Antihypertensive Efficacy Of Nebivolol And Low Dose Spironolactone In Patients With Resistant Hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: Resistant hypertension is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. The optimal medical therapy is not fully elucidated in resistant hypertension. There are relatively few studies in the literature on the treatment of resistant hypertension. In this study, we compared the effectiveness of nebivolol 5 mg, a third generation beta-blocker, with spironolactone 25 mg in patients with resistant hypertension. METHODS: A total of 81 patients with resistant hypertension were included in the study. The spironolactone group was composed of 38 patients while the nebivolol group was composed of 43 patients. Resistant hypertension was defined as having office blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg while the patients were under 3 or more antihypertensive agents treatment which included diuretic agents. Office and ambulatory blood pressure at basal and after 8 weeks of treatment were recorded. RESULTS: Office systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in 24-hour ambulatory blood  pressure monitoring were significantly lower when compared to basal values in both nebivolol and spironolactone groups. The decrease in 24-hour mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure in nebivolol group was 14.9 ± 19.8 mmHg and 9.3 ± 12.7 mmHg compared to 19.5 ± 16.4 mmHg and 13.7 ± 10.8 mmHg in the spironolactone group, respectively. The decrease in 24-hour mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure was not significantly different between the nebivolol and spironolactone groups (P = 0.338 and P = 0.153). CONCLUSION: Nebivolol is an effective treatment option for resistant hypertension and the antihypertensive effect of nebivolol is similar to low-dose spironolactone.

Cardiovascular Outcomes After Mini-Crush or Double Kissing Crush Stenting Techniques for Complex Bifurcation Lesions: The EVOLUTE-CRUSH Registry.

Comparison of clinical outcomes of double kissing crush (DKC) and mini-crush (MC) techniques in patients with complex coronary bifurcation lesions is lacking. This study sought to determine the clinical results of DKC and MC stenting techniques in mid-term follow-up. This retrospective study included a total of 269 consecutive patients with complex bifurcation lesions who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention; 132 (49%) of them were treated with MC technique, whereas 137 (51%) treated with DKC technique. The primary end point was target lesion failure (TLF), defined as the combination of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, or clinically driven target lesion revascularization. This is the first study to compare the cardiovascular outcomes of DKC and MC stenting techniques in patients with complex bifurcation lesions. The SYNTAX scores were similar in both groups (23 [20 to 30] vs 23 [19 to 28], p = 0.631)]. The number of balloons (6.31 ± 1.80 vs 4.42 ± 0.87, p <0.001) and guidewires (3.55 ± 0.83 vs 2.86 ± 0.74, p <0.001) used, fluoroscopy time (21.55 ± 7.05 vs 16.66 ± 4.19 minutes, p <0.001), and procedure time (80.42 ± 27.95 vs 69.61 ± 18.97 minutes, p <0.001) were significantly higher in the DKC group. The rate of composite TLF was similar in complex bifurcation patients treated with MC than those treated with the DKC technique (14% vs 12%, p = 0.453). Moreover, both groups had similar rates in terms of cardiac death or all-cause death, target vessel-related myocardial infarction, clinically driven target lesion revascularization, and stent thrombosis. In conclusion, the present study showed that both techniques of bifurcation treatment met high angiographic success with low complication and similar TLF rates.

Systemic Immune-Inflammatory Index Is Associated with Residual SYNTAX Score in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Systemic immune-inflammatory index (platelet count × neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio) is a new marker that predicts adverse clinical outcomes in coronary artery diseases. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between the systemic immune-inflammatory index and residual SYNTAX score in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 518 consecutive patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with the diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction were analyzed. The severity of coronary artery diseases was determined by residual SYNTAX score. In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, systemic immune-inflammatory index with an optimal threshold value of 1025.1 could detect the presence of a high residual SYNTAX score; the patients were divided into 2 groups as low (326) and high (192) according to the threshold value. In addition, binary multiple logistic regression analysis methods were used to evaluate independent predictors of high residual SYNTAX score. RESULTS: In binary multiple logistic regression analysis, systemic immune-inflammatory index [odds ratio = 6.910; 95% CI = 4.203-11.360; P <.001] was an independent predictor of high residual SYNTAX score. In addition, there was a positive correlation between the systemic immune-inflammatory index and residual SYNTAX score (r = 0.350, P <.001). In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the systemic immune-inflammatory index with an optimal threshold value of 1025.1 could detect the presence of a high residual SYNTAX score with 73.8% sensitivity and 72.3% specificity. CONCLUSION: Systemic immune-inflammatory index, an inexpensive and easily measurable laboratory variable, was an independent predictor of the increased residual SYNTAX score in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

A Simple Predictor for Long-Term Mortality After Percutaneous Iliac Artery Intervention: Systemic Immune Inflammatory Index.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral arterial disease is a common disease all over the world. Medical treatment, percutaneous invasive treatment, and operation are the considerable options. Percutaneous treatment is a valid option with a higher patency rate. Systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) is a formula which is calculated as neutrophil count to platelet count divided into lymphocyte count. This formula demonstrates the active inflammatory state. In our study, we aimed to demonstrate the relationship with SII and the mortality, major cardiovascular events, and success rates of percutaneous treatment of iliac artery disease. METHODS: A total of 600 patients underwent percutaneous intervention due to iliac artery disease were enrolled. The primary end point was mortality and the secondary end points were in-hospital thrombosis, restenosis, residual stenosis, and postintervention complications. The best cut-off value of SII to predict mortality was determined and the patients were divided into 2 groups, as those with higher SII values (1,073.782 <) and as those with lower SII values (1,073.782 >). Each group was evaluated in terms of clinical, laboratory, and technical aspects. RESULTS: After exclusion criteria were applied, 417 patients were enrolled into the study. Patients with high SII values had higher rates of in-hospital thrombosis [0 (0%); 3 (2.2%), P = 0.037] and mortality [38 (13.7%); 46 (33.1%), P < 0.001]. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, chronic kidney disease [odds ratio: 4.104, 95 0.5 confidence interval: 2.250-7.487, P < 0.001] and SII [odds ratio: 3.346, 95 0.5 confidence interval: 1.982-5.649, P < 0.001] were found to be independent risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: SII is a relatively new, simple, and effective mortality risk predictor in patients with iliac artery disease who underwent percutaneous intervention. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first study which uses SII to predict mortality in such patient group.

C-reactive protein to albumin ratio provides important long-term prognostic information in patients undergoing endovascular abdominal aortic repair.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic value of C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR) is of import in cardiovascular diseases. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of the CAR in patients with asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). MATERIAL AND METHOD: We retrospectively evaluated 127 consecutive patients who underwent technically successful elective EVAR procedure between December 2014 and September 2020. The optimal CAR cut-off value was determined by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Based on the cut-off value, we investigated the association of CAR with long-term all-cause mortality. RESULTS: 32 (25.1%) of the patients experienced all-cause mortality during a mean 32.7 ± 21.7 months' follow-up. In the group with mortality, CAR was significantly higher than in the survivor group (4.63 (2.60-11.88) versus 1.63 (0.72-3.24), p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier curves showed a higher incidence of all-cause mortality in patients with high CAR compared to patients with low CAR (log-rank test, p < 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that glucose ≥ 110 mg/dL (HR: 2.740; 95% CI: 1.354-5.542; p = 0.005), creatinine ≥ 0.99 mg/dL (HR: 2.957, 95% CI: 1.282-6.819, p = 0.011) and CAR > 2.05 (HR: 8.190, 95% CI: 1.899-35.320, p = 0.005) were the independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSION: CAR was associated with a significant increase in postoperative long-term mortality in patients who underwent EVAR. Preoperatively calculated CAR can be used as an important prognostic factor.

A simplified acute kidney injury predictor following endovascular aortic repair: ACEF score.

OBJECTIVES: Treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) with endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) has become quite common in recent years. This method, which has many advantages compared to the open surgical procedure, also has some complications. One of these complications is acute kidney injury (AKI). ACEF (age, creatinine, and ejection fraction) score, which is gaining popularity, can be an easy-to-use and cost-effective method in detecting this condition that causes increased morbidity and mortality. We aimed to evaluate whether this ACEF score may predict a development of AKI in patients who underwent EVAR. METHODS: A total of 133 consecutive patients with AAA who underwent EVAR were analyzed. The primary endpoint of the study was the development of AKI. The best cut-off value for the ACEF score to predict the development of AKI was calculated and according to this value, the patients were divided into two groups as those with high ACEF scores and those with low ACEF scores. ACEF score was calculated by the formula of age/EF + 1 (if baseline creatinine > 2 mg/dL). RESULTS: After the exclusion criteria, a total of 118 patients were included in the study, and 20 (16.9%) of them developed AKI after EVAR. In the ROC curve analysis, a cut-off value of 1.34 was found for the ACEF score, and scores above this value were found to be independent predictors of AKI development after EVAR. In addition to the ACEF score, the contrast media volume was also found to be an independent predictor of the development of AKI. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, ACEF is a simple and effective scoring system in patients undergoing EVAR. To the best our knowledge, our study is the first study which applies ACEF score to predict AKI in EVAR patients.

The diagnostic role of "acceleration time" measurement in patients with classical low flow low gradient aortic stenosis with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction.

PURPOSE: In our study, we aimed to assess the role of acceleration time (AT), ejection time (ET), and AT/ET ratio to distinguish between true and pseudo severe AS in patients with classical low flow-low gradient (LF-LG) aortic stenosis (AS) with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). METHODS: Sixty-seven classical LF-LG AS with reduced LVEF patients who underwent dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) were included in the study. According to DSE results, all patients were divided into two groups; true AS and pseudo severe AS. Aortic valve calcium score was measured in patients with inconclusive DSE results. AT and other ejection dynamics (ET and AT/ET) were calculated by taking baseline echocardiographic records into account for all patients. The predictive power of AT and other ejection dynamics were evaluated to estimate true and pseudo severe AS. RESULTS: According to DSE results, out of 67 patients, 44 (65.7%) was diagnosed as true severe AS. There was a statistically significant relation between baseline AT and true AS [adjusted OR 4.47 (95% CI 1.93-10.4), p = 0.001]. The best cutoff value of AT was measured as 100 msec according to the Youden index. This value had a sensitivity value of 77%, specificity value of 87%, positive predictive value of 92%, and a negative predictive value of 67%. CONCLUSION: The measurement of AT can predict the DSE outcome and can be used for diagnostic purposes to distinguish between true and pseudo severe AS in classical LF-LG AS patients with reduced LVEF.

The prognostic value of C-reactive protein to albumin ratio in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a less invasive and safe therapeutic alternative in patients who are at very high surgical risk or in whom there are contraindications to open surgery. On the other hand, allocating transcatheter therapy to the adequate candidates and identifying a reliable and validated risk stratification tool for mortality prediction is still lacking. The C-reactive (CRP) to albumin ratio (CAR) is a novel inflammation-based prognostic tool and it is strongly associated with inflammation severity and mortality. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the predictive significance of CAR for mortality in patients who underwent TAVI. METHODS: The records of 321 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI due to symptomatic aortic stenosis between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2020 were analysed. Patients were divided into two groups based on the CAR values. For each group, all-cause, cardiovascular, and non-cardiovascular mortality occurring >72 h after the index procedure and at maximum follow-up was documented. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 40 (22-63) months. A total of 180 (56.1%) patients died during long-term follow-up. According to our study, median CAR values were significantly higher among patients who died during follow-ups compared to survivors [1.13 (0.69-2.21) vs 3.56 (1.53-10.00), p < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Our data showed that CAR is an independent predictor of long-term mortality in patients undergoing TAVI due to symptomatic aortic stenosis.

O Valor Preditivo do Escore CHA2DS2-VASc no Escore Syntax Residual em Pacientes com Infarto do Miocárdio com Supradesnivelamento do Segmento ST / The Predictive Value of CHA2DS2-VASc Score on Residual Syntax Score in Patients With ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Resumo Fundamento O escore CHA2DS2-VASc está associado a desfechos clínicos adversos em pacientes com doença cardiovascular. O escore Syntax residual (residual Syntax score — rSS) é uma ferramenta de pontuação que tem valor prognóstico em pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMCSST). Objetivos Este estudo objetivou investigar o valor preditivo do escore CHA2DS2-VASc para o rSS em pacientes com IAMCSST. Métodos Foram avaliados 688 pacientes consecutivos com IAMCSST submetidos à intervenção coronária percutânea. Além do escore CHA2DS2-VASc, variáveis demográficas e clínicas de referência foram analisadas. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo 1 - indivíduos com rSS até 8 (509 pacientes); grupo 2 - aqueles com rSS acima de 8 (179 pacientes). Valores p<0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados O escore CHA2DS2-VASc foi maior no grupo 2 [1 (0-2); 1 (1-3), p<0,001] comparado ao grupo 1. A incidência de hipertensão [151 (29,7%); 73 (40,8%), p=0,006], idade ≥75 anos [18 (3,5%); 21 (11,7%), p<0,001], diabetes mellitus [85 (16,7%); 50 (27,9%), p=0,001] e doença vascular [12 (2,4%); 11 (6,1%), p=0,029] foi maior no grupo 2. Na análise de regressão logística multivariada, o escore CHA2DS2-VASc (odds ratio — OR=1,355; intervalo de confiança de 95% — IC95%=1,171-1,568; p<0,001), idade ≥75 anos [OR=3,218; IC95%=1,645-6,295; p=0,001] e diabetes mellitus [OR=1,670; IC95%=1,091-2,557; p=0,018] foram preditores independentes de rSS elevado. A análise da curva receiver-operating characteristic demonstrou o bom valor preditivo do escore CHA2DS2-VASc para rSS elevado com valor de corte de 1,5 (área sob a curva/area under the curve — AUC= 0,611, IC95%=0,562-0,659, p<0,001). Conclusões O escore CHA2DS2-VASc tem valor preditivo para rSS em pacientes com IAMCSST. Além disso, o escore CHA2DS2-VASc foi um preditor independente de rSS mais alto.

Abstract Background The CHA2DS2-VASc score is associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease. The residual Syntax score (rSS) is a scoring tool which has prognostic value in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Objectives Our aim in this study is to investigate the predictive value of the CHA2DS2-VASc score on rSS in STEMI patients. Methods A total of 688 consecutive patients with STEMI undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention were evaluated. Baseline demographic and clinical variables besides the CHA2DS2-VASc score were assessed. The patients were divided into two groups; patients with rSS of 8 or below as group 1 (509 patients) and more than 8 as group 2 (179 patients). A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The CHA2DS2-VASc score was higher in group 2 [1 (0-2); 1 (1-3), p<0.001] compared to group 1. The incidence of hypertension [151 (29.7%); 73 (40.8%), p=0.006], patients ≥75 years [18 (3.5%); 21 (11.7%), p<0.001], diabetes mellitus [85 (16.7%); 50 (27.9%), p=0.001] and vascular disease [12 (2.4%); 11 (6.1%), p=0.029] were higher in group 2. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the CHA2DS2-VASc score (OR=1.355; 95%CI=1.171-1.568; p<0.001), age ≥75 years [OR=3.218; 95%CI=1.645-6.295; p=0.001] and diabetes mellitus [OR=1.670; 95%CI=1.091-2.557; p=0.018] were independent predictors of high rSS. The receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that the CHA2DS2-VASc score had good predictive value for high rSS with a cut-off value of 1.5 (area under curve (AUC): 0.611, 95% confidence interval (CI):0.562-0.659, p<0.001). Conclusions The CHA2DS2-VASc score has a predictive value on rSS in patients with STEMI. The CHA2DS2-VASc score was also an independent predictor of higher rSS.

The Predictive Value of CHA2DS2-VASc Score on Residual Syntax Score in Patients With ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction. / O Valor Preditivo do Escore CHA2DS2-VASc no Escore Syntax Residual em Pacientes com Infarto do Miocárdio com Supradesnivelamento do Segmento ST.

BACKGROUND: The CHA2DS2-VASc score is associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease. The residual Syntax score (rSS) is a scoring tool which has prognostic value in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). OBJECTIVES: Our aim in this study is to investigate the predictive value of the CHA2DS2-VASc score on rSS in STEMI patients. METHODS: A total of 688 consecutive patients with STEMI undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention were evaluated. Baseline demographic and clinical variables besides the CHA2DS2-VASc score were assessed. The patients were divided into two groups; patients with rSS of 8 or below as group 1 (509 patients) and more than 8 as group 2 (179 patients). A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The CHA2DS2-VASc score was higher in group 2 [1 (0-2); 1 (1-3), p<0.001] compared to group 1. The incidence of hypertension [151 (29.7%); 73 (40.8%), p=0.006], patients ≥75 years [18 (3.5%); 21 (11.7%), p<0.001], diabetes mellitus [85 (16.7%); 50 (27.9%), p=0.001] and vascular disease [12 (2.4%); 11 (6.1%), p=0.029] were higher in group 2. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the CHA2DS2-VASc score (OR=1.355; 95%CI=1.171-1.568; p<0.001), age ≥75 years [OR=3.218; 95%CI=1.645-6.295; p=0.001] and diabetes mellitus [OR=1.670; 95%CI=1.091-2.557; p=0.018] were independent predictors of high rSS. The receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that the CHA2DS2-VASc score had good predictive value for high rSS with a cut-off value of 1.5 (area under curve (AUC): 0.611, 95% confidence interval (CI):0.562-0.659, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The CHA2DS2-VASc score has a predictive value on rSS in patients with STEMI. The CHA2DS2-VASc score was also an independent predictor of higher rSS.

FUNDAMENTO: O escore CHA2DS2-VASc está associado a desfechos clínicos adversos em pacientes com doença cardiovascular. O escore Syntax residual (residual Syntax score ­ rSS) é uma ferramenta de pontuação que tem valor prognóstico em pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMCSST). OBJETIVOS: Este estudo objetivou investigar o valor preditivo do escore CHA2DS2-VASc para o rSS em pacientes com IAMCSST. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 688 pacientes consecutivos com IAMCSST submetidos à intervenção coronária percutânea. Além do escore CHA2DS2-VASc, variáveis demográficas e clínicas de referência foram analisadas. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo 1 ­ indivíduos com rSS até 8 (509 pacientes); grupo 2 ­ aqueles com rSS acima de 8 (179 pacientes). Valores p<0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. RESULTADOS: O escore CHA2DS2-VASc foi maior no grupo 2 [1 (0­2); 1 (1­3), p<0,001] comparado ao grupo 1. A incidência de hipertensão [151 (29,7%); 73 (40,8%), p=0,006], idade ≥75 anos [18 (3,5%); 21 (11,7%), p<0,001], diabetes mellitus [85 (16,7%); 50 (27,9%), p=0,001] e doença vascular [12 (2,4%); 11 (6,1%), p=0,029] foi maior no grupo 2. Na análise de regressão logística multivariada, o escore CHA2DS2-VASc (odds ratio ­ OR=1,355; intervalo de confiança de 95% ­ IC95%=1,171­1,568; p<0,001), idade ≥75 anos [OR=3,218; IC95%=1,645­6,295; p=0,001] e diabetes mellitus [OR=1,670; IC95%=1,091­2,557; p=0,018] foram preditores independentes de rSS elevado. A análise da curva receiver-operating characteristic demonstrou o bom valor preditivo do escore CHA2DS2-VASc para rSS elevado com valor de corte de 1,5 (área sob a curva/area under the curve ­ AUC= 0,611, IC95%=0,562­0,659, p<0,001). CONCLUSÕES: O escore CHA2DS2-VASc tem valor preditivo para rSS em pacientes com IAMCSST. Além disso, o escore CHA2DS2-VASc foi um preditor independente de rSS mais alto.

The role of three dimensional transesophageal echocardiography novel-score in the success of redo percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty.

Mitral valve commissure evaluation is known to be important in the success of percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV) and Wilkins score (WS) is used in clinical practice. In our study, we aimed to determine whether WS in redo PBMV is sufficient in the success of procedure and additionally we have evaluated a novel scoring system including three dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) of the mitral valve structure before redo PBMV in terms of success of the procedure. Fifty patients who underwent redo PBMV were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the success of the Redo PBMV procedure which was defined as post-procedural MVA ≥ 1.5 cm2 and post-procedural mitral regurgitation less than moderate by echocardiographic evaluation after PBMV. A novel score based on 3D TEE findings was created by analyzing the images recorded before Redo PBMV and by evaluating the mitral commissure and calcification. The role of traditional WS and novel score in the success of the procedure were investigated. In the study group, 36 patients (72%) had successful redo PBMV procedure. WS was 8 (IQR 7-9) and novel 3D TEE score was found 4 (IQR 3-4) in the whole study group. While no statistically significant relationship was found between WS and procedural success (p = 0.187), a statistically significant relationship was found between novel 3D TEE score and procedural success (p = 0.042). Specifically, the procedural successes rate was > 90% when novel 3D TEE score was < 4. The novel 3D TEE score might be an informative scoring system in the selection of suitable patients for successful redo PBMV, especially in patients who are considered for surgery due to the high WS.

Relação entre o Realce Tardio pelo Gadolínio e os Parâmetros de Repolarização Ventricular em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca com Fração de Ejeção Reduzida / Relationship between Late Gadolinium Enhancement and Ventricular Repolarization Parameters in Heart Failure Patients with Reduced Ejection Fraction

Resumo Fundamento A insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção reduzida (ICFEr) é uma doença de alta prevalência que requer hospitalizações repetidas e causa morbimortalidade significativa. Portanto, o reconhecimento precoce de preditores de resultados desfavoráveis é essencial para o manejo do paciente. Objetivo O objetivo do presente estudo é investigar a relação entre realce tardio pelo gadolínio (RTG) detectado por ressonância magnética cardíaca (RMC) e os parâmetros de repolarização, como o intervalo QT corrigido (QTc), intervalo Tp-e, ângulo QRS-T frontal detectado pelo eletrocardiograma (ECG) de 12 derivações na ICFEr. Método Neste estudo observacional, retrospectivo, de centro único, foram incluídos 97 pacientes consecutivos com ICFEr submetidos à RMC. A população do estudo foi dividida em dois grupos, de acordo com a presença de RTG. Foram registradas medidas ecocardiográficas e de RMC e características demográficas. Os intervalos QTc, intervalos Tp-e, e ângulos QRS-T frontais foram calculados a partir do ECG. Um valor de p <0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados O RTG foi detectado em 52 (53,6%) de 97 pacientes com ICFEr. Os intervalos QTc (p=0,001), intervalos Tp-e (p<0,001), e os ângulos QRS-T frontais (p<0,001) foram significativamente maiores no grupo RTG quando comparados ao grupo não-RTG. Na análise de regressão univariada realizada para investigar os preditores de RTG na ICFEr, todos os três parâmetros de repolarização alcançaram valores significativos, mas na análise multivariada o único parâmetro de repolarização que permaneceu significativo foi o intervalo Tp-e (OR = 1,085 IC 95% 1,032-1,140, p=0,001). Conclusão Com o prolongamento do intervalo Tp-e, pode-se prever a presença de fibrose miocárdica, a qual é um substrato arritmogênico, em pacientes com ICFEr.

Abstract Background Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a highly prevalent disease that requires repeating hospitalizations, causes significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, early recognition of poor outcome predictors is essential for patient management. Objective The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) detected by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and repolarization parameters such as corrected QT (QTc) interval, Tp-e interval, frontal QRS-T angle detected by 12 lead electrocardiograph (ECG) in HFrEF. Method In this single-center, retrospective observational study included 97 consecutive HFrEF patients who had CMR scan. Study population was divided into two groups according to the presence of LGE. Echocardiographic and CMR measurements and demographic features were recorded. QTc intervals, Tp-e intervals, frontal QRS-T angles were calculated from the ECG. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results LGE was detected in 52 (53.6%) out of 97 HFrEF patients. QTc intervals (p=0.001), Tp-e intervals (p<0.001), frontal QRS-T angles (p<0.001) were found to be significantly higher in LGE group when compared to non-LGE group. In univariate regression analysis which was performed to investigate the predictors of LGE in HFrEF, all three repolarization parameters were reached significant values but in multivariate analysis the only repolarization parameter remained significant was Tp-e interval (OR=1.085 95% CI 1.032-1.140, p=0.001). Conclusion With the prolongation of the Tp-e interval, the presence of myocardial fibrosis which is an arrhythmogenic substrate, can be predicted in patients with HFrEF.

Novel markers of ventricular repolarization are associated with mortality in patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis.

INTRODUCTION: Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common degenerative valvular heart disease that can affect left ventricular functions. Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio is a novel repolarization marker which is associated with adverse cardiovascular events in several cardiovascular diseases. In our study, our aim is to investigate the prognostic effect of Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios on mortality in patients who underwent successful surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR). METHODS: A total of three hundred seventy-five patients undergoing successful surgical AVR were included in this study. Then, patients were divided into two groups according to mortality as group 1 without mortality (342 patients) and group 2 with mortality (33 patients). Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT, and Tp-e/QTc ratios were calculated for both groups. RESULTS: Tp-e interval (71 (63.7-77); 86 (84-88), p < .001), Tp-e/QT ratio (0.19 (0.17-0.20); 0.23 (0.22-0.23), p < .001) and Tp-e/QTc ratio (0.17 ± 0.02; 0.21 ± 0.01, p < .001) were higher in group 2 compared to group 1. In multivariate logistic regression analyses Tp-e interval (odds ratio [OR]: 1.315, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.203-1.437, p < .001), Tp-e/QT ratio (OR: 7.334, 95% CI: 3.274-1.643, p < .001) and Tp-e/QTc ratio (OR: 2.567, 95% CI: 4.106-1.605, p < .001) were found to be independent predictors of mortality. Additionally, a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis also revealed that long term survival was found to be significantly decreased in patients with higher Tp-e/QT ratio (Log-Rank p < .001) and Tp-e/QTc ratio (Log-Rank p < .001). CONCLUSION: Tp-e interval, Tp-e dispersion, Tp-e/QT, and Tp-e/QTc ratios are associated with worse prognosis after surgical AVR in patients with severe AS. All of them are also independent predictors of mortality.

The relationship between plasma proadrenomedullin level and severity of the disease in patients with isolated rheumatic mitral stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to determine the plasma proadrenomedullin (ProADM) levels in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS), to evaluate the relationship between ProADM levels and the echocardiographic parameters that represent the severity of stenosis and symptoms, and to compare the ProADM and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, which is a well-known marker for rheumatic MS. METHODS: Our study included 53 consecutive patients with isolated rheumatic MS and 45 volunteers with similar age and gender features. Patients with MS were divided into two groups based on the presence of an indication for intervention. Detailed echocardiographic examinations were performed on all participants, and blood samples were collected to detect the NT-proBNP and ProADM levels. RESULTS: NT-proBNP and ProADM levels were significantly higher in the rheumatic MS group compared with the control group. In rheumatic MS groups, patients with an indication for intervention had higher levels of NT-proBNP and ProADM compared with patients without an indication for intervention. Moreover, NT-proBNP and ProADM levels were found to be significantly correlated with echocardiographic parameters, which revealed the severity of stenosis in various degrees. Both parameters increased as the New York Heart Association (NYHA) class increased, and this increase had a statistical significance. Additionally, the cut-off values of both parameters (NT-proBNP: 119.9 pg/mL, ProADM: 6.15 nmol/L) could detect patients with an indication for intervention with high sensitivity and specificity rates. NT-proBNP was found to be slightly more effective in this regard. CONCLUSION: The increased NT-proBNP and ProADM levels in patients with isolated rheumatic MS can help clinicians in distinguishing patients with an indication for intervention by providing additional information to echocardiography.

Association Between Nutritional Indices and Long-Term Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Background It is well known that approximately 20% of patients who undergo cardiac surgery experience weight loss in postoperative period. However, there is a lack of data on postoperative consequences of malnutrition. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between nutritional status and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Material and methods A total of 586 patients who underwent isolated CABG in our center between January 2015 and March 2016 were included in this study. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) defined as a composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke. Patients were divided into two groups based on their MACCE outcomes. Prognostic nutritional index (PNI), geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), and controlling nutritional status (CONUT) scores were used to show the nutritional status. Results The mean follow-up time of the whole study group was 38.08 ± 13.4 months. The follow-up time was 39 ± 13 months in patients with mortality, while it was 20 ± 15 months in those without mortality. The PNI and GNRI values were lower in patients with major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) compared to patients without MACCE. The median CONUT score was higher in patients with MACCE. Conclusion Our study showed that nutritional indices including PNI, CONUT, and GNRI were associated with long-term MACCE and mortality in patients who underwent isolated CABG. The use of these scores in order to predict prognosis in patients treated with CABG seems to be an applicable method in clinical practice.

Relationship between Late Gadolinium Enhancement and Ventricular Repolarization Parameters in Heart Failure Patients with Reduced Ejection Fraction. / Relação entre o Realce Tardio pelo Gadolínio e os Parâmetros de Repolarização Ventricular em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca com Fração de Ejeção Reduzida.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a highly prevalent disease that requires repeating hospitalizations, causes significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, early recognition of poor outcome predictors is essential for patient management. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) detected by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and repolarization parameters such as corrected QT (QTc) interval, Tp-e interval, frontal QRS-T angle detected by 12 lead electrocardiograph (ECG) in HFrEF. METHOD: In this single-center, retrospective observational study included 97 consecutive HFrEF patients who had CMR scan. Study population was divided into two groups according to the presence of LGE. Echocardiographic and CMR measurements and demographic features were recorded. QTc intervals, Tp-e intervals, frontal QRS-T angles were calculated from the ECG. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: LGE was detected in 52 (53.6%) out of 97 HFrEF patients. QTc intervals (p=0.001), Tp-e intervals (p<0.001), frontal QRS-T angles (p<0.001) were found to be significantly higher in LGE group when compared to non-LGE group. In univariate regression analysis which was performed to investigate the predictors of LGE in HFrEF, all three repolarization parameters were reached significant values but in multivariate analysis the only repolarization parameter remained significant was Tp-e interval (OR=1.085 95% CI 1.032-1.140, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: With the prolongation of the Tp-e interval, the presence of myocardial fibrosis which is an arrhythmogenic substrate, can be predicted in patients with HFrEF.

FUNDAMENTO: A insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção reduzida (ICFEr) é uma doença de alta prevalência que requer hospitalizações repetidas e causa morbimortalidade significativa. Portanto, o reconhecimento precoce de preditores de resultados desfavoráveis é essencial para o manejo do paciente. OBJETIVO: O objetivo do presente estudo é investigar a relação entre realce tardio pelo gadolínio (RTG) detectado por ressonância magnética cardíaca (RMC) e os parâmetros de repolarização, como o intervalo QT corrigido (QTc), intervalo Tp-e, ângulo QRS-T frontal detectado pelo eletrocardiograma (ECG) de 12 derivações na ICFEr. MÉTODO: Neste estudo observacional, retrospectivo, de centro único, foram incluídos 97 pacientes consecutivos com ICFEr submetidos à RMC. A população do estudo foi dividida em dois grupos, de acordo com a presença de RTG. Foram registradas medidas ecocardiográficas e de RMC e características demográficas. Os intervalos QTc, intervalos Tp-e, e ângulos QRS-T frontais foram calculados a partir do ECG. Um valor de p <0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. RESULTADOS: O RTG foi detectado em 52 (53,6%) de 97 pacientes com ICFEr. Os intervalos QTc (p=0,001), intervalos Tp-e (p<0,001), e os ângulos QRS-T frontais (p<0,001) foram significativamente maiores no grupo RTG quando comparados ao grupo não-RTG. Na análise de regressão univariada realizada para investigar os preditores de RTG na ICFEr, todos os três parâmetros de repolarização alcançaram valores significativos, mas na análise multivariada o único parâmetro de repolarização que permaneceu significativo foi o intervalo Tp-e (OR = 1,085 IC 95% 1,032-1,140, p=0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Com o prolongamento do intervalo Tp-e, pode-se prever a presença de fibrose miocárdica, a qual é um substrato arritmogênico, em pacientes com ICFEr.

A simplified acute kidney injury predictor following transcatheter aortic valve implantation: ACEF score.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an effective, less invasive treatment alternative for symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS). Acute kidney injury (AKI) following TAVI is a common complication and is associated with worse outcomes. The age, creatinine, ejection fraction (ACEF) score is a simple scoring method, including only three parameters: age, creatinine, and ejection fraction (EF). The score was well established in predicting AKI after coronary interventions. AIMS: We aimed to evaluate whether this simple scoring method, ACEF, may predict a development of AKI in patients who underwent TAVI. METHODS: A total of 173 consecutive patients with symptomatic severe AS who underwent TAVI were included retrospectively. The primary endpoint of the study was the development of AKI. Study population was divided into two groups according to the presence of AKI. The ACEF score was calculated with the formula: age/EF + 1 (if baseline creatinine >2 mg/dl). RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients developed AKI. The median (interquartile range) ACEF score was 1.36 (1.20-1.58). The ACEF score was found to be an independent predictor of AKI (P <0.001). The ACEF score ≥1.36 predicted AKI development with a sensitivity of 96.6% and specificity of 58.8%. Moreover, hypertension, hemoglobin levels, contrast volume, and aortic valve area (AVA) were found to be independent predictors of AKI. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that the ACEF score was an independent predictor of AKI. A simple and objective score might be very useful in predicting AKI development in patients undergoing TAVI.

Predictors of long-term mortality in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing emergent coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery as a primary treatment for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is still debated. This study aimed to evaluate the predictors of long-term mortality in STEMI patients undergoing emergent CABG. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the long-term mortality predictors in patients with STEMI revascularized by primary CABG. METHODS: This retrospective study included 88 consecutive patients with STEMI, who did not qualify for primary percutaneous intervention and required emergent CABG between 2010 and 2017. The study population was divided into the following 2 groups: survivors and nonsurvivors. The 2 groups were compared in terms of demographics, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative characteristics. RESULTS: 23 of the 88 patients, died during the median 92.8 (69.0-105.1) months of follow-up. Data were evaluated with univariate and multivariate analyses. Killip class (p<0.001) was found to be an independent predictor of long-term all-cause mortality in patients with STEMI revascularized by CABG, and mortality rates increased significantly as Killip class increased (log-rank test, p<0.001). Moreover, age (p=0.044) was found to be an independent predictor of long-term mortality. Left ventricular ejection fraction, glomerular filtration rate, glucose levels, and left anterior descending artery to the left internal mammary artery graft usage (p=0.001, p=0.009, p<0.001, and p=0.039, respectively) were significantly associated with long-term all-cause mortality for our study population. CONCLUSION: Killip class was found to be an independent predictor of long-term all-cause mortality in patients with STEMI who underwent emergent CABG. The patients' admission status may give valuable information about long-term mortality.

Determination of Cerebrovascular Accident Predictors in Patients with New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is associated with an increased risk of short and long-term stroke. Our aim is to identify the independent predictors of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) development in the patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and developed POAF which lasted within 48 h. METHOD: 301 consecutive patients who underwent isolated CABG surgery in our institution between January 2015 and September 2019 and developed POAF which lasted within 48 h, were retrospectively analyzed. Oral anticoagulant (OAC) treatment was not started in any of these patients, and those who received OAC during follow-ups, were excluded from the study. The predictors of CVA development after mean 32.1± 17.9 months follow-up, were determined by using the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: 20 (6.6%) patients developed CVA, in which 6 (2.0%) of them were in-hospital events. As a result of the multivariate analysis, being over 70 year-old, history of CVA, hypertension (HT), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 45% were determined as the independent predictors of CVA development over time. Having at least two of these factors could predict CVA development with sensitivity of 95.0% and specificity of 82.2%. This predictive value was better than the value obtained with CHA2DS2-VASc score. CONCLUSION: The risk factors which we have obtained, might be used to evaluate the risk of CVA development over time in the patients who underwent isolated CABG surgery and developed POAF which lasted within 48 h.

Malnutrition provides important long-term prognostic information in patients undergoing endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVES: Malnutrition has been shown to be associated with survival in a variety of diseases. Our aim is to evaluate the prognostic value of objective nutritional indexes indicating malnutrition, in patients underwent endovascular aortic replacement. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 149 consecutive patients who underwent technically successful endovascular aortic replacement operation between October 2010 and August 2019. Objective nutritional indexes, prognostic nutritional index, geriatric nutritional risk index and controlling nutritional status, scores were calculated using the preoperative data. Optimal cut-off values were obtained by receiver operating characteristic analysis. According to the cut-off values, we investigated the relationship between indexes and the long-term all-cause mortality. RESULTS: During mean 48.0 ± 30.3 months follow-up duration, in 47 of patients (31.5%), all-cause mortality were documented. In mortality group, prognostic nutritional index (42.8 ± 7.1 vs 51.3 ± 5.2, p < 0.001) and geriatric nutritional risk index (100.7 ± 10.1 vs 107.6 ± 9.2, p < 0.001) were significantly lower, controlling nutritional status score (2.0 (1.0-4.0) vs 1.0 (0.0-2.0), p < 0.001) was higher when compared to survivor group. Kaplan-Meier curves presented higher mortality incidence in malnutrition patients evaluated with objective nutritional indexes (Log-rang test, for all three indexes p < 0.001). Besides Cox-proportional hazard analysis showed all three nutritional indexes may be a predictive marker for all-cause mortality, prognostic nutritional index introduced more valuable data than other two indexes. CONCLUSIONS: Malnutrition is associated with significant increase in postoperative long-term mortality in endovascular aortic replacement patients. Preoperatively calculated objective nutritional indexes especially prognostic nutritional index can be used as an important prognostic tool.