Search

Copyright of Sakarya Tıp Dergisi is the property of Sakarya Tip Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Saphenous vein graft failure (VGF) is a measure of the short- and long-term success of coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Aortic arch calcification (AAC) is a long-term finding of atherosclerosis in large vessels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between AAC and VGF. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent CABG surgery and subsequent coronary angiography in a single hospital between January 2010 and January 2021 were included in the study. The presence and stage of AAC was evaluated using preoperative chest X-rays. VGF was defined as ≥75% stenosis and/or total occlusion in the saphenous vein graft. In addition, the effect of AAC on VGF was evaluated based on the time elapsed since the CABG procedure. Results: Of the 594 patients who underwent CABG during the study period, 91 patients (mean age 63.6±10.0; 71 [78.0%] male) were included in the study. VGF was observed in 49 (53.8%) patients. AAC was found to be an independent predictor of VGF (odds ratio [OR]: 2.788, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.068--7.278). The results indicated no association between AAC and VGF in patients whose coronaries were screened within 1 year (OR: 1.143, 95% CI: 0.279--4.683), while there was a strong association between AAC and VGF in patients who were screened 1 year after the surgery (OR: 5.355, 95% CI: 1.618--17.720). Conclusion: AAC evaluation may be a valuable diagnostic method to predict VGF after CABG, and particularly late VGF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of MN Cardiology / MN Kardiyoloji is the property of Medical Network and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: The aim of the study was to search for the efficacy and safety of switching from clopidogrel to ticagrelor at the time of discharge in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients treated with a pharmacoinvasive approach. Materials and Methods: STEMI patients who were managed with pharmacoinvasive approach were involved in the study population. Patients were divided into two groups as clopidogrel and ticagrelor depending on the choice of P2Y12 inhibitor at the time of discharge. All-cause mortality, stent thrombosis, recurrent myocardial infarction, need for target lesion revascularization, and any major bleeding (BARC classification ≥2) were defined as composite clinical end points at the end of the 12th month follow-up. Results: A total of 194 patients (male: 156 patients, 80.4%; mean age 60.2±11.5 years) were involved in the study population (130 clopidogrel and 64 ticagrelor patients). The median time interval for switching time to ticagrelor was 48 (48-72) h. In a subgroup analysis for patients with a stented segment ≥30 mm, discharge with clopidogrel was related to 6.9 times increase in composite end points compared to patients discharged with ticagrelor (odds ratio: 6.955, confidence interval 95%: 1.512-30.980, p=0.012). Conclusion: Switching from clopidogrel to ticagrelor at the 48th h following fibrinolytic administration had similar safety end points in STEMI patients managed with pharmacoinvasive approach. In a subgroup of study patients with a total stent length of ≥30 mm, switching to ticagrelor was found to be superior to clopidogrel regarding composite clinical end points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

γ-Glutamyl transferase (GGT) participates in oxidative and inflammatory reactions inside the atheroma plaque and platelets. We evaluated whether platelet membrane γ-glutamyl transferase (Plt-GGT) activity is a predictor of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) during 3 months follow-up of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS; MACE-3M). We included 105 patients who were hospitalized consecutively with the diagnosis of ACS. Patients with an MACE-3M were older, more likely to have hypertension, hyperlipidemia, family history of coronary artery disease(CAD), thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) risk score >4, higher Plt-GGT and serum GGT activities, serum C-reactive protein level, and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) when compared to those without MACE-3M (all P values ≤.05). By receiver–operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, 265 mU/mg for Plt-GGT, 30 U/L for serum GGT, and 45% for LVEF were determined as cutoff values to discriminate MACEs. Platelet GGT activity >265 mU/mg, TIMI risk score >4, and family history of CAD were independent predictors of MACE-3M (all P values <.05). Platelet GGT activity was as an independent predictor for MACEs in patients with ACS during the 3 months follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Ankara University Faculty of Medicine / Ankara Üniversitesi Tip Fakültesi Mecmuasi is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: The cardiovascular effects of short-term high-dose steroid treatment (pulse steroid treatment) have not yet been clarified. We examined the short- and long-term effects of pulse steroid treatment in demyelinating diseases on endothelial and cardiac functions. Methods: In this prospective study, we included 35 patients (20 females and 15 males; mean age, 32.8±9.3 years) who were not treated with steroids and who were previously diagnosed with multiple sclerosis or neuromyelitis optica. Patients were evaluated before, 1 week after, and 3 months after the steroid treatment. Brachial artery flow-mediated relaxation and cardiac systolic/diastolic function were evaluated using echocardiography to assess physical examination results, carotid intima–media thickness, and endothelial function. Results: There was no difference between biochemical values, systolic function, left ventricular dimensions, and carotid intima–media thicknesses in the three evaluation periods. There were significant increases in the body mass index, body weight, and systolic/diastolic blood pressure measurements at 1 week and 3 months after treatment (p<0.001). There was a significant decrease in brachial artery flow-mediated relaxation at 1 week and 3 months (1 versus 2, p=0.042; 1 versus 3, p=0.003). In Doppler measurements at 1 week and 3 months, there was an increase in mitral A velocity, IVRT, and EDT values and a decrease in the E/A ratio in line with diastolic dysfunction. Conclusion: Pulse steroid therapy used for demyelinating diseases deteriorated endothelial and left ventricular diastolic functions in the early and late periods. Future studies are needed to evaluate the development of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in patients receiving this type of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Geriatrics / Türk Geriatri Dergisi is the property of Turkish Geriatrics Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Cardiac autonomic nervous dysfunction (CAND), a severe complication of diabetes, has also been shown to affect prediabetic patients. The role of isolated impaired fasting plasma glucose (IFG), a subtype of prediabetes, is not clear in the pathogenesis of CAND. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between isolated IFG and cardiac autonomic function using heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate turbulence (HRT) indices derived from 24-h Holter-electrocardiogram recordings. Methods: This observational, prospective, cross-sectional study examined 400 consecutive subjects divided into three groups according to oral glucose tolerance test results: the control group [Group I, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) <100 mg/dL and normal glucose tolerance, n=193], the isolated IFG group (Group II, FPG ⩾100 and <126 mg/dL, n=134), and the isolated impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), both IFG and IGT, or newly diagnosed diabetes' group (Group III, n=73). Patients with non-sinus rhythm, known diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, heart failure, severe valvular disease, or receiving medical therapy that may affect HRV and HRT indices were excluded. Time domain HRV parameters, turbulence onset (TO), turbulence slope (TS), and HRT category were examined. Chi-square, one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis H, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare variables where appropriate. The correlation between Holter data and FPG levels was analyzed using the Spearman's test. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of the HRV and HRT parameters. Results: Median (interquartile range 25-75) FPG levels in Groups I, II, and III were 89 (83/93) mg/dL, 109 (104/116) mg/dL, and 174 (150.5/197) mg/ dL, respectively. There were significant differences in HRV and HRT parameters between and among all groups. While HRV parameters and TS decreased from Group I to Group III, TO and HRT category gradually increased. Additionally, FPG level was significantly correlated with SDNN, r=-0.220; SDNN index, r=-0.192; SDANN, r=-0.207; RMSSD, r=-0.228; pNN50, r=-0.226; TO, r=0.354; and TS, r=-0.331 (all p<0.001). Conclusion: CAND, as detected by both HRV and HRT, appear to be present in the isolated IFG subtype of prediabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with coronary stent restenosis and if there is an association between plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels and stent restenosis. Methods: Ninety-one patients, who had a history of coronary bare metal stent implantation due to any cause in the last one year period, were admitted to this observational cross-sectional study. Coronary angiography was performed to all patients and quantitative angiography was used to determine the presence of stent restenosis. Laboratory parameters and angiographic features that contribute to stent restenosis were evaluated. Plasma ADMA levels were measured by using high performance liquid chromatography. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent factors of stent restenosis. Results: Angiographic restenosis was found in 35 patients (38.5%). Stent diameter (p=0.038) and left ventricular ejection fraction (p=0.023) were lower and stent implantation history due to acute coronary syndrome (p=0.029), plasma ADMA level (5.0±1.8x10-4 mmol/L vs. 3.9±1.0x10-4 mmol/L, p=0.001), C-reactive protein concentration (p=0.016), white blood cell count (p=0.044) and stent length (p=0.005) were higher in patients with restenosis. Plasma ADMA level (β=0.536; OR: 1.710; CI: 1.022-2.861; p=0.041), C-reactive protein concentration (β=0.062; OR: 1.064; CI: 1.003- 1.129; p=0.041), stent diameter (β=-3.047; OR: 0.048; CI: 0.007-0.313; p=0.002) and length (β=0.165; OR: 1.179; CI: 1.036-1.343; p=0.013) were found to be the independent predictors of stent restenosis in logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: We conclude that plasma ADMA levels may be used as a novel marker for stent restenosis beyond the classic stent restenosis markers. (Anadolu Kardiyol Derg 2014; 14: 491-7) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the aortic root function in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEXS). Methods: In this case- controlled observational study, aortic root function in 31 PEXS patients (mean age 71 ± 9 years) and 29 controls of similar ages (mean age 69 ± 9 years) were evaluated by M-mode transthoracic echocardiography. Aortic cross-sectional compliance (CSC), Peterson's elastic modulus (index beta), aortic stiffness index (ASI) and aortic root distensibility (ARD) were calculated by M-mode echocardiography to evaluate the aortic root function. The findings of two groups of patients were compared by Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The CSC and ARD were significantly decreased in patients with PEXS. The CSC was 12.2 ± 6.3 cm²/mmHg in patients with PEXS and 17.5 ± 11.6 cm²/mmHg in the control group (p=0.015). The ARD was 1.56 ± 0.80 cm²/dyne in patients with PEXS and 2.23 ± 1.48 cm²/dyne in the control group (p=0.021). The other two indices of aortic root function were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: Aortic root function decreases in patients with PEXS. PEXS may be regarded as a risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Systemic inflammatory parameters are predictors of poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients. This study evaluated whether the prognostic nutritional index, which was also related to nutrition risk and other inflammation-based prognostic scores, was predictive of in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients., Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional single-center study. Based on the exclusion criteria, 151 patients over 18 years old diagnosed with COVID-19 and hospitalized in the intensive care unit between March 2020 and December 2020 were eligible for this study. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive value of the Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), Prognostic Index (PI), Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), and Systemic Inflammatory Index (SII)., Results: In the univariate analyses, age, diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypothyroidism, hospitalization stay, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), D-dimer, ferritin, C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, hemoglobin level, platelet count, urea, creatinine level, PNI, GPS were significantly associated with mortality. However, in the multivariable logistic regression analysis of the inflammation-based prognostic scores, only PNI was statistically significant in predicting in-hospital mortality (OR=0.83; [95% CI=0.71-0.97]; p =0.019)., Conclusion: PNI is a more useful and powerful tool among these inflammation-based prognostic risk scores in predicting in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology.)

Introduction: Acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a highly morbid and fatal condition. Although several risk stratification models exist for prediction of mortality risk in PTE, no study has yet focused on the effect of impaired vital organ function, such as renal or hepatic impairment, on mortality in PTE. MELD-XI (Model for end-stage liver disease excluding INR) score predicts mortality among patients with end-stage hepatic and cardiovascular disorders. Herein, we aimed to test MELD-XI score for predicting in-hospital prognosis of patients with intermediate-to-high risk acute PTE., Materials and Methods: We reviewed the medical records patients older than 18 years hospitalized with intermediate-to-high risk PTE between 01.06.2011 and 01.01.2019. Simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) score and MELD-XI score were calculated, and in-hospital mortality determined. MELD-XI score was compared between patients with and without in-hospital mortality and was correlated to sPESI score. The predictive power of MELD-XI score for in-hospital mortality was sought and an in-hospital survival analysis with Kaplan Meier curve and log-rank test was done for MELD-XI score., Result: A total of 104 patients [mean age of 70.8 ± 15.9 years; 68 (65.4%) females]. Fourteen (13.5%) patients died at hospital. MELD-XI and sPESI scores were significantly correlated to each other and were higher in deceased patients than the survivors [17.3 (IQR 14.3) vs. 10.12 (IQR 2.99); p<0.05 and 2 (IQR 1) vs. 1 (IQR 1); p<0.05, respectively]. MELD-XI score and sPESI score were significant predictor of in-hospital mortality in multivariate analysis. A MELD-XI score ≥ 10.25 had a sensitivity of 78.6% and a specificity of 70.0% for in-hospital mortality. A survival analysis revealed that a high MELD-XI category (MELD-XI score ≥ 10.2) significantly worsened in-hospital survival (p<0.01; log rank test)., Conclusions: MELD-XI score performs well for mortality prediction among patients with intermediate-to-high risk PTE. This subject needs to be further studied by large, randomized controlled studies.

Objectives: Cardiac implantable electrical devices are widely used for patients with advanced heart failure and are usually explanted during orthotopic heart transplant. However, lead fragments and the pulse generator are sometimes left after the procedure. Given the concerns of infectious and thromboembolic complications, their removal is recommended. Herein, we report our experience with cardiac implantable electrical device explantation after orthotopic heart transplant., Materials and Methods: We included recipients of heart transplants performed at Başkent University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, who underwent lead and pulse generator explantation by manual traction between January 2012 and June 2017. We analyzed patient demographic, clinical, biochemical, and treatment properties., Results: Sixteen patients (11 males, 5 females) with a median age of 45 years (range, 18-52 y) were included. Two patients (12.5%) died during follow-up but not secondary to device explantation. All patients were using immunosuppressives and 50% were receiving antiplatelet/anticoagulant agents. All pulse generators were located at the left prepectoral area, with tips of lead fragments in the superior vena cava or left subclavian vein. No procedural complications were observed. Aspirin was continued uninterrupted perioperatively, warfarin was stopped 2 days before the procedure, and low-molecular-weight heparins were skipped on the morning and evening of the procedure. One patient (6.3%) complained of postoperative pain, and another (6.3%) developed a pocket hematoma, which was treated conservatively. No patient developed fever, clinical infection, or major bleeding. Preoperative and postoperative levels of hemoglobin, white blood cells, and C-reactive protein were similar. No demographic, procedural, or biochemical variable was significantly correlated with postprocedural complications., Conclusions: In our cohort, explantation of lead fragments and pulse generators of cardiac implantable electrical devices was safe after heart transplant. It appears that neither antiplatelet/anticoagulant agents nor immunosuppressives seem to put patients at increased risk of postoperative complications.