The Prevalence and Predictors of Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease in Rheumatic and Non-rheumatic Valvular Heart Disease Patients.

OBJECTIVES: The paradox of concurrent coronary artery disease (CAD) among patients with rheumatic and non-rheumatic valvular heart disease (RVHD; non-RVHD) is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the RVHD and non-RVHD on the prevalence of CAD and various risk factors, assess the number of diseased coronaries, clinical profile and the possible predictors of CAD in these patients, which may clarify the paradox and provide an insight for the prevention of CAD. METHODS: The records of 106 valvular heart disease patients who had undergone valve replacement surgery at the King Faisal Cardiac Centre from January 2014 to October 2019 were evaluated. The clinical data and established risk factors were compared and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify plausible predictors of CAD. RESULTS: Transthoracic echocardiographic diagnosis of 106 patients confirmed, 43 had RVHD (56.4 ± 8 years), of whom six (13.9%) had CAD with the highest mitral valve regurgitation (p < 0.01), and 63 had non-RVHD (60.0 ± 12 years). Of these, 31 patients showed the highest CAD (49.2%). Single- and triple-vessel disease was most common in RVHD and non-RVHD patients with concurrent CAD (33.3%; 41.9%, respectively), while non-RVHD patients also had quadruple vessel disease. The mean age of the RVHD and non-RVHD patients with coexisting CAD was significantly higher (66.7 ± 5; 66.7 ± 8 years) than those without CAD (46.1 ± 12.0; 54.7 ± 20, respectively). RVHD patients showed a significantly lower prevalence of diabetes, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, inflammatory cells, hepatorenal function markers, ejection fraction, and regional wall motion abnormality compared to RVHD patients with coexisting CAD (p < 0.01). Bivariate analysis indicated white blood cells, monocytes, neutrophils, gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT), bilirubin and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) to be significantly lower in RVHD patients. Predictors of high risk of CAD were BUN and hyperlipidaemia for RVHD and BUN, creatinine and GGT for non-RVHD patients. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CAD in Saudi RVHD patients was significantly lower than in the Western countries, whereas non-RVHD was higher. The low prevalence may partly be attributed to age, reduced mitral regurgitation, and low frequency of risk and inflammatory factors.

An Update on Dyslipidemia Management and Medications: A Review.

Dyslipidemia, characterized by abnormal lipid levels in the bloodstream, is a very common and underappreciated chronic disease associated with a significant cardiovascular disease burden. The management landscape for dyslipidemia has historically been static, with a sparse selection of therapeutic options. This article presents a comprehensive review of contemporary approaches to dyslipidemia management, focusing on therapeutic strategies and emerging interventions. We delineate the most current American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology & Canadian Cardiovascular Society guidelines and examine pivotal clinical trials that are shaping the contemporary approach to dyslipidemia management.

Clinical Characteristics, Complications, and Predictors of Poor Outcome Among Hospitalized Adult COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background Many international studies have reported the outcomes and predictors of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, only a few national studies have reported predictors of poor outcomes among adult hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and complications of COVID-19 and identify predictors of poor outcomes. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study. All adult patients confirmed with COVID-19 who were admitted at the King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC)-Jeddah between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020, were included; pediatric and pregnant patients were excluded. The clinical features and complications of COVID-19 were tested for association with poor outcomes (intensive care unit [ICU] admission or death) using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. In addition, logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of poor outcomes. Results A total of 527 patients were included in this study. Forty-two patients (8%) (6-10, 95% confidence interval [CI]) died: 13 in the general wards and 29 in the ICU. Of the 84 patients admitted to the ICU, 65 underwent invasive mechanical ventilation. Poor outcome affected 97 patients (18%) (15-22, 95% CI). Shortness of breath, oxygen saturation <92%, and abnormal chest x-ray findings were associated with poor outcomes (P-value < 0.001). In addition, lymphocyte counts were significantly lower, while c-reactive protein levels were significantly higher among patients with poor outcomes (P-value < 0.001). The most common complications were acute cardiac (83 patients, 16%), acute kidney (78 patients, 15%), and liver injuries (76 patients, 14%). Predictors of poor outcome were the updated Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) (odds ratio [OR] 1.2 [95% CI 1.1-1.4]), liver injury (OR 2.6 [95% CI 1.3-4.9]), acute kidney injury (OR 4.3 [95% CI 2.3-7.8]), and acute cardiac injury (OR 5.1 [95% CI 2.8-9.4]). Conclusions COVID-19 disease is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Predictors of poor outcomes among COVID-19 hospitalized patients were the updated CCI, liver injury, acute kidney, and acute myocardial injuries. Subsequently, the risk of poor COVID-19 outcomes is increased among patients with multiple comorbidities and/or multiple COVID-19 complications.

The Myth of Myocardial Infarction With Normal Coronary Angiography.

Myocardial infarction with no obstructive atherosclerosis is an increasingly recognized presentation of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The disease has all the clinical features of an ACS, but the only exception is that the coronary angiogram indicates non-obstructive coronary artery disease. Although different pathophysiological mechanisms have been postulated, no definitive mechanism has been identified. Consequently, the treatment plan varies and depends on the more probable mechanism. Here, we review the current body of knowledge about this disease and discuss updated management strategies.

A New Variant Mutation in SKIV2L Gene in Case of Trichohepatoenteric Syndrome.

Trichohepatoenteric syndrome is an autosomal recessive genetic disease with an estimated prevalence of 1:100,000. The mutation of the disease is placed either in SKIV2L or TTC37 genes. The onset of presentation is variable, but symptoms usually start with intractable diarrhea associated with woolly hair abnormality, immune dysfunction, and sometimes hepatic abnormality. This case is of a 10-month-old girl who was born at 37 + 2 weeks due to symmetrical intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), with a low birth weight (1320 g). It was noticed during her stay in NICU that she had excessive diarrhea on day 8. Gastroenterology suggested starting an extensively-hydrolyzed formula, but no improvement noticed. The multidisciplinary teams decided to order whole-exome sequencing analysis after excluding diarrhea causes. The analysis detected a new variant mutation (c.1297C > T) p. (Arg433Cys). To our knowledge, this is the first time detected in a homozygous state in the SKIV2L gene, as this variant mutation has not been described in any previous literature. Our case was managed mainly by total parenteral nutrition. The patient responded to the treatment appropriately.

Factors influencing patients' preferences for their treating physician.

OBJECTIVES: To explore preferences of the patients attending King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in their treating physicians and to determine demographic and personal factors influencing their preferences. METHODS: Through a cross sectional design, 366 patients attending KAMC were systematically selected, and were requested to a pre-designed valid questionnaire. The study conducted between November 2017 and January 2018. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used for statistical analysis which included independent sample t-test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The study showed that females were significantly more preferring to get information, careful examination and receiving attention. Older respondents were interested in nding out how serious is their problem and having enough time for talking about their condition. Higher income respondents focused on necessity of physician caring for their personal situation. Highly educated individuals were concerned about getting enough information, and patients with chronic diseases were much interested by the truth of their condition. Each dimension of the personality traits was significantly correlated with different package of preferences in their treating physician. CONCLUSION: Respondents' preferences in their treating physician are significantly influenced by their demographic characteristics as well as their personality traits. It is highly recommended that physicians, generally, should be attentive listener, informative while discussion, maintaining eye contact and showing interest and empathy for adult middle-aged patient. Also, to consider other preferable features based on patients' demographics and personalities.

The Primary Management Strategies for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Sub-Study of the Saudi Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry.

Background and objective Not all patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Saudi Arabia are managed with a primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). We analyzed the management strategies for STEMI patients in the Saudi Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry (STARS). The strategies include PPCI, revascularization with thrombolytic therapy, and conservative management. This study involved a sub-study of the STARS. Methods STEMI patients were categorized into three groups. Group 1 was managed with PPCI, group 2 with revascularization with thrombolytic therapy, and group 3 with conservative approaches. The data were collected at presentation, at one month, and at one year after discharge. Results The sample consisted of 1,471 patients. The mean age of the participants was 54 ±12 years; 51% were Saudi citizens, and the majority (89%) were male. Their background revealed a high coronary risk profile, with 48% diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM) and 44% with hypertension (HTN); 54% were active or ex-smokers, 30% had a high lipid profile, and 74% were overweight. PPCI was performed in 42%, and 29% were managed with revascularization using thrombolytic therapy. A conservative approach was followed in 29% of the patients. Patients who had a stroke were treated conservatively due to the risk of bleeding. The patients in group 1 were mostly hypertensive with recurrent angina and a history of prior revascularization, with PPCI or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The crude all-cause mortality at one year was 11%; it was 7% at one month for group 1, 8% for group 2, and 9% for group 3, which was not statistically significant. Conclusions Controlling the risk factors and improving access to PPCI in hospitals are fundamental in the management of STEMI patients. PPCI is still underused. Guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) is a reasonable approach if PPCI is not available.

The effect of blood pressure variability on the prognosis of hypertensive patients.

OBJECTIVE: Our study aims to compare the effects of blood pressure variability (BPV) during ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) and visit-to-visit measurements to predict future cardiovascular complications among hypertensive patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective case-control study of patients with hypertension over 10 years. All adult patients with at least one recorded ABPM, and at least three recorded visit measurements were included. Patients with incomplete ABPM readings, a history of a tested outcome, or the occurrence of any of the tested outcomes within the measurement period were excluded. The outcome was the development of any of the following: acute coronary syndrome (ACS), chronic ischemic heart disease (IHD), heart failure (HF), or stroke. RESULTS: Of the 305 cases reviewed, 152 were included. The mean follow-up was 6.6±2.3 years. The mean age was 53.5±14.3 years. Eighty-two (53.9%) patients were male, while 70 (46.1%) were female. Risk factors included diabetes mellitus (53.9%), dyslipidemia (39.5%), obesity (16.4%), and smoking (8.6%). Comorbidities included stroke (2%), ACS (8.6%), IHD (20.4%), HF (2.6%), and renal failure (1.3%). One or more complications were seen in 22.4 % of the included patients. The variation of the daytime systolic ABP had been found to predict the future risk of developing IHD (OR=1.94; 95% CI=1.09-3.45; p=0.025). Moreover, IHD was associated with night-time systolic standard deviation (SD) in ABPM (OR=1.23; 95% CI=1.00-1.51; p=0.048). On the other side, ACS was found to be associated with systolic SD in visit-to-visit measurement (OR=1.10; 95% CI=1.01-1.21; p=0.04). CONCLUSION: Hypertensive patients with high variability of daytime and night-time SD in ABPM are more likely to have IHD. Whereas, having high variability in systolic SD in visit-to-visit measurements is associated with developing ACS.