Drug use disorders (DUDs) represent a major global health challenge, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality, while also being compounded by social and structural barriers. In this study, we examined global epidemiological trends in DUDs over the past three decades to inform clinical and public health responses. We extracted data on the incidence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to DUDs from the 2021 Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study between 1990 and 2021. Age-standardized incidence (ASIR), mortality (ASMR), and DALY rates per 100,000 population were calculated. The analysis focused on four DUDs—opioid, amphetamine, cocaine, and cannabis use disorders—and further stratified rates by sex, Socio-demographic Index (SDI), countries, and world regions. In 2021, there were 13.6 (95% UI, 11.6–15.7) million new cases, 137,278 (95% UI, 129,269–146,181) deaths, and 15.6 (95% UI, 12.8–18.1) million DALYs attributed to DUDs. Between 1990 and 2021, the ASIR decreased by 8.1%, while the ASMR and DALY rates rose by 30.8% and 14.8%, respectively. Opioid use disorder accounted for the highest ASIR (169.4 [95% UI, 145.1–195.0] per 100,000), ASMR (1.7 [95% UI, 1.6–1.8] per 100,000), and age-standardized DALY rate (191.0 [95% UI, 156.1–222.8] per 100,000) in 2021. Sex and geographical variations were notable, with males and world regions like high-income North America, Australasia, and Eastern/Western Europe showing disproportionately higher rates. Overall, these findings highlight rising mortality and morbidity rates despite a modest decline in incidence, underscoring the need for tailored public health interventions, advancing harm reduction programs, and expanding access to treatment.

Background.: On March 9, 2023, the Composite Allocation Score (CAS) was introduced for all lung transplantation (LT) candidates. We analyzed waitlist and posttransplant outcomes after CAS implementation. Methods.: Using the United Network for Organ Sharing registry (2022–2024), adult patients listed for isolated LT were divided into 2 eras: era 1 (pre-CAS: March 1, 2022–March 8, 2023) and era 2 (post-CAS: March 9, 2023–September 30, 2024). Competing risk regression analyzed waitlist events. Recipient/donor characteristics and mortality risk factors were assessed with Cox models. Survival was evaluated with Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results.: Among 6398 LTs, 2598 (40.6%) occurred in era 2. More Black patients (16.9% versus 15%, P = 0.04) and those with a high school education (35.4% versus 33.4%, P = 0.0003) were transplanted. ABO type O patients were less likely to undergo LT (42.5% versus 46.6%, P = 0.04). Era 2 had longer transport distances (231 versus 202 miles, P < 0.0001), ischemic times (5.1 versus 4.9 h, P < 0.0001), and increased use of flights (79.1% versus 72.8%, P < 0.0001). Donation after circulatory death (9.4% versus 6.2%, P < 0.0001) and normothermic regional perfusion (2.2% versus 1.2%, P = 0.02) usage rose. Waitlist times decreased (29 versus 31 d, P = 0.009), with improved outcomes (sub-hazard ratio, 0.70; P < 0.0001). Era 2 showed superior 6-mo and 1-y survival (P < 0.0001) and reduced rejection treatment (2.6% versus 14.5%, P < 0.0001). Conclusions.: The implementation of CAS was associated with reduced waitlist mortality, improved access for marginalized groups, and enhanced survival. Lungs were procured from greater distances with an increased use of donation after circulatory death with normothermic regional perfusion or ex vivo perfusion. Disparities remain for ABO type O patients, warranting closer follow-up.

Background: Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) represents a leading cause of mortality in patients undergoing donation after brain death (DBD) orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT), requiring timely escalation to mechanical circulatory support. There is a lack of nationwide data regarding PGD after donation after circulatory death (DCD). Here, we evaluated the incidence and short‐term outcomes of PGD following DCD.Methods: Using the UNOS registry between 9/2023 and 9/2024, we identified all adult (≥18 years) recipients of OHT. The incidence and outcomes of moderate‐severe PGD (24‐ and 72‐h post‐transplant) were compared between DCD and DBD. Predictors for mortality after PGD were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models. 30‐day survival was analyzed using the Kaplan‐Meier method.Results: A total of 5017 patients underwent first‐time OHT, among whom 762 (15.2%) received DCD hearts. DCD had a significantly higher incidence of PGD at 24‐ (7.9% vs. 4.8%; p = 0.001) and 72‐h (5.9% vs. 3.3%; p = 0.001) compared to DBD. 30‐day (p = 0.3068) survival was not different between DCD and DBD patients with PGD. Similarly, for recipients with PGD at 72 h, 30‐day (p = 0.327) survival was comparable. At 72 h, DCD recipients were more likely to be supported on ECMO (p = 0.016). Transplanting DCD organs did not impact PGD‐associated mortality at 24‐ (HR 0.72, p = 0.442) and 72‐h (HR 0.74, p = 0.457). Postoperative ECMO was associated with decreased risk of PGD‐associated mortality in DCD recipients at 24‐ (p < 0.0001) and 72‐h (p < 0.0001).Conclusions: While PGD rates appear higher in DCD, the associated mortality remains comparable to that of DBD. Early support on ECMO may confer survival benefits in DCD recipients with PGD.

Background: Unplanned reintubation after combined heart‐lung transplantation (HLT) significantly affects morbidity and mortality, yet national data are limited. We evaluated the incidence, predictors, timing, and outcomes associated with reintubation after HLT. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed adults undergoing primary HLT in the UNOS registry from January 2004 to September 2024. Patients were stratified by reintubation status (defined as re‐established mechanical ventilation (MV) after initial extubation). Propensity matching (1:1) balanced recipient and donor characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression models identified independent risk factors. Results: Among 609 adult HLT recipients, 165 (27.1%) required postoperative reintubation. After 1:1 propensity score matching, 146 patients who were reintubated were compared with 146 patients who were successfully extubated. Reintubation was associated with significantly higher early mortality: 30‐day (8.2% vs. 3.4%; p = 0.023), 90‐day (11.6% vs. 5.5%; p = 0.030), and 6‐month (15.1% vs. 8.2%; p = 0.028) mortality rates were all higher in the reintubated cohort, although long‐term survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was similar between groups. Early graft failure was more frequent among reintubated patients at 30 days (5.5% vs. 0.7%; p = 0.018) and 90 days (6.2% vs. 1.4%; p = 0.031), with no significant differences thereafter. Reintubated recipients also demonstrated worse functional recovery at discharge (moderate‐to‐severe limitation: p = 0.012), longer duration of mechanical ventilation (extubated ≤48 h: 20.6% vs. 41.8%; p = 0.003), markedly prolonged hospital stays (73.4 ± 68.8 vs. 37.7 ± 35.3 days; p < 0.0001), and higher rates of stroke (5.5% vs. 3.4%; p = 0.035) and dialysis (37.7% vs. 20.6%; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Reintubation after HLT significantly increases morbidity and mortality. Identified predictors provide actionable targets for enhanced perioperative airway management.

Background: The volume of cardiac valve and coronary artery revascularization procedures is rising in the United States. This cross-sectional study explores ethnic disparities in mortality in cardiac surgery attributed to mechanical failures of implantable heart valves and coronary artery grafts. Methods: We used the CDC Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research Multiple Causes of Death database to identify patients whose single cause of death was categorized by complications of cardiovascular prosthetic devices, implants, and grafts (ICD-10 code T82) between 1999 and 2020. The Joinpoint software (version 5.2.0, National Cancer Institute) was used to construct log-linear regression models to estimate the average annual percent changes in age-adjusted mortality (per 100,000). These patterns were compared and stratified by sex, age (0–44, 44–64, and 65 years or older), and US census regions between White, Black, Hispanic, non-Hispanic, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Asian American, and Pacific Islanders. Results: Age-adjusted mortality due to mechanical failures of cardiac implants and grafts declined across ethnicities from 2.21 (95% CI 2.16–2.27) in 1999 to 0.88 (95% CI 0.85–0.91) in 2020. Black populations (1.31 [95% CI 1.20–1.42]), both men (1.56 [95% CI 1.37–1.74]) and women (1.02 [95% CI 0.90–1.15]) experienced higher mortality in 2020 compared to all other ethnicities. This disparity was pronounced in younger groups (age 0–64), wherein age-adjusted mortality among Black populations (0.18 [95% CI 0.13–0.25]) more than doubled that of White populations (0.08 [95% CI 0.06–0.10]). Conclusions: Over the last two decades, age-adjusted mortality due to mechanical complications of cardiovascular implants has declined significantly. However, Black men and women, particularly younger patients, continue to experience higher death rates compared to other ethnicities.

Background: The volume of cardiac valve and coronary artery revascularization procedures are rising in the United States. This cross-sectional study explores ethnic disparities in mortality cardiac surgery attributed to mechanical failures of implantable heart valves and coronary artery grafts. Methods: We used the CDC Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research Multiple Causes of Death database to identify patients whose single cause of death was categorized by complications of cardiovascular prosthetic devices, implants, and grafts (ICD-10 code T82) between 1999 to 2020. Patterns in age-adjusted mortality (per 100,000) and respective 95% CIs were compared and stratified by sex, age (0-44, 44-64, 65 years or older), and US census regions between White, Black, Hispanic, non-Hispanic, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Asian American, and Pacific Islanders. Results: Age-adjusted mortality due to mechanical failures of cardiac implants and grafts declined across ethnicities from 2.21 (95% CI 2.16-2.27) in 1999 to 0.88 (95% CI 0.85-0.91) in 2020. Black populations (1.31 [95% CI 1.20-1.42]), both men (1.56 [95% CI 1.37-1.74]) and women (1.02 [95% CI 0.90-1.15]), experienced higher mortality in 2020 compared to all other ethnicities. This disparity was pronounced in younger groups (age 0-64), wherein age-adjusted mortality among Black populations (0.18 [95% CI 0.13-0.25]) more than doubled that of White populations (0.08 [95% CI 0.06-0.10]). Conclusions: Over the last two decades, age-adjusted mortality due to mechanical complications of cardiovascular implants have declined significantly. However, Black men and women, particularly younger patients, continue to experience higher death rates compared to other ethnicities.