Predictive Value of Resting Fractional Flow Reserve and Atherogenic Index of Plasma for Evaluation of Physiologically Significant Coronary Artery Lesions.

This study aimed to assess the relationship between the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and resting distal-to-aortic pressure ratio (Pd/Pa) in patients with intermediate coronary artery stenosis. This retrospective study included 802 chronic coronary syndrome patients with intermediate coronary artery stenosis who underwent fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement. The resting Pd/Pa showed a significant negative correlation with AIP (rho= -.205, p < .001). When final FFR was divided into three tertiles (≤80, 81-89, ≥90), resting Pd/Pa was significantly lower, and AIP was markedly higher in the lower final FFR tertiles (both AIP and resting Pd/Pa differed significantly across the all three tertiles, p < .001). Furthermore, functionally significant stenosis independent predictors in multivariate analyses were AIP and resting Pd/Pa (p = .010 and p < .001, respectively). We observed for the first time an increase in AIP levels in the presence of functionally significant stenoses that may help better planning and identification of those patients with the functionally substantial atherosclerotic burden.

The predictive value of MAPH score for determining thrombus burden in patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: A high thrombus burden has been connected with poor clinical events in patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). In patients with STEMI, a high MAPH score has been associated with a large thrombus burden. However, the predictive value of the MAPH score in determining the thrombus burden in patients with NSTEMI is unclear. The present report aimed to evaluate the prognostic role of the MAPH score in the estimating coronary thrombus burden in NSTEMI patients. The study patients were split into two groups according to their thrombus grade. The low shear rate (LSR) and high shear rate (HSR) were estimated by haematocrit levels and serum total protein levels. The MAPH score was calculated by adding mean platelet volume (MPV) levels and age, in addition to total protein and haematocrit. RESULTS: The patients with a high thrombus burden (HTB) had a higher LSR, higher HSR and higher MAPH score compared to patients with low thrombus burden. MAPH score was found to be an independent predictors of HTB in Model 1 (OR: 1.124, 95% CI: 1.011-1.536; p = 0.039) and Model 2 (OR: 1.236; 95% CI: 1.002-1.525; p = 0.047). The cut-off value of the MAPH score for predicting HTB was 2 based on the Youden index. CONCLUSIONS: The MAPH score, which calculated by adding MPV levels and age, in addition to total protein and haematocrit, is a novel, easily accessible score. The MAPH score at both LSR and HSR was an independent predictor of HTB.

Association of CHA2DS2-VASc score with thrombus burden in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing SVG-PCI.

BACKGROUND: The rate of saphenous vein graft (SVG) occlusion within the first year of bypass graft surgery is 15%. The CHA2DS2-VASc score is used to predict the risk of thromboembolic events in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. We aimed to evaluate the predictive role of the CHA2DS2-VASc score in the estimation of intracoronary thrombus burden in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who underwent SVG-PCI. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 221 patients who were admitted with AMI and underwent PCI of SVGs at the Department of Cardiology in the Turkiye Yuksek Ihtisas Education and Research Hospital between 2012 and 2018. The study population was divided into two groups according to their Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) thrombus grade: low thrombus burden (LTB; TIMI 0-3) and high thrombus burden (HTB; TIMI 4 and 5). RESULTS: The study included 221 patients with a mean age of 63.3 ± 6.7 years. The patients with HTB had significantly higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores (p < 0.001) compared with LTB patients. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that both CHA2DS2-VASc score (OR: 1.573, 95% CI: 1.153-2.147, p = 0.004) as a continuous variable and a binary cut-off level of the CHA2DS2-VASc score > 3 (OR: 3.876, 95% CI: 1.705-8.808, p = 0.001) were significantly associated with HTB. The ability of the CHA2DS2-VASc score to predict HTB burden was evaluated by receiver-operating characteristics analysis curve analysis. The optimum cut-off value of the CHA2DS2-VASc score for predicting HTB was 3 (with a sensitivity of 67.9% and a specificity of 69.3%) according to the Youden index. CONCLUSION: The CHA2DS2-VASc score can be used as an easy practical tool to predict HTB in AMI patients undergoing SVG-PCI.

Correction to: A child with bilateral multiple renal cysts presenting with ascites and pleural effusion: answers.

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. The answer to question 3 was presented incorrectly. The correct answer is given below.

The impact of admission cystatin C levels on in-hospital and three-year mortality rates in acute decompensated heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Although tremendous advances have been made in preventative and therapeutic approaches in heart failure (HF), the hospitalisation and mortality rates for patients with HF is high. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between cystatin C and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels and in- and out-of-hospital mortality rates in acute decompensated HF (ADHF). METHODS: Between February 2008 and November 2011, 57 consecutive patients who were admitted with ADHF were included in this prospective study. These patients were clinically followed up every three months by means of visits or telephone interviews. The primary clinical endpoint of this study was any death from heart failure rehospitalisation and/or other causes. RESULTS: The subjects who died during the in-hospital follow up were younger than the survivors (47.4 ± 17.5 vs 60.8 ± 15.8, p = 0.043). There was a notable correlation between plasma cystatin C and NT-proBNP levels (r = 0.324, p = 0.014) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (r = -0.638, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that only cystatin C level [odds ratio (OR): 12.311, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.616-93.764, p = 0.015] and age [OR: 0.925, 95% CI: 0.866-0.990, p = 0.023] were linked to in-hospital mortality rate. In the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, only admission sodium level appeared as a significant independent predictor of death during the 36-month follow up [hazard ratio: 0.937, 95% CI: 0.880-0.996, p = 0.037]. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of admission cystatin C levels may provide a reliable prediction of in-hospital mortality, compared to estimated GFR or NT-proBNP levels among patients with ADHF. However, in this trial, during long-term follow up, only admission sodium level significantly predicted death.

Relation Between TRCA Complication Rates and Peak ACT Levels Stratified According to the BMI Tertiles.

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of the fixed dose of 5000 IU unfractionated heparin (UFH) represented as peak activated clotting time (ACT) according to the body mass index (BMI) tertiles in patients undergoing diagnostic transradial coronary angiography (TRCA). A total of 422 patients were included in the present study, 84 in the normal weight group, 218 in the overweight group, and the 120 in the grades 1 and 2 obesity groups. Radial artery occlusion (RAO) was observed in 29 (6.8%) patients and the hematoma was observed in 43 (10.1%) patients. The rate of RAO and hematoma did not differ across the BMI tertiles ( P = .749 and P = .066). Also, peak ACT and procedure duration did not differ between the study groups ( P = .703 and P = .999). The only independent predictor of hematoma was sheath/radial artery diameter ( P = .011) and the independent predictors for RAO were peak ACT, sheath/radial artery diameter, and procedure duration ( P = .001, P = .028, and P < .001, respectively). In conclusion, a fixed dose of 5000 IU UFH is safe and effective regardless of the BMI in diagnostic TRCA procedure.

Comparison of the predictive accuracy of four different ECG algorithms in identification of true ablation site for the idiopathic right ventricular outflow tract tachycardias.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the accuracy of four algorithms in prediction of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) tachycardias in patients who successfully underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation. METHODS: Four algorithms; two with easy-applicability and having a memorable design (Dixit and Joshi), and two with more complex and detailed design (Ito and Zhang) were compared according to the predictive accuracy. RESULTS: Among 99 patients (mean age 36.5 ± 8.5 years, 39.4% male), there were 51 (51.5%) septal-located and 48 (48.5%) free-wall located RVOT tachycardia. Comparison of the predictive accuracy of the algorithms showed that Zhang (91.9%) was the best algorithm for prediction of either septal or free-wall located tachycardia. The second best algorithm was the Ito (77.7%) compared to Dixit (75.8%) and Joshi (70.7%). CONCLUSION: In patients with RVOT tachycardia, algorithms with a detailed design may predict the arrhythmia location better than the easy-applicable algorithms.

Predictors of Impaired Reperfusion after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with In-Hospital Acute Stent Thrombosis: A Retrospective Analyses of 5 Years of Data.

BACKGROUND: Acute stent thrombosis (STh) is a rare complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and is associated with a high-risk of reperfusion failure. However, data focusing on risk factors of reperfusion failure in patients undergoing repeat PCI for treatment of STh remains inadequate. METHODS: A total of 8815 patients who underwent PCI with stent implantation from January 2009 to December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Among those cases, patients that presented with acute STh and underwent a repeat PCI for acute STh were identified. RESULTS: There were 108 patients who underwent repeat PCI for the treatment of in-hospital acute STh that were retrospectively analyzed. Of these study subjects, 21 (25%) had thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow < 3 after repeat PCI. The median value of pain-to-balloon time was 40 minutes in the TIMI < 3 group, 35 minutes in the TIMI = 3 group (p < 0.001), and the first PCI-to-stent thrombosis time was also longer in the TIMI < 3 group (10 hours vs. 2.5 hours, p = 0.001). When patients were evaluated according to PCI time, the percentage of patients with TIMI < 3 was significantly higher in the night period compared to the daytime period (46.4% vs. 17.5 %, p = 0.002). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, stent length [odds ratio (OR) = 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.008-1.38] and pain-to- balloon time (OR = 1.28, 95% CI, 1.06-1.54) were the only independent predictors of failed reperfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline stent length and pain-to-balloon time were associated with reperfusion failure in PCI for STh. Moreover, TIMI flow grade showed a circadian variation.

The Association between CHA2DS2-VASc Score and Mortality in Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Therefore, identifying high-risk patients may optimize treatment for HF patients and reduce adverse events. The aim of this study was to assess the role of the CHA2DS2-VASc score to predict mortality in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). METHODS: A total of 106 patients with reduced LVEF were enrolled in this study. All patients completed a one-year follow-up, and a CHA2DS2-VASc score was calculated for each patient. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (19.8%) died during the 1-year follow-up. We found that baseline functional status, CHA2DS2-VASc score, brain natriuretic peptide, blood urea and hemoglobin levels were associated with mortality. In the multivariate analysis, CHA2DS2-VASc score and functional capacity were the only predictors of 1-year mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the CHA2DS2-VASc score appears to be feasible for risk stratification and mortality prediction in patients with reduced LVEF.

Association of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and CHA2DS2-VASc score with left atrial thrombus in patients who are candidates for percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Association between inflammation and pro-thrombotic state has been described previously. Aim of the present study was to investigate if presence of left atrial (LA) thrombus or spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC) in rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) was related to neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and to determine predictive utility of the CHA2DS2-VASc risk stratification score in patients with mitral stenosis complicated by LA thrombus. METHODS: NLR and CHA2DS2-VASc score of 188 patients with MS and 35 healthy controls were evaluated. All analyses were also conducted according to rhythm status, excluding control group. RESULTS: Among patients with MS, there were 31 patients in thrombus-positive group, 142 patients in SEC-positive group, and 15 patients in thrombus/SEC-negative group. Among patients with MS and sinus rhythm (SR) (n=105; 55.8%); 9.5% of them had LA thrombus, and 78% of them had SEC. In the SR group, median NLR was significantly higher in thrombus-positive group compared with thrombus/SEC-negative and control groups (p<0.001). Among patients with MS and atrial fibrillation (AF); there was no significant difference regarding NLR according to thrombus and SEC presence (p=0.214). In both SR and AF groups, there was no significant difference according to SEC/thrombus presence regarding median CHA2DS2-VASc score (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Elevated NLR is related to presence of LA thrombus in patients with MS and SR. The utility of CHA2DS2-VASc score in patients with MS and SR complicated by LA thrombus is debatable, according to our results.

Predictors of neurologically favorable survival among patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A tertiary referral hospital experience.

OBJECTIVE: Despite recent advances in medical support and interventions, only 5% to 10% of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survive to discharge. In this study, factors related to neurologically favorable survival in patients with OHCA were analyzed. METHODS: A total of 129 patients who were admitted to hospital with OHCA were retrospectively enrolled. RESULTS: Sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) (ROSC lasting >20 min) was achieved in 29 (22.4%) patients. Percentage of cardiac arrests with ischemic etiology was significantly higher in successful ROSC group (p<0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, cardiac arrest with ischemic etiology (p=0.004) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) duration (p=0.013) were found to be independent predictors for ROSC. One-minute increment in CPR duration was associated with 1.202-fold increase in failure to achieve ROSC. Among patients with ROSC, 7 (5.4%) survived to hospital discharge, and 1-minute increment in CPR duration was associated with a 1.123-fold decrease in neurologically favorable survival (p=0.005). CONCLUSION: In patients with OHCA, ischemic etiology is associated with better ROSC rate compared to other reasons for cardiac arrest, and patients with prolonged CPR are less likely to survive.

The Association Between Serum Procalcitonin Levels and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease Assessed by SYNTAX Score in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome.

The SYNTAX score (SX score) is a useful score for assessing the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Previous studies have demonstrated a close relationship between SX score and inflammation. Procalcitonin (PCT) is an early inflammatory marker, especially during sepsis. Thus, in this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between SX score and serum PCT levels. A total of 545 patients were enrolled in this prospective cross-sectional study and were divided into 2 subgroups, according to their SX score. Serum PCT and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were measured. Serum PCT levels were higher in the high SX score group compared to the low-intermediate SX score group (P < .001). Serum PCT levels were an independent predictor of a high SX score in patients with acute coronary syndrome (P = .001). As patients with a higher SX score had increased serum PCT levels on admission, serum PCT may be useful for identifying patients with severe CAD.

Increased Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratios and Low Relative Lymphocyte Counts Predict Appropriate Shocks in Heart Failure Patients with ICDs.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and relative lymphocyte count (L%) are commonly available tests that can be obtained from complete blood count. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between appropriate defibrillator therapy and PLR, and whether decreased lymphocyte count may predict appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shocks in heart failure (HF) patients. METHODS: A total of 147 patients with ischemic or non-ischemic HF who underwent ICD implantation for primary prevention were enrolled in this study. Peripheral venous blood samples were drawn on the same day as ICD implantation. White blood cell counts with differentials, red blood cell indices, and platelet counts were calculated with an automated blood cell counter. All patients were evaluated according to the presence of appropriate ICD therapy. RESULTS: Baseline ejection fraction was significantly lower in the appropriate shock received group (p = 0.040). Median PLR was significantly higher and L% was significantly lower in the appropriate shock received group (p < 0.001). In both ischemic and non-ischemic HF groups, median L% was significantly lower in the appropriate shock received group (p < 0.001; p = 0.006, respectively). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, only L% showed a strong association with appropriate shock therapy (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Higher PLRs are related to appropriate shocks in patients that received ICD with lower EF. Furthermore, decreased L% is independently associated with appropriate shocks in HF.