The possible utility of global longitudinal strain in the risk-stratifying process of non-ST elevation-acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: There are various ways that coronary artery disease (CAD) might present itself. Individual risk stratification for non ST-elevation-acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) patients should determine whether invasive coronary angiography and revascularization should be scheduled. AIM OF WORK: To assess the possible utility of left ventricular global longitudinal strain in the risk-stratifying process of NSTE-ACS. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The cardiology department of Zagazig University in Egypt organized and oversaw this cross-sectional study. The practical portion was carried out on 90 patients with NSTE-ACS based on European society of cardiology (ESC) guidelines (and they agreed for invasive strategy) between May 2019 and December 2020 at Salalah Heart Center in Sultanate of Oman. All patients underwent a full clinical examination, 12-lead ECG, and serial high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) in addition to a thorough history taking process. On patient's admission, the GRACE risk score was assessed. All patients who were suspected of having NSTE-ACS upon admission underwent transthoracic echocardiography, including two-dimensional speckle tracking (2D-ST). Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS %) was measured and analyzed using 2D speckle tracking. SYNTAX Score was determined for all patients. RESULTS: By analysis of the performance of LV-GLS% in prediction of high risk by GRACE score, we found that with cutoff (≥-13.8), the AUC was (0.944) with sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy (0.944, 93.3%, 84%, 53.8%, 98.4%, 85.6%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Global longitudinal strain can predict accurately high-risk NSTE-ACS patients by GRACE score.

Comparative study between oxytocin and combination of tranexamic acid and ethamsylate in reducing intra-operative bleeding during emergency and elective cesarean section after 38 weeks of normal pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: Cesarean Section (CS) is associated with an increased risk of hemorrhage. Many drugs are used to decrease this risk. We aim to compare the combination of ethamsylate and tranexamic acid, oxytocin, and placebo in women undergoing CS. METHODS: We conducted a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial between October and December 2020 in four university hospitals in Egypt. The study included all pregnant women in labor without any complications who accepted to participate in the study between October and December 2020. The participants were divided into three groups. The subjects were randomly allocated to receive either oxytocin (30 IU in 500 ml normal saline during cesarean section), combined one gram of tranexamic acid with 250 mg of ethamsylate once before skin incision, or distilled water. Our main outcome was the amount of blood loss during the operation. The secondary outcomes were the need for blood transfusion, hemoglobin and hematocrit changes, hospital stay, operative complications, and the need for a hysterectomy. The one-way ANCOVA test was used to compare the quantitative variables between the three groups while the Chi-square test was used to compare the qualitative variables. Post hoc analysis then was performed to compare the difference between every two groups regarding the quantitative variables. RESULTS: Our study included 300 patients who were divided equally into three groups. Tranexamic acid with ethamsylate showed the least intra-operative blood loss (605.34 ± 158.8 ml) compared to oxytocin (625.26 ± 144.06) and placebo (669.73 ± 170.69), P = 0.015. In post hoc analysis, only tranexamic acid with ethamsylate was effective in decreasing the blood loss compared to placebo (P = 0.013); however, oxytocin did not reduce blood loss compared to saline (P = 0.211) nor to tranexamic acid with ethamsylate (P = 1). Other outcomes and CS complications showed no significant difference between the three groups except for post-operative thrombosis which was significantly higher in the tranexamic and ethamsylate group, P < 0.00001 and the need for a hysterectomy which was significantly increased in the placebo group, P = 0.017. CONCLUSION: The combination of tranexamic acid and ethamsylate was significantly associated with the least amount of blood loss. However, in pairwise comparisons, only tranexamic acid with ethamsylate was significantly better than saline but not with oxytocin. Both oxytocin and tranexamic acid with ethamsylate were equally effective in reducing intra-operative blood loss and the risk of hysterectomy; however, tranexamic acid with ethamsylate increased the risk of thrombotic events. Further research with a larger number of participants is needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered on Pan African Clinical Trials Registry with the following number: PACTR202009736186159 and was approved on 04/09/2020.

The efficacy of oxytocin gel in postmenopausal women with vaginal atrophy: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a common and disturbing issue in the postmenopausal period. Unlike vasomotor symptoms, it has a progressive trend. Our study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oxytocin gel versus placebo gel in postmenopausal women with GSM. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from Web of Science, SCOPUS, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases on January 18, 2023. Keywords such as "oxytocin," "intravaginal," "vaginal," "atrophic," and "atrophy" were used. We used Review Manager (RevMan) version 5.4 in our analysis. We used the risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes and the mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes; both were presented with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) and were calculated with the Mantel-Haenszel or inverse variance statistical method. Cochrane's Q test and the I2 statistic were used as measures of statistical inconsistency and heterogeneity. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for RCTs was used for the quality assessment of the included studies. RESULTS: Seven studies with 631 patients were included. Regarding the maturation index, there was a statistically insignificant increase in the oxytocin arm (MD = 12.34, 95% CI (-12.52-37.19), P = 0.33). Clinically assessed vaginal atrophy showed a statistically significant reduction in the oxytocin group (RR = 0.32, 95% CI (0.23 - 0.10), P < 0.00001). For dyspareunia, vaginal pH, and histological evaluation of vaginal atrophy, there was a statistically insignificant difference between the two groups (RR = 1.02, 95% CI (0.82-1.27), P = 0.84), (MD = -0.74, 95% CI (-1.58-0.10), P = 0.08), and (MD = -0.38, 95% CI (-0.82-0.06), P = 0.09), respectively. There was no significant difference in the safety profile between the two groups as measured by endometrial thickness (MD = 0.00, 95% CI (-0.23-0.23), P = 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Although oxytocin has been proposed as a viable alternative to estrogen in the treatment of GSM, our findings show the opposite. Larger, high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm or refute our results. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number CRD42022334357.

Oxytocin versus a combination of tranexamic acid and ethamsylate in reducing intraoperative bleeding during abdominal myomectomy: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Myomectomy is the preferred surgical approach to manage uterine fibroids. However, uterine fibroids are highly vascular tumors and, consequently, extremely susceptible to problems from myomectomy-related hemorrhage. Hence, we aim to compare oxytocin efficacy and safety profile versus tranexamic acid (TA) with ethamsylate for reducing bleeding during myomectomy. METHODS: This randomized, double-blinded multicenter study was performed between 20th August 2020 and 20th October 2020 at El-Galaa Teaching Hospital, El Hussein University Hospital, Al-Azhar University Hospitals of Assiut, and Al-Azhar University Hospitals of Damietta. One hundred and eighty patients were enrolled and divided into three groups: group (1) received an injection of 30 IU of oxytocin in 500 ml of normal saline; group (2) received injections of 1 g of TA, 250 mg of Ethamsylate, and 110 ml of normal saline IV; and group (3) received an injection of 110 ml of normal saline IV just before surgical incision. RESULTS: In 180 premenopausal women, oxytocin and TA with ethamsylate had no significant value in lowering intraoperative blood loss compared with the placebo for abdominal myomectomy (666.25 ± 183.03, 630.72 ± 145.83, and 646.67 ± 168.92, respectively (P = 0.506)). Non-significant trends were observed for a reduction in operation time (P = 0.760), intra/postoperative blood transfusion (P = 0.624), hospital stay (P = 0.986), postoperative fever (P = 0.659), and wound infection (P = 1). CONCLUSION: Oxytocin and TA with ethamsylate had no significant value in lowering intraoperative blood loss compared with the placebo for abdominal myomectomy which opens a new question about the role of the use of the hemostatic drug during myomectomy especially in centers with limited resources and had higher rates. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered on Pan African Clinical Trials Registry with the following number: PACTR202008739887429 and was approved on 24/08/2020.

Granulocyte colony stimulating factor versus human chorionic gonadotropin for recurrent implantation failure in intra cytoplasmic sperm injection: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Repeated implantation failure (RIF) is defined as the case whereby the transferred embryos fail to implant after several attempts of In vitro fertilization (IVF) which causes a profound impact on the quality of life and financial burden. Some clinical studies have confirmed that Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) can improve pregnancy outcomes and implantation rates. Hence, our study aims to compare the efficacy of G-CSF and HCG on pregnancy outcomes in RIF women who undergo intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). METHODS: This randomized, single-blinded study was conducted et al.-Azhar University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt, between 10th October 2020 and 20th December 2020. The study included 100 women aged 20-43 years old undergoing ICSI cycles, with a history of RIF. Patients were divided randomly into two groups: group (1): included 50 patients injected with 500 IU of intrauterine HCG on embryo transfer day, and group (2): Included 50 patients injected with G-CSF on the embryo transfer day. RESULTS: In 100 RIF women, we found a significant improvement in pregnancy outcomes favoring G-CSF over HCG including implantation rate, chemical pregnancy, and clinical pregnancy (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0003, and P = 0.0006, respectively). CONCLUSION: For the first time, we demonstrated a significant improvement in pregnancy outcomes favoring G-CSF over HCG in terms of implantation rate, chemical pregnancy, and clinical pregnancy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered on Pan African Clinical Trials Registry with the following number: PACTR202010482774275 and was approved on 2nd October 2020.

Antenatal perineal massage benefits in reducing perineal trauma and postpartum morbidities: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Most vaginal births are associated with trauma to the perineum. The morbidity associated with perineal trauma can be significant, especially when it leads to third- and fourth-degree perineal tears. We hypothesized that antenatal perineal massage could decrease the incidence of perineal trauma, particularly severe perineal tears and other postpartum complications. METHODS: We searched four different databases from inception until August 2019 for the available trials. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which assessed the effect of antenatal perineal massage (intervention group) versus control group (no antenatal perineal massage) in perineal trauma patients. Data were extracted from eligible studies and meta-analyzed using RevMan software. Primary outcomes were the risk of episiotomies and perineal tears. Secondary outcomes were perineal pain, second stage of labor duration, wound healing, anal incontinence, and Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min. RESULTS: Eleven RCTs with 3467 patients were analyzed. Women who received antenatal perineal massage had significantly lower incidence of episiotomies (RR = 0.79, 95% CI [0.72, 0.87], p < 0.001) and perineal tears (RR = 0.79, 95% CI [0.67, 0.94], p = 0.007), particularly the risk of third- and fourth-degree perineal tears (p = 0.03). Better wound healing and less perineal pain were evident in the antenatal perineal massage group. Antenatal perineal massage reduced the second stage of labor duration (p = 0.005) and anal incontinence (p = 0.003) with significant improvement in Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Antenatal perineal massage is associated with a lower risk of severe perineal trauma and postpartum complications.

The Impact of Previous Exposure to COVID-19 on the Outcome of ICSI Cycles.

OBJECTIVE: Due to the large increase in the number of reported cases and the impact of COVID-19 on public health, the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) recommended the cessation of all activities related to assisted reproduction. There are many unknowns about the long-term effects of the virus on fertility and pregnancy. We conducted this study to offer some evidence-based guidance on the relationship between COVID-19 and IVF/ICSI cycle outcomes. METHODS: This observational study included 179 patients who underwent ICSI cycles at the Albaraka Fertility Hospital, Manama, Bahrain and the Almana hospital, KSA. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 88 individuals with a history of Covid-19 and Group 2 included 91 subjects without a history of COVID-19. RESULTS: Despite the higher pregnancy (45.1% vs. 36.4%, with p=0.264) and fertilization (52% vs. 50.6% with p=0.647) rates seen in patients without a history of COVID-19, the differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: There is no clear evidence that exposure to COVID-19 significantly affects ICSI cycle outcomes.

The Egyptian Association of Vascular Biology and Atherosclerosis (EAVA) Perspectives on the Usage of Inclisiran.

BACKGROUND: Elevation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) is still a hugely unmet need in the reduction of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. In the published CardioRisk project in Egypt, up to 71% of female participants had dyslipidemia. Control of LDL-c levels and thus improvement of hyperlipidemia is quite often very difficult. With the introduction of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, the decrease of significant cardiac adverse events, the patient control rate, and the death rate have all been improved. Inhibition of the formation of PCSK9 through inclisiran, which is a novel method of reducing LDL-c and is only given twice per year, seems alluring. After revision of published data, we analyzed the potential advantages of the use of inclisiran. CONCLUSION: The Egyptian Association for Vascular Biology and Atherosclerosis (EAVA) analyzed the data necessary for obtaining clear indications for the usage of inclisiran. We propose the addition of inclisiran to statins with or without ezetimibe for patients with documented atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or similar risk, familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) with another major risk factor, and very high and high risk diabetes mellitus, who did not reach LDL-c goals and/or with true statin intolerance. Inclisiran is also recommended as upfront therapy, with triple combination, in extreme risk subjects such as those with post acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

Relationship between sclerostin and coronary tortuosity in postmenopausal females with non-obstructive coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Coronary tortuosity (CT) is commonly encountered in postmenopausal females and is usually present without obstructive lesions. Circulating sclerostin levels are elevated in postmenopausal females. In view of sclerostin's vasculoprotective effect, we aimed to find possible association between circulating sclerostin and CT. METHOD: We prospectively enrolled 273 consecutive postmenopausal females with non-obstructive coronary artery disease diagnosed by coronary angiography. Presence and severity (by tortuosity score) of CT as well as serum sclerostin levels were assessed for each patient. RESULTS: Patients with CT (128, 47% of study group) were significantly older (P < 0.001), with higher prevalence of hypertension (P = 0.001) and had significantly higher levels of both sclerostin (P < 0.001) and hs-CRP (P = 0.001). Multivariate binary logistic regression revealed that the presence of CT (dependent variable) was associated with high sclerostin level (OR 8.9, 95% CI: 4.9-16.2, P < 0.001). Using ROC curve analysis, Sclerostin at a cut-off value of >650 pg/ml was found to be associated with presence of CT (AUC 0.69, 95% CI: 0.61-0.75, P < 0.001) with sensitivity and specificity of 75% and 72.4%, respectively. Using Pearson's correlation analysis, significant positive correlation between sclerostin and severity of CT was found (r = 0.29, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: High circulating sclerostin is associated with the presence and severity of CT in postmenopausal females. This may add to the literature on the incompletely understood pathogenesis of CT.

Original Article--Value of Pathological Q Waves and Angiographic Collateral Grade in Patients Undergoing Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion Recanalization: Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Successful coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) revascularization was found by many studies to be associated with improved left ventricular (LV) systolic function and survival if evidence of viability is present. Little is known about the association of CTO revascularization in patients with electrocardiographic Q waves and improvement in angina burden as a measurement of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) afterwards. METHODS: In this study, 100 patients with single vessel CTO were included. Myocardial viability was tested by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and 50 patients showed evidence of viability. Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) scores were used as a measure of HRQOL. RESULTS: Pathological Q waves were present in 48 patients (including 19 patients with viable CTO territory) out of 100 patients. Patients with Q waves tended to have worse Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) scores compared to those with no Q waves (31.2 ± 11.7 vs 45.3 ± 13.9 respectively, p = 0.002), worse LV systolic function and wall motion score index (WMSI) on CMR. They also had significantly less prevalence of viability (p < 0.001). Patients with Q waves and positive viability had lower SAQ scores (37.2 ± 10.1 vs 52.7 ± 13.2 respectively, p = 0.02), higher LVEF and lower WMSI. They also had well developed collateral grade (2.1 ± 1.03 vs 0.7 ± 0.82 respectively, p < 0.001). After successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), in the viable LV group, presence of Q waves was not associated with better LV functional recovery, while those with higher collateral grades were more likely to have better LV functional recovery post CTO-PCI. Patients with Q waves and viable CTO territory showed significantly better SAQ scores compared to pre-PCI (87.3 ± 12.2 vs 37.2 ± 10.1 respectively, p < 0.001). For angina frequency, post-PCI score was 80.2 ± 7.9 compared to 39.2 ± 7.1 before PCI, p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that pathological Q waves, Rentrop's collateral grade and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) angina class before PCI were the most significant independent predictors of improved HRQOL as reflected by SAQ (OR for Q waves 7.83, 95% CI 1.62-18.91,p 0.003), (OR for Rentrop's collateral grade 8.31,95% CI 2.21-26.33, p < 0.001), (OR for CCS class 8.39, 95% CI 1.21-20.8, p 0.01). CONCLUSION: Well-developed collateral circulation could independently predict LV functional recovery after CTO-PCI. Patients with Q waves and viable CTO territory tend to have higher CCS class before revascularization and get significant improvement of HRQOL after PCI. Other predictors of improved HRQOL are Rentrop's collateral grade and worse CCS class before PCI.

Relationship between quality of coronary collateral and myocardial viability in chronic total occlusion: a magnetic resonance study.

Revascularization of chronic total occlusion (CTO) is still debated regarding its indications and therapeutic benefits. Guidelines recommend patient selection based on ischemia detection and viability assessment. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the quality of coronary collaterals (CC), graded by Rentrop classification, and myocardial viability assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Unselected 100 consecutive patients with a single CTO were prospectively enrolled. CC of Rentrop grade two or three were considered as well-developed. Analyzing late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) images, CTO territories with mean segmental transmural scar extent < 50% were considered viable. Of the 100 patients (70 male, mean age 58.0 ± 6 years), 73 patients (73%) had angiographically visible CC. Based on LGE, patients were classified into viable (n = 50) and non-viable (n = 50) groups. Significant differences between both groups existed regarding frequency of diabetes mellitus (p = 0.044), frequency of congestive heart failure (p = 0.032), presence of pathological Q in CTO territory (p = 0.039); and presence of well-developed CC (p < 0.001). Binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve showed that presence of well-developed CC could independently (OR 9.4, 95% CI: 2.6-33.6, p < 0.001) predict myocardial viability with a sensitivity and a specificity of 72% and 74%, respectively (AUC: 0.796, 95% CI: 0.708-0.884, P < 0.001). The presence of well-developed CC could independently predict with high accuracy myocardial viability assessed by LGE in territories subtended by CTO vessels. Therefore, search for viable myocardium using different imaging modalities, e.g. CMR, may be recommended in CTO patients with well-developed CC.

Egyptian Atherosclerosis and Vascular Biology Association Consensus on the Use of Sodium Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction.

Heart failure (HF) is a common cause of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Despite advances in treatment, the prognosis remains poor. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors decrease HF events by 27-39% in high-risk patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Moreover, the DAPA-HF and EMPEROR-Reduced studies randomized patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) with or without diabetes mellitus to receive guideline-directed medical therapy versus guideline-directed medical therapy plus an SGLT-2 inhibitor. Both studies showed the benefits of SGLT-2 inhibitors. In addition, SGLT-2 inhibitors have shown improvement according to the EMPEROR-Preserved study of HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Therefore, a panel of cardiology experts from the Egyptian Atherosclerosis and Vascular Biology Association (EAVA) revised the literature for SGLT-2 inhibitors in HF, along with the recommended indications and contraindications, and this article presents their consensus on the topic. The panel concluded that SGLT-2 inhibitors have significantly benefited patients with chronic HFrEF, as indicated through the DAPA-HF and EMPEROR-Reduced trials. The panel recommended early use of dapagliflozin 10 mg or empagliflozin 10 mg in patients with symptomatic chronic HFrEF, whether diabetic or non-diabetic, to ameliorate HF hospitalization rate, mortality, symptoms, and decline in renal function.

Prevalence of atherosclerosis risk factors in Egyptian patients with acute coronary syndrome: final data of the nationwide cross-sectional 'CardioRisk' project.

BACKGROUND: Little are known about the prevalence of atherosclerosis risk factors in Egyptian patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). OBJECTIVE: Describe the prevalence of these risk factors with focus on gender-specific data and patients with premature presentation. METHODS: From November 2015 to August 2018, data were collected from 3224 patients with ACS in 30 coronary care centers covering 11 governorates across Egypt, with focus premature ACS. RESULTS: The vast majority were males (74%) and the most prevalent age group was (56-65 years) representing 37% of whole study population. Among female patients, 92% were post-menopausal. The prevalence of premature ACS was 51%. Forty five percent of total males and 69.6% of total females with ACS had premature presentation (P<0.001). Abdominal obesity was the most prevalent risk factor (66%). Nearly half of the entire study patients were current smokers (48%). We showed a high prevalence of documented dyslipidemia (48%) as well. Early invasive management strategy was employed in 65% of patients with no significant gender disparity noticed. Vascular access for coronary angiography was most commonly femoral (80% of time). Emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was attempted in 53% of patients. Thrombolytic therapy (using Streptokinase) was used in 24% of included participants. CONCLUSION: Among Egyptian patients with ACS, premature presentation is common with greater male preponderance. Abdominal obesity is the most prevalent risk factor followed by hypertension. Most traditional risk factors (apart from smoking) were more prevalent in women than men.

Egyptian Association of Vascular Biology and Atherosclerosis (EAVA) consensus on the usage of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors.

BACKGROUND: The current expert view of the PCSK9 inhibitors' use in Egypt is still ambiguous. MAIN BODY: Hyperlipidemia is an important, if not the most important, risk factor for the occurrence of atherosclerosis worldwide. Egypt is the most populous country in the Middle East and North Africa and has > 15% of the cardiovascular deaths in the region. The burden of dyslipidemia as seen in the recently published CardioRisk project conducted throughout Egypt shows a high prevalence of dyslipidemia as a risk factor that is still reaching up to 71% in female participants. Reaching the targets for LDL lowering, and thus control of hyperlipidemia, is quite often very difficult especially with the update of the last ESC guidelines. With the advent of PCSK9 inhibitors, the control rate of patients, reduction of cardiac major adverse events, and mortality have been improved. However, Egypt is not considered a rich country on the grounds of annual income, and this raises a concern on which patients would benefit from these expensive medications. Revising the randomized control trials, we analyzed the data that would enable us to control LDL in those patients, at risk, to obtain simple clear indications for the use of these rather expensive medications. CONCLUSION: We recommend the use of PCSK9 inhibitors in addition to statins ± ezetimibe in patients with ASCVD, by definition at very high risk; patients with ASCVD at very high risk who do not tolerate appropriate doses of at least three statins; and familial hypercholesterolaemia patients with clinically diagnosed ASCVD, at very high cardiovascular risk.

The pattern of risk-factor profile in Egyptian patients with acute coronary syndrome: phase II of the Egyptian cross-sectional CardioRisk project.

BACKGROUND: Egypt is the most populous country in the Middle East and North Africa and has more than 15% of the cardiovascular deaths in the region, but little is known about the prevalence of traditional risk factors and treatment strategies in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients across Egypt. METHODS: From November 2015 to August 2017, data were collected from 1 681 patients with ACS in 30 coronary care centres, covering 11 governorates across Egypt, spanning the Mediterranean coast, Nile Delta and Upper Egypt, with a focus on risk factors and management strategies. RESULTS: Women constituted 25% of the patients. Premature ACS was common, with 43% of men aged less than 55 years, and 67% of women under 65 years. Most men had ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (49%), while a larger percentage of women had unstable angina and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) (32% each; p < 0.001). Central obesity was present in 80% of men and 89% of women, with 32% of men and women having atherogenic dyslipidaemia. Current smoking was reported by 62% of men and by 72% of men under 55 years. A larger proportion of women had type 2 diabetes (53 vs 34% of men), hypertension (69 vs 49%), dyslipidaemia, and obesity (71 vs 41%) (p < 0.001 for all). There were no gender differences in most diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, but among STEMI patients, 51% of men underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention compared to 46% of women (p = 0.064). CONCLUSIONS: Central obesity and smoking are extremely prevalent in Egypt, contributing to an increased burden of premature ACS, which warrants tailored prevention strategies. The recognised tendency worldwide to treat men more aggressively was less pronounced than expected.

Symptom-to-balloon time and myocardial blush grade are predictors of left ventricular remodelling after successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was found to be useful in earlier restoration of TIMI flow 3. However, the incidence of left ventricular (LV) dilatation and remodelling after successful primary PCI is still high. We aimed to determine the independent predictors of LV remodelling after successful primary PCI for patients with first STEMI. METHODS: We included 232 STEMI patients treated with primary PCI. Echocardiography was done on the day of PCI and after six months. LV remodelling was defined as ≥ 20% increase in the six-month left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV). RESULTS: In patients with remodelling, symptom-to-door and symptom-to-balloon times were significantly longer (p < 0.00001 for each), initial ejection fraction (EF) was significantly lower (p = 0.044), six-month LVEDV, left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) and LVEDV increase were significantly higher, and EF was significantly lower (p < 0.00001 for each). Mean myocardial blush grade (MBG) was significantly lower in patients with remodelling (p < 0.00001). There was a significant positive correlation between LVEDV increase and both symptom-to-balloon time (r = 0.603, p < 0.00001) and symptom-to-door time (r = 0.564, p < 0.00001), and a significant negative correlation between LVEDV increase and MBG (r = -0.447, p < 0.00001). Logistic regression showed that the independent predictors of LV remodelling were symptom-to-balloon time (p = 0.00068), symptom to door time (p = 0.0013) and MBG (p = 0.0057). CONCLUSION: Symptom-to-door time, symptom-to-balloon time and MBG were the only significant predictors of LV remodelling.

What is the association between left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and 6-minute walk test in hypertensive patients?

Heart failure (HF) is a major health problem. Hypertension is an important cause of HF. Most hypertensive patients have some degree of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction. The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) provides objective data about the exercise tolerance. We aimed to find the association between the degree of LV diastolic dysfunction and the functional capacity assessed by 6MWT in hypertensive patients. The study included 200 asymptomatic hypertensive patients. All patients had undergone full history taking, complete clinical examination, electrocardiography, echocardiography for assessment of LV dimensions, systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and 6MWT. Patients were classified into two groups according to the presence or absence of LV diastolic dysfunction. Clinical and echocardiographic data were comparable between the two groups. Regarding 6MWT, at the end of the test, patients with diastolic dysfunction had significantly higher systolic (P = .0088) and diastolic (P = .019) blood pressure and higher Borg score for dyspnea (P < .00001). The distant walked and percentage of the distance to predicted value were significantly lower in patients with diastolic dysfunction (P = .0322 and .0002, respectively). Incidence of abnormal 6MWT was significantly higher in patients with diastolic dysfunction (P = .00041). Compared to patients with grades I and II, patients with grade III diastolic dysfunction had significantly higher Borg score (P = .013), lower distance walked (P = .039), and lower percentage of distance to predicted vale (P = .009). Independent predictors for abnormal 6MWT were as follows: E/E' ≥15 (P = .0022), E'/A' <1 (P = .0081), and deceleration time of E-wave <160 (P = .013). The presence of LV diastolic dysfunction in hypertensive patients has a bad effect on 6MWT. The degree of LV diastolic dysfunction was correlated with 6MWT results. It may be important to investigate LV diastolic function in asymptomatic hypertensive patients.

CRUSADE bleeding score as a predictor of bleeding events in patients with acute coronary syndrome in Zagazig University Hospital.

AIM: To examine the value of CRUSADE bleeding score in predicting bleeding events in our local patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in Zagazig University Hospitals. METHODS: Our study included 240 patients with ACS. They underwent history and clinical examination; 12-lead electrocardiography; echocardiography; troponin I, hematocrit value; estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR); application of CRUSADE score; and follow-up of the hospital stay and documentations of events. Patients were classified into two groups: Group I: patients with major bleeding, and Group II: patients without major bleeding. RESULTS: Patients with major bleeding were significantly older, with more diabetic and hypertensive patients, more prior vascular disease, heart failure, and less patients with unstable angina, higher heart rate and systolic blood, lower eGFR, and higher CRUSADE risk score. CRUSADE bleeding score was the strongest predictor of major bleeding. Sensitivity of CRUSADE score ≥33 in prediction of major bleeding in the whole study group was 80%, specificity was 73.4%, positive predictive value was 26.9%, negative predictive value was 96.9%, overall accuracy was 74.1%. Sensitivity of CRUSADE score ≥38.5 in prediction of major bleeding in the STEMI patients was 70%, specificity was 84.8%, positive predictive value was 50%, negative predictive value was 92.9%, and overall accuracy was 82.1%. CONCLUSION: CRUSADE score is a good predictor for major bleeding in Egyptian patients with ACS. It is applicable in UA/NSTEMI as well as in STEMI patients and in women as well as in men.

Novel Findings in Breath-Holding Spells: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The mechanism of breath-holding spells (BHS) is not fully understood and most probably multifactorial; so, this study was designed to clarify the pathophysiology of BHS through assessing some laboratory parameters and electrocardiographic (ECG) changes which might be contributing to the occurrence of the attacks. Another aim of the study was to evaluate the differences in the pathophysiology between pallid and cyanotic types of BHS. This was a prospective study performed in Zagazig University Hospitals. Seventy-six children diagnosed with BHS were included as follows: 32 children with cyanotic BHS, 14 children with pallid BHS, and 30 healthy children as a control group. All children were subjected to the following: full history taking, clinical examination, and laboratory work up in the form of CBC, serum iron, ferritin, and zinc levels. Twenty-four hours ambulatory ECG (Holter) recording was also performed. No significant statistical difference was found between cyanotic and pallid groups regarding family history of BHS, severity, and precipitating factors of the attacks. Frequent runs of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) during 24  hours ECG were significantly higher in children with BHS; the frequency of RSA was significantly correlated with the frequency (severity) of the attacks. Low serum ferritin was significantly associated with BHS groups but not correlated with the severity of the attacks. Autonomic dysregulation evidenced by frequent RSA is considered to be an important cause of BHS in children and is correlated with the frequency of the attacks. Low serum ferritin is additional factor in the pathophysiology. Both pallid and cyanotic BHS are suggested to be types of the same disease sharing the same pathophysiology.