Is electrophysiological study a novel predictor for permanent pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation?

Background/aim: Despite advancements in valve technology and increased clinical experience, complications related to conduction defects after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVR) have not improved as rapidly as expected. In this study, we aimed to predict the development of complete atrioventricular (AV) block and bundle branch block during and after the TAVR procedure and to investigate any changes in the cardiac conduction system before and after the procedure using electrophysiological study. Materials and methods: A total of 30 patients who were scheduled for TAVR at our cardiovascular council were planned to be included in the study. TAVR was performed on patients at Erciyes University Medical Faculty Hospital as a single center between May 2019 and August 2020 Diagnostic electrophysiological study was performed before the TAVR procedure and after its completion. Changes in the cardiac conduction system during the preprocedure, intra-procedure, and postprocedure periods were recorded. Results: Significant increases in baseline cycle length, atrial-His (AH) interval, his-ventricular (HV) interval and atrioventricular (AV) distance were observed before and after the TAVR procedure (p = 0.039, p < 0.001, p = 0.018, p < 0.001, respectively). During the TAVR procedure, the preprocedural HV interval was longer in patients who developed AV block and bundle branch block compared to those who did not and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.024). ROC curve analysis revealed that a TAVR preprocedure HV value >59.5 ms had 86% specificity and 75% sensitivity in detecting AV block and bundle branch block (AUC = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.664-0.996, p = 0.013). The preprocedure HV distance was 98 ± 10.55ms in the group with permanent pacemaker implantation and the mean value in the group without permanent pacemaker implantation was 66.27 ± 15.55 ms, showing a borderline significant difference (p = 0.049). Conclusion: The prolongation of HV interval in patients with AV block and bundle branch block suggests that the block predominantly occurs at the infra-hisian level. Patients with longer preprocedural HV intervals should be closely monitored for the need for permanent pacemaker implantation after the TAVR procedure.

Hypoxia-inducible factors in arteriovenous fistula maturation: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Neointimal hyperplasia is the main cause of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) factors are associated with neointimal hyperplasia. Thus, we investigated the association between HIF-2 alpha (HIF-2α) and AVF maturation in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients. METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted in 21 voluntary healthy subjects and 50 patients with ESKD who were eligible for AVF creation. Inclusion criteria were being ESKD patients without a history of AVF surgery and dialysis. Eight patients excluded from the study due to having unavailable veins six patients were excluded due to acute thrombosis after surgery. One patient lost to follow-up. A total of 35 patients were included in final analysis. The blood samples were collected a day before the AVF surgery for biochemical parameters and HIF-2α measurement. HIF-2α levels were measured by the ELISA method. RESULTS: Compared with healthy subjects, ESKD patients had a significantly higher level of HIF-2α. [1.3 (1.0-1.9) vs 2.2 (1.6-3.0)] (P = .002). Patients were divided into two groups after the evaluation of AVF maturation, as the mature group (n = 19) and the failure group (n = 16). Serum HIF-2α level was 1.7 (1.1-1.8) in the mature group; however, it was 3.1 (2.8-3.3 in failure group (P < .001). Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that HIF-2α independently predicted AVF maturation. The ROC curve analysis showed that HIF-2α > 2.65 predicted AVF maturation failure with the 87% sensitivity and 94% specificity [AUC:0.947, 95% CI (0.815-0.994), P < .001]. CONCLUSIONS: HIF-2-α levels were higher in ESKD patients than healthy subjects. HIF-2-α could be a marker of AVF maturation failure.

Percutaneous Ventricular Septal Defect Closure in Patients Under 1 Year of Age.

Untreated ventricular septal defect (VSD) is an important cause of congestive heart failure in early infancy. Growth is impaired in this population, and surgical closure is challenging because of congestion in the lungs, making infants prone to respiratory infection, and because of their poor nutritional status. The aim of this study is to share our experience with percutaneous VSD closure in patients under 1 year of age. Patients with hemodynamically significant left-to-right shunt, less than 1 year of age, and with VSD diameter ≤ 6 mm were retrospectively included in the study between December 2014 and January 2017. The median length of follow-up was 8.5 (4-14.2) months. Twelve patients from 2 to 12 months of age, with a median weight of 6.75 (5.4-8) kg, were included. The mean VSD diameter as measured by angiography from the left ventricle side was 4.7 ± 0.25 mm, and from the right ventricle side was 3.4 ± 1.1 mm. All were of a perimembranous type except three, which were muscular. All defects were closed with the Amplatzer Duct Occluder II (ADO II) or the ADO II-additional size. The mean fluoroscopy duration and total radiation dose were 22.6 ± 18.7 min and 1674 ± 851 cGy/min, respectively. No aortic regurgitation associated with device closure was seen in any of the patients. Complete atrioventricular block occurred in one patient 6 months after the procedure, and was treated with a permanent pacemaker. VSD closure is challenging, regardless of whether a surgical or percutaneous procedure is used. The risks are higher for children younger than 1 year with low body weight. Percutaneous closure, which carries similar risks but is less invasive than surgery, may be the preferred alternative in early infancy.

The Role of Pan-Immune-Inflammation Value in Determining the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in NSTEMI Patients.

BACKGROUND: Even though medication and interventional therapy have improved the death rate for non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients, these patients still have a substantial residual risk of cardiovascular events. Early identification of high-risk individuals is critical for improving prognosis, especially in this patient group. The focus of recent research has switched to finding new related indicators that can help distinguish high-risk patients. For this purpose, we examined the relationship between the pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) defined by the SYNTAX score (SxS) in NSTEMI patients. METHODS: Based on the SxS, CAD patients were split into three groups. To evaluate the risk variables of CAD, multivariate logistic analysis was employed. RESULTS: The PIV (odds ratio: 1.003; 95% CI: 1.001-1.005; p = 0.005) was found to be an independent predictor of a high SxS in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. Additionally, there was a positive association between the PIV and SxS (r: 0.68; p < 0.001). The PIV predicted the severe coronary lesion in the receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis with a sensitivity of 91% and specificity of 81.1%, using an appropriate cutoff value of 568.2. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with non-STEMI, the PIV, a cheap and easily measured laboratory variable, was substantially correlated with a high SxS and the severity of CAD.

Increased Serum Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index is Independently Associated With Severity of Carotid Artery Stenosis.

Stroke is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality. The present study investigated how the systemic immune inflammation index (SII) could be used to predict the likelihood of developing carotid artery stenosis (CAS), which can be seen using carotid artery angiography (CAAG). This study comprised 418 individuals who underwent CAAG for CAS. SII was calculated by multiplying the platelet count by the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR). The patients were divided into two groups: non-critical and critical CAS (stenosis below %70 and above ≥70%, respectively). Compared with the non-critical CAS, the critical CAS group had greater high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels (4.5 [3.1-5.7] vs 3.9 [2-5] [mg/L], P < .001), NLR (4.1 [2.9-7.5] vs 2.9 [1.8-3.7], P < .001), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (233 [110-297] vs 119 [96-197], P < .001), and SII (860 [608-2455] vs 604 [458-740], P < .001). Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve analysis demonstrated the best cutoff value of 672.3 for SII to predict the critical CAS with 71.2% sensitivity and 60.1% specificity. According to our study, an increase in SII is an independent predictor of the severity of CAS in patients undergoing CAAG.

Value of increased CRP/albumin ratio in predicting embolic events in patients with infective endocarditis.

Background: The CRP/albumin ratio (CAR), a new inflammatory marker, is associated with adverse outcomes in various cardiovascular diseases. We evaluated the effectiveness of CAR in predicting embolic events in patients diagnosed with infective endocarditis (IE). Methods: A total of 145 patients with IE were included in the study and categorized into two groups according to the presence of embolic events. We retrospectively analyzed the patients' clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic data. Results: CRP (94.2 vs 63.3; p < 0.001) and CAR (25.8 vs 15.1; p < 0.001) values were significantly higher in patients who experienced embolic events. Multivariate analysis showed that a high CAR value (odds ratio: 1.030; 95% CI: 1.000-1.060; p = 0.041) was an independent predictor of embolic events in patients with IE. Conclusion: The CAR is a cheap and easily accessible marker that can predict the development of embolic events in patients diagnosed with IE.

Comparison of Cardioplegic Solutions in Coronary Bypass Surgery Over Autophagy and Apoptosis Mechanisms. / Comparação de Soluções Cardioplégicas em Cirurgia de Revascularização Miocárdica sobre Mecanismos de Autofagia e Apoptose.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) due to myocardial ischemia causes permanent loss of heart tissue. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to demonstrate the possible damage to the myocardium at the molecular level through the mechanisms of autophagy and apoptosis in coronary bypass surgery patients. METHODS: One group was administered a Custodiol cardioplegia solution, and the other group was administered a Blood cardioplegia solution. Two myocardial samples were collected from each patient during the operation, just before cardiac arrest and after the aortic cross-clamp was released. The expressions of autophagy and apoptosis markers were evaluated. The level of statistical significance adopted was 5%. RESULTS: The expression of the BECLIN gene was significant in the myocardial tissues in the BC group (p=0.0078). CASPASE 3, 8, and 9 gene expression levels were significantly lower in the CC group. Postoperative TnT levels were significantly different between the groups (p=0.0072). CASPASE 8 and CASPASE 9 gene expressions were similar before and after aortic cross-clamping (p=0.8552, p=0.8891). In the CC group, CASPASE 3, CASPASE 8, and CASPASE 9 gene expression levels were not found to be significantly different in tissue samples taken after aortic cross-clamping (p=0.7354, p=0.0758, p=0.4128, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: With our findings, we believe that CC and BC solutions do not have a significant difference in terms of myocardial protection during bypass operations.

FUNDAMENTO: A doença arterial coronariana (DAC) devido à isquemia miocárdica causa perda permanente de tecido cardíaco. OBJETIVOS: Nosso objetivo foi demonstrar o possível dano ao miocárdio em nível molecular através dos mecanismos de autofagia e apoptose em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica. MÉTODOS: Um grupo recebeu uma solução de cardioplegia Custodiol e o outro grupo uma solução de cardioplegia sanguínea. Duas amostras miocárdicas foram coletadas de cada paciente durante a operação, imediatamente antes da parada cardíaca e após a liberação do pinçamento aórtico. Foram avaliadas as expressões de marcadores de autofagia e apoptose. O nível de significância estatística adotado foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: A expressão do gene BECLIN foi significativa nos tecidos miocárdicos do grupo CS (p=0,0078). Os níveis de expressão dos genes CASPASE 3, 8 e 9 foram significativamente menores no grupo CC. Os níveis pós-operatórios de TnT foram significativamente diferentes entre os grupos (p=0,0072). As expressões dos genes CASPASE 8 e CASPASE 9 foram semelhantes antes e depois do pinçamento aórtico (p=0,8552, p=0,8891). No grupo CC, os níveis de expressão gênica de CASPASE 3, CASPASE 8 e CASPASE 9 não foram significativamente diferentes em amostras de tecido coletadas após pinçamento aórtico (p=0,7354, p=0,0758, p=0,4128, respectivamente). CONCLUSÕES: Com nossos achados, acreditamos que as soluções CC e CS não apresentam diferença significativa em termos de proteção miocárdica durante as operações de by-pass.

Impact of Single versus Double Clamp Technique on Blood Lactate Levels and Postoperative Complications in Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with hyperlactatemia, which leads to adverse clinical outcomes. No study has examined the effect of different clamping techniques on postoperative hyperlactatemia (PHL). Thus, we aimed to evaluate the impact of two different techniques on PHL and the clinical outcomes in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass surgery. METHODS: This retrospective study included 100 patients who underwent isolated CPB either with single clamp technique (SCT, n=47) or double clamp technique (DCT, n=53). Demographic and preoperative laboratory data, as well as operative features and arterial blood lactate levels at the onset and at the end of CPB, were collected from patient charts. RESULTS: Blood lactate levels collected at the end of CPB did not differ significantly between groups whereas intraoperative lactate increased significantly in both groups (P<0.005). PHL developed in 16 patients (32%). There was no meaningful difference in SCT and DCT in this regard. Left internal mammary artery was used more frequently in the DCT group than in the SCT group. While the cross-clamp time was significantly longer in the SCT group, there was no difference regarding CPB time. Among postoperative complications, only the incidence of stroke was significantly higher in the DCT group than in the SCT group (10.6% vs. 0%, P=0.020). CPB time, cross-clamp time and numbers of proximal saphenous graft and distal anastomosis showed a significant positive correlation with the postoperative lactate level. In the regression analysis, CPB time emerged as the only independent predictor of PHL (OR 1.04, CI 95% 1.01-1.07, P=0.011). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in postoperative blood lactate levels between SCT and DCT groups.

The Importance of HbA1c and Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Predicting the Development of Postoperative Mortality and Complications in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between postoperative mortality, morbidity, hospital stay and development of postoperative complications with the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level and low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in diabetic and non-diabetic patients who underwent elective coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery. METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent CABG at our clinic between January 2015 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were divided into two groups according to their diabetes mellitus (DM) diagnosis. Diabetic patients were also divided into two groups according to their HbA1c levels. The HbA1c threshold value was 7%. All patients were divided into two groups in terms of LVEF. The LVEF threshold value was 40%. RESULTS: We analyzed 393 patients, of which 304 (77.4%) were male and 177 (45.04%) patients were diabetic. For lower LVEF and HbA1c values, we found no relationship between postoperative mortality, prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay and development of postoperative complications. Deep surgical site infection (DSSI) was found to be more common in diabetic patients who had a higher HbA1c value. Length of hospital stay was longer in diabetic patients with HbA1c levels <7%. CONCLUSION: No statistically significant relationship was found between LVEF and HbA1c levels and postoperative mortality, prolonged ICU stay and postoperative complications.

Endothelial Progenitor Cells and NADPH Oxidase Enzyme Activity in the Development of an Aortic Aneurysm.

INTRODUCTION: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase enzyme activity may affect the vessel wall and have a role in development of aortic aneurysms. EPCs originate from hematopoietic stem cells and can be enumerated from peripheral blood samples by flow cytometry. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relation of EPC number and NADPH oxidase enzyme activity in the development of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA). METHODS: Patients with TAA (n=30) and healthy individuals without TAA (control, n=10) were included in our study. Characterization and enumeration of EPC from peripheral blood samples were performed by flow cytometry with panels including markers of EPCs (CD34/CD133/CD309/CD146/CD144). Additionally, NADPH oxidase enzyme activity (capacity) was also measured by the dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR 123) test. RESULTS: The enumeration of EPC with CD34+/CD146+ marker showed that the number of mean EPC/106 cells was increased in the patient group (41.5/106 cells), but not in the control group (20.50/105 cells) (P<0.01). Additionally, patients with TAA presented significantly lower NADPH oxidase activity by DHR assay than healthy controls (mean stimulation index: 60.40± 7.86 and 75.10±5.21, respectively) (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that the number of EPCs is significantly higher in aortic aneurysm patients and may have a role in disease progression. The crosstalk between NADPH oxidase enzyme capacity and EPC number may be useful as a parameter to explain the clinical progression of TAA.

Cardiac Masses: Pathological and Surgical Features - A Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to review the surgical excision results and pathological diagnostic features of rarely observed intracardiac masses in the light of the literature. Diagnosis and treatment approaches and complications were evaluated. METHODS: Forty patients (26 females, mean age 52.1±18.1 years, and 14 males, mean age 48.1±20.5 years), who had undergone surgery for intracardiac mass between January 2008 and December 2018, were included in this study. The patients' data were analyzed retrospectively from the medical records of both centers. RESULTS: When the pathological diagnoses were examined, 85.8% of the masses (n=35) were observed to be benign (benign tumor + hydatid cyst) and 14.2% (n=5) were malignant tumors. The masses were most commonly located in the left atrium (75%, n=30), and this was followed by the right ventricle (12.5%, n=5), right atrium (7.5%, n=3), and left ventricle (5%, n=2). Of the patients, 7.5% (n=3) died during the early postoperative period, while the remaining 92.5% (n=37) were discharged with healing. In the histopathological diagnosis of the patients, in whom in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events were observed, there was malignancy in two cases. CONCLUSION: Intracardiac masses, which have pathological features, are severe life-threatening problems. In-hospital mortality is frequent, especially in malignant tumors.

The effect of cerium oxide on lung injury following lower extremity ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats under desflurane anesthesia.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of desflurane and cerium oxide (CO) on lung tissue following ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). METHODS: Experiments were conducted in Gazi University Animal Laboratory, Ankara, Turkey. Thirty rats were divided into 5 groups: control (C), IRI, IRI-CO, IRI-desflurane (IRID), IRI-CO-desflurane (IRICOD). Cerium oxide was given intraperitoneally. Lower extremity IRI was induced. Desflurane was applied during IRI. Lung histopathological examinations and serum biochemical analyses were performed. RESULTS: Serum nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were higher in group IRI (p=0.006) than in group C (p=0.001). Serum MDA and NO levels were significantly lower in groups IRICO and IRICOD than in group IRI. Significantly greater alveolar wall thickening and neutrophil infiltration were recorded in group IRI than in group C. Co-administration of desflurane and CO significantly decreased alveolar wall thickening and neutrophil infiltration compared to group IRI. Total lung injury scores were significantly lower in groups IRID, IRICO, and IRICOD than in group IRI. CONCLUSION: Intraperitoneal CO with desflurane, reduced oxidative stress and corrected the damage in lung. Cerium oxide given before and desflurane given during IRI have been shown to have protective effects on lung damage in rats.

Blood mRNA Expression Profiles of Autophagy, Apoptosis, and Hypoxia Markers on Blood Cardioplegia and Custodiol Cardioplegia Groups.

INTRODUCTION: Blood cardioplegia (BC) and Custodiol cardioplegia (CC) have been used for a long time in open heart surgery and are highly effective solutions. The most controversial issue among these two is whether there is any difference between them regarding myocardial damage after ischemia surgery. In this study, autophagy, apoptosis, and hypoxia markers were investigated and that way we evaluated the differences between BC and CC patients. METHODS: A total of 30 patients were included in this study, using two different cardioplegic solutions. Three different whole blood samples of the patients were taken from a central vein (preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and one day after surgery). Total ribonucleic acid was extracted from these samples. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed, and changes in gene expression were determined by the 2-∆∆Ct method of relative quantification. RESULTS: In the CC group, Beclin gene expression level was found to be higher and this difference was statistically significant (P=0.0024). Similarly, cysteine-aspartic acid protease (caspase) 9 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) gene expression level increased and were significantly different in the CC group. In the BC group, Beclin and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 expressions were higher in the samples taken one day after surgery. Caspases 3 and 8 gene expressions were significantly different in the BC group. CONCLUSION: As a result of the analysis performed between the two cardioplegia groups, it has been shown that CC harms the myocardium more than BC at the level of mRNA expression of related markers.

Can microsomal RNA be a biomarker in pulmonary hypertension secondary to bronchopulmonary dysplasia?

AIMS: In long-term follow-up, pulmonary hypertension (PHT) may develop in these patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Microsomal RNAs (miRNAs) are a class of noncoding single-strand RNAs. It was shown that miRNA dysregulation contributes to PHT. Up until now, miRNA levels have not been studied in BPD to detect PHT. The main aim of this study is: miRNAs play role in PHT etiopathogenesis in BPD. They can be used as a feasible biomarker for early detection and follow-up of PHT in children with BPD. METHODS: The study included infants who were admitted to the Neonatology Clinic. In all subjects, transthoracic echocardiography was performed by the same pediatric cardiologist. Expression of 25 miRNAs was studied from peripheral blood samples at the time of diagnosis. RESULTS: Patients were categorized according to whether they have PHT and BPD. Group 1 included 21 infants who had both BPD and PHT. Group 2 had 17 infants who were diagnosed as BPD but had no PHT. Group 3 was a control group and had 21 infants who did not have BPD and PHT. Significant differences in the expression of 19 of 25 miRNAs were detected. Fifteen of these were in group 1. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary hypertension is a disorder developing due to environmental and genetic reasons, in which the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. The genes controlled by miRNAs found to be related to PH in our study may have a role in PHT. In the future, it could be possible to establish novel approaches that may contribute to early diagnosis and treatment of PHT by focusing target genes of miRNA found to be related in this study.

Soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 as a novel marker of arteriovenous fistula stenosis in hemodialysis patients.

INTRODUCTION: Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) stenosis is one of the most important clinical problems in hemodialysis patients. The histopathological findings of neointimal hyperplasia and impaired angiogenesis have been well established in stenotic AVFs. Soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (sVEGFR-1) has been implicated in pathological angiogenesis. Thus, we aimed to investigate the association between sVEGFR-1 and AVF stenosis in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 70 patients with end-stage renal disease. Forty-five patients were included in the final analysis, and the median follow-up period was 36 months. Venous stenosis was detected by physical examination and documented by fistulography. Blood samples were analyzed a day before the fistula operation, and serum levels of sVEGFR-1 were measured. FINDINGS: The median sVEGFR-1 level was higher in the stenosis group than in the nonstenosis group (17 pg/mL [89.5%] vs. 5 pg/mL [19.2%], respectively; P < 0.001]. According to body mass index (BMI) categories, obese patients (BMI > 30 kg/m2 ) had the shortest stenosis-free survival (20 months [9.35-30.65]). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that sVEGFR-1, serum creatinine, and parathyroid hormone levels were associated with AVF stenosis risk. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that patients with less than the median value of sVEGFR-1 (<6093.07 pg/mL) had longer cumulative stenosis-free survival than patients with sVEGFR-1 levels above the median value (P < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Increased levels of sVEGFR-1 and obesity were found to be associated with AVF stenosis in hemodialysis patients.

Percutaneous ASD closure of children weighing less than 10 kg.

Background: Traditionally the procedure of percutaneous ASD closure is carried out in children weighing more than 15 kg. The aim of this study was to discuss the success, efficacy and safety of the percutaneous closure of symptomatic ASD in children weighing less than 10 kg.Material and methods: This study was performed in two centres. A total of 44 patients were included. Demographic and angiographic data of these patients were gathered retrospectively from patients' records. Main indications for ASD closure were: failure to thrive, recurrent respiratory infections, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and genetic syndromes.Results: Median weight of patients was 9.0(8.12-9.50) kg. Bodyweight of 22 patients was less than 3 percentiles. In the follow-up, this number was lowered to 9 patients at 12 months. Median age of patients was 18.0(12.0-285) months. Minimum age and weight of patients was 3 months and 4.5 kg, respectively. Median mean pulmonary pressure was 24.0(20.0-29.5). The values of median defect size were measured in Cath lab as 13.0(10.75-15.3) mm. Median device size was 13(9-15) mm. Defect size was evaluated according to body weight and body surface area. The ratio of weight per defect size was 0.65(0.54-0.84) also the ratio of body surface area per defect size was 0.032(0.028-0.04). The ratio of total septum per device diameter was 2.5(2.1-3.1). Types of devices used were Amplatzer Septal Occluder, Cera Flex Septal Occluder, Figulla Flex II Atrial Septal Occluder, Memopart Septal Occluder. All cases were closed successfully, but the device had to be retrieved in one patient after successful positioning because it was detected that device compressed the aorta. No major complications were seen.Conclusion: In the experienced centres, percutaneous ASD closure can be done effectively and safely in symptomatic children weighing less than 10 kg.

The Effect of Cerium Oxide on Lung Tissue in Lower Extremity Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in Sevoflurane Administered Rats.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to investigate the effects of cerium oxide, applied before the sevoflurane anesthesia, on lung tissue in rats with lower extremity ischemia-reperfusion (IR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 rats were randomly divided into five groups as; control (C), IR, cerium oxide-IR (CO-IR), IR-sevoflurane (IRS), and cerium oxide-IR-sevoflurane (CO-IRS). In the CO-IR group, 30 minutes after the injection of cerium oxide (0.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p)), an atraumatic microvascular clamp was placed on the infrarenal abdominal aorta for 120 minutes. Then, the clamp was removed and reperfused for 120 minutes. Sevoflurane was applied in 100% oxygen at a rate of 2.3% at 4 L/min during IR. The blood samples were taken for biochemical analysis and the lung tissue samples were taken for histological analysis. RESULTS: Neutrophil infiltration/aggregation was significantly higher in the IR group than in the C and CO-IRS groups. The alveolar wall thickness and total lung injury scores were significantly higher in the IR group than in the C, IRS, CO-IR and CO-IRS groups. DISCUSSION: We determined that the administration of 0.5 mg/kg dose of cerium oxide with sevoflurane reduces the oxidative stress and corrects IR-related damage in lung tissue. Our results show that the administration of cerium oxide before IR and the administration of sevoflurane during IR have a protective effect in rats.

Calcified renal artery aneurism in the right kidney causing hypertension.

The renal artery aneurysm (RAA) is defined as a renal artery segment that is twofold dilated than normally. It is very rare in children and often asymptomatic. However, it can cause severe hypertension (HTN) and kidney failure. Herein, we report a 14-year-old boy who with RAA which was presented with back pain. His medical history was remarkable for essential HTN that was refractory to antihypertensive medications. Plain abdominal radiography revealed calcification at the right flank area. On computed tomography images, calcification surrounding the right renal artery was detected. Selective renal angiography showed totally occluded right renal artery segment. Calcified RAA was detected on the operation and removed. Two months after, blood pressure was under control, but there was no functioning right kidney on DMSA. We think that clinicians should keep in mind RAA in the differential diagnosis of treatment-resistant HTN and use other radiologic methods even if Doppler is normal.

Relationship of genetic factors with development of aortic dissection and aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the relationship between the development of aortic dissections and aneurysms with the polymorphisms of angiotensin converting enzyme gene, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 gene, and nitric oxide synthase gene. METHODS: Between April 2009 and July 2014, 38 patients with aortic dissections (28 males, 10 females; mean age 55.1±10.7 years; range, 30 to 78 years) and 67 patients with aortic aneurysms (57 males, 10 females; mean age 63.0±11.4 years; range, 31 to 82 years) were included in this cross-sectional study. The control group consisted of 60 healthy volunteers (41 males, 19 females; mean age 56.3±11.2 years; range, 30 to 82 years) without an aortic aneurysm or dissection, as assessed by thoracoabdominal computed tomography. The prespecified four genes were genotyped with competitive allelespecific polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The aortic dissection group had higher nitric oxide synthase-3 (4b/4b) expression levels, compared to the control group. The aortic aneurysm group had also higher nitric oxide synthase-3 (4b/4a) expression levels, compared to the control group. Compared to the control group, a higher rate of angiotensin converting enzyme I/D gene polymorphism was detected in the aneurysm group, while higher D/D polymorphism rates were found in the dissection group; although not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that the nitric oxide synthase-3 intron 4b/4b and nitric oxide synthase-3 intron 4b/4a gene polymorphisms can be used as a predictor of aortic dissection and aneurysm development.