Subendocardial Viability Ratio Predictive Value for Cardiovascular Risk in Hypertensive Patients.

Background: The subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR), also known as the Buckberg index, is a parameter of arterial stiffness with indirect prognostic value in assessing long-term cardiovascular risk. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study on 70 patients with uncomplicated hypertension admitted to a county medical reference hospital. We analyzed demographics, laboratory data, arterial stiffness parameters and cardiovascular risk scores (SCORE and Framingham risk scores) and aimed to identify paraclinical parameters associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Results: Of the arterial stiffness parameters, SEVR correlates statistically significantly with age, central and peripheral systolic blood pressure, as well as with heart rate. SEVR seems to have prognostic value among hypertensive patients by increasing the risk of major cardiovascular events assessed by SCORE and Framingham risk scores. SEVR correlates statistically significantly with serum fibrinogen (p = 0.02) and hemoglobin (p = 0.046). Between pulse wave velocity and lipid parameters (p = 0.021 for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and p = 0.030 for triglycerides) a statistically significant relationship was found for the study group. The augmentation index of the aorta also correlated with serum LDL-cholesterol (p = 0.032) and the hemoglobin levels (p = 0.040) of hypertensive patients. Conclusions: Age, abdominal circumference and Framingham score are independent predictors for SEVR in our study group, further highlighting the need for early therapeutic measures to control risk factors in this category of patients.

Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease: The Labyrinth of Investigations. Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) accounts for approximately 5-15% of acute myocardial infarctions (MI). This infarction type raises a series of questions about the underlying mechanism of myocardial damage, the diagnostic pathway, optimal therapy, and the outcomes of these patients when compared to MI associated with obstructive coronary artery disease. We present the case of a 60-year-old patient with multiple cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities who is admitted in an emergency setting. The patient is known with a conservatively treated inferior myocardial infarction which occurred 3 months prior, with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Emergency coronary angiography revealed normal epicardial coronary arteries, which led to further investigations of the underlying cause. Considering the absence of epicardial and microvascular spasm, CMR (cardiac magnetic resonance) confirmation of two transmural myocardial infarctions in the territories tributary to coronary arteries, and a high index of myocardial resistance in culprit arteries, we concluded the diagnosis of MINOCA due to the microvascular endothelial dysfunction. Although the concept of MINOCA was devised almost a decade ago, and these patients are an important part of MI presentations, it still represents a diagnostic challenge with multiple explorations required to establish the precise etiology.

"Celebrating old age": an obsolete expression during the COVID-19 pandemic? Medical, social, psychological, and religious consequences of home isolation and loneliness among the elderly.

Since epidemiological arguments favouring self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic are widely recommended, the consequences of social isolation/loneliness of older people considered to be at higher risk for severe illness are neglected. We identified and described medical, social, psychological, and religious issues, indirectly generated by the COVID-19 lockdown. Mortality induced by SARS-CoV-2 and death from other "neglected" issues were put in balance. Arguments for strict lockdown from most European countries are compared with a relaxed approach, as has been applied in Sweden. Social isolation affects disproportionally the elderly, transforming it into a public health concern. One witnesses openly ageist discourse, while painful decisions to prioritising ventilation for younger patients deepens the sense of hopelessness. Fear has led to anxiety disorders and depression. Various religious practices provide resources for coping with isolation/overcoming loneliness. Higher levels of mortality/morbidity due to "COVID-19 versus non-COVID-19" polarisation oblige the healthcare community to find ways to provide proper care for its elders.

Tuberculosis and COVID-19: Lessons from the Past Viral Outbreaks and Possible Future Outcomes.

Background: The threat of contagious infectious diseases is constantly evolving as demographic explosion, travel globalization, and changes in human lifestyle increase the risk of spreading pathogens, leading to accelerated changes in disease landscape. Of particular interest is the aftermath of superimposing viral epidemics (especially SARS-CoV-2) over long-standing diseases, such as tuberculosis (TB), which remains a significant disease for public health worldwide and especially in emerging economies. Methods and Results: The PubMed electronic database was systematically searched for relevant articles linking TB, influenza, and SARS-CoV viruses and subsequently assessed eligibility according to inclusion criteria. Using a data mining approach, we also queried the COVID-19 Open Research Dataset (CORD-19). We aimed to answer the following questions: What can be learned from other coronavirus outbreaks (focusing on TB patients)? Is coinfection (TB and SARS-CoV-2) more severe? Is there a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2? How does the TB vaccine affect COVID-19? How does one diagnosis affect the other? Discussions. Few essential elements about TB and SARS-CoV coinfections were discussed. First, lessons from past outbreaks (other coronaviruses) and influenza pandemic/seasonal outbreaks have taught the importance of infection control to avoid the severe impact on TB patients. Second, although challenging due to data scarcity, investigating the pathological pathways linking TB and SARS-CoV-2 leads to the idea that their coexistence might yield a more severe clinical evolution. Finally, we addressed the issues of vaccination and diagnostic reliability in the context of coinfection. Conclusions: Because viral respiratory infections and TB impede the host's immune responses, it can be assumed that their lethal synergism may contribute to more severe clinical evolution. Despite the rapidly growing number of cases, the data needed to predict the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with latent TB and TB sequelae still lies ahead. The trial is registered with NCT04327206, NCT01829490, and NCT04121494.

Peculiarities and Consequences of Different Angiographic Patterns of STEMI Patients Receiving Coronary Angiography Only: Data from a Large Primary PCI Registry.

Background. Inappropriate cardiac catheterization lab activation together with false-positive angiographies and no-culprit found coronary interventions are now reported as costly to the medical system, influencing STEMI process efficiency. We aimed to analyze data from a high-volume interventional centre (>1000 primary PCIs/year) exploring etiologies and reporting characteristics from all "blank" coronary angiographies in STEMI. METHODS: In this retrospective observational single-centre cohort study, we reported two-year data from a primary PCI registry (2035 patients). "Angio-only" cases were assigned to one of these categories: (a) Takotsubo syndrome; (b) coronary embolisation; (c) myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries; (d) myocarditis; (e) CABG-referred; (f) normal coronary arteries (mostly diagnostic errors); and (g)others (refusals and death prior angioplasty). Univariate analysis assessed correlations between each category and cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: 412 STEMI patients received coronary angiography "only," accounting for 20.2% of cath lab activations. Barely 77 patients had diagnostic errors (3.8% from all patients) implying false-activations. 40% of "angio-only" patients (n = 165) were referred to surgery due to severe atherosclerosis or mechanical complications. Patients with diagnostic errors and normal arteries displayed strong correlations with all cardiovascular risk factors. Probably, numerous risk factors "convinced" emergency department staff to call for an angio. CONCLUSIONS: STEMI network professionals often confront with coronary angiography "only" situations. We propose a classification according to etiologies. Next, STEMI guidelines should include audit recommendations and specific thresholds regarding "angio-only" patients, with specific focus on MINOCA, CABG referrals, and diagnostic errors. These measures will have a double impact: a better management of the patient, and a clearer perception about the usefulness of the investments.

Infective endocarditis after TAVI: a meta-analysis and systematic review of epidemiology, risk factors and clinical consequences.

Infective endocarditis (IE) represents one of the most challenging clinical entities, requiring a multidisciplinary approach. The increasing number of surgical and transcatheter heart valves replacements performed annually lead to a higher incidence of prosthetic valve endocarditis. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) brought a new alternative for the treatment of aortic stenosis and a new subgroup of IE with its features. We aimed to compare the incidence of IE in TAVI and surgical valve replacement (SAVR) to identify risk factors for TAVI-IE, evaluate the possible impact on mortality, and clarify the best treatment strategies. A digital scan in PubMed and SCOPUS databases was performed. 68 publications were selected to perform a meta-analysis and systematic review on epidemiology, risk factors, and mortality predictors in TAVI-IE. No significant difference in IE rate was noted between patients with TAVI and those with SAVR for in-hospital, early, mid-term and late IE. Male gender, intubation, new pacemaker implantation IE and CKD were correlated with TAVI-IE. Surgical treatment was performed in 22.3% of cases. Overall mortality for the pooled cohort was 38.3%. In a multivariate logistic regression model, surgical treatment and self-expandable device were linked to lower mortality in TAVI-IE. Even if the invasive procedure can trigger bacteremia, exposing the TAVI valve to future infection, no significant difference in IE rate was noted in our analysis between patients with TAVI and those with SAVR for in-hospital, early, mid-term and late IE. Surgical treatment of TAVI-IE can be a viable option in patients with a prohibitive risk score.

Coronary revascularization during treatment of severe aortic stenosis: A meta-analysis of the complete percutaneous approach (PCI plus TAVR) versus the complete surgical approach (CABG plus SAVR).

BACKGROUND: The management of patients with coexisting severe aortic stenosis (AS) and coronary artery disease (CAD) is still facing a great deal of uncertainty when it comes to choosing between the entire surgical versus the complete percutaneous approaches, after accurately balancing risks versus outcomes. AIM: To evaluate clinical outcomes and mortality of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) plus percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared with surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) plus coronary arteries bypass grafting (CABG) procedures in patients with concomitant AS and CAD. METHODS: Electronic databases of PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS were searched for relevant articles assessing outcome parameters of interest. The study endpoints were the rate of overall myocardial infarction and stroke within 30 days and the rate of 30-day mortality and 2-year mortality between patients with TAVR/PCI and those with SAVR/CABG. RESULTS: Random-effect meta-analysis did not reveal any significant difference between 30-day safety outcomes: myocardial infarction (TAVR/PCI vs SAVR/CABG: odds ratio [OR]: 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.20-1.33; I2 = 0%), stroke (TAVR/PCI vs SAVR/CABG: OR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.45-1.73; I2 = 0%). No significant difference in 30-day mortality (OR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.43-1.21; I2 = 0%) and 2-year mortality (OR: 1.50; 95% CI: 0.77-2.94; I2 = 81%) rate was noted between patients with TAVR/PCI and those with SAVR/CABG. CONCLUSIONS: When comparing the total percutaneous and total surgical treatment, no significant difference in short-term safety outcomes or early and late mortality was observed. More evidence is needed to guide the clinical decision.

Strategies to Lower In-Hospital Mortality in STEMI Patients with Primary PCI: Analysing Two Years Data from a High-Volume Interventional Centre.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to analyse data from our high-volume interventional centre (>1000 primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) per year) searching for predictors of in-hospital mortality in acute myocardial infarction (MI) patients. Moreover, we looked for realistic strategies and interventions for lowering in-hospital mortality under the "5 percent threshold." Background. Although interventional and medical treatment options are constantly expanding, recent studies reported a residual in-hospital mortality ranging between 5 and 10 percent after primary PCI. Current data sustain that mortality after ST-elevation MI will soon reach a point when cannot be reduced any further. METHODS: In this retrospective observational single-centre cohort study, we investigated two-year data from a primary PCI registry including 2035 consecutive patients. Uni- and multivariate analysis were performed to identify independent predictors for in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: All variables correlated with mortality in univariate analysis were introduced in a stepwise multivariate linear regression model. Female gender, hypertension, depressed left ventricular ejection fraction, history of MI, multivessel disease, culprit left main stenosis, and cardiogenic shock proved to be independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. The model was validated for sensitivity and specificity using receiver operating characteristic curve. For our model, variables can predict in-hospital mortality with a specificity of 96.60% and a sensitivity of 84.68% (p < 0.0001, AUC = 0.93, 95% CI 0.922-0.944). CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis identified a predictive model for in-hospital mortality. The majority of deaths were due to cardiogenic shock. We suggested that in order to lower mortality under 5 percent, focus should be on creating a cardiogenic shock system based on the US experience. A shock hub-centre, together with specific transfer algorithms, mobile interventional teams, ventricular assist devices, and surgical hybrid procedures seem to be the next step toward a better management of ST-elevation MI patients and subsequently lower death rates.

A comprehensive review on apolipoproteins as nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors in end-stage renal disease: current evidence and perspectives.

PURPOSE: Nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors such as lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), the genetic polymorphisms of apolipoprotein(a), apolipoprotein E (ApoE), and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) increase the prevalence of atherosclerosis in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) through quantitative and qualitative alterations. Given the high burden of cardiovascular fatal events in ESRD, this review aims to gather studies depicting apolipoproteins' changes in ESRD, to describe current evidence and to explore potential lipid-lowering therapies. METHODS: We searched the electronic database of PubMed, SCOPUS, EBSCO, and Cochrane CENTRAL for studies evaluating apolipoproteins in ESRD. Randomized controlled trials, observational studies (including case-control, prospective, or retrospective cohort), and reviews/meta-analysis were included if reference was made to apolipoproteins and cardiovascular consequences in ESRD. RESULTS: 21 studies met the inclusion criteria. We found a significant correlation between Lp(a) plasma concentrations and atherosclerosis. Lp(a) levels were independent risk factors for atherothrombosis and cardiovascular mortality. LMW apo(a) phenotype proved to be the best predictor for coronary events in ESRD. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in ApoE gene affected the expression and function of the protein, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events. ApoB had a significant correlation with the value of carotid intima-media thickness and vascular stiffness. CONCLUSIONS: The picture of "lipid milieu" in ESRD has not been clearly described. Novel studies show that specific apolipoproteins suffer modifications in uremic patients, being correlated with cardiovascular events. Probably in the next years, the treatment of dyslipidemia in ESRD will not merely target LDL or total cholesterol, but specific isoforms of apolipoproteins which seem to become the central part of the problem.

Religiosity, spirituality and quality of life of dialysis patients: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients often report a combination of disturbing physical symptoms and psychological distress which result in significantly reduced quality of life (QoL). Coping with a chronic disease is a complex matter involving also the family and a multi-disciplinary team. Recently, observational studies suggested that spirituality (S) and religiosity (R) are two important determinants in coping with a chronic/terminal disease. Both concepts were studied in various settings, involving ESRD and QoL. This systematic review aims to synthesize all instruments used to assess R/S, to examine the strategies evaluating QoL of dialysis patients and to analyse their correlations. METHODS: In accordance with the PRISMA, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed and SCOPUS (between Jan 1980-Dec 2018, PROSPERO number CRD42019116837). Eligible studies included patients on dialysis therapy, religiously/spiritually assessed and contained QoL evaluation. RESULTS: Of the initial 311 studies, 261 papers were excluded. Consequently, 50 papers with a total 9265 patients were available for inclusion. From a list of 177 R/S scales available worldwide, we identified 24 tools. We organized all QoL parameters into 10 classes. In all studies, R/S variables were positively correlated with at least one QoL variable. CONCLUSIONS: In this systematic review, we synthesized the studies involving R/S assessment in dialysis patients and their benefit on QoL. R/S has a positive impact on most QoL parameters in 5D-CKD. We suggest that nephrology guidelines on palliative care and/or elderly should include specific recommendations on R/S support and opportunities for integrated specific therapies.

A Narrative Review on Thrombolytics in Advanced CKD: Is it an Evidence-Based Therapy?

PURPOSE: A timely pharmacoinvasive strategy consisting of thrombolytic therapy (TT) plays a pivotal role in three major scenarios: acute ischemic stroke (AIS), acute myocardial infarction (STEMI), and massive pulmonary embolism (PE). Presence of advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2), known to disturb thrombotic/thrombolytic equilibrium, causes difficulties for clinicians in evaluating risk-benefit balance, as current guidelines do not address the relationship between TT and the advanced CKD. This narrative review aims to evaluate the most important scientific resources regarding the evidences, benefits, and risks of using thrombolytics in advanced CKD. METHODS: We searched the electronic database of PubMed for studies evaluating the relationship between renal dysfunction and TT in patients with STEMI, AIS, and massive PE. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies including prospective or retrospective cohort studies, reviews, meta-analyses, and guidelines were included if referring to TT for one of the three scenarios in advanced CKD. RESULTS: Prothrombotic conditions in CKD, associated with an increased risk of hemorrhages, can affect the safety and efficacy of TT. Concerns regarding in-hospital bleeding events and poor clinical outcomes subsequent to TT in advanced CKD continue to cause underutilization or delaying routine reperfusion therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of TT on the outcomes of advanced CKD patients is poorly understood to date, with scarce data available in current guidelines and conflicting results from observational studies. Until evidence-based data from RCTs will be obtained, the clinical challenge of maximizing benefits for this high-risk subgroup lays in the hands of practicing clinicians.