Modification of Cardiovascular Risk Factors and the Evolution of The Cardiovascular Phenotype of Liver Transplant Recipients in the Long -Term Postoperative Period.

AIM: To evaluate the contribution of traditional and additional cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) to the development of chronic ischemic heart disease (CIHD) in liver transplant recipients during the long-term postoperative period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-center prospective cohort study was conducted. The study included 740 patients with chronic end-stage liver disease (CESLD) and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCMP). During the observation period (5.4±2.29 years), patients were divided into two groups: liver transplant recipients (n=420) and patients with CESLD on the waiting list who did not receive a donor organ (n=320). In patients enrolled to the study upon inclusion in the waiting list, CVRFs, history, clinical and laboratory and instrumental data were studied at all stages of the hepato-cardiac continuum. RESULTS: During the long-term postoperative period, liver transplant recipients belonged to the group of high cardiovascular risk: over a 5-year observation period, 35.7% (n=150) of them developed metabolic syndrome (MS), 9.8% developed verified CIHD associated with MS. The incidence of traditional CVRFs was high (arterial hypertension, 88.6%; obesity, 36.6%; hypercholesterolemia, 77.8%; hypertriglyceridemia, 43.6%; reduced concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 35.4%; increased concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 66.8% and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 51.2%; increased atherogenic index, 61.5%). During the long-term postoperative period as compared to the period when patients were on the waiting list, additional CVRFs appeared: increases in body mass index, calcium index, nitric oxide metabolites, endothelin-1, homocysteine, intercellular adhesion molecules VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, and decreases in endothelium-dependent vasodilation and glomerular filtration rate to less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. A model for the development of CIHD was created. The model uses a complex of independent risk factors and demonstrates a predictive accuracy of 84.6%. CONCLUSION: The study results indicate a modification of CVRFs and a dynamic change in the cardiovascular phenotype of liver transplant recipients: progression of CCMP during their stay on the waiting list, regression of CCMP manifestations during the first 12 months after orthotopic liver transplantation, and increases in the total cardiovascular risk and likelihood of CIHD in the long-term postoperative period.

[Use of Statins, Anticoagulants, Antiaggregants and Antiarrhythmic Drugs in Patients With COVID-19. The Agreed Experts' Position of Russian Society of Cardiology, Eurasian Association of Therapists, National Society on Atherothrombosis, Societies of Experts in Urgent Cardiology, Eurasian Arrhythmology Association].

This article discusses relevant aspects in the treatment of patients with COVID-19. Up-to-date information about principles for administration of statins, antithrombotics, and antiarrhythmics is presented. The authors addressed in detail specific features of reversing heart rhythm disorders in patients with coronavirus infection and the interaction of antiarrhythmic and antiviral drugs. Recommendations are provided for outpatient and inpatient antithrombotic therapy for patients with COVID-19. Issues of antithrombotic and antiviral drug interaction are discussed.

[The Agreed Experts' Position of the Eurasian Association of Therapists on Some new Mechanisms of COVID-19 Pathways: Focus on Hemostasis, Hemotransfusion Issues and Blood gas Exchange].

The article discusses pathogenesis and treatment of COVID-19. The authors presented state-of-the-art insight into hemostatic disorders in patients with COVID-19 and clinical recommendations on prevention of thrombosis and thromboembolism in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. The article discussed in detail a new hypothesis proposed by Chinese physicians about a new component in the pathogenesis of COVID-19, namely, about the effect of SARS-CoV-2 virus on the hemoglobin beta-chain and the formation of a complex with porphyrin, which results in displacement of the iron ion. Thus, hemoglobin loses the capability for transporting oxygen, which aggravates hypoxia and worsens the prognosis. The article stated rules of hemotransfusion safety in the conditions of COVID-19 pandemic.