Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Accessory Renal Artery Exclusion during Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Accessory renal arteries (ARAs) frequently coexist with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and can influence treatment. This study aimed to retrospectively analyze the ARA's exclusion effect on patients undergoing standard endovascular aneurysm repair for AAA. METHODS: The study focused on medium- and long-term outcomes, including type II endoleak, aneurysmal sac changes, mortality, reoperation rates, renal function, and infarction post-operatively. RESULTS: 76 patients treated with EVAR for AAA were included. One hundred and two ARAs were identified: 69 originated from the neck, 30 from the sac, and 3 from the iliac arteries. The ARA treatment was embolization in 15 patients and coverage in 72. Technical success was 100%. One-month post-operative computed tomography angiography (CTA) revealed that 76 ARAs (74.51%) were excluded. Thirty-day complications included renal deterioration in 7 patients (9.21%) and a blood pressure increase in 15 (19.73%). During follow-up, 16 patients (21.05%) died, with three aneurysm-related deaths (3.94%). ARA-related type II endoleak (T2EL) was significantly associated with the ARA's origin in the aneurysmatic sac. Despite reinterventions were not significantly linked to any factor, post-operative renal infarction was correlated with an ARA diameter greater than 3 mm and ARA embolization. CONCLUSION: ARAs can influence EVAR outcomes, with anatomical and procedural factors associated with T2EL and renal infarction. Further studies are needed to optimize the management of ARAs during EVAR.

Temporary intravascular shunts and limb salvage in civilian vascular trauma.

Background: Temporary intravascular shunts (TIVS) may allow quick revascularization and distal reperfusion, reducing the ischemic time (IT) when an arterial injury occurs. Furthermore, TIVS temporarily restore peripheral perfusion during the treatment of concomitant life-threatening injuries or when patients require evacuation to a higher level of care. Notwithstanding, there are still disputes regarding the use of TIVS, in view of the paucity of evidence in terms of potential benefits and with regard to the anticoagulation during the procedure. The present study aimed to assess TIVS impact, safety, and timing on limb salvage in complex civilian vascular traumas. Patients and methods: Data were retrieved from the prospective database of our department, which included all patients hospitalized with a vascular injury of the extremities between January 2006 and December 2022. Patients undergoing TIVS during vascular injury management were included in group A, and those who could not postpone immediate care for TIVS insertion were included in group B (control group). Data concerning the times required for extremity revascularization or other surgical procedures such as orthopedic interventions and the time of limb ischemia were compared between the two groups. A comparison of the postoperative course between the two groups was also performed. Results: A total of 53 patients were included: group A (TIVS insertion, n = 31) and group B (control, n = 22). Revascularization time significantly differed (p = 0.002) between the two groups, which is lower in group A (4.17 ± 2.37 h vs. 5.81 ± 1.26 h). TIVS positively affected the probability of limb salvage (p = 0.02). At multivariate analysis, the factors independently associated with limb salvage were TIVS usage, the necessity of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and the total IT. In group A, there were three deaths and one major amputation, and in group B, there were two deaths and four major amputations. Conclusions: The use of TIVS minimizes revascularization time and improves limb salvage probability. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended, and correct surgical timing is key to ensure the best outcome.

Elective Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) for the Treatment of Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms of 5.0-5.5 cm: Differences between Men and Women.

BACKGROUND: There is significant debate regarding the existence of sex-related differences in the presentation, treatment, and outcomes of men versus women affected by abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The purpose of this study is to compare endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of infrarenal AAAs with the current sex-neutral 5.0-5.5 cm-diameter threshold for intervention between the two sexes. METHODS: Retrospective review of consecutive cases from a single teaching institution over a period of five years of patients who had undergone elective EVAR for AAAs between 5.0 and 5.5 cm in diameter. Outcomes of interest were compared according to sex. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients were included in the analysis, with a higher prevalence of men (53%). Females were older at the time of repair, 78 ± 5.1 years, versus 71.7 ± 7 years (p < 0.01), and had higher incidence of underlying comorbidities, namely, arrhythmia, chronic kidney disease, and previous carotid revascularization. Women had higher incidence of immediate systemic complications (p = 0.021), post-operative AMI (p = 0.001), arrhythmia (p = 0.006), pulmonary oedema (p < 0.001), and persistent renal dysfunction (p = 0.029). Multivariate analysis for post-operative factors associated to mortality and adjusted for sex confirmed that AMI (p = 0.015), arrhythmia (p = 0.049), pulmonary oedema (p = 0.015), persistent renal dysfunction (p < 0.001), cerebral ischemia (p < 0.001), arterial embolism of lower limbs (p < 0.001), and deep-vein thrombosis of lower limbs (p < 0.001) were associated to higher EVAR-related mortality; a higher incidence of post-operative AMI (p = 0.014), pulmonary edema (p = 0.034), and arterial embolism of lower limbs (p = 0.046) were associated to higher 30-days mortality. In females there was also a higher rate of suprarenal fixation (p = 0.026), insertion outside the instruction for use (p = 0.035), and a more hostile neck anatomy with different proximal aortic diameter (p < 0.001) and angle (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: A similar threshold of size of AAA for elective surgery for both males and females might not be appropriate for surgical intervention, as females tend to have worse outcomes. Further population-based studies are needed to guide on sex-related differences and intervention on AAA.

A Low Daily Intake of Simple Sugars in the Diet Is Associated with Improved Liver Function in Cirrhotic Liver Transplant Candidates.

(1) Background: We investigated, for the first time, whether dietary simple sugar intake affects MELD score changes over time in a cohort of cirrhotic liver transplant candidates. (2) Methods: the MELD score, dietary habits using a 3-day food diary, and visceral adipose tissue index (VATI) measured with CT scan were assessed in 80 consecutive outpatient cirrhotic patients at baseline, after counseling to follow current nutritional guidelines. The MELD score was reassessed after six months and the DELTA-MELD was calculated as the MELD at the second assessment minus the MELD at baseline. (3) Results: Compared with the baseline, the MELD score of cirrhotic patients at the end of the study was decreased, stable, or increased in 36%, 8% and 56% of patients, respectively. In separate multiple linear regression models, DELTA-MELD was positively and independently correlated with the daily intake of simple sugars expressed in g/kg body weight (p = 0.01) or as a percentage of total caloric intake (p = 0.0004) and with the number of daily portions of fruit, added sugar, jam, and honey (p = 0.003). These associations were present almost exclusively in patients with VATI above the median value. (4) Conclusions: In cirrhotic patients with high amounts of visceral adipose tissue the consumption of simple sugars and fructose should be limited to improve their clinical outcome.

Early Experience with Ovation Alto Stent-Graft.

BACKGROUND: Alto is the latest generation of the Ovation stent-graft platform for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Its ultra-low profile and its proximal sealing zone close to the lowest renal artery (≥7 mm) increase standard EVAR eligibility. We report early clinical and technical outcomes with the Alto stent-graft in our University Hospital Center after CE Mark approval in August 2020. METHODS: Seven patients (all male, mean age 76.1 ± 6.2 years) underwent EVAR with Ovation Alto stent-graft between June 2021 and February 2022. All the EVAR procedures were performed by a team of vascular surgeons experienced on EVAR with previous generation of Ovation platform. Follow-up consisted of duplex ultrasound examination at 1, 3, and 6 months and of a 1-month control computed tomography angiography (CTA). Patients treated gave consent to participate in this case series and publication. A descriptive analysis of variables was performed. SPSS (version 25) and Excel were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Most of the patients had a fusiform abdominal aortic aneurysm (n = 5; 71.4%). The median maximal transversal aortic diameter was 5.06 cm (range, 3.98-6.99). Because of hostile aortic neck anatomy, on-label EVAR was considered feasible only with Ovation Alto stent-graft. Narrow iliac arteries (<6 mm) were also present in 2 cases. All procedures were performed according to the instruction for the use of the device. Technical success was achieved in all cases. No type IA/IB/III endoleak occurred at completion angiography. No distal migration (>10 mm) but 2 distal displacements (≥2 mm) were observed at control CTA. During follow-up, duplex ultrasound and CTA showed no type I/III endoleak, no stent-graft migration (>10 mm), and no proximal aortic neck variations (P = not statistically significant). Three patients (42.8%) are under strict surveillance because of low-flow type II endoleak not associated with sac variations. CONCLUSIONS: Our early experience shows promising technical and clinical success with Alto stent-graft. The proximal relocation of the proximal sealing rings and the ultra-low profile delivery system allow on-label EVAR in a wider range of aortic anatomies. Notwithstanding, further studies, meta-analysis, and prospective registries are mandatory to evaluate mid- and long-term efficacy and safety of this latest Ovation platform.

Surgery for late type Ia/IIIb endoleak from a fabric tear and stent fracture of AFX2 stent graft.

Technical improvements and labeling updates of the AFX2 stent graft (Endologix Inc, Irvine, CA) seemed to have solved the known issues of its previous generation (AFX Strata). Although most endograft failures after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair will be managed endovascularly, a small subset of patients will still require secondary open conversion. Partial or complete endograft removal can be required, mainly dependent on the characteristics of the stent graft previously placed. We have report a case of secondary open conversion for late type Ia/IIIb endoleak due to stent fracture and fabric tear of the AFX2 stent graft 3 years after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Quality of life in liver transplant recipients during the Corona virus disease 19 pandemic: A multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplant recipients require specific clinical and psychosocial attention given their frailty. Main aim of the study was to assess the quality of life after liver transplant during the current pandemic. METHODS: This multicentre study was conducted in clinically stable, liver transplanted patients. Enrollment opened in June and finished in September 2021. Patients completed a survey including lifestyle data, quality of life (Short Form health survey), sport, employment, diet. To examine the correlations, we calculated Pearson coefficients while to compare subgroups, independent samples t-tests and ANOVAs. To detect the predictors of impaired quality of life, we used multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: We analysed data from 511 patients observing significant associations between quality of life's physical score and both age and adherence to Mediterranean diet (p < .01). A significant negative correlation was observed between mental score and the sedentary activity (p < .05). Female patients scored significantly lower than males in physical and mental score. At multivariate analysis, females were 1.65 times more likely to report impaired physical score than males. Occupation and physical activity presented significant positive relation with quality of life. Adherence to Mediterranean diet was another relevant predictor. Regarding mental score, female patients were 1.78 times more likely to show impaired mental score in comparison with males. Sedentary activity and adherence to Mediterranean diet were further noteworthy predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Females and subjects with sedentary lifestyle or work inactive seem to show the worst quality of life and both physical activity and Mediterranean diet might be helpful to improve it.

Decompensation in Advanced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease May Occur at Lower Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient Levels Than in Patients With Viral Disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Portal hypertension is the strongest predictor of hepatic decompensation and death in patients with cirrhosis. However, its discriminatory accuracy in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been challenged because hepatic vein catheterization may not reflect the real portal vein pressure as accurately as in patients with other etiologies. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and presence of portal hypertension-related decompensation in patients with advanced NAFLD (aNAFLD). METHODS: Multicenter cross-sectional study included 548 patients with aNAFLD and 444 with advanced RNA-positive hepatitis C (aHCV) who had detailed portal hypertension evaluation (HVPG measurement, gastroscopy, and abdominal imaging). We examined the relationship between etiology, HVPG, and decompensation by logistic regression models. We also compared the proportions of compensated/decompensated patients at different HVPG levels. RESULTS: Both cohorts, aNAFLD and aHVC, had similar baseline age, gender, Child-Pugh score, and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score. Median HVPG was lower in the aNAFLD cohort (13 vs 15 mmHg) despite similar liver function and higher rates of decompensation in aNAFLD group (32% vs 25%; P = .019) than in the aHCV group. For any of the HVPG cutoff analyzed (<10, 10-12, or 12 mmHg) the prevalence of decompensation was higher in the aNAFLD group than in the aHCV group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with aNAFLD have higher prevalence of portal hypertension-related decompensation at any value of HVPG as compared with aHCV patients. Longitudinal studies aiming to identify HVPG thresholds able to predict decompensation and long-term outcomes in aNAFLD population are strongly needed.

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of isolated systolic hypertension in young: analysis of 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring database.

Isolated systolic hypertension (ISHT) is common in elderly patients, whilst its prevalence and clinical impact in young adults are still debated. We aimed to estimate prevalence and clinical characteristics of ISHT and to evaluate out-of-office BP levels and their correlations with office BP in young adults. A single-center, cross-sectional study was conducted at our Hypertension Unit, by including treated and untreated individuals aged 18-50 years, who consecutively underwent home, clinic and 24 h ambulatory BP assessment. All BP measurements were performed and BP thresholds were set according to European guidelines: normotension (NT), clinic BP <140/<90 mmHg; ISHT, BP ≥140/<90 mmHg; isolated diastolic hypertension (IDHT), BP <140/≥90 mmHg; systolic-diastolic hypertension (SDHT), BP ≥140/≥90 mmHg. European SCORE, vascular and cardiac HMOD were also assessed. From an overall sample of 13,053 records, we selected 2127 young outpatients (44.2% female, age 40.5 ± 7.4 years, BMI 26.7 ± 5.0 kg/m2, clinic BP 141.1 ± 16.1/94.1 ± 11.8 mmHg, 24 h BP 129.0 ± 12.8/82.4 ± 9.8 mmHg), among whom 587 (27.6%) had NT, 391 (18.4%) IDHT, 144 (6.8%) ISHT, and 1005 (47.2%) SDHT. Patients with ISHT were predominantly male (61.1%), younger and with higher BMI compared to other groups. They also showed higher home and 24 h ambulatory SBP levels than those with NT or IDHT (P < 0.001), though similar to those with SDHT. ISHT patients showed significantly higher pulse pressure (PP) levels than other groups, at all BP measurements (P < 0.001 for all comparisons), and significantly higher proportion (65.3%) of patients with ISHT had PP >60 mmHg. European SCORE resulted significantly higher in patients with ISHT (1.6 ± 2.9%) and SDHT (1.5 ± 2.7%) compared to those with IDHT (0.9 ± 1.5%) or NT (0.8 ± 1.9%) (P = 0.017). Though relatively rare, ISHT should be not viewed as a benign condition, being associated with sustained SBP elevation, high European SCORE risk, and vascular HMOD.

Successful Endovascular and Endoscopic Treatment of a Symptomatic Celiac Artery Aneurysm for Obstructive Jaundice: A Clinical Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Celiac artery aneurysm (CAA) is an infrequent aneurysm of the celiac visceral branch and is potentially life-threatening, mainly due to the risk of rupture. CAA is often diagnosed following rupture and rarely diagnosed secondary to a primary manifestation; obstructive jaundice is extremely rare and poorly described. This clinical case report reports a combined endovascular and endoscopic noninvasive treatment. METHODS: A 51-year old male was admitted to the emergency department at the Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova in Reggio Emilia following several days of jaundice. The patient did not have any history of abdominal trauma, chronic pancreatitis, bile duct calculus or alcohol abuse. Cholestatic impairment was demonstrated by blood analyses and abdominal ultrasound revealed a large cephalo-pancreatic mass. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed a 40 mm CAA, causing a common bile duct (CBD) compression and dilatation of the hepatic bile ducts. After a multidisciplinary team consultation, a noninvasive, combined endovascular and endoscopic approach was programmed in a hybrid room. RESULTS: Immediate results confirmed successful exclusion of the CAA, stent graft patency and the absence of endoleak with correct positioning of a plastic stent in the CBD. At 1 month, an abdominal CT-angiography (CTA) evidenced a type II endoleak, successfully treated with an endovascular secondary procedure and an asymptomatic, partial downward dislodgement of the plastic stent in the CBD was correct with the positioning of 2 plastic stents. At 3-months cholangiography showed no dilation of intraepatic biliary ducts. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic CAA with common bile duct compression could be amenable to a combined endovascular and endoscopic noninvasive treatment.

Epidemiological Impact and Clinical Consequences of Masked Hypertension: A Narrative Review.

Masked hypertension (MHT) is a clinical condition characterized by normal blood pressure (BP) levels during clinical consultation and above normal out-of-office BP values. MHT is associated to an increased risk of developing hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD) and major cardiovascular (CV) outcomes, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and hospitalizations due to CV causes, as well as to metabolic abnormalities and diabetes, thus further promoting the development and progression of atherosclerotic disease. Previous studies showed contrasting data on prevalence and clinical impact of MHT, due to not uniform diagnostic criteria (including either home or 24-h ambulatory BP measurements, or both) and background antihypertensive treatment. Whatever the case, over the last few years the widespread diffusion of validated devices for home BP monitoring has promoted a better diagnostic assessment and proper identification of individuals with MHT in a setting of clinical practice, thus resulting in increased prevalence of this clinical condition with potential clinical and socio-economic consequences. Several other items, in fact, remain unclear and debated, particularly regarding the therapeutic approach to MHT. The aim of this narrative review is to illustrate the clinical definition of MHT, to analyze the diagnostic algorithm, and to discuss the potential pharmacological approaches to be adopted in this clinical condition, in the light of the recommendations of the recent European hypertension guidelines.

Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Endovascular Treatment: Long-term Results From a Single-Center Experience in an Unselected Patient Population.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate early-, mid-, and long-term outcomes in an unselected population of patients treated for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) by endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) with different commercially available off-the-shelf devices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on a prospectively compiled computerized database on patients presenting an infrarenal AAA treated between January 2008 and December 2015 in a high-volume Italian tertiary referral Center. Demographic, clinical, and specific morphological features were considered as potentially influencing the outcomes and the type of the implanted device. Outcome measures were procedure-related reintervention, AAA-related, and all-cause mortality rates at 30-day, 12-month, and long-term follow-up. Reinterventions considered for the analysis were AAA rupture, graft infection, type I or III endoleaks, type II endoleaks with sac enlargement > 5 mm, graft stenosis or occlusions, procedures related to renal or visceral ischemia, and reintervention for access vessel injury. RESULTS: Of 498 EVAR procedures performed for elective infrarenal AAA treatment during the entire study period, 479 patients were enrolled, the mean age was 73.5 ± 7.34 years (range 51-91), and 416 (86.84%) were men. The mean maximum AAA diameter was 52.02 ± 8.04 mm (range 39-90.2), a maximum AAA diameter ≥59 mm was recorded in 107 patients (22.33%), and an aortic neck length was <10 mm in 137 (28.60%). Technical success was achieved in all patients. At a mean follow-up of 52.97 ± 26.16 months (range 1-120), overall reintervention and death rates were 8.14% and 20.04%, respectively, without AAA-related deaths. At univariate analysis, hypertension was the only demographical variable found to be associated with higher risk of reintervention, P = 0.04 (OR: 2.34; CI 95%: 1.00-5.42). Furthermore, male sex (P = 0.02; OR: 2.62; CI 95%: 1.09-6.27) and chronic renal insufficiency (P = 0.003; OR: 2.08; CI 95%: 1.27-3.42) were associated with higher mortality rates. AAA diameter ≥59 mm was statistically associated with a higher rate of both reintervention and mortality: P < 0.001 (OR: 9.05; CI 95%: 4.52-18.11) and <0.001 (4.00; 2.46-6.49), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience seems to suggest that EVAR could be safely and effectively performed in an unselected patients' population, with encouraging results up to a ten-year follow-up.

Immigration Emergency in Italy: The Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Blood Pressure Levels and Control.

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays there are more than 5 millions of immigrants (8.3% of general adult population) in Italy. AIM: To evaluate the potential impact of immigration and the possession of a permanent residence on blood pressure (BP) levels and control in a low income population of immigrants from different countries. METHODS: We evaluated clinical characteristics and social status of adult individuals with known diagnosis of hypertension afferent to the Poliambulatorio della Caritas Diocesana in Rome, Italy, between 2010-2016. Subjects were stratified according to their macro-areas of origin (Europe, Asia, Africa, South-America), housing (with or without house), and immigration status (presence or absence of residence permit). BP levels were measured in three consecutive visits according to recommendations from current European Guidelines. RESULTS: From an overall population sample of 9827 adult individuals, we initially identified 994 patients with a diagnosis of hypertension (10.1%), among whom 536 (5.4%) had valid BP data. Among these, 50.6% came from Europe, 21.6% from Africa, 24.1% from Asia, and 3.7% from South-America. They were predominantly male (54.7%), middle aged (42.8 ± 12.1 years at arrival and 51.6 ± 10.6 years at first visit) and untreated (72.8%) individuals with baseline systolic/diastolic BP levels of 156.9 ± 22.2/97.3 ± 12.4 mmHg). BP levels remained higher in homeless than in housed people at both visit 2 (150.0 ± 21.8/92.6 ± 12.9 mmHg vs. 142.9 ± 19.3/89.9 ± 11.6 mmHg; P < 0.001) and visit 3 (147.9 ± 22.2/91.7 ± 12.5 mmHg vs. 141.8 ± 19.4/89.2 ± 12.0 mmHg; P = 0.013). We also observed reductions of both systolic and diastolic BP levels compared to baseline values in immigrants stratified according to residence permit, although without relevant differences among groups. CONCLUSIONS: Beyond conventional risk factors, socio-economic issues, including lack of residence permit or habitation, may affect BP levels and control in frail populations of immigrants, which have been marginally considered before.

Conventional and new electrocardiographic criteria for hypertension-mediated cardiac organ damage: A narrative review.

Hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD) is frequently observed in hypertensive patients at different cardiovascular (CV) risk profile. This may have both diagnostic and therapeutic implications for the choice of the most appropriate therapies. Among different markers of HMOD, the most frequent functional and structural adaptations can be observed at cardiac level, including left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), diastolic dysfunction, aortic root dilatation, and left atrial enlargement. In particular, LVH was shown to be a strong and independent risk factor for major CV events, namely myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure, CV death. Thus, early identification of LVH is a key element for preventing CV events in hypertension. Although echocardiographic assessment of LVH represents the gold standard technique, this is not cost-effective and cannot be adopted in routine clinical practice of hypertension. On the other hand, electrocardiographic (ECG) assessment of HMOD relative to the heart is a simple, reproducible, widely available and cost-effective method to assess the presence of LVH, and could be preferred in large scale screening tests. Several new indicators have been proposed and tested in observational studies and clinical trials of hypertension, in order to improve the relatively low sensitivity of the conventional ECG criteria for LVH, despite high specificity. This article reviews the differences in the use of the main conventional and the new 12 lead ECG criteria of LVH for early assessment of asymptomatic, subclinical cardiac HMOD in a setting of clinical practice of hypertension.

Achievement of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol targets in primary and secondary prevention: Analysis of a large real practice database in Italy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Target and intensity of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering therapy should be tailored according to the individual global cardiovascular (CV) risk. We aimed at retrospectively evaluating real-life LDL-C goal attainment and predictive factors for predefined LDL-C therapeutic goals both in primary and secondary prevention. METHODS: We collected data from a large cohort of outpatients aged 40-65 years, followed by general practitioners, cardiologists and diabetologists in Italy. All data were centrally analysed for global CV risk assessment and rates of control of major CV risk factors, including LDL-C. Study population was stratified according to the presence or absence of previous CV events, including coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral artery disease (PAD) or stroke/TIA. CV risk profile characterization was based on the European SCORE. Predefined therapeutic goals were set according to the European guidelines on dyslipidaemia: LDL-C levels <70 mg/dl for very high CV risk patients in primary prevention and for those in secondary prevention; <100 mg/dl LDL-C levels for high CV risk patients in primary prevention. Logistic regression analysis with clinical covariates was used to identify predictive factors for achieving these goals; lipid lowering therapy entered in the analysis as continuous (model 1) or categorical variable (model 2). RESULTS: We included 4,142 outpatients (43,7% female, age 58.0 ±â€¯5.2 years, BMI 28.5 ±â€¯5.0 kg/m2) among whom 2,964 (71.6%) in primary and 1,178 (28.4%) in secondary prevention. In primary prevention, none of the patients at very high CV risk had LDL-C <70 mg/dl and 8.9% of patients at high CV risk showed LDL-C <100 mg/dl. Only 5.8% of patients in secondary prevention had LDL-C levels <70 mg/dl, specifically 6.5% of patients with CAD, 2.6% of patients with PAD and 4.7% of patients with CVD (p < 0.001). Beyond diabetes and lipid lowering therapy, high risk SCORE estimation resulted a strong and independent predictor for the lack of achieving all predefined therapeutic targets, including LDL-C <100 mg/dl [OR: 0.806 (0.751-0.865)); p < 0.001], and LDL-C <70 mg/dl [OR: 0.712 (0-576-0.880); p = 0.002], in primary prevention. CONCLUSIONS: Despite high or very high SCORE risk and use of lipid lowering therapies, we observed poor achievement of LDL-C targets in this large cohort of outpatients followed in a setting of real practice in Italy.

Reclassification of Hypertensive Outpatients According to New US Guidelines on High Blood Pressure.

BACKGROUND: US guidelines on high blood pressure (BP) have recently proposed a new BP stratification. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the redistribution of adult outpatients according to 2003 and 2017 US hypertension guidelines. METHODS: We extracted data referred to individuals aged between 40 and 70 years with valid BP assessment from a national, cross-sectional database. The following systolic/diastolic BP strata were considered: (i) 2003 guidelines: 0 = normal (<120/180 mm Hg), 1 = prehypertension (≥120 and ≤139/≥80 and ≤89 mm Hg), 2 = stage 1 (≥140 and ≤159/≥90 and ≤99 mm Hg), 3 = stage 2 (≥160/≥100 mm Hg) and (ii) 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines: 0 = normal (<120/80 mm Hg), 1 = elevated (≥120 and ≤129/<80 mm Hg); 2 = stage 1 (≥130 and ≤139/≥80 and ≤89 mm Hg), 3 = stage 2 (≥140/≥90 mm Hg). Cardiovascular (CV) risk profile characterization was based on Framingham, 10-year risk of a first atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and European score equations. RESULTS: From an overall population sample of 10,012 individuals, we selected 8,911 (89.0%) with valid clinic BP data (44.4% female, age = 60.7 ± 6.6 years, body mass index = 28.2 ± 4.9 kg/m2, clinic BP = 136.8 ± 14.5/82.1 ± 8.3 mm Hg), among whom 339 (3.8%) were in the normal BP range. According to 2003 guidelines, 3,919 (44.0%) patients had prehypertension, 3,698 (41.5%) had stage-1 and 955 (10.7%) had stage-2 hypertension. According to 2017 guidelines, 635 (3.8%) patients had elevated BP, 3,284 (36.9%) had stage-1 and 4,653 (52.2%) had stage-2 hypertension. New BP classification moved 37% individuals from "pre-hypertension" to "stage 1" and 41% from "stage 1" to "stage 2" hypertension, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Redistribution of hypertensive patients according to 2017 US hypertension guidelines compared with previous ones may help to better identify uncontrolled hypertensive patients with high CV risk profile.

24-Hour ambulatory blood pressure levels and control in a large cohort of adult outpatients with different classes of obesity.

Effective and sustained blood pressure (BP) control in hypertensive patients with moderate-to-severe obesity is often difficult to achieve. We evaluated clinic, 24h, day-time and night-time systolic/diastolic BP levels and control in a large cohort of adult outpatients with different classes of obesity. A single center, prospective, cohort study was conducted at Hypertension Unit, Division of Cardiology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome Italy. All BP measurements were performed and BP thresholds were set according to guidelines. Study population was stratified according to BMI. We included 4,766 individuals (women 48.6%, age 60.3 ± 11.6 years, clinic BP 143.8 ± 18.2/90.9 ± 12.3 mmHg, 24h BP 130.2 ± 13.3/79.1 ± 9.5 mmHg), among whom 36.0% had normal weight, 43.5% were overweight, 15.7% had class I, and 4.8% class II/III obesity. Obese outpatients had higher prevalence of risk factors, and were treated more frequently and with more antihypertensive drugs than those with normal body weight. Obese outpatients showed higher systolic BP levels at all BP measurements, mostly 24h and night-time periods, than those observed in normal weight outpatients. BMI resulted significantly related with clinic (r = 0.053; P < 0.001), 24h (r = 0.098; P < 0.001) and night-time systolic BP (r = 0.126; P < 0.001), and left ventricular mass indexed by height^2.7 (r = 0.311; P < 0.001). BMI was also negatively and independently associated with predefined BP goals at all types of BP measurements. Obesity was associated with higher systolic BP levels during the entire 24h period and increased left ventricular mass. These effects were independently observed, even after correction for major cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities, as well as the number and type of antihypertensive drug classes.