The Mean Corrected TIMI Frame Count Could Predict Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Coronary Slow-Flow Phenomenon.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between the mean corrected thrombolysis in myocardial frame count and major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with the coronary slow-flow phenomenon. METHODS: A total of 98 patients with coronary slow-flow phenomenon who met inclusion cri- teria from 2015 to 2020 were retrospectively included in the analysis. The patients were ranked according to their mean corrected thrombolysis in myocardial frame count values and were divided into quartiles based on those. Group 1 consisted of patients who had a mean corrected thrombolysis in myocardial frame count value >36.68 (third quartile), while group 2 consisted of patients who had a mean corrected thrombolysis in myocardial frame count value ≤36.68 (first quartile+second quartile). Mortality and non-fatal cardiovascular complications were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Mean follow-up duration was 3.93 ± 1.50 years. Recurrent chest pain and major adverse cardiovascular events increased in group 1 compared to group 2 (P ≤ .001, P ≤ .001, respectively). Hypertension (odds ratio 2.627, P=.033), hyperlipidemia (odds ratio 2.469, P = .028) and mean corrected thrombolysis in myocardial frame count (odds ratio 1.106, P = .002) were independent predictors of recurrent chest pain according to Cox regression analysis. Although older age (odds ratio 1.125, P=.011), hypertension (odds ratio 6.081, P=.026), hyperlipidemia (odds ratio 12.308, P = 0.019), and mean corrected thrombolysis in myocardial frame count (odds ratio 1.476, P = .001) were found to be significantly related with major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with coronary slow-flow phenomenon, only mean corrected thrombolysis in myocardial frame count (odds ratio 1.161, P = .021) was an indepen- dent predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events in Cox regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Higher mean corrected thrombolysis in myocardial frame count could predict major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with the coronary slow-flow phenomenon.

Percutaneous closure of an iatrogenic ventricular septal defect associated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

An 81-year-old man who had dyspnea was admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of severe aortic stenosis. A transcatheter aortic valve implantation was successfully performed with a 29 mm Edwards Sapien XT valve using a transfemoral access. After the procedure, the echocardiography showed a restrictive ventricular septal defect (VSD) in the membranous septum. As the patient had no symptoms, it was decided to follow him up conservatively. However, he was readmitted within three weeks with symptoms suggestive of biventricular failure. A control echocardiography revealed a membranous VSD, 8 mm in size, right chambers dilatation with moderate tricuspid regurgitation, and systolic pulmonary artery pressure of 60 mm Hg. The previously deployed aortic valve was normal in function. The decision to perform a percutaneous VSD closure was made. The defect was then closed with a 10 mm muscular VSD occluder. During and after the procedure, there was no dysfunction in the bioprosthetic aortic valve. At the one-year follow-up, the patient was still asymptomatic.

The effects of boric acid and quercetin on contrast media-induced nephropathy in rats

Abstract We aimed to determine the effects of boric acid and quercetin on contrast media-induced nephropathy in rats. Thirty-two rats were divided into four equal groups with eight rats in each group: the control (C) group, contrast media (CM) group, contrast media plus boric acid (CMB) group, and contrast media plus quercetin (CMQ) group. Boric acid (H3(BO)3, 4% solution) at a dose of 200 mg/kg was administered by oral gavage to rats in the group CMB once daily for 4 consecutive days (days 1 to 4). Quercetin at a dose of 50 mg/kg was administered by oral gavage to rats in the CMQ group once daily for 4 consecutive days (days 1 to 4). A significant decrease was found in the serum urea and creatinine levels in the CMQ group compared with the CM group (P <0.01). The serum nitrite and nitrate levels were higher in the CM group than in the C group and were lower in the CMQ group than in the CM group (P <0.01). A significant decrease in the severity of tubular necrosis was found in the CMQ group compared to the CM group (P <0.05). Quercetin had protective effects against contrast nephropathy, but no beneficial effect of boric acid was found.

Atrial fibrillation-related acute myocardial infarction and acute mesenteric ischemia.

Atrial fibrillation-related synchronous thromboembolism of the mesenteric and coronary arteries is a rare event. This case report is about an 82-year-old male patient who presented to the emergency department with epigastric pain and who was diagnosed with ST-elevated myocardial infarction accompanied with acute mesenteric ischemia. To our knowledge, this is the first report of angiographic evidence of synchronous thrombus in both the arteries.

The Impact of Intravenous Fluid Therapy on Acid-Base Status of Critically Ill Adults: A Stewart Approach-Based Perspective.

One of the most important tasks of physicians working in intensive care units (ICUs) is to arrange intravenous fluid therapy. The primary indications of the need for intravenous fluid therapy in ICUs are in cases of resuscitation, maintenance, or replacement, but we also load intravenous fluid for purposes such as fluid creep (including drug dilution and keeping venous lines patent) as well as nutrition. However, in doing so, some facts are ignored or overlooked, resulting in an acid-base disturbance. Regardless of the type and content of the fluid entering the body through an intravenous route, it may impair the acid-base balance depending on the rate, volume, and duration of the administration. The mechanism involved in acid-base disturbances induced by intravenous fluid therapy is easier to understand with the help of the physical-chemical approach proposed by Canadian physiologist, Peter Stewart. It is possible to establish a quantitative link between fluid therapy and acid-base disturbance using the Stewart principles. However, it is not possible to accomplish this with the traditional approach; moreover, it may not be noticed sometimes due to the normalization of pH or standard base excess induced by compensatory mechanisms. The clinical significance of fluid-induced acid-base disturbances has not been completely clarified yet. Nevertheless, as fluid therapy may be the cause of unexplained acid-base disorders that may lead to confusion and elicit unnecessary investigation, more attention must be paid to understand this issue. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to address the effects of different types of fluid therapies on acid-base balance using the simplified perspective of Stewart principles. Overall, the paper intends to help recognize fluid-induced acid-base disturbance through bedside evaluation and choose an appropriate fluid by considering the acid-base status of a patient.

Are infants with food allergy candidates for respiratory allergy?

AIM: Allergic sensitization in infancy generally develops against food allergens. We aimed to investigate the frequency of aero-allergens sensitization at older ages in infants with food allergy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Dr. Behçet Uz Children's Allergy Clinic. Infants with confirmed IgE-mediated food allergy between January 1st, 2004, and December 31st, 2016, were evaluated for aero-allergen sensitivities through skin prick tests (SPT) after at least two years after diagnosis, and the data were compared with a healthy control group. RESULTS: A total of 187 cases, 87 of which were patients, were included in the study. The cause of food allergies was cow's milk only in 24 (27.6%) cases, egg only in 26 (29.9%) cases, both cow's milk and egg in 33 (37.9%) cases, fish only in two cases (2.3%), and both fish and egg in two (2.3%) cases. The mean age at which the aero-allergen SPT was performed was 65 (46-180) months in the patient group and 72 (48-132) months in the healthy control group. In the patient group, 39 (44.8%) had aero-allergen sensitization, whereas, in the healthy control group, five (5%) had aero-allergen sensitization. Aero-allergen sensitization was more frequent in the patient group (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the type and number of food allergies and the development of aero-allergen sensitization (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: In infants with food allergies, sensitization may develop with aero-allergens at an early age. Clinical follow-up of these patients may be important in terms of allergic respiratory diseases.

Evaluación gastrointestinal en los pacientes con fiebre mediterránea familiar con dolor abdominal crónico y tratados con colchicina: serie de casos / Gastrointestinal evaluation in colchicine-treated familial Mediterranean fever patients with chronic abdominal pain: Cases series

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar a los pacientes con fiebre mediterránea familiar (familial Mediterranean fever, FMF) y dolor abdominal crónico resistentes al tratamiento con colchicina. Se incluyó a 48 pacientes diagnosticados en nuestro consultorio de reumatología pediátrica que tenían dolor abdominal a pesar del tratamiento con colchicina. A todos los pacientes se los derivó a un gastroenterólogo pediátrico. Se registraron las características del dolor, tales como aparición, duración y frecuencia; se planificó una endoscopía digestiva para obtener un diagnóstico diferencial. Se determinó la presencia de una mutación del gen MEFV en 46 pacientes. La mediana de la duración del tratamiento fue de 2,8 años. Aproximadamente el 60% de los pacientes tenían dolor abdominal todos los días o de dos a tres veces a la semana; en el 73% de los casos, duró menos de tres horas. A 41 pacientes se les realizó una endoscopía digestiva alta. La gastroduodenitis es un hallazgo frecuente en los pacientes con FMF y dolor abdominal persistente a pesar del tratamiento. Los pacientes con los puntajes más altos de severidad de la enfermedad tenían inflamación digestiva grave.

The aim of the study to evaluate familial mediterranean fever (FMF) patients with chronic abdominal pain unresponsive to colchicine treatment. Forty-eight patients who diagnosed in our Pediatric Rheumatology clinics and suffering from abdominal pain despite colchicine treatment were include. All patients were referred to a pediatric gastroenterologist. The pain characteristics such as onset, duration and frequency were recorded; gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy was planned for differential diagnosis. MEFV mutation was determined in 46 patients. The median duration of treatment was 2.8 years. Approximately 60% of the patients suffered from abdominal pain every day or 2-3 times a week, in 73% of the cases it lasted less than three hours. Forty-one patients underwent upper GI endoscopy. Gastroduodenitis is a common finding in persisting abdominal pain despite therapy of FMF patients. The patients with the highest disease severity scores had severe inflammation within the entire GI system.

Gastrointestinal evaluation in colchicine-treated familial Mediterranean fever patients with chronic abdominal pain: cases series. / Evaluación gastrointestinal en los pacientes con fiebre mediterránea familiar con dolor abdominal crónico y tratados con colchicina: serie de casos.

The aim of the study to evaluate familial mediterranean fever (FMF) patients with chronic abdominal pain unresponsive to colchicine treatment. Forty-eight patients who diagnosed in our Pediatric Rheumatology clinics and suffering from abdominal pain despite colchicine treatment were include. All patients were referred to a pediatric gastroenterologist. The pain characteristics such as onset, duration and frequency wererecorded; gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy was planned for differential diagnosis. MEFV mutation was determined in 46 patients. The median duration of treatment was 2.8 years. Approximately 60% of the patients suffered from abdominal pain every day or 2-3 times a week, in 73% of the cases it lasted less than three hours. Forty one patients underwent upper GI endoscopy. Gastroduodenitis is a common finding in persisting abdominal pain despite therapy of FMF patients. The patients with the highest disease severity scores had severe inflammation within the entire GI system.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar a los pacientes con fiebre mediterránea familiar (familial Mediterranean fever, FMF) y dolor abdominal crónico resistentes al tratamiento con colchicina. Se incluyó a 48 pacientes diagnosticados en nuestro consultorio de reumatología pediátrica que tenían dolor abdominal a pesar del tratamiento con colchicina. A todos los pacientes se los derivó a un gastroenterólogo pediátrico. Se registraron las características del dolor, tales como aparición, duración y frecuencia; se planificó una endoscopía digestiva para obtener un diagnóstico diferencial. Se determinó la presencia de una mutación del gen MEFV en 46 pacientes. La mediana de la duración del tratamiento fue de 2,8 años. Aproximadamente el 60% de los pacientes tenían dolor abdominal todos los días o de dos a tres veces a la semana; en el 73% de los casos, duró menos de tres horas. A 41 pacientes se les realizó una endoscopía digestiva alta. La gastroduodenitis es un hallazgo frecuente en los pacientes con FMF y dolor abdominal persistente a pesar del tratamiento. Los pacientes con los puntajes más altos de severidad de la enfermedad tenían inflamación digestiva grave.

Allergen variability and house dust mite sensitivity in pre-school children with allergic complaints.

Yazici S, Günes S, Kurtulus-Çokboz M, Kemer Ö, Baranli G, Asik-Akman S, Can D. Allergen variability and house dust mite sensitivity in pre-school children with allergic complaints. Turk J Pediatr 2018; 60: 41-49. The increase in the prevalence of allergic diseases in pre-school children who are often at home may be due to an increase in house dust mite sensitivity, which is rarely expected in this age group. In our study, it was aimed to investigate allergen sensitivities, especially house dust mite sensitivity in pre-school children with allergic disease complaints by skin prick test (SPT). Two hundred and twenty children admitted to the Pediatric Allergy and Asthma Clinic of Balikesir University between October 2015 and October 2016 diagnosed with asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergy, atopic dermatitis or urticaria were involved in the retrospective cross-sectional study. Allergen groups used in SPT were Dermatophagoides farina (Derf), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p), Alternaria alternata, cat epithelium, pollen mixture and food mixture. Average age of the 220 patients was 2.98 years (2.75-3.21). SPT was positive in 55.9% of patients. Sixteen percent were monosensitized and 73.8% were polysensitized. Seventy two children (32.7%) were sensitive to Der f and 67 (30.4%) were sensitive to Der p. There was no difference between SPT positivity and gender (p > 0.05). Ninty-five children were diagnosed with asthma, 38 with asthma and allergic rhinitis, 63 with food allergy and 24 with urticaria and/or atopic dermatitis. SPT positivity was significantly higher in the asthma and allergic rhinitis group than other groups. As the age increased, significant increases in the sensitivities of Der f (p < 0.01), Der p (P < 0.01) and A. alternata (p < 0.05) and a significant decrease for food panel sensitivity (p < 0.01) were detected. Even though skin and food allergies were included in our study, house dust mite sensitivity was found much higher than other studies reporting ranges between 3.5-23% in children of the same age group with mainly respiratory complaints. It is concluded that the probable reasons for this increase, especially geographical features, should be investigated in different areas and in larger number of studies.

Angioedema Due to Lamiaceae Allergy.

We present a 13-year-old male childallergic to three different plants (Salvia officinalis, Mentha piperita and Origanum onites L.) of Lamiaceae family. The patient developed angioedema 20-30 minutes after eating chicken meat with cheddar cheese. There was no history of allergy. Oral food challenge (OFC) with both cheddar cheese and chicken meat was negative. Skin tests for inhalant allergens were negative. 3 weeks later, the patient was admitted with angioedema after drinking sage tea. OFC with sage was applied and angioedema was observed. It was recognized that the first trigger, chicken meat with cheddar cheese, included oregano (Origanum onites L.). OFC for oregano was positive. Prick to prick test for Lamiaceae herbs (oregano, sage, mint) was performed. A positive reaction was observed only to mint. OFC was repeated with fresh mint and angioedema developed after 16 hours. Diagnose of Lamiaceae allergy is complicated and cross-sensitivity is common. Skin prick test (prick to prick)revealed a positive response only to mint but not to oregano and sage. Commercial radioallergosorbent (RAST) tests are available only for a few members of the family. Finally, thediagnose is based mainly on OFC. Spices from Lamiaceae group should be considered as potential triggers of allergic reactions.

Use of noncontact infrared thermography to measure temperature in children in a triage room.

We compared the accuracy and utility of 3 infrared (IFR) thermographs fitted with axillary digital thermometers used to measure temperature in febrile and afebrile children admitted to an emergency triage room.A total of 184 febrile and 135 afebrile children presenting to a triage room were consecutively evaluated. Axillary temperature was recorded using a digital electronic thermometer. Simultaneously, IFR skin scans were performed on the forehead, the neck (over the carotid artery), and the nape by the same nurse. Fever was defined as an axillary temperature ≥37.5°C. The temperature readings at the 4 sites were compared.For all subjects, the median axillary temperature was 37.7 ±â€Š1.5°C, the IFR forehead temperature was 37 ±â€Š1.1°C, the IFR neck temperature was 37.6 ±â€Š1.5°C, and the IFR nape temperature was 37 ±â€Š1.2°C. A Bland-Altman plot of the differences suggested that all agreements between IFR and axillary measures were poor (the latter measure was considered the standard). The forehead measurements had a sensitivity of 88.6% and a specificity of 60% in patients with temperatures ≥36.75°C. The sensitivities of the neck measurement at cut-offs of ≥37.35°C and ≥36.95 were 95.5% and 78.8% for those aged 2 to 6 years. Thus, 11.4% of febrile subjects were missed when forehead measurements were performed.An IFR scan over the lateral side of neck is a reliable, comfortable, rapid, and noninvasive method for fever screening, particularly in children aged 2 to 6 years, in busy settings such as pediatric triage rooms.

Protective Effects of Quercetin on Necrotizing Enterocolitis in a Neonatal Rat Model.

INTRODUCTION: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the major health problems of newborn period. To date, a large amount of chemicals have been tested for NEC and some showed limited beneficial effects. The research for better results still continues. This study aims to investigate the effects of quercetin (QE) on NEC treatment in rats. METHODS: Newborn rats were divided into control, NEC, and NEC + QE groups. In NEC and NEC + QE groups, experimental NEC was induced. NEC + QE group animals were also given QE. Weight changes of the animals were recorded, and serum total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured. Histologic evaluation of the distal ileum and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining were performed. RESULTS: A significant increase in the TAS levels was observed in NEC + QE group. Only NEC group exhibited significantly higher TOS and MDA levels and lower GSH levels. Rats in the NEC + QE group had better histopathology and less apoptosis than NEC group. CONCLUSION: QE is effective in enhancing antioxidant defense mechanism, limiting oxidative stress, reducing intestinal damage, and preventing NEC development.

The relation between international normalized ratio and mortality in acute pulmonary embolism: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious clinical disease characterized by a high mortality rate. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of international normalized ratio (INR) in acute PE patients not on anticoagulant therapy. METHODS: The study included 244 hospitalized acute PE patients who were not receiving previous anticoagulant therapy. Based on their 30-day mortality, patients were categorized as survivors or non-survivors. INR was measured during the patients' admission, on the same day as the diagnosis of PE but before anticoagulation started. RESULTS: Thirty-day mortality occurred in 39 patients (16%). INR was higher in non-survivors than in survivors (1.3±0.4 vs 1.1±0.3, P=.003). In multivariate analysis, INR (HR: 3.303, 95% CI: 1.210-9.016, P=.020) was independently associated with 30-day mortality from PE. Inclusion of INR in a model with simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) score improved the area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve from 0.736 (95% CI: 0.659-0.814) to 0.775 (95% CI: 0.701-0.849) (P=.028). Also, the addition of INR to sPESI score enhanced the net reclassification improvement (NRI=8.8%, P<.001) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI=0.043, P=.027). CONCLUSION: Elevated INR may have prognostic value for 30-day mortality in acute PE patients not on anticoagulation. Combining INR with sPESI score improved the predictive value for all-cause mortality. However, further large-scale studies are needed to confirm it's prognostic role.

Relation between dynamic change of red cell distribution width and 30-day mortality in patients with acute pulmonary embolism.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Recent studies suggest that an increase in red cell distribution width (RDW) levels have a better prognostic value than a single measurement. In the current study, we investigated the predictive value of increasing RDW levels for mortality in acute pulmonary emboli (APE) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the study, 199 APE patients who were hospitalized were enrolled. Patients were divided into three groups according to their admission and 24th hour RDW values. Patients for whom both RDW values normal were put in group 1 (normal); patients with admission RDW > 14.5% and decreased 24th hour RDW values were in group 2 (decreased); patients whose 24th hour RDW levels were >14.5% and increased compared to their baseline RDW measurement were in group 3 (increased). Clinical and laboratory findings and 30-day mortality of these groups were compared. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 68 ± 16, and 48% of the patients were male. There were 98 patients (49%) in group 1, 59 patients (30%) in group 2, and 42 patients (21%) in group 3. Patients in group 3 were older, had lower eGFR and hemoglobin values, and had higher brain type natriuretic peptide values. Mortality rate was higher in group 3 (0%, 3.4%, 19%, respectively, P < .0001). Increase in RDW was independently related to mortality [HR: 4.9, (95%CI: 1.2-18, P = .02)]. CONCLUSION: APE patients with increasing RDW levels have higher mortality rates. Serial measurements of RDW may help us determine patients with high risk for mortality.

The Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS3-786T>C) Genetic Polymorphism in Chronic Heart Failure: Effects of Mutant -786C allele on Long-term Mortality.

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide plays an important role in the regulation of basal vascular tone and cardiac myocyte function. We investigated the NOS3-786T>C polymorphism in chronic heart failure (CHF) and its effects on long-term mortality. METHODS: Ninety-one patients with CHF who were referred to the Department of Cardiology of Siyami Ersek Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Center for cardiopulmonary exercise testing between April 2001 and January 2004 and 30 controls were enrolled in this study. Patient were followed prospectively for a period of 1 to 12 years. RESULTS: Patients and controls were divided into three groups: TT, TC and CC, according to their NOS3-786T>C polymorphism. We noted that there was no significant difference in the genotype distribution between patients and controls. There was also no significant difference in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene polymorphism between ischemic HF and nonischemic HF. During the follow-up period, 61 (67%) deaths occurred. The nonsurvivor group had lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (p = 0.01), reduced peak oxygen consumption (p = 0.04) and were of older age (p = 0.001). Age, LVEF, peak oxygen consumption and genotype were found to be predictors of mortality (p < 0.05). Additionally, mortality was significantly increased in -786CC genotype patients compared to TT genotype patients (hazard ratio = 2.2; p = 0.03). By multivariate analysis, age and eNOS genotype were determined to be significant independent predictors of death. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed that homozygote -786C genotype was associated with an increased risk of death (χ2 = 4.6, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that the NOS3-786T>C polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of mortality in patients with CHF.

Osteogenesis imperfecta Type IV: a newly identified variant at position c.560 (G > T; p.Gly187Val) in the COL1A2 gene.

Osteogenesis imperfecta is a clinically heterogenous disease caused by defective collagen syntesis associated with a mutation in the COL1A1 or COL1A2 genes. In this report, we present a case of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) type IV, seen in a female fetus with incurved femurs at 18 weeks of gestation. Molecular analysis of the newborn revealed a novel mutation at position c.560 (c.560 G > T) of the exon 12 in the COL1A2 gene; which lead to the glycine modification with valine (p.Gly187Val) at codon 187. The pregnancy follow-up was uneventful. After delivery, the newborn underwent biphosponat therapy and no fracture was detected until 1 year old.

Prognostic impact of pleural effusion in acute pulmonary embolism.

Background Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common and life-threatening condition associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Pleural effusion occurs in about one in three cases; however, data on its prognostic value are scarce. Purpose To investigate the association between pleural effusion and both 30-day and long-term mortality in patients with acute PE. Material and Methods We retrospectively evaluated 463 patients diagnosed with acute PE using computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). Echocardiographic, demographic, and laboratory data were collected. The study population was divided into two groups: patients with and without pleural effusions. Pleural effusion detected on CT was graded as small, moderate, and large according to the amount of effusion. The predictors of 30-day and long-term total mortality were analyzed. Results Pleural effusions were found in 120 patients (25.9%). After the 30-day follow-up, all-cause mortality was higher in acute PE patients with pleural effusions than in those without (23% versus 9%, P < 0.001). Also, patients with pleural effusions had significantly higher incidence of long-term total mortality than those without pleural effusions (55% versus 23%, P < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, pleural effusion was an independent predictor of 30-day and long-term mortality (odds ratio [OR], 2.154; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.186-3.913; P = 0.012 and OR, 1.591; 95% CI, 1.129-2.243; P = 0.008, respectively). Conclusion Pleural effusion can be independently associated with both 30-day and long-term mortality in patients with acute PE.

Relation of Low T3 to One-Year Mortality in Non-ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients.

BACKGROUND: Low T3 which is defined as decreased triiodothyronine (T3) and normal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxin (T4) levels is present in many acute diseases and is related to increased mortality. We studied low T3 level's relation to long-term mortality in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) patients. METHODS: T3, T4, and TSH levels of consecutive NSTE-ACS patients were measured. Patients with normal T4 and TSH levels, but low T3 level were defined as low T3 group. Patients with normal T3, T4, and TSH levels were defined as normal group. Clinical and laboratory findings in these two groups were compared. In addition, we examined low T3 level's relation to early and long-term mortality. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 61 ± 13 (67% male) and 31 (11%) patients had low T3 level. Free T3 values were negatively correlated with age, serum creatinine, and brain type natriuretic peptide values at the time of admission (r = -0.452, P < 0.0001; r = -0.255, P < 0.0001; r = -0.544, P < 0.0001, respectively). Mortality at 1 month and 1 year was higher in low T3 group (3% vs. 16%, P = 0.002; 6.4% vs. 23%, P = 0.003, respectively). In multivariate analysis, low T3 was found to be related to mortality at 1 year (OR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.1-6.5, P = 0.02). In ROC analysis, free T3 had a good area under the curve (AUC) value for mortality at 1 year [AUC: 0.709 (95% CI: 0.619-0.799, SE: 0.0459)]. CONCLUSION: Low T3 is related to increased early and late mortality in NSTE-ACS patients. Free T3 levels may be used to identify NSTE-ACS patients with high mortality risk.