Fixed dose combination of aspirin and pantoprazole: Results of a multicenter, comparative, randomized, double-blind, double dummy, phase III study in Indian patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of a fixed-dose combination of aspirin and pantoprazole with that of aspirin alone for the prevention of gastro duodenal mucosal damage in patients taking aspirin for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease or cerebrovascular disease. METHODS: This was a comparative, double-blind, double-dummy, randomized, multicenter, phase III study conducted in patients taking aspirin ≤150 mg daily for ≥3 to ≤6 months and expected to require daily aspirin therapy for at least 6 months for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease or cerebrovascular disease. RESULTS: A total of 240 patients were randomized to receive either a fixed-dose combination of aspirin 150 mg and pantoprazole 20 mg or aspirin 150 mg alone in a 2:1 ratio. The proportion of non-responders (patients experiencing gastroduodenal events) was 9.7 % in the test group (fixed-dose combination of aspirin 150 mg and pantoprazole 20 mg) compared to 19.7 % in the comparator group (aspirin 150 mg) at week 12, while the proportions were 11.0 % in the test group and 22.4 % in the comparator group at the end of 24 weeks of treatment (p-value was <0.05 at week 12 and 24). GI injuries were significantly less in test group as compared to comparator group. Both drugs were well tolerated by all patients. CONCLUSION: The fixed-dose combination of aspirin 150 mg and pantoprazole 20 mg was found to be more efficacious and safer compared to aspirin 150 mg alone for the prevention of gastroduodenal mucosal damage in patients receiving aspirin.

Association of Novel Hematological Indices with Severity of Coronary Artery Disease using SYNTAX Score in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Recent evidence suggests that systemic inflammation not only plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Acute Coronary Syndrome but also correlates with disease severity. Monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR), Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), and Monocyte-Lymphocyte Ratio (MLR) are novel systemic inflammation markers used for predicting the burden of coronary artery disease (CAD) based on SYNTAX Score. This single-center, cross-sectional, observational study compared the association of these novel hematological indices with CAD severity using the SYNTAX Score in ACS patients and aimed to determine the best predictor of the severity of CAD. METHODS: A total of 403 consecutive patients with ACS who underwent coronary angiography were enrolled. On the basis of the SYNTAX Score, patients were divided into three groups: Low: <22, Moderate 22 - 32 and High ≥ 32. MHR, MLR, and NLR were calculated and correlated with SYNTAX Score. RESULTS: All three indices: MHR (r=0.511; p <0.001), MLR (r=0.373; p <0.001), and NLR (r=0.292; p =0.001) showed significant correlation with SYNTAX Score. The MHR ROC was significantly higher than that of MLR (difference between area: 0.158; 95% CI: 0.079-0.259) and NLR (difference between area: 0.279; 95% CI: 0.172-0.419) for the SYNTAX Score. Analysis showed a strong correlation between these indices with SYNTAX Score >22 compared to low scores <22 and that these also related to the LAD as an infarct artery. Multiple regression analysis showed that diabetes mellitus, eGFR, Infarct-related artery left anterior descending (IRALAD), MHR, MLR, and NLR were predictors of the severity of CAD in ACS patients based on SYNTAX Score. CONCLUSION: In ACS patients MHR, MLR, and NLR showed significant correlation with SYNTAX score >22 which may be indicative of severity of disease. MHR is a better predictor of the severity of CAD than MLR and NLR in ACS patients.

The diagnostic accuracy of two-dimensional strain imaging echocardiography to detect the severity of coronary artery disease in non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Strain imaging by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography can detect severe coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of various strain parameters in patients with non-ST segment acute coronary syndrome to detect the angiographic severity of CAD and also to compare among them. METHODS: This hospital-based observational study was conducted on 178 patients with NSTEACS and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction who presented in emergency or outdoor from July 2021 to December 2022. We excluded patients with prior coronary revascularization, heart failure, arrhythmia, more than trivial valvular heart disease, or poor acoustic window. Global longitudinal strain (GLS), peak systolic strain (SS), post systolic index (PSI), and systolic strain rate (SR) were calculated by speckle tracking with automated function imaging. Coronary angiography was done in all patients, and the syntax score was calculated. RESULTS: The strain parameters showed a significant correlation with the syntax score. There was a statistically significant difference in strain parameters between patients with left main (LM) or triple vessel disease (TVD) and others. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that GLS had a better diagnostic accuracy for detecting LM or TVD than other strain parameters. GLS with a cut-off value of -11.2% had a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 53.5% for detecting LM or TVD. CONCLUSION: Strain imaging can be a helpful bedside adjunct to conventional investigations for detecting severe CAD in patients with NSTEACS.

Electrochemical Synthesis of 2-Aryl-3-(2-aminoaryl)quinoxalines via Oxidative Dearomatization/Ring-Opening/Cyclization Cascade Sequence of 2-Arylindoles with 1,2-Diaminoarenes.

A straightforward method has been developed to synthesize 2-aryl-3-(2-aminoaryl) quinoxalines from 2-arylindoles and 1,2-diaminoarenes under mild electrochemical conditions. The reaction proceeds through in situ generations of 2-arylindole-3-ones under electrochemical oxidative dearomatization of 2-arylindoles, followed by a ring opening-cyclization sequence with 1,2-diaminoarenes. A series of 2-aryl-3-(2-aminoaryl) quinoxalines have been prepared with moderate to good yields (up to 75%).

FDG PET/CT in Dressler Syndrome.

ABSTRACT: Nuclear imaging has paramount role in the evaluation of 4I (infective, inflammatory, innervation, infiltrative) cardiac diseases. We present a case of persistent pyrexia post-percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty with a history of inferior wall myocardial infarction 2 months back. Repeat coronary angiogram revealed that Right Coronary Artery (RCA) thrombus and IV antibiotics were started in suspicion of coronary stent infection. 18 F-FDG PET/CT revealed no hypermetabolism along RCA stent, with uptake along pericardium and inferior wall. 99m Tc-MIBI myocardial perfusion study showed perfusion defect in RCA territory corresponding to hibernating viable myocardium. Eventually patient was diagnosed with Dressler syndrome. Thus, molecular imaging helped in narrowing differentials in post cardiac intervention pyrexia and precise diagnosis.

Origin of all Three Coronaries from Single Ostium: A Rare Case Report.

Origin of coronary arteries from the opposite sinus of Valsalva is rare and origin from a single ostium is extremely rare. Patients with these anomalies may have myocardial ischemia because of altered ostial configuration, exit angulation from the aorta, the course between great arteries, and atherosclerosis. Usually, these anomalies are diagnosed during coronary angiography either by computed tomography or catheter-based. Management depends upon the coronary anomaly and associated clinical condition.

Noninvasive assessment of pulmonary congestion in heart failure: Need of the hour.

Early pulmonary congestion detection and surveillance in acute heart failure patients can prevent decompensation, minimize hospitalizations, and improve prognosis. In India, the warm and wet types of HF are still the most common types and residual congestion at discharge is still a significant concern. Thus, there is an urgent need for a reliable and sensitive means of identifying residual and subclinical congestion. Two such monitoring systems are available and approved by US FDA. These include CardioMEMS HF System (Abbott, Sylmar, California) and ReDS System (Sensible Medical Innovations, Ltd., Nanya, Israel). CardioMEMS is a wireless pressure-sensitive implantable device, while ReDS is a wearable noninvasive device for measurement of the lung fluid and hence direct detection of PC. This review discusses the role of noninvasive assessment in PC monitoring in patients with heart failure and its implications from an Indian perspective.

Electrochemical Oxidative Addition of Nucleophiles on 2-Arylindoles: Synthesis of C2-Heteroquaternary Indolin-3-ones.

An electrochemical method has been developed to synthesize 2,2-disubstituted indolin-3-ones under mild conditions. A series of nucleophiles have been added to the 2-arylindole-3-ones, generated in situ under metal-free electrochemical oxidative dearomatization of 2-arylindoles, to afford 2,2-disubstituted 3-carbonyl indoles with heteroquaternary centers in 57-79% yields.

Assessment and comparison of distal radial artery diameter in anatomical snuff box with conventional radial artery before coronary catheterization.

BACKGROUND: The distal radial artery (dRA) approach at anatomical snuff box has gained attention of the interventional cardiologist in last few years. The procedural success rate by this novel approach depends on size of the radial artery and therefore the study was planned to study the size of distal radial artery. METHODS: Total of 1004 patients of >18 years of age undergoing coronary catheterization were included in the study. The vessel diameter was measured from media to media in the anatomical snuff box a day prior to coronary catheterization. RESULTS: The mean diameter of right radial artery at conventional access site was 2.56 ± 0.35 mm and at distal access site 2.23 ± 0.39 mm (p < 0.001). Females had significantly smaller radial artery diameter as compared to males at right conventional access site (2.42 ± 0.36 mm vs 2.60 ± 0.34 mm; p < 0.001) and distal access site (2.09 ± 0.38 mm vs 2.27 ± 0.39 mm; p < 0.001). The diameter of the right dRA was not significantly correlated with age (r2 linear = 0.002, p = 0.0475) but was positively correlated with height and weight (r2 linear = 0.076, p = <0.001 and r2 linear = 0.005, p = <0.001) and negatively correlated with BMI (r2 linear = 0.076, p = 0.519). CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown the size of right dRA 2.27 + 0.39 mm in males and 2.09 + 0.38 mm in females. Diabetes, hypertension, height and weight are important predictors of dRA diameter.

Clinical features, diagnosis and treatment outcome of fungal endocarditis: A systematic review of reported cases.

The landscape of fungal endocarditis (FE) has constantly been evolving in the last few decades. Despite the advancement in diagnostic methods and the introduction of newer antifungals, mortality remains high in FE. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in patients with FE. We also aim to examine the aforementioned factors as a determinant of mortality in FE. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus, and all patients ≥18 years with proven fungal endocarditis were included. A total of 220 articles (250 patients) were included in the final analysis. Candida was the commonest aetiology (49.6%), followed by Aspergillus (30%) and Scedosporium species (3.2%). The proportion of prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) and intravenous drug users was 35.2% and 16%, respectively. The overall mortality rate was 40%. On multivariate analysis, Aspergillus endocarditis (HR 3.7, 95% CI 1.4-9.7; p = .009) and immunocompromised state (HR 2.8, 95% CI 1.24-6.3; p = .013) were independently associated with mortality. Patients treated with surgery along antifungals had better survival (HR 0.20, 95% CI 0.09-0.42; p < .001) compared to those treated with antifungals alone. Recurrence of FE was reported in 10.4% of patients. In conclusion, FE carries significant mortality, particularly in immunodeficient and Aspergillus endocarditis. We advocate the use of surgery combined with antifungals to improve clinical outcomes.

Anatomical snuff box approach for percutaneous coronary interventions - Current status.

Anatomical snuff box or distal radial artery approach for various percutaneous coronary angiograms and interventions has gained increased interest in recent years. The main advantage is the ergonomic comfort to the patient as it allows the patient's arm to be in more natural position. The safety and feasibility of this novel approach has been studied in past few years but still the data is limited and the distal radial artery approach has not been included in the guidelines. The present review focuses on the latest evidence, technique, advantages and disadvantages of this distal radial artery access.

Telemedicine during coronavirus disease-19 pandemic: a paradigm shift in cardiovascular care / La telemedicina durante la pandemia del COVID-19: un cambio de paradigma en la atención cardiovascular

Abstract Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has overwhelmingly affected the health-care systems globally. Delivering cardiovascular care has become unusually difficult both for caregivers and physicians in these unprecedented times. Methods: We briefly reviewed how cardiac care can be delivered to patients while limiting the exposure of both patients and healthcare workers through telemedicine services. We made a comparison at our institute of outpatient services through routine and telemedicine visits. Results: We found that telemedicine can be an equally effective alternative cardiac care during the times of pandemic with no significant difference in patients profile admitted through telemedicine services. Conclusions: We concluded that telemedicine can prove to be an effective tool in delivering cardiac care by limiting exposure of both patients and physicians with better triage of cardiac patients in the situation of COVID-19 pandemic and may complement to regular cardiac care in routine times.

Resumen Introducción: El síndrome respiratorio agudo grave dado por el COVID-19 ha afectado de manera abrumadora a los sistemas de salud a nivel mundial. La prestación de servicios de atención cardiovascular se ha tornado inusualmente difícil tanto para los cuidadores como para los médicos en estos tiempos inéditos. Métodos: Realizamos una revisión breve de cómo se puede brindar atención cardíaca a los pacientes a la vez que se limita la exposición tanto de pacientes como del personal de la salud a través de los servicios de telemedicina. Comparamos los servicios ambulatorios habituales con las visitas de telemedicina en nuestro instituto. Resultados: Encontramos que la tele medicina puede ser una alternativa igualmente efectiva de atención cardíaca durante tiempos de pandemia, sin ninguna diferencia significativa en el perfil de los pacientes ingresados a través de los servicios de telemedicina. Conclusiones: Concluimos que la telemedicina puede convertirse en una herramienta efectiva para proporcionar atención en salud cardíaca al limitar la exposición tanto de pacientes como de médicos con un mejor triage de pacientes cardíacos en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19, y puede llegar a ser un complemento de la atención cardíaca habitual en tiempos normales.

Clinical characteristic, red blood cell indices, iron profile and prognosis of heart failure in females.

Background: Heart failure is a leading killer worldwide, with concurrent anaemia and iron deficiency portending sepulchral prognosis. Anaemia is rampant, with 53% prevalence in Indian females, but iron deficiency can be present even without anaemia. Therefore, this study was planned to determine the clinical profile, red blood cell indices, and effects of iron deficiency, on the course and prognosis of heart failure in Indian females. Materials and methods: This was a hospital-based observational study, conducted at a tertiary care teaching institute in India. Data from 147 females enrolled in the study between September 2017 to March 2020 was collected out of all patients enrolled in ongoing heart failure registry at the institute. Clinical characteristics at presentation, iron profile, red blood cell indices, treatment and mortality data was collected. Results: Mean age of the subjects (n = 147) was 53.31 ± 17.1 years with 55% non-rheumatic and 45% with rheumatic heart disease. The patients with rheumatic heart disease were younger, with a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation. Non-rheumatic patients had a higher prevalence of CV risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, renal failure, more patients in NYHA IV, and 83% patients had LVEF ≤40%. Anaemia was present in 49%, however iron deficiency was present in 89% (absolute iron deficiency in 80% and functional iron deficiency in 9%) with no significant difference between rheumatic and non-rheumatic group. Red blood cell indices showed no significant difference across the spectrum of iron deficiency and anaemia, except lower mean corpuscular volume in patients with both iron deficiency and anaemia. The mean survival time was 840 days, with no significant difference between groups. There was significantly higher mortality in patients with iron deficiency (log rank 0.045). Conclusion: Iron deficiency-with or without anaemia-is very high in Indian females, worsening survival in heart failure. Proper diagnosis with iron supplementation will improve the prognosis.

Electrochemical Oxidative Coupling Between Benzylic C(sp3)-H and N-H of Secondary Amines: Rapid Synthesis of α-Amino α-Aryl Esters.

An intermolecular electrochemical coupling between the benzylic C(sp3)-H bond and various secondary amines is reported. The electronic behavior of two electronically rich units viz the α-position of α-aryl acetates and amines was engineered electrochemically, thus facilitating their reactivity for the direct access of α-amino esters. A series of acyclic/cyclic secondary amines and α-aryl acetates were tested to furnish the corresponding α-amino esters with high yields (up to 92%) under mild conditions.

Possible Early Vertical Transmission of COVID-19 from an Infected Pregnant Female to Her Neonate: A Case Report.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-19) has emerged as a public health emergency in recent times. The reported data on the mode of transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are largely through contact, droplet, airborne and fomite transmission methods with vertical transmission being a rare entity. We hereby report a case of a probable vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-19 from an infected pregnant female to her neonate. The transmission has been confirmed by a positive RT-PCR at 16 h of life along with a positive IgG antibody test for SARS-CoV-19 in the baby and after excluding the possible environmental contamination of the sample. The baby was asymptomatic during the course of hospital stay and was discharged from the facility on Day 9 of life.