Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Left Atrial Enlargement in Patients Requiring Right Ventricular Pacing: A Retrospective Study of 461 Cases from 2012 to 2020.

BACKGROUND Long-term right ventricular (RV) pacing has been linked to left atrial enlargement (LAE). The incidence and risk factors associated with significant LAE after RV pacing remain unknown. This retrospective study included 461 patients requiring RV pacing at 2 centers between 2012 and 2020 and aimed to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, outcomes, and complications of LAE. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 461 patients with normal-sized pre-implant left atrial dimension and dual-chamber pacing pacemaker implantation for complete atrioventricular block were enrolled. Patients were grouped based on a ≥20% increase from their baseline left atrial dimension by echocardiography, indicating significant LAE, and initial characteristics, echocardiographic data, and outcomes were compared. RESULTS During a mean 7.0±4.9 years follow-up period, 96 patients (20.8%) developed significant LAE, whereas 365 patients did not. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, smaller pre-implant left atrial dimension (OR, 0.776; 95% CI, 0.728-0.828; P<0.001), lower post-implant left ventricular ejection fraction (OR, 0.976; 95% CI, 0.957-0.995; P=0.014), post-implant development of moderate to severe mitral regurgitation (OR, 2.357; 95% CI, 1.172-4.740; P=0.016), and RV pacing duration ≥3.3 years (OR, 1.576; 95% CI, 1.039-2.646; P=0.045) were independent predictors of significant LAE after RV-dependent pacing. There was a significant difference in the incident stroke events between patients without and with significant LAE (9.9% vs 17.7%; log-rank P=0.047). CONCLUSIONS Long-term RV pacing was linked to significant LAE in 20.8% of patients with complete atrioventricular block, with those affected experiencing a higher stroke rate during follow-up.

Emerging Predictors by Non-HDL-C/HDL-C Ratio and Novel Biomarkers for Coronary Slow Flow Phenomenon.

The coronary slow-flow (CSF) phenomenon is a condition characterized by delayed coronary opacification during diagnostic angiography without the presence of epicardial coronary artery disease. This mini-review explores various emerging predictors and biomarkers associated with CSF, aiming to address the potential diagnostic tools. A comprehensive analysis of recent studies has investigated different biomarkers, including growth differentiation factor 15, galectin 3, microRNA (miRNA)-22, miRNA-155, interleukin 34, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, long non-coding RNA, plasma choline, adropin, and lipid markers non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)/HDL-C ratio to enhance understanding and predict CSF. Additionally, we have summarizes the major findings and significant limitations observed in various studies on CSF biomarkers. The implications of these findings suggest significant advancements in personalized treatment strategies and improved prognostic outcomes for patients exhibiting CSF.

Underestimating the Risk of an Inconclusive Result in Exercise Treadmill Tests for Patients With Suspected Ischemic Heart Disease.

BACKGROUND: The exercise stress test is a widely used noninvasive test for diagnosing ischemic heart disease. Patients with a "positive" result have a higher risk than those with a "negative" result. However, the outcomes of patients with an "inconclusive" result remain uncertain.Methods and Results: We retrospectively collected the data of patients who underwent an ECG-based treadmill stress test between August 2009 and March 2020. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to adjust for confounders. Clinical outcomes were compared in terms of all-cause death and cardiovascular (CV) death. Subgroup analysis evaluated treatment interactions, including medication and examinations. In total, 25,475 patients were recruited, and after exclusion and PSM, 4,847 (1,621 with a positive result, 1,606 with a negative result, and 1,621 with an inconclusive result) remained. Compared with the negative group, the inconclusive group, but not the positive group, had a significantly worse outcome in terms of all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.834, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.34-2.511 and HR: 1.327, 95% CI: 0.949-1.857, respectively); however, CV death was not significantly different in the inconclusive and positive groups (HR: 1.728, 95% CI: 0.413-7.232 and HR: 2.067, 95% CI: 0.517-8.264, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians must not underestimate the potential for worse outcomes in patients with an inconclusive stress test result.

Manual compression technique improves the success rate in the treatment of thrombosed aneurysmal arteriovenous fistula: A single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular intervention for thrombosed aneurysmal arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is still a challenge. Manual compression technique (MCT)-assisted angioplasty may be helpful, but there is no evidence or data to support it. METHODS: From January 2018 to May 2021, patients with thrombosed aneurysmal AVFs were retrospectively enrolled. The patients were separated into the MCT group or the traditional group according to the procedure received. Technical failure, clinical failure, 90-day patency, and safety were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 159 cases (64 ± 12 years old, 60% male) were enrolled, of which 87 cases received MCT and 72 underwent traditional angioplasty. No technical failure was observed in the MCT group, while five technical failures were observed in the traditional group (0% vs. 7%, p = 0.02). There were no differences in the clinical failure rate (3% vs. 7%, p = 0.30), 90-day patency rate, or procedure time between the MCT group and the traditional group. There was no symptomatic pulmonary embolism or other complication in the two groups. CONCLUSION: MCT is a low-cost, less invasive, and safe procedure for thrombosed aneurysmal AVF, and it achieves a higher technical success rate than traditional angioplasty.

Application of genetic risk score for in-stent restenosis of second- and third-generation drug-eluting stents in geriatric patients.

BACKGROUND: The second-and third-generation drug-eluting stents (DESs) in-stent restenosis (ISR) genetic risk score (GRS) model has been previously validated. However, the model has not been validated in geriatric patients. Therefore, we conducted this study to test the feasibility of the DES-ISR GRS model in geriatric patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) in Taiwan. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, single-center cohort study and included geriatric patients (age ≥ 65 years) with CAD and second-or third-generation DES(s) deployment. Patients undergoing maintenance dialysis were excluded. ISR was defined as ≥ 50% luminal narrowing on the follow-up coronary arteriography. The DES-ISR GRS model included five selected exonic single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): CAMLG, GALNT2, C11orf84, THOC5, and SAMD11. The GRS was defined as the sum of the five selected SNPs for the risk allele. RESULTS: We enrolled 298 geriatric patients from January 2010 and December 2019 in this study. After propensity score matching, there were 192 geriatric patients with CAD in the final analysis, of which 32 patients had ISR. Patients were divided into two groups based on their GRS values: low (0-2) and high (≥ 3) GRS. A high GRS was significantly associated with DES-ISR in geriatric patients. CONCLUSION: Those geriatric patients with a high GRS had significantly higher second-or third-generation DES ISR rates. The five SNP-derived DES-ISR GRS model could provide genetic information for interventional cardiologists to treat geriatric patients with CAD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The primary study protocol was registered with clinicaltrials.org. with registration number: NCT03877614; on March 15, 2019. ( http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03877614 ).

Interplay between fish oil, obesity and cardiometabolic diabetes.

Diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, and cardiac dysfunction are the hallmarks of the cardiometabolic syndrome. Pathogens include hypercoagulability, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. Increased white fat, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are caused by obesity. Depression increases the risk of future obesity, a surprising link between obesity and neuropathology. High glucose levels, abnormal lipids, and metabolic syndrome are the root causes of CVD associated with diabetes. Diets high in fat induce insulin resistance and liver fat. Inflammation, diminished insulin signaling, and ectopic lipid accumulation are the causes of ectopic lipid accumulation. Polyunsaturated fatty acids with eicosapentaenoic acid and docohexasonoic acid inhibit the synthesis of triglycerides and increase their clearance. Omega-3 regulates the nervous system, blood pressure, hematic clotting, glucose tolerance, and inflammation. However, anxiety and depression can cause cardiovascular disease. It has been shown that PUFAs found in fish oil can improve glucose and lipid metabolism, cardiac membrane composition, and inflammation in the body. By repairing the dysregulation of metabolic syndrome, fish oil is a potential therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases.

The Effects of Post-Acute Care in Patients with Heart Failure in Taiwan: A Single Center Experience.

Background: The National Health Insurance Administration in Taiwan has promoted the heart failure post-acute care (HF-PAC) program as a means to provide proactive integrated care within the optimal treatment timeframe to enhance functional recovery after acute decompensated heart failure (HF). Objectives: The aim of this program was to reduce HF readmission rates, improved medication prescription rates, and improve the quality of life in HF patients. Methods: Patients who had a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≤ 40% were included and followed up for 6 months after discharge. They underwent cardiac rehabilitation and physiological, and nutritional status evaluations. The main clinical outcomes of the HF-PAC program were guideline-directed medical therapy prescription rate and 6-month readmission rate. Results: A total of 122 patients were recruited from June 2018 to December 2020 at a medical center in southern Taiwan. The patients' activities of daily living, nutritional status, quality of life and LVEF were significantly improved during the HF-PAC program. More than 95% of the patients received guideline-directed medical prescriptions at the end of the HF-PAC program. The cardiovascular-related 6-month re-admission rate after the HF-PAC program ended was 27.7%, and it could be predicted by the New York Health Association functional class [hazard ratio (HR) 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 4.12 (1.36-12.46)], value of the Mini Nutritional Assessment - Short Form [HR (95% CI) = 0.46 (0.31-0.68)] and LVEF [HR (95% CI) = 0.95 (0.91-0.99)]. Conclusions: By incorporating multidisciplinary healthcare teams, the HF-PAC program improves the guideline- directed medical therapy prescription rate, thus improving patients' cardiac function, physical activity recovery, the quality of life, and also reduces their readmission rate.

Management of Restenosis after Stenting in Left Main Coronary Artery Disease.

Background: The optimal alternative treatment strategy to coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) for in-stent restenosis (ISR) in left main (LM) coronary artery disease remains uncertain. Methods: We retrospectively screened all intervention reports from an intervention database and extracted those mentioning an LM stent. We then manually confirmed reports involving LM ISR and divided them into two groups, those in which the patient received a new drug-eluting stent (new-DES) strategy, and those in which the patient received a drug-coated balloon (DCB) only. A composite endpoint of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and each individual endpoint were compared. We also performed a brief analysis of similar designed studies. Results: Between the new-DES (n = 40) and DCB-only (n = 22) groups, during median respective follow-up times of 581.5 and 642.5 days, no significant statistical differences were detected in MACEs (50.0% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.974), cardiovascular death (27.5% vs. 13.6%, p = 0.214), nonfatal myocardial infarction (30.0% vs. 31.8%, p = 0.835), or target lesion revascularization (35.0% vs. 45.5%, p = 0.542). We analyzed four similar studies and found comparable MACE findings (odds ratio: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.44-1.67). Conclusions: Our findings support both DCB angioplasty and repeat DES implantation for LMISR lesions in patients who were clinically judged to be unsuitable for CABG; the treatments achieved comparable clinical results in terms of MACEs in the medium term.

Rationale and Study Design of the TSOC-Fully Organized Registry for the Management of Symptomatic ACS Study (T-FORMOSA Study).

Background: Successful implementation of practice guidelines has been challenging in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), leaving room for improvement. A nationwide registry can provide more information than that recorded in the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Methods: We conducted a prospective, nationwide, multi-center ACS full spectrum registry involving 3600 patients admitted to hospitals within 24 hours of the onset of myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation or ACS without ST-segment elevation. In total, 41 sites including medical centers and regional hospitals were selected across Taiwan. The data for each patient are collected at 3 time points for the main study: during hospitalization, 6 months, and 12 months after the discharge. The milestone for first patient in was reached on January 7, 2022, and complete enrollment is expected before October 2023. The primary aims of the main study are to determine the degree of guideline-directed medical therapies and to identify prognostic predictors associated with 1-year composite outcomes, including death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and unplanned coronary revascularization in ACS patients. Thereafter, the patient data will be analyzed every 3 to 5 years for up to 20 years after discharge using the NHIRD in the extended study. Conclusions: We hypothesized that a greater increase in the implementation of guideline-directed medical therapies can be observed. The results of the current study will add new and important information regarding a broad spectrum of ACS to drive further investigations.

2023 Consensus of Taiwan Society of Cardiology on the Pharmacological Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure.

The prevalence of heart failure is increasing, causing a tremendous burden on health care systems around the world. Although mortality rate of heart failure has been significantly reduced by several effective agents in the past 3 decades, yet it remains high in observational studies. More recently, several new classes of drugs emerged with significant efficacy in reducing mortality and hospitalization in chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). To integrate these effective therapies and prioritize them in the management of Asian patients, Taiwan Society of Cardiology has recently appointed a working group to formulate a consensus of pharmacological treatment in patients with chronic heart failure. Based on most updated information, this consensus provides rationales for prioritization, rapid sequencing, and in-hospital initiation of both foundational and additional therapies for patients with chronic heart failure.

Oral Anticoagulants in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Active Cancer.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of heart failure, death and thromboembolism. AF is prevalent in patients with cancer. Although current guidelines suggest the application of oral anticoagulants (OACs) for thromboembolic event prevention in high-risk AF patients, owing to the high thromboembolic and bleeding risks of active-cancer patients, there is no consensus on the use of OACs in such a population. Therefore, we conducted this retrospective cohort study to investigate the applicability of the CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score and to evaluate the efficacy and safety outcomes of OAC therapy in active-cancer patients with AF. Methods: This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients diagnosed with cancer at National Cheng Kung University Hospital between November 2012 and August 2019. The primary outcomes included all-cause mortality, thromboembolic events (stroke/transient ischemic attack and systemic emboli), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), hospitalization for HF and major bleeding events. Results: We enrolled 2429 patients with active cancer. Among these patients, 1060 patients (43.6%) had AF. After 1:2 propensity score matching, 690 cancer patients with AF were enrolled for the final analysis, grouped as follows: 225 patients taking OACs and 465 patients without OAC treatment. The OAC-treated group had lower all-cause mortality than the patients without OAC treatment (all-cause mortality rate in OAC treatment vs. non-OAC treatment: 24.4% vs. 37.4%, hazard ratio 0.58 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.43-0.78], p < 0.001). However, there was no difference in thromboembolic events, myocardial infarction or heart failure hospitalization between the OAC-treated and non-OAC-treated groups. Importantly, the risk of major bleeding composition (i.e., major gastrointestinal bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage) was similar between these two groups. Moreover, the CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score could not predict thromboembolic events in the enrolled active-cancer patients with AF (OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.98-1.56). Conclusions: OAC treatment may significantly reduce the risk of death, without safety concerns, in active-cancer patients with AF. OAC treatment may not prevent thromboembolic events in patients with active cancer and AF. However, we found that OAC treatment is associated with improved prognosis without increasing the risks of major bleeding, despite several limitations in this study. Further studies are required to determine the optimal use of anticoagulation therapy in this high-risk population.

Impact of baseline renal function on the efficacy and safety of different Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation Patients - A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin K antagonists and different direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have different renal clearance rates. However, the impact of different stages of chronic renal impairment on the efficacy and safety of warfarin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients remains unclear. METHODS: This study enrolled AF patients from the Chang Gung Research Database. The study endpoints included thromboembolic events, major/fatal bleeding, gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). The risks of time to study endpoints between groups were compared using a Cox proportional hazards regression model with adjustment. RESULTS: This study enrolled 3525 patients with moderate renal impairment (30 ≤ creatinine clearance (CrCl) < 60 mL/min), 2846 patients with mild renal impairment (60 ≤ CrCl < 90 mL/min) and 1153 patients with CrCl ≥ 90 mL/min. Over the 3.3 ± 0.9 years follow-up period, the cumulative thromboembolic events rates and the cumulative event rates of major/fatal bleeding and ICH did not differ among the warfarin and different DOAC groups at different stages of chronic renal impairment. The annual incidences of thromboembolic events, major/fatal bleeding, GI bleeding, and ICH were similar among the warfarin and different DOAC groups at different stages of renal impairment. CONCLUSION: There did not appear to be major differences in bleeding or thromboembolic risk compared to warfarin in AF patients across a range of degree of renal failure when appropriate dose reductions of the DOACs are made.

The Relationship of Conduction Disorder and Prognosis in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Objective: Conduction disorders with a widened QRS are associated with poor prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Conduction disorders include left bundle branch block (LBBB), right bundle branch block (RBBB), and nonspecific intraventricular conduction delay (NICD). Previous studies did not have conflicting results regarding the type of bundle branch block (BBB) with the worst prognosis, and few studies have focused on the prognosis of patients with NICD. Methods: Patients with ACS were enrolled between January 2005 and December 2019, and their medical history (International Classification of Diseases codes) was obtained from the Chang Gung Research Database. Age, sex, comorbidities, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and drug use were compared between the patients with and without conduction disorders. The following clinical outcomes were compared between patients with and without conduction disorders: heart failure (HF) hospitalization, cardiovascular (CV) mortality, and all-cause mortality. After propensity score matching, the Kaplan-Meier curve analysis for HF hospitalization, CV mortality, and all-cause mortality were compared among patients with LBBB, RBBB, and NICD. Results: This study enrolled a total of 33970 participants and involved 3392 and 30578 patients with and without conduction disorders, respectively. Older age and a higher prevalence of comorbidities were noted in patients with conduction disorders. Lower mean LVEF was exhibited in the patients with conduction disorders (with vs. without; 44.64 ± 20.73% vs. 49.85 ± 20.63%; p < 0.001). During the 3-year follow-up period, higher incidences of HF hospitalization (21.55% vs. 17.51%; p < 0.001), CV mortality (17.98% vs. 12.14%; p < 0.001), and all-cause mortality (38.86% vs. 31.15%; p < 0.001) were noted in the patients with conduction disorder. After ACS events, 10.0% of patients presented with conduction disorders, with LBBB in 3.3%, RBBB in 6.0%, and NICD in 0.7%. The lowest mean of LVEF was presented in the patients with NICD (LBBB vs. RBBB vs. NICD; 41.00 ± 19.47% vs. 47.73 ± 20.82% vs. 34.57 ± 20.02%; p < 0.001). Among the three groups, the highest incidence of HF hospitalization was noted in patients with LBBB after propensity score matching. The lowest incidence of CV and all-cause mortality was observed in patients with RBBB. After adjustment of age, gender, comorbidities, medication, and mean LVEF, those with LBBB had the highest hazard ratio for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) of 1.113 (p=0.029; 95% CI = 1.013-1.266). Conclusions: In the ACS population, patients with conduction delay had a poor prognosis due to a higher prevalence of comorbidities and lower mean LVEF. Among the patients with LBBB, RBBB, and NICD, those with LBBB and NICD had a higher incidence of HF hospitalization, CV mortality, and all-cause mortality. Patients with NICD had the lowest mean LVEF compared to those with LBBB and RBBB. Patients with LBBB had a significantly highest HR of MACE.

Integration of an Intensive Care Unit Visualization Dashboard (i-Dashboard) as a Platform to Facilitate Multidisciplinary Rounds: Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Multidisciplinary rounds (MDRs) are scheduled, patient-focused communication mechanisms among multidisciplinary providers in the intensive care unit (ICU). OBJECTIVE: i-Dashboard is a custom-developed visualization dashboard that supports (1) key information retrieval and reorganization, (2) time-series data, and (3) display on large touch screens during MDRs. This study aimed to evaluate the performance, including the efficiency of prerounding data gathering, communication accuracy, and information exchange, and clinical satisfaction of integrating i-Dashboard as a platform to facilitate MDRs. METHODS: A cluster-randomized controlled trial was performed in 2 surgical ICUs at a university hospital. Study participants included all multidisciplinary care team members. The performance and clinical satisfaction of i-Dashboard during MDRs were compared with those of the established electronic medical record (EMR) through direct observation and questionnaire surveys. RESULTS: Between April 26 and July 18, 2021, a total of 78 and 91 MDRs were performed with the established EMR and i-Dashboard, respectively. For prerounding data gathering, the median time was 10.4 (IQR 9.1-11.8) and 4.6 (IQR 3.5-5.8) minutes using the established EMR and i-Dashboard (P<.001), respectively. During MDRs, data misrepresentations were significantly less frequent with i-Dashboard (median 0, IQR 0-0) than with the established EMR (4, IQR 3-5; P<.001). Further, effective recommendations were significantly more frequent with i-Dashboard than with the established EMR (P<.001). The questionnaire results revealed that participants favored using i-Dashboard in association with the enhancement of care plan development and team participation during MDRs. CONCLUSIONS: i-Dashboard increases efficiency in data gathering. Displaying i-Dashboard on large touch screens in MDRs may enhance communication accuracy, information exchange, and clinical satisfaction. The design concepts of i-Dashboard may help develop visualization dashboards that are more applicable for ICU MDRs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04845698; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04845698.

Effect of CYP2C19 status on platelet reactivity in Taiwanese acute coronary syndrome patients switching to prasugrel from clopidogrel: Switch Study.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Pharmacogenetics is a potential driver of the "East Asian paradox," in which East Asian acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with clopidogrel following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) demonstrate higher levels of platelet reactivity on treatment than Western patients, yet have lower ischemic risk and higher bleeding risk at comparable doses. However, the impact of pharmacogenetics, particularly regarding CYP2C19 genotype, on the pharmacodynamics of P2Y12 inhibitors has not been extensively studied in Taiwanese ACS patients as yet. METHODS: CYP2C19 genotyping and pharmacogenetic analysis was conducted on 102 subjects from the Switch Study, a multicenter, single-arm, open-label intervention study that examined the effects on platelet activity and clinical outcomes of switching from clopidogrel (75 mg daily) to low-dose prasugrel (3.75 mg daily) for maintenance DAPT after PCI in 203 Taiwanese ACS patients. RESULTS: Genotyping results revealed that 43.1% were CYP2C19 extensive metabolizers (EM), while 56.9% were reduced metabolizers (RM). After switching to prasugrel, mean P2Y12 reaction units (PRU) values were significantly reduced in both EM and RM populations, while the proportion of high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) patients significantly declined in RM patients. No increase in bleeding risk after switching was observed during follow-up. Multivariate analysis indicated that for RM patients, low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and low hemoglobin were associated with greater HPR risk on clopidogrel, but not after switching to prasugrel. CONCLUSION: Switching to low-dose prasugrel from clopidogrel reduced mean PRU levels and proportion of HPR patients, with more significant reduction in RM patients.

Association between cognitive function and self-reported antihypertensive medication adherence among middle-aged and older hypertensive women.

DESIGN: This study applied a cross-sectional, descriptive correlational design. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between cognitive function and self-reported antihypertensive medication adherence in middle-aged and older hypertensive women. BACKGROUND: Although medication adherence is an essential key for preventing complications from hypertension, poor medication adherence is common among middle-aged and older hypertensive women. Taking medications involves a cognitive process. Little is known about the contribution of cognitive function to adherence to antihypertensive medication in middle-aged and older women. METHODS: This study used a convenience sample of 137 women aged ≥50 years recruited from a medical centre in southern Taiwan. Participants completed a survey of demographic and clinical information and self-reported medication adherence, and received cognitive function tests. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between cognitive function and medication adherence. This study followed the STROBE guidelines. RESULTS: More than one-fourth of the women (27%) reported poor adherence. Women with poor adherence appeared to have a significantly lower memory than women with good adherence. Memory was positively associated with antihypertensive medication adherence after controlling for age, blood pressure and duration of hypertension. Working memory, executive function and psychomotor speed were not significantly related to antihypertensive medication adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced memory function was associated with poorer antihypertensive medication adherence among middle-aged and older women. Middle-aged and older women with hypertension and poor memory performance are at risk of poor medication adherence. Future prospective studies examining the causal relationship between cognitive function and antihypertensive medication adherence are warranted. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurses could evaluate the memory of middle-aged and older hypertensive women when assessing antihypertensive medication adherence in clinical practice and provide relevant interventions.

Risk Factors for QT Prolongation in Patients with Chronic Hydroxychloroquine Use.

Background: Hydroxychloroquine is used as an antimalarial and immunomodulator, however it can induce QT prolongation that could potentially lead to fatal arrhythmia. We investigated changes in QT interval in long-term hydroxychloroquine users, and identified possible risk factors associated with significant QTc prolongation. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 3603 patients who received long-term hydroxychloroquine treatment from 2009 to 2019, of whom 167 had electrocardiography (ECG) results before and during hydroxychloroquine therapy. Baseline characteristics, laboratory data, comorbidities, concurrent medications, and related clinical outcomes were reviewed. Results: Overall, 225 patients (6.2%) died within the study period, with 50 patients (1.4%) continuously receiving hydroxychloroquine treatment until death. Three patients had fatal ventricular arrhythmia. No significant change in corrected QT interval (QTc) was noted before and during hydroxychloroquine treatment (451.1 ± 39.9 ms vs. 456.0 ± 37.3 ms, P = 0.140) in the ECG cohort. Multivariable logistic regression showed that diabetes mellitus [odds ratio (OR): 9.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.02-45.22; P = 0.005] and use of additional QT-prolonging drugs (OR: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.40-5.94; P = 0.004) were independent risk factors for significant QTc prolongation. Multiple linear regression, with the number of QT-prolonging drugs and comorbidities including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation as explanatory variables, predicted QTc response (adjusted R2 = 0.385) in the long-term hydroxychloroquine users. Conclusions: In the long-term users of hydroxychloroquine, those with diabetes mellitus and concurrent use of additional QT-prolonging drugs were at a higher risk of significant QTc prolongation. Baseline QTc interval, concurrent medications, and comorbidities predicted QTc response.

A HANC Risk Stratification Score for Antiplatelet Therapy Optimization with Low-Dose Prasugrel in Taiwanese Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients from the Switch Study.

Background: A significant proportion of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients experience high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) on clopidogrel-based dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Objectives: This study assessed key independent risk factors associated with significant HPR risk on clopidogrel, but not prasugrel, in the Switch Study cohort of 200 Taiwanese ACS patients who switched from clopidogrel to low-dose prasugrel for maintenance DAPT after PCI. Methods: Univariate analysis and stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted to identify key independent risk factors for HPR on clopidogrel, but not prasugrel. Results: A HANC [H: low hemoglobin (< 13 g/dL for men and < 12 g/dL for women); A: age ≥ 65 years; N: non-ST elevation myocardial infarction; C: chronic kidney disease as defined by estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min] risk stratification score was developed, and demonstrated optimal sensitivity and specificity at a cutoff score of ≥ 2. The HANC score compared favorably against the recently validated ABCD score in the full Switch Study cohort (n = 200), and the ABCD-GENE score in a genotyped cohort (n = 102). Conclusions: The HANC score may serve to alert clinicians to patients at potentially higher HPR risk on clopidogrel, but not prasugrel. Further research to validate this score and assess its correlation with clinical outcomes is warranted.

The Efficacy and Safety of Short-Term Tolvaptan Usage in Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure.

Background: Patients admitted with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) have a poor prognosis and poor quality of life due to dyspnea and edema. Tolvaptan, a vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist, is an effective water diuretic. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a short course of tolvaptan to treat volume overload in patients with ADHF. Methods: We conducted a phase III, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a short course of tolvaptan (15 mg/day for 4 days) in hospitalized ADHF patients with volume overload despite the use of conventional diuretics. The primary end-point was the change in body weight after 4 days of treatment. The secondary end-points were the change in intake/output balance, change in serum sodium/potassium concentrations, physician/patient assessed signs and symptoms of heart failure after 4 days of treatment, and all-cause mortality in 1 month. Results: A total of 110 patients were screened, and 91 were randomized to receive 15 mg/day of tolvaptan for 4 days (n = 46) or matching placebo (n = 45). Compared to the placebo-treated patients, tolvaptan significantly reduced body weight (-1.36 ± 2.13 kg in the tolvaptan group vs. -0.59 ± 1.27 kg in the placebo group, p = 0.0394). The tolvaptan group also had a negative intake/urine volume balance compared to the placebo group (-509.3 ± 2788.2 ml vs. 975.5 ± 1903.1 ml, p = 0.0059). The safety profile of tolvaptan was acceptable. Conclusions: Tolvaptan significantly reduced volume overload in hospitalized ADHF patients with volume overload despite the use of conventional diuretics.

Risk Management for Radiation-Induced Cardiovascular Disease (RICVD): The 2022 Consensus Statement of the Taiwan Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (TASTRO) and Taiwan Society of Cardiology (TSOC).

Advances in cancer management have significantly improved survival in patients with cancers. Cardiovascular complications of cancer treatment are becoming significant competing causes of death in these patients. Radiotherapy is an indispensable component of cancer treatment, and irradiation of the heart and vasculature during cancer radiotherapy is now recognized as a new risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. It is important to involve multidisciplinary expertise and provide practical recommendations to promote awareness, recognize risks, and provide adequate interventions without jeopardizing cancer control. In this consensus paper, experts from the Taiwan Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology and Taiwan Society of Cardiology provide a focused update on the clinical practice for risk stratification and management of radiation-induced cardiovascular disease (RICVD). We believe that implementing RICVD care under a collaborative cardio-oncology program will significantly improve cancer treatment outcomes and will facilitate high quality clinical investigations.