Digoxin is Not Related to Mortality in Patients with Heart Failure: Results from the SELFIE-TR Registry.

AIMS: Digoxin has been used in the treatment for heart failure for centuries, but the role of this drug in the modern era is controversial. A particular concern is the recent observational findings suggesting an increase in all-cause mortality with digoxin, although such observations suffer from biased results since these studies usually do not provide adequate compensation for the severity of disease. Using a nationwide registry database, we aimed to investigate whether digoxin is associated with 1-year all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure irrespective of phenotype. METHODS: A total of 1014 out of 1054 patients in the registry, of whom 110 patients were on digoxin, were included in the study. Multivariable adjustments were done and propensity scores were calculated for various prognostic indicators, including signs and symptoms of heart failure and functional capacity. Crude mortality, mortality adjusted for covariates, mortality in the propensity score-matched cohort, and Bayesian factors (BFs) were analyzed. RESULTS: Crude 1-year mortality rate did not differ between patients on and off digoxin (17.3% vs 20.1%, log-rank p = 0.46), and digoxin was not related to mortality following multivariable adjustment (hazard ratio 0.87, 95% confidence interval 0.539-1.402, p = 0.57). Similarly, all-cause mortality was similar in 220 propensity-score adjusted patients (17.3% vs 20.0%, log-rank p = 0.55). On Bayesian analyses, there was moderate to strong evidence suggesting a lack of difference between in unmatched cohort (BF10 0.091) and weak-to-moderate evidence in the matched cohort (BF10 0.296). CONCLUSIONS: In this nationwide cohort, we did not find any evidence for an increased 1-year mortality in heart failure patients on digoxin.

Concomitant amyloidosis is the primary cause of endothelial and coronary microvascular dysfunction in carpal tunnel syndrome.

Study objectives: Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) show manifestations of arterial abnormalities, including carotid intimal thickening and increased vascular stiffness. As carpal tunnel syndrome is associated with amyloidosis, we hypothesized that previously observed abnormalities can largely be related with concomitant amyloidosis rather than CTS itself. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: Medeniyet University Goztepe Hospital. Participants: 61 patients with CTS (of whom 32 had biopsy-proven amyloidosis) and 36 healthy controls. Interventions: Subjects underwent ultrasound examinations for the measurement of coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR), flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD) and carotid intimal-media thickness (CIMT). Main outcome measures: Comparison of CFVR, FMD and CIMT in CTS patients with or without amyloidosis. Results: Patients with either CTS or CTS with concomitant amyloidosis (CTS-A) had significantly lower FMD (9.7 % ± 4.0 % in CTS and 10.3 % ± 4.6 % in CTS-A groups, p < 0.05 for both) and CFVR (2.4 (2.1-2.8) in CTS and 1.8 (1.6-2.1) in CTS-A groups, p < 0.001 for both) as compared to controls, while CIMT was only increased in CTS-A group (0.70 (0.60-0.80), p < 0.001). The reduction in CFVR was solely related to an increased basal flow velocity in CTS patients while there was also a reduced hyperemic flow velocity in patients with CTS-A. Conclusion: Most arterial phenomena in CTS patients could be attributable to concomitant amyloidosis, although endothelial dysfunction was present even in patients with CTS without amyloidosis.

Utilidade da Idade, Creatinina e Fração de Ejeção - Modificação da Dieta no Escore de Doença Renal para Prever a Sobrevivência em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca / Usefulness of Age, Creatinine and Ejection Fraction - Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Score for Predicting Survival in Patients with Heart Failure

Resumo Fundamento Embora muitos modelos de risco tenham sido desenvolvidos para prever o prognóstico na insuficiência cardíaca (IC), esses modelos raramente são úteis para o clínico, pois incluem múltiplas variáveis que podem ser demoradas para serem obtidas, são geralmente difíceis de calcular e podem sofrer de overfitting estatístico. Objetivos Investigar se um modelo mais simples, nomeadamente o escore ACEF-MDRD, poderia ser usado para prever a mortalidade em um ano em pacientes com IC. Métodos 748 casos do registro SELFIE-HF tinham dados completos para calcular o escore ACEF-MDRD. Os pacientes foram agrupados em tercis para análise. Para todos os testes, um valor de p <0,05 foi aceito como significativo. Resultados Significativamente mais pacientes dentro do tercil ACEF-MDRD alto (30,0%) morreram dentro de um ano, em comparação com outros tercis (10,8% e 16,1%, respectivamente, para ACEF-MDRD baixo e ACEF-MDRD med , p<0,001 para ambas as comparações). Houve uma diminuição gradual na sobrevida em um ano à medida que o escore ACEF-MDRD aumentou (log-rank p<0,001). ACEF-MDRD foi preditor independente de sobrevida após ajuste para outras variáveis (OR: 1,14, IC95%:1,04 - 1,24, p=0,006). O escore ACEF-MDRD ofereceu precisão semelhante ao escore GWTG-HF para prever a mortalidade em um ano (p=0,14). Conclusões ACEF-MDRD é um preditor de mortalidade em pacientes com IC e sua utilidade é comparável a modelos semelhantes, porém mais complicados.

Abstract Background While many risk models have been developed to predict prognosis in heart failure (HF), these models are rarely useful for the clinical practitioner as they include multiple variables that might be time-consuming to obtain, they are usually difficult to calculate, and they may suffer from statistical overfitting. Objectives To investigate whether a simpler model, namely the ACEF-MDRD score, could be used for predicting one-year mortality in HF patients. Methods 748 cases within the SELFIE-HF registry had complete data to calculate the ACEF-MDRD score. Patients were grouped into tertiles for analyses. For all tests, a p-value <0.05 was accepted as significant. Results Significantly more patients within the ACEF-MDRD high tertile (30.0%) died within one year, as compared to other tertiles (10.8% and 16.1%, respectively, for ACEF-MDRD low and ACEF-MDRD med , p<0.001 for both comparisons). There was a stepwise decrease in one-year survival as the ACEF-MDRD score increased (log-rank p<0.001). ACEF-MDRD was an independent predictor of survival after adjusting for other variables (OR: 1.14, 95%CI:1.04 - 1.24, p=0.006). ACEF-MDRD score offered similar accuracy to the GWTG-HF score for predicting one-year mortality (p=0.14). Conclusions ACEF-MDRD is a predictor of mortality in patients with HF, and its usefulness is comparable to similar yet more complicated models.

Estimated plasma volume is not a robust indicator of the severity of congestion in patients with heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Congestion is the main cause of morbidity and a prime determinant of survival in patients with heart failure (HF). However, the assessment of congestion is subjective and estimation of plasma volume (ePV) has been suggested as a more objective measure of congestion. This study aimed to explore the relationships and interactions between ePV, the severity of congestion and survival using a nationwide registry. METHODS: Of the 1054 patients with HF enrolled in the registry, 769 had sufficient data to calculate ePV (using the Duarte, Kaplan, and Hakim equations) and relative plasma volume status (rPVS), and these patients were subsequently included in the present analysis. The severity of congestion was assessed using a 6-point congestion score (CS). Patients were divided into three groups according to the degree of congestion. RESULTS: Out of four equations tested, only ePVDuarte and rPVS were statistically higher in patients with severe congestion as compared to patients with no congestion (p<0.001 for both). Both ePVDuarte (r = 0.197, p<0.001) and rPVS (r = 0.153, p<0.001) showed statistically significant correlations with CS and both had a modest accuracy (70.4% for ePVDuarte and 69.4% for rPVS) to predict a CS ≥3. After a median follow up of 496 days, both ePVDuarte (OR:1.14,95%CI:1.03-1.26, p = 0.01) and rPVS (OR:1.02, 95%CI:1.00-1.03, p = 0.03) were associated with all-cause mortality after adjusting for demographic and clinical variables. However, none of the indices were associated with mortality following the introduction of CS to the models (p>0.05 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated ePVDuarte and rPVS were indicators of congestion but with a limited robustness, and either parameter could be clinically useful when a comprehensive clinical evaluation of congestion is not feasible.

The Relationship Between Carcinoembryonic Antigen and Epicardial Adipose Tissue

Abstract Background: Inflammation, which is associated with an unhealthy lifestyle, plays a critical role in the development of both cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) and cancer. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a tumor marker which also has proinflammatory properties. Recent studies have reported CEA to be associated with atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, and visceral adiposity. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) can exhibit highly inflammatory and pathogenic properties, and is a known risk factor for CMD. However, its relationship with CEA is still unknown. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the possible association of CEA with EAT. Methods: A total of 134 Caucasian (males = 56, females = 78) individuals, aged (22-83 years), who were admitted for routine health control, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. CEA was measured with chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). EAT was measured by transthoracic echocardiography, and the visceral fat rating (VFR) was assessed by a body composition analyzing machine. The p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: CEA levels were categorized as tertiles: T1, 0.5-1.04; T2, 1.06-1.69; and T3, ≥1.7 ng/ml. The mean age, weight, VFR, EAT, and fasting glucose, as well as the median of systolic blood pressure (SBP), creatinine, and AST increased with the increasing CEA tertiles. CEA was significantly associated with EAT (r = 0.55, P<0.001) and VFR (r = 0.36, P<0.001). Multivariate linear regression analysis confirmed that gender, age, and EAT were the significant independent variables associated with CEA. Conclusion: Individuals with increased EAT have higher levels of CEA, suggesting that this biomarker is most likely produced by EAT; however, additional investigations are required to improve the present work.

The effect of urgent blood pressure reduction on left atrial strain in patients with hypertensive attack : Blood pressure lowering affects LA strain.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial (LA) strain is a robust measure of LA function and is a useful parameter to assess left ventricular filling pressure. While initially considered as a "load-independent" parameter of LA function, later studies have found that acute changes in LA preload may affect LA reservoir and contractile strains. Acute alterations in blood pressure (BP) induces a change in left ventricular (LV) filling pressure without imposing a volume load, thus providing an opportunity to assess the effects of the change in LA afterload on LA mechanics. This study aims to understand the effect of acute BP changes on LA strain. METHODS: A total of 40 patients admitted to the emergency department with hypertensive urgency were included. All patients underwent a comprehensive echocardiographic examination including measurement of LA reservoir, conduit and contractile strains. A repeat set of measurements were obtained after BP lowering. RESULTS: Average drop in mean BP following intervention was 18.1 ± 5.4%. LV end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes, as well as maximum and minimum LA volumes were decreased significantly after BP reduction. The absolute increases in reservoir and contractile strains were 2.3 ± 4.7% (7.9% ± 13.8% relative to baseline) and 2.5 ± 3.3% (13.5 ± 19.0% relative to baseline), respectively, with both changes being statistically significant (p = 0.003 for reservoir and p < 0.001 for contractile strains). There were no significant changes in conduit strain after BP intervention (p = 0.79). The change in both LA reservoir and contractile strains were more evident in those with a previous diagnosis of hypertension and those with a smaller degree of change in mean BP after intervention. CONCLUSION: In patients with an acute hypertension, lowering BP leads to an acute improvement in LA reservoir and contractile strains. Thus, acute changes in systemic BP should be considered when LA mechanics are evaluated.

Effect of renal function on the prognostic importance of chloride in patients with heart failure.

Hypochloremia has recently gained interest as a potential marker of outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). The exact pathophysiologic mechanism linking hypochloremia to HF is unclear but is thought to be mediated by chloride-sensitive proteins and channels located in kidneys. This analysis aimed to understand whether renal dysfunction (RD) affects the association of hypochloremia with mortality in patients with HF. Using data from a nationwide registry, 438 cases with complete data on serum chloride concentration and 1-year survival were included in the analysis. Patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 mL/min/m2 at baseline were accepted as having RD. Hypochloremia was defined as a chloride concentration <96 mEq/L at baseline. For HF patients without RD at baseline, patients with hypochloremia had a significantly higher 1-year all-cause mortality than those without hypochloremia (41.6% vs 13.0%, log-rank p < 0.001) and the association remained significant after multivariate adjustment (odds ratio (OR): 2.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.25-5.21). The evidence supporting the association was very strong in this subgroup (Bayesian Factor (BF)10: 48.25, log OR: 1.56, 95% CI: 0.69-2.43). For patients with RD at baseline, there was no statistically significant difference for 1-year mortality for patients with or without hypochloremia (36.3% vs 29.7, log-rank p = 0.35) and there was no evidence to support an association between hypochloremia and mortality (BF10: 1.18, log OR :0.66, 95% CI: -0.02 to 1.35). In patients with HF, the association between low chloride concentration and mortality is limited to those without RD at baseline.

Gut microbiota-derived metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide and biomarkers of inflammation are linked to endothelial and coronary microvascular function in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is an umbrella term used for ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is associated with an increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to investigate the association of local and systemic biomarkers of inflammation and gut microbiota-derived metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) with endothelial and coronary microvascular dysfunction in IBD. METHODS: A total of 56 patients with IBD (20 with UC and 36 with CD) and 34 age and gender matched controls were included. For all participants, samples were collected to analyze faecal calprotectin, and TMAO concentrations. Ultrasound-based examinations were done to measure flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD) and coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR). RESULTS: Patients with IBD had lower CFVR (2.07 (1.82-2.40)) and FMD (8.7 ± 3.7) as compared to controls (2.30 (2.07-2.74), p = 0.005 and 11.9 ± 6.8, p = 0.03). In patients with IBD, TMAO concentration (r = -0.30, p = 0.03), C-reactive protein (r = -0.29, p = 0.03) and WBC count (r = -0.37, p = 0.006) had a significant negative correlation with CFVR, and TMAO (ß = -0.27, 95 % CI: -0.23 to -0.02) and WBC count (ß = -0.31, 95 % CI: -0.56 to -0.06) were significant predictors of CFVR after multivariate adjustment. None of the biomarkers of inflammation or TMAO showed significant correlations with FMD. In patients with UC, TMAO showed a significant correlation with both CFVR (r = -0.55, p = 0.01) and FMD (r = -0.60, p = 0.005) while only WBC count had a statistically significant correlation with CFVR (r = -0.49, p = 0.004) in patients with CD. CONCLUSIONS: Gut microbiota-derived metabolite TMAO and biomarkers of systemic inflammation are associated with measures of endothelial/coronary microvascular dysfunction in patients with IBD.

Usefulness of Age, Creatinine and Ejection Fraction - Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Score for Predicting Survival in Patients with Heart Failure. / Utilidade da Idade, Creatinina e Fração de Ejeção - Modificação da Dieta no Escore de Doença Renal para Prever a Sobrevivência em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca.

BACKGROUND: Central Illustration: Usefulness of Age, Creatinine and Ejection Fraction - Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Score for Predicting Survival in Patients with Heart Failure Summary of the study design and key findings. ACEF: Age, creatinine and ejection fraction, MDRD: Modified Diet in Renal Disease. While many risk models have been developed to predict prognosis in heart failure (HF), these models are rarely useful for the clinical practitioner as they include multiple variables that might be time-consuming to obtain, they are usually difficult to calculate, and they may suffer from statistical overfitting. OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether a simpler model, namely the ACEF-MDRD score, could be used for predicting one-year mortality in HF patients. METHODS: 748 cases within the SELFIE-HF registry had complete data to calculate the ACEF-MDRD score. Patients were grouped into tertiles for analyses. For all tests, a p-value <0.05 was accepted as significant. RESULTS: Significantly more patients within the ACEF-MDRD high tertile (30.0%) died within one year, as compared to other tertiles (10.8% and 16.1%, respectively, for ACEF-MDRD low and ACEF-MDRD med , p<0.001 for both comparisons). There was a stepwise decrease in one-year survival as the ACEF-MDRD score increased (log-rank p<0.001). ACEF-MDRD was an independent predictor of survival after adjusting for other variables (OR: 1.14, 95%CI:1.04 - 1.24, p=0.006). ACEF-MDRD score offered similar accuracy to the GWTG-HF score for predicting one-year mortality (p=0.14). CONCLUSIONS: ACEF-MDRD is a predictor of mortality in patients with HF, and its usefulness is comparable to similar yet more complicated models.

FUNDAMENTO: Figura Central: Utilidade da Idade, Creatinina e Fração de Ejeção - Modificação da Dieta no Escore de Doença Renal para Prever a Sobrevivência em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca Resumo do desenho do estudo e principais conclusões. ACEF: Idade, creatinina e fração de ejeção (Age, creatinine and ejection fraction) MDRD: Dieta Modificada em Doença Renal (Modified Diet in Renal Disease). Embora muitos modelos de risco tenham sido desenvolvidos para prever o prognóstico na insuficiência cardíaca (IC), esses modelos raramente são úteis para o clínico, pois incluem múltiplas variáveis que podem ser demoradas para serem obtidas, são geralmente difíceis de calcular e podem sofrer de overfitting estatístico. OBJETIVOS: Investigar se um modelo mais simples, nomeadamente o escore ACEF-MDRD, poderia ser usado para prever a mortalidade em um ano em pacientes com IC. MÉTODOS: 748 casos do registro SELFIE-HF tinham dados completos para calcular o escore ACEF-MDRD. Os pacientes foram agrupados em tercis para análise. Para todos os testes, um valor de p <0,05 foi aceito como significativo. RESULTADOS: Significativamente mais pacientes dentro do tercil ACEF-MDRD alto (30,0%) morreram dentro de um ano, em comparação com outros tercis (10,8% e 16,1%, respectivamente, para ACEF-MDRD baixo e ACEF-MDRD med , p<0,001 para ambas as comparações). Houve uma diminuição gradual na sobrevida em um ano à medida que o escore ACEF-MDRD aumentou (log-rank p<0,001). ACEF-MDRD foi preditor independente de sobrevida após ajuste para outras variáveis (OR: 1,14, IC95%:1,04 ­ 1,24, p=0,006). O escore ACEF-MDRD ofereceu precisão semelhante ao escore GWTG-HF para prever a mortalidade em um ano (p=0,14). CONCLUSÕES: ACEF-MDRD é um preditor de mortalidade em pacientes com IC e sua utilidade é comparável a modelos semelhantes, porém mais complicados.

Alterations in right ventricular mechanics in patients with Behcet's disease.

Manifest myocardial involvement is somewhat rare in patients with Behcet's disease (BD), although echocardiographic studies suggest that subclinical alterations in left ventricular (LV) contractility is rather common. Data on right ventricular (RV) involvement in BD is rather scarce. This study aims to determine whether RV systolic performance is affected in BD patients, and to understand the clinical and echocardiographic correlates of RV contractility in these patients. Forty-five patients who fulfilled criteria for BD and 45 age and gender matched controls were enrolled. All participants underwent a comprehensive echocardiographic examination, including deformation imaging, to characterize RV mechanics. Conventional morphologic and echocardiographic indicators of RV morphology and function were not different between groups, but RV apical strain and RV free wall strain (FWS) were significantly lower in BD patients as compared to the controls (P < 0.001 and P = 0.02, respectively). The only significant correlates of FWS were tricuspid regurgitation velocity and related indices in healthy controls, while FWS correlated with LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), morphologic measures of left and right atria and ventricles, and with conventional measures of right ventricular contractility. The relationship between FWS and GLS remained statistically significant after adjusting for other clinical and echocardiographic parameters (ß = 0.379, P = 0.01). In patients with BD, there is a subclinical alteration in RV contractility and the degree of alteration in the RV systolic performance paralleled that of LV. Thus, present results support the presence of RV involvement in these patients.

Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Risk Index Predicts 1-Year Mortality in Patients with Heart Failure: An Analysis of the SELFIE-TR Study.

OBJECTIVE: Predicting outcomes is an essential part of evaluation of patients with heart failure (HF). While there are multiple individual laboratory and imaging variables as well as risk scores available for this purpose, they are seldom useful during the initial evaluation. In this analysis, we aimed to elucidate the predictive usefulness of Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Risk Index (TIMI-RI), a simple index calculated at the bedside with three commonly available variables, using data from a multicenter HF registry. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 728 patients from 23 centers were included in this analysis. Data on hospitalizations and mortality were collected by direct interviews, phone calls, and electronic databases. TIMI-RI was calculated as heart rate × (age/10)2/systolic pressure. Patients were divided into three equal tertiles to perform analyses. RESULTS: Rehospitalization for HF was significantly higher in patients within the 3rd tertile, and 33.5% of patients within the 3rd tertile had died within 1-year follow-up as compared to 14.5% of patients within the 1st tertile and 15.6% of patients within the 2nd tertile (p < 0.001, log-rank p < 0.001 for pairwise comparisons). The association between TIMI-RI and mortality remained significant (OR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.05-2.86, p = 0.036) after adjustment for other variables. A TIMI-RI higher than 33 had a negative predictive value of 84.8% and a positive predictive value of 33.8% for prediction of 1-year mortality. CONCLUSION: TIMI-RI is a simple index that predicts 1-year mortality in patients with HF; it could be useful for rapid evaluation and triage of HF patients at the time of initial contact.

Coronary flow velocity reserve is reduced in patients with an exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise.

Coronary artery disease and cardiovascular mortality are increased in patients with an exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise. The exact cause of this increase remains unknown, but previous studies have indicated the presence of endothelial dysfunction in peripheral arteries and subclinical atherosclerosis in these patients. The present study aimed to clarify whether coronary microvascular dysfunction is also present in patients with exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise. A total of 95 patients undergoing exercise testing were consecutively enrolled. Flow-mediated vasodilatation and carotid intima-media thickness were measured using standardized methods. A transthoracic echocardiography examination was performed to measure coronary flow velocity reserve. Patients with an exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise had significantly lower coronary flow velocity reserve than the controls (2.06 (1.91-2.36) vs. 2.27 (2.08-2.72), p = 0.004), and this difference was caused by a reduction in hyperemic flow velocity (57.5 (51.3-61.5) vs. 62.0 (56.0-73.0), p = 0.004) rather than a difference in basal flow (26.5 (22.3-29.8) vs. 26.0 (24.0-28.8), p = 0.95). Patients with an exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise also had a significantly greater carotid intima-media thickness and significantly lower flow-mediated vasodilatation than controls. However, an exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise remained a significant predictor of coronary microvascular dysfunction after adjusting for confounders (OR: 3.60, 95% CI: 1.23-10.54, p = 0.02). Patients with an exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise show signs of coronary microvascular dysfunction, in addition to endothelial dysfunction and subclinical atherosclerosis. This finding might explain the increased risk of coronary artery disease and cardiovascular mortality in these patients.

Comparação das Novas Equações de Martin/Hopkins e Sampson para o Cálculo do Colesterol de Lipoproteína de Baixa Densidade em Pacientes Diabéticos / Comparison of Novel Martin/Hopkins and Sampson Equations for Calculation of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Diabetic Patients

Resumo Fundamentos A determinação precisa do colesterol de lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL-C) é importante para se alcançar concentrações de LDL-C recomendadas por diretrizes e para reduzir resultados cardiovasculares adversos em pacientes diabéticos. A equação de Friedewald comumente usada (LDL-Cf) produz resultados imprecisos em pacientes diabéticos devido a dislipidemia diabética associada. Recentemente, duas novas equações - Martin/Hopkins (LDL-CMH) e Sampson (LDL-Cs) - foram desenvolvidas para melhorar a precisão da estimativa de LDL-C, mas os dados são insuficientes para sugerir a superioridade de uma equação sobre a outra. Objetivos O presente estudo comparou a precisão e a utilidade clínica das novas equações de Martin/Hopkins e Sampson em pacientes diabéticos. Método Foram incluídos no estudo quatrocentos e dois (402) pacientes com diabetes. O risco cardiovascular dos pacientes e as metas de LDL-C foram calculadas por diretrizes europeias. As concentrações de LDL-Cmh, LDL-Cs, e LDL-Cf calculadas foram comparadas à concentração de LDL-C direto (LDL-Cd) para testar a concordância entre essas equações e LDL-Cd. Um P valor <0,05 foi aceito como estatisticamente significativo. Resultados A LDL-CMH e a LDL-Cs tiveram concordância melhor com o LDL-Cd em comparação com a LDL-Cf, mas não houve diferenças estatísticas entre as novas equações para concordância com o LDL-Cd (Alfa de Cronbach de 0,955 para ambos, p=1). Da mesma forma, a LDL-CMH e a LDL-Cs tinham um grau semelhante de concordância com o LDL-Cd para determinar se o paciente estava dentro da meta de LDL-C (96,3% para LDL-Cmh e 96,0% para LDL-Cs), que eram ligeiramente melhores que a LDL-Cf (94,6%). Em pacientes com uma concentração de triglicérides >400 mg/dl, a concordância com o LDL-Cd foi ruim, independentemente do método usado. Conclusão As equações de Martin/Hopkins e Sampson mostram uma precisão similar para o cálculo de concentrações de LDL-C nos pacientes com diabetes, e ambas as equações são ligeiramente melhores que a equação de Friedewald.

Abstract Background The accurate determination of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is important to reach guideline-recommended LDL-C concentrations and to reduce adverse cardiovascular outcomes in diabetic patients. The commonly used Friedewald equation (LDL-Cf), gives inaccurate results in diabetic patients due to accompanying diabetic dyslipidemia. Recently two new equations - Martin/Hopkins (LDL-Cmh) and Sampson (LDL-Cs) - were developed to improve the accuracy of LDL-C estimation, but data are insufficient to suggest the superiority of one equation over the other one. Objective The present study compared the accuracy and clinical usefulness of novel Martin/Hopkins and Sampson equations in diabetic patients. Methods This study included 402 patients with diabetes. Patients' cardiovascular risk and LDL-C targets were calculated per European guidelines. Calculated LDL-Cmh, LDL-Cs, and LDL-Cf concentrations were compared with direct LDL-C concentration (LDL-Cd) to test agreement between these equations and LDL-Cd. A p-value <0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Results Both LDL-Cmh and LDL-Cs had a better agreement with LDL-Cd as compared to LDL-Cf, but no statistical differences were found among novel equations for agreement with LDL-Cd (Cronbach's alpha 0.955 for both, p=1). Likewise, LDL-Cmh and LDL-Cs showed a similar degree of agreement with LDL-Cd in determining whether a patient was in a guideline-recommended LDL-C target (96.3% for LDL-Cmh and 96.0% for LDL-Cs), which were marginally better than LDL-Cf (94.6%). In patients with a triglyceride concentration >400 mg/dl, agreement with LDL-Cd was poor, regardless of the method used. Conclusion Martin/Hopkins and Sampson's equations show a similar accuracy for calculating LDL-C concentrations in patients with diabetes, and both equations were marginally better than the Friedewald equation.

Comparison of Novel Martin/Hopkins and Sampson Equations for Calculation of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Diabetic Patients. / Comparação das Novas Equações de Martin/Hopkins e Sampson para o Cálculo do Colesterol de Lipoproteína de Baixa Densidade em Pacientes Diabéticos.

BACKGROUND: The accurate determination of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is important to reach guideline-recommended LDL-C concentrations and to reduce adverse cardiovascular outcomes in diabetic patients. The commonly used Friedewald equation (LDL-Cf), gives inaccurate results in diabetic patients due to accompanying diabetic dyslipidemia. Recently two new equations - Martin/Hopkins (LDL-Cmh) and Sampson (LDL-Cs) - were developed to improve the accuracy of LDL-C estimation, but data are insufficient to suggest the superiority of one equation over the other one. OBJECTIVE: The present study compared the accuracy and clinical usefulness of novel Martin/Hopkins and Sampson equations in diabetic patients. METHODS: This study included 402 patients with diabetes. Patients' cardiovascular risk and LDL-C targets were calculated per European guidelines. Calculated LDL-Cmh, LDL-Cs, and LDL-Cf concentrations were compared with direct LDL-C concentration (LDL-Cd) to test agreement between these equations and LDL-Cd. A p-value <0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS: Both LDL-Cmh and LDL-Cs had a better agreement with LDL-Cd as compared to LDL-Cf, but no statistical differences were found among novel equations for agreement with LDL-Cd (Cronbach's alpha 0.955 for both, p=1). Likewise, LDL-Cmh and LDL-Cs showed a similar degree of agreement with LDL-Cd in determining whether a patient was in a guideline-recommended LDL-C target (96.3% for LDL-Cmh and 96.0% for LDL-Cs), which were marginally better than LDL-Cf (94.6%). In patients with a triglyceride concentration >400 mg/dl, agreement with LDL-Cd was poor, regardless of the method used. CONCLUSION: Martin/Hopkins and Sampson's equations show a similar accuracy for calculating LDL-C concentrations in patients with diabetes, and both equations were marginally better than the Friedewald equation.

FUNDAMENTOS: A determinação precisa do colesterol de lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL-C) é importante para se alcançar concentrações de LDL-C recomendadas por diretrizes e para reduzir resultados cardiovasculares adversos em pacientes diabéticos. A equação de Friedewald comumente usada (LDL-Cf) produz resultados imprecisos em pacientes diabéticos devido a dislipidemia diabética associada. Recentemente, duas novas equações ­ Martin/Hopkins (LDL-CMH) e Sampson (LDL-Cs) ­ foram desenvolvidas para melhorar a precisão da estimativa de LDL-C, mas os dados são insuficientes para sugerir a superioridade de uma equação sobre a outra. OBJETIVOS: O presente estudo comparou a precisão e a utilidade clínica das novas equações de Martin/Hopkins e Sampson em pacientes diabéticos. MÉTODO: Foram incluídos no estudo quatrocentos e dois (402) pacientes com diabetes. O risco cardiovascular dos pacientes e as metas de LDL-C foram calculadas por diretrizes europeias. As concentrações de LDL-Cmh, LDL-Cs, e LDL-Cf calculadas foram comparadas à concentração de LDL-C direto (LDL-Cd) para testar a concordância entre essas equações e LDL-Cd. Um P valor <0,05 foi aceito como estatisticamente significativo. RESULTADOS: A LDL-CMH e a LDL-Cs tiveram concordância melhor com o LDL-Cd em comparação com a LDL-Cf, mas não houve diferenças estatísticas entre as novas equações para concordância com o LDL-Cd (Alfa de Cronbach de 0,955 para ambos, p=1). Da mesma forma, a LDL-CMH e a LDL-Cs tinham um grau semelhante de concordância com o LDL-Cd para determinar se o paciente estava dentro da meta de LDL-C (96,3% para LDL-Cmh e 96,0% para LDL-Cs), que eram ligeiramente melhores que a LDL-Cf (94,6%). Em pacientes com uma concentração de triglicérides >400 mg/dl, a concordância com o LDL-Cd foi ruim, independentemente do método usado. CONCLUSÃO: As equações de Martin/Hopkins e Sampson mostram uma precisão similar para o cálculo de concentrações de LDL-C nos pacientes com diabetes, e ambas as equações são ligeiramente melhores que a equação de Friedewald.

Lack of right ventricular hypertrophy is associated with right heart failure in patients with left ventricular failure.

Presence of right heart failure (RHF) is associated with a worse prognosis in patients with left ventricular failure (LVF). While the cause of RHF secondary to LVF is multifactorial, an increased right ventricular (RV) afterload is believed as the major cause of RHF. However, data are scarce on the adaptive responses of the RV in patients with LVF. Our aim was to understand the relationship of right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) with RHF and RV systolic and diastolic properties in patients with LVF. 55 patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 40% or less were included in the present study. A comprehensive two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiographic examination was done to all participants. 12 patients (21.8%) had RHF, and patients with RHF had a significantly lower right ventricular free wall thickness (RVFWT) as compared to patients without RHF (5.3 ± 1.7 mm vs. 6.6 ± 0.9 mm, p = 0.02) and the difference remained statistically significant after adjusting for confounders (Δx̅:1.34 mm, p = 0.002). RVFWT had a statistically significant correlation with tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (r = 0.479, p < 0.001) and tricuspid annular lateral systolic velocity (r = 0.360, p = 0.007), but not with the indices of the RV diastolic function. None of the patients with concentric RVH had RHF, while 22.2% of patients with eccentric RVH and 66.7% of patients without RVH had RHF (p < 0.01 as compared to patients with concentric RVH). In patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, absence of RVH was associated with worse RV systolic performance and a significantly higher incidence of RHF.

Coronary microvascular dysfunction is common in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Microvascular disease is considered as one of the main drivers of morbidity and mortality in severe COVID-19, and microvascular dysfunction has been demonstrated in the subcutaneous and sublingual tissues in COVID-19 patients. The presence of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) has also been hypothesized, but direct evidence demonstrating CMD in COVID-19 patients is missing. In the present study, we aimed to investigate CMD in patients hospitalized with COVID-19, and to understand whether there is a relationship between biomarkers of myocardial injury, myocardial strain and inflammation and CMD. METHODS: 39 patients that were hospitalized with COVID-19 and 40 control subjects were included to the present study. Biomarkers for myocardial injury, myocardial strain, inflammation, and fibrin turnover were obtained at admission. A comprehensive echocardiographic examination, including measurement of coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR), was done after the patient was stabilized. RESULTS: Patients with COVID-19 infection had a significantly lower hyperemic coronary flow velocity, resulting in a significantly lower CFVR (2.0 ± 0.3 vs. 2.4 ± 0.5, p < .001). Patients with severe COVID-19 had a lower CFVR compared to those with moderate COVID-19 (1.8 ± 0.2 vs. 2.2 ± 0.2, p < .001) driven by a trend toward higher basal flow velocity. CFVR correlated with troponin (p = .003, r: -.470), B-type natriuretic peptide (p < .001, r: -.580), C-reactive protein (p < .001, r: -.369), interleukin-6 (p < .001, r: -.597), and d-dimer (p < .001, r: -.561), with the three latter biomarkers having the highest areas-under-curve for predicting CMD. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary microvascular dysfunction is common in patients with COVID-19 and is related to the severity of the infection. CMD may also explain the "cryptic" myocardial injury seen in patients with severe COVID-19 infection.

Transcutaneous Puncture and Successfully Retrieval of Undeflated Peripheral Angioplasty Balloon.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty has gained increasing popularity in the treatment of peripheral artery disease. However, the increase in the frequency of this procedure also increases the risk of complications. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty has serious and general complications in terms of device and technique at puncture and dilatation sites. In this case, we describe the easy and practical management of deflating an undeflated ballon in the right superficial femoral artery.

Epicardial fat thickness assessment by multi-slice computed tomography for predicting cardiac outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic inflammation promotes aortic valve calcification. It is known that epicardial fat is a source of inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between epicardial fat thickness, cardiac conduction disorders and outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). METHODS: During a three-year period, 45 patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent TAVI were recruited to the study. Data were collected retrospectively. Epicardial fat was defined as the adipose tissue between the epicardium and the visceral pericardium. Mean epicardial fat thickness was determined by multi-slice computed tomography, which was performed before the procedure. RESULTS: The average thickness of epicardial fat was 13.06 ± 3.29 mm. This study failed to reveal a significant correlation between epicardial fat thickness and post-procedural left bundle branch block, right bundle branch block, paravalvular aortic regurgitation and pacemaker implantation rates (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study failed to show a significant relationship between epicardial fat thickness, cardiac conduction disorders and outcomes, however further studies with larger sample numbers are required to explore the relationship.