Avaliação da Disfunção Endotelial em Casos de COVID-19 com Dilatação Fluxo-Mediada / Evaluation of Endothelial Dysfunction in COVID-19 With Flow-Mediated Dilatation

Resumo Fundamento: Sabe-se que a inflamação desempenha um papel crucial em muitas doenças, incluindo a COVID-19. Objetivo: Utilizando a dilatação fluxo-mediada (DFM), objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da inflamação na função endotelial de pacientes com COVID-19. Métodos: Este estudo foi realizado com um total de 161 indivíduos, dos quais 80 foram diagnosticados com COVID-19 nos últimos seis meses (48 mulheres e 32 homens com idade média de 32,10±5,87 anos) e 81 eram controles saudáveis (45 mulheres e 36 homens com idade média de 30,51±7,33 anos). Os achados do ecocardiograma transtorácico e da DFM foram analisados em todos os indivíduos. Resultados com p<0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significantes. Resultados: O ecocardiograma e a DFM do grupo COVID-19 foram realizados 35 dias (intervalo: 25-178) após o diagnóstico. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa nos parâmetros ecocardiográficos. Em contraste, a DFM (%) foi significativamente maior no grupo controle (9,52±5,98 versus 12,01±6,18; p=0,01). Na análise multivariada com o modelo stepwise progressivo, a DFM foi significativamente diferente no grupo controle em relação ao grupo COVID-19 (1,086 (1,026-1,149), p=0,04). O teste de correlação de Spearman indicou que a DFM (r=0,27; p=0,006) apresentou correlação positiva fraca com a presença de COVID-19. Conclusão: Os achados deste estudo apontam para disfunção endotelial induzida por COVID-19, avaliada por DFM, na fase inicial de recuperação.

Abstract Background: Inflammation is known to play a crucial role in many diseases, including COVID-19. Objective: Using flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), we aimed to assess the effects of inflammation on endothelial function in COVID-19 patients. Methods: This study was conducted with a total of 161 subjects, of whom 80 were diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last six months (comprising 48 women and 32 men with a mean age of 32.10 ± 5.87 years) and 81 were healthy controls (comprising 45 women and 36 men with a mean age of 30.51 ± 7.33 years). We analyzed the findings of transthoracic echocardiography and FMD in all subjects. All results were considered statistically significant at the level of p < 0.05. Results: The echocardiography and FMD of the COVID-19 group were performed 35 days (range: 25-178) after diagnosis. There was no statistically significant difference in echocardiographic parameters. Differently, FMD (%) was significantly higher in the control group (9.52 ± 5.98 vs. 12.01 ± 6.18, p=0.01). In multivariate analysis with the forward stepwise model, FMD was significantly different in the control group compared to the COVID-19 group (1.086 (1.026 - 1.149), p=0.04). A Spearman's correlation test indicated that FMD (r=0.27, p=0.006) had a weak positive correlation with the presence of COVID-19. Conclusion: Our findings point to COVID-19-induced endothelial dysfunction, as assessed by FMD, in the early recovery phase.

Assessment of Aortic Stiffness by Transthoracic Echocardiographic in Young COVID-19 Patients.

Background: Deteriorated aortic elasticity is part of the atherosclerotic process. Inflammation is an underlying factor in both COVID-19 and atherosclerosis. Aims and Objectives: Using aortic elastic properties, we aimed to assess the subclinical indicators of susceptibility to inflammatory atherosclerosis in patients with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: Out of 194 participants included in this study, 100 were diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 6 months (60 women and 40 men with a mean age of 34.13 ± 6.45 years) and 94 were healthy controls (55 women and 39 men with a mean age of 30.39 ± 7.21 years). We analyzed transthoracic echocardiographic and aortic stiffness parameters in all participants. Results: Values of systolic blood pressure (110 [85-140] vs. 110 [80-140], P = 0.037) and pulse pressure (PP) (37 [25-55] vs. 40 [25-55], P < 0.01) were significantly different between the groups. As for laboratory parameters, levels of glucose (97.89 ± 20.23 vs. 92.00 ± 9.95, P = 0.003) and creatinine (0.80 ± 0.13 vs. 0.75 ± 0.09, P = 0.003) were significantly higher in the COVID-19 group. Echocardiographic parameters showed that both groups differed significantly in diastolic aortic diameter (2.42 ± 0.28 vs. 2.31 ± 0.35, P = 0.017), aortic strain (9.66 [1.20-31.82] vs. 12.82 [2.41-40.11], P = 0.025), aortic distensibility (0.502 [0.049-2.545] vs. 0.780 [0.120-2.674], P < 0.01), and aortic stiffness (16.67 [4.19-139.43] vs. 11.71 [3.43-65.21], P = 0.006). Conclusion: Measurement of aortic stiffness is a simple, practical yet inexpensive method in COVID-19 patients, and therefore, may be used as an early marker for COVID-19-induced subclinical atherosclerosis.

Evaluation of Endothelial Dysfunction in COVID-19 With Flow-Mediated Dilatation. / Avaliação da Disfunção Endotelial em Casos de COVID-19 com Dilatação Fluxo-Mediada.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation is known to play a crucial role in many diseases, including COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: Using flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), we aimed to assess the effects of inflammation on endothelial function in COVID-19 patients. METHODS: This study was conducted with a total of 161 subjects, of whom 80 were diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last six months (comprising 48 women and 32 men with a mean age of 32.10 ± 5.87 years) and 81 were healthy controls (comprising 45 women and 36 men with a mean age of 30.51 ± 7.33 years). We analyzed the findings of transthoracic echocardiography and FMD in all subjects. All results were considered statistically significant at the level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: The echocardiography and FMD of the COVID-19 group were performed 35 days (range: 25-178) after diagnosis. There was no statistically significant difference in echocardiographic parameters. Differently, FMD (%) was significantly higher in the control group (9.52 ± 5.98 vs. 12.01 ± 6.18, p=0.01). In multivariate analysis with the forward stepwise model, FMD was significantly different in the control group compared to the COVID-19 group (1.086 (1.026 - 1.149), p=0.04). A Spearman's correlation test indicated that FMD (r=0.27, p=0.006) had a weak positive correlation with the presence of COVID-19. CONCLUSION: Our findings point to COVID-19-induced endothelial dysfunction, as assessed by FMD, in the early recovery phase.

FUNDAMENTO: Sabe-se que a inflamação desempenha um papel crucial em muitas doenças, incluindo a COVID-19. OBJETIVO: Utilizando a dilatação fluxo-mediada (DFM), objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da inflamação na função endotelial de pacientes com COVID-19. MÉTODOS: Este estudo foi realizado com um total de 161 indivíduos, dos quais 80 foram diagnosticados com COVID-19 nos últimos seis meses (48 mulheres e 32 homens com idade média de 32,10±5,87 anos) e 81 eram controles saudáveis (45 mulheres e 36 homens com idade média de 30,51±7,33 anos). Os achados do ecocardiograma transtorácico e da DFM foram analisados em todos os indivíduos. Resultados com p<0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significantes. RESULTADOS: O ecocardiograma e a DFM do grupo COVID-19 foram realizados 35 dias (intervalo: 25­178) após o diagnóstico. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa nos parâmetros ecocardiográficos. Em contraste, a DFM (%) foi significativamente maior no grupo controle (9,52±5,98 versus 12,01±6,18; p=0,01). Na análise multivariada com o modelo stepwise progressivo, a DFM foi significativamente diferente no grupo controle em relação ao grupo COVID-19 (1,086 (1,026­1,149), p=0,04). O teste de correlação de Spearman indicou que a DFM (r=0,27; p=0,006) apresentou correlação positiva fraca com a presença de COVID-19. CONCLUSÃO: Os achados deste estudo apontam para disfunção endotelial induzida por COVID-19, avaliada por DFM, na fase inicial de recuperação.

Poorly controlled hypertension is associated with elevated serum uric acid to HDL-cholesterol ratio: a cross-sectional cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The diagnosis and follow-up of hypertension (HT) depend on the blood pressure measurements, which can be affected by several factors. In the present work, we aimed to explore the role of uric acid/HDL-cholesterol ratio (UHR) in HT and whether/or not it was associated with poor blood pressure control. METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional cohort study, all the participants treated for hypertension and then followed up in the internal medicine clinics of our institution were enrolled. Hypertensive patients were grouped as either poorly or well-controlled hypertension groups, according to the suggestions of Joint National Committee VIII criteria and healthy volunteers were enrolled as control group. UHR of the study groups was compared. RESULTS: Our study cohort consisted of 535 subjects; 258 in the well-controlled HT group, 186 in the poorly controlled HT group, and 91 in the control group. Median UHR levels of the poorly controlled HT group (13 (4-43) %) were significantly higher than well-controlled HT group 11 (4-22) %) and control group (8 (4-19) %) (p < 0.001). UHR was correlated with systolic (r = 0.33, p < 0.001) and diastolic (r = 0.28, p < 0.001) BP. UHR level greater than 11% has 70% sensitivity and 60% specificity in predicting poor BP control (AUC: 0.73, p < 0.001, 95%CI: 0.68-0.77). UHR was an independent risk factor for poor BP control in HT subjects and a unit elevation in UHR increased the risk of poorer BP control by 7.3 times (p < 0.001, 95%CI: 3.9-13.63). CONCLUSION: Assessment of UHR may be useful in HT patients since elevated UHR levels could be associated with poor blood pressure control in this population.

P-wave Duration and Dispersion in Lone Obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To assess P-wave duration and dispersion (PD) in morbidly obese young subjects who do not have co-associated atrial fibrillation (AF) risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, atrial enlargement and diastolic dysfunction. STUDY DESIGN: An observational cross-sectional study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University Medical Faculty, Turkey; and the study was conducted between October 2017 and June 2018. METHODOLOGY: P-wave duration and dispersions were determined on 12-lead surface ECG in 47 morbidly obese and 44 healthy weight subjects, aged between 21-40 years. Above mentioned risk factors were studied. The correlation between BMI, PD and Pmax were investigated by Pearson correlation analysis.  Results: Average body mass index (BMI) of obese and control groups were 42.3 (8.5) vs. 19.5 (1.5) (P <0.001). Maximum P-wave duration [(Pmax), 105.3±9.8 vs. 95.6±8.5, p<0.001] and PD [27.6 (7.6) vs. 12.2(8.3), p<0.001] were statistically significantly prolonged in obese patients when compared to the normal weight group. BMI correlation with Pmax and PD (r=0.485; p<0.001 and r=0.620; p<0.001, respectively) were significant. CONCLUSION:   Pmax and PD, which are potential electrocardiographic AF predictors, may increase in lone obese patients having no comorbidities. Key Words:  Electrocardiography, Arrhythmia, P-wave duration, P-wave dispersion, Severe obesity.

The role of baseline and post-treatment frontal QRS-T angle for detecting arterial blood pressure control.

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate the value of the frontal QRS-T angle (f(QRS-T)) in determining blood pressure control among newly diagnosed hypertensive patients with no left ventricular hypertrophy.Methods: Fifty patients with newly diagnosed hypertension were included in this single-center study. The patients were examined with 12-lead ECGs and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (24 h-ABPM) before and 1 month after antihypertensive treatment.Results: Baseline and post-treatment f(QRS-T) angle values were observed to be similar (38.0 [0.0-174.0] and 37.0 [1.0-139.0], respectively; p = .827). The values of QT minimum (p = .006), QTc mean (p = .030), Tp-e (p = .027), and JTc (p = .010) significantly decreased after control of blood pressure.Conclusions: The f(QRS-T) angle, which can be easily calculated on the ECG, is not a useful tool to determine hypertension control at early stage in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients.

Effect of new oral anticoagulants on platelet indices in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients.

New-generation oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are now preferred as a first-line treatment in the management of atrial fibrillation for prevention of thromboembolic complications. Mean platelet volume (MPV), one of the indicators of increased platelet activity, is also associated with an increased stroke risk in atrial fibrillation patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in MPV, platelet distribution width (PDW) and plateletcrit following use of NOACs. The study included 116 patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation without previous NOAC use. Complete blood counts, biochemical analyses and echocardiography were performed for all patients. No significant differences were observed in MPV or other platelet indices at 6 months compared to baseline. Our results indicate that MPV and other platelet indices are not affected by NOAC use in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients.

Dating thrombus organization with eosinophil counts in deep venous thrombosis.

OBJECTIVE: It is known that eosinophils (EOS) are essential for thrombus formation. Studies have demonstrated the association of EOS with coronary artery disease, stent thrombosis, coronary collateral development, and vasospastic angina. However, there is little data about the association of hemogram parameters, especially EOS counts, with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) subgroups. METHODS: The present study comprised 243 patients diagnosed with DVT (of whom 86 were acute, 72 were indeterminate, and 85 were chronic) and 75 control patients. Medical records of all the patients were reviewed, and relevant data were collected retrospectively. The baseline characteristics, as well as hemogram and biochemistry parameters, were recorded. RESULTS: The patients with DVT had significantly lower median EOS count yet higher median neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) than those of control patients (P < .001). Similarly, acute DVT patients had lower EOS count yet higher NLR values compared with those of indeterminate and chronic DVT patients. However, EOS count was not significantly different between chronic DVT and control groups. While NLR ratio was significantly correlated with acute DVT (r = 0.34; P < .001), Spearman's correlation test revealed that EOS count was inversely correlated with the presence of acute DVT (r = -0.52; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Low EOS count may lead the physician to a higher probability of acute DVT rather than indeterminate and chronic DVT.

Is ionizing radiation a risk factor for anxiety in employees?

OBJECTIVE: Workers describe many physical and mental symptoms when working in radiation areas. This study aimed to assess these symptoms in radiation workers using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). METHODS: A total of 42 radiation workers (22 males and 20 females, mean age 34±7 years) and 47 control subjects (22 males and 27 females, mean age 31± 8 years) who work in non-radiation areas in the hospital were included in the study. All participants anonymously filled out the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) questionnaire. RESULTS: The demographic data of workers were not significantly different between groups. In the BAI, the dizzy or lightheaded (p =0.01), terrified (p= 0.01), unsteady (p=0.02), heart-pounding and racing (p=0.02) items were significantly higher in the radiation-exposed group compared to the control group. |The BAI score was also significantly higher in the radiation-exposed group (11.1±6.8 vs. 8.7±3.8, p =0.04). CONCLUSION: These results suggest the possibility that radiation may play a role in the psychometric properties of workers. The effects of radiation on the health of employees need to be further investigated and understood.

Is ionizing radiation a risk factor for anxiety in employees?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Workers describe many physical and mental symptoms when working in radiation areas. This study aimed to assess these symptoms in radiation workers using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). METHODS: A total of 42 radiation workers (22 males and 20 females, mean age 34±7 years) and 47 control subjects (22 males and 27 females, mean age 31± 8 years) who work in non-radiation areas in the hospital were included in the study. All participants anonymously filled out the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) questionnaire. RESULTS: The demographic data of workers were not significantly different between groups. In the BAI, the dizzy or lightheaded (p =0.01), terrified (p= 0.01), unsteady (p=0.02), heart-pounding and racing (p=0.02) items were significantly higher in the radiation-exposed group compared to the control group. -The BAI score was also significantly higher in the radiation-exposed group (11.1±6.8 vs. 8.7±3.8, p =0.04) CONCLUSION: These results suggest the possibility that radiation may play a role in the psychometric properties of workers. The effects of radiation on the health of employees need to be further investigated and understood.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Ao trabalhar em áreas de radiação, trabalhadores descrevem muitos sintomas físicos e mentais. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar esses sintomas em trabalhadores expostos à radiação utilizando a Escala de Ansiedade de Beck (BAI - Beck Anxiety Inventory). MÉTODOS: Um total de 42 trabalhadores expostos à radiação (22 homens e 20 mulheres, com idade média de 34±7 anos) e 47 controles (22 do sexo masculino e 27 do sexo feminino, com idade média de 31±8 anos) que trabalham em áreas do hospital sem radiação foram incluídos no estudo. Todos os participantes responderam anonimamente ao questionário da BAI. RESULTADOS: Os dados demográficos dos trabalhadores dos dois grupos não apresentaram diferenças significativas. Na BAI, os itens de tonturas ou vertigens (p =0,01), medo (p= 0,01), instabilidade (p=0,02) e batimento cardíaco mais forte e acelerado (p=0,02) foram significativamente mais elevados no grupo exposto à radiação em comparação ao grupo de controle. A pontuação da BAI também foi significativamente maior no grupo exposto à radiação (11,1 ± 6,8 versus 8,7 ± 3,8, p = 0,04). CONCLUSÃO: Esses resultados sugerem a possibilidade de que a radiação pode desempenhar um papel importante nas propriedades psicométricas dos trabalhadores. Os efeitos da radiação na saúde dos funcionários precisam ser mais bem investigados e compreendidos.

Echocardiographic assessment of epicardial fat tissue thickness in patients with severe periodontitis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the thickness of epicardial fat tissue (EFT), a sign of cardiovascular risk, using echocardiography in patients with severe periodontitis. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with stage III or IV periodontitis and 33 healthy participants were enrolled into the study. Epicardial fat tissue thickness was measured perpendicularly via echocardiography of the free wall of the right ventricular at end-diastole in three cardiac cycles. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the height in meters squared. EFT to BMI ratio (EFT/BMI) was measured by dividing EFT by the BMI. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between study patients and the control group as regards to the frequency of diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and hyperlipidemia. The EFT and EFT/ BMI ratio were significantly different in the control and periodontitis groups (0.51±0.17 vs. 0.77±0.16, respectively; p ≤0.001) (0.021±0.008 vs. 0.030±0.006, respectively; p≤0.001). Pearson's correlation coefficient demonstrated a significant relationship between EFT and the clinical parameters of periodontitis (p<0.001) CONCLUSIONS: EFT thickness measured by echocardiography appears to be associated with severe periodontitis and may thus be an indirect sign of cardiovascular disease in periodontitis patients.

Assessment of the hemogram parameters in patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Inflammation has been suggested as a potential mechanism in the pathogenesis of arrhythmia. Hemogram parameters such as monocyte count to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR) have been considered to be markers of inflammation and new cardiovascular risk predictors. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the relationship between MHR, NLR, and MLR in patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). METHODS: A retrospective study conducted at a university hospital in Bolu, Turkey, between 2017 and 2019. Our study included 196 patients who underwent electrophysiological study (EPS) due to palpitation or documented PSVT on electrocardiography (ECG). Patients having documented atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT) on ECG or inducible AVNRT on EPS were included in the PSVT group (n=130), and patients with palpitation but without inducible arrhythmia on EPS (n=66) were included in the control group. Routine biochemical and hemogram tests were performed before the EPS procedure. RESULTS: When hemogram parameters were compared, there was no statistically significant difference in MHR values [0.010 (0.001-0.030) vs 0.010 (0.001-0.020) p =0.67]. Additionally, both NLR [2.21(0.74-11.36) vs 1.98(0.72-24.87) p=0.13] and MLR [0.25 (0.03-1.05) vs 0.24(0.07-1.39) p=0.41] were not statistically significant between the two groups. CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference in PSVT patients regarding hemogram parameters including white blood cell subtypes, MLR, NLR, and MHR. Therefore the evaluation of hemogram parameters may not be clinically relevant for PSVT patients.

Assessment of the hemogram parameters in patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia: a retrospective study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Inflammation has been suggested as a potential mechanism in the pathogenesis of arrhythmia. Hemogram parameters such as monocyte count to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR) have been considered to be markers of inflammation and new cardiovascular risk predictors. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the relationship between MHR, NLR, and MLR in patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). METHODS: A retrospective study conducted at a university hospital in Bolu, Turkey, between 2017 and 2019. Our study included 196 patients who underwent electrophysiological study (EPS) due to palpitation or documented PSVT on electrocardiography (ECG). Patients having documented atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT) on ECG or inducible AVNRT on EPS were included in the PSVT group (n=130), and patients with palpitation but without inducible arrhythmia on EPS (n=66) were included in the control group. Routine biochemical and hemogram tests were performed before the EPS procedure. RESULTS: When hemogram parameters were compared, there was no statistically significant difference in MHR values [0.010 (0.001-0.030) vs 0.010 (0.001-0.020) p =0.67]. Additionally, both NLR [2.21(0.74-11.36) vs 1.98(0.72-24.87) p=0.13] and MLR [0.25 (0.03-1.05) vs 0.24(0.07-1.39) p=0.41] were not statistically significant between the two groups. CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference in PSVT patients regarding hemogram parameters including white blood cell subtypes, MLR, NLR, and MHR. Therefore the evaluation of hemogram parameters may not be clinically relevant for PSVT patients.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: A inflamação tem sido sugerida como um mecanismo potencial na patogênese da arritmia. Parâmetros do hemograma, como contagem de monócitos e razão de colesterol lipoproteína de alta densidade (MHP), proporção de neutrófilos / linfócitos (NLP) e proporção de monócitos / linfócitos (MLR), foram considerados marcadores de inflamação e novos preditores de risco cardiovascular. Este estudo retrospectivo teve como objetivo investigar a relação entre MHP, NLP e MLP em pacientes com taquicardia paroxística supraventricular (PSVT). MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo realizado em um hospital universitário em Bolu, Turquia, entre 2017 e 2019. Nosso estudo incluiu 196 pacientes submetidos a estudo eletrofisiológico (EPS) devido a palpitações ou PSVT documentada na eletrocardiografia (ECG). Os pacientes com taquicardia nodal atrioventricular reentrante (AVNRT) no ECG ou AVNRT indutível no EPS foram incluídos no grupo PSVT (n = 130) e os pacientes com palpitações sem arritmia induzível no EPS (n = 66) foram incluídos no grupo controle. Testes bioquímicos e de hemograma de rotina foram realizados antes do procedimento de EPS. RESULTADOS: Quando os parâmetros do hemograma foram comparados, não houve diferença estatisticamente significante nos valores de MHP (0,010 (0,001-0,030) vs 0,010 (0,001-0,020) p = 0,67). Além disso, tanto o NLP (2,21 (0,74-11,36) vs 1,98 (0,72-24,87) p = 0,13) quanto o MLP (0,25 (0,03-1,05) vs 0,24 (0,07-1,39) p = 0,41) não foram estatisticamente significantes entre os dois grupos. CONCLUSÃO: Não há diferença significativa nos pacientes com PSVT em relação aos parâmetros do hemograma, incluindo os subtipos de glóbulos brancos, MHP, NLP e MHP. Portanto, a avaliação dos parâmetros do hemograma pode não ser clinicamente relevante para pacientes com PSVT.

Assessment of neutrophil and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in coronary collateral developed patients with acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE Inflammation-related markers provide diagnostic and prognostic information for coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndrome. We aimed to compare neutrophil count and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in acute coronary syndrome patients with coronary collateral development in our study. METHODS A total of 426 patients (102 unstable angina pectoris (USAP), 223 non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (non-STEMI), 103 ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were compared regarding hemoglobin, platelet, lymphocyte, neutrophil count, and NLR. RESULTS Neutrophil count and NLR were significantly lower in USAP patients and higher in STEMI patients; 5.14± 1.79 vs. 7.21± 3.05 vs. 9.93±4.67 and 2.92±2.39 vs. 5.19±4.80 vs. 7.93±6.38, p <0.001. Other parameters, i.e., hemoglobin, platelet, and lymphocyte count, were not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS In our study, it was concluded that there may be a statistically significant difference in the number of neutrophil counts and NLR among the types of acute coronary syndromes with coronary collateral development.

Association between Hemogram Parameters and Coronary Collateral Development in Subjects with Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

OBJECTIVE: Coronary collateral development (CCD) predicts the severity of coronary heart disease. Hemogram parameters, such as mean platelet volume (MPV), eosinophil, red cell distribution width, and platelet distribution width (PDW), are supposed novel inflammatory markers. We aimed to compare hemogram parameter values in patients presenting with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) with adequate or inadequate CCD. METHODS: A total of 177 patients with NSTEMI undergoing coronary arteriography were enrolled and divided into two groups based on the development of CCD: one group with adequate CCD (n=88) and the other with impaired CCD (n=89). RESULTS: Baseline demographics and clinical risk factors were similar between the groups. Hemogram parameters were not significantly different between the two groups. However, compared to the inadequate CCD group, the median PDW was significantly higher in the adequate CCD group, 17.6 (1.4) vs. 17.8 (1.6) p=0.004. In a multivariate analysis, PDW (p=0.001, 95% CI for OR: 0.489(0,319-0,750) was found to be significantly different in the adequate CCD group compared to the inadequate CCD group. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that PDW was significantly correlated with the Rentrop score (r=0.26, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that since PDW is an index that is inexpensive and easy to assess, it could serve as a marker of CCD in patients with NSTEMI.

Could platelet distribution width predict coronary collateral development in stable coronary artery disease?

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that hemogram parameters should be related to the development of coronary collateral vessels. For this purpose, we aimed to compare platelet distribution width (PDW) and PDW to platelet ratio (PPR) in subjects with stable coronary artery disease having adequate or inadequate coronary collateral development. METHODS: A total of 398 patients with stable angina pectoris undergoing coronary angiography were enrolled and divided on the basis of the development of coronary collateral (CCD) (inadequate CCD (n=267) and adequate CCD (n=131). Routine complete blood count and biochemical parameters were measured before coronary arteriography. RESULTS: Mean PDW and PPR values of inadequate and adequate CCD groups were 17.5% (10-23) and 12.4% (9.8-22) %, p<0.001, respectively. In multivariate analysis, age (p=0.012, 95% CI for OR: 0.958 (0.933-0.983) and PDW (p<0.001, 95% CI for OR: 1.432 (1.252-1.618) were found to be statistically significantly different inadequate CCD group compared to adequate CCD group. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analyses revealed that a PPR value greater than 0.057 had 76% sensitivity and 51% specificity and a PDW higher than 16.2% had 80% sensitivity and 66% specificity in predicting inadequate CCD. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that PDW and PPR may be associated with the degree of collateral development in chronic stable coronary artery disease (CAD).

Evaluation of Electrocardiographic Ventricular Depolarization and Repolarization Variables in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: The risk of cardiovascular events and sudden death increases with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate electrocardiographic markers of arrhythmias in T1DM patients. METHODS: Electrocardiographic parameters reflecting ventricular depolarization and repolarization, namely, QT, QTc, QTd, QTdc, Tp-e, JT, and JTc intervals and Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios, of 46 patients diagnosed with T1DM were retrospectively analyzed and compared with 46 healthy age-, sex-, and body mass-matched controls. Correlations between T1DM duration, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and ventricular repolarization variables were analyzed. P values lower than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Diabetes duration was 16.6 ± 7.1 years, and HbA1c was 10.81% ± 3.27% in the T1DM group. In comparison with the control group, heart rate, QTc, QTd, QTdc, Tp-e and JTc intervals, Tp-e/QT ratio (p < 0.001), and Tp-e/QTc ratio (p = 0.007) were significantly higher in T1DM patients. T1DM duration and HbA1c levels were significantly correlated with QTc, QTd, QTdc, Tp-e, and JTc intervals and Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios. CONCLUSIONS: In T1DM patients, potential electrocardiographic repolarization predictors were significantly increased in correlation with disease duration and HbA1c levels. These findings may contribute to the understanding of sudden cardiac death in patients with T1DM.

Evaluation of Electrocardiographic Ventricular Depolarization and Repolarization Variables in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus / Avaliação de Variáveis Eletrocardiográficas de Despolarização e Repolarização Ventricular em Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1

Abstract Background: The risk of cardiovascular events and sudden death increases with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Objective: To evaluate electrocardiographic markers of arrhythmias in T1DM patients. Methods: Electrocardiographic parameters reflecting ventricular depolarization and repolarization, namely, QT, QTc, QTd, QTdc, Tp-e, JT, and JTc intervals and Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios, of 46 patients diagnosed with T1DM were retrospectively analyzed and compared with 46 healthy age-, sex-, and body mass-matched controls. Correlations between T1DM duration, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and ventricular repolarization variables were analyzed. P values lower than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Diabetes duration was 16.6 ± 7.1 years, and HbA1c was 10.81% ± 3.27% in the T1DM group. In comparison with the control group, heart rate, QTc, QTd, QTdc, Tp-e and JTc intervals, Tp-e/QT ratio (p < 0.001), and Tp-e/QTc ratio (p = 0.007) were significantly higher in T1DM patients. T1DM duration and HbA1c levels were significantly correlated with QTc, QTd, QTdc, Tp-e, and JTc intervals and Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios. Conclusions: In T1DM patients, potential electrocardiographic repolarization predictors were significantly increased in correlation with disease duration and HbA1c levels. These findings may contribute to the understanding of sudden cardiac death in patients with T1DM.

Resumo Fundamento: O risco de eventos cardiovasculares e morte súbita aumenta com diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1). Objetivo: Avaliar alguns marcadores eletrocardiográficos de arritmias em pacientes com DM1. Métodos: Parâmetros eletrocardiográficos que refletem despolarização e repolarização ventricular, a saber, os intervalos QT, QTc, QTd, QTdc, Tp-e, JT e JTc e as relações Tp-e/QT e Tp-e/QTc, de 46 pacientes diagnosticados com DM1 foram retrospectivamente analisados e comparados com 46 controles saudáveis, pareados por idade, sexo e massa corporal. As correlações entre duração de DM1, HbA1c e variáveis de repolarização ventricular foram analisadas. Foram considerados estatisticamente significativos os valores de p inferiores a 0,05. Resultados: A duração de diabetes foi de 16,6 ± 7,1 anos, e HbA1c foi 10,81% ± 3,27% no grupo DM1. Em comparação com o grupo controle, a frequência cardíaca, os intervalos QTc, QTd, QTdc, Tp-e e JTc, a relação Tp-e/QT (p < 0,001) e a relação Tp-e/QTc (p = 0,007) foram significativamente mais altos em pacientes com DM1. A duração de DM1 e os níveis de HbA1c foram significativamente correlacionados com os intervalos QTc, QTd, QTdc, Tp-e e JTc e com as relações Tp-e/QT e Tp-e/QTc. Conclusões: Em pacientes com DM1, potenciais preditores eletrocardiográficos de repolarização foram significativamente aumentados em correlação com a duração da doença e com os níveis de HbA1c. Estes achados podem contribuir à compreensão da morte súbita cardíaca em pacientes com DM1.

Association between Hemogram Parameters and Coronary Collateral Development in Subjects with Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Coronary collateral development (CCD) predicts the severity of coronary heart disease. Hemogram parameters, such as mean platelet volume (MPV), eosinophil, red cell distribution width, and platelet distribution width (PDW), are supposed novel inflammatory markers. We aimed to compare hemogram parameter values in patients presenting with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) with adequate or inadequate CCD. METHODS A total of 177 patients with NSTEMI undergoing coronary arteriography were enrolled and divided into two groups based on the development of CCD: one group with adequate CCD (n=88) and the other with impaired CCD (n=89). RESULTS Baseline demographics and clinical risk factors were similar between the groups. Hemogram parameters were not significantly different between the two groups. However, compared to the inadequate CCD group, the median PDW was significantly higher in the adequate CCD group, 17.6 (1.4) vs. 17.8 (1.6) p=0.004. In a multivariate analysis, PDW (p=0.001, 95% CI for OR: 0.489(0,319-0,750) was found to be significantly different in the adequate CCD group compared to the inadequate CCD group. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that PDW was significantly correlated with the Rentrop score (r=0.26, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS We suggest that since PDW is an index that is inexpensive and easy to assess, it could serve as a marker of CCD in patients with NSTEMI.

RESUMO OBJETIVO O desenvolvimento colateral coronariano (CCD) prediz a gravidade da doença coronariana. Parâmetros de hemograma como volume plaquetário médio (VPM), eosinófilo, largura de distribuição de glóbulos vermelhos e largura de distribuição de plaquetas (PDW) são supostos novos marcadores inflamatórios. Nosso objetivo foi comparar os valores do parâmetro hemograma em pacientes com infarto do miocárdio sem supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMSSST) com DCC adequado ou inadequado. MÉTODOS Um total de 177 pacientes com NSTEMI submetidos à arteriografia coronariana foram incluídos e divididos, com base no desenvolvimento de CCD, em dois grupos: grupo com CCD adequado (n = 88) e grupo com CCD alterado (n = 89). RESULTADOS Os dados demográficos e os fatores de risco clínicos basais foram semelhantes entre os grupos. Os parâmetros do hemograma não foram significativamente diferentes entre os dois grupos. Mas, em comparação com a mediana inadequada do grupo CCD, o PDW foi significativamente maior em CCD adequado de 17,6 (1,4) vs. 17,8 (1,6) p = 0,004. Na análise multivariada, PDW (p = 0,001, IC 95% para OR: 0,489 (0,319-0,750) foi significativamente diferente no grupo CCD adequado em comparação com o grupo CCD inadequado. A análise de correlação de Pearson revelou que PDW foi significativamente correlacionado com escore de aluguel (r = 0,26, p <0,001). CONCLUSÃO Sugerimos que, uma vez que a PDW é um índice barato e de fácil avaliação, pode servir como um marcador de DCC em pacientes com IAMSSST.

The relationship between epicardial fat thickness and high-grade varicocele.

BACKGROUND: Varicocele is abnormal dilation of testis veins. The precise mechanism of varicocele is not fully understood despite some hypothesis were suggested in the literature. Disequilibrium between constrictor and dilatator mechanism of the veins have been shown to cause varicocele. High-grade varicoceles have been also linked to endothelial dysfunction and increased vasoconstriction. OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that epicardial fat thickness (EFT), flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and aortic stiffness (AS) could be associated with varicocele. In the present study, we aimed to compare vascular parameters such as FMD, EFT and AS in healthy subjects and high-grade varicocele patients. METHODS: The study population consisted of 35 men with high-grade varicocele and 32 age- and sex-matched control subjects younger than 45 years old. This is a cross-sectional study conducted at Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University Hospital between May to October 2018. RESULTS: EFT, aortic diastolic diameters (AoDD) and EFT/BMI ratio were significantly higher in control group than in patients with high-grade (p=0.012, p=0.044, p=0.026, respectively). EFT and EFT /BMI ratio were significantly and inversely correlated with presence of varicocele (r=-0.422, p=0.009; r=-0.38, p=0.026, respectively). CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that high-grade varicocele may be associated with decreased echocardiographic EFT but not with aortic stiffness and FMD.