[Dynamics of cognitive functions using the rehabilitation program of cognitive training]. / Dinamika kognitivnykh funktsii pri ispol'zovanii reabilitatsionnoi programmy kognitivnogo treninga.

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficiency of the neuropsychological rehabilitation of patients with mild cognitive impairments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 103 elderly people, aged 59 to 88 years, including 90 women and 13 men with subjective complaints of memory loss (ICD-10: F06.70; F06.71; F06.78; F06.79). Participants were divided into experimental group (n=43) and comparison group (n=42). The estimated impact was the rehabilitation program «The psychosocial therapy and neurocognitive rehabilitation of elderly patients with cognitive impairments¼, within which the principle of complex stimulation of various parameters of the cognitive sphere was used in rehabilitation work with patients in the experimental group in accordance with the «Memory Clinic¼ program. The study was conducted using randomized, equalized comparison groups, and the principle of «triple-blind¼ research. Non-parametric statistics (SPSS) methods were used to assess differences. RESULTS: A significant difference between the comparison and experimental groups has been identified, primarily in relation to high-level mental processes associated with the function of the third structural-functional block according to A.R. Luria. After the training, the number of correct answers significantly increased (t(42)=-2.67, p<0.001) in the experimental group, while in the comparison group the indicator did not change (t(41)=0.50, p=0.617). The number of false alarms in the experimental group decreased significantly (t(42)=2.13, p=0.039). CONCLUSION: The results confirm the leading role of these processes in the hierarchy of mental functions, which suggests that they should primarily be targets of rehabilitation interventions.

The Effectiveness of Outpatient Treatment Under the Control of the Soluble ST2 Receptor Concentration in Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction After Acute Decompensation of Heart Failure.

Aim    To study the effectiveness of a treatment based on monitoring the soluble ST2 receptor (sST2) concentration in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).Material and methods    The study included 37 patients hospitalized for ADHF with LVEF ≤40% and sST2 concentration ≥37.8 ng/ml at the time of discharge from the hospital. Patients were randomized into two groups: a sST2 monitoring (sST2M) group (19 patients) and a standard therapy (ST) group (18 patients). The follow-up period was 12 months. At baseline, the groups practically did not differ by clinical, functional, laboratory, and instrumental characteristics. For the sST2M group, the goal was reducing the sST2 concentration by >30% of baseline or to <30 ng/ml.Results    Therapy in both groups was comparable both in doses and in frequency of administration of basic drugs. However, the diuretic therapy was more frequently adjusted in the sST2M group (3.0 [1.0; 4.0] vs. 1.0 [0; 3.0] adjustments per patient, p = 0.047), which required more visits to the clinic (7.0 [6.0; 9.0] vs. 6.0 [6.0; 6.0] visits per patient, p=0.024). In the sST2M group at 6 months, the sST2 concentration was decreased by 43.3% (p=0.001), and 13 patients (72.2%) achieved the goal. In the ST group, the sST2 concentration was decreased by 38.5% (p=0.001), and 11 patients (68.8%) reached the target values. After 12 months, the downward trend continued in both groups. In both groups, the NT-proBNP concentration decreased: in the sST2M group by 27.7% (p=0.014), and in the ST group by 31.9% (p = 0.006). By the 12th month, the decrease remained only in the sST2M group. Only the sST2M group had an increase in LVEF (+28.5%, p=0.003), a decrease in left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) (-12.0%, p=0.017), and a decrease in left atrial volume (-13.4%, p=0.045); at 12 months, LVEF remained increased (26%, p=0.006), and LA volume remained decreased (-14.3%, p=0.028). Quality of life and results of 6-minute walk test (6MWT) improved in both groups. For 6 months of treatment, the sST2M group had a significantly lower incidence of composite endpoints (CEP, cardiovascular death and decompensation/hospitalization due to HF), 26.3% (5 events) of the sST2M group compared to the ST group, 83.3% (15 events) (p=0.029), primarily due to a lower incidence of decompensated HF. For 12 months of follow-up, the incidence of CEP in the ST group was 122.2% (22 events), and 47.4% (9 events) in the sST2M group (p=0.035).Conclusions    The tactics of sST2 monitoring used in the treatment of "high-risk" HFrEF patients (with high sST2 concentrations) is associated with increased LVEF, improved functional status of patients, a beneficial effect on LV remodeling, and decreased incidence of CEP.

[The use of diuretics in chronic heart failure. Position paper of the Russian Heart Failure Society].

The document focuses on key issues of diuretic therapy in CHF from the standpoint of current views on the pathogenesis of edema syndrome, its diagnosis, and characteristics of using diuretics in various clinical situations.

[Possibilities of modern biomarkers for assessing the risk of developing ventricular tachyarrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in patients with chronic heart failure].

Current biomarkers allow diagnosing a wide array of pathological processes and evaluating effects of therapies and prognosis for cardiological patients. This review focuses on a possibility of using N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), soluble suppressor of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2), galectin-3, and other biomarkers in patients with chronic heart failure for evaluating the risk of life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.

[Soluble ST2 - biomarker for prognosis and monitoring in decompensated heart failure].

The review aims to appraise the value of determining the concentrations of the new biomarker sST2 for assessing prognosis and monitoring treatment effectiveness of patients with decompensated heart failure during an episode of decompensation and during long-term follow-up after discharge from the hospital. The article analyses in detail the expedience of sST2 measurement in a patient with ADHF on admission and discharge from the hospital and the changes in the biomarker level during the period of active treatment for risk-stratification in patients, presents the optimal threshold values of sST2, which should be oriented when selecting patients with high and very high risk. The importance of subsequent monitoring of the marker concentration during long-term observation in emphasized to predict the risk of death, HF re-decompensation / HF rehospitalization. The potential benefits of choosing sST2 as the optimal marker for serial measurement during long-term follow-up, as well as evaluating the treatment effectiveness in patients with HF, compared to the "classical" variant - natriuretic peptides are shown.

[Postoperative care in patients with DeBakey type I aortic dissection: criteria of aortic remodeling and risk factors of disease progression]. / Osobennosti techeniia posleoperatsionnogo perioda u patsientov s rassloeniem aorty I tipa po DeBakey: kriterii otsenki remodelirovaniia aorty i faktorov riska progressirovaniia zabolevaniia.

AIM: To present current treatment modes for DeBakey type I aortic dissection, to compare their early and mid-term postoperative results, to evaluate predictors of negative aortic remodeling after surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort analysis included 78 patients with DeBakey type I aortic dissection who underwent surgical treatment in 2009-2017. Patients were divided into 3 groups depending on type of intervention: group I (n=22) - Elephant Trunk procedure, group II (n=29) - hybrid interventions, group III (n=27) - proximal aortic replacement alone. Early postoperative results and aortic remodeling in mid-term postoperative period were compared. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in postoperative morbidity, in-hospital mortality and freedom from aortic death. However, 7 patients were lost for follow-up in group III. Analysis of false lumen patency showed results in favor of more aggressive approach (groups I and II) with significantly higher rate of false lumen thrombosis in segments 1 and 2 (p<0,001 and p=0,004 respectively). Freedom from negative aortic remodeling was also significantly higher in groups I and II. Risk factors of patent false lumen were residual fenestration, large volume of false lumen in segment 2, dissection of supra-aortic vessels and connective tissue disorders. Risk factors of negative aortic remodeling were connective tissue disorders, patent false lumen and dissection of supra-aortic vessels. CONCLUSION: Advanced surgical approach (Elephant Trunk procedure or hybrid interventions) should be preferred for DeBakey type I aortic dissection.

Multimarker Approach in Risk Stratification of Patients with Decompensated Heart Failure.

PURPOSE: to study prognostic value of various biomarkers and their combinations in patients who survived decompensation of chronic heart failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients (n=159) who were hospitalized with diagnosis of heart failure (HF) decompensation were included in a prospective single-center study. Examination on admission and the day of hospital discharge, included measurement of concentrations of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT), copeptin, soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2), kopetin, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and galectin-3. Te combined primary endpoint comprised cardiovascular (CV) death, frst hospitalization because of HF heart failure decompensation, episodes of HF deterioration which required additional i/v diuretics, and CV death with successful resuscitation. RESULTS: During one-year follow-up 56 pts (35.2%) reached the combined primary endpoint. Tere were 78 (49.1%) cardiovascular events. During hospitalization, patients with the decompensation of heart failure experienced a decrease of sST2, NT-proBNP, galectin-3, kopetin, hsTnT and an insignifcant increase of NGAL. ROC analysis identifed signifcant relation between concentrations of NT-proBNP, sST2, copeptin and, to a lesser degree, hsTnT, determined at hospital discharge, and risk of combined primary endpoint during 1-year follow-up: area under the curve (AUC) was 0.733 [95% CI 0.645-0.820], p<0.0001, 0.772 [95% CI 0.688-0.856], p<0.0001, 0.735 [95% CI 0.640-0.830], p<0.0001, and 0.659 [95% CI 0.553-0.764], p=0.005, respectively. Patients who during hospitalization did not achieve cut-off values of NT-proBNP ≤1696 rg/ml, sST2≤37.8 hg/ml, copeptin≤28.31 rmol/L and hsTnT≤28.37 rg/ml, had higher risk of reaching adverse events during 1 year; OR and 95% CI were 2.96 [1.61, 5.42] p<0.0001, 4.31 [2.34, 7.93] p<0.0001, 3.06 [1.59, 5.89] and 2.19 [2.12, 4.27]), respectively. According to Cox regression analysis, risk of the combined primary end point was the highest in patients with 3 or more elevated markers (OR = 6.6 [3.584, 12.158], p<0.0001), average in patients with 2 elevated markers (OR = 1.123 [0.51, 2.48]), p=0.7), and the lowest in patients with no markers increase or increase of only one marker (OR = 0.11 [0.049, 0.241], p<0.0001). In the Kaplan-Mayer survival analysis all three groups were statistically different. In order to identify the most prognostically strong model, a reclassifcation analysis was performed. According to this analysis, the combination of sST2 and NT-proBNP concentrations determined at hospital discharge, exceeded one NT-proBNP (reclassifcation = -8.1%). At the same time, predictive value of only sST2 just insignifcantly less than value of sST2 and NT-proBNP combination (reclassifcation = -1.9%). CONCLUSION: Patients with three and more elevated markers at hospital discharge have high risk of adverse events. Te biggest prognostic value has combination of sST2 and NT-proBNP concentrations. In order to determine the long-term prognosis of a patient with HF decompensation, it is sufcient to measure concentrations of sST2 and NT-proBNP at hospital discharge. Alternatively, it is possible to limit to sST2 only, which is just insignifcantly inferior to the sST2 and NT-proBNP combination. Patients with concentrations of sST2 ≥37.8 hg/ml and NT-proBNP ≥1696 rg/ml at hospital discharge have maximal 1year risk of death due to recurrent HF decompensation.

Clinical significance of serial biomarkers activity determination after acute heart failure decompensation: sST2 NT-proBNP role during long-term follow-up.

AIM: Monitoring of concentrations of modern biomarkers to evaluate the efficacy of long­term treatment of patients after acute decompensated HF (ADHF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 100 patients with severe decompensated FC II-IV CHF and LV EF <40 % due to IHD, DCMP or AH. At discharge from the hospital, patients were divided into groups of low (NT­proBNP<1400 pg / ml) (control, n=30) and high (NT­proBNP≥1400 pg / ml) risk (n=70). Patients at high risk were randomized to two treatment groups, a group of NT­proBNP monitoring (NPM) (n=35) and a group of standard therapy (n=35). At the end of the study, noncompliant patients were isolated from these two groups into a separate group (n=10). The aim of the treatment was decreasing the NT­proBNP concentration to less than 1000 pg / ml and / or ≥50 % of the baseline level. In addition to the soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) receptor, concentrations of copeptin, neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NCAL), galectin 3, and high­sensitivity troponin T were measured at discharge from the hospital (baseline) and at three and 6 months of treatment. RESULTS: The strongest correlations were found between changes in concentrations (Δ%) of NT­proBNP, copeptin, and sST2 and changes in CHF FC, 6­min walk distance, CCS, quality of life, LV EF, and Е / Е' (р<0.001). The incidence of cardiovascular events was directly related with the degree of decrease and / or increase in biomarker concentration. Patients of the NPM group had the lowest risk of adverse clinical outcome upon a decrease in NT­proBNP <988.5 pg / ml at 6 months of treatment or > 50 % of the baseline level at discharge from the hospital. For these patients, the mean Δ% was 60.7±8.5 % for NT­proBNP, 34.03±17.6 % for sST2, and 32.41±8.8 % for copeptin [OR at 95 % CI 0.08 (0.02-0.36), р <0.0001]. A significant increase in the risk for cardiovascular events was observed only at a considerable increase in NT­proBNP >50 % [OR at 95 % CI 3.8 (1.13-13.0), р=0.03], and the highest incidence of cardiovascular events was observed in the group of noncompliant patients (110 %). Besides NT­proBNP, to significantly decrease the risk of cardiovascular events, it was necessary to achieve a decrease in sST2 concentration to less than 30 ng / ml or by more than 24.9 % (Δ%) at the end of followup [ОR (95 % CI: 0.1 (0.02-0.5), р=0.004]. CONCLUSION: Among the modern biomarkers, changes in NT­proBNP, sST2, and copeptin concentrations most accurately reflect changes in the clinical and functional status, quality of life, and EchoCG parameters in HF patients during long­term monitoring. The lowest risk for adverse clinical outcomes was observed in post­decompensation patients with a decrease in NT­proBNP <988.5 pg / ml after 6 months of treatment or ≥50 % of baseline upon discharge from the hospital. The sST2 concentration has to be reduced by more than 24.9 % of baseline and less than 30 ng / ml in the course of long­term treatment after decompensated HF.

Features of diagnostics and treatment of chronic heart failure in elderly and senile patients. Expert opinion of the Society of Experts in Heart Failure, Russian Association of Gerontologists, and Euroasian Association of Therapists.

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Preliminary validation study of the Russian Birmingham Cognitive Screen.

INTRODUCTION: The Birmingham Cognitive Screen (BCoS) is designed for use with individuals who have acquired language impairment following stroke. Our goal was to develop a Russian version of the BCoS (Rus-BCoS) by translating the battery following cultural and linguistic adaptations and establishing preliminary data on its psychometric properties. METHOD: Fifty patients with left-hemisphere stroke were recruited, of whom 98% were diagnosed with mild to moderate aphasia. To check whether the Rus-BCoS provides stable and consistent scores, internal consistency, test-retest, and interrater types of reliability were determined. Eight participants with stroke and 20 neurologically intact participants were assessed twice. To inspect the discriminative power of the battery, 63 participants without brain impairment were tested with the Rus-BCoS. Additionally, the Russian version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Quantitative Assessment of Speech in Aphasia, and Luria's Neuropsychological Assessment Battery were used to examine convergent validity, sensitivity, and specificity of the Rus-BCoS. RESULTS: The internal consistency as well as test-retest and interrater reliability of the Rus-BCoS satisfied criteria for the research use. Performance on a majority of tasks in the battery correlated significantly with independently validated tests that putatively measure similar cognitive processes. Critically, all patients with aphasia returned nonzero scores in at least one task in all the Rus-BCoS sections, with the exception of the Controlled Attention section where two patients with severe executive control deficits could not perform. CONCLUSIONS: The Rus-BCoS shows promise as a comprehensive cognitive screening tool that can be used by clinicians working with Russian-speaking persons experiencing poststroke aphasia after much further validation and development of reliable normative standards. Given a lack of quantitative neuropsychological assessment tools in Russia, however, we contend the Rus-BCoS offers potential benefits to clinicians and patients. However, data from research studies with a broader sample of Russian speakers are needed.

Head to Head Comparison of Suppression of Tumorogenicity 2 and Copeptin Significance for Prognosis of Patients After Acute Heart Failure Decompensation.

PURPOSE: To assess the suppression of tumorogenicity 2 (ST2) and copeptin significance for risk stratification of patient (pts) with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) during long-term follow-up compared with traditional risk factors. METHODS: We included in a prospective study 159 pts with ADHF. Blood samples to determine copeptin, sST2, NT-proBNP and hsTnT concentration were collected at admission and at discharge from the hospital. Serial determination of biomarker concentration was performed at 3, 6 and 12 months of follow-up. The combined primary end point of the trial included cardiovascular (CV) death, hospitalization due to HF, episodes of HF deterioration requiring additional intravenous diuretics and CV death with successful resuscitation. RESULTS: During 1-year follow-up (295.3±113.2 days) 56 pts (35.2%) had 78 (49.1%) cardiovascular events. Biomarker concentrations in low risk pts (without CV events) were significantly lower compared with high risk pts (with CV events). Discharge copeptin and NT-proBNP values were comparable for pts risk stratification: AUC=0.727 (95% CI 0.637-0.816), р.

[Stagewise hybrid method of treating a patient with connective tissue dysplasia, aortic aneurysm, and distal dissection]. / Étapnaia gibridnaia metodika lecheniia bol'nogo s soedinitel'notkannoi displaziei, anevrizmaticheskoi bolezn'iu aorty i distal'nym rassloeniem.

Presented herein is a clinical case report concerning the use of a hybrid technique in stagewise surgical management of a patient with distal dissection and an aneurysm of the thoracoabdominal portion of the aorta. The patient at high risk with the connective tissue dysplasia syndrome had a past medical history of prosthetic repair of the descending thoracic aorta with type-1 haemodynamic correction. Three years later, the findings of computed tomography demonstrated fenestration in the area of the distal anastomosis, a patent false channel, and an increase in the diameter of the unoperated thoracoabdominal portion of the aorta. The first stage consisted in performing prosthetic repair of the infrarenal portion of the aorta by means of the multibranched Coselli thoracoabdominal graft, followed by 'switching' the visceral branches into the formed prosthesis. 14 days later, the second stage included stenting of the dilated suprarenal portion of the aorta. The patient was discharged on day 9 after the second stage of the operation. This clinical case report demonstrates that a hybrid method of treatment may by an alternative to an open operation in high risk surgical patients presenting with severe concomitant somatic pathology.

[Soluble Suppression of Tumorogenicity 2 Increases Opportunities for Risk Stratification After Acute Heart Failure Decompensation].

PURPOSE: to evaluate the significance of soluble ST2-receptor (sST2) concentrations in patient (pts) risk stratification in with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) during long-term follow-up period. METHODS: In the prospective single-center study were included 159 pts with ADHF III-IV FC NYHA. Blood samples to determine NT-proBNP, sST2, hsTnT concentration were collected at the admission and at discharge from the hospital, and after 3, 6 and 12 months of follow-up. The combined primary end point of the trial included cardiovascular (CV) death, hospitalization due to HF, episodes of HF deterioration needed additional i/v diuretics and CV death with successful resuscitation. RESULTS: At admission all pts had elevated biomarker concentrations: NT-proBNP - 3615.5 (1578.0; 6289.3)pg/ml, sST2 - 60,49 (41.95; 92.87) ng/ml, hsTnT - 29.95 (21.85; 49.63) pg/ml; and at discharge: NT-proBNP - 2165.5 (982.7; 4221,2) pg/ml (%=-38,27 (-49.7; -24.34)%, p<0.0001), sST2 - 38.43 (24.67; 63.72) ng/ml (%=-30,13 (-42,07; -17,64)%, p<0,0001), and hsTnT - 28,37(21.29; 46.6) pg/ml. During 1-year follow-up 56 pts (35.2 %) had 78 (49.1%) cardiovascular events. Biomarker concentrations in low risk pts (without CV events) were significantly lower compared with high risk pts (who have CV events). At the discharge NT-proBNP and sST2 concentrations had the most predictive capacity relatively the primary end point during 1-year follow-up: AUC=0.727 (95% CI 0.637-0.816), <0,0001, and AUC=0,768 (95% CI 0.682-0.854), <0.0001, respectively. Maximally sST2 values were predictive for 180 days period of follow-up: AUC=0,809 (95% CI 0.726-0.921; <0,0001). Lack of NT-proBNP and sST2 concentrations decrease below 1696 pg/ml and 37.8 ng/ml respectively were associated with the highest risk of CV events (HR 4.41 [95% CI 1.41-9.624], p<0,0001 and HR 6.755 [95% CI 3.026- 15.082], p<0.0001, respectively). Changes of sST2 concentration during the period of pts hospitalization were also prognostically important, AUC=0.696 (0.596-0.796); p<0.0001. And pts with insufficient degree of sST2 concentrations reduction during the period of hospitalization (% <-28,3%) had the worst short-term and long-term prognosis [HR 3.68 (95% CI 2.05-6.64), p<0.0001]. Values of sST2 at the discharge were the most significant independent predictor of CV events in long-term follow-up (=0.519, p<0.0001). 91,8% of pts without CV events in the study had sST2 and NT-proBNP levels below 37.8 ng/ml and 1696 pg/ml respectively after 3, 6 and 12 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The values of soluble ST2-receptor over 37.8 ng/ml and NT-proBNP over 1696 pg/ml at the discharge from the hospital reflects the adverse prognosis in patients with ADHF. Serial determination of sST2 and NT-proBNP concentrations after discharge from the hospital indicates the necessity of reduction the levels of these biomarkers below the cut-off values (<37.8ng/mL and <1696pg/ml respectively) in pts with ADHF in long-term follow-up period.

[Head to Head Comparison of Suppression of Tumorogenicity 2 and Copeptin Significance for Prognosis of Patients After Acute Heart Failure Decompensation].

PURPOSE: To assess the suppression of tumorogenicity 2 (ST2) and copeptin significance for risk stratification of patient (pts) with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) during long-term follow-up compared with traditional risk factors. METHODS: We included in a prospective study 159 pts with ADHF. Blood samples to determine copeptin, sST2, NT-proBNP and hsTnT concentration were collected at admission and at discharge from the hospital. Serial determination of biomarker concentration was performed at 3, 6 and 12 months of follow-up. The combined primary end point of the trial included cardiovascular (CV) death, hospitalization due to HF, episodes of HF deterioration requiring additional intravenous diuretics and CV death with successful resuscitation. RESULTS: During 1-year follow-up (295.3±113.2 days) 56 pts (35.2%) had 78 (49.1%) cardiovascular events. Biomarker concentrations in low risk pts (without CV events) were significantly lower compared with high risk pts (with CV events). Discharge copeptin and NT-proBNP values were comparable for pts risk stratification: AUC=0.727 (95% CI 0.637-0.816), р.

[Therapy of High Risk Patients After Decompensation of Heart Failure Under NT-proBNP Control. Main Results].

AIM: to compare efficacy of treatment of high risk patients after acute decompensation (AD) of chronic heart failure (CHF) based on monitoring of NT-proBNP concentration and standard treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients (n=100) with class III-IV CHF and left ventricular ejection fraction (LV EF) <40% due to ischemic heart disease (IHD), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP), or arterial hypertension (AH) after compensation of HF before discharge were distributed into groups of low (NT-proBNP <1400 picog/ml, n=30) or high (NT-proBNP more or equal 1400 picog/ml, n=70) risk. High risk patients were randomized into 2 treatment groups: NT-proBNP based (group I, n=35) and standard (group II, n=35) therapy. At study closure we formed another group consisting of group I and II participants noncomplaint with study protocol (group NC, n=10). Groups practically did not differ by main clinical functional characteristics. Aim of treatment was lowering of NT-proBNP level below 1000 picog/ml or more or equal 50% from baseline. At discharge median NT-proBNP concentration was 3750.0 (2224.0; 6613.0), 2783.0 (2021.5; 4827.5), and 2162.0 (1684.5; 5750.0) picog/ml in groups I, II, and NC, respectively (=0.315). RESULTS: At study entry all group I and II patients received combination of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, -adrenoblockers, antagonists of mineralocorticoid receptors. After 6 months changes of doses of neuro-hormonal modulators in group I were more pronounced than in group II. NT-proBNP concentration decreased by 53% down to 1585.5 (976,6; 2742,5) picog/ml, =0.001, and by 10.2% in groups I and II, respectively (between group =0.001). In group I compared with II we observed more pronounced improvement of clinical functional indicators, quality of life, and parameters of systolic and diastolic LV function (<0.05), fewer cardiovascular deaths (4 vs. 10, =0.033) and repeat decompensations and rehospitalizations because CHF (4 vs. 14, =0.007). CONCLUSION: Compared with standard therapy long-term NT-proBNP guided treatment of high risk patients significantly significantly decreased rate of CV deaths and repeat decompensations and rehospitalizations because CHF, and more effectively influenced clinical and functional state, quality of life and main echocardiographical parameters of LV systolic and diastolic function.

[The role of markers of organ damage in patients with chronic heart failure].

This review is devoted to the studies of the role of modern markers of myocardial and renal damage (high sensitivity troponin T [hsTnT] and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocain [NGA/lipocalin-2] in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). It contains description of nature, mechanism of synthesis, and release of hsTnT and NGAL, problems of variability of determination of these biomarkers, consideration of causes of elevation of their activity in CHF. Both hsTnT and NGAL have high diagnostic and prognostic significance. Determination of these biomarkers in combination with natriuretic peptides gives complimentary information for more accurate stratification of risk of development of possible complications. Measurement of activity of hsTnT and NGAL (lipocalin-2) will make it easier for a physician to solve the problem of optimization of therapy and management of a concrete patient.

[Hybrid surgical intervention in a patient with an aortic arch aneurysm and coronary artery disease].

Presented herein is a clinical case report regarding the use of hybrid technology in surgical treatment of a patient with an aneurysm of the distal portion of the aortic arch and coronary artery disease. The patient underwent a hybrid operation, i.e. debranching of the aortic arch branches, exoprosthetic repair of the ascending aorta, autovenous prosthetic coronary bypass grafting of the branch of the blunt edge of the anterior interventricular artery, stenting of the ascending portion, arch and descending portion of the aorta (stent graft "Medtronic Valiant"). In doing so, we used a non-standard approach to connecting the artificial circulation unit and to choosing the place for establishing proximal anastomoses of autovenous coronary bypass grafts. The early postoperative period was complicated by the development of respiratory insufficiency requiring continuation artificial pulmonary ventilation. The duration of the hospital stay of the patient amounted to 15 days. The check-up multispiral computed tomography showed normal functioning of the reconstruction zones, the stent graft is expanded, with no leak observed. The conclusion was made that hybrid interventions may be considered as an alternative to the classical surgical treatment associated in patients of older age group with a severe course of the postoperative period and high lethality.

[Surgical treatment of a patient with giant false aneurysm of xenopericardial conduit of the ascending aorta].

The article deals with a clinical case report concerning successful secondary surgical intervention for a giant pseudoaneurysm of the xenopericardial conduit of the ascending aorta in a patient with type A chronic aortic dissection, with a history previously endured prosthetic repair of the ascending aorta and aortic valve for acute dissection. The patient underwent was subjected to repeat prosthetic repair of the aortic valve and ascending aorta according to the Cabrol's technique. The postoperative period was uneventful. The function of the aortic valve prosthesis after surgery was satisfactory. The control multispiral computed tomography showed that reconstruction zone was without deformities, with the ostia of coronary arteries patent. On day 15 postoperatively the patient was discharged from hospital to undergo rehabilitation with recommendations concerning the subsequent stage of surgical treatment. The conclusion was drawn that despite life-threatening disease and an extensive scope of reconstruction correctly chosen surgical policy makes it possible to adequately carry out the necessary operation with a good outcome.

[Surgical treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms].

INTRODUCTION: Surgical treatment of patients with thoracoabdominal aneurysm is still actual problem in cardiovsacular surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have retrospectively analyzed 344 treated patients. Thoracoabdominal aneurysms Crawford I-IV and descending aortic aneurysms were diagnosed in 186 (54,1%) and 158 (45,9%) patients respectively. RESULTS: For the follow-up period surgical mortality in case of thoracoabdominal aneurysms has been decreased to 8.9%. According to our opinion major predictors of adverse events are extended reconstruction (р=0.0086), intraoperative blood loss over 4.5 liters (р=0.003) and postoperative renal failure (р=0.0005). 2-fold decrease of blood loss was observed if «bag handle¼ technique introduced by us was applied (р=0.0042). Organs protection is provided by using of active selective blood perfusion as well as «Custodiol¼ infusion. Herewith safe period of absolute ischemia ranges from 30 to 50 minutes in normothermia. Development of «hybrid¼ methods significantly reduced incidence of complications. We consider that patients with thoracoabdominal aneurysm and dissection are candidates for «hybrid treatment¼.