Perioperative Marinobufagenin (MBG) Measurement May Improve Acute Kidney Injury Risk Assessment in Patients Undergoing Major Cardiac Surgery: A Proof-of-Concept Study.

Background and Objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) remains a significant complication following major cardiac surgery. Marinobufagenin (MBG), a cardiotonic steroid involved in sodium balance and blood pressure regulation, has been linked to organ damage after ischemia-reperfusion events. This pilot, prospective study investigates the utility of circulating MBG to improve AKI risk assessment in cardiac surgery patients as a stand-alone biomarker and after inclusion in a validated risk model (STS-AKI score). Materials and Methods: We included 45 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. The MBG levels were measured preoperatively and at 4, 8, and 12 h post-surgery. The AKI was defined according to the KDIGO guidelines. Statistical analyses assessed the diagnostic and prognostic utility of MBG and its integration with the STS-AKI score. Results: An AKI occurred in 26.7% of the patients. The STS-AKI score performed well in this cohort (AUC: 0.736). The MBG levels displayed a decreasing trend in the whole population after surgery (p = 0.02). However, in the AKI patients, MBG increased at 4 and 8 h before decreasing at 12 h post-surgery. The MBG changes from the baseline to 8 h and from 8 to 12 h post-surgery showed a remarkable diagnostic accuracy for an AKI (AUCs: 0.917 and 0.843, respectively). Integrating these MBG changes with the STS-AKI score significantly improved the model performance, including discrimination, calibration, and risk reclassification. Conclusions: The MBG measurement, particularly any dynamic changes post-surgery, enhances AKI risk stratification in cardiac surgery patients. Integrating MBG with the STS-AKI score offers more accurate risk predictions, potentially leading to better patient management and outcomes.

Selenoprotein P-1 (SEPP1) as an Early Biomarker of Myocardial Injury in Patients Undergoing Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

Background: Biomarkers development for prognostication or prediction of perioperative myocardial disease is critical for the evolution of treatment options in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The aim of our prospective monocentric study was to investigate the role of selenoprotein 1 (SEEP 1) as a potential biomarker for assessing the risk of myocardial injury after cardiac surgery. Methods: Circulating SEPP1 was measured in the blood of 45 patients before surgery and at 4 h, 8 h and 12 h after CPB by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); (3) Results: circulating SEPP-1 levels measured 4 h after surgery were strongly correlated with CK-MB levels measured at 48 h (R = 0.598, p < 0.0001) and at 72 h (R = 0.308, p = 0.05). Close correlations were also found between 4 h SEPP-1 and Hs-c troponin values measured at 24 h (R = 0.532, p < 0.0001), 48 h (R = 0.348, p = 0.01) and 72 h (R = 0.377, p = 0.02), as well as with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) (R = 0.389, p = 0.008) and cross-clamp time (R = 0.374, p = 0.001); (4) Conclusions: Early SEPP1 measurement after CPB may hold great potential for identifying cardiac surgery patients at risk of developing perioperative myocardial injury.

Mechanical heart valves and oral anticoagulation: a survey of the Italian Society of Cardiac Surgery.

In the latest European guidelines for the management of valvular heart disease, mechanical valve prostheses maintain a strategic role, particularly for certain patient subsets and age groups. Despite the high number of devices implanted in clinical practice, particularly in non-European and North American regions, current scientific literature and debate seem to suggest a limited use of mechanical heart valves. The cardiac surgery community seems to be highly interested in biological and transcatheter valve prostheses but less interested in mechanical heart valves, including possible strategies for self-management of anticoagulation therapy. In this respect, the Italian Society of Cardiac Surgery (SICCH), in particular the Italian Group of Research for Outcome in Cardiac Surgery (GIROC), has promoted a survey among its members to stimulate the interest in this topic and express their opinion on this issue that, due to the prevalence of the affected population and the new treatment options for improving patients' quality of life, should be more appraised and debated in the cardiac surgery community. The recorded results, obtained on the answers to 111 questionnaires, seem to divide the specialists into 'pros' and 'contras' on a useful tool for the entire cardiac surgery community. For this reason, SICCH proposes in conclusion to declare its unified and institutional opinion on this topic.

[Choosing a tailored prosthetic valve in cardiac surgery: what is the current role of mechanical prostheses?] / Il ruolo delle protesi valvolari meccaniche oggi. Dalla letteratura alla situazione italiana.

The choice of the mechanical/biological heart valve prosthesis is a topic currently debated in the light of the transcatheter prosthetic models and the results obtained/expected with the new biological valve models. Consequently, it seems that increasingly younger patients would be indicated for an implantation of a biological prosthesis. This is also in order to improve the quality of life of patients who want to avoid oral anticoagulant therapy. On the other hand, the guidelines for the treatment of heart valve disease assign a central role to the use of mechanical valve prostheses, particularly for certain patient subsets and age groups. This means that mechanical prostheses are still widely used worldwide, especially in non-European or North American regions. The cardiac surgery community therefore seems to be very interested in biological prostheses and transcatheter implants and scarcely interested in mechanical prostheses, including possible strategies for self-management of anticoagulant therapy. Recently, the Italian Society of Cardiac Surgery promoted a survey among its members to stimulate interest in the cardiac surgery community. This review article aims to summarize the most current results recorded with the use of mechanical prostheses and possible strategies, especially for the management of oral anticoagulant therapy, which can improve the patient's quality of life.

Vascular Biology of Arterial Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: This review aims to analyze biomolecular and cellular events responsible for arterial aneurysm formation with particular attention to vascular remodeling that determines the initiation and the progression of arterial aneurysm, till rupture. METHODS: This review was conducted searching libraries such as Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and MEDLINE. Used keywords with various combinations were "arterial aneurysms," "biology," "genetics," "proteomics," "molecular," "pathophysiology," and extracellular matrix". RESULTS: There are several genetic alterations responsible of syndromic and nonsyndromic disease that predispose to aneurysm formation. Extracellular matrix imbalance, mainly due to the alteration of vascular smooth muscle cells homeostasis, overexpression of metalloproteinases, and cytokines activation, determines weakness of the arterial wall that dilates thus causing aneurysmal disease. Altered mechanotransduction in the extracellular matrix may also trigger and sustain anomalous cellular and biochemical signaling. Different cell population such as vascular smooth muscle cells, macrophages, perivascular adipose tissue cells, and vascular wall resident stem cells are all involved at different levels. CONCLUSIONS: Improving knowledge in vascular biology may help researchers and physicians in better targeting aneurysmal disease to better prevent and better treat such important disease.

Metalloproteinases in Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review.

The role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in routine cardiac operations including cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is still poorly explored. The purpose of this systematic review was to thoroughly summarize and discuss the existing knowledge of the MMP profile in cardiac surgery. All studies meeting the inclusion criteria (i.e., those reporting detailed data about MMP release during and after CPB) were selected after screening the literature published between July 1975 and August 2022. Fifteen trials that enrolled a total of 431 participants were included. MMP levels were found to be significantly correlated with CPB in all included studies. The gelatinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 were highly released in cardiac surgery with CPB. MMP-9 levels were found to be increased after CPB start and during the duration of CPB. Particularly, it is overexpressed both in the myocardial tissue and circulating in the bloodstream. Also, MMP-2 levels increased after CPB both in plasma and in myocardial tissue. MMP-7, MMP-8, and MMP-13 levels increased after CPB start and remained elevated up to 6 h later. Increased levels of MMPs were associated with adverse post-operative outcomes. Conversely, TIMP-1 decreased with CPB. Mechanical and pharmacological strategies were applied in two studies to analyze their effect on the inflammatory response to cardiac surgery and CPB and on postoperative outcomes. New targeted MMP inhibitor therapies could protect against systemic inflammatory response syndrome after CPB and should be the subject of future large prospective multicenter randomized clinical trials.

Efficacy of prophylactic platelet rich plasma (PRP) following open saphenous vein harvesting in cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Wound infection represents a frequent trouble following open saphenous vein harvesting in cardiac surgery. Platelets' growth factors are crucial for the healing process. Prophylactic platelet rich plasma (PRP) application on leg wound might reduce the incidence of saphenous vein harvest site infections in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). METHODS: Between January 2009 and December 2020, 987 consecutive patients underwent CABG using saphenous vein as conduit graft and were retrospectively divided into two groups. All patients had standard surgical leg wound closure and wound care, but treatment group received adjunctive topical application of PRP (no-PRP and PRP group, respectively). The primary outcome was wound infection. RESULTS: Saphenous vein harvest site infection rate was similar between PRP (3.5%) and No-PRP (5.2%) group, p = 0.215. The ASEPSIS score was lower for the PRP group (PRP: 3.6 ± 9.1 vs. No-PRP: 5.3 ± 11.2; p = 0.014). Performing a subgroup analysis, the diabetic patients (PRP-DM) group had a lower rate of infection than control group (No-PRP DM) (2.6% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.026). PRP-DM patients had an inferior ASEPSIS score (PRP-DM: 2.7 ± 8.3 vs. No PRP-DM: 7.5 ± 13.2, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Topical application of autologous PRP on saphenoug vein harvest site might reduce the rate of surgical site infection, with particular benefit among diabetic patients.

Diabetes-Induced Cellular Senescence and Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype Impair Cardiac Regeneration and Function Independently of Age.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects the biology of multipotent cardiac stem/progenitor cells (CSCs) and adult myocardial regeneration. We assessed the hypothesis that senescence and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) are main mechanisms of cardiac degenerative defect in DM. Accordingly, we tested whether ablation of senescent CSCs would rescue the cardiac regenerative/reparative defect imposed by DM. We obtained cardiac tissue from nonaged (50- to 64-year-old) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and without DM (NDM) and postinfarct cardiomyopathy undergoing cardiac surgery. A higher reactive oxygen species production in T2DM was associated with an increased number of senescent/dysfunctional T2DM-human CSCs (hCSCs) with reduced proliferation, clonogenesis/spherogenesis, and myogenic differentiation versus NDM-hCSCs in vitro. T2DM-hCSCs showed a defined pathologic SASP. A combination of two senolytics, dasatinib (D) and quercetin (Q), cleared senescent T2DM-hCSCs in vitro, restoring their expansion and myogenic differentiation capacities. In a T2DM model in young mice, diabetic status per se (independently of ischemia and age) caused CSC senescence coupled with myocardial pathologic remodeling and cardiac dysfunction. D + Q treatment efficiently eliminated senescent cells, rescuing CSC function, which resulted in functional myocardial repair/regeneration, improving cardiac function in murine DM. In conclusion, DM hampers CSC biology, inhibiting CSCs' regenerative potential through the induction of cellular senescence and SASP independently from aging. Senolytics clear senescence, abrogating the SASP and restoring a fully proliferative/differentiation-competent hCSC pool in T2DM with normalization of cardiac function.

The Evolution of Temperature Management for Cardiac Surgery: A Historical Perspective.

Intraoperative temperature regimen usually is planned preoperatively by a "team." Selecting and understanding the impact of the temperature regimen (normothermia, or mild, moderate, or severe hypothermia) usually are related to the type of cardiac surgery (eg, using circulatory arrest or open-heart surgery). Cardiopulmonary bypass constitutes a challenging situation for monitoring temperature because of the rapid and extraordinary degree of heat transferred through the bypass circuit during heating and cooling. The core compartment undergoes the fastest temperature changes because of the rapid rate of blood reinfused into the organs. In modern cardiac surgery, different types and technologies of heater-cooler devices can be used in clinical practice, thanks to the development process that took its cue from past experiences. In this context, the authors review the role of thermal exchange in cardiac surgery and the progress achieved from first-to-second-generation heater-cooler devices.

Assessment of androgen receptor, IGF-IR and insulin receptor expression in male patients with severe peripheral artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) of the lower limbs is a common condition that can affect quality of life. Androgen receptor (AR) can exert sex-specific effects on metabolic system, endothelial function and vascular tone. IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) and insulin receptor (IR) may also be involved in the aforementioned functions. The aim of this study was to evaluate AR, IGF-IR and IR expression in the arterial vessel walls of PAD patients. RESULTS: This is a cross-sectional study examining 30 males with PAD undergoing open surgery procedures. Mean age was 75.9 ± 8.8y. All patients belonged to Rutherford stage 4-6. Median expression levels of IR, IGF-IR and AR significantly decreased from stage 4-6 (p < 0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: The study evidenced a progressive decrease of IR, IGF-IR and AR expression as the severity of disease increased. Altered levels of IR, IGF-IR and AR following PAD may be useful for the clinical evaluation of these patients.

New Oral Anticoagulants Versus Warfarin in Atrial Fibrillation After Early Postoperative Period in Patients With Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of novel nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) to prevent stroke is well assessed, but NOACs use in AF that occurs after bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement (AVR) is not endorsed. This retrospective real-world study evaluated the efficacy and safety of NOACs prescribed no earlier than 4 months after AVR as an alternative to warfarin in patients with AF. METHODS: We pooled 1032 patients from the databases of 5 centers. Ischemic/embolic events and major bleeding rates were compared between 340 patients assuming NOACs and 692 prescribed warfarin. Propensity score matching was performed to avoid the bias between groups. RESULTS: The NOACs vs warfarin embolic/ischemic rate was 13.5% (46 of 340) vs 22.7% (157 of 692), respectively, (hazard ratio [HR], 0.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.37-0.75; P < .001), and the incidence rate was 3.7% vs 6.9% patients/year, respectively (log-rank test P = .009). The major bleeding rate was 7.3% (25 of 340) vs 13% (90 of 692) (HR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.33-0.84; P = .007), and the incidence rate was 2% vs 4% patients/year (log-rank test P = .002.) After propensity score matching, the NOACs vs warfarin embolic/ischemic rate was 13.1% (42 of 321) vs 21.8% (70 of 321) (HR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4-0.9; P = .02), and the incidence rate was 4.1% vs 6.7% patients/year (log rank test P = .01). The major bleeding rate was 7.8% (25 of /321) vs 13.7% (44 of 321) (HR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.31-0.86; P = .01), and the incidence rate was 2.4% vs 4.2% patients/year (log-rank P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: In a real-word study, NOACs use overcomes the indications provided by guidelines. This study evidenced that NOACs use in patients who developed AF after bioprosthetic AVR was more effective in prevention of thromboembolism and safe in reduction of major bleeding events compared with warfarin.

Clinical and Pathological Correlations in Chronic Venous Disease.

BACKGROUND: Chronic Venous Disease (CVD) has a high prevalence in the western world. Varicose veins (VVs) are the main signs of this disease that is characterized by important pathological vessel wall changes. The aim of this study is to correlate the main histopathological abnormalities with related clinical issues of CVD. METHODS: A cohort of patients with VVs scheduled for open surgical treatment namely stab avulsion of VVs was recruited. Subsequently, venous tissue from stab avulsion was collected in order to evaluate the following biomarkers: Vascular-Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Protein Gene Product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), Fibronectin (FN), and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). The Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology (CEAP) criteria were used to classify CVD. RESULTS: Fourteen tissue fragments were processed for histological and immunohistochemical studies. Of these, 43% were from CEAP C2 patients, 36% from CEAP C3 patients, and 21% from CEAP C4 patients. CEAP Class C2 had few to moderate structures positive to VEGF; occasional structures positive to Fibronectin, numerous structures positive to MMP9, few to moderate structures positive to PGP 9.5. CEAP Class C3 had moderate structures positive to VEGF; few to moderate structures positive to Fibronectin; many structures positive to MMP9; few to moderate structures positive to PGP 9.5. CEAP Class C4 had numerous structures positive to VEGF; numerous structures positive to Fibronectin; abundant structures positive to MMP-9; few structures positive to PGP 9.5. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, positive VEGF, FN, and MMP-9 structures were found with increasing trends in relation to the disease staging. VEGF and FN are associated with a progressive increase from C2 to C4. The MMP-9 marker has an important positivity even at early stage of the disease, being higher in CEAP C4 patients. PGP 9.5 decreases in CEAP C4 patients and this is concordant to decreased vein wall innervation.

Surgical treatment of valve endocarditis in high-risk patients and predictors of long-term outcomes.

Infective endocarditis represents a surgical challenge associated with perioperative mortality. The aim of this study is to evaluate the predictors of operative mortality and long-term outcomes in high-risk patients. We retrospectively analyzed 123 patients operated on for infective endocarditis from January 2011 to December 2020. Logistic regression model was used to identify prognostic factors of in-hospital mortality. Long term follow-up was made to asses late prognosis. Preoperative renal failure, an elevation EuroSCORE II and prior aortic valve re-replacement were found to be preoperative risk factors significantly associated with mortality. In-hospital mortality was 27% in patients who had previously undergone aortic valve replacement (n = 4 out of 15 operated, p = 0.01). Patients who were operated on during the active phase of infective endocarditis showed a higher mortality rate than those operated on after the acute phase (16% vs. 0%; p = 0.02). The type of prosthesis used (biological or mechanical) was not associated with mortality, whereas cross-clamp time significantly correlated with mortality (mean cross-clamp time 135 ± 65 min in dead patients vs. 76 ± 32 min in surviving patients; p = 0.0005). Mean follow up was 57.94 ± 30.9 months. Twelve patients died (11.65%). Among the twelve mortalities, five were adjudicated to cardiac causes and seven were non-cardiac (two cancers, one traumatic accident, one cerebral hemorrhage, two bronchopneumonia, one peritonitis). Overall survival probability (freedom from death, all causes) at 3, 5, 7 and 8 years was 98.9% (95% CI 97-100%), 96% (95% CI 92-100%), 85.9% (95% CI 76-97%), and 74% (95% CI 60-91%) respectively. Our study demonstrates that an early surgical approach may represent a valuable treatment option for high-risk patients with infective endocarditis, also in case of prosthetic valve endocarditis. Although several risk factors are associated with higher mortality, no patient subset is inoperable. These findings can be helpful to inform decision-making in heart team discussion.

Magnetic levitation pump versus constrained vortex pump: a pilot study on the hemolysis effect during minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation.

BACKGROUND: Elevated plasma free hemoglobin is associated with multi-organ injury. In this context, minimally invasive extracorporeal technologies represent a way to reduce this complication following cardiac surgery. METHODS: We present a pilot study focused on plasma free hemoglobin levels in 40 patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The same circuits for minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) were used in all patients. The ECMOLIFE magnetic levitation pump was used in the study group (n = 20), and the AP40 Affinity CP centrifugal blood pump was used in the control group (n = 20). RESULTS: In the immediate postoperative period, plasma free hemoglobin (PFH) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (10.6 ± 0.7 vs 19.9 ± 0.3 mg/dL, p = 0.034; and 99.16 ± 1.7 vs 139.17 ± 1.5 IU/L, p = 0.027, respectively). Moreover, patients treated with the magnetic levitation pump showed lower creatinine and indirect bilirubin (0.92 vs 1.29 mg/dL, p = 0.030 and 0.6 ± 0.4 vs 1.5 ± 0.9 mg/dL, p = 0.022, respectively) at 24 h after the procedure, and received fewer transfusions during the whole postoperative period (3 vs 9 red blood cell units (RBC), p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Our pilot study suggests that the use of magnetically levitated centrifugal pumps for extracorporeal circulation support is associated with a lower risk of hemolysis, though larger studies are warranted to confirm our results.

The fate of patients after failed epicardial ablation of atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Much debate is still going on about the best ablation strategy-via endocardial or epicardial approach-in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), and evidence gaps exist in current guidelines in this area. More specifically, there are no clear long-term outcome data after failed surgical AF ablation. METHODS: Since June 2008, 549 surgical AF ablation procedures through a right minithoracotomy were performed at our institution. From 2008 to 2011, a unipolar radiofrequency device was used (151 patients), whereas from 2011 to 2020 a bipolar radiofrequency device was used (398 patients). Patients were scheduled for surgery on the basis of the following criteria: recurrent episodes of paroxysmal or persistent lone AF refractory to maximally tolerated antiarrhythmic drug dosing and at least one failed cardioversion attempt. Besides the recommended follow-up by the local cardiologist, starting from 2021, surviving patients were asked to undergo assessment of left ventricular function and to complete a questionnaire addressing quality of life and predisposing factors for recurrent AF. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 77 months, the rate of AF recurrence was 20.7% (n = 114). On multivariate analysis, impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (58 patients, 51%, p = 0.002), worsening of European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) symptom class (37 patients, 32%, p = 0.003) and cognitive decline or depression (23 patients, 20%, p = 0.023) during follow-up were found to be significantly associated with AF recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical AF ablation through a right minithoracotomy is safe, but a better outcome could be achieved using a hybrid approach. Patients after initial failed surgical AF ablation show worsening of cardiac function, clinical status and quality of life at follow-up compared to patients with successful AF ablation.

Efficacy and Safety of Jotec E-Ventus BX Stent Graft for Iliac Branch Device Procedure: A Retrospective Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND: The endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a successful treatment for aorto-iliac aneurysms. The success of EVAR is enhanced by the use of devices that maintain the patency of targeted arteries namely the iliac branch device (IBD) With this study we aimed to evaluate the association between the use of Jotec E-ventus during EVAR with IBD and prognosis in patients with aorto-iliac aneurysms. METHODS: This is a retrospective, multicentric study enrolling patients referred to our Vascular Surgery Units from January 2015 to January 2020. All patients underwent EVAR with IBD using Jotec E-ventus as bridging stent. Primary endpoint was the development of types I and III endoleaks. Secondary endpoint was the onset of device occlusion with loss of vascular patency. RESULTS: We studied 32 patients (mean age 71.7±4.5y). Of these, 25 patients were treated with standard EVAR procedure whereas 7 were treated with isolated IBD due to extension of disease involving iliac bifurcation. Median follow-up lasted 15[IQR11-27] months. During follow-up, incidence rates for endoleaks and occlusion were 3.98(95%CI 0.48-14.41) and 1.99(95%CI 0.05-11.12) per 100 pts/year. CONCLUSIONS: Jotec E-ventus during EVAR is associated with a low rate of severe complications in a small cohort of patients with aorto-iliac aneurysms.

Association between Inguinal Hernia and Arterial Disease: A Preliminary Report.

BACKGROUND: Inguinal hernia (IH) is a major problem in general surgery and its prevalence is increasing. The presence of hernias has been associated with a wide spectrum of venous diseases, with the involvement of imbalances in collagen and extracellular matrix deposition and metalloproteinases dysfunction. We aimed to evaluate whether the association between IH and vascular diseases is also present with respect to arterial diseases. METHODS: We designed a cross-sectional observational study enrolling consecutive patients undergoing surgical repair of IH. Arterial diseases (AD) considered were carotid stenosis, peripheral artery disease and abdominal aortic aneurysms. RESULTS: Study population consisted of 70 patients. Mean age was 63.2 ± 4.7 years. Prevalence of AD was 42.9% in the whole cohort. AD patients were older (p = 0.015), and more frequently had hypertension (p = 0.001) and active smoking habits (p = 0.001) than the no-AD group. Albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) was higher in AD than in no-AD patients (p < 0.001). At multivariable analysis, increased ACR (odds ratio, OR: 1.14, p < 0.001), old age (OR: 1.25, p = 0.001) and a smoking habit (OR: 3.20, p = 0.001) were significant correlates for the presence of AD. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of AD in patients with IH is non-negligible. Old age, a smoking habit and an abnormal excretion of urine albumin are associated with the presence of AD in these patients. Future studies are needed to gain more insights into the pathogenic mechanisms underlying this association, exploring also the specific role of metalloproteinases.

Smoking habit as a risk amplifier in chronic kidney disease patients.

Several studies showed the association between non-traditional risk factors [proteinuria and estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)] and cardiovascular (CV) and renal outcomes. Nevertheless, the etiologic role of traditional CV risk factors in referred CKD patients is less defined. Herein, we examined the association between smoking habit and CV events, mortality and CKD progression. We undertook an observational analysis of 1306 stage III-V CKD patients. Smoking habit was modeled as a categorical (never, current or former smokers) and continuous (number of cigarettes/day) variable. Mean eGFR was 35.8 ± 12.5 mL/min/1.73 m2. Never, current and former smokers were 61.1%, 10.8% and 28.1%. During a median follow-up of 2.87 years, current and former smokers were at significant risk for CV events (HRs of 1.93 [95% CI, 1.18-3.16] and 1.44 [95% CI, 1.01-2.05]) versus never smokers. Current smokers were at increased mortality risk (HR 2.13 [95% CI, 1.10-4.11]). Interactions were found between former smokers and proteinuria (p = 0.007) and diabetes (p = 0.041) for renal risk, and between current smokers and male gender (p = 0.044) and CKD stage V (p = 0.039) for renal and mortality risk. In referred CKD patients, smoking habit is independently associated with CV events and mortality. It acts as a risk "amplifier" for the association between other risk factors and renal outcomes.

Catheter, surgical, or hybrid procedure: what future for atrial fibrillation ablation?

BACKGROUND: The debate on the best treatment strategy for atrial fibrillation (AF) has expanded following the introduction of the so-called "hybrid procedure" that combines minimally invasive epicardial ablation with endocardial catheter ablation. However, the advantage of the hybrid approach over conventional epicardial ablation remains to be established. METHODS: From June 2008 to December 2020, 609 surgical AF ablation procedures through a right minithoracotomy were performed at our institution. From 2008 to 2011, a unipolar radiofrequency (RF) device was used, whereas from 2011 to 2020 a bipolar RF device was used. In addition, between September 2016 and April 2017, 60 patients underwent endocardial completion of epicardial linear ablation. In 30 of these latter patients, surgical isolation of the Bachmann's bundle (BB) was also performed. Starting from 2021, surviving patients at follow-up were asked to undergo electrocardiographic evaluation and left ventricular function assessment and to complete a questionnaire addressing quality of life and predisposing factors for recurrent AF. RESULTS: The ablation procedure was completed in all patients. Upon discharge, 30 (4.9%) patients showed recurrence of AF, whereas the remaining patients (95.1%) were in sinus rhythm. All patients in whom a hybrid approach was used either with or without BB ablation were discharged in sinus rhythm. After a mean follow-up of 74 months, 122 (20%) patients developed recurrent AF, including 19.9% in whom a unipolar RF device was used, 21% in whom a bipolar RF device was used, 23% who had undergone a hybrid procedure without BB ablation and 3.3% who had undergone a hybrid procedure with BB ablation. On multivariate analysis, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, worsening of European Heart Rhythm Association symptom class, and cognitive impairment or depression during follow-up were found to be significantly associated with AF recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical AF ablation through a right minithoracotomy is safe and may allow the creation of additional linear lesions, particularly in the BB. The placement of adjunctive linear lesions in the setting of a hybrid procedure can be more effective in reducing the risk for AF recurrence than isolated surgical ablation or hybrid ablation without the addition of further linear lesions, with no incremental risk to the patient.