Antiplatelet Treatment Preferences of a Group of Cardiologists from Türkiye: A Survey Research Study.

OBJECTIVE: Deciding on the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet treatment (DAPT) remains a complex decision. This survey aims to explore the preferences for antiplatelet therapy and the daily routine regarding DAPT duration in coronary artery disease among a group of cardiologists in Türkiye. METHOD: Using an online questionnaire with 38 questions, the preferences of 314 cardiologists were collected. Qualitative descriptive characteristics of the answers received from the participants were examined. RESULTS: Participating cardiologists mostly worked in training and research hospitals (51.59%) and university hospitals (21.66%). Participants primarily favored ticagrelor in patients undergoing PCI with a diagnosis of STEMI and NSTE-ACS (69.75% and 55.73% respectively). Clopidogrel was the most preferred P2Y12 treatment in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) after PCI (94.90%). Pre-treatment with a loading dose of a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor was administered to 57.01% of patients with NSTE-ACS, irrespective of the planned treatment strategy. In NSTE-ACS patients with low bleeding risk treated with PCI, 83.12% of participants recommended DAPT for 12 months and 14.65% for >12 months. In high-bleeding-risk NSTE-ACS patients treated with PCI, DAPT durations of six months (74.52%), three months (19.75%), and one month (5.73%) were chosen. Among CCS patients treated with PCI without an increased risk of bleeding, 12 months of DAPT was preferred by 68.15% of participants. Most participants (70.70%) were switching to a more potent P2Y12 receptor inhibitor therapy in emergency department clopidogrel-loaded patients with ACS. CONCLUSION: The aim of this survey to capture a snapshot of the preferences of a group of cardiologists in Türkiye regarding DAPT treatment and duration. The responses were both in accordance and in conflict with the current guidelines.

Prevalence of Fabry Disease in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy in Turkey: Multicenter study (LVH-TR subgroup analysis).

PURPOSE: In this prospective study we aimed to determine the rate of Fabry Disease (FD) in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and to evaluate the clinical presentations of patients with FD in a comprehensive manner. In addition, we aimed to raise awareness about this issue by allowing early diagnosis and treatment of FD. METHODS: Our study was planned as national, multicenter, observational. Totally 22 different centers participated in this study. A total of 886 patients diagnosed with LVH by echocardiography (ECHO) were included in the study. Demographic data, biochemical parameters, electrocardiography (ECG) findings, ECHO findings, treatments and clinical findings of the patients were recorded. Dry blood samples were sent from male patients with suspected FD. The α-Gal A enzyme level was checked and genetic testing was performed in patients with low enzyme levels. Female patients suspected of FD were genetically tested with the GLA Gene Mutation Analysis. RESULTS: FD was suspected in a total of 143 (16.13%) patients included in the study. The α-Gal-A enzyme level was found to be low in 43 (4.85%) patients whom enzyme testing was requested. GLA gene mutation analysis was positive in 14 (1.58%) patients. Male gender, E/e' mean ,and severe hypertrophy are important risk factor for FD. CONCLUSION: In daily cardiology practice, FD should be kept in mind not only in adult patients with unexplained LVH but also in the entire LVH population. Dry blood test (DBS) should be considered in high-risk patients, and mutation analysis should be considered in required patients.