Rate control or rhythm control in patients with atrial fibrillation and acute coronary syndrome or percutaneous coronary intervention.

Background: Restoring and maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been studied in clinical trials to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Limited data exist on the effectiveness of rate or rhythm control therapy in these patients. Methods: Consecutive patients with AF and ACS or referred for PCI were prospectively recruited in Fuwai Hospital during 2017-2020. The primary endpoints were all-cause death and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), including cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, non-central nervous system embolism and ischemia-driven revascularization. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regressions were performed to evaluate the association between rhythm/rate control and subsequent outcomes. For the primary endpoints, we used the Benjamini-Hochberg correction for multiple comparisons. Results: A total of 1499 patients with AF and ACS or undergoing PCI were included, with a median follow-up of 34.7 months. Compared to non-rate control, rate control strategy reduced the risk of subsequent MACCEs (adjusted HR, 0.320; 95 % CI 0.220-0.466; p <0.001; *p <0.002) and all-cause death (adjusted HR, 0.148; 95 % CI 0.093-0.236; p <0.001; *p <0.002). Similar trends were observed across all predefined subgroups (p <0.001). In the final multivariate model, rhythm control was not associated with a lower subsequent MACCEs but significantly improved all-cause mortality compared to non-rhythm control (adjusted HR, 0.546; 95 % CI 0.313-0.951; p =0.033; *p =0.044). Conclusions: In this real-world study, rate control strategy was associated with lower risk of MACCEs and all-cause death in AF and ACS or undergoing PCI. Besides, management with rhythm control strategy may improve all-cause mortality.

Association between adherence to life's simple 7 metrics and risk of obstructive sleep apnea among adults in the United States.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to explore the impact of adherence to Life's Simple 7 (LS7) metrics on risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and the impact of inflammation on the association, in adults in the United States. METHODS: Data from 13,825 community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 20 years recruited in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2005-2008, 2015-2018 was analyzed. The LS7 score was calculated based on the AHA definition of LS7 metrics. The diagnosis of OSA was based on self-reported symptoms of sleep disturbance using a standard questionnaire. The Multivariable Apnea Prediction (MAP) Index score was also calculated to assess the risk of OSA. Log-binominal regression and negative binomial regression were performed to estimate the associations between LS7 and OSA and MAP index, with odds ratios (ORs) and prevalence ratios (PRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) calculated. Mediation analysis was performed to estimate the mediating effects of inflammatory indicators on the associations. RESULTS: A total of 4473 participants (32.4%) had OSA, and the mean MAP index was 0.39. In fully adjusted log-binominal regression models, with total score < 6 as the reference, the ORs (95% CIs) for risk of OSA were 0.90 (0.73, 1.10), 0.76 (0.65, 0.89), 0.78 (0.64, 0.95), and 0.45 (0.38, 0.54) for total score = 6, total score = 7, total score = 8, and total score > 8, respectively (P for trend < 0.001). When LS7 score was analyzed as a continuous variable, each 1-point increase in LS7 score was associated with a 15% decrease in OSA risk (P < 0.001). In negative binominal regression models, the adjusted PRs (95% CIs) for the MAP index were 0.93 (0.90, 0.97), 0.87 (0.84, 0.91), 0.80 (0.77, 0.84), and 0.55 (0.53, 0.57) for total score = 6, total score = 7, total score = 8, and total score > 8, respectively (P for trend < 0.001). For each 1-point increase in LS7 score, the risk of OSA decreased by 13% (P < 0.001). Consistent results were observed in subgroup analysis. Mediation analysis indicated that inflammatory factors, including blood cell count, neutrophil count, and C-reactive protein, positively mediated the association of LS7 with OSA, with a mediation proportion of 0.022 (P = 0.04), 0.02 (P = 0.04), and 0.02 (P = 0.02), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In a nationally representative sample of US adults, adherence to LS7 metrics was independently associated with reduced OSA risk. Inflammation plays a mediating role in the association between LS7 and OSA.

Cardiac arrest and cardiogenic shock complicating ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in China: A retrospective multicenter study.

Background: Data on the effect of cardiac arrest (CA), cardiogenic shock (CS), and their combination on the prognosis of Chinese patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are limited. The present study sought to evaluate the clinical outcomes of STEMI complicated by CA and CS, and to identify the risk factors for CA or CS. Methods: This study included 7468 consecutive patients with STEMI in China. The patients were divided into 4 groups (CA + CS, CA only, CS only, and No CA or CS). The endpoints were 30-day all-cause death and major adverse cardiovascular events. A Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed. Results: CA, CS, and their combination were noted in 332 (4.4 %), 377 (5.0 %), and 117 (1.6 %) among all patients. During the 30-day follow-up, 817 (10.9 %) all-cause deaths and 964 (12.9 %) major adverse cardiovascular events occurred, and the incidence of all-cause mortality (3.6 %, 62.3 %, 74.1 %, 83.3 %) and major adverse cardiovascular events (5.4 %, 67.1 %, 75.0 %, and 87.2 %) significantly increased in the No CA or CS, CS only, CA only, and CA + CS groups, respectively. In the multivariate Cox regression models, compared with the No CA or CS group, the CA + CS, CA, and CS-only groups were associated with an increased risk of all-cause death and major adverse cardiovascular events. Patients with CA + CS had the highest risk of all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR], 25.259 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 19.221-33.195]) and major adverse cardiovascular events (HR 19.098, 95%CI 14.797-24.648). Conclusions: CA, CS, and their combination were observed in approximately 11 % of Chinese patients with STEMI, and were associated with increased risk for 30-day mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events in Chinese patients with STEMI.

Impact of acute glycemic variability on short-term outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a multicenter population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Given the increasing attention to glycemic variability (GV) and its potential implications for cardiovascular outcomes. This study aimed to explore the impact of acute GV on short-term outcomes in Chinese patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: This study enrolled 7510 consecutive patients diagnosed with acute STEMI from 274 centers in China. GV was assessed using the coefficient of variation of blood glucose levels. Patients were categorized into three groups according to GV tertiles (GV1, GV2, and GV3). The primary outcome was 30-day all-cause death, and the secondary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Cox regression analyses were conducted to determine the independent correlation between GV and the outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 7136 patients with STEMI were included. During 30-days follow-up, there was a significant increase in the incidence of all-cause death and MACEs with higher GV tertiles. The 30-days mortality rates were 7.4% for GV1, 8.7% for GV2 and 9.4% for GV3 (p = 0.004), while the MACEs incidence rates was 11.3%, 13.8% and 15.8% for the GV1, GV2 and GV3 groups respectively (p < 0.001). High GV levels during hospitalization were significantly associated with an increased risk of 30-day all-cause mortality and MACEs. When analyzed as a continuous variable, GV was independently associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.679, 95% confidence Interval [CI] 1.005-2.804) and MACEs (HR 2.064, 95% CI 1.386-3.074). Additionally, when analyzed as categorical variables, the GV3 group was found to predict an increased risk of MACEs, irrespective of the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM). CONCLUSION: Our study findings indicate that a high GV during hospitalization was significantly associated with an increased risk of 30-day all-cause mortality and MACE in Chinese patients with STEMI. Moreover, acute GV emerged as an independent predictor of increased MACEs risk, regardless of DM status.

[Effect of L-Type Amino Acid Transporter 1 Expression on Clinicopathological Features and Prognosis of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma].

OBJECTIVE: To detect the expression of L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) tissues, and analyze its effect on clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients. METHODS: A total of 92 NHL patients who were treated in our hospital from January 2017 to April 2019 were collected. The expression of LAT1 in NHL tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry and compared between patients with different pathological features (including sex, Ann Arbor stage, extranodal infiltration, Ki-67). The risk factors affecting mortality were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to detect the predictive value of percentage of LAT1-positive cells in NHL tissue for patient mortality, and analyzing the effect of percentage of LAT1-positive cells on survival rate. RESULTS: LAT1 was positively expressed in NHL tissue. The high expression rate of LAT1 in Ann Arbor stage III and IV groups were higher than that in Ann Arbor stage I group, that in extranodal infiltration group was higher than non-extranodal infiltration group, and that in Ki-67 positive expression group was higher than Ki-67 negative expression group (all P < 0.05). The remission rate after 3 courses of treatment in high-LAT1 expression group was 70.7%, which was lower than 91.2% in low-LAT1 expression group (P < 0.05). Ann Arbor stage III and IV, extranodal invasion, Ki-67 positive expression and increased expression of LAT1 (LAT1-positive cell percentage score ≥2) were risk factors for mortality. The cut-off value of percentage of LAT1-positive cells for predicting NHL death was 45.6%, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.905 (95%CI: 0.897-0.924). The 3-year survival rate of high-LAT1 level group (the percentage of LAT1-positive cells≥45.6%) was 50.00%, which was lower than 78.26% of low-LAT1 level group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The expression level of LAT1 in NHL tissue increases, which affects Ann Arbor stage and extranodal infiltration of patients. LAT1 is a risk factor for death.

The efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants compared with vitamin K antagonist in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: The benefit-risk profile of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) therapy in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been well established yet. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DOAC compared with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) in patients with HCM and AF. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov were searched to identify studies comparing DOAC with VKA in patients with HCM and AF. The primary endpoint was thromboembolic events. The relative risks and standard errors were pooled by random-effect models using the generic inverse variance method. RESULTS: Seven observational studies involving 9395 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Compared to the VKA group, the DOAC group displayed a similar risk of thromboembolic events [RR (95%CI): 0.93 (0.73-1.20), p = 0.59] and ischemic stroke [RR (95%CI): 0.65 (0.33-1.28), p = 0.22]. The incidence of major bleeding was comparable between the two groups [RR (95%CI): 0.75 (0.49-1.15), p = 0.19]. Meanwhile, DOAC therapy was superior to VKA therapy in reducing the incidences of all-cause death [RR (95%CI): 0.44 (0.35-0.55), p < 0.001], cardiovascular death [RR (95%CI): 0.41 (0.22-0.75), p = 0.004], and intracranial hemorrhage [RR (95%CI): 0.42 (0.24-0.74), p = 0.003]. CONCLUSION: In patients with HCM and AF, DOAC therapy was similar to VKA therapy in reducing the risk of thromboembolic events, without increasing bleeding risk. In addition, the DOAC group displayed significant advantages in reducing mortality and intracranial hemorrhage compared with the VKA group. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to provide more evidence for DOAC therapy in this population.

Impact of hemoglobin adducts of ethylene oxide on the prevalence and prognosis of chronic kidney disease in US adults: an analysis from NHANES 2013-2016.

Animal experiments have shown that high exposure to ethylene oxide (EO) can cause multiple system damages including the renal system. Recent studies have reported associations between exposure to EO and cancer, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. However, the impact of exposure to EO on the prevalence and prognosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in humans is scarcely investigated. The study was designed to investigate the associations between EO exposure and incidence and prognosis of CKD among 2900 US adults. Exposure to EO was measured by detecting the levels of hemoglobin adducts of EO (HbEO). The diagnosis of CKD was made according to an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and/or a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) > 30 mg/g. Prognosis of CKD was assessed based on the evaluation system initiated by KDIGO that consists of eGFR and UACR. Survey-weighted generalized linear models and proportional odds models were constructed to assess the associations between HbEO and prevalence and prognosis of CKD, with odds ratios (ORs) and proportional odds ratios (PORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) reported, respectively. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) function was performed to depict the correlation between HbEO and CKD. The weighted median (interquartile range) of HbEO was 31.3 (23.1-60.3) pmol/g Hb. A total of 491 participants (16.9%) were diagnosed with CKD, and 153 participants (5.31%) were identified to be at high or very high risk. Referred to the first tertile of HbEO, the adjusted ORs (95% CIs) for CKD in the second and third tertile were 1.46 (0.85, 2.50) and 1.69 (1.00, 2.85), and the adjusted PORs (95% CIs) for prognosis of CKD in the second and third tertile were 1.37 (0.94, 1.99) and 1.58 (1.10, 2.26). When HbEO was analyzed as a continuous variable, the adjusted OR (95% CI) for CKD and POR (95% CI for prognosis of CKD were 1.24 (0.97, 1.58) and 1.22 (1.01, 1.47), respectively. RCS analysis revealed a non-linear positive correlation between HbEO and prevalence of CKD (P for nonlinearity < 0.05). Subgroup analysis indicated smoking status had a significant impact on this association, which remained significant among never smokers but lost significance among smokers. Among US adults, increased EO exposure was independently related to increased CKD prevalence and poor CKD outcomes, which was established in never smokers but not among ever smokers.

Implications of bleeding on subsequent cardiovascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation after acute coronary syndrome or PCI.

INTRODUCTION: The association between bleeding and subsequent major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) remains poorly characterized. We aimed to evaluate the impact of hemorrhagic events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1877 consecutive patients with AF and ACS or undergoing PCI were prospectively recruited. The primary endpoint was MACCE, including all-cause death, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, systemic embolism or ischemia-driven revascularization during follow-up. Post-discharge bleeding was graded according to TIMI criteria. Associations between bleeding and subsequent MACCE were examined using time-dependent multivariate Cox regression after adjusting for baseline covariates and the time from bleeding. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 34.2 months, 341 (18.2 %) had TIMI major or minor bleeding events, of whom 86 (25.2 %) also experienced MACCE. The risk of MACCE was significantly higher in patients with bleeding than those without (8.85 % versus 6.99 % per patient-year; HR, 1.568, 95 % CI, 1.232-1.994). In patients who had both bleeding and MACCE, 65.1 % (56 of 86) bleeding events occurred first. Temporal gradients in MACCE risk after major bleeding was highest within 30 days (HRadj, 23.877; 95 % CI, 12.810-44.506) and remained significant beyond 1 year (HRadj, 3.640; 95 % CI, 1.278-10.366). Minor bleeding was associated with increased risk of MACCE within 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AF and ACS or PCI, major and minor bleeding were associated with subsequent MACCE with time-dependency. Our findings may aid in better defining net clinical benefit of optimal antithrombotic therapy.

Association between Plasma Big Endothelin-1 Level and The Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Non-ST Segment-Elevated Myocardial Infarction. / Associação entre Nível de Big Endotelina-1 Plasmática e a Gravidade da Doença Arterial Coronariana em Pacientes com Infarto do Miocárdio sem Supradesnivelamento do Segmento ST.

BACKGROUND: Early risk stratification with simple biomarkers is essential in patients with non-ST segment-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the association between plasma big endothelin-1 (ET-1) level and the SYNTAX score (SS) in patients with NSTEMI. METHODS: A total of 766 patients with NSTEMI undergoing coronary angiography were recruited. Patients were divided into three groups: low SS (≤22), intermediate SS (23-32), and high SS (>32). Spearman correlation, smooth curve fitting, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed to evaluate the association between plasma big ET-1 level and the SS. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between the big ET-1 and the SS (r=0.378, p<0.001). The smoothing curve indicated a positive correlation between the plasma big ET-1 level and the SS. The ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve was 0.695 (0.661-0.727) and the optimal cutoff of plasma big ET-1 level was 0.35pmol/l. Logistic regression showed that elevated big ET-1 was an independent predictor of intermediate-high SS in patients with NSTEMI, whether entered as a continuous variable [OR (95% CI): 1.110 (1.053-1.170), p<0.001] or as a categorical variable [OR (95% CI): 2.962 (2.073-4.233), p<0.001]. CONCLUSION: In patients with NSTEMI, the plasma big ET-1 level was significantly correlated with the SS. Elevated plasma big ET-1 level was an independent predictor for intermediate-high SS.

FUNDAMENTO: A estratificação de risco precoce com biomarcadores simples é essencial em pacientes com infarto do miocárdio sem supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMSSST). OBJETIVO: Este estudo tem o objetivo de avaliar a associação entre nível de big endotelina-1 plasmática (ET-1) e o escore SYNTAX (SS) em pacientes com IAMSSST. MÉTODOS: Foram recrutados 766 pacientes com IAMSSST que passaram por angiografia coronária. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos: SS baixo (≤22), SS intermediário (23-32), e SS alto (>32). A correlação de Spearman, o ajuste de curva suave, a regressão logística, e a análise de curva característica de operação do receptor (ROC) foram realizados para avaliar a associação entre o nível de big ET-1 plasmática e o SS. Um p-valor <0.05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. RESULTADOS: Foi identificada uma correlação significativa entre a big ET-1 e o SS (r=0,378, p<0,001). A curva suavizada indicou uma correlação positiva entre o nível de big ET-1 plasmática e o SS. A análise de curva ROC demonstrou que a área sob a curva foi de 0,695 (0,661-0,727) e o ponto de corte ideal do nível de big ET-1 plasmática foi de 0,35 pmol/l. A regressão logística demonstrou que a big ET-1 elevada era um preditor independente de SS intermediário a alto em pacientes com IAMSSST, seja como variável contínua [RC (IC 95%: 1,110 (1,053-1,170), p<0,001] ou como variável categórica [RC (IC 95%: 2,962 (2,073-4,233), p<0,001]. CONCLUSÃO: Em pacientes com IAMSSST, o nível de big ET-1 plasmática estava significativamente correlacionado ao SS. O nível de big ET-1 plasmática elevado foi um preditor independente para SS intermediário a alto.

Associação entre Nível de Big Endotelina-1 Plasmática e a Gravidade da Doença Arterial Coronariana em Pacientes com Infarto do Miocárdio sem Supradesnivelamento do Segmento ST / Association between Plasma Big Endothelin-1 Level and The Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Non-ST Segment-Elevated Myocardial Infarction

Resumo Fundamento A estratificação de risco precoce com biomarcadores simples é essencial em pacientes com infarto do miocárdio sem supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMSSST). Objetivo Este estudo tem o objetivo de avaliar a associação entre nível de big endotelina-1 plasmática (ET-1) e o escore SYNTAX (SS) em pacientes com IAMSSST. Métodos Foram recrutados 766 pacientes com IAMSSST que passaram por angiografia coronária. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos: SS baixo (≤22), SS intermediário (23-32), e SS alto (>32). A correlação de Spearman, o ajuste de curva suave, a regressão logística, e a análise de curva característica de operação do receptor (ROC) foram realizados para avaliar a associação entre o nível de big ET-1 plasmática e o SS. Um p-valor <0.05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados Foi identificada uma correlação significativa entre a big ET-1 e o SS (r=0,378, p<0,001). A curva suavizada indicou uma correlação positiva entre o nível de big ET-1 plasmática e o SS. A análise de curva ROC demonstrou que a área sob a curva foi de 0,695 (0,661-0,727) e o ponto de corte ideal do nível de big ET-1 plasmática foi de 0,35 pmol/l. A regressão logística demonstrou que a big ET-1 elevada era um preditor independente de SS intermediário a alto em pacientes com IAMSSST, seja como variável contínua [RC (IC 95%: 1,110 (1,053-1,170), p<0,001] ou como variável categórica [RC (IC 95%: 2,962 (2,073-4,233), p<0,001]. Conclusão Em pacientes com IAMSSST, o nível de big ET-1 plasmática estava significativamente correlacionado ao SS. O nível de big ET-1 plasmática elevado foi um preditor independente para SS intermediário a alto.

Abstract Background Early risk stratification with simple biomarkers is essential in patients with non-ST segment-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Objective This study aimed to evaluate the association between plasma big endothelin-1 (ET-1) level and the SYNTAX score (SS) in patients with NSTEMI. Methods A total of 766 patients with NSTEMI undergoing coronary angiography were recruited. Patients were divided into three groups: low SS (≤22), intermediate SS (23-32), and high SS (>32). Spearman correlation, smooth curve fitting, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed to evaluate the association between plasma big ET-1 level and the SS. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results There was a significant correlation between the big ET-1 and the SS (r=0.378, p<0.001). The smoothing curve indicated a positive correlation between the plasma big ET-1 level and the SS. The ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve was 0.695 (0.661-0.727) and the optimal cutoff of plasma big ET-1 level was 0.35pmol/l. Logistic regression showed that elevated big ET-1 was an independent predictor of intermediate-high SS in patients with NSTEMI, whether entered as a continuous variable [OR (95% CI): 1.110 (1.053-1.170), p<0.001] or as a categorical variable [OR (95% CI): 2.962 (2.073-4.233), p<0.001]. Conclusion In patients with NSTEMI, the plasma big ET-1 level was significantly correlated with the SS. Elevated plasma big ET-1 level was an independent predictor for intermediate-high SS.

Impact of levosimendan on efficacy and renal function in acute heart failure according to renal function: A perspective, multi-center, real-world registry.

Objective: Acute heart failure (AHF) is associated with high mortality. Levosimendan, an inodilator, has proved to increase cardiac output and exert renoprotective effect in AHF. Our aim was to investigate the efficacy and renoprotective effects of levosimendan in patients with AHF and different renal function. Methods: This is a prospective, observational, multi-center registry. Patients admitted with AHF between June 2020 and May 2022 and treated with levosimendan during the hospital stay were included. Baseline characteristics, laboratory tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, echocardiography, and treatment were collected. A 5-point Likert scale was used to document patients' baseline dyspnea. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated by means of the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. After levosimendan infusion, patients underwent assessment of degree of dyspnea, and levels of brain-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) /N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-pro BNP), and eGFR repeatedly. Results: Among 789 AHF patients who received levosimendan treatment in this study, 33.0 % were female, mean age was 64.9 ± 16.8 years, and mean eGFR was 72.6 ± 32.5 ml/min/m2. The mean score of dyspnea was 3.0 ± 1.0 using 5-point Likert scale before levosimendan infusion. Dyspnea improved in 68.7% patients at 6h after infusion of levosimendan, and in 79.5% at 24 h. Lower eGFR was associated with lower efficacy rate after 6h infusion (71.7, 70.7, 65.2, and 66.0%, respectively) and after 24 h infusion (80.5, 81.4, 76.2, and 77.8%, respectively). The levels of BNP or NT-pro BNP were also decreased after levosimendan treatment, and in each eGFR category. Levels of eGFR increased from baseline (72.6 ± 32.5 ml/min/m2) to 12-24h (73.8 ± 33.5 ml/min/m2) and 24-72h (75.0 ± 33.4 ml/min/m2) after starting treatment (p < 0.001). However, the eGFR levels increased only in patients with eGFR lower than 90.0 ml/min/m2. Conclusions: In AHF patients who received levosimendan, degree of dyspnea and levels of BNP or NT-pro BNP were significantly improved, especially in patients with higher eGFR levels. However, levosimendan infusion increase eGFR only in AHF patients with renal dysfunction.

Impact of glycemic gap on 30-day adverse outcomes in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Stress-induced hyperglycemia (SIH) generally occurs in critical illness. Recently, glycemic gap (GAP) has been considered to be a superior indicator of SIH. However, data on the association between GAP and prognosis in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is limited. This observational study aimed to estimate the prognostic value of GAPmean, defined as the difference between mean blood glucose level (MGL) within 24 h after admission and A1c-derived average glucose (ADAG), in patients with acute STEMI. METHODS: A total of 4952 patients with acute STEMI were included in the final analysis, and they were divided into four groups according to GAPmean quartiles and diabetes mellitus (DM). The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and net reclassification improvement (NRI) analysis were performed. RESULTS: At 30 days of follow-up, 324 (6.5%) deaths and 569 (11.5%) MACEs occurred. With the elevation of GAPmean, the incidence of all-cause mortality (4.0%, 5.6%, 6.5%, and 10.1%) and MACEs (7.3%, 9.6%, 11.4%, and 17.7%) significantly increased. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that GAPmean was superior to admission blood glucose (ABG) and GAPadm (defined as the difference between ABG and ADAG) to detect adverse outcomes. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that elevated GAPmean was independently associated with all-cause death and MACEs. With the first quartile as a reference, the hazards ratios (HRs) for all-cause death in the second, third, and fourth quartiles were 1.49 (95% CI 1.02-2.18), 1.58 (95% CI 1.09-2.30), and 2.11 (95% CI 1.48-3.02), respectively, and the HRs for MACEs were 1.40 (95% CI 1.05-1.86), 1.60 (95% CI 1.21-2.11), and 2.17 (95% CI 1.66-2.83), respectively, which were independent of DM status. Continuous NRI analysis revealed that GAPmean significantly improved risk stratification for all-cause mortality and MACEs by 21.6% and 19.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The glycemic gap between MGL within 24 h after admission and ADAG was independently associated with 30-day all-cause mortality and MACEs in patients with acute STEMI, which was not affected by DM status. Further, the glycemic gap provided incremental accuracy in the risk stratification of STEMI.

Gender difference in association between diabetes mellitus and all-cause mortality in atrial fibrillation patients.

OBJECTIVE: There may be gender difference in correlation of diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular events. We attempt to investigate whether there is gender-heterogeneity in one-year outcomes of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with DM or not. METHODS: Patients who were diagnosed with AF admitted to the emergency departments in the Chinese AF Multicenter Registry study were enrolled. Basic demographics information, initial Blood Pressure and heart rate, medical histories, and treatments of each patient were collected. Follow-up was carried out with a mean duration of one year. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality and systemic embolism. RESULTS: A total of 2016 patients were selected from September 2008 and April 2011. All-cause mortality was significantly higher in male AF patients with DM than those without (21.8 % & 13.6 %, P = 0.014). Cox regression analysis showed that there was an interaction between gender and DM for one-year all-cause mortality (P = 0.049). DM was significantly associated with one-year all-cause mortality regardless of univariate analysis (HR = 1.436, 95%CI:1.079-1.911, P = 0.013) or multivariate analysis (HR = 1.418, 95%CI: 1.059-1.899, P = 0.019). For male patients with AF, DM was significantly associated with one-year all-cause mortality (P = 0.048), but not for female patients with AF (P = 0.362). CONCLUSION: DM was independently associated with one-year all-cause mortality in the entire cohort of AF patients. This association was found mainly in male patients with AF, but not in female patients. DM management programs may need to reflect gender difference.

Sex-related prognostic value of systolic blood pressure on admission in critically ill patients with acute decompensated heart failure.

The present study aimed to evaluate sex-specific association between admission systolic blood pressure (SBP) and in-hospital prognosis in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) admitted to intensive care unit (ICU). In this retrospective, observational study, 1268 ADHF patients requiring intensive care were consecutively enrolled and divided by sex. Patients were divided into three subgroups according to SBP tertiles: high (≥ 122 mmHg), moderate (104-121 mmHg) and low (< 104 mmHg). The primary endpoint was either all-cause mortality, cardiac arrest or utilization of mechanical support devices during hospitalization. Female patients were more likely to be older, have poorer renal function and higher ejection fractions (p < 0.001). The C statistics of SBP was 0.665 (95%CI 0.611-0.719, p < 0.001) for men and 0.548 (95% CI 0.461-0.634, p = 0.237) for women, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that admission SBP as either a continuous (OR = 0.984, 95% CI 0.973-0.996) or a categorical (low vs. high, OR = 3.293, 95% CI 1.610-6.732) variable was an independent predictor in male but the risk did not statistically differ between the moderate and high SBP strata (OR = 1.557, 95% CI 0.729-3.328). In female, neither low (OR = 1.135, 95% CI 0.328-3.924) nor moderate (OR = 0.989, 95% CI 0.277-3.531) SBP had a significant effect on primary endpoint compared with high SBP strata. No interaction was detected between left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and SBP (p for interaction = 0.805). In ADHF patients admitted to ICU, SBP showed a sex-related prognostic effect on primary endpoint. In male, lower SBP was independently associated with an increased risk of primary endpoint. Conversely, in female, no relationship was observed.

Clinical characteristics and thrombotic risk of atrial fibrillation with obstructive sleep apnea: results from a multi-center atrial fibrillation registry study.

BACKGROUND: Sleep apnea is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF) but it is underdiagnosed. Whether obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is correlated with thrombotic risk in AF remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to analyze the clinical characteristics and assess the thrombotic risk of AF with OSA. METHODS: In the present registry study,1990 consecutive patients with AF from 20 centers were enrolled. The patients were divided into 2 groups depending on whether they presented with both AF and OSA. All the patients were followed up for 1 year to evaluate the incidences of stroke and non-central nervous system (CNS) embolism. RESULTS: Of the 1990 AF patients, 70 (3.5%) and 1920 (96.5%) patients were in the OSA group and non-OSA group, respectively. The results of the multivariate logistic model analysis showed that male sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking, and major bleeding history were independent risk factors for patients with AF and OSA. The comparison of the Kaplan-Meier curves using the log-rank test revealed that AF with OSA was correlated with an increased risk of non-CNS embolism (p < 0.01). After multivariate adjustments were performed, OSA remained an independent risk factor for non-CNS embolism (HR 5.42, 95% CI 1.34-22.01, p = 0.02), but was not correlated with the risk of stroke in patients with AF. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed that male sex, high BMI values, smoking, and major bleeding history were independent risk factors for patients with AF and OSA. Moreover, OSA was an independent risk factor for non-CNS embolism in AF. Our results indicate that non-CNS embolism requires focus in patients with AF and OSA.

Corrigendum: Multimorbidity and Polypharmacy in Chinese Emergency Department Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Impacts on Clinical Outcomes.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.806234.].

Evolving Antithrombotic Treatment Patterns for Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation and Acute Coronary Syndrome or Underwent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in China: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: Antithrombotic therapy in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) concomitant with the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is challenging and has evolved in recent years. However, real-world data on this issue about antithrombotic regimens at discharge and its evolving trend were relatively scarce, especially in China. Methods: A total of 2,182 patients with NVAF and ACS/PCI were enrolled from 2017 to 2019. A total of 1,979 patients were finally analyzed and divided in three sequential cohorts: cohort 1 (2017), n = 674; cohort 2 (2018), n = 793; and cohort 3 (2019), n = 512. Baseline characteristics and antithrombotic therapy at discharge were analyzed by cohort. Results: In our cross-sectional study, the majority of patients (59.6%) received dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). Over the 3 years, DAPT prescription reduced from nearly 70% to <50% (P trend < 0.001), while triple therapy (TT)/double therapy (DT) increased from 27.2 to 50.0% (P trend < 0.001). This trend was also seen in different subgroups stratified by CHA2DS2-VASc score, HAS-BLED score, coronary artery disease type, or management type, and was validated after multivariate adjustment. Persistent atrial fibrillation and history of congestive heart failure, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and stroke/transient ischemic attack/systemic embolism were the independent predictors of TT/DT use, while ACS, PCI, or advanced chronic kidney disease was related with more DAPT prescription. Conclusion: There is a shift of antithrombotic regime at discharge for patients with NVAF with recent ACS/PCI with reducing DAPT prescription and increasing TT/DT prescription. While the appropriate antithrombotic regimen for patients with NVAF having ACS/PCI is still underused in China.

Impact of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system inhibitor drugs on mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation and hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system inhibitors markedly play an active role in the primary prevention of atrial fibrillation (AF), but the impact of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) on the mortality of patients with AF remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationship between treatment with ACEIs or ARBs and mortality in emergency department (ED) patients with AF and hypertension. METHODS: This multicenter study enrolled 2016 ED patients from September 2008 to April 2011; 1110 patients with AF and hypertension were analyzed. Patients were grouped according to whether they were treated with ACEI/ARB or not and completed a 1-year follow-up to evaluate outcomes including all-cause death, cardiovascular death, stroke, and major adverse events (MAEs). RESULTS: Among the 1110 patients with AF and hypertension, 574 (51.7%) received ACEI/ARB treatment. During the 1-year follow-up, 169 all-cause deaths (15.2%) and 100 cardiovascular deaths (9.0%) occurred, while 98 strokes (8.8%) and 255 MAEs (23.0%) occurred. According to the multivariate Cox regression analysis, ACEI/ARB therapy was significantly associated with a reduced risk of all-cause death (HR, 0.605; 95% CI 0.431-0.849; P = 0.004). Moreover, ACEI/ARB therapy was independently associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular death (HR 0.585; 95% CI 0.372-0.921; P = 0.020) and MAEs (HR 0.651, 95% CI 0.496-0.855, P = 0.002) after adjusting for other risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed that ACEI/ARB therapy was independently associated with a reduced risk of all-cause death, cardiovascular death, and MAEs in ED patients with AF and hypertension. These results provide evidence for a tertiary preventive treatment for patients with AF and hypertension.

Predictive value of the stress hyperglycemia ratio in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: insights from a multi-center observational study.

BACKGROUND: Stress hyperglycemia is a strong predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Recently, the stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) has been designed as an index to identify acute hyperglycemia with true risk; however, data regarding the impact of SHR on the prognosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the SHR in patients with acute STEMI and to assess whether it can improve the predictive efficiency of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk score. METHODS: This study included 7476 consecutive patients diagnosed with acute STEMI across 274 emergency centers. After excluding 2052 patients due to incomplete data, 5417 patients were included in the final analysis. Patients were divided into three groups according to SHR tertiles (SHR1, SHR2, and SHR3) and were further categorized based on diabetes status. All patients were followed up for major cardiovascular adverse events (MACEs) and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: After 30 days of follow-up, 1547 MACEs (28.6%) and 789 all-cause deaths (14.6%) occurred. The incidence of MACEs was highest among patients in the SHR3 group with diabetes mellitus (DM) (42.6%). Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated that patients with SHR3 and DM also had the highest risk for MACEs when compared with other groups (p < 0.001). Moreover, C-statistics improved significantly when SHR3 was added into the original model: the ΔC-statistics (95% confidence interval) were 0.008 (0.000-0.013) in the total population, 0.010 (0.003-0.017) in the DM group, and 0.007 (0.002-0.013) in the non-DM group (all p < 0.05). In the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) for the original TIMI risk score for all-cause death was 0.760. When an SHR3 value of 1 point was used to replace the history of DM, hypertension, or angina in the original TIMI risk score, the Delong test revealed significant improvements in the AUC value (∆AUC of 0.009, p < 0.05), especially in the DM group (∆AUC of 0.010, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The current results suggest that SHR is independently related to the risks of MACEs and mortality in patients with STEMI. Furthermore, SHR may aid in improving the predictive efficiency of the TIMI risk score in patients with STEMI, especially those with DM.

Plasma Big Endothelin-1 Levels and Long-Term Outcomes in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Acute Coronary Syndrome or Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the association between plasma big ET-1 levels and long-term outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: A total of 930 patients were enrolled and followed up for a median duration of 2.3 years. According to the optimal cutoff of big ET-1 for predicting all-cause death, these patients were divided into two groups. The primary endpoints were all-cause death and net adverse clinical events (NACE). The secondary endpoints included cardiovascular death, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), BARC class ≥ 3 bleeding, and BARC class ≥ 2 bleeding. Cox regressions were performed to evaluate the association between big ET-1 and outcomes. Results: Based on the optimal cutoff of 0.54 pmol/l, 309 patients (33.2%) had high big ET-1 levels at baseline. Compared to the low big ET-1 group, patients in the high big ET-1 group tended to have more comorbidities, impaired cardiac function, elevated inflammatory levels, and worse prognosis. Univariable and multivariable Cox regressions indicated that big ET-1 ≥ 0.54 pmol/l was associated with increased incidences of all-cause death [HR (95%CI):1.73 (1.10-2.71), p = 0.018], NACE [HR (95%CI):1.63 (1.23-2.16), p = 0.001], cardiovascular death [HR (95%CI):1.72 (1.01-2.92), p = 0.046], MACE [HR (95%CI):1.60 (1.19-2.16), p = 0.002], BARC class ≥ 3 [HR (95%CI):2.21 (1.16-4.22), p = 0.016], and BARC class ≥ 2 bleeding [HR (95%CI):1.91 (1.36-2.70), p < 0.001]. Subgroup analysis indicated consistent relationships between the big ET-1 ≥ 0.54 pmol/l and the primary endpoints. Conclusion: Elevated plasma big ET-1 levels were independently associated with increased risk of all-cause death, NACE, cardiovascular death, MACE, BARC class ≥ 3 bleeding, and BARC class ≥ 2 bleeding in patients with AF and ACS or undergoing PCI.