Implementation of a neonatal hepatitis B immunization program in rural Karenni State, Myanmar: A mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B infection is a major health concern in Myanmar. Hepatitis B birth dose vaccination to prevent mother-to-child transmission is not universal, especially in births outside of health care facilities. Little is documented about delivery of immunization programs in rural Myanmar or in conflict-affected regions. To address this gap, this study describes the implementation of a novel community delivered neonatal hepatitis B immunization program in rural Karenni State, Myanmar. METHODS: A mixed-methods study assessed the effectiveness and feasibility of hepatitis B birth dose immunization program. 1000 pregnant women were screened for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection using point of care testing. Neonates of HBV positive mothers were immunized with a three dose HBV vaccine schedule at birth, 1, and 6 months of age. HBV testing was completed for children at 9 months to assess for infection. Descriptive statistics were collected including demographic data of mothers, neonatal vaccination schedule completion, and child HBV positivity at 9 months. Qualitative data examining barriers to implementation were collected through semi-structured interviews, participant-observation, and analysis of program documents. Themes were codified and mapped onto the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. RESULTS: 46 pregnant women tested HBV positive leading to 40 live births. 39 women-child dyads were followed until the 9-month age mark. With the exception of two neonates who received their birth dose past 24 hours, all children received their vaccines on time. None of the 39 children tested positive for HBV at nine months. Themes regarding barriers included adaptability of the program to the rural setting, friction with other stakeholders and not meeting all needs of the community. Identified strengths included good communication and leadership within the implementing ethnic health organization. CONCLUSION: A community delivered neonatal HBV vaccination program by ethnic health organizations is feasible and effective in rural Myanmar.

Measuring individual-level needle and syringe coverage among people who inject drugs in Myanmar.

BACKGROUND: Myanmar has prioritised people who inject drugs (PWID) as a key population for HIV mitigation efforts, with targets for needle and syringe distribution set at a population level. However, individual-level coverage, defined as the percentage of an individual's injecting episodes covered by a sterile syringe, is a more sensitive measure of intervention coverage. We sought to examine individual-level coverage in a sample of PWID in Myanmar. METHODS: We recruited 512 PWID through urban drop-in-centres in Yangon, Mandalay and Pyin Oo Lwin. Participants were administered a quantitative questionnaire covering five domains: demographics, drug use, treatment and coverage, and injecting risk behaviour. We calculated past fortnight individual-level syringe coverage, estimating levels of sufficient (≥100% of injecting episodes covered by a sterile syringe) and insufficient (<100%) coverage, and examined associations between key variables and insufficient coverage via logistic regression. RESULTS: Our sample was predominately male (97%), employed (76%), and living in stable accommodation (96%), with a median age of 27. All participants reported heroin as the drug most frequently injected, and injected a median of 27 times in the past two weeks. Nineteen per cent of participants had insufficient coverage in the two weeks before interview. Insufficient coverage was positively associated with syringe re-use (AOR: 5.19, 95% CIs: 2.57, 10.48) and acquiring sterile syringes from a location other than a formal drop-in-centre (AOR: 2.04, 95% CIs: 1.08, 3.82). Participants recruited in Mandalay (AOR: 0.30, 95% CIs: 0.11, 0.80) and Pyin Oo Lwin (AOR: 0.39, 95% CIs: 0.18, 0.87) had lower odds of insufficient coverage than those recruited in Yangon. CONCLUSION: Our study shows coverage in selected areas of Myanmar was comparable with studies in other countries. Our results inform the delivery of harm reduction services for PWID, specifically by encouraging the use of formal drop-in-centres, over other sources of syringe distribution, such as pharmacies.

Papillary Muscle Free Strain in Patients with Severe Degenerative and Functional Mitral Regurgitation.

FUNDAMENTO:: The role of papillary muscle function in severe mitral regurgitation with preserved and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and the method of choice to evaluate PM have still been the subjects of controversy. OBJECTIVES:: To evaluate and compare papillary muscle function in and between patients with severe degenerative and functional mitral regurgitation by using the free strain method. METHODS:: 64 patients with severe mitral regurgitation - 39 patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR group) and 25 patients with severe functional mitral regurgitation (FMR group) - and 30 control subjects (control group) were included in the study. Papillary muscle function was evaluated through the free strain method from apical four chamber images of the anterolateral papillary muscle (APM) and from apical three chamber images of the posteromedial papillary muscle (PPM). Global left ventricular longitudinal and circumferential strains were evaluated by applying 2D speckle tracking imaging. RESULTS:: Global left ventricular longitudinal strain (DMR group, -17 [-14.2/-20]; FMR group, -9 [-7/-10.7]; control group, -20 [-18/-21] p < 0.001), global left ventricular circumferential strain (DMR group, -20 [-14.5/-22.7]; FMR group, -10 [-7/-12]; control group, -23 [-21/-27.5] p < 0.001) and papillary musle strains (PPMS; DMR group, -30.5 [-24/-46.7]; FMR group, -18 [-12/-30]; control group; -43 [-34.5/-39.5] p < 0.001; APMS; DMR group, (-35 [-23.5/-43]; FMR group, -20 [-13.5/-26]; control group, -40 [-32.5/-48] p < 0.001) were significantly different among all groups. APMS and PPMS were highly correlated with LVEF (p < 0.001, p < 0.001; respectively), GLS (p < 0.001, p < 0.001; respectively) and GCS (p < 0.001, p < 0.00; respectively) of LV among all groups. No correlation was found between papillary muscle strains and effective orifice area (EOA) in both groups of severe mitral regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS:: Measuring papillary muscle longitudinal strain by the free strain method is practical and applicable. Papillary muscle dysfunction plays a small role in severe MR due to degenerative or functional causes and papillary muscle functions in general seems to follow left ventricular function. PPM is the most affected PM in severe mitral regurgitation in both groups of DMR and FMR. FUNDAMENTO:: O papel da função do músculo papilar na regurgitação mitral grave com fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo preservada e reduzida e o método de escolha para avaliar PM ainda são objetos de controvérsia. OBJETIVOS:: Avaliar e comparar a função dos músculos papilares entre pacientes com insuficiência mitral funcional e degenerativa pelo método free strain. MÉTODOS:: 64 pacientes com insuficiência mitral grave - 39 pacientes com insuficiência mitral degenerativa grave (grupo IMD) e 25 com insuficiência mitral funcional grave (grupo IMF) - e 30 indivíduos controle (grupo controle) foram incluídos no estudo. A função dos músculos papilares foi avaliada pelo método free strain a partir de imagens apicais quatro-câmaras do músculo papilar anterolateral (MPA) e imagens apicais três-câmaras do músculo papilar posteromedial (MPP). Strains circunferenciais e longitudinais globais do ventrículo esquerdo foram avaliados por meio de imagens bidimensionais a partir do rastreamento de conjunto de pontos de cinza (speckle tracking). RESULTADOS:: O strain longitudinal global do ventrículo esquerdo (grupo IMD, -17 [-14,2/-20]; grupo IMF, -9 [-7/-10,7]; grupo controle, -20 [-18/-21] p < 0,001); strain circunferencial global do ventrículo esquerdo (grupo IMD, -20 [-14,5/-22,7]; grupo IMF, -10 [-7/-12]; grupo controle, -23 [-21/-27,5] p < 0,001) e strains de músculos papilares (MPP; grupo IMD, -30,5 [-24/-46,7]; grupo IMF, -18 [-12/-30]; grupo controle; -43 [-34,5/-39,5] p < 0,001; MPA; grupo IMD, (-35 [-23,5/-43]; grupo IMF, -20 [-13,5/-26]; grupo controle, -40 [-32,5/-48] p < 0,001) mostraram-se significativamente diferentes nos grupos. MPA e MPP mostraram-se altamente correlacionados com a FEVE (p < 0,001, p < 0,00; respectivamente), SLG (p < 0,001, p < 0,001; respectivamente) e SCG (p < 0,001, p < 0,001; respectivamente) do VE entre todos os grupos. Não foi encontrada correlação entre os strains de músculos papilares e área eficaz do orifício (AEO) nos grupos de insuficiência mitral grave. CONCLUSÕES:: A medição do strain longitudinal de músculos papilares pelo método free strain é prática e aplicável. A disfunção dos músculos papilares tem um papel pequeno em IM grave devido a causas degenerativas e funcionais, e a função dos músculos papilares, em general, parece seguir a função ventricular esquerda. O MPP é o MP mais afetado na insuficiência mitral em ambos os grupos, IMD e IMF.

Papillary Muscle Free Strain in Patients with Severe Degenerative and Functional Mitral Regurgitation / Free Strains de Músculos Papilares em Pacientes com Insuficiência Mitral Funcional e Degenerativa Grave

Abstract Fundamento: The role of papillary muscle function in severe mitral regurgitation with preserved and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and the method of choice to evaluate PM have still been the subjects of controversy. Objectives: To evaluate and compare papillary muscle function in and between patients with severe degenerative and functional mitral regurgitation by using the free strain method. Methods: 64 patients with severe mitral regurgitation - 39 patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR group) and 25 patients with severe functional mitral regurgitation (FMR group) - and 30 control subjects (control group) were included in the study. Papillary muscle function was evaluated through the free strain method from apical four chamber images of the anterolateral papillary muscle (APM) and from apical three chamber images of the posteromedial papillary muscle (PPM). Global left ventricular longitudinal and circumferential strains were evaluated by applying 2D speckle tracking imaging. Results: Global left ventricular longitudinal strain (DMR group, -17 [-14.2/-20]; FMR group, -9 [-7/-10.7]; control group, -20 [-18/-21] p < 0.001), global left ventricular circumferential strain (DMR group, -20 [-14.5/-22.7]; FMR group, -10 [-7/-12]; control group, -23 [-21/-27.5] p < 0.001) and papillary musle strains (PPMS; DMR group, -30.5 [-24/-46.7]; FMR group, -18 [-12/-30]; control group; -43 [-34.5/-39.5] p < 0.001; APMS; DMR group, (-35 [-23.5/-43]; FMR group, -20 [-13.5/-26]; control group, -40 [-32.5/-48] p < 0.001) were significantly different among all groups. APMS and PPMS were highly correlated with LVEF (p < 0.001, p < 0.001; respectively), GLS (p < 0.001, p < 0.001; respectively) and GCS (p < 0.001, p < 0.00; respectively) of LV among all groups. No correlation was found between papillary muscle strains and effective orifice area (EOA) in both groups of severe mitral regurgitation. Conclusions: Measuring papillary muscle longitudinal strain by the free strain method is practical and applicable. Papillary muscle dysfunction plays a small role in severe MR due to degenerative or functional causes and papillary muscle functions in general seems to follow left ventricular function. PPM is the most affected PM in severe mitral regurgitation in both groups of DMR and FMR.

Resumo Fundamento: O papel da função do músculo papilar na regurgitação mitral grave com fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo preservada e reduzida e o método de escolha para avaliar PM ainda são objetos de controvérsia. Objetivos: Avaliar e comparar a função dos músculos papilares entre pacientes com insuficiência mitral funcional e degenerativa pelo método free strain. Métodos: 64 pacientes com insuficiência mitral grave - 39 pacientes com insuficiência mitral degenerativa grave (grupo IMD) e 25 com insuficiência mitral funcional grave (grupo IMF) - e 30 indivíduos controle (grupo controle) foram incluídos no estudo. A função dos músculos papilares foi avaliada pelo método free strain a partir de imagens apicais quatro-câmaras do músculo papilar anterolateral (MPA) e imagens apicais três-câmaras do músculo papilar posteromedial (MPP). Strains circunferenciais e longitudinais globais do ventrículo esquerdo foram avaliados por meio de imagens bidimensionais a partir do rastreamento de conjunto de pontos de cinza (speckle tracking). Resultados: O strain longitudinal global do ventrículo esquerdo (grupo IMD, -17 [-14,2/-20]; grupo IMF, -9 [-7/-10,7]; grupo controle, -20 [-18/-21] p < 0,001); strain circunferencial global do ventrículo esquerdo (grupo IMD, -20 [-14,5/-22,7]; grupo IMF, -10 [-7/-12]; grupo controle, -23 [-21/-27,5] p < 0,001) e strains de músculos papilares (MPP; grupo IMD, -30,5 [-24/-46,7]; grupo IMF, -18 [-12/-30]; grupo controle; -43 [-34,5/-39,5] p < 0,001; MPA; grupo IMD, (-35 [-23,5/-43]; grupo IMF, -20 [-13,5/-26]; grupo controle, -40 [-32,5/-48] p < 0,001) mostraram-se significativamente diferentes nos grupos. MPA e MPP mostraram-se altamente correlacionados com a FEVE (p < 0,001, p < 0,00; respectivamente), SLG (p < 0,001, p < 0,001; respectivamente) e SCG (p < 0,001, p < 0,001; respectivamente) do VE entre todos os grupos. Não foi encontrada correlação entre os strains de músculos papilares e área eficaz do orifício (AEO) nos grupos de insuficiência mitral grave. Conclusões: A medição do strain longitudinal de músculos papilares pelo método free strain é prática e aplicável. A disfunção dos músculos papilares tem um papel pequeno em IM grave devido a causas degenerativas e funcionais, e a função dos músculos papilares, em general, parece seguir a função ventricular esquerda. O MPP é o MP mais afetado na insuficiência mitral em ambos os grupos, IMD e IMF.

Is Low Serum Klotho Level Associated with Alterations in Coronary Flow Reserve?

BACKGROUND: The Klotho gene, described as an "aging suppressor" gene, encodes a single-pass transmembrane protein. The extracellular part of Klotho is cleaved and released into the circulation where it may function as a vasculoprotective hormone. Coronary flow reserve (CFR) is accepted as a marker of coronary microvascular dysfunction when epicardial coronary stenosis is absent. There are no data regarding the relationship between serum Klotho levels and disorders in coronary microcirculation in healthy adults. We aimed to investigate the association between serum Klotho levels and alterations in coronary microcirculation in healthy adults using echocardiographic measurements of CFR. METHODS: Thirty-four healthy volunteers (median age: 34 [27-39], 14 males) were enrolled in this study. The study population was divided into two subgroups according to the median value of serum Klotho levels: a high Klotho (HK) group (n = 17, median age: 34 [30-38]; 6 males) and a low Klotho (LK) group (n = 17, median age: 32 [26-39]; 8 males). The analysis of coronary flow velocities was performed by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography. RESULTS: Hyperemic diastolic peak flow velocities and CFR were significantly higher in the HK group than in the LK group (70 [66-92] versus 61 [47-66], P = 0.003 and 3.0 [2.6-3.8] versus 2.2 [1.7-2.8], respectively, P = 0.001). Serum Klotho levels were positively correlated with CFR (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Serum Klotho levels correlate with CFR in a healthy population. Low serum Klotho levels may potentially identify patients with impaired CFR.

Low Serum Level of Klotho Is an Early Predictor of Atherosclerosis.

The Klotho gene, identified as an 'aging suppressor' gene, encodes a single-pass transmembrane protein. The extracellular domain of Klotho is cleaved and released in the blood stream, where it may function as a vasculoprotective hormone. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT), flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery and epicardial fat thickness (EFT) have been reported as early predictors of atherosclerosis. We aimed to investigate the relationship between serum Klotho levels and early atherosclerotic predictors, including EFT, FMD and CIMT in healthy adults. Fifty healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study, consisting of 21 males and 29 females with median age of 32 years. They were free of known risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Serum Klotho levels were determined by the ELISA method. The study population was divided into two groups (n = 25 for each) according to the median serum Klotho level (459.4 pg/mL): higher Klotho (HK) group (613.6 pg/mL; ranges of 501.2-772.6 pg/mL) and lower Klotho (LK) group (338.7 pg/mL; ranges of 278.8-430.3 pg/mL). EFT was measured by transthoracic echocardiography, and CIMT and FMD were measured with standard procedures. The LK group showed lower values of FMD (p = 0.012) and larger values of EFT (p = 0.01) and CIMT (p < 0.001), compared to the HK group. Thus, the low serum Klotho levels were associated with increased EFT and CIMT and with the decreased FMD in the study population. We propose that the lower serum Klotho level is a newly identified predictor of atherosclerosis.

The effects of urgent percutaneous coronary intervention on right ventricular systolic functions in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes.

BACKGROUND: Although the importance of the right ventricle (RV) involvement has been known for many years in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), it is scarce in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the effects of urgent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on the RV systolic functions in patients with NSTE-ACS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-five patients diagnosed with NSTE-ACS and who underwent urgent PCI were prospectively investigated. RV systolic functions were analyzed and compared before and after PCI in all patients by using RV index of myocardial performance (RIMP), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), two-dimensional (2D) RV fractional area change (FAC), and isovolumic acceleration (IVA) parameters with transthoracic echocardiography. RESULTS: Among 95 NSTE-ACS patients, 31 had impaired RIMP, 13 had impaired TAPSE, 8 had decreased 2D FAC, and 32 had impaired IVA values at baseline. There was a significant increase in 2D FAC and IVA values after PCI. CONCLUSIONS: The right ventricular functions may also be affected in patients with NSTE-ACS, and urgent PCI has a significant effect on the recovery of right ventricular systolic functions in patients with NSTE-ACS.

Retrobulbar blood flow and carotid intima-media thickness alteration may relate to subclinic atherosclerosis in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases.

OBJECTIVE: AA amyloidosis occurs in the setting of longstanding inflammation. An increased incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) was noted in patients with chronic inflammatory disease (CID). Retrobulbar blood flow predicts future macrovascular events including CAD. Increase in carotid artery intima-media thickness is regarded as a marker for early atherosclerosis. The relationship between chronic inflammation and atherosclerosis is well known; however, the connection between amyloidosis-advanced CIDs and retrobulbar microvascular function and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is unidentified. We aimed to investigate whether retrobulbar microcirculation and CIMT were impaired or not in amyloidosis-advanced CID patients compared to normal subjects. METHODS: Fourteen patients with renal AA amyloidosis and a group of healthy volunteers were included in the study. Measurement of CIMT and retrobulbar blood flow velocities was performed with ultrasound scanner and color Doppler ultrasonography. RESULTS: The CIMT of patients with renal amyloidosis was significantly thicker than that of the normal population (p < 0.001). The resistivity index of the ophthalmic artery (OA) of patients with renal amyloidosis was significantly higher than the study group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that accelerated atherosclerosis which can be shown by increased OA resistivity index and CIMT are found in amyloidal-related CID patients.

Increased morning blood pressure surge and coronary microvascular dysfunction in patient with early stage hypertension.

Morning blood pressure surge (MBPS) is defined as an excessive increase in blood pressure (BP) in the morning from the lowest systolic BP during sleep, and it has been reported as a risk factor for cardiovascular events in current clinical studies. In this study, we evaluated the association between the rate of BP variation derived from ambulatory BP monitoring data analysis and coronary microvascular function in patients with early stage hypertension. One hundred seventy patients with prehypertension and Stage 1 hypertension who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. We divided our study population into two subgroups according to the median value of coronary flow reserve (CFR). Patients with CFR values <2.5 were defined as the impaired CFR group, and patients with CFR values ≥2.5 were defined as the preserved CFR group, and we compared the MBPS measurements of these two subgroups. CFR was measured using transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTDE). Ambulatory 24-hour systolic and diastolic BP, uric acid, systolic MBPS amplitude, diastolic MBPS amplitude, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and mitral flow E/A ratio were statistically significant. These predictors were included in age- and gender-adjusted multivariate analysis; ambulatory 24-hour systolic BP (ß = 0.077, P < .001; odds ratio [OR] = 1.080; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.037-1.124]) and systolic MBPS amplitude (ß = 0.043, P = .022; OR = 1.044; 95% CI [1.006-1.084]) were determined to be independent predictors of impaired CFR (Hosmer-Lemeshow test, P = .165, Nagelkerke's R(2) = 0.320). We found that increased changes in MBPS values in patients with prehypertension and Stage 1 hypertension seemed to cause microvascular dysfunction in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease.

Atrial longitudinal strain parameters predict left atrial reverse remodeling after mitral valve surgery: a speckle tracking echocardiography study.

Volume overload in chronic severe mitral regurgitation (MR) causes left atrial (LA) remodeling. Volume overload generally diminishes after mitral valve surgery and LA size and shape are expected to recover. The recovery of LA functions named as reverse remodeling is said to be related with prognosis and mortality. A few clinical and echocardiographic parameters have been reported to be associated with LA reverse remodeling. In this study, we investigated the relationship between LA peak longitudinal strain (reservoir strain) assessed with 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D STE) and LA reverse remodeling. 53 patients (24 females and 29 males, mean age: 45.7 ± 13.5 years) with severe MR and preserved left ventricular systolic function were included in the study. All patients had normal sinus rhythm. The etiology of MR was mitral valve prolapse (MVP) in 37 patients and rheumatic valvular disease in 16 patients. Mitral valve repair was performed in 30 patients while 23 underwent mitral valve replacement. Echocardiography was performed before the surgery and 6 months later. LA peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) was assessed with speckle tracking imaging. LA reverse remodeling was defined as a percent of decrease in LA volume index (LAVI). Left atrial volume index significantly decreased after surgery (58.2 ± 16.6 vs. 43.9 ± 17.2 ml/m2, p ≤ 0.001). Mean LAVI reduction was 22.5 ± 27.2%. There was no significant difference in LAVI reduction between mitral repair and replacement groups (22.1 ± 22.6 vs. 23.1 ± 32.8 %, p = 0.9). Although the decrease in LAVI was higher in MVP group than rheumatic group, it was not statistically significant (24.4 ± 26.8 vs. 18.2 ± 28.9%, p = 0.4). Correlates of LAVI reduction were preoperative LAVI (r 0.28, p = 0.039), PALS (r 0.36, p = 0.001) and age (r -0.36, p = 0.007). Furthermore, in multivariate linear regression analysis (entering models), preoperative LAVI, age and PALS were all significant predictors of LA reverse remodeling (p ≤ 0.001, p = 0.04, p = 0.001 respectively). Left atrial peak longitudinal strain measured by 2D STE, in conjunction with preoperative LAVI and age is a predictor of LA reverse remodeling in patients undergoing surgery for severe MR. We suggest that in this patient population, PALS may also be used as a preoperative prognostic marker.

Left atrial longitudinal strain parameters predict postoperative persistent atrial fibrillation following mitral valve surgery: a speckle tracking echocardiography study.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is common after cardiac surgery and is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and prolonged hospital stay. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has been applied recently for evaluation of LA function. The purpose of this study was to examine whether left atrial longitudinal strain measured by STE is a predictor for the development of POAF following mitral valve surgery for severe mitral regurgitation. We studied 53 patients undergoing mitral valve surgery in sinus rhythm at the time of surgery. Echocardiography with evaluation of LA strain by STE was performed. Detection of POAF was based on documentation of AF episodes by continuous telemetry throughout hospitalization. Patients who did not develop POAF were taken as group 1 and those who had POAF constituted group 2. The echocardiographic and clinical predictors of POAF were investigated. POAF occurred in 28.3% of subjects. Mean age, LAVi and BNP were found higher in group 2 while peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) (13.9 ± 3.8% vs. 24.8 ± 7.3%; P < 0.001), peak atrial contraction strain (PACS) (7.6 ± 1.95% vs. 11.3 ± 3.5%; P < 0.001) were significantly lower. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, PALS and LAVi were independent predictor of POAF development. LA longitudinal strain was found to predict POAF in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery. It could be used to better identify patients at greater risk of developing POAF, and thus to guide in risk stratification and to take appropriate intensive prophylactic therapy.

Left atrial deformation parameters predict left atrial appendage function and thrombus in patients in sinus rhythm with suspected cardioembolic stroke: a speckle tracking and transesophageal echocardiography study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate left atrial deformations using speckle tracking echocardiography for predicting left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus in patients with suspected cardioembolic stroke who were in normal sinus rhythm. A total of 153 ischemic stroke patients (89 males, 64 females) in sinus rhythm who were suspected of having cardioembolism were included in the study. The patients underwent conventional two-dimensional (2D) echocardiogram and 2D speckle tracking echocardiogram of the left atrium. Left atrial peak strain (LA-4C-RES) and left atrial precontraction strain (LA-4C-PUMP) were measured. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of thrombus in the LAA in transesophageal echocardiography. Both LA-4C-RES and LA-4C-PUMP values were found to be significantly lower in patients with LAA thrombus (11.8 ± 1.4% vs. 33 ± 12%, P < 0.001 and 5.8 ± 1.3% vs. 14.2 ± 5.3%, P < 0.001, respectively). A good inverse correlation was present between LA-4C-RES values and LAA morphologic parameters (with LAA area: r = -0.70, P < 0.001, with LAA length: r = -0.60, P < 0.001), and a good positive correlation was present with LAA emptying velocity with pulse Doppler (r = 0.74, P < 0.001). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of the LA-4C-RES was 0.94 (0.90-0.98, P < 0.001), for the LA-4C-PUMP, the area was 0.92 (0.87-0.96, P < 0.001) to predict LAA thrombus. Left atrial deformation parameters measured by 2D speckle tracking method was found to predict impaired LAA functions and the presence of LAA thrombus in ischemic stroke patients with suspected cardioembolism, but who are in sinus rhythm.

Effect of mitral valve repair versus replacement on left ventricular rotational deformation: a study with speckle tracking echocardiography.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Radial and longitudinal movements of the heart do not fully reflect cardiac hemodynamics and physiology. Twist deformation of the heart is essential for adequate cardiac filling and stroke volume. The study aim was to examine the effects of mitral valve replacement or repair on left ventricular rotational parameters, evaluated by speckle tracking echocardiography, in patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR). METHODS: A total of 51 patients (22 males, 29 females; mean age 45.7 +/- 13.5 years) with severe MR, sinus rhythm and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) > 50% was included in the study. Mitral valve repair was performed in 29 patients (group A), and mitral valve replacement in 22 patients (group B). Rotational parameters (basal rotation, apical rotation, twist and untwist), LVEF and left ventricular diameters and volumes were compared before and after surgery. The postoperative percentage change in twist was calculated as follows: (preoperative twist - postoperative twist)/preoperative twist x 100. RESULTS: Rotational parameters of basal rotation were significantly decreased in both groups (group A: -5.6 +/- 3.1 degrees versus -4.0 +/- 3.0 degrees; p = 0.035; group B: -6.7 +/- 3.0 degrees versus -3.4 +/- 2.6 degrees; p < 0.001). However, apical rotation (group A: 11.4 +/- 6.6 degrees versus 9.7 +/- 8.3 degrees; p = 0.4; group B: 10.9 +/- 5 degrees versus 7.2 +/- 6.8 degrees; p = 0.009), twist (group A: 16.9 +/- 8.4 degrees versus 13.4 +/- 8.4 degrees; p = 0.1); group B: 17.1 +/- 5.7 degrees versus 10.1 +/- 8.7 degrees; p < 0.001) and untwist (group A: -109.2 +/- 57.8 degrees versus -104.6 +/- 56.0 degrees; p = 0.69; group B: -120.4 +/- 47.8 degrees versus -79.2 +/- 39.5 degrees; p = 0.002) were decreased significantly in the replacement group, but the decreases were not statistically significant in the repair group. The change in twist was observed to be significantly higher in the replacement group compared to the repair group (43.2 +/- 34.7% versus 9.4 +/- 54.1%; p = 0009; overall twist change 24 +/- 49.3%). To identify independent predictors of change in twist, a multivariate regression analysis was performed, whereby the left ventricular end-diastolic volume and type of operation were identified as independent predictors of change in twist. CONCLUSION: Compared to mitral valve replacement, mitral valve repair results in better rotational deformation parameters. Maintaining the mitral apparatus and enabling valvular-ventricular interaction contributes to a preservation of left ventricular twist and untwist. However, the prognostic and clinical impact of preserved rotational deformation parameters need to be determined.

GGT levels in type II diabetic patients with acute coronary syndrome (does diabetes have any effect on GGT levels in acute coronary syndrome?).

Elevated gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) level is independently correlated with conditions associated with increased atherosclerosis, such as obesity, elevated serum cholesterol, high blood pressure and myocardial infarction. It is demonstrated that serum GGT activity is an independent risk factor for myocardial infarction and cardiac death in patients with coronary artery disease. Diabetes is also a well-known cardiovascular risk factor and an equivalent of coronary artery disease. Although the relationship between GGT and coronary artery disease has been reported, there are limited data exploring the changes of GGT in acute coronary syndromes, especially in patients with diabetes. So, this study aimed to determine changes in GGT level in diabetic and non-diabetic acute coronary syndromes. This trial was carried out at Kosuyolu Cardiovascular Training and Research Hospital and Van Yuksek Ihtisas Hospital, Turkey. A total of 219 patients (177 men and 42 women) presenting with acute coronary syndrome) and 51 control subjects between September 2007 and September 2008 were included in the study. Serum γ-glutamyltransferase and serum lipoprotein levels were determined. The resuls indicated that serum GGT levels were higher in acute coronary syndrome patients compared with control. In subgroup analyses, there was no difference between diabetic and non-diabetic subgroups. There was also weak correlation between GGT and blood glucose levels. There was no correlation between GGT and serum lipoprotein levels. In conclusion, serum GGT levels were higher in acute coronary syndrome patients. In subgroup analyses, There was no difference between diabetic and non diabetic subgroup.

A successful percutaneous retrieval of a fractured pacemaker lead from a segmental pulmonary artery.

A rarely reported complication of pacemaker lead extraction is embolization of the pulmonary vasculature by a fragmented lead tip. The tip fractured and migrated to the right pulmonary artery during the extraction, and it was successfully retrieved percutaneously. Percutaneous retrieval is an important treatment option of an embolized fragmented lead tip as it could sometimes lead to disastrous complications.