Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Unknown Rectal Lesions: A Case Of Severe Proctitis Secondary To Mpox In The Setting Of Concomitant Hiv, Syphilis, Hsv, And Chlamydia, Nicole Robertson Mph, James Crosby Do, Cynthia R. Young Md, Msc, Anne E. Sayers Md, Nicholas J. Van Sickles Md

ePublications of Emerging Medical Research Scholars

Introduction:

Mpox emerged as a public health crisis with limited research describing co-occurring HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We present a case of severe proctitis secondary to Mpox with concomitant HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), syphilis, HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus), and chlamydia and review presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Mpox with concurrent STIs.

Case Presentation:

34-year-old male living with HIV (LWH) presenting with worsening rectal pain, multiple anal papules, and fever. His laboratory workup revealed simultaneous positive results for orthopoxvirus, chlamydia, and HSV-1 PCR. We initiated tecovirimat due to rectal involvement and uncontrolled pain. He subsequently developed lesions on …

Piloting An Oral History Approach To Investigate Cancer Perspectives Among Residents Of Appalachian Kentucky, Courtney Martin, Lauren Hudson, Nathan L. Vanderford

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Kentucky ranks first in the U.S. in overall cancer incidence and mortality rates. Areas of the state that fall within the Appalachian Region, along Kentucky’s eastern border, experience disproportionately high rates of cancer compared to non-Appalachian counties.

Purpose: This pilot study investigates whether oral history interviews can be used to understand perspectives on cancer among residents of Appalachian Kentucky.

Methods: In 2020, participants (n = 5) who identified as being from and/or having strong connections to Appalachian Kentucky were recruited to participate in this pilot study. Participants included individuals working in cancer-related fields, oncology professionals, and those with personal …

Differences In Distress Between Rural And Non-Rural Appalachian Breast Cancer Patient / Caregiver Dyads During The First Year Of Treatment, Jordan Tasman, Callie D. Mcadams, Jillian Lloyd, Ashton J. Brooks, Patricia Nola Eugene Roberson

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Breast cancer patients and their caregivers living in rural Appalachia face substantial health disparities compared to their non-rural Appalachian counterparts. However, there is limited research on how these specific health disparities in rural Appalachian communities may impact patient psychological distress and caregiver strain during the first year of breast cancer treatment.

Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to assess differences in patient psychological distress (depression and anxiety) and caregiver strain between rural non-rural Appalachian breast-cancer-affected dyads (patients and their caregivers) during the first year of treatment.

Methods: A total of 48 Appalachian breast cancer patients (with a …

Prevalence And Types Of Drugs Used Among Hepatitis A Patients During Outbreaks Associated With Person-To-Person Transmission, Kentucky, Michigan, And West Virginia, 2016–2019, Megan G. Hofmeister, Alice Asher, Christopher M. Jones, Ryan J. Augustine, Cole Burkholder, Jim Collins, Monique A. Foster, Shannon Mcbee, Erica D. Thomasson, Doug Thoroughman, Mark K. Weng, Philip R. Spradling

Journal of Appalachian Health

Background: People who use drugs are at increased risk for hepatitis A virus infection. Since 1996, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended hepatitis A vaccination for people who use drugs. Since 2016, the U.S. has experienced widespread hepatitis A outbreaks associated with person-to-person transmission.

Purpose: To describe the prevalence of drug use, route of use, and drugs used among hepatitis A outbreak-associated patients.

Methods: State outbreak and medical records were reviewed to describe the prevalence, type, and route of drug use among a random sample of 812 adult outbreak-associated hepatitis A patients from Kentucky, Michigan, and West Virginia …

The Compounding Effect Of Rurality On Health Disparities Among Black Patients With Covid-19, Jessica E. Johnson, Ruchi Bhandari, Allison Lastinger, Rebecca Reece

Journal of Appalachian Health

Background: West Virginia had garnered national attention for its vaccination rollout against coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Outcomes of this mostly rural population, however, have been underreported. As the pandemic continues, identifying high risk populations remains important to further epidemiologic information and target vaccines.

Purpose: The objective of this study is to examine the effects of COVID-19 and the influence of race and rurality on hospitalization and outcomes in Appalachians.

Methods: In this retrospective study, data from patients who tested positive and were admitted for COVID-19 and seen within the state’s largest health system (West Virginia University Health System) between March …

Loss Of Obstetric Services In Rural Appalachia: A Qualitative Study Of Community Perceptions, Caroline R. Efird, David Dry, Rachel F. Seidman

Journal of Appalachian Health

Background: As rural hospitals across the United States increasingly downsize or close, the availability of inpatient obstetric services continues to decline in rural areas. In rural Appalachia, the termination of obstetric services threatens to exacerbate the existing risk of adverse birth outcomes for women and infants, yet less is known about how the cessation of these services affects the broader community.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explain how the loss of local obstetric services affects perceptions of healthcare among multi-generational residents of a remote, rural Appalachian community in western North Carolina.

Methods: An interdisciplinary team of researchers …

Cancer Curriculum For Appalachian Kentucky Middle And High Schools, Lauren Hudson, Katherine Sharp, Chris Prichard, Melinda J. Ickes, Sahar Alameh, Nathan L. Vanderford

Journal of Appalachian Health

Background: Appalachian Kentucky faces the highest cancer incidence and mortality rates in the country due to poor health behaviors and lifestyle choices. These poor health behaviors are facilitated by a lack of cancer education. Youth represent a vulnerable population that could be greatly impacted by increased cancer education. Teachers have the power to facilitate this learning.

Purpose: This study examined the need for cancer education curriculum in Appalachian Kentucky middle and high schools from the perspective of educators.

Methods: An online survey was conducted with science and health teachers (n=21) in Appalachian Kentucky, consisting of questions that investigated existing cancer …

Preventive Care And Chronic Disease Management: Comparison Of Appalachian And Non-Appalachian Community Health Centers In The United States, Julie P. Marcinek, Alek Sripipatana, Sue C. Lin

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: The Appalachian region is often characterized by poor health outcomes and economic depression. Health centers (HCs) are community-based and patient-directed organizations that deliver comprehensive, culturally competent, high-quality primary healthcare services in high need areas, including Appalachia, where economic, geographic, or cultural factors can hinder access to healthcare services.

Purpose: The study compares the clinical quality performance in preventive care and chronic disease management between Appalachian HCs and their non-Appalachian counterparts.

Methods: Using 2015 Uniform Data System (UDS) health center data, bivariate and multivariate linear regression analyses examine the association of Appalachian HC with performance on preventive and chronic care …

The Use Of Cardiomems In Dialysis Patients With Heart Failure, Karolina Viquez, Peggy Hardesty, Karim Fahmy, Amr Elhusseini, Mohamed Elyamny, Maya Guglin

The VAD Journal

In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and heart failure (HF), volume overload is a major problem. Removal of fluid during the dialysis treatment, is the cornerstone management in these conditions but, assessing the amount of volume that should be removed is a challenge since physical exam findings are not accurate. Ambulatory pulmonary artery (PA) pressure measurement is a promising intervention in HF that potentially could be used as well in CKD population, predicting volume status changes and allowing a promptly intervention. We presented two cases of patient with CKD, HF and cardioMEMS

Favorable Outcomes With Ventricular Assist Device Exchange, Megan Carroll, Meghan Tooman, Markian Bochan, Christopher Salerno, Ashwin Ravichandran

The VAD Journal

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy remains a vital therapeutic option for patients with end-stage heart failure. Unfortunately, adverse events can occur and progress to require consideration for device exchange once the failure of medical management becomes evident, especially when heart transplantation is not possible in a timely manner. The aim of this analysis is to describe the incidence and outcomes of LVAD exchanges at our institution. Between April 2008 and May 2017, 397 patients underwent LVAD implantation, with 32 of those patients subsequently receiving exchange upon the recommendation of our multidisciplinary team due to refractory infection (n=12), device malfunction …

Hemodynamic, Therapeutic, And Clinical Outcomes Of Ambulatory Pressure-Guided Heart Failure Management, Jacob Abraham, Lian Wang, Rebecca Lewis, Katherine Callis, Joshua Remick, Kateri J. Spinelli

The VAD Journal

Background: Heart failure (HF) management guided by CardioMEMS™ pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) monitoring reduces PAP and HF hospitalizations. The objective of this project was to characterize the relationship between medication adjustments, PAP change, and outcomes for all patients at an advanced HF center.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed medication changes and hospitalizations for 32 consecutive patients implanted with the CardioMEMS™ sensor at a single HF center and related these outcomes to PAP data from the Merlin.net (Abbott) database. Absolute change in PAP from baseline was estimated using area under the curve normalized to days monitored.

Results: Patients had an average change …

Restoration Of Left Ventricular Function Following Lvad Implantation – Remission Or Recovery? A Case Series., Shiksha Joshi, Mariah Barlow, Maya Guglin

The VAD Journal

Background

A wide range of left ventricular (LV) recovery rates on left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support have been reported. In this case series, we summarize our experience with LVAD explantation for presumed LV recovery.

Case series

Out of 240 patients who received an LVAD implant in our program since its inception, we explanted/inactivated the pump for presumed LV recovery in only three patients. All three of these patients had relapse of cardiomyopathy within 6 months of explantation.

Conclusion

Our experience does not support the existence of LV recovery following LVAD implantation as a common phenomenon. Improvement in LV function …

Effects Of Beta Blockers And Ace Inhibitors After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation, Gaurang Vaidya, Emma Birks, Jessica Pillarella, Benjamin Salgado, Rajakrishnan Vijayakrishnan, Andrew Lenneman, Mark Slaughter, Dmitry Abramov

The VAD Journal

Purpose: While Beta blockers(BB) and Angiotensin system blockers(ACEinh/ARB) are important components in advanced heart failure therapy, their use after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation remains controversial. Concern has been raised about possible adverse effects of BB on right ventricular(RV) function while tolerance and efficacy/outcome data for ACEinh are lacking. This study aimed to characterize the use of medical therapy post-LVAD implantation and to evaluate its safety and efficacy. Methods: Demographic, clinical and echocardiographic variables of patients implanted with a continuous-flow LVAD between 2012 and 2015 at a single center were retrospectively reviewed. Mortality and heart failure(CHF) hospitalizations were followed …

Electrocardiographic Characteristics, Antiarrhythmic Utilization, And Outcomes In Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices, Scott Lundgren, Elizabeth Lyden, Douglas Stoller, Marshall Hyden, Adam Burdorf, Ronald Zolty, John Um, Brian Lowes

The VAD Journal

Background: Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are an increasingly used therapy for patients with advanced heart failure. Arrhythmias are common complications following LVAD implantation requiring admission, initiation, and escalation of medical therapy. Despite their frequent use in the treatment of arrhythmias, little has been reported regarding electrocardiographic changes, antiarrhythmic utilization, and outcomes post-LVAD.

Methods: A total of 309 patients who received a LVAD underwent retrospective chart review pre- and post-LVAD. Kaplan-Meier curves were calculated and compared using the log-rank test. Cox regression model was used for univariate analysis and those with a p

Results: There was a significant reduction in …

Safety And Efficacy Of Routine Bridging Anticoagulation For Subtherapeutic Anticoagulation In Outpatients With A Left Ventricular Assist Device, David C. Shisler, Gaurang N. Vaidya, Lori Muncy, Rajakrishnan Vijayakrishnan, Mark S. Slaughter, Emma J. Birks, Dmitry Abramov

The VAD Journal

Background

Anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists is vital to prevent pump thrombosis in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). However, the safety and efficacy of bridging anticoagulation for the routine management of subtherapeutic international normalized ratio (INR) in stable outpatients remains poorly characterized.

Methods

In this retrospective study, a total of 60 LVAD outpatients had 110 episodes of subtherapeutic INR noted on routine testing. 34 of these episodes were managed with parenteral bridging anticoagulation and 76 were managed with only an adjusted dose of warfarin. The rates of bleeding and thromboembolic adverse events following these episodes of subtherapeutic INR …

Exploring The “Weekend Effect” On The Care Of Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices, Gbolahan O. Ogunbayo, Le Dung Ha, Naoki Misumida, Ayman Elbadawi, Qamar Ahmad, Remi Okwechime, Deborah Akanya, Andrew Kolodziej, Claude S. Elayi, Maya E. Guglin

The VAD Journal

Many studies have described differences in in-hospital outcomes and length of stay between patients treated for major cardiac conditions on weekdays versus weekends.¹ Our study aimed to explore the “weekend effect” on in-hospital care among patients with left ventricular assist devices.

Using data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, with a weighted estimate of more than 35 million admissions per year.² We identified patients 18 years or older with an ICD code signifying presence of a LVAD. Characteristics, comorbidities and clinical outcomes were compared between patients admitted on a weekend versus patients admitted on a weekday. The …

Reversal Of Fixed Pulmonary Hypertension With Transcatheter Valve Replacement For Aortic Insufficiency On Ventricular Assist Device Support, Faraz S. Ahmad, Mark J. Ricciardi, Laura J. Davidson, Allen S. Anderson, Kambiz Ghafourian, Ike Okwuosa, Esther Vorovich, Jane E. Wilcox, Daniel D. Holloway, Duc T. Pham, Jonathan D. Rich

The VAD Journal

We present a 43-year-old woman with a nonischemic cardiomyopathy implanted with a ventricular assist device (VAD) as bridge to transplant due to severe, “fixed” pulmonary hypertension (PH). Within three months of VAD implant, her “fixed” PH had resolved entirely. Nearly two years later, still supported with a VAD because of severe HLA allosensitization, she developed dyspnea and “moderate” aortic insufficiency (AI) by standard criteria. Invasive hemodynamics revealed recurrence of severe PH in the setting of elevated left-sided filling pressures. We concluded the AI was indeed severe and the cause of her symptoms and recurrent PH. Despite her minimally calcified aortic …

What Did We Learn About Vads In 2017?, Maya Guglin

The VAD Journal

No abstract provided.

Management Of Aortic Insufficiency In Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Device ̶ A Retrospective Analysis, Hartmuth B. Bittner

The VAD Journal

Background: Aortic insufficiency is increasingly recognized as a complication of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support and may lead to clinical decompensation requiring correction. This article describes experiences in managing patients presenting with concomitant aortic insufficiency and with de novo aortic insufficiency following left ventricular assist device implantations.

Methods: All patients undergoing LVAD implantation between 2012 and 2014 were included in this retrospective analysis if aortic valve insufficiency was present on implantation or newly developed (de novo) after implantation. Moderate to severe aortic valve insufficiency was corrected at implantation.

Results: The data of 39 patients were included. At the time …

Approach To Unresponsive Patient With Lvad, Maya Guglin

The VAD Journal

No abstract provided.

Unresponsive Patient With Lvad: A Case Series, Ameer Z. Musa, Julia Akhtarekhavari

The VAD Journal

Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) for patients with advanced heart failure (HF) is becoming more commonplace as technology has progressed and reliability of these systems has improved. We report our experience with three patients with cardiopulmonary arrest in the hospital and propose a protocol for the prompt assessment and treatment of an unresponsive patient with a LVAD in place. We presented three cases of unresponsive patients on LVAD support with low flow or no flow through the LVAD. Although all three of them were alive after resuscitation, none survived to discharge. In all three cases, there were no flaws in LVAD …

Capsule Endoscopy In Left Ventricular Assist Device Patients: Retrospective Review Of Efficacy And Necessity, Gaurang N. Vaidya, Michael Krease, Ali Dahhan, Rajakrishnan Vijayakrishnan, Thomas Abell, Emma Birks, Dmitry Abramov

The VAD Journal

Introduction: Capsule endoscopy (CE) is mainstream in the evaluation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in the general population. However, the diagnostic and therapeutic impact of CE in LVAD patients susceptible to transient bleeding remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to assess the benefits of CE in the evaluation of LVAD associated GIB.

Methods: Retrospective review of patients implanted with a continuous flow LVAD who underwent inpatient capsule endoscopy (CE) between January 2014 and May 2017 at our center. Identification of lesions with high bleeding potential or presence of frank blood were considered abnormal findings on CE study.

Result: Twenty-five inpatients …

Anticoagulation Monitoring In Left Ventricular Assist Device (Lvad) Patients, Adam Sieg, Jennifer Gass, Phillip Weeks, Indranee Rajapreyar, Igor Gregoric

The VAD Journal

The use of left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) provides a treatment strategy for advanced heart failure patients to prolong life and serve as a mediator (bridge to transplant) until an organ becomes available in patients considered suitable candidates for heart transplantation. The use of LVAD therapy is complicated by the constant risk of bleeding and thrombotic events. We reviewed and analyzed the effectiveness of our current heparin protocol with respect to overall anticoagulation and time in therapeutic range (TTR). Our analysis demonstrated that patients did not achieve therapeutic anticoagulation for at least 24 hours following initiation of heparin and that …

Right Ventricle Chest Compressions: Do We Need A New Paradigm For Lvad Patients Needing Resuscitation? A Case Report., Arvind Bhimaraj, Erik E. Suarez, Jerry D. Estep

The VAD Journal

The use of chest compressions in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) have been viewed to cause a potential damage to the outflow graft and hence have been a topic of controversy. We report a case of a LVAD patient who needed chest compressions during resuscitation for severe right ventricular failure. With the presence of trans-esophageal echocardiogram we noticed that the chest compressions did not need to be full ACLS compressions but modified to gentle right ventricular (RV) compressions in order to move blood into a normally functioning LVAD. We report this as a call for the LVAD medical …

Left Ventricular Assist Device Is A Viable Therapy In End Stage Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Mirnela Byku, Michael Nassif, Eric Novak, Akinobu Itoh, Greg Ewald, Shane J. Larue

The VAD Journal

Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) therapy use is increasing rapidly in advanced heart failure (HF). Little data exists on the application of this therapy in patients with advanced HF due to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). Altered ventricular geometry, thickened septum and reduced LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) in HCM may lead to increased suction events, arrhythmias and inflow cannula malfunction.

We hypothesized that patients with end stage HCM benefit from LVAD therapy and have a similar rate of complications to those with ischemic or dilated CM.

Between 2009 and 2014, 5 patients with end stage HCM (HCM and EF

We conclude that …

Paranormal Activity: Para-Esophageal/Gastric Hemorrhage In A Patient With A Heartmate Ii Lvad, Anna Stone, Ashwin Ravichandran

The VAD Journal

In this report we present an unusual case of non-traumatic, spontaneous para-esophageal/para-gastric hemorrhage requiring multiple units of red blood cells in a female patient with a continuous flow left ventricular assist device. She presented with dysphagia and atypical chest pain 18 months post implantation, on the recommended anticoagulation regimen for HeartMate II support of ASA 81mg and international normalized ratio goal (INR) of 2-3 and was successfully managed with conservation support, volume resuscitation and multiple transfusions. Non-traumatic causes of acute bleeding, including acquired platelet dysfunction are considered.

Fatal Flaw - Driveline Fracture As A Rare But Serious Complication Of Mechanical Circulatory Support With Left Ventricular Assist Devices, Yuri Boyechko, Thomas Tribble, Maya Guglin

The VAD Journal

Background: Patients with advanced heart failure have seen decreased mortality and improved quality of life due to mechanical circulatory support with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD). Regardless of such outcomes, many complications still exist and remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Our purpose is to study the prevalence, clinical course, and outcomes specifically of patients with LVAD driveline (DL) fractures.

Methods: This single-center, retrospective review included all patients at our institution who had continuous flow LVADs and experienced DL fracture/injury from January 2012 - December 2015.

Results: Thirteen of 110 LVAD patients (11.8%) had DL fractures (Table 1). …

Reversible Mitral Regurgitation As A Complication Of Impella® 5.0, Katrina A. Bidwell, Andrew R. Kolodziej, Maya E. Guglin

The VAD Journal

The Impella® is a ventricular assist device used for temporary left ventricular support and has been approved for use since 2008. In this report we present a case of a patient who experienced mitral regurgitation as a complication shortly after placement of an Impella® as well as a brief literature review. To our knowledge this is the first such case demonstrating resolution of iatrogenic mitral regurgitation with removal of the device as opposed to permanent damage.

Does Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation Affect Driving Patterns In Patients With End-Stage Heart Failure?, Mamatha Pinninti, Christina Sauld, Vinay Thohan, Omar Cheema, T. Edward Hastings, John Crouch, Frank Downey, Nasir Z. Sulemanjee

The VAD Journal

Background

In 2012, the Canadian Society of Cardiology indicated that patients supported with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) may drive a private vehicle 2 months after implantation, provided they are deemed clinically stable. Objective evidence supporting this recommendation is limited. We sought to compare data regarding driving habits in our patients following LVAD implantation.

Methods

A standard questionnaire addressing driving patterns before and after LVAD implantation was sent to all living patients who had received an LVAD between January 2010 and January 2014. Ninety-four of 124 patients responded (average age 58 years, 69.2% men, 77.7% bridge to transplant).

Results

Prior …

Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation For Cardiogenic Shock: A Retrospective Analysis Based On The Etiology Of Shock, Andrew Burchett, Thomas Tribble, Richard Charnigo, Susan Smyth, Maya Guglin

The VAD Journal

Abstract:

Background: We performed a retrospective analysis to evaluate the efficacy of VA-ECMO support in cardiogenic shock based on various etiologies.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 99 patients supported with VA-ECMO from January 1, 2012 to January 1, 2015. Outcomes included survival to discontinuation of VA-ECMO support and survival to hospital discharge. The etiologies of cardiogenic shock included cardiac arrest (CPR), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), decompensated congestive heart failure (CHF), pulmonary embolism (PE), right ventricular failure (RVF) not secondary to an acute pulmonary embolism, and post-cardiotomy syndrome (PCS). The PCS group was used as a reference group; odds ratios were estimated …