKI (PR-AKI) is increasing in the United States. PR-AKI is associated with adverse maternal outcomes. Disparities in racial/ethnic differences in PR-AKI by race have not been studied.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2005 to 2015. We identified patients who were admitted for a pregnancy-related diagnosis using the Neomat variable provided by the NIS database that indicates the presence of a maternal or neonatal diagnosis code or procedure code. PR-AKI was identified using ICD codes. Survey logistic regression was used for multivariable analysis adjusting for age, medical comorbidities, socioeconomic factors, and hospital/admission factors.ResultsFrom 48,316,430 maternal hospitalizations, 34,001 (0.07%) were complicated by PR-AKI. Hospitalizations for PR-AKI increased from 3.5/10,000 hospitalizations in 2005 to 11.8/10,000 hospitalizations in 2015 with the largest increase seen in patients aged ≥35 and black patients. PR-AKI was associated with higher odds of miscarriage (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.64; 95% CI, 1.34 to 2.07) and mortality (aOR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.25 to 1.88). After adjustment for age, medical comorbidities, and socioeconomic factors, blacks were more likely than whites to develop PR-AKI (aOR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.33). On subgroup analyses in hospitalizations of patients with PR-AKI, blacks and Hispanics were more likely to have preeclampsia/eclampsia compared with whites (aOR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.65; and aOR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.23 to 2.31, respectively). Increased odds of mortality in PR-AKI compared with whites were only seen in black patients (aOR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.55).ConclusionsThe incidence of PR-AKI has increased and the largest increase was seen in older patients and black patients. PR-AKI is associated with miscarriages, adverse discharge from hospital, and mortality. Black and Hispanic patients with PR-AKI were more likely to have adverse outcomes than white patients. Further research is needed to identify factors contributing to these discrepancies.

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