Endocarditis-TR: Diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of the infective endocarditis patients admitting tertiary centres of Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis (IE) is still a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among cardiovascular diseases. ENDOCARDITIS-TR study aims to evaluate the compliance of the diagnostic and therapeutic methods being used in Turkey with current guidelines. METHODS: The ENDOCARDITIS-TR trial is a multicentre, prospective, observational study consisting of patients admitted to tertiary centres with a definite diagnose of IE. In addition to the demographic, clinical, microbiological, and echocardiographic findings of the patients, adverse events, indications for surgery, and in-hospital mortality were recorded during a 2-year time interval. RESULTS: A total of 208 IE patients from 7 tertiary centres in Turkey were enrolled in the study. The study population included 125 (60.1%) native valve IE (NVE), 65 (31.3%) prosthetic IE (PVIE), and 18 (8.7%) intracardiac device-related IE (CDRIE). One hundred thirty-five patients (64.9%) were culture positive, and the most frequent pathogenic agent was methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) (18.3%). Among 155 (74.5%) patients with an indication for surgery, only 87 (56.1%) patients underwent surgery. The all-cause mortality rate was 29.3% in-hospital follow-up. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that absence of surgery when indicated (HR: 3.29 95% CI: 0.93-11.64 p = 0.05), albumin level at admission (HR: 0.46 95% CI: 0.29-0.73 P < 0.01), abscess formation (HR: 2.11 95% CI: 1.01-4.38 p = 0.04) and systemic embolism (HR: 1.78 95% CI: 1.05-3.02 p = 0.03) were ascertained independent predictors of in-hospital all-cause mortality. DISCUSSION: The short-term results of the ENDOCARDITIS-TR trial showed the high frequency of staphylococcal IE, relatively high in-hospital mortality rates, shortage of surgical treatment despite guideline-based surgical indications and low usage of novel imaging techniques. The results of this study will provide a better insight to physicians in respect to their adherence to clinical practice guidelines.

Evaluation of demographic and clinical characteristics of female patients presenting with MINOCA and differences between male patients: A subgroup analysis of MINOCA-TR registry.

OBJECTIVE: Although the prevalence and rate of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) are higher in women than in men in previous cohorts, potential demographic and clinical differences between women who are diagnosed with MINOCA versus myocardial infarction with obstructive coronary arteries (MIOCA) have not been studied till date. In this study, we aimed to document these characteristics and to compare them between female patients with MINOCA and MIOCA. METHODS: The study was a subgroup analysis of the MINOCA-TR study. The study was a multi-center, observational cohort study that was conducted in Turkey between March 2018 and October 2018. In this study, 477 (29.3%) female patients who had been diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction were evaluated. RESULTS: Of these women, 49 (10.3%) were diagnosed with MINOCA (mean age 58.9±12.9 years) and 428 (89.7%) had a final diagnosis of MIOCA (mean age 67.4±11.8 years). The prevalence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus was significantly lower in the MINOCA group than in the MIOCA group. In addition, the MINOCA group had higher rates of recent flu history and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) presentation than the MIOCA group. There were significant clinical differences in patients with MINOCA in terms of sex. The female patients were older, had higher systolic blood pressures, and lower hemoglobin levels than male patients. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that the prevalence of traditional coronary artery disease risk factors was lower in female patients with MINOCA than in those who had final diagnosis of MIOCA.

Demographic, Clinical, and Angiographic Characteristics of Atrial Fibrillation Patients Suffering From de novo Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Subgroup Analysis of the MINOCA-TR Study Population.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) prevalence in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) ranges from 3% to 25%. However demographic, clinical, and angiographic characteristics of AF patients who admitted with de novo MI are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of patients presenting with de novo MI with AF. METHODS: The study was performed as a sub-study of the MINOCA-TR (Myocardial Infarction with Non-obstructive Coronary Arteries in Turkish Population) Registry, a multicenter, cross-sectional, observational, all-comer registry. MI patients without a known history of stable coronary artery disease and/or prior coronary revascularization were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into AF and Non-AF groups according to presenting cardiac rhythm. RESULTS: A total of 1793 patients were screened and 1626 were included in the study. The mean age was 61.5 (12.5) years. 70.7% of patients were men. The prevalence of AF was 3.1% (51 patients). AF patients were older [73.4 (9.4) vs. 61.0 (12.4) years, p<0.001] than non-AF patients. The proportion of women to men in the AF group was also higher than in the non-AF group (43.1% vs. 28.7%, p=0.027). Only 1 out of every 5 AF patients (10 patients, 19.6%) was using oral anticoagulants (OAC). CONCLUSIONS: AF prevalence in patients presenting with de novo MI was lower than previous studies that issued on AF prevalence in MI cohorts. The majority of AF patients did not have any knowledge of their arrhythmia and were not undergoing OAC therapy at admission, emphasizing the vital role of successful diagnostic strategies, patient education, and implementations for guideline adaptation.

The Importance of Prognostic Nutritional Index in Predicting Acute Renal Failure After On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Operations in Patients with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: After coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) operations, acute kidney injury (AKI) appears at 5-30% rates, and this rate increases even more in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Prognostic nutritional index (PNI) is known as a valuable parameter that affects cardiovascular surgery outcomes. In this current study, we aimed to investigate the importance of PNI value in predicting AKI after on-pump CABG operations in insulin-dependent diabetic patients. METHODS: A total of 254 consecutive patients with insulin- dependent diabetes who underwent on-pump CABG in our clinic between January 2016 and January 2020 retrospectively were included in this study. In the postoperative period, patients were registered as the renal failure group (Group 1), and those who did not develop renal failure were registered as Group 2. RESULTS: A total of 255 patients with DM were included in the study. There were 82 patients in Group 1 and 173 patients in Group 2. There was no difference between the groups, in terms of age, gender, smoking, and hyperlipidemia rates. Hypertension rate significantly was higher in Group 2 (P = .001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, hypertension (OR: 1.226, 95% CI: 1.114-2.459, P = .026), need for inotropic support (OR: 1.128, 95% CI: 1.070-1.784, P = .033), increased blood product use (OR: 1.291, 95% CI: 1.112-2.156, P = .021) preoperative high creatinine (OR: 3.563, 95% CI: 2.497-5.559, P < .001), and PNI (OR: 1.327, 95% CI: 1.118-2.785, P = .012) were independent predictors of AKI. CONCLUSION: In our study, we determined PNI value as an independent predictor in predicting acute renal injury occurring after on-pump CABG operations in patients with insulin-dependent DM.

Prognostic nutritional index as a marker of mortality: an observational cohort study of patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Nutritional problem of the patient is a valuable stiuation in patients undergoing surgery. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and postoperative in-mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. 1003 patients undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery in our hospital between January 2016-January 2020 were included in this study retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups based on in-hospital mortality, as survivors (Group I, n = 934) and non-survivors (Group II, n = 69). Their preoperative nutritional status was determined using the PNI. Compared to survivors, non-survivors were found to have a significantly higher mean age (62.5 ± 10.8 vs. 67.45 ± 10.1, P < 0.001) and significantly lower mean preoperative ejection fraction (51.6 ± 0.3 vs. 44.5 ± 1.2, P < 0.001). And combined cardiac surgery rate was significantly higher in non-survivors (P = 0.009). Also non-survivors had a significantly lower mean PNI compared to survivors (44.76 ± 7.63 vs. 48.34 ± 6.71, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis Model 1 revealed that age (Odds ratio (OR): 1.756; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.250-3.790, P = 0.029), intra-aortic balloon pump usage (OR: 2.252, 95% CI: 1.885-6.194, P < 0.001), combined cardiac surgery (OR: 0.542, 95% CI: 0.428-0.690, P = 0.041) and the PNI (OR: 0.639, 95% CI: 0.552-0.874, P = 0.021) were independent predictors of mortality. In Model 2, age >70 (OR: 2.437, 95% CI: 1.983-5.390, P = 0.005), LVEF <35% (OR: 1.945, 95% CI: 1.586-3.492, P = 0.012), IABP usage (OR: 1.365, 95% CI: 1.109-2.196, P = 0.001) and PNI (OR: 0.538, 95% CI: 0.492-0.791, P = 0.033) were determined as independent predictors for mortality. In on-pump cardiac surgery, postoperative mortality is significantly associated with preoperative low PNI, and PNI can be a useful and suitable parameter for preoperative risk evaluation.

Prevalence and clinical profile of patients with myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries in Turkey (MINOCA-TR): A national multi-center, observational study.

OBJECTIVE: Myocardial infarction (MI) with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is a relatively new term that is characterized by clinical evidence of MI with normal or near-normal coronary arteries on coronary angiography (QCA). To date, there have been no population-based studies on the prevalence of MINOCA in Turkey. The aim of this nationwide study was to document the prevalence and demographics of MINOCA in a Turkish population. METHODS: MINOCA-TR is national, multi-center, prospective, all-comer study that was conducted in 32 hospitals. All consecutive patients who were ≥18 years old, diagnosed with MI according to the Third Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction, and had undergone QCA were included in the study. Patients with stable coronary artery disease, unstable angina pectoris, a history of revascularization, and type 4/5 MI were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 1793 patients who were diagnosed with MI and had undergone QCA were screened between March 2018 and October 2018, of whom 1626 (mean age: 61.5±12.5 years, 70.7% male) were enrolled from 32 centers. The prevalence of MINOCA was 6.7% (n=109) in the overall study population. Compared with non-MINOCA patients, those with MINOCA were younger, had a higher prevalence of the female gender, and had a history of flu. The percentages of current smokers, ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction patients, and those with a history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia were significantly lower in MINOCA patients (p<0.05, for all). Also, the median left ventricular ejection fraction as seen on echocardiography and the ratio of Killip Class I status at presentation was significantly higher in MINOCA patients than in non-MINOCA patients (p<0.001). Patients with MINOCA received a preload dose of P2Y12 antagonist before QCA less often than non-MINOCA patients (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MINOCA in Turkey is 6.7% in patients who were admitted with MI. Also, as compared to non-MINOCA patients, the MINOCA patients were exposed to fewer traditional risk factors of coronary artery disease.

Normal echocardiographic measurements in a Turkish population: The Healthy Heart ECHO-TR Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Normal reference values for the cardiac chambers are widely based on cohorts from European or American populations. In this study, we aimed to obtain normal echocardiographic measurements of healthy Turkish volunteers to reveal the age, gender, and geographical region dependent differences between Turkish populations and other populations. METHODS: Among 31 collaborating institutions from all regions of Turkey, 1154 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. Predefined protocols were used for all participants during echocardiographic examination. Blood biochemical parameters were also obtained for all patients on admission. The American Society of Echocardiography and European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging recommendations were used to assess the echocardiographic cardiac chamber quantification. RESULTS: The study included 1154 volunteers (men: 609; women: 545), with a mean age of 33.5±11 years. Compared to men, women had a smaller body surface area, lower blood pressure and heart rate, lower hemoglobin, total cholesterol, lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, and higher high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Cardiac chambers were also smaller in women and their size varied with age. When we compared the regions in Turkey, the lowest values of left cardiac chamber indices were seen in the Marmara region and the highest values were observed in the Mediterranean region. Regarding the right cardiac indices, the Mediterranean region reported the lowest values, while the Black Sea region and the Eastern Anatolia region reported the highest values. CONCLUSION: This is the first study that evaluates the normal echocardiographic reference values for a healthy Turkish population. These results may provide important reference values that could be useful in routine clinical practice as well as in further clinical trials. (.

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio is associated with proximal/middle segment of the LAD lesions in patients with ST segment elevation infarction.

INTRODUCTION: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was revaled to have a close relation with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The relationship between NLR and culprit plaque localization has never been studied. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the association between NLR and unstable plaque localization of left anterior descending artery (LAD) in anterior miyocardial infarction patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients admitted to our hospital with acute anterior STEMI were included. Fifhy-eight patients who have single-vessel disease at LAD and their hematological parameters were analyzed retrospectively. Proximal segment of LAD lesions were groupped as Group I and mid segment of the LAD lesion groupped as Group II. The groups were compared according to their NLR and other parameters. RESULTS: Between group I (n = 41, mean age 52.5 ±12.7) and group II (n = 17, mean ages 52.0 ±10.8); NLR, were significantly higher in group I compared to the group II (6.9 ±5.6 vs. 3.3 ±2.0, p = 0.01). In group I, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was significantly lower (p = 0.02). In correlation analyzes, NLR was positively correlated with CK MB (r = 0.32, p = 0.01) and negatively correlated with LVEF (r = -0.28, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that anterior myocardial infarction patients with high NLR had a greater possibility having proximal culprit lesion on the LAD. Therefore NLR can be used as a useful tool to culprit plaque localization in patients with acute miyocardial infarction patients.

Infective endocarditis: a tertiary referral centre experience from Turkey.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to define the current characteristics of infective endocarditis (IE) in a part of Turkey. METHODS: All patients who were hospitalized in our hospital with a diagnosis of IE between 2009 and 2014 were included in the study. Data were collected from archives records of all patients. Modified Duke criteria were used for diagnosis. RESULTS: There were 85 IE cases during the study period. The mean age of patients was 52 years. Fourty eight of patients were males. Native valves involved in 47%, prostetic valves involved in 40% and pacemaker or ICD lead IE in 13% of patients. Mitral valve was the most common site of vegetationb (38%). The most common valvular pathology was mitral regurgitation. The most common predisposing factor was prosthetic valve disease (40%). Positive culture rate was 68%. Staphylococci were the most frequent causative microorganisms isolated (27%) followed by Streptococcus spp. (11%). In-hospital mortality rate was 36%. CONCLUSION: In Turkey, IE occurs in relatively young patients. In high developed part of Turkey, prosthetic and dejenerative valve disease is taking the place of rheumatic valve disease as a predisposing factor. Surgery is an important factor for preventing mortality.

Evaluation of Tp-Te Interval and Tp-Te/QT Ratio in Patients with Coronary Slow Flow Tp-Te/QT Ratio and Coronary Slow Flow.

OBJECTIVE: Coronary slow flow (CSF) phenomenon is described by angiographically normal coronary arteries with delayed opacification of the distal vasculature. Several studies have suggested that the interval from the peak to the end of the electrocardiographic T wave (Tp-Te) may correspond to the transmural dispersion of the repolarization and that increased Tp-Te interval and Tp-Te/QT ratio are associated with malignant ventricular arrhythmias. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ventricular repolarization by using Tp-Te interval and Tp-Te/QT ratio in patients with CSF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 50 CSF patients (40 male, mean age 48.6±12.5 years) and 40 control individuals (23 male, mean age 47.8±12.5 years). Tp-Te interval and Tp-Te/QT ratio were measured from the 12-lead electrocardiogram. These parameters were compared in groups. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of the study groups were comparable. In electrocardiographic parameters analysis, QT and corrected QT were similar in CSF patients compared to the controls (357±35.2 vs 362±38.0 milliseconds and 419±25.8 vs 430±44.2 milliseconds, all p value >0.05). Tp-Te interval, Tp-Te/QT and Tp-Te/QTc ratio were significantly higher in CSF patients (85±13.7 vs 74±9.9 milliseconds and 0.24±0.03 vs 0.20±0.02 and 0.20±0.03 vs 0.17±0.02 all p value <0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that QTd, Tp-Te interval and Tp-Te/QT ratio are prolonged in patients with CSF.

High tenascin-C levels cause inadequate myocardial blush grade in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

AIM: Coronary artery disease (CAD) and its serious clinical form, ST segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been the leader within the death causes around the world and in our country. In STEMI, the main objective is providing the myocardial reperfusion. In our study, it was aimed to investigate the predictive value of tenascin-C level for the degree of myocardial reperfusion in patients with STEMI. METHODS: In our study, 58 patients admitted to our hospital with acute anterior STEMI were included. All the patients had underwent primary percutaneous intervention for the single-vessel disease at left anterior descending coronary artery. After admission to coronary care unit tenascin-C levels were measured. Subjects were classified according to their myocardial blush grades (MBG); MBG 0, MBG 1 and MBG 2 were groupped as Group I, MBG 3 was groupped as Group II. The groups were compared according to their tenascin-C levels and other parameters. RESULTS: Between group I (n = 31, mean age 55 ± 12.5) and group II (n = 27, mean ages 49.3 ± 11.1); tenascin-C, troponin I and CK-MB levels were significantly higher in group I compared to the group-II (P < 0.001; P < 0.001 and P < 0.05; respectively). In group I, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was significantly lower (P < 0.001), left ventricular end-diastolic volume and left ventricular end-systolic volume were significantly higher (P = 0.03) as compared to group II. In group I, ST-segment resolution at ECG was worse (P = 0.003). In correlation analyzes, tenascin-C was significantly positively correlated with troponin-I (r = 0.596; P < 0.001) and CRP (r = 0.615, P < 0.001). Tenascin-C was significantly negatively correlated with MBG, LVEF and ST-segment resolution (r = -0.626, P < 0.001, r = -0.411, P = 0.002 and r = -0.631; P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Based on our study, it can be estimated that in patients with high tenascin-C levels myocardial reperfusion was inadequate, even underwent successfull PCI. In this context, increased tenascin-C may help predict not only left ventricular remodelling and prognosis but also the effectiveness of primary PCI.

Mean platelet volume levels in the presence of angiographically documented peripheral artery disease.

AIM: Increased mean platelet volume (MPV) have been shown to be associated with peripheral artery disease (PAD). However in these studies, noninvasive methods for the diagnosis of PAD was used. In the literature, there is no studies examining the values of MPV in the angiographically documented PAD. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between angiographically documented PAD and MPV levels in the peripheral blood samples. METHODS: In this study, retrospective analysis of 1386 patients was performed who underwent peripheral angiography at the cardiology service of the our hospital, between 2006 and 2012 for a suspected diagnosis of lower extremity peripheral arterial disease. Patients with a stenosis percent of 50% or above in the peripheral angiography were considered as having peripheral arterial disease. MPV values are affected by many factor. Only 84 patients who complied with the inclusion criteria were detected. The study patients were divided into 2 groups according to the results of peripheral angiography. 56 patients diagnosed with PAD based on the specified criteria were grouped into Group I (mean age 59 ± 10 years) while 28 patients without peripheral arterial disease were grouped into Group II (mean age 60 ± 11 years). Blood tests and angiographic images were analyzed from patients' data. RESULTS: Both groups were similar in terms of basic parameters of anemia including hemoglobin, hematocrit and red cell distribution width levels. There were no significant differences between MPV levels in both groups (8.08 ± 0.91 vs 8.28 ± 1.16, P > 0.05). Mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin levels, on the other hand, were significantly higher in Group I (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we did not found any significant changes in the MPV levels of angiographically documented PAD diseases. The use of MPV level as a risk factor for peripheral arterial disease is impractical due to the fact that MPV is affected by a lot of factors and there are several technical factors. Because of this, in the real life, we are not recommend to use MPV values as an indicator for peripheral artery disease.

Red blood cell distribution width is associated with myocardial injury in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: The red blood cell distribution width has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. In the present study, we assessed the relationship between red cell distribution width values and cardiac troponin I levels in patients admitted with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome. METHODS: We analyzed blood parameters in 251 adult patients who were consecutively admitted to the intensive coronary care unit with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome over a 1-year period. For all patients, a baseline blood sample was collected for routine hematological testing. Cardiac troponin I was measured at baseline and after 6 h. The patients were diagnosed with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction or unstable angina based on the elevation of cardiac troponin I levels. RESULTS: The red cell distribution width was higher in the group with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction compared with the patient group with unstable angina (14.6±1.0 vs 13.06±1.7, respectively; p = 0.006). Coronary thrombus was detected more frequently in the group of patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction than in the patients with unstable angina (72% vs 51%, respectively; p = 0.007). Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for the prediction of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction based on the red cell distribution width, the area under the curve was 0.649 (95% confidence interval: 0.546-0.753; p = 0.006), suggesting a modest model for the prediction of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction using the red cell distribution width. At a cut-off value of 14%, the sensitivity and specificity of the red cell distribution width were 73% and 59%, respectively. Additionally, the red cell distribution width was positively correlated with cardiac troponin I (r = 0.19; p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: A greater baseline red cell distribution width value was associated with myocardial injury and elevated cardiac troponin I levels in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome. Therefore, the red cell distribution width could be considered for risk stratification of acute coronary syndrome patients admitted to emergency departments.

Red blood cell distribution width is associated with myocardial injury in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome

OBJECTIVES: The red blood cell distribution width has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. In the present study, we assessed the relationship between red cell distribution width values and cardiac troponin I levels in patients admitted with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome. METHODS: We analyzed blood parameters in 251 adult patients who were consecutively admitted to the intensive coronary care unit with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome over a 1-year period. For all patients, a baseline blood sample was collected for routine hematological testing. Cardiac troponin I was measured at baseline and after 6 h. The patients were diagnosed with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction or unstable angina based on the elevation of cardiac troponin I levels. RESULTS: The red cell distribution width was higher in the group with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction compared with the patient group with unstable angina (14.6±1.0 vs 13.06±1.7, respectively; p = 0.006). Coronary thrombus was detected more frequently in the group of patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction than in the patients with unstable angina (72% vs 51%, respectively; p = 0.007). Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for the prediction of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction based on the red cell distribution width, the area under the curve was 0.649 (95% confidence interval: 0.546-0.753; p = 0.006), suggesting a modest model for the prediction of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction using the red cell distribution width. At a cut-off value of 14%, the sensitivity and specificity of the red cell distribution width were 73% and 59%, respectively. Additionally, the red cell distribution width was positively correlated with cardiac troponin I (r = 0.19; p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: A greater baseline red cell distribution width value was associated with ...

White Blood Cell Subtypes and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio in Prediction of Coronary Thrombus Formation in Non-ST-Segment Elevated Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Leukocytes are reported as crucial not only for plaque activation but also in thrombus formation in acute coronary syndromes (ACSs). Among the markers of inflammation, in coronary artery disease neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been reported to have the greatest predictive power of poor outcomes. Our aim was to evaluate the association of NLR with coronary thrombus in patients with non-ST-segment elevated ACSs (NST-ACSs). A total of 251 patients were hospitalized with a diagnosis of NST-ACS including non-ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction and unstable angina pectoris. Coronary angiographies were performed. In 167 patients, coronary thrombus was detected. Between the patient groups with and without coronary thrombus, neutrophil count, platelet count, and NLR are significantly increased, and lymphocyte count is significantly decreased in the group with coronary thrombus as compared to patient group without coronary thrombus. Leukocyte count and NLR may give an indication about the presence of coronary thrombus. In NST-ACS, blood parameters may give valuable information about the status of the coronary arteries.

Evaluation of Tp-Te interval and Tp-Te/QTc ratio in patients with coronary artery ectasia.

AIM: Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is commonly defined as local or generalized dilatation of a coronary vessel up to 1.5 times the diameter of an adjacent vessel. Tp-Te interval and Tp-Te/QT ratio have emerged as novel electrocardiographic markers of increased dispersion of ventricular repolarization. The aim of this study was to evaluate ventricular repolarization by using Tp-Te interval and Tp-Te/QT ratio in patients with CAE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients' records were retrospectively analyzed. Electrocardiogram of 28 patients, who were diagnosed as CAE were obtained and scanned. T wave peak to end interval, QT and corrected QT intervals and some other ECG intervals were measured. Electrocardiograms of age and sex matched 22 control individuals were also analyzed for comparison. Patients with critical coronary stenosis, moderate or severe valve disease, left and/or right heart failure, left and/or right ventricle hypertrophy, atrial fibrillation, moderate or severely abnormal electrolytes, right or left bundle block or patients who got pacemaker or ICD implanted and who undergo hemodialyses were excluded. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics and QT, QTc intervals were similar in both groups. Tp-Te (97.71 ± 8.7 vs 85.23 ± 7.1; p < 0.001) and Tp-Te/QT (0.22 ± 0.0 vs 0.20 ± 0.0; p < 0.001) were significantly worse in CAE group. CONCLUSIONS: T wave peak to end interval is a measure of transmural dispersion of repolarization in the left ventricle and accepted as a surrogate for increased ventricular arrhythmogenesis risk. Tp-Te and Tp-Te/QT are relatively new markers which also indicate repolarization defects. Our results show that CAE patients significantly higher values of Tp-Te and Tp-Te/QT than controls. These measurements may indicate increased arrhythmogenesis risk for individuals with CAE.

Effect of non-dipper and dipper blood pressure patterns on Tp-Te interval and Tp-Te/QT ratio in patients with metabolic syndrome.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of blood pressure (BP) rhythm on the values of Tp-Te interval and Tp-Te/QT ratio in patients with metabolic syndrome. Seventy patients with newly diagnosed hypertension who fulfilled the metabolic syndrome criteria according to the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (NCEP/ATP-III) were evaluated with 24-hour blood pressure holter monitoring. According to blood pressure rhythm, 35 patients with dipper blood pressure pattern and 35 patients with non-dipper blood pressure pattern were enrolled as two groups in our study. QT, corrected QT (QTc), Tp-Te interval and Tp-Te/QT ratio were measured from the 12-lead electrocardiogram. These parameters were compared between the groups. The nocturnal systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly higher in non-dipper patients than the dipper group. Baseline characteristics and QT, QTc intervals were similar in both groups. Tp-Te (91±12.24 vs 74±9.96; p < 0.001), Tp-Te/QT (0.24±0.027 vs 0.20±0.025; p < 0.001) and Tp-Te/QTc (0.22±0.023 vs 0.18±0.023; p < 0.001) were significantly increased in non-dipper group. These findings suggest that Tp-Te interval, Tp-Te/QT ratio end Tp-Te/QTc ratio were prominently increased in non-dipper hypertensive patients than dippers with metabolic syndrome.

Disturbed Left Atrial Function is Associated with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is the most prevalent and modifiable risk factor for atrial fibrillation. The pressure overload in the left atrium induces pathophysiological changes leading to alterations in contractile function and electrical properties. OBJECTIVE: In this study our aim was to assess left atrial function in hypertensive patients to determine the association between left atrial function with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). METHOD: We studied 57 hypertensive patients (age: 53 ± 4 years; left ventricular ejection fraction: 76 ± 6.7%), including 30 consecutive patients with PAF and 30 age-matched control subjects. Left atrial (LA) volumes were measured using the modified Simpson's biplane method. Three types of LA volume were determined: maximal LA(LAVmax), preatrial contraction LA(LAVpreA) and minimal LA volume(LAVmin). LA emptying functions were calculated. LA total emptying volume = LAVmax-LAVmin and the LA total EF = (LAVmax-LAVmin )/LAVmax, LA passive emptying volume = LAVmax- LAVpreA and the LA passive EF = (LAVmax-LAVpreA)/LAVmax, LA active emptying volume = LAVpreA-LAVmin and LA active EF = (LAVpreA-LAVmin )/LAVpreA. RESULTS: The hypertensive period is longer in hypertensive group with PAF. LAVmax significantly increased in hypertensive group with PAF when compared to hypertensive group without PAF (p=0.010). LAAEF was significantly decreased in hypertensive group with PAF as compared to hypertensive group without PAF (p=0.020). A' was decreased in the hypertensive group with PAF when compared to those without PAF (p = 0.044). CONCLUSION: Increased LA volume and impaired LA active emptying function was associated with PAF in untreated hypertensive patients. Longer hypertensive period is associated with PAF.

Função Atrial Esquerda Prejudicada Associada com a Fibrilação Atrial Paroxística na Hipertensão / Disturbed Left Atrial Function is Associated with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in Hypertension

Fundamento: A hipertensão arterial é o fator de risco mais prevalente e modificável para a fibrilação atrial. A sobrecarga de pressão no átrio esquerdo induz alterações fisiopatológicas que ocasionam alterações na função contrátil e nas propriedades elétricas. Objetivo: Nesse estudo, o objetivo foi avaliar a função do átrio esquerdo em pacientes hipertensos para determinar a associação entre a função atrial esquerda e a fibrilação atrial paroxística (FAP). Método: Foram estudados 57 pacientes hipertensos (idade: 53 ± 4 anos, fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo: 76 ± 6,7%), incluindo 30 pacientes consecutivos com FAP e 30 indivíduos de controle pareados por idade. Os volumes do átrio esquerdo (AE) foram medidos através do método biplano de Simpson modificado. Foram determinados três tipos de volume do AE: volume máximo do AE (AEVmax), contração atrial prematura do AE (AEVpreA) e volume mínimo do AE (AEVmin). Foram calculadas as funções de esvaziamento do AE. Volume total de esvaziamento do AE = AEVmax - AEVmin e a FEtotal do AE = (AEVmax - AEVmin)/AEVmax, volume de esvaziamento passivo do AE = AEVmax-AEVpreA, e a FE do AE = (AEVmax - AEVpreA)/AEVmax, o volume de esvaziamento ativo do AE = AEVpreA- AEVmin e a FE ativa do AE = (AEVpreA - AEVmin)/AEVpreA. Resultados: O período hipertenso é maior no grupo de hipertensos com FAP. O AEVmax aumentou significativamente no grupo de hipertensos com FAP quando comparado ao grupo de hipertensos sem FAP (p = 0,010). A FEAE diminuiu significativamente no grupo de hipertensos com FAP em comparação com o grupo de hipertensos sem FAP (p = 0,020). A' diminuiu no grupo de hipertensos com FAP quando comparado com hipertensos sem FAP (p = 0,044). ...

Background: Hypertension is the most prevalent and modifiable risk factor for atrial fibrillation. The pressure overload in the left atrium induces pathophysiological changes leading to alterations in contractile function and electrical properties. Objective: In this study our aim was to assess left atrial function in hypertensive patients to determine the association between left atrial function with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). Method: We studied 57 hypertensive patients (age: 53±4 years; left ventricular ejection fraction: 76±6.7%), including 30 consecutive patients with PAF and 30 age-matched control subjects. Left atrial (LA) volumes were measured using the modified Simpson's biplane method. Three types of LA volume were determined: maximal LA(LAVmax), preatrial contraction LA(LAVpreA) and minimal LA volume(LAVmin). LA emptying functions were calculated. LA total emptying volume = LAVmax−LAVmin and the LA total EF = (LAVmax-LAVmin )/LAVmax, LA passive emptying volume = LAVmax− LAVpreA and the LA passive EF = (LAVmax-LAVpreA)/LAVmax, LA active emptying volume = LAVpreA−LAVmin and LA active EF = (LAVpreA-LAVmin )/LAVpreA. Results: The hypertensive period is longer in hypertensive group with PAF. LAVmax significantly increased in hypertensive group with PAF when compared to hypertensive group without PAF (p=0.010). LAAEF was significantly decreased in hypertensive group with PAF as compared to hypertensive group without PAF (p=0.020). A' was decreased in the hypertensive group with PAF when compared to those without PAF (p = 0.044). Conclusion: Increased LA volume and impaired LA active emptying function was associated with PAF in untreated hypertensive patients. Longer hypertensive period is associated with PAF. .