Characterization of peripheral blood T follicular helper (TFH) cells in patients with type 1 Gaucher disease and carriers.

BACKGROUND: Gaucher disease (GD) is the most common autosomal recessive lipid storage disease. In this study, the changes in TFH cells and IL-4 and IL-21 cytokines in blood samples of GD patients, carriers and healthy volunteers were investigated. METHODS: Two pretreatment type 1 GD patients, 20 currently treated type 1 GD patients, 6 carriers, and 27 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. TFH cell (CD45RA-CD4+CXCR5+) number, phenotype (PD1, ICOS expression), and cytokine production (IL-21, IL-4) were assessed via flow cytometric assays. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the groups with respect to the number, frequency and PD1 or ICOS expression of TFH cells between healthy controls, patients and carriers. However, IL-4+ TFH cells were significantly reduced both in percent and number in the treated GD patients compared with healthy controls (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the IL-21+ TFH cell number was increased in treated GD patients. When TFH cells were examined based on CXCR3 expression, the frequency of the PD1+Th17-Th2-like fraction (CXCR3-) was found to be significantly increased in treated GD patients. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess TFH cells in GD patients, and to show that the production of IL-4 and IL-21 by TFH cells and their subsets may be altered in type 1 GD patients.

The Importance of DHEA-S Levels in Cushing's Syndrome; Is There a Cut-off Value in the Differential Diagnosis?

The purpose of this study was to determine possible cut-off levels of basal DHEA-S percentile rank in the differential diagnosis of patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS) with ACTH levels in the gray zone and normal DHEA-S levels. In this retrospective study including 623 pathologically confirmed CS, the DHEA-S percentile rank was calculated in 389 patients with DHEA-S levels within reference interval. The patients were classified as group 1 (n=265 Cushing's disease; CD), group 2 (n=104 adrenal CS) and group 3 (n=20 ectopic ACTH syndrome).ROC-curve analyses were used to calculate the optimal cut-off level of DHEA-S percentile rank in the reference interval in the differential diagnosis of CS, and the effectiveness of this cut-off level in the identification of the accurate etiology of CS was assessed in patients who were in gray zone according to their ACTH levels. The DHEA-S percentile rank in the reference interval were significantly lower in group 2 compared to the other two groups (p<0.001), while group 1 and group 3 had similar levels. The optimal cut-off level of DHEA-S percentile rank in the reference interval providing differential diagnosis between group 1 and group 2 was calculated as 19.5th percentile (80.8% sensitivity, 81.5% specificity) and the level demonstrated the accurate etiology in 100% of CD and 76% of adrenal CS patients who were in the gray zone. This study showed that the cut-off value of DHEA-S level less than 20% of the reference interval could be used for differential diagnosis of CD and adrenal CS with high sensitivity and specificity, and it should be taken into the initial evaluation.

The role of baseline and post-procedural frontal plane QRS-T angles for cardiac risk assessment in patients with acute STEMI.

BACKGROUND: To our knowledge, no study so far investigated the importance of post-procedural frontal QRS-T angle f(QRS-T) in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of our study was to investigate the role of baseline and post-procedural f(QRS-T) angles for determining high risk STEMI patients, and the success of reperfusion. METHODS: A total of 248 patients with first acute STEMI that underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) or thrombolytic therapy (TT) between 2013 and 2014 were included in this study. Baseline f(QRS-T) angle was defined as the angle which measured from the first ECG at the time of hospital admission. Post-procedural (QRS-T) angle was defined according to the treatment strategy as follows: the angle which measured from the post-PCI ECG in patients treated with pPCI; the angle which measured from the ECG taken 90 min after onset of therapy in patients treated with TT. RESULTS: The baseline (101.9° ± 48.0 vs. 72.1° ± 49.1, p = 0.014) and post-procedural f(QRS-T) angles (95.7° ± 48.1 vs. 58.1° ± 47.1, p = 0.002) were significantly higher in patients who developed in-hospital mortality than the patients who did not develop in-hospital mortality. Also, f(QRS-T) angle measured at 90 min was significantly lower in patients with successful thrombolysis group compared to failed thrombolysis group (53.2° ± 42.8 vs. 77.3° ± 52.9, p = 0.033), whereas baseline f(QRS-T) angle was similar between two groups (78.6° ± 53.4 vs. 78.9° ± 54.0, p = 0.976). Multivariate analysis showed that post-procedural f(QRS-T) angle ≥89.6° (odds ratio: 3.541, 95% confidence interval: 1.235-10.154, p = 0.019), but not baseline f(QRS-T) angle, was independent predictor of in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: f(QRS-T) angle may be used as a beneficial tool for determining high risk patients in acute STEMI. Unlike previous studies, we showed for the first time that that post-procedural f(QRS-T) can predict in-hospital mortality and TT failure.

The prognostic value of the combined use of QRS distortion and fragmented QRS in patients with acute STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: No study has investigated the prognostic importance of the combined use of QRS distortion and fragmented QRS (fQRS) for risk stratification in acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). OBJECTIVE: To determine the prognostic value of the combined use of QRS distortion and fQRS in patients with acute STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). METHODS: A total of 454 patients with first STEMI who underwent pPCI were included in this study. Patients were categorized into three groups according to the presence of QRS distortion and fQRS on admission electrocardiography. Group I was defined as fQRS (-) and QRS distortion (-), group 2 was defined as fQRS (+) and QRS distortion (-), or fQRS (-) and QRS distortion (+), and group 3 was defined as both fQRS (+) and QRS distortion (+). RESULTS: Patients in group III had a significantly higher in-hospital mortality rate compared with patients in groups I and II. These patients also had lower left ventricular ejection fraction and ST resolution ratios, higher maximum troponin, and higher frequency of three-vessel disease. Multivariate analysis indicated that group III (OR: 8.84, 95% CI: 2.73-28.62, p<0.001) was an independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: The combined use of QRS distortion and fQRS provides additional prognostic value compared with the presence of QRS distortion or fQRS alone for early risk stratification in patients with STEMI treated with pPCI.

Circulating levels of apoptotic markers and oxidative stress parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a case-controlled descriptive study.

CONTEXT: Apoptotic dysregulation plays a role in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate circulatory apoptotic markers and oxidative stress in patients with PCOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four women with PCOS, and 44 healthy women as controls were enrolled in the study. Oxidative stress parameters and caspases levels were measured in serum. RESULTS: The caspase 9 level was significantly lower and related with oxidant status in patients with PCOS, while the circulating levels of caspases 3 and 7 were statistically similar in both groups. DISCUSSION: This study is the first report demonstrating the circulating levels of apoptotic markers and their relationship with oxidant status in PCOS. CONCLUSION: The circulating caspase 9 and oxidant status might contribute to apoptotic dysregulation in PCOS.

The Relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and fragmented QRS in acute STEMI patients treated with primary PCI.

BACKGROUND: No study so far investigated fragmented QRS (fQRS) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) together in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between NLR and fQRS, and determine the prognostic significance of the combined use of these two parameters in STEMI. METHODS: We included 368 patients with first acute STEMI who successfully revascularized with primary percutaneous coronary intervention. RESULTS: Patients with fQRS had significantly higher NLR, and in-hospital mortality rate compared to patients with no-fQRS. The best cut-off value of NLR to predict mortality was 5.47. Patients with NLR≥5.47 had a higher frequency of fQRS and in-hospital mortality rate. Multivariate analysis showed that NLR was an independent predictor of the presence of fQRS (OR: 1.095, 95% CI: 1.039-1.153, P=0.001). When patients were stratified by fQRS and cut-off value of NLR, in-hospital mortality gradually increased (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: NLR is independently associated with the presence of fQRS in STEMI patients. Combined use of both parameters provides additional prognostic contribution for identifying patients at higher cardiac risk.

The Importance of the Number of Leads with fQRS for Predicting In-Hospital Mortality in Acute STEMI Patients Treated with Primary PCI.

BACKGROUND: Fragmented QRS (fQRS) has been shown to be related to increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. However, limited data are available for evaluating the relationship between the number of leads with fQRS and in-hospital all-cause mortality in patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of our study is to investigate the prognostic importance of the number of leads with fQRS in acute STEMI patients treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Two hundred ten eligible patients with acute STEMI that underwent primary PCI were enrolled in this study. Each patient's 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) taken in the first 48 hours was analyzed and the number of leads with fQRS were recorded. RESULTS: The number derivations with fQRS were significantly higher in patients who developed in-hospital mortality than the patients who did not develop in-hospital mortality (2.6 ± 2.6 vs 0.9 ± 1.3; P = 0.002). Also, patients with ≥3 leads with fQRS had higher rate of in-hospital all-cause mortality (23.5% vs 7.4%, P = 0.009), higher frequency of Q wave (67.6% vs 36.9%, P = 0.001), and higher frequency of fQRS with Q wave (67.6% vs 15.9%, P < 0.001) than those patients with <3 leads with fQRS. By a multivariate regression analysis, the number of leads with fQRS was found to be an independent predictor of in-hospital all-cause mortality (odds ratio: 1.415, 95% confidence interval: 1.049-1.909, P = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: The number of leads with fQRS on 12-lead ECG is an independent predictor of in-hospital all-cause mortality in patients with acute STEMI treated by primary PCI.

The Predictive Value of Fragmented QRS and QRS Distortion for High-Risk Patients with STEMI and for the Reperfusion Success.

BACKGROUND: QRS fragmentation (fQRS) and QRS distortion were separately shown to be related to increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. To our knowledge, no study so far evaluated both parameters together in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The main goal of our study is to find out if fQRS and QRS distortion can help us to determine high-risk STEMI patients, and the success of reperfusion. METHODS: Two hundred forty-eight eligible patients with acute STEMI that underwent coronary angiography consecutively between January 1, 2009, and July 1, 2011, were enrolled in this study. Twelve-lead electrocardiography (ECG) of the patients taken in the first 48 hours were analyzed. Patients with fQRS formed group 1, without fQRS formed group 2; with QRS distortion formed group 3, and without QRS distortion formed group 4. RESULTS: Group 1 have lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; P < 0.001), higher maximum troponin levels (P < 0.001), lower ST segment resolution (P < 0.001), more frequent proximal lesions (P < 0.001) when compared to group 2. Similar findings were observed in group 3 in comparison to group 4. Group 1 had also more frequent three vessels disease (P < 0.001), and higher rates of failed thrombolysis (P < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was found to be higher in group 1 and group 3. CONCLUSION: fQRS and QRS distortion may be useful for identifying patients at higher cardiac risk. fQRS can foresee thrombolytic therapy failure and three vessels disease whereas QRS distortion does not possess such quality. These findings may guide the physician deciding initial treatment modality in STEMI.

Hypoglycemia detected during cardiac arrest of a non-diabetic patient with heart failure.

Hypoglycemia in non-diabetic patients with heart failure is a rare finding. It is thought to be caused by hepatic dysfunction secondary to chronic passive congestion, and reduced gluconeogenesis. In this report we present a 23-year-old man with a history of Duchenne muscular dystrophy hospitalized for decompensated heart failure and implantable cardioverter defibrillator shock. Laboratory examination on admission showed slightly elevated levels of hepatic enzymes. Despite the therapy for heart failure the patient's clinical status deteriorated, and sinus bradycardia and then cardiac arrest occured. After successful 5-minute cardiopulmonary resuscitation, an arterial blood sample revealed metabolic acidosis with a level of pH 7.04, bicarbonate 9.3, and glucose of 22 mg/dl. Acute treatment of metabolic acidosis with hypoglycemia was successfully performed. Based on this case, possible causes of unexplained hypoglycemia in non-diabetic patients with heart failure were described in a short literature review.

The relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and blood pressure variability in hypertensive and normotensive subjecs.

OBJECTIVES: Blood pressure (BP) variability is associated with hypertensive (HT) target organ damage and cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and BP variability in hypertensive and normotensive subjects. STUDY DESIGN: In this cross-sectional study, 150 subjects (63 male, mean age 52.1±5.2 years) were enrolled. In all patients, blood samples and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring were obtained. According to 24-hour ambulatory BP results, participants were divided into four investigation categories. Group 1= Normotensive dipper (ND), Group 2= Normotensive non-dipper (NN), Group 3= HT dipper (HD), Group 4= HT non-dipper (HN). RESULTS: Highest NLR values were determined in the HN group (p=0.005 vs. ND, p=0.046 vs. NN and p<0.01 vs. HD). NLR values were similar among the ND, NN and HD groups (p>0.05, for all). NLR was correlated with night systolic blood pressure (SBP) (r=0.178, p=0.031), night diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (r=0.176, p=0.032) and BP variation rate (r=-0.246, p=0.003). Multiple linear regression analysis showed BP variation rate to be an independent predictor of high NLR value (ß=0.186, 95% CI=0.918-0.982, p=0.044). In ROC analysis, a level of NLR>2.7 predicted non-dipper HT with 83% sensitivity and 65% specificity (ROC area under curve: 0.653, 95% CI=0.565-0.741, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: In the present study, we found that NLR levels were significantly correlated with BP variability. The measurement of NLR may be used to indicate increased risk of HT-related adverse cardiovascular events.

[The role of angiotensin-receptor blockers in cardiovascular processes]. / Anjiyotensin reseptör blokerlerinin kardiyovasküler süreçteki yerleri.

Angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) are frequently used in cardiology practice. Thanks to their potent antihypertensive effects, and lower side effect profiles, these drugs are well tolerated, and used for various indications in the field of cardiovascular medicine. This article summarizes clinical fields, and large-scale clinical studies where efficacy of ARBs has been demonstrated.

Kinesiophobia and Associated Factors in Patients With Myocardial Infarction.

Kinesiophobia is a well-known barrier to positive clinical outcomes among patients with various diseases, but there remain few comprehensive studies of kinesiophobia among patients with myocardial infarction (MI). In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the presence of kinesiophobia and its relationship with clinical outcomes among 42 patients with MI who completed the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia Swedish Version for Heart (TSK-SV Heart) the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnea Scale, the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and the MacNew Heart Disease Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire. The participants' mean TSK-SV Heart score was 39.24 (SD = 6.65), and 71.4% of these patients reported a high level of kinesiophobia. The TSK-SV Heart score demonstrated a strong correlation with the IPAQ-SF, 6MWT walking distance, and mMRC score (p < .001), and a moderate correlation with the HADS, CCI, and MacNew Heart Disease HRQoL (p < .05). Patients with a high level of kinesiophobia had lower IPAQ-SF, 6MWT walking distance, and HRQoL and higher mMRC, CCI, and HADS scores than patients with low levels of kinesiophobia (p < .05). Kinesiophobia was common and represented a considerable risk factor for physical-psychosocial dysfunctions in these patients with MI. To maintain functional independence and to increase physical activity level, clinicians should consider kinesiophobia from early to late-stage disease and should add a treatment focus that seeks to eliminate kinesiophobia in cardiac rehabilitation programs.

Case Report: A Novel Mutation Leading to 11-ß Hydroxylase Deficiency in a Female Patient.

BACKGROUND: 11ß hydroxylase deficiency (11ßOHD) ranks as the second most common enzyme deficiency that causes congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Depending on the severity of the enzyme deficiency, it can lead to cortisol deficiency, androgen excess and hypertension due to increased mineralocorticoid precursor levels. Many different types of mutations in the CYP11B1 gene located on chromosome 8q24.3 have been shown to cause 11ßOHD. Here, we report a novel missense mutation that leads to 11ßOHD in a female patient. CASE PRESENTATION: A 35-year-old female patient was admitted to the Endocrinology Department with a complaint of abdominal pain. The patient had a history of genital reconstruction surgery twice in childhood. On physical examination, an abdominal mass was detected. Laboratory examination of the patient revealed low levels of cortisol, potassium and high levels of ACTH, 11-deoxycortisol and androstenedione, suggesting 11ßOHD. Genotyping showed a novel homozygous missense mutation (c.1385T>C L462P variant) detected on the 8th chromosome where the CYP11B1 gene is located. Glucocorticoid therapy was commenced for the patient whose diagnosis of 11ßOHD was confirmed by both hormonal and genetic tests. A mass originating from the left adrenal gland with the largest diameter of 7 cm was compatible with myelolipoma. CONCLUSION: In this case report, we aimed to contribute to the literature by reporting a new missense mutation in the CYP11B1 gene, leading to classic type 11ßOHD that has not been described before.

Visual or computer-based measurements: Which is important for the interpretation of an athlete's electrocardiography?

OBJECTIVE: Preparticipation screening of athletes by electrocardiography is the most crucial step in determining sudden cardiac death risk factors. Several electrocardiography interpretation software programs have been developed for physicians practicing in this field. Our study aimed to assess cardiopoint sudden death screening module by comparing its findings with two cardiologists using Seattle and International criteria. METHODS: A total of 303 licensed national athletes (37% females) were enrolled. electrocardiographies were examined by the cardiopoint sudden death screening module using Seattle criteria and cardiologists. The consistency between cardiologists and software was compared, and the confidence assessment of the module was tested. RESULTS: With regard to Seattle criteria, moderate consistency was found between the cardiopoint sudden death screening module and the 1st (κ=0.41) and 2nd cardiologist (κ=0.59). Consistency between two cardiologists was moderate (κ=0.55). When we applied International criteria, there was moderate consistency between the module and the 1st cardiologist (κ=0.42), and good consistency between the module and the 2nd cardiologist (κ=0.63). Consistency between the two cardiologists was good (κ=0.62). CONCLUSION: The cardiopoint sudden death screening module had similar agreement with cardiologists based on both criteria. However, the software needs to be updated according to International criteria. Using computer-based measurements for preparticipation screening will help to save time and provide standardization of electrocardiography interpretation.

Oxidative and chromosomal DNA damage in patients with type I Gaucher disease and carriers.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Gaucher disease (GD) is caused by a genetic deficiency of the beta-glucocerebrosidase enzyme which results in the accumulation of glucosylceramide in macrophages. This accumulation may induce oxidative stress, resulting in DNA damage in patients with GD. The aim of this study was to assess plasma 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels and cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome (CBMN-cyt) assay parameters in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with GD and carriers, evaluate the possible associations of these values with GD, and determine whether they can be used as potential biomarkers in GD. METHODS: This study included 20 patients with type 1 GD, six carriers, and 27 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. CBMN-cyt assay parameters in peripheral blood lymphocytes of the patients with GD, carriers, and controls were evaluated and 8-OHdG levels in their plasma samples were measured. RESULTS: CBMN-cyt assay parameters in patients with GD and carriers were not significantly different when compared with controls (p > 0.05). However, plasma 8-OHdG levels were found to be higher in both patients with GD and carriers than in control subjects (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Oxidative DNA damage may be a useful prognostic tool, whereas the CBMN-cyt assay cannot be used as a predictive biomarker of GD.

Increased epicardial fat thickness is associated with cardiac functional changes in healthy women.

Epicardial fat tissue is a visceral fat depot with anatomical and functional contiguity to the myocardium and coronary arteries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between epicardial fat thickness (EFT) and cardiac changes in healthy female subjects. The study population consisted of ninety-six consecutive healthy female (mean age 31.1 ± 6.7 years) who underwent transthoracic echocardiography. EFT was measured by echocardiography. Subjects were divided into two groups according to the EFT; EFT < 6 mm and EFT ≥ 6 mm. The cardiac structural changes, increased left atrial volume indices (LAVI) (41.2 ± 9.9 vs. 52.6 ± 12.5, p = 0.001) and left ventricular mass indices (LVMI) (129.6 ± 32.1 vs. 155.6 ± 31.6 p < 0.05), were observed in patients with increased EFT. Myocardial tei index (MTI), which was used to evaluate both systolic and diastolic functions, was higher with increased EFT (0.44 ± 0.07 vs. 0.48 ± 0.08, p = 0.02). The correlation analysis revealed significant correlation between EFT and each of LAVI (r = 0.312, p = 0.002), LVMI (r = 0.301, p = 0.003), body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.8, p < 0.001), and MTI (r = 0.27, p = 0.005). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that EFT was associated with BMI (t = 5.28, p = 0.001), MTI (r = 2.39, p = 0.019), LVMI (r = 2.16, p = 0.01), and LAVI (r = 3.21, p = 0.002). In conclusion, EFT is an important predictor of cardiac alterations in women who are prone to obesity.

Clinical and radiological evaluation of dentomaxillofacial involvement in Type I Gaucher disease.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the oral findings and dentomaxillofacial involvement of patients diagnosed with Type I Gaucher Disease (GD), and to compare these findings with the control group. METHODS: A total of 32 patients, 5 males, and 11 females in both the study (range 19-60, mean age 34.56) and control group (range 18-49, mean age 34.63) were included in the study. The file records of all patients obtained in the first evaluation were examined, and the hematological, visceral, and bone examination findings were recorded. Subsequently, oral examinations were performed for oral findings and dentomaxillofacial involvement, and radiological examinations were performed in panoramic images and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. RESULTS: There was mandible involvement in 9 (56.3%), and involvement in both jaws in 4 (25.0%) of the patients with Type I GD. According to the CBCT findings, generalized rarefaction in 10 (62.5%) patients, enlarged marrow spaces in 12 (75.0%) patients, thinning of the lamina dura in 10 (62.5%) patients, and loss in the cortical borders of the mandibular canal in 7 (43.8%) patients were among the common radiographic findings. When the control and study group were compared, in panoramic images, a significant difference was found in terms of generalized rarefaction and enlarged marrow spaces, while significant differences were found in CBCT images regarding generalized rarefaction, enlarged marrow spaces, loss in the cortical margins of the mandibular canal and widening in the periodontal ligament space. CONCLUSIONS: The roadmap for the diagnosis of Gaucher lesions in the jawbones includes a comprehensive medical history and a clinical and radiological examination. In conclusion, dentists should be familiar with the dentomaxillofacial findings of GD and be aware of possible oral and dental complications that may develop.

Determination of the Fear of COVID-19 and the Quality of Life of Patients With Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implants During the Pandemic.

This study aimed to determine the fear of COVID-19 and the quality of life of patients with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) during the pandemic. This descriptive cross-sectional study included 132 TAVI patients. Data were collected using a patient information form, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), and the EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D). The mean FCV-19S score of the patients was 17.37 ± 6.12. The mean EQ-5D index score was 0.56 ± 0.37 and the mean VAS score was 65.5 ± 11.5. As per the dimensions of the EQ-5D index, 75% of the patients had mobility problems. According to the logistic regression analysis results, mobility was the most affected parameter, as demonstrated by the worsening in symptoms during the pandemic (odds ratio: 7.370, 95% CI [2.183, 24.881]). The patients with TAVI had a moderate level of fear associated with COVID-19, and the pandemic negatively affected their quality of life.

Effect of home-based high-intensity interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous training in patients with myocardial infarction: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Supervised high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been proposed to be more effective than moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) for improving exercise capacity, but there are not sufficient information effects of home-based HIIT and MICT in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). AIMS: To compare the effects of home-based HIIT and MICT in patients with MI. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with MI were randomly assigned to one of two home-based exercise modes: HIIT group and MICT group. Home-based HIIT and MICT were performed twice a week for 12 weeks with an exercise intensity of 85-95% of heart rate (HR) reserve and 70-75% HR reserve, respectively. The primary outcome measure was functional capacity. Secondary outcomes included resting blood pressure and HR, peripheral oxygen saturation, pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength, dyspnea severity, body composition (body fat%, body mass index (BMI), fat free muscle), peripheral muscle strength, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). RESULTS: Functional capacity, measured by 6-minute walk test, increased in HIIT and MICT group (p < 0.05). Resting BP and HR, body fat%, and BMI were significantly decreased, and pulmonary functions, respiratory-peripheral muscle strength, and HRQoL were significantly increased in the both groups (p < 0.05). Home-based HIIT was more effective than MICT in improving pulmonary functions and lower extremity muscle strength (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that HIIT and MICT can be applied at home-based in patients with MI and play an important role in improving functional capacity, health outcomes, and HRQoL. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials Number: NCT04407624.