Prognostic nutritional index and the risk of acute kidney injury in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have linked malnutrition with undesirable outcomes in cardiovascular diseases. However, the underlying mechanism is unknown. Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) increased cardiovascular mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study hypothesizes that prognostic nutritional index (PNI) plays a role in the development of CI-AKI in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing emergency PCI. METHODS: This study enrolled 551 patients. PNI was determined as 10× serum albumin (g/dL)+0.005×total lymphocyte count (mm3). CI-AKI was characterized as the increase in serum creatinine ≥0.3 mg/dL level within 48 h after PCI. Patients were classified as either CI-AKI (+) or CI-AKI (-). RESULTS: CI-AKI has occurred in 72 of 551 patients (13.1%). PNI was significantly lower in the CI-AKI (+) group than in the CI-AKI (-) group (44.4±6.6 versus 47.2±5.8, p<0.001, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that PNI [odds ratio, OR: 1.631, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.168-2.308, p=0.02] and estimated glomerular filtration rate (OR: 3.26, 95%CI 1.733-6.143, p<0.001) were independent risk factors for CI-AKI. CONCLUSIONS: PNI is an independent risk factor for CI-AKI. The development of CI-AKI may be the mechanism responsible for the relationship between poor nutritional status and adverse cardiac events.

Prognostic nutritional index and the risk of acute kidney injury in patients with acute coronary syndrome

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Recent studies have linked malnutrition with undesirable outcomes in cardiovascular diseases. However, the underlying mechanism is unknown. Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) increased cardiovascular mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study hypothesizes that prognostic nutritional index (PNI) plays a role in the development of CI-AKI in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing emergency PCI. METHODS This study enrolled 551 patients. PNI was determined as 10× serum albumin (g/dL)+0.005×total lymphocyte count (mm3). CI-AKI was characterized as the increase in serum creatinine ≥0.3 mg/dL level within 48 h after PCI. Patients were classified as either CI-AKI (+) or CI-AKI (−). RESULTS CI-AKI has occurred in 72 of 551 patients (13.1%). PNI was significantly lower in the CI-AKI (+) group than in the CI-AKI (-) group (44.4±6.6 versus 47.2±5.8, p<0.001, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that PNI [odds ratio, OR: 1.631, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.168-2.308, p=0.02] and estimated glomerular filtration rate (OR: 3.26, 95%CI 1.733-6.143, p<0.001) were independent risk factors for CI-AKI. CONCLUSIONS PNI is an independent risk factor for CI-AKI. The development of CI-AKI may be the mechanism responsible for the relationship between poor nutritional status and adverse cardiac events.

Index of cardiac-electrophysiological balance and the effects of thrombolytic therapy on the electrocardiogram of patients with pulmonary embolism.

OBJECTIVE: Different parameters on electrocardiograms (ECG) have been investigated to predict arrhythmia and mortality in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (APE). The acute effect of thrombolytic therapy (TT) on these parameters has not been investigated yet. METHODS: We examined the data of 83 patients who were evaluated as high-risk APE and discharged from the hospital after TT. First, the high-risk APE patients' ECGs were compared with healthy control subjects (n = 55). After their admission and 24 hours later, the ECGs of patients with APE were compared. Heart rate, P-wave morphology, QRS duration, QT distance, Tp-e, and the index of cardiac electrophysiological balance (iCEB) were analyzed. RESULTS: Although P maximum was not different between the groups' ECGs, heart rate, QT, QTc (corrected QT) interval, Tp-e intervals, Tp-e/QT ratio, and P wave dispersion were significantly higher in the APE group ( P values < 0.031). iCEB or iCEBc (corrected iCEB) values were lower in APE group ( P < 0.001). After TT, we determined a decrease in heart rate, Tp-e interval, and Tp-e/QT ratio ( P < 0.001). Although we detected a decrease in the QT and QTc interval and QT dispersion (QTd), QTd had no statistical significance (respectively P -value 0.013, 0.029, and 0.096). The iCEB and iCEBc levels were lower after TT ( P -value was 0.035 and 0.044 respectively). CONCLUSION: The QT, QTc, Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QTc ratio, iCEB, and iCEBc values significantly decreased after TT. It may be thought that effective TT causes partial improvement in ventricular repolarization in an early period.

Index of cardiac-electrophysiological balance and the effects of thrombolytic therapy on the electrocardiogram of patients with pulmonary embolism

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Different parameters on electrocardiograms (ECG) have been investigated to predict arrhythmia and mortality in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (APE). The acute effect of thrombolytic therapy (TT) on these parameters has not been investigated yet. METHODS: We examined the data of 83 patients who were evaluated as high-risk APE and discharged from the hospital after TT. First, the high-risk APE patients' ECGs were compared with healthy control subjects (n = 55). After their admission and 24 hours later, the ECGs of patients with APE were compared. Heart rate, P-wave morphology, QRS duration, QT distance, Tp-e, and the index of cardiac electrophysiological balance (iCEB) were analyzed. RESULTS: Although P maximum was not different between the groups' ECGs, heart rate, QT, QTc (corrected QT) interval, Tp-e intervals, Tp-e/QT ratio, and P wave dispersion were significantly higher in the APE group ( P values < 0.031). iCEB or iCEBc (corrected iCEB) values were lower in APE group ( P < 0.001). After TT, we determined a decrease in heart rate, Tp-e interval, and Tp-e/QT ratio ( P < 0.001). Although we detected a decrease in the QT and QTc interval and QT dispersion (QTd), QTd had no statistical significance (respectively P -value 0.013, 0.029, and 0.096). The iCEB and iCEBc levels were lower after TT ( P -value was 0.035 and 0.044 respectively). CONCLUSION: The QT, QTc, Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QTc ratio, iCEB, and iCEBc values significantly decreased after TT. It may be thought that effective TT causes partial improvement in ventricular repolarization in an early period.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Diferentes parâmetros de eletrocardiograma (ECG) têm sido investigados para predizer mortalidade e arritmia em pacientes com embolia pulmonar aguda (EPA). O efeito agudo da terapia trombolítica (TT) nesses parâmetros ainda não foi investigado. MÉTODOS: Examinamos os dados de 83 pacientes avaliados com EPA de alto risco e que receberam alta hospitalar após TT. Primeiramente, comparamos os ECGs dos pacientes com EPA de alto risco com os de indivíduos saudáveis (n = 55). Os ECGs dos pacientes com EPA foram comparados logo após a internação e 24 horas mais tarde. A frequência cardíaca, a morfologia da onda P, a duração do QRS, o intervalo QT, Tp-e e o índice de equilíbrio eletrofisiológico cardíaco (iCEB) foram analisados. RESULTADOS: Embora o valor máximo de P não tenha sido diferente entre os grupos no ECG, a frequência cardíaca, QT, intervalo QTc (QT corrigido), intervalos Tpe, razão TP-e/QT e dispersão da onda P foram significativamente mais elevados no grupo de EPA (valores de P < 0,031). Os valores do iCEB ou iCEBc (iCEB corrigido) foram inferiores no grupo de APE (P < 0,001). Após a TT, observamos uma diminuição da frequência cardíaca, do intervalo TP-e e da razão TP-e/QT ( P < 0,001). Apesar de termos observado uma diminuição do intervalo QT e QTc e da dispersão do QT (QTd), o valor de QTd não apresentou uma diferença estatisticamente significativa (respectivamente, valor de P 0,013, 0,029 e 0,096). Os níveis do iCEB e iCEBc foram menores após a TT (valor de P 0,035 e 0,044, respectivamente). CONCLUSÃO: Os valores de QT, QTc, intervalo Tp-e, razão Tp-e/QTc, iCEB e iCEBc diminuíram significativamente após TT. Pode-se concluir que a TT eficaz causa uma melhora parcial da repolarização ventricular no período inicial.

Predictive value of transmitral A-wave acceleration time for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: It has been shown that transmitral A-wave (TMAW) is affected in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), and decreased left atrial contractions cause a decrease in the TMAW velocity. The relationship between TMAW acceleration time (TMAW-AccT) and PAF is unknown. In this study, the predictive value of TMAW-AccT for PAF was investigated. METHODS: Seventy PAF patients (mean age: 57.8 ± 11.0 years) and 70 control patients (mean age: 58.1 ± 10.5 years) were included in the study. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in sinus rhythm in all patients. For TMAW-AccT, the time between the basal point of the A-wave and the highest point reached was measured. RESULTS: Transmitral A-wave -AccT was significantly longer in the PAF group than the control group (TMAW-AccT; 88.5 ± 18.1 vs 77.2 ± 16.4 ms, P = .000, respectively). The left atrial diameter and the left atrial volume index were similar between the groups (P = .07, P = .18, respectively). According to a multivariate logistic regression analysis, the TMAW-AccT (OR: 1.02, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.07, P < .001) was a predictor of PAF. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed a cutoff value of TMAW-AccT of >82 ms (sensitivity: 65.7%, specificity: 64.3%, positive predictive value: 64.8%, negative predictive value: 65.2%). CONCLUSION: Transmitral A-wave-AccT can be used as an early marker in detecting PAF without dilated left atrium.

Short-term warfarin treatment for apical thrombus in a patient with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCMP) is characterised by a temporary aneurysm of the left ventricular apex in individuals without significant stenosis of the coronary arteries. It is extremely rare to see it combined with a thrombus. In this case report, we present a 57-year-old female patient with TCMP in whom apical thrombus was treated with short-term warfarin use.

Effect of serum uric acid on the positive predictive value of dobutamine stress echocardiography.

There is controversial data regarding the relationship between uric acid (UA) and coronary artery disease and cardiovascular events. Despite the deleterious effects of hyperuricemia on endothelial function, the effect of UA on myocardial ischemia has not been previously studied. We aimed to investigate the relationship between UA and myocardial ischemia that was identified using dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE). In this retrospective study, the laboratory and DSE reports of 548 patients were reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of ischemia and further subdivided into three groups according to the extent of ischemia (none, ischemia in 1-3 segments, ischemia in >3 segments). Serum UA levels were compared. Determinants of ischemia were assessed using a regression model. UA was increased in patients with ischemia and was correlated with the number of ischemic segments (p < 0.001). A cutoff value of UA > 5 mg/dl had 63.9 % sensitivity, 62.0 % specificity, 42.5 % positive predictive value (PPV), and 79.6 % negative predictive value for ischemia. When the positive DSE exams were further sorted according to the UA cutoff, the PPV of DSE increased from 80.2 to 94.0 %. Uric acid (odds ratio 1.51; 95 % CI 1.14-1.99), diabetes mellitus, HDL and glomerular filtration rate were found to be independent determinants of myocardial ischemia in DSE. Increased UA is associated with both the presence and extent of DSE-identified myocardial ischemia. A UA cutoff may be a good method to improve the PPV of DSE.

Renal Drug Dosage Adjustment According to Estimated Creatinine Clearance in Hospitalized Patients With Heart Failure.

It is of clinical importance to determine creatinine clearance and adjust doses of prescribed drugs accordingly in patients with heart failure to prevent untoward effects. There is a scarcity of studies in the literature investigating this issue particularly in patients with heart failure, in whom many have impaired kidney function. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of awareness of medication prescription as to creatinine clearance in patients hospitalized with heart failure. Patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of heart failure were retrospectively evaluated. Among screened charts, patients with left ventricular ejection fraction <40% and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of ≤50 mL/min were included in the analysis. The medications and respective doses prescribed at discharge were recorded. Medications requiring renal dose adjustment were determined and evaluated for appropriate dosing according to eGFR. A total of 388 patients with concomitant heart failure and renal dysfunction were included in the study. The total number of prescribed medications was 2808 and 48.3% (1357 medications) required renal dose adjustment. Of the 1357 medications, 12.6% (171 medications) were found to be inappropriately prescribed according to eGFR. The most common inappropriately prescribed medications were famotidine, metformin, perindopril, and ramipril. A significant portion of medications used in heart failure requires dose adjustment. Our results showed that in a typical cohort of patients with heart failure, many drugs are prescribed at inappropriately high doses according to creatinine clearance. Awareness should be increased among physicians caring for patients with heart failure to prevent adverse events related to medications.

The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio improves the positive predictive value of dobutamine stress echocardiography.

The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) predicts cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to determine whether NLR improved the positive predictive value (PPV) of dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). We conducted a retrospective review of laboratory and DSE data from the medical records of 1,012 patients who were divided into two groups according to the presence of ischemia and further subdivided into three groups according to the extent of ischemia (nonischemic segments, 1-3 ischemic segments, or > 3 ischemic segments). NLRs were compared among these groups. NLRs increased in patients with ischemia and correlated with the number of ischemic segments (P < 0.001). The optimal cutoff value of NLR determined using receiver operating characteristic analysis was > 2.04, and the diagnostic value of NLR for discriminating patients with ≥ 50% coronary stenosis in at least one of the coronary arteries from those without significant CAD was high [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.671, standard error = 0.052, P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.569-0.773)]. An NLR cutoff value of > 2.04 predicted CAD presence with significant stenosis (62.10% sensitivity and 64.10% specificity). PPV of DSE for a significant coronary artery lesion identified using coronary angiography was 73.8% (95% CI = 75.1-88.5, P < 0.001, AUC = 0.818). On including a cut-off value of > 2.04 for NLR in this multivariable predictive model, the AUC value slightly increased to 0.905 (95% CI = 85.4-95.6) and PPV of DSE increased from 73.8% to 92.6%. NLR improved PPV of DSE for patients with stable CAD.

Prognostic value of Tpeak-Tend interval in patients with acute pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the Tpeak-Tend (Tpe/corrected Tpe) interval, which is an indicator of transmural myocardial repolarization, measured non-invasively via electrocardiogram in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE), and to investigate the relationship with 30-day mortality and morbidity. METHODS: The study included 272 patients diagnosed with acute PE, comprising 154 females and 118 males, with a mean age of 63.1 ± 16.8 years. Tpe/cTpe intervals were calculated from the electrocardiograms with a computer program after using a ruler or vernier caliper manual measuring tool to obtain highly sensitive measurements. The relationship between the electrocardiogram values and 30-days mortality and morbidity were measured. RESULTS: The study group was divided into three groups according to cTpe intervals: Group 1, < 113 ms; Group 2, 113-133 ms; and Group 3, > 133 ms. White blood cell count and troponin T levels, corrected QT intervals with QRS complex durations, percentage of right ventricle dilatation with right/left-ventricular ratio, 30-day death, and combinations of these values were seen at a higher rate in Group 3 patients compared to the other groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the cTpe interval measured at > 126 ms could be used as a cut-off value in the prediction of mortality and morbidity. The cTpe cut-off values of 126 ms had sensivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of 80.56 %, 59.32 %, 95.2 %, and 23.2 %, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: cTpe interval could be a useful method in early risk stratification in patients with acute PE.

The relationship between serum asymmetric dimethylarginine levels and subjective sleep quality in normotensive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Poor sleep quality (SQ) is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Additionally, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. However, no sufficient data regarding the relationship between ADMA levels and SQ have been reported. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the association between SQ and ADMA levels in normotensive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: The study participants consisted of 78 normotensive type 2 diabetics. The SQ of all participants was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Patients with a global PSQI score > 5 were defined as "poor sleepers." Factors associated with poor SQ were analyzed using a multiple regression model. Serum ADMA levels were measured using high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: The median ADMA levels of the poor sleepers were increased compared with patients defined as good sleepers (5.5 [4.2 to 6.6] vs. 4.4 [2.9 to 5.4], p < 0.01, respectively). However, the L-arginine/ADMA ratio was decreased in poor sleepers (p < 0.01). Global PSQI scores were positively correlated with ADMA levels (p < 0.01) and negatively correlated with the L-arginine/ADMA ratio (p = 0.02). ADMA levels were correlated with sleep latency (p < 0.01) and sleep efficiency (p = 0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that ADMA levels (odds ratio [OR], 1.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16 to 2.44; p = 0.01) and body mass index (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.31; p = 0.04) were associated with poor SQ independently of glomerular filtration rate, sex, age, duration of diabetes, hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported SQ was independently associated with ADMA levels in normotensive patients with diabetes mellitus.

The relationship between uric acid and erectile dysfunction in hypertensive subjects.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction plays a major role in erectile dysfunction (ED). Uric acid (UA) is a marker of endothelial dysfunction. We hypothesized that increased UA levels may be associated with ED and aimed to investigate whether there is a relationship between, UA and ED in hypertensive patients. METHODS: A total of 200 hypertensive patients who have a normal treadmill exercise test were divided into two groups based on the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) test (< 21 defined as ED n = 110, and ≥ 21 defined as normal erectile function n = 90). The differences between the ED and normal erectile function groups were compared and determinants of ED were analyzed. MAIN RESULTS: The prevalence of ED was found to be 55.0%. Office blood pressure level was comparable between groups. UA levels were significantly increased in the ED group (6.20 ± 1.56 vs 5.44 ± 1.32, p = 0.01). In a regression model, age [odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.08 (1.04-1.14), p = 0.001], smoking [odds ratio: 2.33 (1.04-5.20), p = 0.04] and UA [odds ratio: 1.76 (1.28-2.41), p = 0.04] were independent determinants of ED. An UA level of > 5.2 mg/dl had 76.2% sensitivity, 43.7% specificity, 62.9% positive and 59.4% negative predictive value for determining ED. CONCLUSION: UA is an independent determinant of ED irrespective of blood pressure control and questioning erectile function for hypertensive patients with increased UA levels may be recommended.

The use of axial diameters and CT obstruction scores for determining echocardiographic right ventricular dysfunction in patients with acute pulmonary embolism.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of cardiac computed tomography (CT) parameters and pulmonary artery (PA) obstruction (OS) scores in determining the echocardiographic right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) in hemodynamically stable patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 patients with acute PE were included in the study. Right ventricle/left ventricle ratio (RV/LV); PA axial diameter; superior vena cava (SVC) axial diameter; and Ghanima, Miller, Qanadli, and Mastora obstruction scores were obtained using CT. RVD was assessed by echocardiography. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of RVD. RESULTS: RV/LV ratio, SVC axial diameter, PA axial diameter, and Miller, Qanadli, and Mastora scores were significantly increased in the RVD group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that RV/LV ratio [OR 6.36 (2.02-279.46 95 % CI), p = 0.01] and PA axial diameter [OR 5.02 (1.02-1.26 95 % CI), p = 0.03] were independent predictors of echocardiographic RVD. Predictive values of these parameters were improved when combined with other intragroup cutoff values. A cutoff value for the RV/LV ratio of >1.08 had 81.43 % sensitivity, 52.08 % specificity, 71.3 PPV, and 65.8 NPV for prediction of RVD. CONCLUSION: Tomographic axial diameters enable more accurate predictions of RVD than OS scores do.

Uric acid level and erectile dysfunction in patients with coronary artery disease.

INTRODUCTION: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a frequent complaint of elderly subjects and is closely associated with endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Uric acid is also associated with endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and CVD, raising the hypothesis that an increased serum uric acid might predict ED in patients who are at risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). AIM: This study aims to evaluate the association of serum uric acid levels with presence and severity of ED in patients presenting with chest pain of presumed cardiac origin. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of 312 adult male patients with suspected CAD who underwent exercise stress test (EST) for workup of chest pain and completed a sexual health inventory for men survey form to determine the presence and severity of ED. Routine serum biochemistry (and uric acid levels) were measured. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess risk factors for ED. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The short version of the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire diagnosed ED (cutoff score ≤ 21). Serum uric acid levels were determined. Patients with chest pain of suspected cardiac origin underwent an EST. RESULTS: One hundred forty-nine of 312 (47.7%) male subjects had ED by survey criteria. Patients with ED were older and had more frequent CAD, hypertension, diabetes and impaired renal function, and also had significantly higher levels of uric acid, fibrinogen, glucose, C-reactive protein, triglycerides compared with patients without ED. Uric acid levels were associated with ED by univariate analysis (odds ratio = 1.36, P = 0.002); however, this association was not observed in multivariate analysis adjusted for estimated glomerular filtration rate. CONCLUSION: Subjects presenting with chest pain of presumed cardiac origin are more likely to have ED if they have elevated uric acid levels.

Gender-related changes of the epicardial fat thickness and leptin in obstructive sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND: Epicardial fat thickness (EFT), an indicator of visceral obesity, and leptin are 2 novel markers for studying the obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) population. This study aimed to investigate the effects of gender on leptin levels and EFT, and the relation with OSA severity. METHODS: A total of 149 patients with OSA (female/male 55/94 and mean age 50.8 ± 9.2 years) and 50 control patients (female/male 24/26 and mean age 48.9 ± 8.8 years) were included in the study. The study population was divided into 4 groups according to apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) as control (AHI <5), the mild OSA (AHI 5-14), the moderate OSA (AHI 15-29), and the severe OSA (AHI ≥30). EFT was obtained from parasternal long-axis and parasternal short-axis echocardiographic images. RESULTS: Leptin levels among females were significantly higher than among males (10.5 [7.8] vs. 5.4 [4.5] ng/mL, P = 0.001, respectively). Among women, leptin levels were significantly higher in the severe OSA group compared to the control group (9.8 [9.0] vs. 15.5 [10.1] ng/mL, P = 0.05, respectively). Conversely, no relation was observed between OSA severity and the leptin levels among men. EFT was not significantly different between the 2 genders (P > 0.05). EFT was thicker in the severe OSA group than in the control and mild OSA groups among women, whereas EFT was not changed according to OSA severity among males (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Leptin and EFT may be a valuable parameter in the evaluation of OSA severity in women than in men.

Prognostic value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in patients with acute pulmonary embolism: a restrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious clinical condition characterised by a high mortality rate. Previous studies showed that leukocytosis was associated with recurrences of venous thromboemboli, major bleeding and increased mortality. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with acute PE during short term follow-up. METHOD: A total of 640 patients were screened by I26 code of ICD-9 and 359 patients were included as cases of confirmed acute PE. Admission blood counts and clinical data were obtained from medical charts. The predictors of 30-day mortality were examined. RESULTS: Fifty-one out of 359 patients (14.2%) included in the study died during 30 days follow-up. In multivariate Cox regression analysis systolic blood pressure (HR:0.97 (0.94-0.99 CI95%), p=0.019), diabetes mellitus (HR:3.3 (1.30-8.39 CI95%), p=0.012), CK-MB(HR:1.03 (1.01-1.06 CI95%), p=0.024) and NLR (HR:1.03 (1.01-1.06 CI95%), p=0.008) were predictors of 30-day mortality. An optimal cut-off value of NLR was determined as 9.2 by using ROC curve. Hazards ratio of NLR>9.2 was found to be 3.60 (1.44-9.18 CI95%, p=0.006). NLR>9.2 had a sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of 68.6%, 80.5%, 93.9% and 36.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: NLR on hospital admission may be a predictor of 30-day mortality in acute PE. Since complete blood count is a part of the routine laboratory investigation in the most hospitalised patients use and preliminary promising results of this study, NLR should be investigated in future prospective randomised trials regarding prognostic value in acute PE.

The relationship between exercise capacity and masked hypertension in sedentary patients with diabetes mellitus.

AIM: Although exaggerated blood pressure responses (EBPR) to exercise have been related to future hypertension and masked hypertension (MHT), the relationship between exercise capacity and MHT remains unclear. A sedentary life style has been related to increased cardiovascular mortality, diabetes mellitus (DM), and hypertension. In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between exercise capacity and MHT in sedentary patients with DM. METHODS: This study included 85 sedentary and normotensive patients with DM. Each patient's daily physical activity level was assessed according to the INTERHEART study. All patients underwent an exercise treadmill test, and exercise duration and capacity were recorded. Blood pressure (BP) was recorded during all exercise stages and BP values ≥ 200/110 mmHg were accepted as EBPR. MHT was diagnosed in patients having an office BP <140/90 mmHg and a daytime ambulatory BP >135/85 mmHg. Patients were divided into two groups according to their ambulatory BP monitoring (MHT and normotensive group). RESULTS: The prevalence of MHT was 28.2%. Exercise duration and capacity were lower in the MHT group than in the normotensive group (p<0.05) and were negatively correlated with age, HbA1c, mean daytime BP, and mean 24 hour BP. Peak exercise systolic BP and the frequency of EBPR were both increased in the MHT group (25.0% and 8.1%, respectively, p=0.03). According to a multivariate regression, exercise capacity (OR: 0.61, CI95%: 0.39-0.95, p=0.03), EBPR (OR: 9.45, CI95%: 1.72-16.90, p=0.01), and the duration of DM (OR: 0.84, CI95%: 0.71-0.96, p=0.03) were predictors of MHT. CONCLUSION: Exercise capacity, EBPR, and the duration of DM were predictors of MHT in sedentary subjects with DM.

The relationship between red blood cell distribution width and myocardial ischemia in dobutamine stress echocardiography.

OBJECTIVES: Although elevated red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease, its role in demonstrating the presence and extent of myocardial ischemia for coronary artery disease is not known. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between RDW and myocardial ischemia by using dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE). METHODS: A total of 917 patients were included in this prospective study. A complete blood analysis was performed for RDW before DSE. According to DSE results, patients were divided into two groups: DSE negative and DSE positive. According to the number of ischemic segments in DSE, patients were divided into three groups: no-ischemic segment, 1-3 ischemic segments, and ≥4 ischemic segments. In addition, coronary angiography results of DSE-positive groups were assessed in respect of RDW. RESULTS: The RDW of the DSE-positive group (n=277) was higher than for the DSE-negative group (n=640) (13.5±1.5 vs. 12.7±1.3%, P<0.001, respectively). Elevated RDW values were also related to higher number of ischemic segments (no-ischemic segment group: 12.7±1.3, 1-3 ischemic segments group: 13.2±1.5, and ≥4 ischemic segments group: 14.2±1.3, P<0.001). A receiver operating curve analysis showed a cut-off value of RDW greater than 13.5% for predicting myocardial ischemia (sensitivity: 57.0%, specificity: 77.8%, positive predictive value: 52.7%, negative predictive value: 80.7%). In addition, positive predictive value of DSE was increased from 82.4 to 94.2% for detecting coronary artery disease by coronary angiography, when RDW (>13.5%) was used. CONCLUSION: RDW is related to the presence and extent of myocardial ischemia in DSE. A high RDW increases the diagnostic accuracy of DSE.

A new marker for myocardial injury in carbon monoxide poisoning: T peak-T end.

OBJECTIVES: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning frequently affects repolarization, resulting in abnormal electrocardiography findings. The goal of this study was to examine the effect of CO poisoning on the novel transmyocardial repolarization parameters T peak-T end (Tp-e), Tp-e dispersion, and Tp-e/QT and the relationship of these parameters to myocardial injury (MI). METHODS: This prospective study included 94 patients with CO poisoning and 40 healthy controls. Participants received an electrocardiography and had their blood drawn at admission and 6 and 24 hours after admission. The QT, Tp-e, Tp-e dispersion, and the Tp-e/QT ratio were calculated. Myocardial injury was determined based on an elevation in troponin any time during the first 24 hours. The patients were divided into 2 subgroups: those with and without MI. RESULTS: T peak-T end, Tp-e dispersion, and the Tp-e/QT ratio were higher at admission than after 6 and 24 hours of hospitalization and were higher than the control group (P < .001). There was a correlation between the carboxyhemoglobin level at admission and Tp-e and Tp-e dispersion (P < .001). The MI subgroup (n = 14) had a higher Tp-e at admission than did the non-MI subgroup (n = 80) (96 [11] milliseconds vs 87 [12] milliseconds, P = .03). There were no any significant differences in the Tp-e dispersion or the Tp-e/QT ratio between the 2 MI subgroups. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that a Tp-e cutoff value for MI of 91.5 milliseconds had a sensitivity of 72.7% and a specificity of 67.2%. CONCLUSION: Transmyocardial repolarization parameters indicative of arrhythmia were prolonged in patients with CO poisoning. T peak-T end was associated with MI.