Epidemiology of peripheral artery disease in Palestine.

Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is one of the most common manifestations of atherosclerosis affecting more than 200 million people globally but little is known about its epidemiology in Middle East populations, particularly in Arab countries. The present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of PAD in the general population aged 40 years and more in Gaza-Palestine, and to determine the prevalence of its associated risk factors. Patients and methods: The study design was a cross-sectional with a stratified proportional sampling, involving the five governorates in Gaza Strip. We selected 1490 individuals aged age ≥ 40 years living in the area for more than 3 years. The questionnaire on lifestyle and cardiovascular risk factors was applied and the ankle-brachial index (ABI) was measured by Doppler examination in both legs in all participants. PAD was defined as an ABI ≤ 0.90. We excluded 92 participants (6 %) because of missing ABI or ABI > 1.40. Results: One-half of the 1398 participants had at least two associated cardiovascular risk factors, one-third were on aspirin and 15 % on statins. Overall, we found PAD in 191 (13.7 %) cases. This prevalence increased with age, and 18.7 % of adults older than 65 years had PAD. The prevalence was higher in females than in males (respectively 15.6 % vs 11.6 % p = 0.031). In the multivariate logistic regression model, significant associated factors with PAD in males were CAD (OR: 3.5; 95 % CI: 1.4-8.6), hypertension (OR: 2.8; 95 % CI: 1.3-6.1), and current smoking (OR: 2.7; 95 % CI: 1.1-6.6). In women, hypertension remains the main associated risk factor. Conclusions: Our study highlights the high prevalence of PAD in the Gazan community, mostly related to the high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and other cardiovascular conditions.

Diagnostic utility of BNP, corin and furin as biomarkers for cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

CONTEXT: The number of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is progressively increasing, and diabetic cardiovascular complications have become a public health problem. Brain or B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a cardiac hormone synthesized as a pre-pro-peptide. pro-BNP is produced by cleaving the signal peptide then two proprotein convertases, corin and furin cleave pro-BNP to form a biologically active hormone. Two corin single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been reported to alter corin protein conformation and impair its biological activity. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the potential role of corin and furin in comparison to BNP as biomarkers for predicting cardiovascular complications in T2DM patients. The association of corin gene SNPs with corin levels was also examined. METHODS: Seventy-five subjects were recruited in this study, including 25 T2DM patients with complications, 25 T2DM patients without complications as well as 25 healthy subjects. Plasma BNP, corin and furin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Two corin SNPs were genotyped using allele specific oligonucleotide-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Both furin and BNP were found to be more sensitive than corin (80% versus 56%, p = 0.008), whereas furin showed higher specificity when compared to BNP (96% versus 84%, p = 0.041) and corin (96% versus 64%, p < 0.0001) in predicting cardiovascular complications in T2DM patients. Corin SNPs are not associated with corin levels, neither in the entire study cohort nor in the subgroup of T2DM patients with cardiovascular complications (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Furin may be useful, either alone or in combination with other biomarkers, for cardiovascular risk stratification assessment in T2DM patients.

Acute coronary syndrome in young (≤45 years) patients: a multi-centre observational study.

Introduction: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in young individuals (≤45 years) is increasingly recognized as a significant health concern, yet research in this demographic remains limited, particularly within the Palestinian context. This study aims to bridge this gap by comprehensively investigating the clinical characteristics, age-specific profiles, gender disparities, treatment modalities, and angiographic patterns of ACS in young patients compared to their older counterparts. Materials and methods: A multi-centre observational study was conducted, enroling 468 participants aged 18-55 diagnosed with ACS and admitted to three prominent Palestinian hospitals. Data were collected from medical records, and statistical analysis was performed to assess demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, risk factors, treatment strategies, and outcomes. Results: The majority of participants were male (87%), with a higher proportion in the older age group (>45 years). Clinical presentations varied, with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) being the most common diagnosis (48%). Risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, and diabetes were prevalent, with notable gender and age-specific differences. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was the predominant treatment strategy (83%), with consistent medication use across age groups. Conclusion: ACS in young patients poses a significant public health challenge in Palestine, necessitating tailored preventive strategies and comprehensive management approaches. Understanding the unique demographic and clinical characteristics of young ACS patients is crucial for informing targeted interventions and policies aimed at reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease in this population. These findings contribute valuable insights to the existing literature and underscore the importance of further research in this area to improve outcomes and mitigate the impact of ACS in young individuals globally.

Clinical features, socioeconomic status, management, short and long-term outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction: Phase I results of PEACE MENA registry.

BACKGROUND: The Program for the Evaluation and Management of Cardiac Events in the Middle East and North Africa (PEACE MENA) is a prospective registry program in Arabian countries that involves in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or acute heart failure (AHF). METHODS: This prospective, multi-center, multi-country study is the first report of the baseline characteristics and outcomes of inpatients with AMI who were enrolled during the first 14-month recruitment phase. We report the clinical characteristics, socioeconomic, educational levels, and management, in-hospital, one month and one-year outcomes. RESULTS: Between April 2019 and June 2020, 1377 patients with AMI were enrolled (79.1% males) from 16 Arabian countries. The mean age (± SD) was 58 ± 12 years. Almost half of the population had a net income < $500/month, and 40% had limited education. Nearly half of the cohort had a history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or hypercholesterolemia; 53% had STEMI, and almost half (49.7%) underwent a primary percutaneous intervention (PCI) (lowest 4.5% and highest 100%). Thrombolytics were used by 36.2%. (Lowest 6.45% and highest (90.9%). No reperfusion occurred in 13.8% of patients (lowest was 0% and highest 72.7%).Primary PCI was performed less frequently in the lower income group vs. high income group (26.3% vs. 54.7%; P<0.001). Recurrent ischemia occurred more frequently in the low-income group (10.9% vs. 7%; P = 0.018). Re-admission occurred in 9% at 1 month and 30% at 1 year, whereas 1-month mortality was 0.7% and 1-year mortality 4.7%. CONCLUSION: In the MENA region, patients with AMI present at a young age and have a high burden of cardiac risk factors. Most of the patients in the registry have a low income and low educational status. There is heterogeneity among key performance indicators of AMI management among various Arabian countries.

Clinical Features, Socioeconomic Status, Management, and Outcomes of Acute Heart Failure: PEACE MENA Registry Phase I Results.

INTRODUCTION: PEACE MENA (Program for the Evaluation and Management of Cardiac Events in the Middle East and North Africa) is a prospective registry in Arab countries for in-patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or acute heart failure (AHF). Here, we report the baseline characteristics and outcomes of in-patients with AHF who were enrolled during the first 14 months of the recruitment phase. METHODS: A prospective, multi-centre, multi-country study including patients hospitalized with AHF was conducted. Clinical characteristics, echocardiogram, BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide), socioeconomic status, management, 1-month, and 1-year outcomes are reported. RESULTS: Between April 2019 and June 2020, a total of 1258 adults with AHF from 16 Arab countries were recruited. Their mean age was 63.3 (±15) years, 56.8% were men, 65% had monthly income ≤US$ 500, and 56% had limited education. Furthermore, 55% had diabetes mellitus, 67% had hypertension; 55% had HFrEF (heart failure with reduced ejection fraction), and 19% had HFpEF (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction). At 1 year, 3.6% had a heart failure-related device (0-22%) and 7.3% used an angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (0-43%). Mortality was 4.4% per 1 month and 11.77% per 1-year post-discharge. Compared with higher-income patients, lower-income patients had a higher 1-year total heart failure hospitalization rate (45.6 vs 29.9%, p=0.001), and the 1-year mortality difference was not statistically significant (13.2 vs 8.8%, p=0.059). CONCLUSION: Most of the patients with AHF in Arab countries had a high burden of cardiac risk factors, low income, and low education status with great heterogeneity in key performance indicators of AHF management among Arab countries.

Fetal growth restriction, low birth weight, and preterm birth: Effects of active or passive smoking evaluated by maternal expired CO at delivery, impacts of cessation at different trimesters.

INTRODUCTION: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of cessation of active smoking during the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy on the risk of reduced birth weight and prematurity using an exhaled carbon monoxide biomarker with a cut-off value ≥3 ppm as well as the effects of passive smoking. METHODS: This was a multicenter prospective cohort study involving pregnant smokers and non-smokers. Pregnant smokers were identified at the first prenatal visit before 15 weeks of amenorrhea by the number of cigarettes smoked per day and by the carbon monoxide breath test. Women were classified into 6 groups: non-smokers, passive smokers, first trimester cessation, second trimester cessation, third trimester cessation, and smoking throughout pregnancy. Smoking cessation was defined if the pregnant woman reported quitting smoking and if she achieved an exhaled CO level of <3 ppm. The association between smoking cessation and fetal growth restriction or prematurity was assessed by multivariate logistic regression. Passive smoking was defined for non-smoking women on declarative smoking status and exhaled CO ≥3 ppm. The association between passive smoking and fetal growth restriction or prematurity was assessed by multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The number of patients included was 5244. The incidence of fetal growth restriction below the 10th percentile was 10.6%, 12.1%, 8.5%, 9.1%, 21.1%, and 22.9%, respectively, for the non-smoking, passive smoking, first, second, third trimester cessation, and full-pregnancy smoking, groups. The risk of FGR compared to non-smokers was OR=2.3 (95% CI: 1.18-4.30, p=0.014) for patients who quit smoking in the third trimester, OR=2.5 (95% CI: 2.03-3.12, p<0.001) for women who smoked throughout pregnancy. After logistic regression, FGR (AOR=1.9; 95% CI: 0.96-3.82) for women who quit smoking in the 3rd trimester (AOR=1.8; 95% CI: 1.38-2.31, p<0.001). The risk of FGR <5th percentile was AOR=1.96 (95% CI: 1.36-2.48, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Active or passive smoking during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of intrauterine growth restriction and low birth weight. Cessation in the 1st and 2nd trimester reduces the risk of intrauterine growth restriction or low birth weight. Passive smoking has a deleterious impact on fetal development, intermediate to that of active smoking.

The Epidemic Of The Metabolic Syndrome Among The Palestinians In The Gaza Strip.

BACKGROUND: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major public health and clinical challenge worldwide. However, limited data are available in the Gaza strip. This study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of MetS and its association with atherosclerotic risk factors and cardiovascular diseases among Gazan adults' community. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017, among all adults ≥25 years of age. Participants were selected by stratified cluster sampling method, in five governorates (urban, camps and rural) of Gaza strip. Questionnaires on socioeconomic status, lifestyle and cardiovascular risk factors were completed for 2107 participants. The cardiovascular diseases included clinical history of coronary artery disease (CAD), Lower extremity artery disease (LEAD diagnosed as ankle brachial index < 0.90) and history of stroke. MetS was defined based on the International Diabetes Federation criteria (IDF). RESULTS: Among participants, 864 (41%) fulfilled the definition of MetS higher in females than males (50% vs 39%). In both genders, MetS prevalence increased significantly with age (p<0.001). Subjects with MetS were more obese (73.0% vs 29.4%), hypertensive (49.9% vs 13.0%), diabetic (36.8% vs 5.8%) and had more often low physical activity (58.1% vs 41.3%). Additionally, lipids profiles disorders were more prevalent in cases with MetS. We found MetS significantly associated with all cardiovascular conditions with odd-ratio (95% CI) respectively at 2.4 (95% CI 1.8-3.4) for CAD, 1.5 (95% CI1.1-1.9) for LEAD and 2.1 (95% CI 1.3-3.5) for stroke. CONCLUSION: The MetS is highly prevalent in the Palestinian population, particularly among women. Subjects with MetS are at significantly elevated risk for cardiovascular diseases.

Gender difference and characteristics attributed to coronary artery disease in Gaza-Palestine.

UNLABELLED: Traditionally coronary artery disease (CAD) has been considered as disease affecting men, and for long time women were not included in researches programme. In both sexes, coronary heart disease risk increases with age. Extensive clinical and statistical studies have identified serial factors that increase the risk of coronary heart disease, some of them can be modified, and some cannot. This study was performed to analyze the extent to which cardiovascular risk factors can explain the gender difference in coronary heart disease. METHODS: The study design is a cross sectional study based on 155 cardiac patients admitted to cardiology department in Al-shifa hospital Gaza. The following cardiac risk factors were determined from the patient's records, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, Dyslipedemia and presence of family history of coronary artery disease. Catheterization results review were done. Statistical Package for Social Science version 17 was used for data entry and analysis. Frequency and cross tabulation were done to explore the relationship between the study variables. Chi-square test was used for testing statistical and P-value less than 0.05 were considered as significant. RESULTS: Most of risk factors were more favorable in females and increase with age. Myocardial infarction in male compared with female was 2 times higher, and chronic angina pain is common in female than male respectively 71.4% and 46.7%. Around 77% of female have two vessels disease and more. No great differences in number of diseased vessels among patients with myocardial infarction or chronic stable angina. Patients with low EF <50% have higher chance of affected vessels (82.9%). CONCLUSION: CAD stay the major problem in male and female, certain patient's characteristics and clinical conditions may place female at higher risk of coronary artery disease development or progression. This article addresses emerging knowledge regarding gender differences in CAD risk factors and responsiveness to risk reduction interventions.