Impact of Implant Size and Position on Subsidence Degree after Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: Radiological and Clinical Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Implant subsidence is recognized as a complication of interbody stabilization, although its relevance remains ambiguous, particularly in terms of relating the effect of the position and depth of subsidence on the clinical outcome of the procedure. This study aimed to evaluate how implant positioning and size influence the incidence and degree of subsidence and to examine their implications for clinical outcomes. METHODS: An observational study of 94 patients (157 levels) who underwent ACDF was conducted. Radiological parameters (implant position, implant height, vertebral body height, segmental height and intervertebral height) were assessed. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Subsidence was evaluated in groups according to its degree, and statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: The findings revealed that implant-to-endplate ratio and implant height were significant risk factors associated with the incidence and degree of subsidence. The incidence of subsidence varied as follows: 34 cases (41.5%) exhibited displacement of the implant into the adjacent endplate by 2-3 mm, 32 cases (39%) by 3-4 mm, 16 cases (19.5%) by ≥4 mm and 75 (47.8%) cases exhibited no subsidence. CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore that oversized or undersized implants relative to the disc space or endplate length elevate the risk and severity of subsidence.

Irreducible L5/S1 Spondyloptosis in Over 20 Years After Neglected Trauma Treated with Modified Grob's Technique - Case Report.

Introduction: Spondyloptosis, characterized by complete slippage of the upper vertebral body relative to the lower vertebral body, is an exceedingly rare condition. Typically, it occurs as a result of a high-energy injury and is promptly managed. It is uncommon for a patient to present to a spinal surgery unit several decades after the initial incident. Case Report: In this case report, we describe the case of a 62-year-old man who experienced a lumbosacral injury from a fall twenty years prior to seeking treatment. The patient had multiple comorbidities, including obesity and internal medicine conditions. He presented with severe back pain radiating to the lower extremities, accompanied by significant neurogenic chroma and lower extremity weakness. Imaging studies revealed spondyloptosis at the L5/S1 level, along with bony fusion and spinal canal stenosis at the L3/L4 level. Conclusion: The patient underwent surgical intervention using Grob's direct pediculo-body fixation technique. The postoperative period was uneventful, and over the course of one year of follow-up, the patient experienced a resolution of symptoms and significant improvement in functional capacity.

Subsidence following cervical discectomy and implant-to-bone ratio.

BACKGROUND: Implant subsidence is an undesirable effect after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). We investigated the relation between the rate of implant subsidence and the ratio of the implant surface area to the surface area of the adjacent bone. METHODS: We operated 170 disc spaces in a group of 104 patients. Two types of implants were used: 1) PEEK (polyetheretherketone) cages and 2) titanium-coated (TC) PEEK cages. Patients were randomised to receive a specific implant using a randomisation table. All implants had a surface area of 1.61 cm2. Based on computed tomography images, bone surface areas were calculated for vertebral bodies immediately adjacent to the interbody implants. The implant-to-bone surface ratio was then calculated for each disc space. Implant subsidence was assessed over 12 months of follow-up, and associations between implant subsidence, the type of implant, and the implant-to-bone surface ratio were investigated. RESULTS: Twelve months after the surgery, computed tomography was performed on 86 patients (144 disc spaces). Furthermore, in 166 disc spaces and 102 patients, conventional radiographs were obtained. Subsidence was observed in 21% of the examined intervertebral spaces, and it was more frequently associated with higher values of bone surface area and lower values of the implant-to-bone surface ratio. The type of implant (PEEK vs TC-PEEK cages) did not significantly influence the rate of implant subsidence. CONCLUSIONS: Implant subsidence was significantly related to the value of a coefficient representing the ratio of the implant's surface area to the bone surface area of the adjacent vertebral bodies, with subsidence occurring significantly more rarely for coefficient values ≥ 0.37.

PEEK versus titanium-coated PEEK cervical cages: fusion rate.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is one of the most commonly performed procedures for degenerative cervical disease. The evaluation of fusion status is still not fully standardized, and a variety of measurement methods are used. This study presents our own evaluation of fusion by comparing two types of implants. METHODS: A total of 170 disc spaces were operated on in 104 patients using PEEK (polyetheretherketone) cages and titanium-coated (TC) PEEK cages. Patients were assigned to a specific implant using a randomisation table. Fusion status was evaluated based on functional radiographs and CT scans obtained at 12 months post-surgery. Multivariate mixed-effects logistic regression models were performed to assess the association of type of implant with different fusion rates. RESULTS: At 12 months post-surgery, CT scans were performed in 86 patients (a total of 144 disc spaces) and conventional radiographs were obtained in 102 (a total of 166 disc spaces). Complete fusion was demonstrated in 101 cases (71.1%), partial fusion in 43 cases (29.9%). There were no cases of absence of fusion. A total of 85 PEEK cages (59%) and 59 TC-PEEK cages (41%) were implanted. For PEEK cages, complete fusion was seen in 75 (88.2%) disc spaces, compared to 26 (44.1%) achieved with TC-PEEK cages. A significantly higher proportion of complete fusions (B = 15.58; P < 0.0001) after 12 months was observed with PEEK implants compared to TC-PEEK implants. CONCLUSION: Complete fusion was noted at 12 months post-surgery significantly more frequently with PEEK implants compared to TC-PEEK implants.

Long-term prognosis following acute coronary syndromes: a prospective observational study of an unselected group treated in the 24/7 cardiac catheterisation laboratory at a university hospital.

BACKGROUND: Risk stratification in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is usually based on clinical data obtained during hospitalisation. To date, there is a limited number of prospective observational studies assessing long-term prognosis of patients discharged from hospital after ACS. AIM: This study is to investigate long-term follow-up of unselected ACS patients treated at the 24-hour/7-day (24/7) cardiac catheterisation laboratory and discharged from referral university hospital. METHODS: We studied 672 consecutive ACS patients (median age 61 years, 66.7% men) hospitalised and discharged between 2002 and 2004. The analysis was done in respect of the type of ACS, i.e. non­ST-segment elevation: unstable angina non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (UA/NSTEMI; n = 255) vs. ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI; n = 417). All patients underwent coronarography and, if indicated, primary angioplasty (417 patients with STEMI and 157 patients with UA/NSTEMI). The primary endpoint was defined as all-cause mortality during six years of follow-up. Survival status and date of death were obtained from the National Death Registry of Poland and presented as Kaplan­Meier survival curves. RESULTS: Despite a significantly higher one-year mortality of patients with UA/NSTEMI compared to those with STEMI (7.1% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.018), the overall mortality assessed throughout follow-up until 2009 was comparable between UA/NSTEMI and STEMI patients (18.8% vs. 18%, p = 0.79). CONCLUSIONS: The long-term (several years) survival did not depend on the type of ACS.

Risk factors for adverse outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndrome: single-centre experience with long-term follow-up of treated patients.

BACKGROUND: For patients experiencing an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), a crucial time to assess their prognosis and to plan management is at discharge from hospital. AIM: The aim of the study was to identify risk factors of mortality during post-discharge period following a hospitalisation for ACS. METHODS: We studied 672 consecutive ACS patients hospitalised and discharged alive between 2002 and 2004. The analysis was done with respect to the type of ACS, i.e. unstable angina/non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infraction (UA/NSTEMI; n = 255) vs. ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI; n = 417). All patients underwent coronary angiography and, if indicated, primary angioplasty (STEMI: 417 patients; UA/NSTEMI: 157 patients). The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to evaluate the independent effect of the risk factors on the occurrence of primary endpoint, i.e. all-cause mortality during six-year follow-up. Survival status and date of death were obtained from the National Registry of Population (PESEL database). RESULTS: A total of 123 patients (18.3%) died within the post-discharge period. The multivariate analysis identified 11 highly significant independent predictors of mortality (in order of predictive strength): diabetes mellitus (all types), higher creatinine level, older age, and more frequent occurrence of: supraventricular arrhythmias during hospitalisation, peripheral artery disease, recurrent angina pectoris with documented ischaemia on electrocardiogram, male sex, prior myocardial infarction, treatment with intra-aortic balloon pump counterpulsation, heart failure, and higher peak levels of creatine kinase-MB. CONCLUSIONS: The risk factors obtained from the medical history and during the hospitalisation improve the risk stratification during the post-discharge period after hospitalisation for ACS.

Stratification of cardiovascular risk in patients with atrial fibrillation and obstructive sleep apnea-validity of the 2MACE score.

BACKGROUND: Risk stratification in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is critically important because this group is at high risk of mortality and morbidity. One of the comorbidities potentially affecting thromboembolic and total cardiovascular risk is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The aim of this study was to determine whether or not patients with atrial fibrillation and concomitant obstructive sleep apnea have a higher predicted cardiovascular risk than those without sleep-disordered breathing. METHODS: The study was designed to be a cross-sectional observational study. Consecutive patients with primary diagnosis of AF who qualified for first-ever catheter ablation between 2011 and 2013 were enrolled. All patients had an overnight polysomnography performed for the diagnosis of OSA and calculation of a 2MACE score-a cardiovascular risk assessment score for AF. RESULTS: We studied 211 AF patients (mean age 57.1 ± 10.2 years, 62.6% males). OSA with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥15/h was found in 48 patients (22.7%). Cardiovascular disease and risk factors were as follows: 8 (3.8%) patients had congestive heart failure, 27 (12.8%) diabetes, 16 (7.6%) history of stroke or thromboembolic disease, 194 (91.9%) arterial hypertension, 24 (11.4%) vascular disease, and 31 (14.7%) were current smokers. A significantly higher percentage of patients with OSA was at high risk of cardiovascular disease (29.2 vs. 8.1%; p < 0.0001). The trend remained significant in different categories of obstructive sleep apnea when categorized by AHI into non-OSA, and mild, moderate, and severe OSA. Similarly, the mean 2MACE score was statistically significantly higher in OSA than non-OSA patients (2.1 ± 1.1 vs. 1.4 ± 1.0; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: OSA prevalence is increased in AF patients and is associated with an increase 2MACE score-an indicator of major cardiovascular events. There is a linear relationship between severity of OSA and increasing 2MACE scores, indicating increasing cardiovascular risk related to OSA severity.

Prevalence of depressive disorders in professional drivers - epidemiologic subanalysis of the RACER study. / Czestosc wystepowania zaburzen depresyjnych w grupie zawodowych kierowców ­ subanaliza epidemiologiczna badania RACER.

OBJECTIVES: Professional drivers of the public transportation are one of the occupational groups exposed to very poor working conditions. Factors such as low physical activity, irregular working hours, poor eating habits and excessive stress at work, have a negative impact on cardiovascular risk and promote the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system. This study aimed to establish the prevalence of depression and work-related stress in a group of drivers from the RACER (Risk of Adverse Cardiovascular Events among professional dRivers in Poland - development of specific cardiovascular preventive program) study population. METHODS: The prospective RACER study includes unselected professional drivers and aims to establish prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in this group. During the enrolment all subjects were asked to fill in the BDI-II. All drivers were also asked about job-related stress and had their history taken for cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: Out of the subjects included into the RACER study drivers employed in the public bus transportation were selected. Analysis covered 292 consecutive drivers of public transportation buses as well as drivers of international coaches (96.6% male, mean age 48.2 ± 10.7 years). Following the BDI-II scoring subjects were categorized according to symptoms. Symptoms of depression were found in 5.8% subjects. There were no differences in populations with and without depression in terms of age and body mass index (p > 0.05). All subjects were asked "Do you find your job stressful?" The answer was affirmative in 205 (70.2%) of drivers. No significant differences were found in the prevalence of depression in drivers who found their job stressful or not, or between the drivers of international coaches and city buses. CONCLUSIONS: In professional drivers prevalence of depressive symptoms and work-related stress is relatively high. There are no clinical factors predictive of high risk for depressive disorders development. This along with cardiovascular risk associated with depression is reason for routine, psychological screening of professional drivers.

Which components of the CHA2DS2-VASc score are the most important in obstructive sleep apnea patients with atrial fibrillation?

Elevated thromboembolic risk is observed in patients with atrial fibrillation. The arrhythmia often co-exists with other diseases like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which adds to the thrombogenic profile and makes the proper assessment of thromboembolic risk difficult. The aim of the study was to establish how the prevalence of thromboembolic risk factors differs in patients with and without OSA. CHA2DS2-VASc score was used to assess thromboembolic risk in continuous atrial fibrillation patients prequalified for atrial fibrillation ablation. All 266 patients included in the study had a polygraphy examination. Patients were divided into a group with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) <15/h, and those with AHI 15/h or above, who were considered as having OSA. The study population was aged 57.6 ±â€Š10.1 years, and 65.0% of the subjects were male. OSA was diagnosed in 47 patients. In OSA patients, the following CHA2DS2-VASc risk factors had significantly higher prevalence: congestive heart failure (6.5 vs. 0.5%; P = 0.02), arterial hypertension (93.5 vs. 70.9%; P = 0.01), diabetes mellitus (26.1 vs. 6.8%; P = 0.003), and history of vascular disease (23.9 vs. 8.2%; P = 0.006) than in non-OSA patients. Nonsignificant differences were noticed in the history of stroke, age categories, or sex. After dividing patients into four groups, that is non-OSA, mild OSA, moderate OSA, and severe OSA the same risk factors as previously stated remained significant (P < 0.05). The strongest contributors, responsible for elevated thromboembolic risk observed in atrial fibrillation patients with OSA are congestive heart failure, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and vascular disease. Higher comorbidity burden is another argument for including OSA into the risk assessment schemes in atrial fibrillation patients.

Usefulness of the SAME-TT2R2 score to predict anticoagulation control on VKA in patients with atrial fibrillation and obstructive sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND: Oral anticoagulation is crucial for the prevention of stroke and thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation (AF). One of the comorbidities potentially affecting thromboembolic risk and anticoagulation effectiveness is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The objective of this study was to establish if presence of OSA is associated with poor expected benefit from vitamin K antagonist (VKA) therapy as assessed using the SAMe-TT2R2 score. METHODS: We studied AF patients planned for invasive electrophysiological procedures. All patients had a whole night polygraphy performed for the diagnosis of OSA, and their SAMe-TT2R2 score was calculated. RESULTS: We studied 211 AF patients (mean age = 57.1 ± 10.2 years, 62.6% males). OSA with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 15/h was found in 48 (22.7%) patients. Mean SAMe-TT2R2 score in non-OSA patients was 1.4 ± 0.9, compared to mild OSA patients, 1.5 ± 0.9; moderate OSA patients, 1.9 ± 1.1; and severe OSA patients, 2.8 ± 0.6. A significantly higher percentage of patients with SAMe-TT2R2 ≥ 2, indicating poor predicted INR control on VKAs, was found with increasing AHI category (37% vs. 41% vs. 57% vs. 100%, respectively). Patients with poor predicted anticoagulation control (SAMe-TT2R2 ≥ 2) had a higher prevalence of OSA. There was a lower proportion of patients with TTR > 70% among patients with moderate/severe OSA compared to no/mild OSA (13.6% vs. 29.6%, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: SAMe-TT2R2 scores in patients with OSA are substantially higher than in those without sleep-disordered breathing. The mean SAMe-TT2R2 score, as well as the percentage of patients with SAMe-TT2R2 score ≥ 2, suggests poor predicted anticoagulation control on VKA rises along with the AHI. There was a lower proportion of patients with TTR > 70% among patients with moderate/severe OSA, compared to no/mild OSA.

Different ECG manifestations of left ventricular hypertrophy in presence of intermittent LBBB and RBBB.

An 86-year-old female with aortic stenosis was qualified for invasive correction of the valvular heart disease. She developed a severe ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and had an intermittent left bundle branch block (LBBB) and right bundle branch block (RBBB). We report the case of a single electrocardiographic examination showing changes specific for LVH, present in all forms of intraventricular conduction. The case perfectly depicts how the intracardiac vectors of depolarization change due to bundle branch blocks and how it effects QRS complex morphology.

Prognostic value of troponin I and NT-proBNP concentrations in patients after in-hospital cardiac arrest.

OBJECTIVES: Cardiac arrest (CA) is a complex event with a dismal survival rate. The aim of this study was to determine whether N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels measured on admission and serial cardiac troponin I determination in patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) are predictive of 30-day mortality. METHODS: Out of 9877 patients hospitalized in the cardiac intensive care unit during the study, we enrolled consecutive patients experiencing cardiac arrest within 12 hours of admission. Baseline characteristics, information about circumstances of CA and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and initial biochemical parameters were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients (61 male, age 71.4±12.6 years) were enrolled. Thirty-four (32.1%) had a history of myocardial infarction, and 13 (12.3%) a history of stroke. Total 30-day mortality was 60.4%. Deceased patients were older (73.7±11.9 vs. 67.8±13.0 years; p=0.01) and had lower systolic (89.4±37.0 vs. 115.0±24.0 mmHg; p=0.0001) and diastolic (53.6±24.8 vs. 66.1±15.0 mmHg; p=0.008) blood pressure on admission. Shockable initial rhythm was more often noted in the survivor group (54.8% vs. 28.1%; p=0.01). Deceased patients had higher median NT-proBNP levels (9590.0 [25-75% interquartile range (IQR), 5640.0-26450.0] vs. 3190.0 [25-75% IQR, 973.8-5362.5] pg/ml; p=0.02) on admission. There were no differences in the first two troponin I measurements, but values were higher on the third measurement in non-survivors (98.2 [25-75% IQR, 76.4-175.8] vs. 18.7 [25-75% IQR, 5.2-50.6]; p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: The survival rate of patients after in-hospital CA is poor. Deceased patients have higher NT-proBNP levels on admission, along with higher troponin I concentrations on the third measurement. Those biomarkers are useful in predicting 30-day mortality in IHCA patients.

Assessment of CHADS2 and CHA 2DS 2-VASc scores in obstructive sleep apnea patients with atrial fibrillation.

PURPOSE: Assessment of stroke risk and implementation of appropriate antithrombotic therapy is an important issue in atrial fibrillation patients. Current risk scores do not take into consideration the comorbidities associated with elevated thromboembolic like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The aim of the study was to establish whether atrial fibrillation patients with coexisting OSA have higher stroke risk according to CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores. METHODS: Two hundred fifty-four consecutive patients hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of atrial fibrillation participated in the study. All patients underwent whole night polygraphy and were scored in both CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc according to their medical records or de novo diagnosis. RESULTS: The study population was predominantly male (65.4%; mean age, 57.5 ± 10.0 years) with a high prevalence of hypertension (73.6%), dyslipidemia (63.4%), and obesity (42.9%). OSA was present in 47.6% of patients, who more often had history of stroke (p = 0.0007). Stroke risk profile assessed by both CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores was higher in patients with OSA (1.2 ± 0.9 vs. 0.8 ± 0.6; p < 0.0001 and 2.2 ± 1.7 vs. 1.5 ± 1.1; p = 0.001) than without it. Differences in the stroke risk remained significant across different age strata, and the trend for point values in CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores rose along with OSA severity according to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI; p for trend <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: OSA was highly prevalent in atrial fibrillation patients. Patients with OSA have higher CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores. Mean CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores rise with OSA severity. Future studies should prospectively research on potential inclusion of OSA to stroke prediction models.

OSACS score-a new simple tool for identifying high risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome based on clinical parameters.

OBJECTIVE: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a cardiovascular risk factor associated with clinical complications like hypertension, ischaemic heart disease or thrombosis. The aim of this study was to develop a new scoring system, based on objective clinical and echocardiographic parameters. METHODS: One hundred fifty-eight consecutive acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients underwent standard clinical, laboratory and echocardiography assessment after ACS, and their risk of OSAS was assessed using Berlin Questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Creation of OSACS (Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Acute Coronary Syndrome patients) score was attempted, with risk factors evaluated in multiple logistic regression model. RESULTS: In 34.2% patients, who were at high risk of OSAS left ventricular diastolic diameter, left atrial diameter, and intrventricular septal thickness were elevated. In multiple logistic regression analysis: history of hypertension (Odds Ratio 4.42; 95% CI 0.96-20.5, p=0.06), body mass index (OR 6.82; 95% CI 2.33-20; p<0.001), diastolic blood pressure (OR 6.4; 95% CI 1.58-25.9; p=0.01), left ventricular diastolic diameter (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.05-11.6; p=0.04), left ventricular mass index (OR 0.26; 95% CI 0.07-0.94; p=0.04), interventricular septal thickness (OR 4.44; 95% CI 1.15-17.1; p=0.03) were independent risk factors for high risk of OSAS. All independent risk factor were implemented into risk prediction model called OSACS. The area under the ROC curve for the OSACS score was 0.87. CONCLUSION: OSAS is highly prevalent in ACS patients. The new OSACS score has a high predictive value in assessment of risk of OSAS in these patients, and it can be used as an objective tool, and an alternative for the Berlin Questionnaire.

Occurrence of poor sleep quality in atrial fibrillation patients according to the EHRA score.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia that affects the quality of life by causing deleterious health consequences, and impairing sleep quality. The severity of AF symptoms may range from very mild to the very intense which can be assessed by the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) score. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of poor sleep quality in AF patients, in relation to the symptom severity based on the EHRA score. METHODS: 177 consecutive patients, hospitalized between 2011 and 2013 with non-valvular AF and no history of myocardial infarction, stroke or decompensation of heart failure within the last 6 months, were enrolled into the study. Sleep quality was assessed by the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in all patients at admission. Medical history and data concerning AF symptoms and severity by the EHRA score were gathered by a qualified physician. RESULTS: Poor sleep quality was present in 49.7% of patients. Patients with poor sleep quality were more often females (66.6% vs. 35.8%; P = 0.007), were older (57.9 +/- 10.1 vs. 53.9 +/- 10.0 years; P = 0.005), and had higher systolic blood pressures (134.4 +/- 16.4 vs. 129.8 +/- 17.8 mmHg; P = 0.03). Poor sleep quality was present in 33.3% of the EHRA I group, 43.9% of the EHRA II group, 58.1% of the EHRA III group, and 61.5% of the EHRA IV group (p value for trend 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Poor sleep quality is highly prevalent in AF patients, affecting approximately half of them. It is related to the severity of symptoms, and prevalence rises with every degree of the EHRA score.

Neuropsychological and neurological sequelae of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and the estimated need for neurorehabilitation: a prospective pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Diffuse brain injury is a key component of post-cardiac arrest syndrome reported in 30-80% of survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). It is responsible for a high mortality rate, and is a common cause of cognitive and neurological deficits and disability. Symptom variability and dynamics and the rehabilitation potential remain poorly understood. AIM: To investigate symptom prevalence, type, and severity and the natural course of recovery within 12 months after OHCA, and to estimate neurorehabilitation needs. METHODS: Study participants were selected from OHCA survivors admitted consecutively to a cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) serving 250,000 of Warsaw's inhabitants, according to the following inclusion criteria: first ever nontraumatic, normothermic cardiac arrest, age ≤ 75 years; cardiology ward survival until discharge, and no history of pre-existing brain disease. Patients' cognitive and neurological status and disability were evaluated in the first days after onset and three, six and 12 months later. Neuropsychological assessment focused on attention, memory, executive, linguistic and visuo-spatial abilities. Neurological examination included assessment of cranial nerves, muscle strength and tone, deep tendon reflexes, cerebellar function, sensory function, and gait. The general psychophysical state was classified using the Disability Rating Scale. Patients' neurorehabilitation needs were determined using data collected three months post-OHCA. This data was used to estimate future demands for such resources in Poland. RESULTS: During a 28-month study period, of 69 OHCA patients admitted to the CICU, 29 met the study criteria (33 survived until discharge from cardiology unit; four did not meet further criteria). Severe consciousness disorders were most frequent in the early post-OHCA phase (28%); no unresponsive patients were identified 12 months later. Of responsive patients who were capable of at least minimal co-operation, 100% (early after OHCA) to 57% (12 months after OHCA) had cognitive impairment, usually with neurological symptoms. Memory impairment was the most common and severe problem, followed by executive, attentional, language and visuo-spatial dysfunctions. The prevalence of neurological deficits ranged from 88% (early after OHCA) to 43% (12 months after OHCA). Due to acquired deficits, between 71% (early post-OHCA) and 36% (12 months post-OHCA) of patients were significantly disabled and often dependent. Although dysfunctions tended to improve, over 50% of the patients remained impaired 12 months post-OHCA, and over 30% were significantly disabled. We estimated that about 800 OHCA survivors/year in Poland will develop symptoms requiring neurorehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive and neurological symptoms are common after cardiac arrest brain injury. Establishing specialised neurorehabilitation centres is essential for treating these patients.

Obstructive sleep apnoea in patients with atrial fibrillation: prevalence, determinants and clinical characteristics of patients in Polish population.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are two conditions highly prevalent in the general population. OSA is known to cause haemodynamic changes, oxidative stress, and endothelial damage, and therefore promote vascular and heart remodelling which results in AF triggering and exacerbation. Coexistence of OSA and AF influences the course of both diseases, and therefore should be taken into consideration in patient management strategy planning. AIM: To assess the prevalence of OSA in Polish AF patients, and to describe the clinical characteristics of patients with concomitant OSA and AF. METHODS: We enrolled into the study 289 consecutive patients hospitalised in a tertiary, high-volume Cardiology Department with a primary diagnosis of AF. In addition to standard examination, all patients underwent an overnight sleep study to diagnose OSA, which was defined as apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) ≥ 5 per hour. RESULTS: After applying exclusion criteria, the final analysis covered 266 patients (65.0% male, mean age 57.6 ± 10.1 years). OSA was present in 121 (45.49%) patients. Patients with OSA were older (59.6 ± 8.0 vs. 56.0 ± 11.4 years; p = 0.02), had higher body mass index (BMI; 30.9 ± 5.4 vs. 28.7 ± 4.4 kg/m²; p < 0.01) larger neck size (41.2 ± 3.8 vs. 39.3 ± 3.3 cm; p = 0.0001) and waist circumference (108.5 ± 13.1 vs. 107.7 ± 85.4 cm; p < 0.0001) than patients without OSA. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of systolic and diastolic blood pressure or history of comorbidities (p > 0.05). OSA patients were less likely than non-OSA patients to have paroxysmal AF (62.0% vs. 75.9%; p = 0.02). Dividing newly diagnosed OSA patients according to the disease severity showed that mild OSA (AHI ≥ 5/h and < 15/h) was present in 27.82% of the study population, moderate OSA (AHI ≤ 15/h and ≥ 30/h) in 13.16% of patients, and severe OSA (> 30/h) in 4.51% of patients. No significant differences in terms of comorbidities and anthropometric features were seen between mild and moderate, between moderate and severe, and between mild and severe OSA. CONCLUSIONS: OSA is highly prevalent in patients with AF in the Polish population, and affects approximately half of the patients. OSA patients are more likely to be older, have higher BMI, and greater waist and neck circumference. Persistent AF is the most common form of the arrhythmia in patients with OSA, while patients without OSA are more likely to have paroxysmal AF.