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Cardiovascular Quality and Research News

ACC CV Quality SmartBrief

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  • Severe RTI risk higher for children with comorbidities

    A study in JAMA Network Open found that 21.3% of children hospitalized with acute respiratory tract infections developed severe disease, and those with two or more comorbidities were 62% more likely to develop severe disease than those without underlying conditions. Children with acute RTIs who experienced a hospital transfer were 4.7 times more likely to progress to severe illness. MedPage Today (6/9) Learn More

  • Men with long COVID at higher risk of CV complications

    Men with long COVID had higher in-hospital mortality and cardiovascular complications than women, according to a study in the American Journal of Cardiology. The analysis of data from the 2022 National Inpatient Sample showed men had higher rates of conditions including cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial infarction and heart failure, and researchers said the findings support sex-sensitive risk stratification for care after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Infectious Disease Advisor (6/12) Learn More

  • FDA fast-tracks isupartob sodium for sepsis treatment

    Matisse Pharmaceuticals received Fast Track Designation from the FDA for isupartob sodium, an experimental treatment for sepsis. The drug is designed to block harmful proteins released during severe infections that can damage organs and worsen inflammation, with the goal of reducing organ failure and improving survival in patients with sepsis. BioSpace (6/9) Learn More

  • Hospitals advised to set big goals amid Medicaid cuts

    Kevin Holloran, senior director at Fitch Ratings, says hospitals should set ambitious goals and plan for significant Medicaid funding cuts starting in 2030, coinciding with the retirement of the baby boomer generation. While larger health systems are preparing by reducing staff and improving efficiency with AI, smaller systems may struggle more and might have to consider closing or repurposing facilities. Holloran stresses the importance of adopting AI to improve efficiency but cautions against overestimating its cost-saving potential. "Not doing anything is a sure way of failure," Halloran says. Chief Healthcare Executive (6/15) Learn More

  • Hospital closures slow, but financial threats loom

    Hospital closures in the US have slowed in 2026, with only three reported so far compared with 13 at this point last year. However, the financial challenges facing hospitals remain significant, with 720 rural hospitals at risk of closure, according to the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform. Upcoming federal policy changes, including Medicaid work requirements, could exacerbate these challenges, potentially leading to more closures in the next few years. Becker's Hospital Review (6/8) Learn More

  • Researchers develop artificial heart valve model

    Researchers in Ireland created an artificial heart valve using 3D bioprinting and synthetic polymers, mimicking the hemodynamic properties of human tissue. The valve aims to reduce thromboembolic complications and structural valve deterioration seen in existing prosthetics. Findings in JACC outlined the durability of current bioprosthetic valves. World Today News (6/15) Learn More

  • Carotid stent shows safety, efficacy in 30-day trial

    InspireMD reported positive 30-day outcomes from a study of its CGuard Prime 80-cm carotid stent for use in transcarotid artery revascularization. The prospective, single-arm study involving 50 patients found a 100% acute device success rate, with no deaths, strokes or myocardial infarctions within 30 days. MassDevice (Boston) (6/11) Learn More

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