Outcomes for patients with implanted cardioverter-defibrillators admitted to the Emergency Department due to electrical shock during the pre-pandemic and COVID-19 era.

BACKGROUND: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD)/cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillation (CRT-D) recipients may be susceptible to the arrhythmic effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. AIMS: We aimed to evaluate characteristics and outcomes of patients hospitalized for ICD/CRT-D shocks during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed medical records of patients hospitalized for ICD/CRT-D shock in the pre-pandemic (January 1, 2018-December 31, 2019) and pandemic periods (March 4, 2020-March 3, 2022). Survival data were obtained on October 24, 2022. RESULTS: In total, 198 patients (average age 65.6 years) had 138 pre-pandemic and 124 pandemic visits. Of these patients, 115 were hospitalized during pre-pandemic, 108 during the pandemic, and 25 in both periods. No significant differences were noted in age, sex, number of shocks, or appropriateness of therapy between these periods. During the pandemic, during 14 hospital stays of patients with SARS-CoV-2, 8 (57.1%) received electrical shocks, compared to 12 (10.9%) with negative SARS-CoV-2 tests (P <0.001). The in-hospital mortality rate was 2 of 115 patients hospitalized during the pre-pandemic and 7 of 108 during pandemic periods (4 patients with and 3 without SARS-CoV-2 [P = 0.10]). During the follow-up, there were 66 deaths. Cox regression analysis showed that survival decreased with age and heart failure decompensation in medical history but increased with higher ejection fraction. The pandemic alone was not a survival predictor. However, SARS-CoV-2 infection, older age, and heart failure decompensation in medical history predicted worse outcomes during the pandemic period. CONCLUSIONS: The pandemic did not increase the number of hospital visits due to ICD/CRT-D discharges. SARS-CoV-2 infection predicts increased mortality in patients with ICD/CRT-D shocks.

Usefulness of the Veterans Health Administration COVID-19 (VACO) Index for Predicting Short-Term Mortality among Patients of the COLOS Study.

Advanced age is known to be a predictor with COVID-19 severity. Understanding of other disease progression factors may shorten the time from patient admission to applied treatment. The Veterans Health Administration COVID-19 (VACO index) was assumed to additionally anticipate clinical results of patients hospitalized with a proven infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. METHODS: The medical records of 2183 hospitalized patients were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into four risk-of-death categories: low risk, medium risk, high-risk, and extreme risk depending on their VACO index calculation. RESULTS: Significant differences in the mortality at the hospital after three months of discharge and six months after discharge were noticed. For the patients in the extreme-risk group, mortality reached 37.42%, 62.81%, and 78.44% for in-hospital, three months of discharge, and six months of discharge, respectively. The mortality marked as high risk reached 20.38%, 37.19%, and 58.77%. Moreover, the secondary outcomes analysis acknowledged that patients classified as extreme risk were more likely to suffer from cardiogenic shock, myocardial infarction, myocardial injury, stroke, pneumonia, acute kidney injury, and acute liver dysfunction. Patients at moderate risk were more often admitted to ICU when compared to other patients. CONCLUSIONS: The usage of the VACO index, combined with an appropriate well-defined medical interview and past medical history, tends to be a helpful instrument in order to predict short-term mortality and disease progression based on previous medical records.

Simple demographic characteristics and laboratory findings on admission may predict in-hospital mortality in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection: development and validation of the covid-19 score.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) constitutes a major health burden worldwide due to high mortality rates and hospital bed shortages. SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with several laboratory abnormalities. We aimed to develop and validate a risk score based on simple demographic and laboratory data that could be used on admission in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection to predict in-hospital mortality. METHODS: Three cohorts of patients from different hospitals were studied consecutively (developing, validation, and prospective cohorts). The following demographic and laboratory data were obtained from medical records: sex, age, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), platelets, leukocytes, sodium, potassium, creatinine, and C-reactive protein (CRP). For each variable, classification and regression tree analysis were used to establish the cut-off point(s) associated with in-hospital mortality outcome based on data from developing cohort and before they were used for analysis in the validation and prospective cohort. The covid-19 score was calculated as a sum of cut-off points associated with mortality outcome. RESULTS: The developing, validation, and prospective cohorts included 129, 239, and 497 patients, respectively (median age, 71, 67, and 70 years, respectively). The following cut of points associated with in-hospital mortality: age > 56 years, male sex, hemoglobin < 10.55 g/dL, MCV > 92.9 fL, leukocyte count > 9.635 or < 2.64 103/µL, platelet count, < 81.49 or > 315.5 103/µL, CRP > 51.14 mg/dL, creatinine > 1.115 mg/dL, sodium < 134.7 or > 145.4 mEq/L, and potassium < 3.65 or > 6.255 mEq/L. The AUC of the covid-19 score for predicting in-hospital mortality was 0.89 (0.84-0.95), 0.850 (0.75-0.88), and 0.773 (0.731-0.816) in the developing, validation, and prospective cohorts, respectively (P < 0.001The mortality of the prospective cohort stratified on the basis of the covid-19 score was as follows: 0-2 points,4.2%; 3 points, 15%; 4 points, 29%; 5 points, 38.2%; 6 and more points, 60%. CONCLUSION: The covid-19 score based on simple demographic and laboratory parameters may become an easy-to-use, widely accessible, and objective tool for predicting mortality in hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Impact of Different Approaches to Kidney Transplant with and without Chronic Hemodialysis on Cardiac Function and Morphology: A Case-Control Study.

Patients with end-stage renal disease have higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality compared with the general population. Preemptive kidney transplant (KTx) has been shown to be associated with improved survival, better quality of life, lower healthcare burden, and reduced cardiovascular risk. In this case-control study, we investigated the cardiovascular benefits of two approaches to KTx: with and without previous chronic hemodialysis. We enrolled 21 patients who underwent preemptive KTx and 21 matched controls who received chronic hemodialysis before KTx. Cardiac morphological and functional parameters were assessed by echocardiography. Overall, patients undergoing preemptive KTx showed less extensive cardiac damage compared with controls, as evidenced by higher global longitudinal strain, peak atrial and contractile strain, and early diastolic mitral annular velocity as well as a lower left ventricular mass, left atrial volume index, and the ratio of mitral inflow early diastolic velocity to the mitral annular early diastolic velocity. In the multivariable analysis, the presence of chronic hemodialysis prior to KTx was an independent determinant of post-transplant cardiac functional and structural remodeling. These findings may have important clinical implications, supporting the use of preemptive KTx as a preferred treatment strategy in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Bicuspid aortic valve repair: outcomes after 17 years of experience.

OBJECTIVES: This study presents the results of 17 years of experience with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) repair and the analysis of factors associated with repair failure and early echocardiographic outcome. METHODS: Between 2003 and 2020, a total of 206 patients [mean age: 44.5 ± 15.2 years; 152 males (74%)] with BAV insufficiency with or without aortic dilatation underwent elective aortic valve repair performed by a single surgeon with a mean follow-up of 5 ± 3.5 years. The transthoracic echocardiography examinations were reported. RESULTS: There were no deaths during the hospital stay, and all but 1 patient survived the follow-up period (99.5%). Overall, 10 patients (5%) developed severe insufficiency and 2 (1%) developed aortic dilatation requiring reoperation. Freedom from reoperation at 7 years reached 91.8%. Type 2 BAV configuration [hazard ratio (HR) 3.9; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-60; P = 0.049], no sinotubular junction remodelling (HR 7; 95% CI: 1.7-23; P = 0.005), no circumferential annuloplasty (HR 3.9; 95% CI: 1.01-64; P = 0.047) and leaflet resection (HR 5.7; 95% CI 1.2-13. P = 0.017) have been identified as a risk factor of redo operation. Parameters of the postoperative left ventricle reverse remodelling improved significantly early after the operation and later at 2 years evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: The repair of BAV offers good short- and mid-term results providing a significant reverse left ventricular remodelling. Type 0 BAV preoperative configuration, circumferential annuloplasty and sinotubular junction remodelling are associated with better repair durability.

The importance of the longest R-R interval on 24-hour electrocardiography for mortality prediction in patients with atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Heart rate control in atrial fibrillation (AF) is typically assessed by 24­hour electrocardiography (ECG). There are scarce data on the use of 24­hour ECG parameters to predict mortality in patients with AF. AIMS: We aimed to identify 24­hour ECG parameters that predict mortality in patients with AF. METHODS: We enrolled 280 ambulatory patients (mean [SD] age, 72 [8.7] years; 57.9% men) with permanent or persistent AF. Data on mortality and pacemaker or defibrillator implantation during follow­up were collected. Predictors of mortality were assessed using the Cox proportional hazards model and C statistic. RESULTS: Compared with survivors, 78 patients (28%) who died were older, more often had comorbidities, left bundle branch block (LBBB), reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, lower maximum heart rate, higher number of ventricular extrasystoles, and the longest R­R interval below 2 seconds. Univariate analysis showed higher mortality in patients with the longest R­R intervals below 2 seconds compared with those with R­R intervals of 2 seconds or longer (P <0.001). Independent mortality predictors in the regression model included older age, renal failure, history of coronary intervention, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, LBBB, and a high number (≥770) or absence of R­R intervals of at least 2 seconds. The area under the curve for mortality prediction increased after including ECG parameters (0.748; 95% CI, 0.686-0.81; vs 0.688; 95% CI, 0.618-0.758; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: A high number of R­R intervals longer than 2 seconds or their absence on 24­hour ECG may predict mortality in patients with AF.

Glasgow Coma Scale score of more than four on admission predicts in-hospital survival in patients after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score assessed by EMS team in predicting survival to hospital discharge in patients after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). METHODS: Silesian Registry of OHCA (SIL-OHCA) is a prospective, population-based regional registry of OHCAs. All cases of OHCAs between the 1st of January 2018 and the 31st of December 2018 were included. Data were collected by EMS using a paper-based, Utstein-style form. OHCA patients aged ≥18 years, with CPR attempted or continued by EMS, who survived to hospital admission, were included in the current analysis. Patients who did not achieve return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in the field, with missing data on GCS after ROSC or survival status at discharge were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Two hundred eighteen patients with OHCA, who achieved ROSC, were included in the present analysis. ROC analysis revealed GCS = 4 as a cut-off value in predicting survival to discharge (AUC 0.735; 95%CI 0.655-0.816; p < 0.001). Variables significantly associated with in-hospital survival were young age, short response time, witnessed event, previous myocardial infarction, chest pain before OHCA, initial shockable rhythm, coronary angiography, and GCS > 4. On the other hand, epinephrine administration, intubation, the need for dispatching two ambulances, and/or a physician-staffed ambulance were associated with a worse prognosis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed GCS > 4 as an independent predictor of in-hospital survival after OHCA (OR of 6.4; 95% CI 2.0-20.3; p < 0.0001). Other independent predictors of survival were the lack of epinephrine administration, previous myocardial infarction, coronary angiography, and the patient's age. CONCLUSION: The survival to hospital discharge after OHCA could be predicted by the GCS score on hospital admission.

Gallato Zirconium (IV) Phtalocyanine Complex Conjugated with SiO2 Nanocarrier as a Photoactive Drug for Photodynamic Therapy of Atheromatic Plaque.

A new conjugate of gallato zirconium (IV) phthalocyanine complexes (PcZrGallate) has been obtained from alkilamino-modified SiO2 nanocarriers (SiO2-(CH2)3-NH2NPs), which may potentially be used in photodynamic therapy of atherosclerosis. Its structure and morphology have been investigated. The photochemical properties of the composite material has been characterized. in saline environments when exposed to different light sources Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in DMSO suspension under near IR irradiation was evaluated. The PcZrGallate-SiO2 conjugate has been found to induce a cytotoxic effect on macrophages after IR irradiation, which did not correspond to ROS production. It was found that SiO2 as a carrier helps the photosensitizer to enter into the macrophages, a type of cells that play a key role in the development of atheroma. These properties of the novel conjugate may make it useful in the photodynamic therapy of coronary artery disease.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in dialysis patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess whether a history of dialysis is related to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) attempts and survival to hospital admission in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). METHODS: The databases of the POL-OHCA registry and of emergency medical calls in the Command Support System of the State of Emergency Medicine (CSS) were searched to identify patients with OHCA and a history of dialysis. A total of 264 dialysis patient with OHCA were found: 126 were dead on arrival of emergency medical services (EMS), and 138 had OHCA with CPR attempts. Data from the POL-OHCA registry for patients with CPR attempts, including age, sex, place of residence, first recorded rhythm, defibrillation during CPR, and priority dispatch codes, were collected and compared between patients with and without dialysis. RESULTS: CPR attempts by EMS were undertaken in 138 dialyzed patients (52.3%). The analysis of POL-OHCA data revealed no differences in age, sex, place of residence, first recorded rhythm, and priority dispatch codes between patients with and without dialysis. Defibrillation was less frequent in dialysis patients (P = 0.04). A stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed no association between survival to hospital admission and a history of hemodialysis (odds ratio = 1.12; 95% CI 0.74-1.70, P = 0.60). CONCLUSIONS: A history of dialysis in patients with OHCA does not affect the rate of CPR attempts by EMS or a short-term outcome in comparison with patients without dialysis. Defibrillation during CPR is less common in patients on dialysis than in those without.

The Global Longitudinal Strain in Renal Transplant Recipients and Immunosuppressive Regimen.

BACKGROUND: Echocardiographic global longitudinal strain (GLS) has recently been considered as a more effective assessment than the ejection fraction (EF) in detecting subtle changes of left ventricular (LV) systolic function. The aim of the study is to compare GLS in renal transplant recipients (RTrs) with preserved LVEF, depending on the recipient's immunosuppressive regimen. The impaired GLS was considered to be > -18%. METHODS: A total of 84 RTrs were divided into 2 groups depending on immunosuppressive regimen: group 1, which included 32 patients (aged 62.3 ± 7.5) receiving mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors, and group 2, which included 52 patients (aged 58.9 ± 13.9 treated with calcineurin inhibitors. In all patients, echocardiography was performed, including calculation of GLS, and laboratory and clinical markers of cardiovascular risk were assessed. RESULTS: The frequency of men was significantly higher in group 1 (P = .01). There were no differences between the groups in age, body mass index, frequency of diabetes, hypertension, time of hemodialysis (HD) before kidney transplantation (KTx), time after KTx, concentration of cholesterol and creatinine, echocardiographic linear parameters, and LV mass. The estimated glomerular filtration rate and triglyceride concentration were significantly higher in group 1. The mean value of GLS was similar in both groups (-19.8 [-3.5] vs -18.9 [-3.0]; P = .22). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that duration of HD > 26 months is associated with GLS ≥ -18% (odds ratio 2.95, 95% CI 1.08-7.99, P = .03) CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of impaired GLS in RTr was similar regardless of the type of the immunosuppressive regimen. The impaired GLS was associated with duration of HD before KTx.

Assessment of Global Longitudinal Strain in Patients Receiving Renal Replacement Therapy With Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic kidney disease, including those on renal replacement therapy (RRT), have higher cardiovascular mortality. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) detects subtle changes in the left ventricle (LV) and constitutes a more sensitive predictor of cardiovascular mortality than the LV ejection fraction (LVEF). The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of impaired GLS among patients on RRT with preserved LVEF. We also aimed to identify the possible clinical factors responsible for GLS impairment. METHODS: A total of 108 patients on RRT with preserved LVEF and no history of cardiac disease were evaluated. We assessed echocardiogram parameters with a calculation of GLS, laboratory parameters, presence of diabetes, hypertension, duration of hemodialysis (HD), and the time after kidney transplantation (KTx). An impaired GLS value was set at ≥-18%. The multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors related to impaired GLS. RESULTS: Among 108 patients aged 58.5 ± 13.5 on RRT with preserved LVEF, 45% had GLS ≥-18% (62% on HD, 39% after KTx). The ROC analysis revealed that the cutoff point for the predicted GLS ≥-18% by HD duration was more than 28 months (0.75 [95% CI 0.66-0.84]; P < .001). In multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis, a duration of HD longer than 28 months was associated with GLS ≥-18%. CONCLUSIONS: About 45% patients on RRT, despite preserved LVEF and no history of heart diseases, had LV systolic dysfunction defined as GLS ≥-18%. HD longer than 28 months significantly increases the risk of GLS impairment in patients on RRT.

Analysis of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Poland in a 1-year period: data from the POL-OHCA registry.

BACKGROUND: Out­of­hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a severe medical condition. Prehospital care plays an essential role in patient survival. AIMS: First, the study aimed to evaluate cases of OHCA managed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) attempts in Poland in 2018, including their frequency and patient outcomes in terms of survival until hospital admission or transport to the hospital by helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS). Second, the study was performed to identify the predictors of patient survival until hospital admission or transport by HEMS. METHODS: It was a case­control study based on medical records. In 2018, 3 400 000 emergency visits were registered. Patients who were treated by emergency medical service (EMS) ambulance staff using defibrillation and / or administering at least 1 dose of 1 mg of epinephrine were considered to have OHCA managed by CPR attempts. RESULTS: A total of 26 783 CPR attempts were reported by EMS in Poland in 2018. The incidence of OHCA with CPR attempts in 2018 was 69.7 per 100 000 inhabitants and it varied from 58.9 per 100 000 to 84.5 per 100 000 inhabitants in 16 Polish provinces. The mean survival rate until hospital admission or transport by HEMS was 36.3% and it ranged from 34.5% to 38.3%. Patient survival until hospital admission or transport by HEMS was related to age, sex, emergency site, defibrillation during CPR, the first recorded rhythm, and procedures performed by the EMS personnel. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of OHCA with CPR attempts was similar to that reported in other European countries. Patient survival until hospital admission or transport by HEMS was associated with many well­­known, identified nonmodifiable and modifiable factors.

Applications for graphene and its derivatives in medical devices: Current knowledge and future applications.

Graphene is a novel carbon-based material with unique crystal nanostructure and extraordinary physical and chemical properties. Several biomedical applications of graphene and graphene-derived materials have been proposed. Its antimicrobial properties might be useful in all areas of medicine where antiseptics are required. On the other hand, the safe limits of graphene concentration for human cells have not been clearly established yet. The possibility to attach various chemically active groups to the basic lattice structure allows researchers to build graphene-based sensors for detecting biochemical molecules (and ultimately - selected cells). Sensors for physical signals, such as cardiac electrical activity, have also been proposed. The unique nanostructure of the material and the resulting physical properties (mechanical strength, elasticity and large surface area) make it a very promising material for scaffolds used in tissue regeneration. Several studies have investigated the potential advantages of a graphene coating for endovascular implants, such as stents or valves. Most of them indicate an advantage of graphene coating over other currently available solutions in terms of better hemocompatibility and facilitating endothelialization. Many of the results published so far are from in vitro studies. Promising as they might be, more data, preferably from experiments on more sophisticated animal models, must be obtained before any valid conclusions as to potential uses of graphene in medicine can be drawn.

The concentration of resistin in perivascular adipose tissue after CABG and postoperative atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurs in up to 30% of patients after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and its cause is unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether concentration of resistin in surrounding coronary artery perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is related to postoperative atrial fibrillation occurrence. METHODS: A total number of 46 patients (35 male, 11 female; median age 66.5) were qualified for elective CABG. Medical history, laboratory test results and echocardiographic parameters were noted. Patients were monitored up to 3 days after CABG and then were divided into groups with and without postoperative atrial fibrillation occurrence. Fragments of PVAT were collected intra-operatively: near the left anterior descending artery and main left coronary artery. The concentration of resistin was determined by Human Resistin Quantikine ELISA Kit and expressed as ng/g. A multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to find variables related to postoperative atrial fibrillation occurrence. RESULTS: Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurred in 14 (30.4%) patients. The patients with and without postoperative atrial fibrillation were similar in age, gender, epicardial adipose tissue thickness and laboratory parameters. The concentration of resistin in PVAT near the left main coronary artery was significantly higher in patients with postoperative atrial fibrillation than in those without the complication (P = 0.03). In the multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis the concentration of resistin above cut-off point 54 ng/g in PVAT near left main coronary artery was independently related to postoperative atrial fibrillation occurrence (OR: 7.7; 95% CI:1.4-42.2 p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The higher concentrations of resistin in PVAT near the left main coronary artery which is located close to the left atrium are associated with postoperative atrial fibrillation.

Application of strain and other echocardiographic parameters in the evaluation of early and long-term clinical outcomes after cardiac surgery revascularization.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is an effective therapeutic strategy for coronary heart disease (CHD). Myocardial longitudinal strain echocardiography with 2D speckle tracking could obtain ventricular function with better accuracy and reliability than the left ventricular ejection fraction. The aim of the study was to assess changes in left ventricular function in patients before and after surgical revascularization for a 24-month period of observation, using echocardiography with speckle tracking strain imaging. We searched for echocardiographic predictors of poor early and long-term outcome after CABG. METHODS: We enrolled 69 patients scheduled for elective coronary bypass grafting. Patients were divided into groups based on pre-operative systolic and diastolic parameters, depending on the GLS value and the E' Lat and E/E' value. The correlation between these parameters and early and long-term outcomes was analyzed. RESULTS: Preoperative EF was preserved in 86, 95% (60) patients. Pre-operative reduced GLS was observed in 73.91% (51) of patients and severely reduced in 31.88% (22). In the first post-operative 6-month period, we observed a significant decrease in the GLS. The GLS was a predictor of early postoperative outcome for intubation time, the inotropes use and length of ICU stay. Diastolic dysfunction was a predictor of the greater inotrope requirements. CONCLUSIONS: Global longitudinal strain and diastolic dysfunction parameters are a good predictors of worse early outcome after CABG.

Myocardial remodeling after kidney transplantation: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most common manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is often the most serious organ complication and the cause of premature death of such a patient. Most of other organs and systems can be also affected. A typical complication is a cardiovascular involvement leading to the development of heart failure. According to current therapeutic standards, kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice in patients with renal failure in course of LN. On the contrary, a kidney transplantation in a patient with an additional heart disease poses a serious clinical challenge. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 49-year-old woman with renal and heart failure following a long-term SLE prepared for kidney transplantation. During the SLE course, the function of the heart and kidneys gradually deteriorated. The patient required the initiation of renal replacement therapy and was dialyzed until a kidney transplantation for 4 years. In the preparation of the patient for the surgical procedure, due to the extremely low ejection fraction, it was decided to include cardioprotective treatment with Levosimendan. The postoperative period was not straightforward but successful. In the monthly and five-month follow-up, a continuous improvement of heart function with normal renal function was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Kidney transplantation in patients with lupus suffering from heart failure requires the involvement of a team of specialists. Patients with extremely low ejection fraction in the perioperative period should undergo careful hemodynamic supervision in the intensive care unit. Cardioprotective and thus nephroprotective Levosimendan therapy together with optimal fluid and hemodynamic therapy in the peri-transplant period may be a bridge for heart remodeling after kidney transplantation.

Aortic root dilation in kidney transplant recipients.

INTRODUCTION Aortic root (AoR) dilation is associated with cardiac damage and higher cardiovascular risk. Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in patients after kidney transplantation (KTx ). OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of enlarged AoR diameter in KTx recipients. Patients with bicuspid aortic valve, significant valvular disease, or evidence of connective tissue disorder were excluded. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 87 KTx recipients were divided into 2 groups depending on immunosuppressive regimen: 41 patients receiving mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi) and 46 patients treated with calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs). In all patients, echocardiography was performed, laboratory and clinical markers of cardiovascular risk were assessed, and the AoR diameter was calculated. RESULTS There were no differences between groups in age, sex, body surface area, body mass index, frequency of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, time after replacement therapy, creatinine levels, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. In the CNI group, the observed and calculated AoR diameters were similar (P = 0.8). In the mTORi group, the observed AoR diameter was higher than the calculated one (P = 0.002). The concentric and eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy was similar in both groups (P = 0.12 and P = 0.69, respectively). In the stepwise regression analysis, the AoR diameter was associated with body surface area and mTORi treatment. CONCLUSIONS KTx recipients have a high prevalence of AoR dilation. Immunosuppressive regimen based on mTORi increases the incidence of AoR enlargement.

Beneficial effect of bilateral native nephrectomy as complete denervation on left ventricular mass and function in renal transplant recipients.

INTRODUCTION: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in renal transplant recipients. The development of LVH is connected with excessive activation of the sympathetic nervous system. A bilateral nephrectomy is an example of complete renal denervation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pretransplant bilateral native nephrectomy on left ventricular mass and function during a long-term follow-up of patients after kidney transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 32 renal transplant recipients who had previously undergone pretransplant bilateral native nephrectomy. The control group involved 32 recipients with preserved native kidneys, matched for age, sex, creatinine levels, estimated glomerular filtration rate, immunosuppressive treatment, and the time of renal replacement therapy. All patients were evaluated by echocardiography, and 16 patients--by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). In addition, all patients had their arterial blood pressure (BP) and metabolic markers measured. RESULTS: In comparison with controls, the study group had lower systolic BP (P = 0.048) and received a lower number of antihypertensive agents (P = 0.001). Lipid and hemoglobin levels were similar in both groups. The study group had a lower left ventricular mass index (LVMI; P = 0.001) and left atrial volume index (LAVI; P = 0.004). The left ventricular mass evaluated by CMR was also lower in the study group (P <0.001). Mild left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) was more frequent in the study group compared with the control group ( P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In a long-term follow-up of patients after kidney transplantation, the bilateral native nephrectomy before transplantation was associated with a lower LVMI and LAVI as well as a lower grade of LVDD. These patients had lower systolic BP and used fewer antihypertensive drugs.

First beating-heart valve-sparing aortic root repair: a "corset" technique.

We present our preliminary experience with beating-heart aortic root remodeling using an external "corset," which we performed in 2 patients with aortic insufficiency and aortic root dilatation. Standard extracorporeal circulation (ECC) was used. After a meticulous dissection of the aortic root and ascending aorta, the bespoke vascular prosthesis was placed around the vessel to decrease its diameter and restore aortic valve function. Postoperative angiographic computed tomography (CT) showed a significant decrease in the diameter of the wrapped aorta. Echocardiography performed 12 months after the operation showed normal aortic valve function with trivial regurgitation and stable aortic diameter in both patients.