Comparison of RCHA2DS2-VASc score and CHA2DS2-VASc score prediction of no-reflow phenomenon in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: No-reflow is a phenomenon that can arise due to factors such as distal embolization, microvascular occlusion, or prolonged myocardial ischemia and damage. It occurs in about 5% to 10% of patients after primary percutaneous coronary intervention. The CHA2DS2-VASc score can be easily calculated in daily practice and the components of this score are similar to common risk factors for no-reflow. Chronic renal disease generates a hypercoagulable state, which is associated with increased risk of no-reflow in cases of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). A modified CHA2DS2-VASc score has been developed to include patients with renal dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of this scoring system, the RCHA2DS2-VASc score, in patients with no-reflow. METHODS: A total of 75 patients with no-reflow and 1138 patients without no-reflow after STEMI were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The CHA2DS2-VASc and RCHA2DS2-VASc scores of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: The median CHA2DS2-VASc score and the median RCHA2DS2-VASc score were significantly higher in the no-reflow group (p<.001, for both). There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in all of the components of the CHA2DS2-VASc score. An RCHA2DS2-VASc score of ≥2 was a predictor of no-reflow with a sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 62%. CONCLUSION: The RCHA2DS2-VASc score is a simple, inexpensive, and easily accessible score to predict no-reflow.

Association between Mean Platelet Volume-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and the Presence of Apical Mural Thrombus in Post-Myocardial Infarction Patients

Abstract Background Left ventricular apical thrombus (AT) is generally associated with ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. The thrombo-inflammatory process plays an important role in the pathophysiology of acute coronary syndromes and post-myocardial thromboembolic complications. Mean platelet volume (MPV) has been linked to poor prognosis following myocardial infarction. Recently, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) has emerged as a new marker of worse outcomes linking inflammation and thrombosis. Objective We aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of the marker - mean platelet volume to lymphocyte ratio (MPVLR) in patients with AT. Methods Fifty-six patients with left ventricular AT after an anterior myocardial infarction and 51 patients without left ventricular AT after an anterior myocardial infarction were enrolled in this study retrospectively. Admission MPVLR was compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify whether MPVLR is an independent predictor of AT. The receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was used to show the optimal cut-off for MPVLR to predict AT. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results Age, gender, frequency of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and atrial fibrillation, and ejection fraction values did not differ between the groups. MPVLR was higher in patients with AT than patients without AT (7.91±2.5 vs 5.1±2.1, p<0.001). ROC analysis revealed moderate diagnostic value in predicting the presence of AT with a MPVLR cut-off > 4.75 (82.1% sensivity and 70.2% specifity (area under the curve=0.811, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.731-0.891, p<0.001). MPVLR was found to be an independent risk factor for the formation of AT (B:0.441, p.0.001). Conclusion MPVLR is a simple, cheap and easily accessible test that can predict left ventricular AT formation. (Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Comparison of the Relationship Between Inflammatory Markers and Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome After Coronary Angiography.

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is one of the most important complications after invasive cardiovascular procedures. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), mean platelet volume-to-lymphocyte ratio (MPVLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) may be markers of the risk of CIN. We aimed to investigate the association of these indices with the development of CIN in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST-elevation-acute coronary syndrome who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. We retrospectively collected the data of patients with ACS after coronary angiography (CA); 564 patients were included (mean age, 62.3 ± 13.0 years; 41.1% female). We compared 62 (10.9%) patients who developed CIN and 502 patients who did not, after CA in terms of NLR, PLR, and MPVLR. Patients who developed CIN had significantly higher MPVLR, NLR, and PLR; the MPVLR (P ≤ .001) was an independent predictor of CIN. NLR, MPVLR, and PLR are simple, cheap, and easily accessible tests that can predict CIN; the MPVLR was the strongest of these predictors.

Safety of once- or twice-daily dosing of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: A NOAC-TR study.

Once-daily dosing of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) may increase patient adherence to treatment but may also be associated with a higher risk of bleeding. In this study, we investigated the adherence to once- or twice-daily dosing of NOACs and the risk of bleeding in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients. This multicenter cross-sectional study, conducted between 1 September 2015 and 28 February 2016, included 2214 patients receiving NOACs for at least 3 months, due to NVAF. Patients receiving once-daily or twice-daily NOAC doses were 1:1 propensity score matched for baseline demographic characteristics and the presence of other diseases. The medication adherence was assessed by the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Risk factors were investigated in relation to minor and major bleeding. The mean age of patients was 71 ± 10 years, and 53% of the patients were women. The medication adherence was lower in patients receiving twice-daily NOAC doses compared to once-daily-dose group (47% versus 53%, p = 0.001), and there was no difference between the groups in terms of minor (15% versus 16%, p = 0.292) and major bleeding (3% versus 3%, p = 0.796). Independent risk factors for bleeding were non-adherence to medication (OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.23-2.14, p = 0.001), presence of 3 or more other diseases (OR: 10.3, 95% CI: 5.3-20.3, p < 0.001), and HAS-BLED (Hypertension, Abnormal renal and liver function, Stroke, Bleeding, Labile INR, Elderly, Drugs or alcohol) score (OR: 4.84, 95% CI: 4.04-5.8, p < 0.001). In summary, the once-daily dose of NOACs was associated with increased patient adherence to medication, while it was not associated with bleeding complications.

Association between serum adropin level and burden of coronary artery disease in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies revealed the relationship between stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and serum adropin level, but this relationship has not been investigated in patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The present study is an analysis of the relationship between adropin and severity of CAD assessed based on SYNTAX score in patients with NSTEMI. METHODS: A total of 109 participants, 80 patients with NSTEMI and 29 healthy individuals, were prospectively enrolled in the study. Patients with NSTEMI were divided to 2 groups: high SYNTAX score (≥32) (35 patients) and low SYNTAX score (<32) (45 patients). Adropin level was measured from blood serum samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. RESULTS: Patients with NSTEMI and high SYNTAX score had significantly lower serum adropin level (2357.30 pg/mL±821.58) compared to NSTEMI patients with low SYNTAX score (3077.00 pg/mL±912.86) and control group (3688.00±956.65). Adropin cut-off value for predicting high SYNTAX score on receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was determined to be 2759 pg/mL, with a sensitivity of 63% and a specificity of 57%. Adropin was an independent predictor for high SYNTAX score (odds ratio=0.999; 95% confidence interval: 0.998-1.000; p=0.007). CONCLUSION: Adropin could be an alternative blood sample value for predicting severity of CAD.

Predictors of in-hospital mortality in octogenarian patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention after ST segment elevated myocardial infarction.

AIM: Octogenarian patients have higher mortality and morbidity rates after acute coronary syndromes. Risk factors for in-hospital mortality in the primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) era were underrepresented in previous studies. In the present study, we aimed to assess the risk factors of in-hospital mortality after primary PCI in this population. METHODS: We analyzed 2353 patients who underwent primary PCI after ST segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI). Patients were divided into two groups according to aged: ≥80 years (octogenarian) and <80 years (control). Risk factors for in-hospital mortality were analyzed in the whole group and octogenarian patients. RESULTS: We found that octogenarians have 10.6-fold higher mortality risk after STEMI. After a univariate and multivariate analysis, acute stent thrombosis was the most explicit risk factor for in-hospital mortality in the octogenarian group (OR 21.13, 95% CI 2.11-102.76, P < 0.001). Additionally, anterior myocardial infarction (OR 4.90, 95% CI 1.90-22.10, P = 0.04), ventricular arrhythmias (OR 15.64, 95% CI 2.81-87.12, P = 0.002), multivessel disease (OR 6.5, 95% CI 1.11-38.85, P = 0.04), ejection fraction <30% (OR 1.24, 95% CI 0.26-6.00, P = 0.04) and KILLIP score ≥2 (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.20- 7.41, P = 0.01) were also significantly associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Acute stent thrombosis, anterior MI, heart failure, low ejection fraction, ventricular arrhythmias and multivessel disease are the independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality among octogenarian patients after primary PCI. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 584-590.

Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio as a Predictor of Left Ventricular Apical Thrombus in Patients with Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In this study, we examined the role of inflammatory parameters in an apical mural thrombus with a reduced ejection fraction due to large anterior myocardial infarction (MI). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 103 patients who had suffered from heart failure, 45 of whom had left ventricular apical thrombus (AT) after a large anterior MI, were enrolled in the study. A detailed clinical history was taken of each participant, biochemical inflammatory markers, which were obtained during admission, were analyzed and an echocardiographical and angiographical evaluation of specific parameters were performed. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in terms of age, gender, and history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and atrial fibrillation between both groups (p>0.05). Similarly there were no statistically significant differences in terms of biochemical and echocardiographic parameters (p>0.05). However, there were significant differences in terms of neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (p=0.032). After a multivariate regression analysis, neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was an independent predictor of thrombus formation (ß: 0.296, p=0.024). The NLR >2.74 had a 78% sensivity and 61% specifity in predicting thrombus in patients with a low left ventricular ejection fraction. CONCLUSION: In this study, neutrophil lymphocyte ratios were significantly higher in patients with apical thrombus.

Epicardial fat tissue thickness is increased in patients with lichen planus and is linked to inflammation and dyslipidemia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Lichen planus (LP) is a mucocutaneous inflammatory disease. Inflammation plays a major role in the progression of atherosclerosis. Epicardial fat tissue (EFT) has been shown to produce and secrete various proatherogenic and proinflammatory hormones and cytokines. The aim of this study was to assess EFT in patients with lichen planus. METHODS: Fifty-four patients with LP and 50 controls were enrolled in the study. LP was diagnosed according to the World Health Organization criteria. EFT was measured on the free wall of the right ventricle in parasternal long-axis view, as previously described and validated. RESULTS: There were positive correlations between EFT thickness and platelet/lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, duration of LP, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.002 and p<0.001, respectively). In multivariate analysis, after adjustments for relevant confounders, LDL cholesterol, hsCRP, platelet/lymphocyte ratio and duration of LP were independent predictors of EFT thickness in patients with LP (ß=0.231, p=0.014; ß=0.205, p=0.037; ß=0.361, p=0.001 and ß=0.133, p=0.047, respectively). CONCLUSION: EFT is increased in patients with LP compared to control subjects. Duration of LP is correlated with EFT, and duration of LP is also an independent predictor of increased EFT, which is a predictor of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Serum Paraoxonase Levels are Correlated with Impaired Aortic Functions in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND: The correlation between aortic functions and paraoxonase levels has been previously demonstrated by several earlier studies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between serum paraoxonase levels and aortic functions among patients with chronic kidney disease. METHODS: Our study enrolled 46 chronic kidney disease patients and 45 healthy controls. From these patients, serum cholesterol, creatinine, hemoglobin, and paraoxonase-1 levels were analyzed. RESULTS: Paraoxonase-1 levels were significantly lower in patients with chronic kidney disease compared to the controls (p < 0.001). Additionally, the extent of aortic stiffness index (%) was significantly higher in chronic kidney disease patients, but aortic strain and aortic distensibility were significantly higher in healthy controls (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). We further found that paraoxonase-1 levels were correlated with aortic stiffness index, aortic strain, and aortic distensibility (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that serum paraoxonase-1 levels were significantly correlated with impaired aortic functions. The results of this study highlight the impact of serum paraoxonase-1 activity on atherosclerosis and cardiovascular adverse events. KEY WORDS: Aortic functions; Atherosclerosis; Chronic kidney disease; Echocardiography; Paraoxonase.

Association between carotid intima-media thickness and presence of coronary artery disease in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is the sign of subclinical atherosclerosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether CIMT measurement is related with significant coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with COPD, similar to those without COPD. METHODS: One hundred and eight patients with previously diagnosed COPD and 78 patients without COPD who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) were enrolled in this prospective cross-sectional study. Carotid artery ultrasonography was performed on all patients after coronary angiography by another operator who was blind to the CAG results. The patients were divided into four subgroups as follows: group 1: COPD (-) and CAD (-); group 2: COPD (-) and CAD (+); group 3: COPD (+) and CAD (+); and group 4: COPD (+) and CAD (-). Patients with previous coronary revascularization, carotid artery disease, and lung disease other than COPD were not enrolled in this study. The student's t-test, chi-square analysis, multiple logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: CIMT was found to be highest in patients with both significant CAD and COPD (group 3) (p<0.05). Among the 108 COPD patients, the odds ratio associated with the CIMT >1.25 mm to predict CAD was 12.4. The area under the ROC curve for a cut-off value of 1.25 mm for CIMT to predict CAD in COPD patients was calculated as 0.913, with a sensitivity of 89.7% and specificity of 86.7%. CONCLUSION: CIMT has a predictive value for the presence of CAD in patients with COPD. Further studies are needed to validate our results.

Preprocedural Albumin Levels and Risk of In-Stent Restenosis After Coronary Stenting With Bare-Metal Stent.

In-stent restenosis (ISR) remains a significant clinical problem in patients with coronary artery disease treated with percutaneous coronary intervention. Decreased serum albumin (SA) level is related to an increased risk of cardiovascular events. The aim of the present study was to assess whether SA levels at admission are an independent predictor of ISR in patients undergoing bare-metal stent (BMS) implantation. A total of 341 patients (aged 61 ± 11, 65.4% men) with a history of BMS implantation and a further control coronary angiography due to stable angina pectoris (SAP) were included. The study population was classified into 2 groups: patients with and without ISR. The ISR was observed in 140 (41.1%) patients. We found significantly lower SA levels in patients who developed ISR than in those who did not (3.69 ± 0.41 vs 4.07 ± 0.35 mg/dL,P< .001). Multivariate analysis revealed that SA level (odds ratio 0.109, 95% confidence interval 0.017-0.700,P= .020), stent diameter, reason for stent implantation, and body mass index were independent risk factors for the development of ISR. The SA level at admission is inversely associated with ISR in patients with SAP.

Forced expiratory volume in one second can predict SYNTAX score in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: The SYNTAX score is an angiographic score that predicts coronary artery disease (CAD) complexity. It has been shown to be useful for decision making about percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting among patients with CAD. Higher SYNTAX scores are indicative of more complex disease. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by limitation of airflow. Measurement of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in spirometry is used for diagnosis and to determine the severity of the disease. AIM: To evaluate the relationship between FEV1 and SYNTAX score in patients with COPD. METHODS: Seventy-eight patients with a previous diagnosis of COPD and 48 patients without COPD were enrolled. Spirometry and coronary angiography were performed in all patients. SYNTAX score was calculated and compared between the two groups. The correlation between FEV1 and SYNTAX score was analysed. RESULTS: SYNTAX score was higher in patients with COPD than in patients without COPD (23.22 ± 12.10 vs. 17.92 ± 11.21, respectively; p = 0.013). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that COPD was independently predictive for intermediate and high SYNTAX score (odds ratio 4.833; 95% confidence interval 2.228-10.485; p < 0.001). Mean FEV1 (% predicted) was 64.7 ± 11.4 and negatively correlated with SYNTAX score in COPD group (r = -0.266 and p = 0.018). The receiver operating characteristic analysis yielded a cutoff value of 65.5 for the FEV1 to predict SYNTAX score ≥ 23, with sensitivity and specificity being 78.6% and 70%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: COPD is a predictor of higher SYNTAX scores. FEV1 is associated with more severe and complex CAD.

Usefulness of Serum Albumin Concentration to Predict High Coronary SYNTAX Score and In-Hospital Mortality in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome.

High SYNTAX score is a predictor of adverse cardiovascular events, including mortality, in acute coronary syndromes (ACSs). Decreased serum albumin (SA) concentration is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. We aimed to investigate whether SA levels at admission are associated with high SYNTAX score and in-hospital mortality in patients with ACS. The study included 1303 patients with ACS who underwent coronary angiography (CA). The patients were divided into 2 groups as high SYNTAX score (≥33) and lower SYNTAX score (≤32). Baseline SA levels were significantly lower in patients with high SYNTAX score than with lower SYNTAX score (3.46 ± 0.42 mg/dL vs 3.97±0.37 mg/dL, respectively; P < .001). On multivariate logistic regression, SA (<3.65 mg/dL) was an independent predictor of high SYNTAX score (odds ratio 4.329, 95% confidence interval 2.028-8.264; P < .001) together with admission glucose, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and left ventricular ejection fraction. In Cox regression analyses, systolic blood pressure, high SYNTAX score, and SA (<3.65 mg/dL) were found as independent predictors of in-hospital all-cause mortality. In conclusion, SA concentration on admission is inversely associated with high SYNTAX score and in-hospital mortality in ACS.

Elevated serum fibrinogen levels and risk of contrast-induced acute kidney injury in patients undergoing a percutaneous coronary intervention for the treatment of acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is a common complication of diagnostic and therapeutic catheterizations, especially in the setting of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Fibrinogen is a well-known cardiovascular risk factor. We evaluated whether serum fibrinogen level is associated independently with CI-AKI in patients with ACS who underwent a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Patients (n=710, aged 61 ± 13, 69% men) were classified into two groups: CI-AKI and non-CI-AKI. CI-AKI was defined as an increase of at least 0.5 mg/dl or at least 25% in the serum creatinine level within 72 h following PCI. RESULTS: CI-AKI occurred in 75 (10.6%) patients. We found significantly higher serum fibrinogen levels in patients who developed CI-AKI than in those who did not (498 ± 152 vs. 386 ± 96 mg/dl, P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that serum fibrinogen level (odds ratio 1.006, 95% confidence interval 1.003-1.009, P<0.001), age, glomerular filtration rate, female sex, and white blood cell count were correlated with the development of CI-AKI. CONCLUSION: Serum fibrinogen level is associated independently with a higher risk of CI-AKI in patients with ACS undergoing PCI.

The association of plasma fibrinogen with the extent and complexity of coronary lesions in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: High Syntax score (SXscore) is associated with more serious disease and worse prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Plasma fibrinogen levels are associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes. AIM: To investigate the relation of admission fibrinogen levels with intermediate-high SXscore in patients with ACS. METHODS: A total of 752 patients (61.6 ± 12.8 years, 67.3% men) with ACS, who underwent urgent coronary angiography (CAG) were enrolled. Laboratory data including fibrinogen and high sensitivity C-reactive protein were obtained before CAG. Syntax scores of all patients were calculated from baseline CAG. The patients were divided into two groups: low SXscore (≤ 22) and intermediate-high SXscore (≥ 23). RESULTS: Admission fibrinogen levels were significantly higher in the SXscore ≥ 23 group when compared with the SXscore ≤ 22 group (median 492 mg/dL, interquartile range 428-581 mg/dL vs. median 370 mg/dL, interquartile range 309-428 mg/dL, respectively; p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the independent predictors of intermediate-high SXscore were fibrinogen (OR 1.008, 95% CI 1.005-1.010, p < 0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction (OR 0.935, p < 0.001), and age (OR 1.029, p = 0.041). A level of fibrinogen > 417 mg/dL had an 80.0% sensitivity and 71.3% specificity in predicting intermediate-high SXscore. CONCLUSIONS: Increased fibrinogen levels are independently associated with intermediate-high SXscore in patients with ACS.

Effect of Long-Term TNF-α Inhibition with Infliximab on Left Ventricular Torsion in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the impact of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibition on left ventricular torsion (LVtor) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE). METHODS: Thirty-eight RA patients without cardiovascular disease and 30 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Twenty patients received infliximab, a monoclonal antibody against TNF-α, and 18 patients received increasing doses of prednisolone for 180 days. Global systolic longitudinal strain (G-LS), global systolic radial strain (G-RS) and global systolic circumferential strain (G-CS) were determined by STE. LV basal and apical rotations from the base and apex were obtained and used for calculation of LVtor. Pre-treatment LVtor levels were compared with LVtor levels after therapy in both treatment groups. RESULTS: RA patients had lower G-LS (-16.5 ± 2.9; p<0.01), G-RS (37.6 ± 1.5; p<0.01) and higher GCS (-23.6 ± 3.5; p=0.04) compared with control subjects (-20.0 ± 2.8, 40.7 ± 4.8, -22.4 ± 2.5, respectively; p<0.01). LVtor levels were significantly higher in RA patients compared to controls (16.4 ± 2.7 vs. 15.1 ± 2.5; p=0.04), which might be attributed to higher values of apical rotation (9.7 ± 2.4 vs. 8.8 ± 2.3; p=0.01). Patients treated with infliximab experienced a significant decrease in LVtor (p=0.04), and a significant increase in G-LS (p<0.01) and G-RS (p<0.01). No significant changes were observed among patients treated with prednisolone. Percentage changes in LVtor were correlated with percent changes in C-reactive protein CRP (r=0.58; p<0.01), disease activity score (r=0.78; p<0.01), and G-LS (r=-0.40; p=0.04) in patients treated with infliximab. CONCLUSIONS: RA is characterized by increased LVtor. Long term TNF-α inhibition improves LV longitudinal and radial systolic deformation and decreases LVtor.