Accessory pathway localization with probabilistic density maps generated by a mobile application: Assessment of a full pre-excitation net-vector method.

INTRODUCTION: Precise electrocardiographic localization of accessory pathways (AP) can be challenging. Seminal AP localization studies were limited by complexity of algorithms and sample size. We aimed to create a nonalgorithmic method for AP localization based on color-coded maps of AP distribution generated by a web-based application. METHODS: APs were categorized into 19 regions/types based on invasive electrophysiologic mapping. Preexcited QRS complexes were categorized into 6 types based on polarity and notch/slur. For each QRS type in each lead the distribution of APs was visualized on a gradient map. The principle of common set was used to combine the single lead maps to create the distribution map for AP with any combination of QRS types in several leads. For the validation phase, a separate cohort of APs was obtained. RESULTS: A total of 800 patients with overt APs were studied. The application used the exploratory data set of 553 consecutive APs and the corresponding QRS complexes to generate AP localization maps for any possible combination of QRS types in 12 leads. Optimized approach (on average 3 steps) for evaluation of preexcited electrcardiogram was developed. The area of maximum probability of AP localization was pinpointed by providing the QRS type for the subsequent leads. The exploratory data set was validated with the separate cohort of APs (n = 256); p = .23 for difference in AP distribution. CONCLUSIONS: In the largest data set of APs to-date, a novel probabilistic and semi-automatic approach to electrocardiographic localization of APs was highly predictive for anatomic localization.

Are Measures of Health Status for the Total Population Good Proxies for the Health of the Older Population in International Comparison Studies?

In the face of population aging, the health of older people is becoming especially important, impacting various areas of life, societies and countries' economies. To provide the basis for effective decisions to achieve better health, comparative analyses can be used to find best practices to follow. The aim of the research was to check whether drawing conclusions about the older population's health based on the health status of the total population is justified in international comparison analyses. An analysis was conducted for six population health indicators for European countries from 2010-2019. Rankings were created for the total population and the older subpopulation, and then ranks for these two populations were compared using statistical methods. The statistical analyses indicate that there is a strong, statistically significant relationship between the ranks for the total and the older population. However, looking at the descriptive analysis and visual presentation of data, differences in international rankings of indicator values for these two populations can be observed. As older people comprise a specific group of the population that is growing ever bigger and increasingly significant, it would be advisable to present the results of international comparisons not only for the total, but separately for the older population as well.

Comparison of six risk scores for the prediction of atrial fibrillation recurrence after cryoballoon-based ablation and development of a simplified method, the 0-1-2 PL score.

INTRODUCTION: There are several prognostic scores for the assessment of risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence post ablation procedure. However, the use of these complex scores is difficult and the validation on different populations brought divergent results. Our goal was to compare the performance of these risk scores as the basis for the development of a new, simplified score based only on few universally predictive variables. METHODS: All cryoballoon-based AF ablations performed in a single-center over a 10-year period were prospectively analyzed with regard to AF recurrence. This served to analyze the performance of APPLE, CAAP-AF, SCALE-CryoAF, MB-LATER, CHADS2, and CHA2DS2-VASc risk scores. RESULTS: A total of 597 patients, mostly (78.1%) with paroxysmal AF were studied. Analyzed risk scores performed poorer than in the original publications because some risk factors were not predictive of AF recurrence. A simplified score named 0-1-2 PL, composed of just two universally predictive variables, AF type (1 point for Persistent AF) and LA dimension (1 point for LA size >45 mm) was developed. The 0-1-2 PL score stratified patients into low risk (0 points), intermediate risk (1 point), and high risk categories (2 points) which were related to a 2-year risk of AF recurrence of 21%, 37%, and 55%, respectively. This score had C-statistics (0.620) higher/comparable to other investigated much more complex scores. CONCLUSION: The assessment of risk of AF recurrence at the pre-ablation stage can be simplified without compromising accuracy. This could help to popularize risk assessment and standardization of AF management.

Comparison of blood pressure values and expression of genes associated with hypertension in children before and after hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Hypertension is a well-known late effect of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), but no markers predicting its development are known. Our aim was to assess short-term blood pressure (BP) values and expressions of hypertension-associated genes as possible markers of hypertension in children treated with HCT. We measured systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), using both office procedure and ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) in children before HCT and after a median of 6 months after HCT. We compared the results with two control groups, one of healthy children and another of children with simple obesity. We also performed microarray analysis of hypertension-associated genes in patients treated with HCT and children with obesity. We found no significant differences in SBP and DBP in patients before and after HCT. We found significant differences in expressions of certain genes in patients treated with HCT compared with children with obesity. We concluded that BP values in short-term follow-up after HCT do not seem to be useful predictors of hypertension as a late effect of HCT. However, over expressions of certain hypertension-associated genes might be used as markers of hypertension as a late effect of HCT if this is confirmed in larger long-term studies.

Gastrointestinal peptides in children before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal tract function and it's integrity are controlled by a number of peptides whose secretion is influenced by severe inflammation. In stomach the main regulatory peptide is ghrelin. For upper small intestine cholecystokinin and lower small intestine glucagon-like peptide- 1 are secreted, while fibroblast growth factor-21 is secreted by several organs, including the liver, pancreas, and adipose tissue [12]. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation causes serious mucosal damage, which can reflect on this peptides. METHODS: The aim of the study was to determine fasting plasma concentrations of ghrelin, cholecystokinin, glucagon- like peptide-1, and fibroblast growth factor-21, and their gene expressions, before and 6 months after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.27 children were studied, control group included 26 healthy children. RESULTS: Acute graft versus host disease was diagnosed in 11 patients (41%, n = 27). Median pre-transplantation concentrations of gastrointestinal peptides, as well as their gene expressions, were significantly lower in studied group compared with the control group. Only median of fibroblast growth factor-21 concentration was near-significantly higher before stem cell transplantation than in the control group. The post-hematopoietic transplant results revealed significantly higher concentrations of the studied peptides (except fibroblast growth factor-21) and respective gene expressions as compare to pre transplant results. Median glucagone like peptide-1 concentrations were significantly decreased in patients with features of acute graft versus host disease. Moreover, negative correlation between glucagone like peptide-1 concentrations and acute graft versus host disease severity was found. CONCLUSIONS: Increased concentrations and gene expressions of gastrointestinal tract regulation peptides can be caused by stimulation of regeneration in the severe injured organ. Measurement of these parameters may be a useful method of assessment of severity of gastrointestinal tract complications of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Malignant ventricular arrhythmias and other complications of untreated accessory pathways: an analysis of prevalence and risk factors in over 600 ablation cases.

BACKGROUND: The presence of accessory pathways (APs) is a risk factor for sudden cardiac death and other clinical complications. AIMS: We aimed to characterize all adverse events likely related to the presence of APs in patients referred for AP ablation and to identify risk factors for malignant arrhythmias. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients referred for AP ablation from 2002 to 2017. Electrocardiograms, electrophysiological system records, and hospital discharge notes were reviewed. We collected data concerning symptoms before ablation, occurrence of ventricular fibrillation or malignant atrial fibrillation (AF), as well as other complications related to APs. RESULTS: We identified 602 patients with APs. Serious AP­related events were observed in 41 patients, including 14 sudden cardiac arrests (1 death) and 16 pre­cardiac arrest events. Other complications included strokes, pulmonary edema, heart failure, and unnecessary device implantation. The risk of malignant arrhythmias decreased with a longer shortest preexcited RR interval (per 10 ms: odds ratio [OR], 1.3; 95% CI, 1.16­1.47) and increased with age (per 10 years: OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.06­1.57). The presence of inducible AF, but not sole atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia, increased the risk for malignant arrhythmias when compared with patients without any inducible arrhythmias. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with APs referred for ablation commonly present with various adverse events. The predictive value of clinical risk factors for malignant arrhythmias is too low to prevent devastating consequences. When high safety and efficacy of AP ablation are ensured, even a low risk of sudden death is unacceptable and a lower threshold for prophylactic ablation should be used to prevent AP­related adverse events.

Outcomes of atrial fibrillation ablation program based on single-shot techniques.

INTRODUCTION: Single-shot techniques such as cryoballoon and multipolar phased pulmonary vein ablation catheter (PVAC) are an alternative to the point-by-point radiofrequency method for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. However, there is a lack of data concerning sequential use of single-shot techniques, that is, for both the index and redo ablation. AIM: To assess long-term outcomes of the 'single-shot techniques only' AF ablation strategy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed all consecutive AF ablations performed over a 10-year period (2009-2019) in a center where a 'single-shot technique only' principle was followed from the start of the AF ablation program. Kaplan-Meier AF-free survival curves were calculated and complications were assessed on the basis of our prospectively maintained database. RESULTS: A total of 597 patients (62.4 ±12.5 years) with paroxysmal (78.1%) or persistent (21.9%) AF entered the study and 655 AF ablation procedures were performed. In 96.5% of redos (n = 58) a different technique (mostly PVAC) was used than for the index ablation (mostly cryoballoon). The Kaplan-Meier estimates of 1, 2 and 5 years freedom from AF were 78.2%, 69.2%, and 56.0%, for the index ablation, and 80.3%, 76.1% and 68.3%, for the redo, respectively. The minor and major complication rates were 8.1%, and 4.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: An AF ablation program based solely on sequential use of two different single-shot techniques for both index and redo procedures is safe and effective. These observations might have important practical implications for new operators/centers starting AF ablation programs and for use of single-shot techniques for redo procedures.

CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores as tools for long-term mortality prognosis in patients with typical atrial flutter after catheter ablation.

BACKGROUND: The CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores were shown to predict mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, pathophysiology and treatment outcomes of atrial fibrillation and typical atrial flutter (AFL) differ. Consequently, the prognosis of patients with AFL can also be different. AIMS: The aim of the study was to assess CHADS2 and CHA2DS2­VASc scores as mortality predictors in patients with typical AFL. METHODS: Large cohort of consecutive patients with typical AFL who underwent catheter ablation was retrospectively analyzed. The CHADS2 and CHA2DS2­VASc were calculated using hospital record data. All-cause mortality data was obtained from the registry of national personal identification numbers. The Kaplan-Meier method and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were applied for survival and hazard ratio analyses, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 469 patients hospitalized for typical AFL ablation were enrolled (mean [SD] age, 63.7 [12.2] years; male sex, 69.1%). Patients were followed from 2 to 12 years resulting in 2974 patient­years of follow­up. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed a negative impact of each component of the CHADS2 and CHA2DS2­VASc scores on survival with the exception of stroke (not significant) and female sex (related to abetter survival). Consequently, higher scores were predictive of higher all­cause mortality rates (2.7%-54% at 10 years); the CHA2DS2­VASc score was equally predictive as the CHADS2 score. CONCLUSIONS: In patients referred for typical AFL ablation, the CHADS2 score can be applied for prognostic assessment. A successful AFL ablation procedure should not divert the attention from recognizing and addressing other medical issues that have an impact on long­term mortality, which remains very high in this population of patients.

Electrocardiographic characterization of non-selective His-bundle pacing: validation of novel diagnostic criteria.

AIMS: Permanent His-bundle (HB) pacing is usually accompanied by simultaneous capture of the adjacent right ventricular (RV) myocardium-this is described as a non-selective (ns)-HB pacing. It is of clinical importance to confirm HB capture using standard electrocardiogram (ECG). Our aim was to identify ECG criteria for loss of HB capture during ns-HB pacing. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with permanent HB pacing were recruited. Electrocardiograms during ns-HB pacing and loss of HB capture (RV-only capture) were obtained. Electrocardiogram criteria for loss/presence of HB capture were identified. In the validation phase, these criteria and the 'HB ECG algorithm' were tested using a separate, sizable set of ECGs. A total of 353 ECG (226 ns-HB and 128 RV-only) were obtained from 226 patients with permanent HB pacing devices. QRS notch/slur in left ventricular leads and R-wave peak time (RWPT) in lead V6 were identified as the best features for differentiation. The 'HB ECG algorithm' based on these features correctly classified 87.1% of cases with sensitivity and specificity of 93.2% and 83.9%, respectively. The criteria for definitive diagnosis of ns-HB capture (no QRS slur/notch in Leads I, V1, V4-V6, and the V6 RWPT ≤ 100 ms) presented 100% specificity. CONCLUSION: A novel ECG algorithm for the diagnosis of loss of HB capture and criteria for definitive confirmation of HB capture were formulated and validated. The algorithm might be useful during follow-up and the criteria for definitive confirmation of ns-HB capture offer a simple and reliable ancillary procedural endpoint during HB device implantation.

Differences in patients and lesion and procedure characteristics depending on the age of the coronary chronic total occlusion.

INTRODUCTION: Whether duration of chronic total occlusion (CTO) affects lesion and procedural characteristics remains largely unknown. AIM: To investigate whether CTO duration influences lesion characteristics and revascularization success. MATERIAL AND METHODS: EuroCTO Registry data on patients who had CTO percutaneous coronary intervention between January 2015 and April 2017 were analyzed. Three groups were created based on occlusion age: 3 to 6 months (n = 1415), 7 to 12 months (n = 973), > 12 months (n = 1656). RESULTS: Patients with greater CTO duration were older (63.0 (56.0-70.0); 63.0 (56.0-71.0); 66.0 (59.0-73.0) years respectively; p < 0.001), had more 3-vessel disease (32.2%; 30.9%; 46.1% respectively; p < 0.001) and more frequent prior coronary artery bypass grafting (8.2%; 9.9%; 29.4% respectively; p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, occlusion duration was associated with moderate/severe calcification (OR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.28-1.80; p < 0.001), lesion length > 20 mm (OR 1.77; 95% CI 1.49-2.10; p < 0.001), and collateral circulation Werner type 2 (OR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.01-1.43; p = 0.041). The CTO duration was associated with lower procedural success (OR for success 0.60; 95% CI: 0.46-0.79; p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis in-hospital adverse events did not differ according to duration of CTO. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary artery CTO duration is associated with greater extent of calcification, lesion length, development of collateral circulation and, most importantly, with lower procedural success.

True left bundle branch block and long-term mortality in cardiac resynchronisation therapy patients.

BACKGROUND: Left bundle branch block (LBBB) is an important qualification criterion and determinant of prognosis in cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) patients. AIM: Our goal was to investigate the long-term mortality and morbidity in a sizable cohort of patients with CRT with regard to the new strict LBBB definition proposed by Perrin. METHODS: We performed a longitudinal cohort study that included consecutive CRT patients. Primary endpoint (all-cause death) and secondary endpoint (all-cause death and hospitalisation for heart failure) were analysed. All preimplantation elec- trocardiograms were categorised as LBBB or non-LBBB according to the new definitions/criteria analysed. RESULTS: The survival analysis comprised 552 patients with CRT. The Perrin criteria, CRT guidelines class I indication criteria, and Strauss criteria were fulfilled in 38.9%, 79.4%, and 62.3% of all LBBB patients, respectively. During the nine-year study period, 232 patients died and the combined endpoint was met by 292 patients. The Perrin "true LBBB" definition criteria were inferior to the Strauss "complete" LBBB definition criteria in predicting survival as reflected by Kaplan-Meier survival curves (C-statistics). Multivariate Cox regression models showed that both LBBB definitions predicted mortality, however, the Perrin definition had a higher hazard ratio (HR 0.67) compared to the Strauss definition (HR 0.51). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that the Perrin "true LBBB" criteria are not well-suited for the selection of CRT candidates. Perhaps they do not reflect the presence of a true/complete LBBB or exclude too many patients who, despite some residual conduction in the left bundle branch, responded well to CRT.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy-induced acute shortening of QRS duration predicts long-term mortality only in patients with left bundle branch block.

AIMS: QRS narrowing with initiation of biventricular pacing might be an acute electrocardiographic indicator of correction of left bundle branch block (LBBB)-induced depolarization delay and asynchrony. However, its impact on prognosis remains controversial, especially in non-LBBB patients. Our goal was to evaluate the impact of QRS narrowing on long-term mortality and morbidity in a large cohort of patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with different pre-implantation QRS types: LBBB, non-LBBB, and permanent right ventricular pacing. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study included consecutive patients who underwent CRT device implantation. Study endpoints: death from any cause or urgent heart transplantation and death from any cause/urgent heart transplantation or hospital admission for heart failure. All pre- and post-implantation electrocardiograms were analysed using digital callipers, high-amplitude augmentation, 100 mm/s paper speed, and global QRS duration measurement method. A total of 552 CRT patients entered the survival analysis. During the 9 years observation period, 232 (42.0%) and 292 (52.9%) patients met primary and secondary endpoints, respectively. QRS narrowing predicted survival in the Kaplan-Meier analysis only in patients with LBBB. Multivariate Cox regression model showed that QRS narrowing was the major determinant of both study endpoints, with hazard ratios of 0.46 and 0.43, respectively. There was a strong relationship between mortality risk and shortening/widening of the QRS, albeit only in the LBBB group. Patients with non-LBBB morphologies had unfavourable prognosis similar to that in LBBB patients without QRS narrowing. CONCLUSION: Acute QRS narrowing in patients with LBBB might be a desirable endpoint of CRT device implantation.

Risk stratification in patients with cardiac resynchronisation therapy: the AL-FINE CRT risk score.

BACKGROUND: Mortality and morbidity in patients with cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) remain very high. Prognostic evaluation of CRT candidates might be useful for the assessment of CRT indications, directing further therapy, counselling, etc. AIM: Our goal was to assess the prognostic value of various parameters in order to construct a risk score that could predict long-term mortality and morbidity during the initial evaluation of CRT candidates. METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-centre, large cohort study involving consecutive heart failure patients who underwent CRT device implantation. In order to build a prediction model, 28 parameters were analysed using uni- and multivariate Cox models and Kaplan-Meier survival curves. RESULTS: Data from 552 patients were used for the long-term outcome assessment. During nine years of follow-up, 232 patients met the primary endpoint of death and 128 patients were hospitalised for heart failure. The strongest and clinically most relevant predictors were selected as the final model. AL-FINE is the acronym for these six predictors: Age ( > 75 years), non-Left bundle branch block morphology (according to Strauss criteria), Furosemide dose ( > 80 mg), Ischaemic aetiology, New York Heart Association class ( > III), and left ventricular Ejection fraction ( < 20%). Depending on the number of AL-FINE score points, overall mortality at seven years was in the range of 28% (0-1 points) to 74% (3-6 points). CONCLUSIONS: A novel, multiparametric CRT risk score was constructed on the basis of simple and recognised clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic parameters that show a significant add-on effect on mortality in this specific population.

New ECG markers for predicting long-term mortality and morbidity in patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy.

We investigated prognostic value of four recently proposed ECG markers in patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT): 1./ pathological preimplantation QRS axis, 2./ increase in QRS amplitude in V3 during biventricular pacing, 3./ negative QRS in V1/V2 during left ventricular (LV)-only pacing, 4./ longer QRS duration during LV-only pacing. A longitudinal cohort study was performed (n = 552). RESULTS: During the 9-year observation period the primary endpoint (death from any cause or urgent heart transplantation) was met in 232 patients. The secondary endpoint of survival free of heart failure hospitalization was met in 292 patients. Long LV-paced QRS and pathological axis predicted unfavorable prognosis in Kaplan-Meier analysis. In multivariable Cox model (functional class, LV ejection fraction, LV end-diastolic dimension, permanent atrial fibrillation, age, gender, heart failure etiology, creatinine level, diabetes mellitus), LV-paced QRS duration remained a significant determinant of both endpoints. The other studied ECG markers lacked independent prognostic value.

Comparison of four LBBB definitions for predicting mortality in patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy.

BACKGROUND: Left bundle branch block (LBBB) is considered an important prognostic parameter in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We aimed to evaluate, in a sizeable cohort of patients with CRT, long-term mortality, and morbidity according to four different electrocardiographic definitions of LBBB. METHODS: This longitudinal cohort study included consecutive patients who underwent CRT device implantation in our institution in years 2006-2014. Two endpoints were assessed: (a) death from any cause or urgent heart transplantation, and (b) death from any cause or heart failure admission. All preimplantation ECGs were analyzed by three physicians blinded to outcome and categorized as LBBB or non-LBBB according to four definitions. RESULTS: A total of 552 CRT patients entered survival analysis. According to the conventional definition, 350 (63.4%) patients had LBBB, and the Marriott, WHO/AHA, and Strauss definitions identified LBBB in 254 (46.0%), 218 (39.5%) and 226 (40.9%) patients, respectively. During the 9 years of observation, 232 patients died, the combined endpoint was met by 292 patients. The Strauss LBBB definition was significantly better to the other definitions in predicting survival (Kaplan-Meier analysis with comparison of C-statistics). Multivariate Cox regression model showed that LBBB was the major determinant of all-cause mortality with the Strauss definition having the lowest hazard ratio (0.51) of the four studied definitions. CONCLUSIONS: Criteria included in various definitions of LBBB result in a diagnosis of LBBB in divergent groups of patients. Differences in LBBB definitions have clinical consequences, as patients without 'complete/true' LBBB probably get no mortality benefit from CRT.

Specificity of wide QRS complex tachycardia criteria and algorithms in patients with ventricular preexcitation.

BACKGROUND: Despite substantial progress in the field of differentiation between ventricular tachycardia (VT) and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) with wide QRS complexes, differentiation between VT and preexcited SVT remains largely unresolved due to significant overlap in QRS morphology. Our aim was to assess the specificities of various single ECG criteria and sets of criteria (Brugada algorithm, aVR algorithm, Steurer algorithm, and the VT score) for diagnosis of VT in a sizable cohort of patients with preexcitation. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of consecutive accessory pathway ablation procedures to identify preexcited tachycardias. Among 670 accessory pathway ablation procedures, 329 cases with good quality ECG with either bona fide preexcited SVT (n = 30) or a surrogate preexcited SVT (fast paced atrial rhythm with full preexcitation, n = 299) were identified. ECGs were analyzed with the use of wide QRS complex algorithms/criteria to determine specificities of these methods. RESULTS: The Steurer algorithm and VT score (≥3 points), with specificities of 97.6% and 96.1%, respectively, were significantly (p < .01) more specific for the diagnosis of VT than Brugada algorithm, aVR algorithm, and Pava criterion with specificities of 31%, 11.6%, and 57.1%, respectively. The first step of the Brugada algorithm and the first step of the aVR algorithm had also high specificities of 93.3% and 96.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION: There are sufficient electrocardiographical differences between VT and preexcited SVT to allow electrocardiographic differentiation. VT score, Steurer algorithm, and some single criteria do not overdiagnose VT in patients with preexcitation.

Contemporary outcomes of catheter ablation of accessory pathways: complications and learning curve.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The aim of this study was to examine contemporary results of accessory pathway (AP) ablation in a sizeable number of patients, focusing on periprocedural complications and the learning curve. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of consecutive AP ablation procedures at three centresby the same operator. In total 629 electrophysiological studies and 610 AP ablation procedures were performed in 570 patients (age: 33 ± 18.9 years). RESULTS: There was one (0.16%) serious and there were 14 (2.3%) minor periprocedural complications. Five hundred and ninety APs were successfully ablated: single/multiple procedure success was 93.4%/96.7%, while the average fluoroscopy time was 13.5 min. There was significantly higher success and less fluoroscopy use with increased experience, while periprocedural complications seemed evenly distributed over the years. The learning was most pronounced for the first 120 cases. However, the learning curve fully flattened only after approximately 400 ablations. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that in the modern era AP ablation is safer than it was in the first two decades after the introduction of catheter ablation of APs. Perhaps, in experienced centres there should be a lower threshold for referring asymptomatic/mildly symptomatic patients with pre-excitation for electrophysiological study.

Respiratory functional status after conventional and minimally invasive aortic valve replacement surgery - a propensity score analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Reports describing respiratory function of patients after conventional or minimally invasive cardiac surgery are infrequent. AIM: To compare pulmonary functional status after conventional (AVR) and after minimally invasive, through right anterior minithoracotomy, aortic valve replacement (RT-AVR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was an observational analysis of 212 patients scheduled for RT-AVR and 212 for AVR between January 2011 and December 2014 selected using propensity score matching. Respiratory function based on spirometry examinations is presented. RESULTS: Hospital mortality was 1.4% in RT-AVR and 1.9% in AVR (p = 0.777). Predicted mortality (EuroSCORE II) was 3.2 ±1.1% in RT-AVR and 3.1 ±1.6% in AVR (p = 0.298). Mechanical ventilation time in intensive care unit (ICU) was 7.3 ±3.9 h for RT-AVR and 9.6 ±5.5 h for AVR patients (p < 0.001). Seven days and 1 month after surgery, the reduction of spirometry functional tests was greater in the AVR group than in the RT-AVR group (p < 0.001). Three months after surgery, all spirometry parameters were still reduced and had not returned to preoperative values in both RT-AVR and AVR groups. However, the difference in spirometry values was no longer statistically significant between RT-AVR and AVR groups. Presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and conventional AVR surgical technique were associated with lower values of spirometry parameters after surgery in linear median regression. CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory function based on spirometry examinations was less impaired after minimally invasive RT-AVR surgery in comparison to conventional AVR surgery through median sternotomy.

Clinical effectiveness and toxicity of second-line irinotecan in advanced gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma: a single-center observational study.

BACKGROUND: Randomized clinical trials showed improved overall survival (OS) of advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA) patients treated with second-line taxane or irinotecan. However, most data on irinotecan efficacy in this setting come from large Asian trials. We retrospectively analyzed clinical effectiveness and toxicity of irinotecan in a cohort of patients with advanced GEA treated in our department. METHODS: Advanced GEA patients who received at least one cycle of second-line irinotecan were eligible for inclusion. Irinotecan was administered every 3 weeks at an initial dose of 250 mg/m2 of body surface area with subsequent gradual (every 50 mg/m2) dose escalation up to 350 mg/m2, in the case of good treatment tolerance. OS was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. A multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to examine the association between clinical and laboratory parameters and survival. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients were identified. Median OS was 6.2 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.9-7.6]. In multivariate analysis, age < 65 years, baseline total lymphocyte count (TLC) < 1500/µl and presence of peritoneal metastases were associated with shorter OS. Most adverse events were grade 1-2 and included: anemia (52.3%), leukocytopenia (40.9%), neutropenia (59.1%), nausea (25.0%), vomiting (31.8%), diarrhea (31.8%), anorexia (29.5%) and fatigue (43.2%). Febrile neutropenia occurred in three patients (6.8%). Nine patients (20.5%) experienced a toxicity grade 3-4 of any kind. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective analysis confirms clinical effectiveness and manageable toxicity of second-line irinotecan in an unselected cohort of advanced GEA patients. Age < 65 years, baseline TLC < 1500/µl and presence of peritoneal metastases were independent prognostic factors associated with shorter OS.

Looking for new diagnostic tools and biomarkers of hypertension in obese pediatric patients.

INTRODUCTION: Development of obesity in childhood may be linked to an increased risk of hypertension. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed (a) to analyze the expression of genes associated with blood pressure (BP) in obese children, (b) to evaluate ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) as a diagnostic tool in hypertension in children, and (c) to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in children with obesity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Office BP measurements and ABPM were performed in 49 children with obesity and 25 age-matched healthy children. Expressions of 12 monogenic hypertension genes and 45 genes variants associated with BP were assessed using the microarray technique. RESULTS: No significant differences in gene expression levels were found. Children with obesity had significantly higher (P<0.001) mean office systolic and diastolic BPs compared with the controls. The diagnosis of high normal BP and hypertension with ABPM was established in 27 and 33% of children, respectively. Nocturnal BP decrease less than 10% was found in 27% of children, whereas nocturnal BP decrease more than 20% was found in 13% of children. Nocturnal BP increase was found in 13% of patients. The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was established in 29% of obese patients. CONCLUSION: The following can be concluded: (a) the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was found in nearly one-third of children with obesity. (b) ABPM is a useful and reliable tool in the diagnostics of pediatric hypertension. Abnormal BP can be observed in ∼50% of obese children.