Long-Term Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Moderate and Severe COVID-19: A Focus on Early Statin Use and Previous CVD.

Background: Limited data exist regarding the status of long-term cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. We aimed to examine the efficacy of early statin use after SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and the impact of prior CVD on the incidence of cardiovascular events. Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed on hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) as a composite of cardiovascular mortality, stroke, heart failure, venous thromboembolism (VTE), revascularization, and nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI). The secondary endpoints comprised MACE components, all-cause mortality, readmission for COVID-19, and impaired functional classes. Results: The mean age of the 858 participants was 55.52±13.97 years, and the median follow-up time was 13 months (11.5-15). Men comprised 63.9% of the patients. Overall, MACE occurred in 84 subjects (9.8%), and 98 patients (11.4%) received ventilation. A multivariate Cox regression model was employed to explore the association between statin use and outcomes, and the following hazard ratios were obtained: MACE (0.831 [0.529 to 0.981]; P=0.044), All-cause mortality (1.098 [0.935 to 1.294]; P=0.255), stroke (0.118 [0.029 to 0.48]; P=0.003), revascularization (0.103 [0.029 to 0.367]; P<0.0001), poor functional capacity (0.827 [0.673 to 1.018]; P=0.073), nonfatal MI (0.599 [0.257 to 1.394]; P=0.234), VTE (0.376 [0.119 to 1.190]; P=0.096), and decompensated heart failure (0.137 [0.040 to 0.472]; P=0.002). Prior CVD predicted MACE (2.953 [1.393 to 6.271]; P=0.005), all-cause death (1.170 [0.960 to 1.412]; P=0.102), and VTE (2.770 [0.957 to 8.955]; P=0.051). Conclusion: Previous CVD is a robust predictor of long-term MACE and VTE. Early statin use might decrease the incidence rates of MACE, ischemic stroke, revascularization, and readmission for heart failure.

Mid-term (up to 12 years) clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is still a concerning issue in developing countries. Among delayed RHD presentations, rheumatic mitral valve stenosis (MS) remains a prevalent finding. Percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy (PTMC) is the intervention of choice for severe mitral stenosis (MS). We aimed to assess the mid-term outcome of PTMC in patients with immediate success. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, out of 220 patients who had undergone successful PTMC between 2006 and 2018, the clinical course of 186 patients could be successfully followed. Cardiac-related death, undergoing a second PTMC or mitral valve replacement (MVR) were considered adverse cardiac events for the purpose of this study. In order to find significant factors related to adverse cardiac outcomes, peri-procedural data for the studied patients were collected.The patients were also contacted to find out their current clinical status and whether they had continued secondary antibiotic prophylaxis regimen or not. Those who had not suffered from the adverse cardiac events were additionally asked to undergo echocardiographic imaging, in order to assess the prevalence of mitral valve restenosis, defined as mitral valve area (MVA) < 1.5 cm2 and loss of ≥ 50% of initial area gain. RESULTS: During the mean follow-up time of 5.69 ± 3.24 years, 31 patients (16.6% of patients) had suffered from adverse cardiac events. Atrial fibrillation rhythm (p = 0.003, HR = 3.659), Wilkins echocardiographic score > 8 (p = 0.028, HR = 2.320) and higher pre-procedural systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (p = 0.021, HR = 1.031) were three independent predictors of adverse events and immediate post-PTMC mitral valve area (IMVA) ≥ 2 cm2 (p < 0.001, HR = 0.06) was the significant predictor of event-free outcome. Additionally, follow-up echocardiographic imaging detected mitral restenosis in 44 patients (23.6% of all patients). The only statistically significant protective factor against restenosis was again IMVA ≥ 2 cm2 (p = 0.001, OR = 0.240). CONCLUSION: The mid-term results of PTMC are multifactorial and may be influenced by heterogeneous peri-procedural determinants. IMVA had a great impact on the long-term success of this procedure. Continuing secondary antibiotic prophylaxis was not a protective factor against adverse cardiac events in this study. (clinicaltrial.gov registration: NCT04112108).

The Iranian Society of Echocardiography (ISE) Statement on Performing Echocardiography During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19) pandemic has caused a significant burden on the global health system. Considerable cardiovascular involvement has been reported among COVID-19 patients with higher ICU admission and mortality rates among patients with cardiovascular comorbidities. Consequently, diagnostic cardiovascular evaluations such as echocardiography are a crucial part of the disease management. On the other hand, providing safety for the patients and the healthcare personnel is a matter of great concern in the pandemic state. In this document, we have provided recommendations on performing echocardiography in hospital echocardiography labs and outpatient echocardiography clinics during the current COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease of 2019) outbreak.

COMPARE CPM-RMI Trial: Intramyocardial Transplantation of Autologous Bone Marrow-Derived CD133+ Cells and MNCs during CABG in Patients with Recent MI: A Phase II/III, Multicenter, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

This article published in Cell J (Yakhteh), Vol 20, No 2, Jul-Sep 2018, on pages 267-277, four affiliations (1, 4, 5, and 10) were changed based on authors request.

COMPARE CPM-RMI Trial: Intramyocardial Transplantation of Autologous Bone Marrow-Derived CD133+ Cells and MNCs during CABG in Patients with Recent MI: A Phase II/III, Multicenter, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVES: The regenerative potential of bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (MNCs) and CD133+ stem cells in the heart varies in terms of their pro-angiogenic effects. This phase II/III, multicenter and double-blind trial is designed to compare the functional effects of intramyocardial autologous transplantation of both cell types and placebo in patients with recent myocardial infarction (RMI) post-coronary artery bypass graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a phase II/III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial COMPARE CPM-RMI (CD133, Placebo, MNCs - recent myocardial infarction) conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki that assessed the safety and efficacy of CD133 and MNCs compared to placebo in patients with RMI. We randomly assigned 77 eligible RMI patients selected from 5 hospitals to receive CD133+ cells, MNC, or a placebo. Patients underwent gated single photon emission computed tomography assessments at 6 and 18 months post-intramyocardial transplantation. We tested the normally distributed efficacy outcomes with a mixed analysis of variance model that used the entire data set of baseline and between-group comparisons as well as within subject (time) and group×time interaction terms. RESULTS: There were no related serious adverse events reported. The intramyocardial transplantation of both cell types increased left ventricular ejection fraction by 9% [95% confidence intervals (CI): 2.14% to 15.78%, P=0.01] and improved decreased systolic wall thickening by -3.7 (95% CI: -7.07 to -0.42, P=0.03). The CD133 group showed significantly decreased non-viable segments by 75% (P=0.001) compared to the placebo and 60% (P=0.01) compared to the MNC group. We observed this improvement at both the 6- and 18-month time points. CONCLUSIONS: Intramyocardial injections of CD133+ cells or MNCs appeared to be safe and efficient with superiority of CD133+ cells for patients with RMI. Although the sample size precluded a definitive statement about clinical outcomes, these results have provided the basis for larger studies to confirm definitive evidence about the efficacy of these cell types (Registration Number: NCT01167751).

Platelet indices and function response to two types of high intensity interval exercise and comparison with moderate intensity continuous exercise among men after coronary artery bypass graft: A randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: It has been indicated that the acute exercise increases the thrombotic events that stem from platelet hyper-reactivity. The present randomized controlled trial study was carried out with the aim to compare high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) with moderate intensity continuous exercise (MICE) in terms of platelet indices and function in patients who had undergone post coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). METHODS: 30 men with a history of CABG were recruited and divided into 3 groups (MICE, HIIE-1, and HIIE-2). The MICE protocol consisted of running for 40 minutes with 65% of maximal heart rate (HRmax). Subjects in HIIE-1 group performed an interval exercise with work to rest ratio of 1:1 in which 10 rounds of running (95% HRmax) were followed by active recovery (35% HRmax). HIIE-2 subjects performed an interval exercise with work to rest ratio of 2:1 in which 7 rounds of running (85% HRmax) were followed by active recovery (45% HRmax). Before and immediately after the exercise protocols, blood samples were taken from subjects and analyzed to measure the variables. RESULTS: Although platelet count (PLT) and hematocrit (HCT) were increased significantly after HIIE-1 and HIIE-2 in comparison to MICE (P < 0.050), the other platelet indices [mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), plateletcrit (PCT)] were not significantly changed among groups (P > 0.050). The platelet aggregation and fibrinogen were further increased after HIIE-1 and HIIE-2 as compared with MICE; however, such increment were significant between HIIE-2 and MICE (P < 0.050). CONCLUSION: It seems that HIIE, regardless of the type, has higher thrombotic potentials compared with MICE. Accordingly, MICE is safer than HIIE for rehabilitation in patients undergoing CABG.

The frequency of anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome in patients with premature coronary artery disease.

Introduction: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is known as the major cause of morbidity and mortality in the world with a growing trend, especially in some developing countries. CAD commonly observed in elderly cases, however; recently it is usually found in young adults. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) in patients with premature CAD. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in Baqiyatallah hospital from April 2012 to April 2016. Patients with premature CAD were included in the study. The data regarding the laboratory tests, echocardiography, and angiography were obtained from all cases. Results: Overall 133 eligible patients were included in the study. In the first set of the laboratory test, 18 patients were recognized to have APS (13.53%). The second confirmatory APA test was showing 3 of 18 patients were considered to have APS (2.25%). Conclusion: The results showed there is an association between the risk of developing Premature CAD and APS could potentially. The APS may have significant effects on the risk of coronary heart disease, especially in young adults.

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy With Significant Coronary Stenosis and Atrioventricular Conduction Block: A Rare Case Report With 3 Year Follow-Up.

INTRODUCTION: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCMP) is a rare acute cardiomyopathy characterized by acute chest pain syndrome, similar to myocardial infarction, except that no significant stenosis is observed on coronary angiography in patients with this condition; these findings aid the diagnosis of TCMP. CASE PRESENTATION: We discuss an unusual case of TCMP in a 45-year-old woman with complete heart block and significant coronary artery stenosis. Maximal exercise test and perfusion scan after 1 month from the acute event did not show any ischemia; therefore, revascularization was not recommended. Her follow-up with normal echocardiographic data 3 years after the first event showed no recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The present case and a few previous cases have showed that severe coronary artery disease may be occur in patients with TCMP and that TCMP may be associated with a high-degree atrioventricular block. The association between atrioventricular conduction block and TCMP as well as significant coronary stenosis is rarely reported; therefore, coronary angiography should be performed in all patients with clinical TCMP and the previous definition should be reconsidered. The occurrence of arrhythmia and later recovery is expected in these patients (due to a catecholamine surge).

Depression and Associated Factors in Patients with Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators.

Background: Psychological problems such as depression constitute a dilemma that patients with the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) usually encounter and may impact their quality of life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of depression among adults with the ICD and the relationship between depression and associated factors. Methods: Totally, 115 individuals with the ICD participated in this cross-sectional study in Tehran, Iran, and depression and other related risk factors were evaluated in them. Two questionnaires, one for demographic characteristics and the Beck Depression Inventory, were applied for data acquisition. The data were analyzed, and the factors associated with depression in the patients with the ICD were assessed. Results: The mean age of the study population was 59.85 ± 11.46 years. Males comprised 88 (76.5%) and females 27 (23.5%) of the patients. The multivariate analysis on the 115 patients revealed that frequency of ICD shocks (OR = 1.08, 95%CI: 1.02 - 1.10), male sex (OR = 2.28, 95%CI: 1.027 - 5.07), more hospital admissions (OR = 1.19, 95%CI: 1.11 - 1.25), smoking cessation (OR = 9.8, 95%CI: 4.48 - 20.07), presence of ICD shocks (OR = 4.5, 95%CI: 2.45 - 7.38), dyslipidemia (OR = 2.8, 95%CI: 1.22 - 4.95), and family history of depression (OR = 6.4, 95%CI: 3.0 - 13.46) were significantly and independently associated with the Beck score classifications. Conclusion: These findings suggest that a poor psychosocial outcome in patients with the ICD may occur as a result of a variety of associated factors, most of which are predictable and preventable.

Do pregnant women have a higher risk for venous thromboembolism following air travel?

International travel has become increasingly common and accessible, and it is part of everyday life in pregnant women. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious public health disorder that occurs following long-haul travel, especially after air travel. The normal pregnancy is accompanied by a state of hypercoagulability and hypofibrinolysis. Thus, it seems that pregnant women are at a higher risk of VTE following air travel, and, if they have preexisting risk factors, this risk would increase. There is limited data about travel-related VTE in pregnant women; therefore, in the present study, we tried to evaluate the pathogenesis of thrombosis, association of thrombosis and air travel, risk factors and prevention of VTE in pregnant women based on available evidences. Pregnancy is associated with a five- to 10-fold increased risk of VTE compared with nonpregnant women; however, during the postpartum period, this risk would increase to 20-80-fold. Furthermore, the risk of thrombosis is higher in individuals with preexisting risk factors, and the most common risk factor for VTE during pregnancy is a previous history of VTE. Pregnant women are at a higher risk for thrombosis compared with other women. Thus, the prevention of VTE and additional risk factors should be considered for all pregnant women who travel by plane.

Air travel considerations for the patients with heart failure.

CONTEXT: Prevalence of patients with heart failure (HF) is increasing in worldwide, and also the number of people with HF traveling long distances is increasing. These patients are more prone to experience problems contributed air travel and needs more attention during flight. However, observational studies about problems of HF patients during flight and appropriated considerations for them are limited. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We evaluated the conditions that may be encountered in a HF patient and provide the recommendations to prevent the exacerbation of cardiac failure during air travel. For this review article, a comprehensive search was undertaken for the studies that evaluated the complications and considerations of HF patients during flight. Data bases searched were: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. RESULTS: HF patients are more prone to experience respiratory distress, anxiety, stress, cardiac decompensation, and venous thromboembolism (VTE) during air travel. Although stable HF patients can tolerate air travel, but those with acute heart failure syndrome should not fly until complete improvement is achieved. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, identifying the HF patients before the flight and providing them proper education about the events that may occur during flight is necessary.

Infective endocarditis after renal transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious complication in immunosuppressive patients that has adverse effects. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to define the characteristics, outcomes, and correlating factors of mortality in renal transplant recipients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Infective endocarditis was diagnosed in 22 patients from three renal transplant centers in Iran between 2000 and 2010. Modified Duke criteria were applied to confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS: Twenty-two renal transplant patients with IE were evaluated. Blood culture results were positive in 81%. Enteroccous and group D non-enterococcal were the causative microorganisms in 31% and 25% of patients, respectively. In-hospital and 12-month mortality was 41% and the mortality rate was higher in older patients in comparison to younger patients. Overall, the rates of one-year disease-free patient and graft survival were 49% and 88%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the availability of different and potent antibiotics, the mortality caused by IE remains considerably high. These patients are significantly prone to endovascular infections that affect the mortality and survival.

An observational study on infective endocarditis: a single center experience.

BACKGROUND: Cloning of microorganisms on heart endothelium can lead to infective endocarditis (IE). The prototypic lesion of infective endocarditis, the vegetation is a mass of platelets, fibrin, microcolonies of microorganisms, and scant inflammatory cells. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate patients with IE and also focusing on echocardiographic data and comparison between TTE (transthoracic echocardiography) and TEE (transesophageal echocardiography) of native and prosthetic valve endocarditis and the final impact of IE (infective endocarditis) in these patients with endocarditis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients with IE admitted to our center between 2007 and 2010 were studied. All echocardiographies were performed by the same echocardiographer. Echocardiography and lab tests were performed for all patients. We used SPSS 16 for data analysis. RESULTS: We studied 35 patients, 45% male and 55% female with a mean age of 56.36 ± 12.44 years. Fever (80%) and chills (65.7%) were the most common symptoms. There was only a positive blood culture and enterococci sensitive to vancomycin and amoxicillin. The most involved valve was mitral (54.2%) and then aortic valve (48.5%) (two patients had vegetation on both aortic and mitral valves). In this study, specificity and sensitivity of TEE were 100% and 88.6%. Six patients (17.1%) died and six patients needed surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Endocarditis is an important disease with a high mortality rate if not treated appropriately. Therefore, these patients need more attention. In echocardiography, vegetation and complications of IE such as abscess and paravalvular leakage can be detected.