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The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of frailty index comprised of commonly used frailty metrics on outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) outcomes, including mortality, length of stay, and discharge destination. Retrospective data collection was performed for 342 consecutive patients who underwent TAVR at a single center from May 15, 2012, to September 17, 2015. Frailty index score was calculated using 15-ft walk test, Katz activities of daily living, preoperative serum albumin, and dominant handgrip strength. Patients were given a frailty score from 0/4 to 4/4, with higher scores indicating greater levels of frailty. There were 27 patients (8%) in 0/4, 82 patients (24%) in 1/4, 129 patients (38%) in 2/4, 73 patients (21%) in 3/4, and 31 patients (9%) in 4/4 frailty group. Multivariate cox, logistic, and linear regression analyses showed that patients with frailty score of 3/4 or 4/4 had increased all-cause mortality (P = .015 and P < .001) and were more likely to be discharged to an acute care facility (P = .083 and P = .001). 4/4 frail patients had increased post-operative length of stay (P = .014) when compared to less frail patients. Individual components of the frailty score were also independent predictors of all-cause mortality. Median survival in 4/4 frail patients was 7 months. Frailty index comprised of commonly used frailty metrics and its components are independent predictors of poor post-TAVR outcomes. There is a stepwise increase in mortality and post-TAVR length of stay with increasing frailty with dismal prognosis in extremely frail patients.

We report the results of the study on electron-driven molecular processes for the perfluoronitriles, C 3 F 5 N and C 4 F 7 N for a wide energy range, from the ionisation potential to 5000 eV. These compounds have been shown to have extremely low global warming potential, suggesting they could be useful in gas discharges and plasma reactors. Calculations of ionisation cross sections ( Q ion ) are made using the complex scattering potential-ionisation contribution (CSP-ic) method and are shown to be in good agreement with the available data. Elastic ( Q el ), inelastic ( Q inel ) and total ( Q T ) cross sections are computed through spherical complex optical potential formalism. We have recently developed two-parameter semi-empirical method (2p-SEM) for large molecules with 55 < Z < 95 to report Q el and Q T . This work is a maiden report of Q el and Q T for C 3 F 5 N and C 4 F 7 N. We present various correlation studies between the cross sections and target parameters, leading to a prediction of polarizability. We have derived dielectric constant using number density and molar mass and have correlated Q ion (max) with dielectric constant. Graphical abstract

Children suffering from beta-thalassemia major require repeated blood transfusions which may be associated with dangers like iron overload and contraction of infections such as HIV, HCV, and HBsAg which ultimately curtail their life span. On the other hand, inadequate transfusions lead to severe anemia and general fatigue and debility. Data were obtained from 142 beta-thalassemia major patients aged 3 years or more receiving regular blood transfusions at a transfusion centre in Western India from 1 April 2009 to 30 June 2009. The clinical data and laboratory results were subsequently analyzed. Of the 142 patients, 76 (53.5%) were undertransfused (mean Hb <10 gm%). 96 (67%) of the patients were taking some form of chelation therapy but out of them only 2 (2%) were adequately chelated (S. ferritin <1000 ng/ml). 5 (3.5%) of the patients were known diabetics on insulin therapy. 103 (72%) of the patients were retarded in terms of growth. The prevalence of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) such as HCV, HIV, and HBsAg was respectively 45%, 2%, and 2%, with the prevalence of HCV being significantly more than the general population. The HCV prevalence showed positive correlation with the age of the patients and with the total no of blood transfusions received. As many as 15% (6 out of 40) children who were born on or after 2002 were HCV positive despite the blood they received being subjected to screening for HCV. The study suggests the need to step up the transfusions to achieve hemoglobin goal of 10 gm% (as per the moderate transfusion regimen) and also to institute urgent and effective chelation measures with the aim of keeping serum ferritin levels below 1000 ng/ml to avoid the systemic effects of iron overload. In addition, strict monitoring of the children for endocrinopathy and other systemic effects of iron overload should be done. Rigid implementation of quality control measures for the ELISA kits used to detect HCV in donor blood needs to be done urgently. Alternately, more sensitive and specific measures (like NAT testing) should be employed for detection of HCV. In the absence of a definitive cure accessible and available to all patients, strict implementation of the above suggested measures will go a long way in improving the quality (and quantity) of life in patients of beta-thalassemia major.

Acute type A aortic dissection requires timely diagnosis and intervention. Previous studies have examined risk factors associated with delayed diagnosis; however, the effect of socioeconomic status (SES) has not been previously studied. Our study examined the impact of various SES measures on time to diagnosis. We examined time to diagnosis in consecutive cases of acute type A aortic dissection at a single institution. SES variables included race/ethnicity, Medicaid eligibility, and residence in a zip code with an increased Distressed Communities Index—an aggregate measure of community SES. Delayed diagnosis was defined as time to diagnosis in the upper quartile of the study population (>6.6 hours). A model predicting risk factors for delayed diagnosis was created using multivariable logistic regression. Our study included 124 patients with a median time to diagnosis of 3.36 hours (interquartile range [IQR] 1.83 to 6.63). A total of 92 patients were in the nondelayed cohort (median diagnosis time of 2.59 hours, IQR 1.49 to 4.18) and 32 patients were in the delayed cohort (median diagnosis time of 15.57 hours, IQR 9.34 to 28.75). In multivariable logistic regression, residence in a high–Distressed Communities Index zip code was associated with diagnostic delay (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.108, p = 0.008). Patient age (aOR 0.944, p = 0.011), chest pain at presentation (aOR 0.099, p = 0.004), back pain at presentation (aOR 0.247, p = 0.012), evidence of malperfusion syndrome (aOR 0.040, p <0.001), history of hyperlipidemia (aOR 3.507, p = 0.026), and history of congestive heart failure (aOR 0.061, p = 0.036) were also significantly associated. In conclusion, our findings suggest community-level SES affects time to diagnosis in acute type A aortic dissection.

Glass tables can break and cause traumatic injury. This public health issue is avoidable by adequate regulatory measures. We describe the burden and characteristics of these injuries using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database and data from a level 1 trauma center. NEISS data was extracted from 2009 to 2015. Injuries were classified by type, severity, and involvement of faulty glass using predetermined criteria. A retrospective chart review of a level 1 trauma center data was performed. Epidemiologic and outcomes data are reported. 3241 cases were reviewed from NEISS. 56% of injuries were attributable to faulty tables. 15% were severe. A bimodal age distribution of age under 7 and early 20s was observed. Commonly injured areas were the upper extremity and forehead. 24 trauma center cases were reviewed. 21% presented with hemodynamic instability, 34% had major organ, body cavity or joint space injuries, and 58% required surgical intervention. 30-day mortality rate was 8%. More than 54% required inpatient care. Glass table injuries are common, estimated at over 2.5 million per year. Regulation of glass quality may prevent injury. Glass table injuries are more common than may be recognized and represent a public health problem that can be mitigated through proper regulatory measures. •Trauma caused by glass tables can be potentially life threating, especially when caused by broken glass.•Trauma secondary to glass tables occurs in a bimodal distribution, affecting both children and young adults.•These injuries could be prevented by proper legislation and public health campaigns. Glass table injuries are more common than may be recognized and represent a public health problem that can be mitigated through proper regulatory measures.

KCNT1 mutations are associated with childhood epilepsy, developmental delay, and vascular malformations. We report a child with a likely pathogenic KCNT1 mutation (c.1885A>C, p.Lys629Glu) with recurrent pulmonary haemorrhage due to aortopulmonary collaterals successfully managed with coil embolisation followed by right upper lobectomy.

Background:There is a paucity of information reported regarding the use of milrinone in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome prior to the Norwood procedure. At our institution, milrinone is initiated in the pre-operative setting when over-circulation and elevated serum lactate levels develop. We aimed to review the responses associated with the administration of milrinone in the pre-operative hypoplastic left heart syndrome patient. Second, we compared patients who received high- versus low-dose milrinone prior to Norwood procedure.Methods:Single-centre retrospective study of patients diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome between January 2000 and December 2019 who underwent Norwood procedure. Patient characteristics and outcomes were compared.Results:During the study period, 375 patients were identified; 79 (21%) received milrinone prior to the Norwood procedure with median lactate 2.55 mmol/l, and SpO2 93%. Patients who received milrinone were older at the time of Norwood procedure (6 vs. 5 days) and were more likely to be intubated and sedated. In a subset analysis stratifying patients to low- versus high-dose milrinone, median lactate decreased from time of initiation (2.39 vs 2.75 to 1.6 vs 1.8 mmol/l) at 12 hours post-initiation, respectively. Repeated measures analysis showed a significant decrease in lactate levels by 4 hours following initiation of milrinone, that persisted over time, with no significant difference in mean arterial pressure.Conclusions:The use of milrinone in the pre-operative over-circulated hypoplastic left heart syndrome patient is well tolerated, is associated with decreased lactate levels, and was not associated with significant hypotension or worsening of excess pulmonary blood flow.