Effect of postoperative high load long duration inspiratory muscle training on pulmonary function and functional capacity after mitral valve replacement surgery: A randomized controlled trial with follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: Although, pre-operative inspiratory muscle training has been investigated and reported to be an effective strategy to reduce postoperative pulmonary complications, the efficacy of postoperative inspiratory muscle training as well as the proper load, frequency, and duration necessary to reduce the postoperative pulmonary complications has not been fully investigated. This study was designed to investigate the effect of postoperative high-load long-duration inspiratory muscle training on pulmonary function, inspiratory muscle strength, and functional capacity after mitral valve replacement surgeries. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled trial. METHODS: A total of one hundred patients (mean age 38.3±3.29years) underwent mitral valve replacement surgery were randomized into experimental (n = 50) and control (n = 50) groups. The control group received conventional physiotherapy care, while experimental group received conventional care in addition to inspiratory muscle training, with 40% of the baseline maximal inspiratory pressure targeting a load of 80% by the end of the 8 weeks intervention protocol. Inspiratory muscle training started on the patient's first day in the inpatient ward. Lung functions, inspiratory muscle strength, and functional capacity were evaluated using a computer-based spirometry system, maximal inspiratory pressure measurement and 6MWT respectively at 5 time points and a follow-up assessment was performed 6 months after surgery. Repeated measure ANOVA and post-hoc analyses were used (p <0.05). RESULTS: Group-time interactions were detected for all the studied variables (p<0.001). Between-group analysis revealed statistically significant postoperative improvements in all studied variables in the experimental group compared to the control group (p <0.001) with large effect size of η2 ˃0.14. Within-group analysis indicated substantial improvements in lung function, inspiratory pressure and functional capacity in the experimental group (p <0.05) over time, and these improvements were maintained at follow-up. CONCLUSION: High intensity, long-duration postoperative inspiratory muscle training is highly effective in improving lung function, inspiratory muscle strength, and functional capacity after mitral valve replacement surgeries.

Ibutilide with magnesium for conversion of atrial fibrillation or flutter in rheumatic heart disease patients: Ibutilide with magnesium for chemical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation or flutter.

BACKGROUND: Data on adjunctive use of magnesium with ibutilide for conversion of persistent rheumatic atrial fibrillation and flutter to sinus rhythm is lacking. AIM: We aimed to study the efficacy of adjunctive supplementation of intravenous magnesium with ibutilide for conversion of persistent rheumatic atrial fibrillation and flutter to sinus rhythm and to define a definite level of serum magnesium which leads to significant increase in rates of such conversion. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a prospective study including 33 Rheumatic heart disease patients (13 males and 20 females) with mean age of 49.27 ± 11.4 years and persistent AF or AFl. All patients received intravenous magnesium to raise serum magnesium level in range of 4 mg/dl to 4.5 mg/dl prior to administration of Ibutilide. 25 out of 33 (76%) patients converted to sinus rhythm. Upon univariate analysis, presence of background beta blocker therapy, serum potassium and magnesium at time of Ibutilide injection were found to have significant relation with conversion to sinus rhythm. Upon multivariate analysis serum magnesium level at the time of Ibutilide injection was found to have significant contribution on post injection rhythm reversal (p-value = 0.006). The level of magnesium at 3.8 mg/dl was found to have maximum sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 62.5% for conversion to sinus rhythm by ibutilide with magnesium (p-value< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ibutilide is highly effective in cardioversion of persistent rheumatic atrial fibrillation/flutter patients. Raising Serum Magnesium levels above 3.8 mg/dl significantly improves efficacy of ibutilide.

Rheumatic mitral valve repair: a personal perspective and results.

Rheumatic mitral valve disease remains a challenge for cardiac surgeons. Valve repair has several advantages over valve replacement but is technically demanding for good results. To improve rheumatic mitral valve repair, surgeons need to have a deep understand of the mitral valve complex and its dynamics. The goal of repair is to restore normal diastolic and systolic function. The current approach is to perform a holistic repair of the entire mitral complex. Each part of the complex is thoroughly explored to define the problem. Several innovative techniques have been introduced to correct valve dysfunction and provide gratifying results. The details of these techniques will be described, based on an understanding of the relationship of the mitral valve complex and dynamics. With this approach, rheumatic mitral valve repair is becoming more successful, reproducible, and safe. Long-term follow-up is mandatory.

Participation in research improves overall patient management: insights from the Global Rheumatic Heart Disease registry (REMEDY).

BACKGROUND: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries (LIMCs), with a paucity of high-quality trial data to improve patient outcomes. Investigators felt that involvement in a recent large, observational RHD study impacted positively on their practice, but this was poorly defined. AIM: The purpose of this study was to document the experience of investigators and research team members from LMICs who participated in a prospective, multi-centre study, the global Rheumatic Heart Disease Registry (REMEDY), conducted in 25 centres in 14 countries from 2010 to 2012. METHOD: We conducted an online survey of site personnel to identify and quantify their experiences. Telephone interviews were conducted with a subset of respondents to gather additional qualitative data. We asked about their experiences, positive and negative, and about any changes in RHD management practices resulting from their participation in REMEDY as a registry site. RESULTS: The majority of respondents in both the survey and telephone interviews indicated that participation as a registry site improved their management of RHD patients. Administrative changes included increased attention to follow-up appointments and details in patient records. Clinical changes included increased use of penicillin prophylaxis, and more frequent INR monitoring and contraceptive counselling. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that participation in clinical research on RHD can have a positive impact on patient management. Furthermore, REMEDY has led to increased patient awareness and improved healthcare workers' knowledge and efficiency in caring for RHD patients.

[Effects of astragalus injection on renal function in patients after cardiac valve replacement with cardiopulmonary bypass].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Astragalus Injection (AI) on renal function in patients after cardiac valve replacement with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). METHODS: Forty patients scheduled to receive cardiac valve replacement with CPB were randomly assigned to 2 groups equally, the control group and the AI group. Patients in the AI group were administered with AI 40 mL before anesthesia by diluting it in 250 mL 5% glucose solution via intravenous dripping, 20 mL by adding it into the priming solution before CPB and 40 mL once a day diluted as before via intravenous dripping at the foremost 5 successive days after operation. For patients in the control group, equal volume of Ringer's Liquid was given instead of AI. Peripheral blood sample and urine were collected at various time points: before anesthesia (T0), the 1st (T1), 3rd (T3), 5th (T5) and 7th day (T7) after operation, for determining blood levels of urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr) and beta2-microglobulin (beta2-MG), as well as urinary levels of beta2-MG, microalbumin (m-Alb) and N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase (NAG). RESULTS: As compared with those at T0, in the control group, BUN, Cr at T1 and T3, serum beta2-MG at T3, urinary beta2-MG m-Alb and NAG at T1-T7 were significantly higher, while in the AI group, urinary m-Alb, NAG at T1-5 n and urinary beta2-MG at T1-7 were higher (P < 0.05). As compared with those in the control group, serum BUN at T1-3., Cr and blood beta2-MG at T3, urinary beta2-MG, m-Alb and NAG at T1-7 were lower (P < 0.05) in the AI group. CONCLUSION: CPB could induce renal failure, and applying AI at the perioperative stage can protect renal function to some certain extent.

Evaluation of atrial refractoriness immediately after percutaneous mitral balloon commissurotomy in patients with mitral stenosis and sinus rhythm.

BACKGROUND: Chronic atrial stretch and rheumatic inflammatory activity leads to atrial dilatation and conduction slowing, and this increases the susceptibility to atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to examine the effects of changes in the chronic atrial stretch on atrial refractoriness in the early period after percutaneous mitral balloon commissurotomy (PMBC) in patients with mitral stenosis and sinus rhythm. METHODS: Twenty-five patients undergoing PMBC were enrolled in this study. We evaluated the changes in pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), left atrial (LA) pressure, mean mitral diastolic gradient, and mitral valve area in addition to the changes in atrial effective refractory periods (AERPs), AERP dispersion, and intra-atrial and interatrial conduction times after PMBC. RESULTS: There were significant decreases in mean diastolic gradient, PAP, mean LA pressure, and LA size after PMBC. Accompanying these acute hemodynamic changes after PMBC, AERPs in high right atrium (HRA), distal coronary sinus (DCS), and right posterolateral (RPL) were found to be increased (P <.001), and AERP dispersion, PA(HIS) (an interval between P wave on the surface electrocardiogram and atrial electrogram at the His bundle site), and HRA-DCS intervals were significantly reduced after PMBC (P <.001). It was revealed with linear regression and correlation analysis that only the changes in AERP dispersion were correlated with changes in LA pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Relief of chronic atrial stretch results in an increase in AERPs and decrease in AERP dispersion, suggesting the potential reversibility of the electrophysiological features of chronic atrial dilatation. Our study emphasizes that an acute reduction of chronic atrial stretch in mitral stenosis resulted in favorable effects on atrial electrophysiological characteristics, and our results provide the first detailed insights into the electrophysiological changes after PMBC in patients with sinus rhythm.

[Study on protective effect of shenfu injection on cardiac function of patients undergoing valve replacement].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of Shenfu injection (SFI) on cardiac function of patients undergoing valve replacement operation under cardio-pulmonary bypass. METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients undergoing valve replacement operation under cardio-pulmonary bypass were randomly divided into the SFI group and the control group, 60 in each group. Intravenous infusion of 1 ml/kg SFI was given to the SFI group, 30 min before anesthesia, and to the control group, equal volume of normal saline was given instead. The following indices were observed: (1) the hemodynamic changes occurred in the operational period; (2) the dosage of vaso-active drugs used during and after operation; (3) the post-operational recovery time of patients. RESULTS: The mean arterial pressure and heart rate in the SFI group during operation were higher, while the central venous pressure was lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The dosage of vaso-active drugs, such as dopamine, dobutamine, sodium nitroprusside and lidocaine, used during and after operation was lower, and the extubation time and the intensive care unit (ICU) staying time were shorter in the SFI group when compared with those in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: SFI has certain protective effects on the cardiac function of patients undergoing valve replacement operation under cardio-pulmonary bypass.

[Effects of kavergal on indices of lipid peroxidation and the condition of the antioxidant system in patients with rheumatic heart disease presenting with circulatory insufficiency]. / Vliianie kavergala na pokazateli perikisnogo okisleniia lipidov i sostoianie antioksidantnoi sistemy u bol'nykh s revmaticheskim porokom serdtsa s nedostatochnost'iu krovoobrashcheniia.

132 patients with rheumatic heart disease presenting with circulatory insufficiency displayed increased LPO both in the blood plasma and red cells, decline in the antioxidant enzymes activity varying with the circulatory insufficiency functional class degree of severity. Basic therapy with making use of antiinflammatory drugs, cardiac glycosides, diuretics together with drugs endowed with an antiarrhythmic activity and nitroglycerin (where indicated) was found to have practically no effect on LPO level or activity of the antioxidant system. The use of the drug kavergal, 1 g three times daily (total daily dosage being 3 g) in the complex therapy, has been shown to significantly decrease hyperlipoperoxidation both in the blood plasma and red cells increasing the activity of enzymes of the antioxidant defence.

Fiebre reumatica: cardiopatia reumatica: revision de la experiencia del Instituto Nacional de Torax / Rheumatic fever: cardiopaty experience at the national Thorax Institute

Se analiza la experiencia del Instituto Nal. del Torax en relacion a la Fiebre reumatica y Cardiopatia reumatica, que constituyen la causa nosologica de mayor frecuencia con una incidencia del 17 por ciento . La fiebre reumatica se presenta a una edad promedio de 15,7 anos con una alta incidencia de carditis 72 por ciento . Entre las lesiones valvulares residuales destacan por su frecuencia la valvulopatia mitral y la valvulopatia mitrotricuspidea, en la mayoria de casos con lesiones importantes y asociadas a una alta incidencia de complicaciones cardiologicas destacando la insuficiencia cardiaca (50 por ciento ) y la fibrilicion auricular (32 por ciento ). El Departamento de Cardiologia del INT, dispone de los medios suficientes para el diagnostico cardiologico de la Fiebre reumatica/Cardiopatia Reumatica. Las normas de tratamiento estan basadas en las recomendaciones del Comite Nacionalde Prevencion y Control de la Fiebre Reumatica. La mortalidad por Fiebre reumatica es de 6 por ciento con una cifra similar para la cardiopatia reumatica. La mortalidad quirurgica para la comisurotomia mitral es de 0 por ciento y aun no se disponen de datos de importancia estadistica en relacion a la mortalidad por cambio valvular. En el seguimiento el 36 por ciento de los pacientes abandonan sus controles y el indice de desercion de la prevencion secundaria es alto alcanzando 24,4 por ciento en el ano 1986.

[Effect of hyperbaric oxygenation on pulmonary function, acid-base state and the blood gas composition in mitral heart defect patients]. / Vliianie giperbaricheskoi oksigenatsii na funktsiiu legkikh, kislotno-shchelochnoe sostoianie i gazovyi sostav krovi u bol'nykh mitral'nym porokom serdtsa.

Improvement of external respiration, acid-base balance and gas composition of blood was noted after application of a complex of therapeutic measures in combination with hyperbaric oxygenation. The fact that positive changes in external respiration were less pronounced in patients with stenosis of the left venous orifice than in those with mitral incompetence may evidently be explained by the presence of long-term and high pulmonary hypertension and certain increase in the volume of blood in pulmonary circulation in noncorrected stenosis of the left venous orifice. A decrease in metabolic acidosis is noted, which is a complication leading to deterioration of systemic and peripheral hemodynamics, inhibition and myocardial function and blood supply to the brain.

[Effect of hyperbaric oxygenation on the circulatory function in rheumatic mitral valve disease]. / Vliianie giperbaricheskoi oksigenatsii na funktsiiu krovoobrashcheniia u bol'nykh revmaticheskim mitral'nym porokom.

The effect of a hyperbaric oxygenation course (10-14 exposures, one exposure daily at 0.7-1.0 ATA) upon the circulation function was studied in 61 patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease combined with systemic circulation insufficiency. The obtained results (reduction of the heart volume, acceleration of the blood stream within the heart and the body, increase of the stroke index, of the blood flow in the muscles of the extremities, reduction of the arterial and central venous pressure) demonstrate that the contractility of the myocardium and redistribution of the cardiac output between separate vascular regions is improved under the effect of hyperbaric oxygenation. The authors suggest that the increase of contractility in the right or left heart predominantly depends on the prevalence of mitral stenosis or circulatory insufficiency.