As the use of wearable devices continues to expand, their integration into various aspects of healthcare becomes increasingly prevalent. Indeed, significant advancements have been made in the field of cardiology through the application of wearable technology to monitor heart rate, rhythm, and other biological signals. This review examines the various applications of wearable technology in cardiology, with the goal of improving patient care. We evaluate the accuracy and functionality of existing wearable electrocardiograms, defibrillators, blood pressure monitors, fitness trackers, activity trackers, and sleep trackers, including their roles in cardiac rehabilitation. Furthermore, we highlight the significant advancements in wearable electrocardiograms, demonstrating their accuracy comparable to that of traditional monitoring devices, as shown by studies such as the Apple Heart Study and the Fitbit Heart Study. Recent research suggests that wearable electrocardiograms are comparable to conventional monitoring devices in terms of performance and can help reduce healthcare costs. However, as technological improvements continue to evolve, challenges related to accessibility, patient privacy, and the need for improved accuracy are also emerging. This review highlights recent advancements that aim to address these challenges. Nonetheless, further research is crucial to critically assess and identify shortcomings, as wearable devices possess significant potential to enhance cardiovascular and overall health.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a relatively newer class of medications, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2013 to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Over the past few years, the indications for SGLT2i have been expanded to decrease the risk of kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. SGLT2i are associated with an increased risk of euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis, urinary tract infections, and genital mycotic infections. There are a few case reports of severe invasive fungal infections due to Candida in patients using SGLT2i. We present the case of Candida tropicalis fungemia and renal abscess in a patient on an SGLT2i.

Background/Objectives: Patients with infective endocarditis (IE) are more susceptible to acute kidney injury (AKI). The presence of AKI increases in-hospital complications in these patients. Methods: The 2016–2020 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database consisting of adult admissions with IE and AKI was utilized. The primary outcome was all-cause inpatient mortality. Secondary outcomes included fluid and electrolyte disorders, stroke, septic arterial embolism, septic shock, cardiogenic shock, valve surgery, vasopressor support, mechanical ventilation, length of stay (LOS), and total hospital charges. Results: Out of a total of 63,725 adult admissions with IE, 16,295 (25.5%) admissions had AKI. Patients with AKI were more likely to be males (63% vs. 57.6%, p < 0.001) and older (55.8 vs. 50.4, p < 0.001). A higher proportion of these patients were admitted to large hospitals (60.6 vs. 55.3%, p < 0.001) and urban teaching hospitals (81.9 vs. 75%, p < 0.001). Patients with AKI had higher LOS (17 ± 16.1 vs. 11.32 ± 11.7, p < 0.001) and hospital charges (USD 239,046.8 ± 303,977.3 vs. USD 124,857.6 ± 192,883.5, p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed higher odds of all-cause inpatient mortality (aOR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.81–2.73, p < 0.001). They also had higher risk for fluid and electrolyte disorder (aOR: 2.31, 95% CI: 2.10–2.53, p < 0.001), septic arterial embolism (aOR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.42–1.84, p < 0.001), septic shock (aOR: 3.78, 95% CI: 2.97–4.82, p < 0.001), cardiogenic shock (OR: 3.37, 95% CI: 2.65–4.28, p < 0.001), valve surgery (aOR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.35–1.71, p < 0.001), vasopressor requirement (aOR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.52–2.60, p < 0.001), and mechanical ventilation (aOR: 2.75, 95% CI: 2.33–3.24, p < 0.001). The association with stroke was elevated but not statistically significant. Conclusions: This large retrospective analysis demonstrated that patients with AKI and infective endocarditis had increased mortality, adverse hospital outcomes, increased LOS, and hospital costs.

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a life-threatening disorder that involves a complex interplay between the two organs. Managing this multifaceted syndrome is challenging in the hospital and requires a multidisciplinary approach to tackle the many manifestations and complications. There is no universally accepted algorithm to treat patients, and therapeutic options vary from one patient to another. The mainstays of therapy involve the stabilization of hemodynamics, decongestion using diuretics or renal replacement therapy, improvement of cardiac output with inotropes, and goal-directed medical treatment with renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors, beta-blockers, and other medications. Mechanical circulatory support is another viable option in the armamentarium of agents that improve symptoms in select patients.

BACKGROUND Malakoplakia is a rare chronic granulomatous disease associated with gram-negative infection, predominantly by Escherichia coli. It is induced by defective phagolysosomal activity of the macrophages. Malakoplakia commonly affects the urinary bladder but has been shown to affect any solid organ, including the native and transplanted kidney. However, isolated malakoplakia of the kidney allograft is rare. Transplant recipients with compromised immune systems are more likely to develop malakoplakia. CASE SUMMARY We report three cases of kidney allograft parenchymal malakoplakia in kidney transplant recipients on immunosuppression that were successfully managed with good outcomes. We described the clinical characteristics of all the kidney allograft malakoplakia cases documented in the literature. A total of 55 cases of malakoplakia were reported in recipients with a history of kidney transplant. A total of 27 recipients had malakoplakia involving the allograft, and others had malakoplakia in other organs. The common presentations included allograft dysfunction, pyelonephritis, and allograft or systemic mass. Most recipients had favorable outcomes with appropriate management that included prolonged antibiotic therapy and adjustment of immunosuppression. We reviewed the published literature on all the cases of malakoplakia in kidney transplant recipients so far and summarized the etiology, management, and outcomes. CONCLUSION This case series provides an overview of the etiology, presentation, pathogenesis, and management of malakoplakia in kidney transplant recipients.

(1) Background: Renal insufficiency is a risk factor for cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection. (2) Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted from multiple electronic databases to identify studies. Using the random effects model, we calculated the pooled rates of CIED infection and their 95% confidence intervals. We also calculated the pooled odds ratios to determine the risk of CIED infections due to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We utilized the Cochran Q and I2 statistics to detect and quantify heterogeneity. (3) Results: A total of 17 studies comprising 359,784 patients with renal insufficiency were added to the meta-analysis. Out of these, 263,819 were CKD patients and 89,617 were ESRD patients. The pooled rate of CIED infection in patients with CKD was 4.3% (95% CI: 2–8.8; I2: 95.7), and in patients with ESRD, it was 4.8% (95% CI: 2.6–8.7; I2: 99.4). The pooled risk of CIED infection in the CKD population was OR 2.5 (95% CI: 1.9–3.3; p < 0.001; I2: 21.1), and in the ESRD population, it was OR 2.4 (95% CI: 1.01–5.7; p = 0.046; I2: 88.8). ESRD was associated with higher mortality, OR 2.5 (95% CI: 1.4–4.4.8; p = 0.001; I2: 95). (4) Conclusions: The presence of renal insufficiency increases the number of CIED infections. In particular, patients with ESRD have an increased risk of mortality.