Michel Achkar

Dr. Michel Achkar

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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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20 January 2025 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
EAErica Abidor
Erica Abidor
MAMichel Achkar
Michel Achkar
ISIbrahim Al Saidi
Ibrahim Al Saidi
TLTanvi Lather
Tanvi Lather
JJJennifer Jdaidani
Jennifer Jdaidani
SESuzanne El-Sayegh
Suzanne El-Sayegh
Background/Objectives: Lipid disorders are very prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), leading to heightened cardiovascular risk. This review examines the effectiveness of lipid-lowering agents in these populations and explores gaps in the current research. The goal of this review is to assess the efficacy of lipid-lowering therapies in CKD and ESRD patients and identify future research needs. It aims to provide a clearer understanding of how these treatments impact cardiovascular risk in high-risk populations. Methods: We conducted a literature search in Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases using keywords including but not limited to: chronic kidney diseases, dialysis, hemodialysis, dyslipidemia, statins, ezetimibe, and lipid-lowering drugs. Findings from included studies were synthetized to provide an overview of the current management of dyslipidemia in ESRD and HD. Results: Statins show mixed results in CKD and ESRD, with limited benefits in reducing cardiovascular events in dialysis patients. Agents like PCSK9 inhibitors show promising results but require further research, while non-statin therapies like fibrates and omega–3 fatty acids have limited evidence for use in this population. Conclusions: The review underscores the need for further research into lipid-lowering agents in CKD and ESRD patients, highlighting the need for tailored lipid management strategies in vulnerable patients with unique risk factors. More studies are needed to refine treatment strategies and assess the role of exercise and accurate risk calculators in managing cardiovascular outcomes.

17 October 2024 in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
MAMichel Achkar
Michel Achkar
GKGeorges Khattar
Georges Khattar
SASamer Asmar
Samer Asmar
MKMichel El Khoury
Michel El Khoury
FSFares Saliba
Fares Saliba
ABAlexander Bershadskiy
Alexander Bershadskiy

12 August 2024 in International Journal of Case Reports and Images
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
GAGhada Araji
Ghada Araji
SSSah Sajan
Sah Sajan
ZKZaid Khamis
Zaid Khamis
MAMichel Achkar
Michel Achkar
SKSalman Khan
Salman Khan
ISIbrahim Al Saidi
Ibrahim Al Saidi
Introduction: Primary pulmonary diffuse large B cell lymphoma (PPDLBCL) is extremely rare neoplasm representing only 0.5–1% of primary pulmonary malignancies. Patients usually have non-specific clinical presentation and radiologic findings which makes it a challenging diagnosis. Case Report: We report the case of an 82-year-old man presenting with cough and unintentional weight loss. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed an infra-hilar left lower lobe mass with a mediastinal subcarinal lymph node. Tissue sampling by endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) resulted in the diagnosis of primary pulmonary diffuse large B cell lymphoma. He was started on R-CHOP chemotherapy regimen (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) and attained complete remission after 2 cycles. Conclusion: The findings from this case indicate that primary pulmonary diffuse large B cell lymphoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of primary pulmonary masses.

21 March 2025 in Medicina
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MAMichel Achkar
Michel Achkar
NZNadim Zaidan
Nadim Zaidan
CLChloe Lahoud
Chloe Lahoud
ZZZaineb Zubair
Zaineb Zubair
JSJessica Schwartz
Jessica Schwartz
HHHalim El Hage
Halim El Hage
Background and Objectives: Eosinophilic lung diseases (ELD) encompass disorders with an abnormally high number of polymorphonuclear eosinophils in the lungs. Presentation severity can range from low-grade fever and cough to life-threatening acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Due to the rarity of these conditions, no large sample studies have been performed to assess the characteristics of patients with pulmonary eosinophilia. Materials and Methods: Patients admitted with a diagnosis of pulmonary eosinophilia between the years 2016 and 2020 were extracted from the largest inpatient US database, the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). Patients under the age of eighteen and those with diabetic ketoacidosis were excluded. Baseline demographic characteristics and medical comorbidities were evaluated for individuals admitted with pulmonary eosinophilia depending on intubation requirement. The primary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, intubation, and length of stay (LOS). Results: 3784 records were extracted, among which 384 patients required intubation. Patients who required intubation had higher rates of in-hospital mortality (23.9% vs. 1.2% p < 0.0001%) and a significantly more prolonged hospital stay (19 days vs. 6 days p < 0.001) compared to patients who did not need intubation. Factors associated with mortality in the intubated group included increasing age (OR: 1.022, 95% CI 1.002–1.042), duration of intubation superior to 96 h (OR: 2.705, 95% CI 1.235–5.927), and AKI (OR: 2.964, 95% CI 1.637–5.366). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that ELD patients requiring intubation experience significantly higher rates of in-hospital mortality, acute kidney injury, deep venous thrombosis, and ARDS.