Background Heterogeneous respiratory system static compliance (CRS) values and levels of hypoxemia in patients with novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) requiring mechanical ventilation have been reported in previous small-case series or studies conducted at a national level. Methods We designed a retrospective observational cohort study with rapid data gathering from the international COVID-19 Critical Care Consortium study to comprehensively describe CRS—calculated as: tidal volume/[airway plateau pressure-positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)]—and its association with ventilatory management and outcomes of COVID-19 patients on mechanical ventilation (MV), admitted to intensive care units (ICU) worldwide. Results We studied 745 patients from 22 countries, who required admission to the ICU and MV from January 14 to December 31, 2020, and presented at least one value of CRS within the first seven days of MV. Median (IQR) age was 62 (52–71), patients were predominantly males (68%) and from Europe/North and South America (88%). CRS, within 48 h from endotracheal intubation, was available in 649 patients and was neither associated with the duration from onset of symptoms to commencement of MV (p = 0.417) nor with PaO2/FiO2 (p = 0.100). Females presented lower CRS than males (95% CI of CRS difference between females-males: − 11.8 to − 7.4 mL/cmH2O p < 0.001), and although females presented higher body mass index (BMI), association of BMI with CRS was marginal (p = 0.139). Ventilatory management varied across CRS range, resulting in a significant association between CRS and driving pressure (estimated decrease − 0.31 cmH2O/L per mL/cmH20 of CRS, 95% CI − 0.48 to − 0.14, p < 0.001). Overall, 28-day ICU mortality, accounting for the competing risk of being discharged within the period, was 35.6% (SE 1.7). Cox proportional hazard analysis demonstrated that CRS (+ 10 mL/cm H2O) was only associated with being discharge from the ICU within 28 days (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02–1.28, p = 0.018). Conclusions This multicentre report provides a comprehensive account of CRS in COVID-19 patients on MV. CRS measured within 48 h from commencement of MV has marginal predictive value for 28-day mortality, but was associated with being discharged from ICU within the same period. Trial documentation: Available at https://www.covid-critical.com/study. Trial registration: ACTRN12620000421932.

BackgroundOutcomes in peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) vary. We sought to determine whether severity of left or right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) at PPCM diagnosis differentially associates with adverse outcomes.Methods and ResultsWe conducted a single‐center retrospective cohort study of 53 patients with PPCM. The primary outcome was a composite of left ventricular assist device implantation, cardiac transplantation, or death. We used Kaplan‐Meier curves to examine event‐free survival and Cox proportional hazards models to examine associations of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction <30%, LV end‐diastolic diameter ≥60 mm, and moderate‐to‐severe RVD at PPCM diagnosis with the primary outcome. Median (interquartile range) follow‐up time was 3.6 (1.4–7.3) years. Seventeen patients (32%) experienced the primary outcome, of whom 11 had moderate‐to‐severe RVD at time of PPCM diagnosis. Overall event‐free survival differed by initial RVD severity and LV ejection fraction <30%, but not by LV end‐diastolic diameter ≥60 mm. In univariable analyses, LV ejection fraction <30% and moderate‐to‐severe RVD were associated with the outcome (hazard ratios [95% confidence intervals] of 4.85 [1.11–21.3] and 4.26 [1.47–11.6], respectively). In a multivariable model with LV ejection fraction <30%, LV end‐diastolic diameter ≥60 mm, and moderate‐to‐severe RVD, only moderate‐to‐severe RVD was independently associated with the outcome (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 3.21 [1.13–9.10]). Although most outcomes occurred within the first year, nearly a third occurred years after PPCM diagnosis.ConclusionsInitial moderate‐to‐severe RVD is associated with a more advanced cardiomyopathy phenotype and increased risk of adverse outcomes in PPCM, within and beyond the first year of diagnosis. By identifying a worse PPCM phenotype, initial moderate‐to‐severe RVD may prompt earlier consideration of advanced heart replacement therapies.

We discuss a patient who presented with cardiogenic shock secondary to massive pulmonary embolism and right ventricular failure. She was managed by a multidisciplinary heart team and treated with catheter-directed thrombectomy, followed by ProtekDuo (Tandem [Liva Nova], London, United Kingdom) heart percutaneous right ventricular support leading to complete recovery from this often fatal condition. ( Level of Difficulty: Intermediate. )

Introduction Femoral-femoral Veno-Venous ExtraCorporeal Life Support (V-V ECLS) has been associated with higher infections rates, vascular site bleeding complications, and restricted patient mobility. Jugular or bicaval dual lumen V-V ECLS conceptually overcomes some of these adverse factors, but experience has shown that jugular vein cannulation still limits mobility and has increased bleeding complications. Technique and outcomes of subclavian vein single-cannulation with Crescent jugular dual-lumen V-V ECLS is described. Method five patients with COVID-19 related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) underwent right subclavian vein V-V ECLS placement with the Crescent 32 French jugular dual-lumen V-V ECLS catheter. A standardized percutaneous technique was developed that allowed efficient insertion without need for any specialized imaging (i.e. transesophageal echocardiogram) and outcomes assessed. Results Mean age of the five patients was 41.2 years, all obese with an average basal mass index of 45.2 kg/m2 and mean days to decannulation of 24.2 days. Outcomes discovered included; improved patient mobility allowing physical rehabilitation, no vascular access site related complications requiring surgery or endovascular intervention, and none had evidence of superior vena cava syndrome. One patient had subclavian/axillary vein thrombosis with resolution after 3 months of direct-acting oral anticoagulants, and one patient had blood cultures positive at day 37, nearing decannulation. Conclusion Subclavian vein access for crescent jugular dual lumen V-V ECLS catheter appears to be safe and feasible with added benefits of decreased bleeding and increased mobility over jugular or femoral-femoral access site for long term V-V ECLS support in COVID-19 related ARDS patients.

The older population is challenging to treat for numerous reasons, including comorbid conditions and increased susceptibility to adverse drug reactions, limiting medical therapy. They are at increased risk for loneliness and depression, which strongly impacts their cardiovascular outcomes, and they also have different values, usually prioritizing quality of life over mortality objectives. Finally, the elderly are underrepresented in cardiovascular clinical trials, thus limiting the applicability of guideline recommendations. This chapter emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive assessment of individual circumstances when assessing cardiovascular health in the elderly population. The chapter focuses on the role of nutrition, resiliency, and exercise for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Nutrient deficiencies commonly seen with cardiovascular drugs are also discussed, as well as specific integrative strategies for optimizing dyslipidemia, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure in this population.

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