Is the prevalence of risk factors, clinical presentations and severity of coronary artery diseases (CAD) in patients with very early and premature CAD are different from mature CAD patients?: A registry- based cross-sectional study.

Introduction: The present study aims to compare the risk factors, clinical presentation, and severity of coronary artery involvement in young compared to elderly CAD patients to assess the cardiovascular health status for better disease management and control of these specific patients. Methods: This registry-based cross-sectional study was conducted using Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (CAAR) patients in east of Tehran, Iran. The data were extracted from 330 patients with confirmed CAD recorded by the CAAR during July 2021 to August 2023. Results: The majority of patients in MCAD (68.2%) and VECAD (80%) were male, while the majority of PCAD patients were female (51.8%). Among PCAD patients, the prevalence of diabetes (38.1%) was higher than in other groups. The presence of IHD history in the father (38.1%) and mother (26.3%) was higher in the VECAD group. The mean total cholesterol, LDL, and LDL/HDL ratio were higher in the VECAD group. Among MCAD group (75.4%) compared to PCAD (58.1%) and VECAD (47.2%) groups, the multi-vessel disease was more common.MCAD patients had the highest median Gensini score compared to PCAD and VECAD patients. Also, in male compared to female the mean Gensini score was higher by 8 units (ß = 8.26, 95%CI = 0.24, 16.28). Conclusion: Modifiable risk factors in young CAD patients are common. High LDL-C levels and smoking were the common modifiable CVD risk factors in young patients, indicating the significant role of these traditional risk factors in early atherosclerosis development alongside inheritable risk-factors such as positive family history that were more common in young CAD patients. While, the severity of coronary artery involvement in individuals with MCAD was higher, but the priority of involvement based on the type of vessel was almost the same in all CAD groups.

A case report of diabetic ketoacidosis due to endocarditis of the mitral valve.

In the context of diabetic ketoacidosis, clinicians should consider uncommon origins of infection, notably infective endocarditis. This is especially crucial when confronted with cases that recur persistently or exhibit resistance to treatment. This is a case of a diabetic patient with diabetic ketoacidosis admitted to our facility. A 35-year-old diabetic patient presented with DKA precipitated by mitral valve endocarditis. To our knowledge and according to the literature review, only one case of DKA precipitated by endocarditis has been reported in the past. This report highlights the importance of considering endocarditis as a possible etiology in patients presenting.

The impact of using fresh frozen plasma in cardiopulmonary bypass preparation on thromboelastometric parameters and receiving blood products among pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) for priming of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit on rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) and transfusion in pediatric cardiac surgery. Methods: Eighty patients younger than seven years old, were divided into case (FFP) (n=40) and control (n=40) groups. In the case group,10-20 mL/kg fresh frozen plasm was used for priming the CPB. The control group received 10-20 mL/kg of hydroxyethyl starch. ROTEM was done before surgical incision and after separation from CPB. The amount of transfusion (platelet and FFP) in the operating room and 24 hours after surgery were recorded. Results: Statistically significant difference was found between the case and control group in terms of changes in the Rotem parameters. The amount of transfusion of platelets in the operating room was significantly higher in the control group than in the case group. Conclusion: It seems that adding FFP to the prime solution is more effective in young patients and infants due to the higher susceptibility of the infant coagulation system to coagulation and hemorrhagic disorders in comparison with other patients.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation against conventional aortic valve replacement surgery in high-risk patients with aortic stenosis; a cost-effectiveness analysis.

BACKGROUND: Aortic stenosis is a prevalent heart valvular disorder in Iran. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR) are two common procedures for treating the disease in the current clinical pathway. However, TAVI is an expensive procedure, and for Iran with severe limitations in financial resources, it is crucial to investigate the cost-effectiveness of the technology against other competing alternatives with the same purpose. This study aims to analyse the cost-effectiveness of TAVI vs SAVR in elderly patients who are at a higher risk of surgery. METHODS: This study is a decision economic evaluation modeling, with a lifetime horizon and a healthcare payer (health insurer) perspective. The utility values are from a previous study, transitional probabilities come from an established clinical trial called PARTNER-1, and the unit costs are from Iran's national fee schedule for medical services. The probabilistic and one-way sensitivity analyses have been performed to mitigate the uncertainty. RESULTS: The incremental cost, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness ratio for the base case were: 368,180,101 Iranian Rial, (US$ 1,473), 0.37 QALY-per-patient, and, 995,081,354 Iranian Rial (US$ 3,980), respectively. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis yielded 981,765,302 I.R.I Rials (US$ 3,927) per patient for the ICER. The probability of being cost-effective at one and three times the country's Gross Domestic Production (GDP) is 0.31 and 0.83, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: TAVI does not seem a cost-effective procedure in comparison with SAVR at the current willingness to pay thresholds of the country. However, by increasing the WTP threshold to 3 times the GDP per capita the probability of being cost-effective will raise to 83%.

Differences in gender and outcomes following isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

BACKGROUND: Gender impacts pre-, intra-, and postoperative parameters and outcomes following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) with conflicting results. This study aimed to identify differences in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters. It also seeks to compare the postoperative complications and mortality between two genders who had CABG surgery. METHOD: This prospective observational study included patients who had isolated CABG and were divided based on gender. Demographic information, underlying comorbidities, drug history, clinical and laboratory data at the time of referral, operative characteristics, postoperative variables, and mortality outcomes were tracked during hospitalization and six months after discharge. RESULTS: Three hundred twenty patients were enrolled in the study during its duration. 71% were male. Women were older (62.40±9.03 vs. 59.99±9.81 years, p= 0.011) and had more dyslipidemia (p=0.003), hypertension (p=0.000), and diabetes (p=0.001), whereas men admitted with more myocardial infarction (MI) (p=0.011) and had lower Ejection fraction (EF) (p=0.001). They also had lower EF post-surgery (p <0.001) and six months after discharge (p = 0.006). However, the number of vessels involved was not different between genders (p=0.589), but the number of grafts was higher in men (p=0.008).There was no statistically significant difference in overall mortality rates between the two groups (4.42% and 6.38% in men and women, respectively, p= 0.464). CONCLUSIONS: The women had more underlying comorbidities than men. Furthermore, there were some differences in the intra-operative parameters and postoperative complications between the two genders, but there was no difference in postoperative mortality in our setting.

The effect of Del Nido versus custodiol cardioplegia on clinical outcomes and troponin-I changes among pediatrics with tetralogy of fallot undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial protection during operations with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and aortic cross clamping is vital. For this purpose, Del Nido (DN) and Custodiol cardioplegia (CC) solutions are used for single-dose cardioplegia in cardiac surgical procedures with CPB. Present study aimed to compare the effects of DN and CC on peri-operative clinical outcomes in pediatrics with Tetralogy of Fallot (TF) undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: Present randomized clinical trial was performed in two trial groups with parallel design. One group received DN and another group received CC. We assessed circulatory Troponin-I (cTnI) and coronary sinus lactate level as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes were ventilation time, electrolytes levels, pump time, cross-clamp time and other clinical parameters. RESULTS: Duration of CPB and cross-clamp were the same in both groups. There were no significant differences in hemodynamic parameters, left ventricular ejection fraction after the surgery and discharge time between the two trial groups. Ventilation time (8.5 vs. 18; p = 0.001), ICU stay, Troponin-I in ICU admission and Coronary sinus lactate level (p = 0.001) were significantly higher among patients of Custodiol group compared to other trial group. Electrolytes Na, Cl and K levels, during CPB, were significantly less in Custodiol group. CONCLUSION: When used for inducing cardiac arrest during CPB, DN solution offers better maintenance of the electrolyte balance during CPB, and is associated with less circulatory cTnI and coronary sinus lactate level compared with the CC.

The Correlation of Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Capacity on Perioperative Outcomes in On-Pump CABG in Adults.

Background: Cardiac surgeries in adults usually use cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for cardiac protection and provide a blood-free field for operation. However, due to changes in tissue perfusion and ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), there are some side effects for CPB operations. Lipid peroxidation and compromised antioxidant defense are consequences of IRI. This can, in turn, cause organ dysfunction and lead to unwanted biochemical and clinical changes. Methods: In a cross-sectional study 107 patients with the ages of 35 to 79 years old matching the inclusion criteria with indication for elective on-pump CABG were studied. Renal function, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and clinical outcomes were studied until 24 hours after intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Correlations between MDA and TAC and other outcomes were tested. Between-group comparisons was one-way ANOVA with repeated measures was used for inferring changes in the plasma TAC and MDA levels, creatinine, and BUN over time. Correlations were investigated using regression models. Results: Preoperative EF was inversely correlated with TAC at post- CPB time (r= -0.262, p= 0.031). Hyperlipidemia (HLP) was directly associated with higher MDA at post- CPB time (r= 0.267, p= 0.017. Cross-clamp and CPB duration were inversely correlated with the systemic MDA concentration at 24 hours post-ICU admission (r= -0.314, p= 0.005 and r= -0.312, p= 0.005, respectively). Preoperative TAC was inversely correlated with lactate at ICU admission (r= -0.294, p= 0.011). Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and TAC were directly correlated with post-CPB time (r= -0.327, p= 0.006). Conclusion: According to the findings, a direct correlation between TAC and myocardial protection during CPB exists. Reduced TAC during CPB is associated with elevation of muscle damage marker CPK. Preoperative HLP is associated with higher circulatory MDA content at the post-CPB time.

Remote ischemic preconditioning effects on inflammatory markers and myocardial protection in coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

BACKGROUND: Induction of short episodes of ischemia to remote organs, namely upper or lower limbs, literally known as remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) has been suggested as a preconditioning approach to ameliorate ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). RIPC has been demonstrated to effectively protect various vital organs, including heart, against the next ischemic events in preclinical studies. However, human studies are required to approve its clinical applicability. Present study was performed to evaluate the effect of RIPC on the myocardial protection and inflammatory response markers in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 43 coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients from Imam Hossein educational hospital were allocated in two groups, RIPC (21 patients) and control (22 patients). Serum level of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-8, and IL-10, interferon (IFN)-γ and Cardiac Troponin-I (cTnI) were measured in (1) after induction of anesthesia (before incision of skin), (2) after separation from CPB and (3) 24 hours after ICU arrival.Results:increase pack cell transfusions were observed in control group in ICU. Serum level of IL-10 at 24 hours after ICU admission was significantly higher in the RIPC group. Significantly lower amounts of IL-8 at post-CPB time were observed in the RIPC group in comparison with control.Conclusion:RIPC regulates the circulatory inflammatory cytokines, IL-8 decrement and IL-10 elevation, which could be translated into protection against IRI. However, further studies with larger sample sizes with careful consideration of parameters such as use of propofol as an anesthetic in the patients should be conducted to consolidate the findings from the current study.

Dual antiplatelet therapy before coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with myocardial infarction: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with MI who are candidates for early coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) can affect intraoperative and postoperative outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of DAPT up to the day before CABG on the outcomes during and after surgery in patients with MI. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, 224 CABG candidate patients with and without MI were divided into two groups: (A) patients without MI who were treated with aspirin 80 mg/day before surgery (noMI-aspirin group; n = 124) and (B) patients with MI who were treated with aspirin 80 mg/day before surgery and clopidogrel (Plavix brand) at a dose of 75 mg/day (MI-DAPT group; n = 120). Dual or mono-antiplatelet therapy continued until the day before surgery. Patients were followed to assess in-hospital and 6-months outcomes. RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality in MI-DAPT group was similar with noMI-aspirin group (OR 4.2; 95% CI 0.9-20.5; p = 0.071). The prevalence of CVA (p = 0.098), duration of hospital stay (p = 0.109), postoperative ejection fraction level (p = 0.693), diastolic dysfunction grade (p = 0.651) and postoperative PAP level (p = 0.0364) did not show difference between two groups. No mild or severe bleeding was observed in the patients. Six-month follow up showed that number of readmissions (p = 0.801), number of cases requiring angiography (p = 0.100), cases requiring re-PCI (p = 0.156), need for re-CABG (p > 0.999) and CVA (p > 0.999) did not differ between the two groups. During the 6-month follow-up, out-hospital mortality did not differ significantly between the two groups (p = 0.446). CONCLUSIONS: A 6-month follow-up showed that DAPT with aspirin and clopidogrel before CABG in patients with MI has no effect on postoperative outcomes more than mono-APT with aspirin. Therefore, DAPT is recommended in the preoperative period for these patients.

Dual Antiplatelet Therapy before Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting; a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Currently, the basis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) therapy is dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with Aspirin as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and clopidogrel as adenosine diphosphate receptor antagonists. Therefore, the aim of the present systematic review is to answer that should DAPT with Aspirin and clopidogrel be continued until coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients who have ACS? METHODS: The search for relevant studies in the present meta-analysis is based on three approaches: A) systematic searches in electronic databases, B) manual searches in Google and Google Scholar, and C) screening of bibliography of related original and review articles. The endpoints included mortality rate, myocardial infarction (MI), cerebrovascular accident (CVA), reoperation, re-exploration, other cardiac events, renal failure, length of ICU and hospital stay, chest tube drainage and blood product transfusion after CABG. RESULTS: After the initial screening, 41 articles were studied in detail, and finally the data of 15 studies were included in the meta-analysis. DAPT before CABG in patients with ACS does not increase the rate of mortality, CVA, renal failure, MI, and other cardiac events, but increases reoperation, re-exploration, length of ICU, and hospital stay. Chest tube drainage and blood product transfusion rate significantly increased in the DAPT group compared to the control group (non-antiplatelet or Aspirin alone). Increase in chest tube drainage and blood product transfusion rate indicates an increase in bleeding, so increase in reoperation, re-exploration to control bleeding, and, subsequently, increase in the length of ICU and hospital stay are expected. CONCLUSIONS: DAPT with Aspirin and clopidogrel before CABG in patients with ACS does not increase the rate of mortality, CVA, renal failure, MI, and other cardiac events despite more bleedings, and it may be suggested before CABG for better graft patency.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open-heart surgery at the same time.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal procedures in patients with coronary artery disease or severe valvular disease have high risk of mortality and morbidity. AIMS: In order to prevent bile peritonitis after cardiac surgery, to reduce the hospitalization course, and to decrease the mortality and morbidity after the surgery, laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open-heart surgery were performed at the same time. METHODS: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open-heart surgery were performed on two patients who had been referred to Cardiothoracic Ward of Modarres Hospital, Tehran, Iran. RESULTS: Simultaneous classic laparoscopic cholecystectomy was successfully performed on two different open-heart patients, one with coronary artery disease for coronary artery bypass surgery and the other with severe mitral valve disorder for mitral valve replacement. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal procedures are suggested to be done with cardiac surgery at the same time with laparoscopic technique to reduce mortality and morbidity in these patients.