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Key Points We studied the link between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and CKD risk in adults undergoing cardiovascular disease screening. A higher baseline baPWV was predictive of an increased annualized rate of creatinine-based eGFR (eGFR Cr ) decline. Compared with normal baPWV, higher baseline baPWV was associated with increased risk of developing CKD and lower CKD-free survival time. Background CKD affects 35 million adults in the United States and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We investigated whether brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), a noninvasive measure of arterial stiffness, was associated with kidney function decline in adults undergoing cardiovascular disease (CVD) screening. Methods In 1862 patients referred for an exercise electrocardiogram test between 2007 and 2009, baPWV was measured using an Omron Colin oscillometric device. Creatinine-based GFR was estimated (eGFR Cr ) for participants with available baseline and follow-up creatinine values using the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration formula. We performed multivariable linear regression analyses to assess whether baseline baPWV was associated with annualized change in eGFR Cr , after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, baseline eGFR Cr , and traditional CVD risk factors, including mean arterial pressure, diabetes and hypertension diagnoses, nephroprotective medication use, smoking status, and total cholesterol. To determine risk of developing CKD and CKD-free survival time by arterial stiffness subgroups, we performed covariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards modeling and a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, respectively. Results After exclusion of participants with missing covariable data and adjustment for covariables, one SD increase in baPWV was associated with a 0.18 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 BSA greater yearly decrease in eGFR Cr ( P = 0.023) over a median follow-up time of 13.2 years. Participants with higher baseline baPWV had increased risk of CKD (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], P value; elevated baPWV: 2.4 [1.1 to 5.4], P = 0.037; borderline-elevated baPWV: 1.8 [1.1 to 3.1], P = 0.028) and had a shorter CKD-free survival time (median CKD-free survival time [years]; normal baPWV: 16.2; borderline-elevated baPWV: 16.0; elevated baPWV: 15.6 [ P < 0.001]). Conclusions Elevated baPWV, a noninvasive measure of arterial stiffness that can be obtained in the office setting, was associated with decline in kidney function, risk of CKD development, and CKD-free survival in individuals undergoing CVD screening.

Abstract Nephrotic syndrome is a rare, heterogeneous kidney disorder characterized by proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema. To elucidate its genetic architecture, we conducted a large-scale, electronic health record (EHR)-linked, multi-ancestry genome-wide association study comprising 5,214 cases and 1,601,060 controls. We identified 37 distinct loci associated with disease risk, including novel associations at JAML and STPG2 , and confirmed prior signals at PLA2R1 , HMCN1 , and APOL1 . Fine-mapping of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) revealed the strongest association at DRB103:01:01G in individuals of European ancestry (OR = 2.01, P = 1.4×10⁻²⁰), alongside nominal ancestry-specific associations in African ( DOA01:01:05 ) and Latino ( DPB1*14:01:01G ) populations. Transcriptome-wide association analysis (TWAS) identified 484 significant gene-tissue associations, including C4A in kidney cortex. Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) mapping revealed numerous cis-eQTLs in glomerular and tubular renal tissues, largely within the MHC region. We observed significant genetic correlation between adult and pediatric nephrotic syndrome (Rg = 0.63, P = 3.5x10 -11 ), suggesting shared genetic etiology. Pathway analyses implicated estrogen receptor signaling and histone modification. Mendelian randomization implicated APOM expression and apomorphine exposure with increased disease risk (OR = 4.93, P = 1.8x10 -19 ). These results expand the understanding of nephrotic syndrome pathogenesis and highlight ancestry-informed targets for therapeutic development.

Acquired angioedema due to C1-inhibitor deficiency (AAE-C1INH) is a rare condition characterized by the localized swelling of the deeper skin layers and mucous membranes, especially the face, lips, tongue, throat, and gastrointestinal tract. AAE-C1INH is strongly associated with lymphoproliferative disorders, although it can also be linked to autoimmune conditions, solid tumors, infections, or even occur without an identifiable cause. We present the case of a 45-year-old female patient with complaints of recurrent abdominal pain, bloating, and joint swelling. Laboratory testing showed decreased C1q and C4 complement levels, and C1 esterase inhibitor levels, indicative of AAE-C1INH. Further work up confirmed a diagnosis of extranodal marginal zone lymphoma with involvement of the bone marrow and spleen. Treatment with rituximab led to resolution of angioedema symptoms and almost complete remission of underlying lymphoma. This case underscores the importance of evaluating an underlying lymphoproliferative disorder in AAE-C1INH. Therefore, the early participation of a multidisciplinary team including specialists in immunology, hematology, and oncology is necessary for appropriate management.

11pt, fleqn, a4paper, ]LegrandOrangeBook Background: Early catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) improves outcomes, but the optimal timing, especially in heart failure (HF) subtypes, remains unclear. Objective: To evaluate the impact of ablation timing on outcomes in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Methods: We used the TriNetX database (2010–2024) to identify HF patients with AF who underwent ablation. Patients were classified as early ablation (≤1 year of first AF diagnosis) or delayed ablation (1–3 years), with propensity score matching (PSM) applied to balance the baseline characteristics. The primary outcome was AF recurrence, defined by repeat ablation, direct current cardioversion (DCCV), or antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) use after a 3-month blanking period. Secondary outcomes included stroke, hospitalization, and mortality over 5 years. Results: After PSM, delayed ablation was associated with higher AF recurrence in both HFrEF (HR 1.25, p < 0.001) and HFpEF (HR 1.27, p = 0.01), as seen in multivariate analysis. In HFrEF, delayed ablation was associated with higher incidence of re-do ablation, AAD use, and DCCV, while in HFpEF, higher recurrence with delayed ablation was associated with increased AAD use. Both cohorts had similar stroke and mortality rates between early and delayed ablation. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed ablation in HFrEF and HFpEF was linked to higher AF recurrence, driven by increased redo ablations, DCCV, AAD use in HFrEF, and higher AAD use in HFpEF. Stroke and mortality rates were similar, suggesting earlier ablation may enhance rhythm control without affecting long-term survival. Condensed Abstract Delayed atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation was associated with higher (AF) recurrence in both HFrEF and HFpEF. In HFrEF, delayed ablation led to increased use of re-do ablation, cardioversion and antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs). In HFpEF, only AAD use was significantly higher with delayed ablation. Stroke and mortality rates were similar between early and delayed ablation groups.

ABSTRACTPolycythemia vera (PV) is invariably associated with a JAK2 mutation, with over 50% of patients harboring additional non‐JAK2 mutations. In the current study, 319 patients with PV underwent NGS at diagnosis or in chronic phase PV (Group A: N = 270, 85%) or at the time of fibrotic (Group B; N = 37, 12%) or leukemic (Group C; N = 12, 4%) transformation. Mutational frequencies involving TP53/SRSF2/IDH1/U2AF1 were significantly (p < 0.05) different between patients in the mutually exclusive Groups A (2%/4%/2%/0.4%), B (8%/0%/0%/5%), and C (50%/25%/17%/8%). Analyses on phenotype/genotype associations and prognostic impact on overall (OS), leukemia‐free (LFS), and myelofibrosis‐free (MFFS) survival were limited to Group A patients. ASXL1MUT was associated with younger age (p < 0.01), SRSF2MUT with older age and leukocytosis (p < 0.01), and TP53MUT with leukocytosis (p < 0.01). Mutation co‐segregation was apparent between ASXL1 and IDH2 (p < 0.01) or SRSF2 (p < 0.01), SRSF2 and IDH2 (p < 0.01), and TP53 and NRAS (p = 0.01). Multivariable analysis identified SRSF2MUT (p < 0.01; HR, 4.2, 1.9–9.5), IDH2MUT (p = 0.01; HR, 5.3, 1.8–15.3), ASXL1MUT (p = 0.04; HR, 2.0, 1.1–3.7), leukocyte count ≥ 15 × 109/L (p < 0.01; HR 2.0, 1.3–3.1), and advanced age (p < 0.01) as risk factors for OS. Median OS in the presence (N = 235; 87%) or absence (N = 35; 13%) of any adverse mutation (i.e., SRSF2MUT, ASXL1MUT, or IDH2MUT) was 8.8 versus 17.8 years (p = 0.01; HR 1.8, 1.1–2.9). In addition, ASXL1MUT (p = 0.02; HR, 1.6–24.9), SRSF2MUT (p = 0.06; HR, 11.9, 1.1–126.2), and advanced age (p = 0.04) were associated with inferior LFS, and SRSF2MUT (p < 0.01; HR, 24.0, 5.5–103.8) and abnormal karyotype (p < 0.01; HR 3.8, 1.6–8.9) with inferior MFFS. The number of non‐JAK2 mutations was significant in predicting outcome in univariate but not multivariable analysis. The observations from the current study highlight the prognostic significance of non‐JAK2 mutations in PV and the prospect of their inclusion in future prognostic models.

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe treatment landscape for multiple myeloma continues to evolve. Recently, the addition of anti‐CD38 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to the triplet regimen, comprising a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and a steroid, for transplant‐eligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (TENDMM) has shown promising results.AimsTo evaluate the overall efficacy and safety of quadruplet therapy with an anti‐CD38 mAb compared to a triplet regimen.MethodsA systematic search of Medline, Scopus, and EMBASE databases from inception to July 2024 identified relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Efficacy and safety outcomes were derived using random‐effects meta‐analysis. Summarized outcomes include hazard ratios (HR) for progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), odds ratios (OR) for response rates, measurable residual disease (MRD) negativity rate, and grade 3 or higher adverse events (G ≥ 3 AEs).ResultsFive RCTs involving 2963 patients were included. A statistically significant PFS was observed for quadruplet therapy when compared to the triplet regimen (HR 0.44; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.35–0.56). PFS benefit was consistent for the standard risk (SR) group (HR 0.38; 95% CI 0.27–0.52) and high risk (HiR) group (HR 0.62; 95% CI 0.41–0.92). No statistically significant benefit was observed for OS (HR 0.55; 95% CI 0.28–1.08). A statistically significant benefit was observed for the overall response rate (OR 1.77; 95% CI 1.02–3.06) and MRD negativity rate (OR 2.67; 95% CI 1.79–3.99). No significant differences were observed for G ≥ 3 AE (OR 1.21; 95% CI 0.92–1.58), lymphopenia (OR 1.09; 95% CI 0.62–1.89), and anemia (OR 1.06; 95% CI 0.83–1.37). However, a significantly increased risk was observed for all‐grade thrombocytopenia (OR 1.64; 95% CI 1.37–1.97), neutropenia (OR 2.24; 95% CI 1.67–3.02) and infections (OR 1.88; 95% CI 1.07–3.31).ConclusionQuadruplet therapy demonstrated a favorable efficacy and safety profile, with consistent benefit across subgroups. The findings support its potential as the new standard of care for TENDMM.

BACKGROUND: In the Myocardial Infarction Genes clinical trial (URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT01936675), participants at intermediate risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) were randomized to receive a Framingham risk score (Framingham risk score group, n=103) or an integrated risk score (integrated risk score group [IRS g ], n=104) that additionally included a polygenic risk score. After 6 months, IRS g participants had higher statin initiation and lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. We conducted a post hoc 10-year follow-up analysis to investigate whether disclosure of a polygenic risk score for CHD was associated with a reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). METHODS: Participants were followed from randomization in October 2013 to September 2023 to ascertain MACE, testing for CHD, and changes in risk factors. The primary outcome was time to first MACE, defined as cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, and nonfatal stroke. Statistical analyses included Cox proportional hazards regression and linear mixed-effects models. RESULTS: We followed all participants who completed the trial, 100 in Framingham risk score group and 103 in IRS g (mean age at the end of follow-up, 68.2±5.2; 48% male). During a median follow-up of 9.5 years, 9 MACEs occurred in Framingham risk score group and 2 in IRS g (hazard ratio, 0.20 [95% CI, 0.04–0.94]; P =0.042). In Framingham risk score group, 47 (47%) underwent at least 1 diagnostic test for CHD, compared with 30 (29%) in IRS g (hazard ratio, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.32–0.81]; P =0.004). A higher proportion of IRS g participants were on statin therapy during the first 4 years postrandomization and had a greater reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol for up to 3 years postrandomization. No significant differences were observed between 2 groups in other traditional cardiovascular risk factors during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Disclosure of an integrated risk score that included a polygenic risk score to individuals at intermediate risk for CHD was associated with lower MACE incidence after 10 years, likely due to higher statin initiation, leading to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.

Limbic encephalitis is associated with various tumours and antibodies. We describe a 33-year-old man with progressive cochleovestibular symptoms, cerebellar ataxia, myoclonus and antibodies against Kelch-like protein 11 (KLHL11). MR scan of the brain showed hippocampal T2 hyperintensities. FDG PET scan was normal. Biopsy of his enlarged left testes showed fibrosis without neoplasia. Immunotherapy so far has not helped significantly.