Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Patterns in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension among Cardiologists and Pulmonologists: Evidence from Turkey.

Background and Objectives: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare chronic disease of the small pulmonary arteries that causes right heart failure and death. Accurate management of PAH is necessary to decrease morbidity and mortality. Understanding current practices and perspectives on PAH is important. For this purpose, we intended to determine physicians' knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns in adult pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in Turkey. Materials and Methods: Between January and February 2022, an online questionnaire was sent via e-mail to all cardiologists and pulmonologists who were members of the Turkish Society of Cardiology (TSC) and the Turkish Thoracic Society (TTS). Results: A total of 200 physicians (122 pulmonologists and 78 cardiologists) responded to the questionnaire. Cardiologists were more frequently involved in the primary diagnosis and treatment of PAH than pulmonologists (37.2% vs. 23.8%, p = 0.042). More than half of the physicians had access to right heart catheterization. In mild/moderate PAH patients with a negative vasoreactivity test, the monotherapy option was most preferred (82.8%) and endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) were the most preferred group in these patients (73%). ERAs plus phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE-5 INH) were the most preferred (69%) combination therapy, and prostacyclin analogues plus PDE-5 INH was preferred by only pulmonologists. Conclusions: Overall, clinical management of patients with PAH complied with guideline recommendations. Effective clinical management of PAH in specialized centers that having right heart catheterization achieve better outcomes.

Association of Uric Acid Albumin Ratio with Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation after Cryoballoon Catheter Ablation.

Objective: Despite improvements in the technology of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF), recurrences are still a major problem, even after a successful procedure. The uric acid/albumin ratio (UAR), which is an inexpensive and simple laboratory parameter, has recently been introduced in the literature as a predictor of adverse cardiovascular events. Hence, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the UAR and AF recurrence after catheter ablation. Methods: A total of 170 patients who underwent successful catheter ablation for AF were included. The primary outcome was the late recurrence after treatment. The recurrence (+) and recurrence (−) groups were compared for clinical, laboratory and procedural characteristics as well as the predictors of recurrence assessed by regression analysis. Results: In our study population, 53 (26%) patients developed AF recurrence after catheter ablation. Mean UAR was higher in the recurrence (+) group compared to recurrence (−) group (2.4 ± 0.9 vs. 1.8 ± 0.7, p < 0.01). In multivariable regression analysis, left atrial diameter (HR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01−1.16, p = 0.01) and UAR (HR:1.36, 95% CI: 1.06−1.75, p = 0.01) were found to be independent predictors of recurrence. In ROC analysis, the UAR > 1.67 predicted recurrence with a sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 57% (AUC 0.68, p < 0.01). Conclusion: For the first time in the literature, the UAR were found to be correlated independently with AF recurrence after catheter ablation.

Comparison of Lower and Upper Limb Remote Ischemic Preconditioning to Prevent Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: A Randomized Pilot Study with a Control Group / Comparación del preacondicionamiento isquémico remoto de la extremidad inferior y superior para evitar la nefropatía inducida por el contraste: Un estudio piloto aleatorizado con un grupo de control

ABSTRACT Background: The role of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) in preventing the development of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) and whether there is a difference between the results of applications of RIPC to the upper or lower extremities has not been adequately demonstrated. Methods: We included the patients who underwent coronary angiography due to stable angina pectoris in this single center, randomized, pilot study. We randomly enrolled a total of 168 patients in one of three groups (60 patients in the upper limb RIPC group, 58 patients in the lower limb RIPC group, and 50 patients in the control group). Results: According to the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN), CIN did not develop in any RIPC patients and developed in 6% of controls (OR: 3.511, 95% CI: 2.757-4.471, p=0.025). According to the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) guidelines, CIN developed in 1.7% of RIPC patients and 8% of controls (p=0.065). It was found that creatinine levels increased in the control group and decreased in the RIPC groups (baseline: 0.81±0.19mg/dL and 0.86±0.25mg/dL and control: 0.76±0.17mg/dL and 0.91±0.36mg/ dL, p <0.001). When the upper and lower limb RIPC results were compared, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of CIN. In multivariate analyses we found out that baseline eGFR, baseline mean blood pressure, contrast agent volume, and RIPC were independently associated with the development of CIN. Conclusions: RIPC is a practically useful method in preventing CIN in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Upper or lower-limb RIPC applications seem to have a similar effect.

RESUMEN No se ha demostrado adecuadamente el papel del preacondicionamiento isquémico remoto (RIPC) en la prevención del desarrollo de nefropatía inducida por contraste (NIC) y si existe una diferencia entre los resultados de las aplicaciones de RIPC en las extremidades superiores o inferiores. Se incluyó a los pacientes sometidos a coronariografía por angina de pecho estable en este estudio piloto, aleatorizado, unicéntrico. Inscribimos al azar a un total de 168 pacientes en uno de los tres grupos (60 pacientes en el grupo de RIPC de miembros superiores, 58 pacientes en el grupo de RIPC de miembros inferiores, 50 pacientes en el grupo de control). De acuerdo con la Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN), NIC no se desarrolló en ningún paciente con RIPC y se desarrolló en el 6% de los controles (OR: 3,511, IC del 95%: 2,757-4,471, p = 0,025). Según las directrices de la Sociedad Europea de Radiología Urogenital (ESUR), la NIC se desarrolló en el 1,7% de los pacientes con RIPC y en el 8% de los controles (p = 0,065). Se encontró que los niveles de creatinina aumentaron en el grupo de control y disminuyeron en los grupos de RIPC (línea de base: 0,81 ± 0,19 mg / dL y 0,86 ± 0,25 mg / dL y control: 0,76 ± 0,17 mg / dL y 0,91 ± 0,36 mg / dL, p <0,001). Cuando se compararon los resultados de RIPC de miembros superiores e inferiores, no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la incidencia de NIC. En análisis multivariado descubrimos que la TFGe basal, la presión arterial media basal, el volumen del agente de contraste y la RIPC se asociaron de forma independiente con el desarrollo de NIC. La RIPC es un método prácticamente útil en la prevención de NIC en pacientes sometidos a coronariografía. Las aplicaciones de RIPC de miembros superiores o inferiores parecen tener un efecto similar.

Prognostic performance of Controlling Nutritional Status score in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

OBJECTIVE: The effect of malnutrition in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is not fully understood. In this study, we tried to investigate the prognostic consequence of the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score in patients with STEMI. METHODS: In this study, we evaluated the CONUT scores of 1,028 patients with STEMI and examined its relationship with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (all-cause mortality, myocardial reinfarction, and vessel revascularization) during a period of 19.9±10.3 months. Patients with CONUT score ≥5 were defined as severely malnourished. Predictors of MACE were assessed by Cox regression analysis, and p<0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: MACE was observed in a total of 147 (14.3%) patients. MACE was more frequent in the group with a higher CONUT score (33.3% vs. 10.9%, p<0.001). CONUT score ≥5 was an independent predictor of MACE in the Cox regression analysis (hazard ratio=2.50, 95% confidence interval: 1.61-3.90, p<0.001). Low ejection fraction, Killip class ≥3 at presentation, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade <3 after intervention, left main artery involvement, and low hemoglobin levels were other independent predictors of MACE in the long-term follow-up. Kaplan-Meier curves showed decreased MACE free survival rates in the high CONUT score group at a mean 19.9±10.3 months' follow-up duration (log-rank p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Malnutrition was strongly associated with poor outcomes in patients with STEMI treated using primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Relationship Between the Fibrinogen-to-Albumin Ratio and SYNTAX Score in Patients with Non-St-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Despite the association of fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) with the extent, severity, and complexity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and stable CAD, no studies to date have specifically addressed this issue in patients with non-STEMI (NSTEMI). OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate whether a relationship exists between FAR and the SYNergy between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with TAXus (SYNTAX) score in patients with NSTEMI. METHODS: In this prospective cross-sectional study, 330 patients with NSTEMI who had undergone coronary angiography in an academic medical center were divided into two groups: those with an intermediate/high (≥23) SYNTAX score (241 patients) and those with a low SYNTAX score < 23 (89 patients). SYNTAX score was computed by two highly experienced cardiologists (who were blinded to the study data) using an online SYNTAX calculator. Fibrinogen and albumin levels were measured in all patients, and FAR was calculated. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that FAR (odds ratio [OR]: 1.478, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.089-2.133, p = 0.002), low-density lipoprotein (OR: 1.058, 95% CI: 1.008-1.134, p = 0.026), and troponin I (OR: 1.219, 95% CI: 1.015-1.486, p = 0.031) were independent predictors of the SYNTAX score. In a receiver operating characteristics analysis, a cutoff FAR value of 95.3 had an 83% sensitivity and an 86% specificity (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.84, p < 0.001) for the prediction of SYNTAX scores ≥23 in NSTEMI patients. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that FAR is a useful tool to predict intermediate-high SYNTAX scores in NSTEMI patients.

Predictive accuracy of CHA2DS2-VASc score in determining the high thrombus burden in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The presence of intracoronary thrombus is associated with increased ischaemic complications in patients with NSTEMI. High thrombus burden is an independent predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events, stent thrombosis and no reflow in patients with STEMI. CHA2DS2-VASc score predicts thrombus burden in STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. However, the association between CHA2DS2-VASc score and high thrombus burden in patients with NSTEMI is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of CHA2DS2-VASc score for a high pre-procedural intracoronary thrombus burden in patients with NSTEMI who underwent PCI. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 251 patients with NSTEMI who underwent PCI during their hospitalisation at our tertiary referral centre. RESULTS: The mean age of the 251 patients was 57.7 ± 10.9 years. Our patients were predominantly male (79%). There were 57 patients (22.7%) in the high-thrombus burden group, and 194 patients (77.2%) in the low-thrombus burden group. Higher CHA2DS2-VASc score, increased baseline serum CRP level, lower serum albumin level and decreased lymphocyte counts were found to be independently correlated with the high intracoronary thrombus burden in multivariate Cox regression analysis. Receiver-operating characteristics analysis revealed the cut-off value of CHA2DS2-VASc score >2 as a predictor of high thrombus burden with a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 61%. CONCLUSIONS: CHA2DS2-VASc score can be used as a simple and reliable tool to predict high thrombus burden in NSTEMI patients undergoing PCI.

Relationship between C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio and the extent of coronary artery disease in patients with non-ST-elevated myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of the newly defined C-reactive protein (CRP)-toalbumin ratio (CAR) in determining the extent and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in comparison with the other inflammatory markers such as neutrophil-tolymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), in patients with non-ST-elevated myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study is retrospectively designed and includes 205 patients with NSTEMI with a mean age of 56.6± 11.4 years. The study cohort was subdivided into two groups according to Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and cardiac surgery score (SS) as low (<23) and intermediate-high (≥23). Complete blood counts, serum CRP, and serum albumin were obtained at admission. The CAR, NLR, and PLR values of all patients were calculated. Then, we evaluated the relationship of CAR, NLR, and PLR with the CAD extent and severity. RESULTS: CAR and NLR were moderately correlated with SS (r = 0.517, P < 0.001; r = 0.222, P = 0.001, respectively), whereas PLR showed weak correlation with SS (r = 0.191, P = 0.006). According to multivariate analysis models, CAR, NLR, and left ventricular ejection fraction were found to be independent predictors of CAD severity (P < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) for CAR (AUC: 0.829; 95% confidence interval: 0.770-0.878) was significantly greater than the AUC of NLR (AUC: 0.657; 95% confidence interval: 0.588-0.722), with P value of 0.002. A CAR more than 17 predicted an intermediate-high SS with 86% sensitivity and 76% specificity. CONCLUSION: Novel inflammatory marker CAR can be used as a reliable marker in prediction of CAD severity in patients with NSTEMI.

The Relationship between Inter-Arm Blood Pressure Difference and Coronary Artery Disease Severity Calculated by the SYNTAX Score.

OBJECTIVES: The inter-arm systolic blood pressure difference (IASBPD) is closely related to cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. The SYNTAX score indicates the extent and complexity of coronary artery disease, which are determined by coronary angiography. The aim of our study is to examine the relationship between the IASBPD (which is easily calculated in routine practice) and the SYNTAX score. METHODS: 104 patients were included in this cross-sectional study. The IASBPD was calculated by blood pressure measurements obtained simultaneously from both arms. The SYNTAX score was calculated by coronary angiography. RESULTS: Patients were divided into two groups: those with a high SYNTAX score (≥20) and those with a low SYNTAX score (<20). The mean IASBPD values were significantly higher in the group with a high SYNTAX score (≥20) (p<0.001). The patients with IASBPD≥10 were more likely to have a high SYNTAX score compared to the patients with IASBPD<10 (p<0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that only the IASBPD values were found to be independently associated with high SYNTAX score (OR: 1.717 (CI: 1.307-2.257), p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The IASBPD values obtained by only blood pressure measurements are closely related to the extent of coronary artery disease.

Comparison of Complication and Success Rates of ProGlide Closure Device in Patients Undergoing TAVI and Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

INTRODUCTION: Usage of the Perclose ProGlide® (PP: Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, IL, USA) closure device is becoming increasingly prevalent during percutaneous endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The respective conditions treated via these procedures, abdominal aortic aneurysm and aortic valve stenosis, share risk factors but are two different physiopathological problems. AIM: Our aim was to compare the complication and success rates of PP closure device use in patients undergoing EVAR and TAVI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 74 patients, including 58 undergoing TAVI and 16 undergoing EVAR, were analysed in our study. RESULTS: Of the TAVI patients treated using the PP closure device, two (3.4%) had access to site-related bleeding complications and two (3.4%) experienced device failure. Of the EVAR patients who received the PP closure device, three (18.8%) had bleeding complications and three (18.8%) experienced device failure. CONCLUSION: Due to the underlying diffuse aortic wall pathology, the success rate of PP closure device use was lower and the complication rate of PP closure device was higher in the EVAR group versus the TAVI group.

Coronary artery bypass surgery in Syrian refugees. Outcomes in a Turkish tertiary center.

OBJECTIVE: To assess  outcomes of Syrian refugees undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery in a tertiary hospital in Turkey. METHODS:  We sought for in-hospital mortality and one year all-cause mortality as the main outcomes. We reviewed records of 67 Syrian and 427 Turkish patients undergoing isolated coronary bypass surgery between 2015 January and 2017 January retrospectively.  Results: History of coronary, peripheral and carotid artery diseases and obesity were more frequent in Syrian patients. C-reactive protein levels were  higher in Syrian patients whereas lipid profiles and systolic functions of the 2 groups were similar. Syrian patients more frequently presented with the acute coronary syndrome (26.9% versus 15.5%, p<0.001).  SYNTAX I (Synergy between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery) and SYNTAX II-PCI were higher in Syrian patients whereas SYNTAX II-CABG  was similar with Turkish patients. Extubation time was longer and amount of the hemorrhage was greater in Syrian patients; however, bleeding revision was not increased. Although wound infection was more frequent in Syrian patients, postoperative complications were similar between groups. In-hospital mortality and one year all-cause mortality did not differ between Syrian (n=1; 1.5% versus n=13; 13.1%) (p=0.476) and Turkish patients (n=3; 4.5% versus n=25; 5.9%) (p=0.63). CONCLUSION: Syrian patients had higher SYNTAX I and SYNTAX II PCI scores, but not SYNTAX II CABG score compared with Turkish patients. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were similar. In-hospital mortality and one year all-cause mortality of Syrian patients were similar with Turkish patients. Surgical outcomes of Syrian patients were acceptable. Primary prevention of obesity must be provided. Aggressive secondary preventive measures must be taken due to increased severity of coronary artery disease.

Increased neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio predicts myocardial injury in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), has been proposed as potential indicator of cardiovascular events. Our aim was to determine the relationship between NLR and development of myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery (MINS). METHODS: This observational cohort study included 255 consecutive noncardiac surgery patients aged ≥45 years. Electrocardiography recordings and high sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hscTnT) levels of the patients were obtained for a period of 3 days postoperatively. RESULTS: MINS was detected in 30 (11.8%) patients using the cut-off level of ≥14 ng/L for hscTnT. In the MINS group NLR (3.79 ± 0.7 vs. 2.69 ± 0.6, p < 0.000) values were higher than non-NLR group. The NLR to be independently associated with the development of MINS (OR: 11.690; CI: 4.619-29.585, p < 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: NLR seems to be a simple, easy and cheap tool to predict the development of MINS in patient undergoing non-cardiac surgery.

The relation between international normalized ratio and mortality in acute pulmonary embolism: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious clinical disease characterized by a high mortality rate. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of international normalized ratio (INR) in acute PE patients not on anticoagulant therapy. METHODS: The study included 244 hospitalized acute PE patients who were not receiving previous anticoagulant therapy. Based on their 30-day mortality, patients were categorized as survivors or non-survivors. INR was measured during the patients' admission, on the same day as the diagnosis of PE but before anticoagulation started. RESULTS: Thirty-day mortality occurred in 39 patients (16%). INR was higher in non-survivors than in survivors (1.3±0.4 vs 1.1±0.3, P=.003). In multivariate analysis, INR (HR: 3.303, 95% CI: 1.210-9.016, P=.020) was independently associated with 30-day mortality from PE. Inclusion of INR in a model with simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) score improved the area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve from 0.736 (95% CI: 0.659-0.814) to 0.775 (95% CI: 0.701-0.849) (P=.028). Also, the addition of INR to sPESI score enhanced the net reclassification improvement (NRI=8.8%, P<.001) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI=0.043, P=.027). CONCLUSION: Elevated INR may have prognostic value for 30-day mortality in acute PE patients not on anticoagulation. Combining INR with sPESI score improved the predictive value for all-cause mortality. However, further large-scale studies are needed to confirm it's prognostic role.

Assessment of electrocardiographic parameters in adult patients undergoing extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy.

OBJECTIVE: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a safe and effective treatment for urinary tract calculi. While serious side effects are rare, transient cardiac arrhythmias may occur. New electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters, such as P wave dispersion (PWD), QT dispersion (QTd), T peak to T end (Tp-e) interval, Tp-e interval/QT ratio, and Tp-e interval/corrected QT ratio have been defined to help predict atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. However, effect of ESWL on these ECG parameters has not been previously investigated. The present study was an examination of the effect of ESWL on ECG parameters. METHODS: Total of 40 consecutive patients who underwent ESWL were prospectively enrolled in the study. Pre-procedure ECG parameters were compared with post-procedure ECG parameters. RESULTS: PWD values were significantly longer on post-procedure ECG compared with pre-procedure ECG (p=0.017). Corrected QT duration and QTd were significantly longer on postprocedure ECG compared with pre-procedure ECG (p=0.046 and p=0.008, respectively). In addition, Tp-e interval, Tp-e interval/QT ratio, and Tp-e interval/QTc ratio were significantly longer post procedure (p=0.035, p=0.045, and p=0.022, respectively). In univariate correlation analysis, duration of procedure was significantly correlated with post-procedure PWD, QTc, and QTD values. CONCLUSION: Clinical use of ECG parameters may be helpful in monitoring of patients receiving ungated ESWL in order to detect cardiac dysrhythmia.

Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia due to variant angina diagnosed on Holter monitoring and confirmed with cold pressor test.

A 52-year-old man complaining of persistent recurring chest pain at night underwent coronary angiogram at another institution. Normal coronaries were observed and he was discharged with muscle spasmolytic prescription. Since symptoms had continued, 24-hour Holter monitoring was ordered at our facility and results revealed huge ST elevation and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Cold pressor test performed in catheterization laboratory also resulted in ventricular tachycardia. Nifedipine was prescribed and follow-up Holter monitoring revealed no further vasospastic episodes. Utility of 24-hour Holter rhythm monitoring and cold pressor test in patients with recurrent chest pain at night is demonstrated in this report.

Acute lower extremity paralysis after lower extremity endovascular intervention.

A 61-year-old man underwent successful percutaneous revascularization of both lower limbs with multiple stent implantations. Paralysis of right lower limb was noticed after completion of procedure when transferring the patient from angiography table. Since hematoma compressing lumbosacral neural plexus could be a fatal complication, computed tomography (CT) image was taken. CT showed bulge of distended bladder compressing stent struts. Following placement of Foley catheter, condition improved and he was subsequently discharged uneventfully.