News

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Heart failure hospitalizations rise among under-65 adults

A study in JACC: Heart Failure shows that the heart failure hospitalization rate increased among people younger than 65 from 2010 to 2022, while the rate declined for older individuals. The study, which analyzed more than 14 million inpatient records, suggests that improved treatment for older adults and a rise in cardiometabolic risk factors among younger adults may explain the trend. "These findings highlight that younger adults may be experiencing a growing disease burden," noted Dr. Boback Ziaeian of the University of California, Los Angeles. He added that the COVID-19 pandemic may have affected the number of hospitalizations for heart failure. Medscape (5/4) Learn More

Improper glove use increases healthcare infection risk

The improper use of gloves in healthcare settings can turn protective barriers into vectors of infection, elevating risks for contamination, cross-transmission and health care-associated infections when hand hygiene and other protocols are not followed regularly. Gloves can harbor more contamination than bare hands, especially in high-contact settings, and microperforations can allow bidirectional transfer of microorganisms. Healthcare employees need training on proper glove use to prevent these risks. Infection Control Today (4/24) Learn More

CVD, ICU stay increase Klebsiella risk post-transplant

Solid organ transplant recipients over age 50 are at high risk for Klebsiella infections, with a study showing 59.6% experienced at least one episode of the infection within 180 days post-transplant. The study found that a history of cardiovascular disease and ICU stays of three or more days post-transplant more than doubled the infection risk. The research, published in the Journal of Hospital Infection, highlights the need for strict infection surveillance and prevention strategies. Medscape (5/4) Learn More

Antibodies developed to target Epstein-Barr virus

Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and University of Washington have developed antibodies that target the Epstein-Barr virus, which is found in 95% of adults and is linked to several cancers and multiple sclerosis. The antibodies block two proteins that allow the virus to infect B cells, potentially preventing the virus from taking hold and reactivating later in a patient's life. ScienceAlert (Australia) (5/3) Learn More

Medical groups urge stricter No Surprises Act enforcement

Dozens of medical organizations and societies, including the ACC, have urged HHS and other federal agencies to increase enforcement of the No Surprises Act, citing issues with the independent dispute resolution process. The groups say health plans are circumventing the law, shifting costs to patients and jeopardizing care access. Health plan representatives contend they are complying with the law. MedPage Today (4/30) Learn More

Pulsed field ablation system shows promise in early study

A first-in-human study published in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology found CellFX nsPFA-360, a pulsed field ablation system, achieved acute electrical isolation of pulmonary veins in all cases. The study involved 177 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and found a 1.7% rate of serious adverse events. MedPage Today (4/30) Learn More

AI-powered wearables enhance remote patient monitoring

Advances in artificial intelligence have improved wearable technology in healthcare, enabling real-time data analysis and meaningful insights for remote patient monitoring. Arjun Mahajan of Harvard Medical School and David Ebert of the University of Arizona highlight the potential for continuous and proactive care, emphasizing the importance of integrating wearable data into electronic health records without burdening clinicians. HealthTech (5/4) Learn More

Cardiovascular Quality and Research News

ACC CV Quality SmartBrief