Utility of shock index in 24,636 patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Shock index is a bedside reflection of integrated response of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. We aimed to evaluate the utility of shock index (heart rate/systolic blood pressure) in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: We analyzed pooled data from seven Arabian Gulf registries; these ACS registries were carried out in seven countries (Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Yemen) between 2005 and 2017. A standard uniform coding strategy was used to recode each database using each registry protocol and clinical research form. Patients were categorized into two groups based on their initial shock index (low vs. high shock index). Optimal shock index cutoff was determined according to the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Primary outcome was hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 24,636 ACS patients met the inclusion criteria with a mean age 57±13 years. Based on ROC analysis, the optimal shock index was 0.80 (83.5% had shock index <0.80 and 16.5% had shock index ≥0.80). In patients with high shock index, 55% had ST-elevation myocardial infarction and 45% had non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Patients with high shock index were more likely to have diabetes mellitus, late presentation, door to electrocardiogram >10 min, symptom to Emergency Department > 3 h, anterior myocardial infarction, impaired left ventricular function, no reperfusion post-therapy, recurrent ischemia/myocardial infarction, tachyarrhythmia and stroke. However, high shock index was associated significantly with less chest pain, less thrombolytic therapy and less primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Shock index correlated significantly with pulse pressure (r= -0.52), mean arterial pressure (r= -0.48), Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events score (r =0.41) and Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction simple risk index (r= -0.59). Shock index ≥0.80 predicted mortality in ACS with 49% sensitivity, 85% specificity, 97.6% negative predictive value and 0.6 negative likelihood ratio. Multivariate regression analysis showed that shock index was an independent predictor for in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.40, p<0.001), heart failure (aOR 1.67, p<0.001) and cardiogenic shock (aOR 3.70, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Although shock index is the least accurate of the ones tested, its simplicity may argue in favor of its use for early risk stratification in patients with ACS. The utility of shock index is equally good for ST-elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome. High shock index identifies patients at increased risk of in-hospital mortality and urges physicians in the Emergency Department to use aggressive management.

Impact of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/Angiotensin Receptors Blockers on Mortality in Acute Heart Failure Patients with Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in the Middle East: Observations from the Gulf Acute Heart Failure Registry (Gulf CARE).

AIMS: To evaluate the impact of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEIs)/ Angiotensin Receptors Blockers (ARBs) on in-hospital, 3- and 12-month all-cause mortality in Acute Heart Failure (AHF) patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction in 7 countries of the Middle East. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data was analysed from 2,683 consecutive patients admitted with AHF and Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) (<40%) from 47 hospitals from February to November 2012. Analyses were evaluated using univariate and multivariate statistics. The overall mean age of the cohort was 58±15, 72% (n=1,937) were males, 62% (n=1,651) had coronary artery disease, 57% (n=1,539) were hypertensives and 47% (n=1,268) had diabetes. Overall cumulative mortality at inhospital, 3- and 12-month follow-up was 5.8% (n=155), 12.6% (n=338) and 20.4% (n=548), respectively. Adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics as well as medication in a multivariate logistic regression model, ACEIs were associated with lower risk of in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 0.48; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.25 to 0.94; p=0.031). At 3-month follow-up, both ACEIs (aOR, 0.64; 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.95; p=0.025) and ARBs (aOR, 0.34; 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.62; p<0.001) were associated with lower risk of mortality. Additionally, at 12-month follow-up, those prescribed ACEIs (aOR, 0.71; 95% CI: 0.53 to 0.96; p=0.027) and ARBs (aOR, 0.47; 95% CI: 0.31 to 0.71; p<0.001) were still associated with lower risk of mortality. CONCLUSION: ACEIs and ARBs treatments were associated with lower mortality risk during admission and up to 12-month of follow-up in Middle East AHF patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Knot free technique for Laparoscopic Ventral Mesh Rectopexy.

AIM: The aim of our study was to describe and assess a new method of mesh fixation using clips in Laparoscopic Ventral Mesh Rectopexy (VMR). This technique avoids knots while suturing in pelvis and saves time. METHOD: A systematic search of the literature (PUBMED, EMBASE) was done to find out alternate ways to fix the mesh over the anterior surface of rectum. This technique has not been used before. We performed five operations using this technique. Indication for surgery was full thickness rectal prolapse in all of them. Majority of patients were female (four) and one was male with age range of 32-69 years. Two patients had previous abdominal surgery. Laparoscopic access included four ports and 30° scope in all cases. Biological mesh was used in 4 cases and synthetic in remaining one. Instead of using normal intra-corporeal or extra-corporeal suturing, a novel technique was used to secure the Ethibond 2/0 suture using endo clip. The mesh fixation to sacral promontory was done with tacker. RESULTS: These patients were prospectively followed up to assess the effectiveness of repair and to assess for the recurrence. The median follow up so far is 8 months (range 5-11). None of the patients had any major complication. No patient has reported recurrence either. CONCLUSION: Our study with limitations of small group and relatively shorter follow up has proven to be a safe technique. This technique has a potential of replacing intra or extracorporeal knot with endo clips and requires less time compared to conventional suturing. It also advantage of having a minimal learning curve.

Pneumothorax after Colonoscopy - A Review of Literature.

The purpose of this study was to determine the anatomical aspects, mechanisms, risk factors and appropriate management of development of pneumothorax during a routine colonoscopy. A systematic search of the literature (MEDLINE, Embase and Google Scholar) revealed 21 individually documented patients of pneumothorax following a colonoscopy, published till December 2015. One additional patient treated at our center was added. A pooled analysis of these 22 patients was performed including patient characteristics, indication of colonoscopy, any added procedure, presenting symptoms,risk factors and treatment given. The review suggested that various risk factors may be female gender, therapeutic interventions, difficult colonoscopy and underlying bowel pathology. Diagnosis of this condition requires a high index of suspicion and treatment should be tailored to individual needs.

Implications of a History of Syncope in Patients Hospitalized With Heart Failure.

We assessed the frequency and implications of a history of syncope of up to 1 year prior to hospitalization with acute heart failure (AHF) between February and November 2012. Data were collected for 5005 patients hospitalized with AHF and analyzed and compared according to the absence/presence of a history of syncope (group 1 vs group 2). Prior syncope among patients with heart failure was 5.3%. Age, gender, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, bundle branch block, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and obstructed coronary vessels were comparable in the 2 groups. Group 2 patients were more likely to smoke or have diabetes mellitus, stroke, and cardiac arrest. Group 2 patients frequently required aggressive treatment and had more worse in-hospital and 1-year outcomes compared to group 1. After adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity, and LVEF, multivariate regression analysis showed that history of syncope predicted in-hospital mortality (odds ratio: 2.61; 95% confidence interval: 1.707-4.002). History of syncope during the year prior to the index admission with AHF is a marker of worse outcomes regardless of patient age and LVEF. Further studies are required to confirm this observation and its clinical implications.

Systolic Blood Pressure on Admission and Mortality in Patients Hospitalized With Acute Heart Failure: Observations From the Gulf Acute Heart Failure Registry.

We investigated the role of systolic blood pressure (SBP) in relation to in-hospital and postdischarge mortality in patients admitted with acute heart failure (AHF). The SBP of 4848 patients aged ≥18 years admitted with AHF was categorized into 5 groups: ≤90, 91 to 119, 120 to 139, 140 to 161, and >161 mm Hg. After adjusting for several confounders, multivariate logistic regression models showed that admission SBP was a significant predictor of mortality among both patients with preserved left ventricular function (defined as left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] ≥40%) and patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVEF <40%). The adjusted odds ratios of in-hospital, 3-month, and 1-year mortality in the lowest SBP groups were 7.06 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.28-15.20; P < .001), 2.59 (95% CI: 1.35-4.96; P = .004), and 3.10 (95% CI: 2.04-4.72; P < .001) times the odds in the highest admission group (SBP > 161 mm Hg), respectively. We conclude that low admission SBP is an independent predictor of mortality in patients with AHF. The higher the admission SBP, the better the prognosis, regardless of age or LVEF.

Comparison of Indian subcontinent and Middle East acute heart failure patients: Results from the Gulf Acute Heart Failure Registry.

OBJECTIVE: To compare Middle East Arabs and Indian subcontinent acute heart failure (AHF) patients. METHODS: AHF patients admitted from February 14, 2012 to November 14, 2012 in 47 hospitals among 7 Middle East countries. RESULTS: The Middle Eastern Arab group (4157) was older (60 vs. 54 years), with high prevalence of coronary artery disease (48% vs. 37%), valvular heart disease (14% vs. 7%), atrial fibrillation (12% vs. 7%), and khat chewing (21% vs. 1%). Indian subcontinent patients (382) were more likely to be smokers (36% vs. 21%), alcohol consumers (11% vs. 2%), diabetic (56% vs. 49%) with high prevalence of AHF with reduced ejection fraction (76% vs. 65%), and with acute coronary syndrome (46% vs. 26%). In-hospital mortality was 6.5% with no difference, but 3-month and 12-month mortalities were significantly high among Middle East Arabs, (13.7% vs. 7.6%) and (22.8% vs. 17.1%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: AHF patients from this region are a decade younger than Western patients with high prevalence of ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and AHF with reduced ejection fraction. There is an urgent need to control risk factors among both groups, as well as the need for setting up heart failure clinics for better postdischarge management.

Sex Differences in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: Insights From the Heart Function Assessment Registry Trial in Saudi Arabia.

We assessed sex-specific differences in clinical features and outcomes of patients with acute heart failure (AHF). The Heart function Assessment Registry Trial in Saudi Arabia (HEARTS), a prospective registry, enrolled 2609 patients with AHF (34.2% women) between 2009 and 2010. Women were older and more likely to have risk factors for atherosclerosis, history of heart failure (HF), and rheumatic heart and valve disease. Ischemic heart disease was the prime cause for HF in men and women but more so in men (P < .001). Women had higher rates of hypertensive heart disease and primary valve disease (P < .001, for both comparisons). Men were more likely to have severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. On discharge, a higher use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, ß-blockers, and aldosterone inhibitors was observed in men (P < .001 for all comparisons). Apart from higher atrial fibrillation in women and higher ventricular arrhythmias in men, no differences were observed in hospital outcomes. The overall survival did not differ between men and women (hazard ratio: 1.0, 95% confidence interval: 0.8-1.2, P = .981). Men and women with AHF differ significantly in baseline clinical characteristics and management but not in adverse outcomes.

Heart failure in low- and middle-income countries: background, rationale, and design of the INTERnational Congestive Heart Failure Study (INTER-CHF).

BACKGROUND: Although heart failure (HF) has been referred to as a global epidemic, most HF information comes from high-income countries, with little information about low-income countries (LIC) and middle-income countries (MIC) in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and South America, which make up the majority of the world's population. METHODS: The INTERnational Congestive Heart Failure Study is a cohort study of 5,813 HF patients enrolled in 108 centers in 16 LIC and MIC. At baseline, data were recorded on sociodemographic and clinical risk factors, HF etiology, laboratory variables, management, and barriers to evidence-based HF care at the patient, physician, and system levels. We sought to enroll consecutive and consenting patients ≥18 years of age with a clinical diagnosis of HF seen in outpatient clinics (2/3 of patients) or inpatient hospital wards (1/3 of patients). Patients were followed up at 6 and 12 months post-enrollment to record clinical status, treatments, and clinical outcomes such as death and hospitalizations. In the 5,813 enrolled HF patients, the mean age was 59 ± 15 years, 40% were female, 62% had a history of hypertension, 30% had diabetes, 21% had prior myocardial infarction, 64% were recruited from outpatient clinics, 36% lived in rural areas, and 29% had HF with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. CONCLUSIONS: This unique HF registry aims to systematically gather information on sociodemographic and clinical risk factors, etiologies, treatments, barriers to evidence-based care, and outcomes of HF in LIC and MIC. This information will help improve the management of HF globally.

Rationale, Design, Methodology and Hospital Characteristics of the First Gulf Acute Heart Failure Registry (Gulf CARE).

BACKGROUND: There is paucity of data on heart failure (HF) in the Gulf Middle East. The present paper describes the rationale, design, methodology and hospital characteristics of the first Gulf acute heart failure registry (Gulf CARE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gulf CARE is a prospective, multicenter, multinational registry of patients >18 year of age admitted with diagnosis of acute HF (AHF). The data collected included demographics, clinical characteristics, etiology, precipitating factors, management and outcomes of patients admitted with AHF. In addition, data about hospital readmission rates, procedures and mortality at 3 months and 1-year follow-up were recorded. Hospital characteristics and care provider details were collected. Data were entered in a dedicated website using an electronic case record form. RESULTS: A total of 5005 consecutive patients were enrolled from February 14, 2012 to November 13, 2012. Forty-seven hospitals in 7 Gulf States (Oman, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Kuwait, United Gulf Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain) participated in the project. The majority of hospitals were community hospitals (46%; 22/47) followed by non-University teaching (32%; 15/47 and University hospitals (17%). Most of the hospitals had intensive or coronary care unit facilities (93%; 44/47) with 59% (28/47) having catheterization laboratory facilities. However, only 29% (14/47) had a dedicated HF clinic facility. Most patients (71%) were cared for by a cardiologist. CONCLUSIONS: Gulf CARE is the first prospective registry of AHF in the Middle East, intending to provide a unique insight into the demographics, etiology, management and outcomes of AHF in the Middle East. HF management in the Middle East is predominantly provided by cardiologists. The data obtained from this registry will help the local clinicians to identify the deficiencies in HF management as well as provide a platform to implement evidence based preventive and treatment strategies to reduce the burden of HF in this region.

Absence of obesity paradox in Saudi patients admitted with acute coronary syndromes: insights from SPACE registry.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To describe the distribution of body mass index (BMI) and its relationship with clinical features, management, and in-hospital outcomes of patients admitted with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). DESIGN AND SETTINGS: The Saudi Project for Assessment of Coronary Events is a prospective registry. ACS patients admitted to 17 hospitals from December 2005-2007 were included in this study. METHODS: BMI was available for 3469 patients (68.6%) admitted with ACS and categorized into 4 groups: normal weight, overweight, obese, and morbidly obese. RESULTS: Of patients admitted with ACS, 72% were either overweight or obese. A high prevalence of diabetes (57%), hypertension (56.6%), dyslipidemia (42%), and smoking (32.4%) was reported. Increasing BMI was significantly associated with diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Overweight and obese patients were significantly younger than the normal-weight group (P=.006). However, normal-weight patients were more likely to be smokers and had 3-vessel coronary artery disease, worse left ventricular dysfunction, and ST elevation myocardial infarction. Glycoprotein IIb-IIIa antagonists were used significantly more in overweight, obese, and morbidly obese ACS patients than in normal-weight patients (P≤.001). Coronary angiography and percutaneous intervention were reported more in overweight and obese patients than in normal-weight patients (P≤.001). In-hospital outcomes were not significantly different among the BMI categories. CONCLUSION: High BMI is prevalent among Saudi patients with ACS. BMI was not an independent factor for in-hospital outcomes. In contrast with previous reports, high BMI was not associated with improved outcomes, indicating the absence of obesity paradox observed in other studies.

Laparoscopic Surgery in Luminal Gastrointestinal Emergencies-a Review of Current Status.

Laparoscopy has already established itself as the preferred surgical approach in a variety of elective surgical conditions. Along with its usual advantages of less tissue trauma and faster recovery, its diagnostic as well as therapeutic role is making it an attractive option in emergency surgery. In this paper, we have reviewed the current status of laparoscopic surgery in luminal gastrointestinal emergencies. Relevant papers were selected using Medline database from 2007 to the present. These were reviewed, and outcomes were stated under the headings of appendicitis, perforated peptic ulcer, colorectal emergencies and small bowel obstruction. The laparoscopic intervention was found to be of clear benefit in most of the patients with appendicitis. Its role, however, is not absolutely clear in managing perforated peptic ulcers. Laparoscopic lavage and drainage have been recommended in diverticular perforation with limited contamination. Small case series and studies have shown benefits of laparoscopic surgery in iatrogenic colonic perforations, colonic obstruction, emergency colectomy and small bowel obstruction. Laparoscopic surgery can be recommended in appendicitis and low-risk cases of perforated peptic ulcers. Its definitive role in other conditions needs more evidence. The surgeon's experience and careful patient selection are very important to improve the outcome.

Quality of care in primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute ST-segment -elevation myocardial infarction: Gulf RACE 2 experience.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) has been recognized as an effective management strategy for acute ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, there is no first-hand information regarding the quality of pPCI procedures in the Arabian Gulf countries. This study aims to explore the quality of pPCI practice. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: The Gulf Race II was designed as a prospective, multinational, multicentre registry of acute coronary events, focusing on the epidemiology, management practices, and outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndrome. The study recruited consecutive patients aged 18 years and above from 65 hospitals in 6 adjacent Middle Eastern countries (Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used data from the Gulf Registry of Acute Coronary Events (Gulf RACE 2). We analyzed data on patients who received pPCI to assess the guidelines-supported performance measure of door-to-balloon (D2B).

Gender inequality in the clinical outcomes of equally treated acute coronary syndrome patients in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Gender associations with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), remain inconsistent. Gender-specific data in the Saudi Project for Assessment of Coronary Events registry, launched in December 2005 and currently with 17 participating hospitals, were explored. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: A prospective multicenter study of patient with ACS in secondary and tertiary care centers in Saudi Arabia were included in this analysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients enrolled from December 2005 until December 2007 included those presented to participating hospitals or transferred from non-registry hospitals. Summarized data were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 5061 patients, 1142 (23%) were women. Women were more frequently diagnosed with non ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI [43%]) than unstable angina (UA [29%]) or ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI [29%]). More men had STEMI (42%) than NSTEMI (37%) or UA (22%). Men were younger than women (57 vs 63 years) who had more diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. More men had a history of coronary artery disease. More women received angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) and fewer had percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Gender differences in the subset of STEMI patients were similar to those in the entire cohort. However, gender differences in the subset of STEMI showed fewer women given b-blockers, and an insignificant PCI difference between genders. Thrombolysis rates between genders were similar. Overall, in-hospital mortality was significantly worse for women and, by ACS type, was significantly greater in women for STEMI and NSTEMI. However, after age adjustment there was no difference in mortality between men and women in patients with NSTEMI. The multivariate-adjusted (age, risk factors, treatments, door-to-needle time) STEMI gender mortality difference was not significant (OR=2.0, CI: 0.7-5.5; P=.14). CONCLUSION: These data are similar to other reported data. However, differences exist, and their explanation should be pursued to provide a valuable insight into understanding ACS and improving its management.

Exogenous osmolytes suppresses the toxic effects of malathion on Anabaena variabilis.

Role of osmolytes is though well established for salt, drought and chilling stress, but their role in pesticide stress is yet to be explored thoroughly. The sporadic information covers our previous studies on proline with respect to endosulfan and carbaryl pesticides in cyanobacteria. Therefore, during the present investigation importance of osmolytes (exogenous and endogenous) is studied in cyanobacterial biofertilizer Anabaena variabilis in the presence of 25, 50, 75 and 100 µg mL(-1) malathion pesticide. Present investigation has two parts. In the first part we showed that malathion exert its toxic effect on growth (biomass) via. malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This was associated with quantitative enhancement of endogenous osmolytes (proline, sucrose, mannitol, trehalose and glycogen). In the second part effort was made to corelate effect of exogenous addition of osmolytes (which were detected in the first part of this study) on growth and antioxidant enzymes [like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX)] of A. variabilis in the presence of 100 µg mL(-1) malathion. Surprisingly it was observed that exogenous osmolytes gave additional protection to the organism. The order of protection provided by osmolytes was as trehalose>glycogen>sucrose>mannitol>proline in A. variabilis.

Carbaryl stress induced cellular changes in Calothrix brevissima.

Cyanobacterial biofertilizers are affected by paddy field pesticides as nontarget organism. Carbaryl is a carbamate pesticide and is commonly used against rice thrip pest in paddy fields. In the present work, cellular changes caused by exposure of the cyanobacterial biofertilizer namely Calothrix brevissima to carbaryl were studied with special reference to fatty acids, electrolyte leakage, sulfur metabolism, and osmolytes. To study the toxic effect of carbaryl, the test cyanobacterium was exposed to varying concentrations of pesticide (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg L(-1)) for biochemical analyses. At 40 mg L(-1) carbaryl, polyunsaturated fatty acids were reduced by 32 % and membrane leakage was increased by 27 % suggesting that free radical-mediated lipid peroxidation took place. The sulfur-containing metabolites namely cysteine, cystine, and methionine were increased by 79, 64, and 52 %, respectively. The enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants namely glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase, reduced glutathione, and oxidized glutathione were increased to 56, 71, 72, and 60 %, respectively. Osmolytes that serve as stress enzyme protectors as well as nonenzymatic free radical scavenger were also increased, indicating their protective nature in context with carbaryl-induced stress. The respective increase in mannitol, trehalose, and glycogen were 158, 98, and 159 %. In C. brevissima, carbaryl-induced membrane leakage was counteracted by increasing enzymatic and nonenzymatic parameters that helped in scavenging free radicals.

Weekend versus weekday, morning versus evening admission in relationship to mortality in acute coronary syndrome patients in 6 middle eastern countries: results from gulf race 2 registry.

We used prospective cohort data of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) to compare their management on weekdays/mornings with weekends/nights, and the possible impact of this on 1-month and 1-year mortality. Analyses were evaluated using univariate and multivariate statistics. Of the 4,616 patients admitted to hospitals with ACS, 76% were on weekdays. There were no significant differences in 1-month (odds ratio (OR), 0.88; 95% CI: 0.68-1.14) and 1-year mortality (OR, 0.88; 95% CI: 0.70-1.10), respectively, between weekday and weekend admissions. Similarly, there were no significant differences in 1-month (OR, 0.92; 95% CI: 0.73-1.15) and 1-year mortality (OR, 0.98; 95% CI: 0.80-1.20), respectively, between nights and day admissions. In conclusion, apart from lower utilization of angiography (P < .001) at weekends, there were largely no significant discrepancies in the management and care of patients admitted with ACS on weekdays and during morning hours compared with patients admitted on weekends and night hours, and the overall 30-day and 1-year mortality was similar between both the cohorts.

Modulation of intestinal inflammation by yeasts and cell wall extracts: strain dependence and unexpected anti-inflammatory role of glucan fractions.

Yeasts and their glycan components can have a beneficial or adverse effect on intestinal inflammation. Previous research has shown that the presence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii (Sb) reduces intestinal inflammation and colonization by Candida albicans. The aim of this study was to identify dietary yeasts, which have comparable effects to the anti-C. albicans and anti-inflammatory properties of Sb and to assess the capabilities of yeast cell wall components to modulate intestinal inflammation. Mice received a single oral challenge of C. albicans and were then given 1.5% dextran-sulphate-sodium (DSS) for 2 weeks followed by a 3-day restitution period. S. cerevisiae strains (Sb, Sc1 to Sc4), as well as mannoprotein (MP) and ß-glucan crude fractions prepared from Sc2 and highly purified ß-glucans prepared from C. albicans were used in this curative model, starting 3 days after C. albicans challenge. Mice were assessed for the clinical, histological and inflammatory responses related to DSS administration. Strain Sc1-1 gave the same level of protection against C. albicans as Sb when assessed by mortality, clinical scores, colonization levels, reduction of TNFα and increase in IL-10 transcription. When Sc1-1 was compared with the other S. cerevisiae strains, the preparation process had a strong influence on biological activity. Interestingly, some S. cerevisiae strains dramatically increased mortality and clinical scores. Strain Sc4 and MP fraction favoured C. albicans colonization and inflammation, whereas ß-glucan fraction was protective against both. Surprisingly, purified ß-glucans from C. albicans had the same protective effect. Thus, some yeasts appear to be strong modulators of intestinal inflammation. These effects are dependent on the strain, species, preparation process and cell wall fraction. It was striking that ß-glucan fractions or pure ß-glucans from C. albicans displayed the most potent anti-inflammatory effect in the DSS model.

Immediate and one-year outcome of patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome complicated by stroke: findings from the 2nd Gulf Registry of Acute Coronary Events (Gulf RACE-2).

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a potential complication of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence, risk factors predisposing to stroke, in-hospital and 1-year mortality among patients presenting with ACS in the Middle East. METHODS: For a period of 9 months in 2008 to 2009, 7,930 consecutive ACS patients were enrolled from 65 hospitals in 6 Middle East countries. RESULTS: The prevalence of in-hospital stroke following ACS was 0.70%. Most cases were ST segment elevation MI-related (STEMI) and ischemic stroke in nature. Patients with in-hospital stroke were 5 years older than patients without stroke and were more likely to have hypertension (66% vs. 47.6%, P = 0.001). There were no differences between the two groups in regards to gender, other cardiovascular risk factors, or prior cardiovascular disease. Patients with stroke were more likely to present with atypical symptoms, advanced Killip class and less likely to be treated with evidence-based therapies. Independent predictors of stroke were hypertension, advanced killip class, ACS type -STEMI and cardiogenic shock. Stroke was associated with increased risk of in-hospital (39.3% vs. 4.3%) and one-year mortality (52% vs. 12.3%). CONCLUSION: There is low incidence of in-hospital stroke in Middle-Eastern patients presenting with ACS but with very high in-hospital and one-year mortality rates. Stroke patients were less likely to be appropriately treated with evidence-based therapy. Future work should be focused on reducing the risk and improving the outcome of this devastating complication.

Clinical Profile and Mortality of ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Receiving Thrombolytic Therapy in the Middle East.

OBJECTIVE: Little is known about thrombolytic therapy patterns in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the Middle East. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical profile and mortality of STEMI patients who arrived in hospital within 12 hours from pain onset and received thrombolytic therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, multinational, multi-centre, observational survey of consecutive acute coronary syndrome patients admitted to 65 hospitals in six Middle Eastern countries during the period between October 2008 and June 2009, as part of Gulf RACE-II (Registry of Acute Coronary Events). Analyses were performed using univariate statistics. RESULTS: Out of 2,465 STEMI patients, 66% (n = 1,586) were thrombolysed with namely: streptokinase (43%), reteplase (44%), tenecteplase (10%), and alteplase (3%). 22.7% received no reperfusion. Median age of the study cohort was 50 (45-59) years with majority being males (91%). The overall median symptom onset-to-presentation and door-to-needle times were 165 (95- 272) minutes and 38 (24-60) minutes, respectively. Generally, patients presenting with higher GRACE risk scores were treated with newer thrombolytic agents (reteplase and tenecteplase) (P < 0.001). The use of newer thrombolytic agents was associated with a significantly lower mortality at both 1-month (0.8% vs. 1.7% vs. 4.2%; P = 0.014) and 1-year (0% vs. 1.7% vs. 3.4%; P = 0.044) compared to streptokinase use. CONCLUSIONS: Majority of STEMI patients from the Middle East were thrombolysed with streptokinase and reteplase in equal numbers. Nearly one-fifth of patients did not receive any reperfusion therapy. There was inappropriately long symptom-onset to hospital presentation as well as door-to-needle times. Use of newer thrombolytic agents in high risk patients was appropriate. Newer thrombolytic agents were associated with significantly lower mortality at 1-month and 1-year compared to the older agent, streptokinase.