The mitral valve prolapse frequency in healthy females with generalized joint hypermobility: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of mitral valve prolapse between healthy females with generalized joint hypermobility and healthy controls. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This observational, cross-sectional, controlled study included female individuals with generalized joint hypermobility (n=39, mean age: 20.5±1.1 years; range, 19 to 23 years) and healthy controls (n=42, mean age: 20.6±1.2 years; range, 18 to 23 years) between July 2017 and November 2017. The generalized joint hypermobility consisted of women with a Beighton score of ≥4, while the control group consisted of women with a Beighton score of ≤3. Echocardiography was performed to all participants. Mitral valve prolapse was defined as having single or bileaflet prolapse of at least 2 mm beyond the long-axis annular plane with or without mitral leaflet thickening. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in the age, height, body weight, and body mass index between the groups (p>0.05). The median Beighton score was 5 in the generalized joint hypermobility group and 2 in the control group. No mitral valve prolapse was detected in those with generalized joint hypermobility, while non-classical mitral valve prolapse was observed in one participant in the control group, indicating no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that the frequency of mitral valve prolapse is comparable between the women with generalized joint hypermobility and healthy controls. Based on these results, routine assessment of mitral valve prolapse is not recommended in this population.

[Turkish Cardiology Association Consensus Report: COVID-19 Pandemic and Cardiovascular Diseases (May 13, 2020)]. / Türk Kardiyoloji Dernegi Uzlasi Raporu: COVID-19 Pandemisi ve Kardiyovasküler Hastaliklar Konusunda Bilinmesi Gerekenler (13 Mayis 2020).

In December 2019, in the city of Wuhan, in the Hubei province of China, treatment-resistant cases of pneumonia emerged and spread rapidly for reasons unknown. A new strain of coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 [SARS-CoV-2]) was identified and caused the first pandemic of the 21st century. The virus was officially detected in our country on March 11, 2020, and the number of cases increased rapidly; the virus was isolated in 670 patients within 10 days. The rapid increase in the number of patients has required our physicians to learn to protect both the public and themselves when treating patients with this highly infectious disease. The group most affected by the outbreak and with the highest mortality rate is elderly patients with known cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is necessary for cardiology specialists to take an active role in combating the epidemic. The aim of this article is to make a brief assessment of current information regarding the management of cardiovascular patients affected by COVID-19 and to provide practical suggestions to cardiology specialists about problems and questions they have frequently encountered.

[Consensus Report from Turkish Society of Cardiology: COVID-19 and Cardiovascular Diseases. What cardiologists should know. (25th March 2020)]. / Türk Kardiyoloji Dernegi Uzlasi Raporu: COVID-19 Pandemisi ve Kardiyovasküler Hastaliklar Konusunda Bilinmesi Gerekenler (25 Mart 2020).

In December 2019, in the city of Wuhan, in the Hubei province of China, treatment-resistant cases of pneumonia emerged and spread rapidly for reasons unknown. A new strain of coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 [SARS-CoV-2]) was identified and caused the first pandemic of the 21st century. The virus was officially detected in our country on March 11, 2020, and the number of cases increased rapidly; the virus was isolated in 670 patients within 10 days. The rapid increase in the number of patients has required our physicians to learn to protect both the public and themselves when treating patients with this highly infectious disease. The group most affected by the outbreak and with the highest mortality rate is elderly patients with known cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is necessary for cardiology specialists to take an active role in combating the epidemic. The aim of this article is to make a brief assessment of current information regarding the management of cardiovascular patients affected by COVID-19 and to provide practical suggestions to cardiology specialists about problems and questions they have frequently encountered.

Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Acute Inferior Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between initial serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and right ventricular functions in inferior myocardial infarction (MI) with and without right ventricular involvement. METHODS: The study included 61 patients, who presented with acute inferior MI. Twenty-seven patients had right ventricular involvement. Blood samples for BNP were obtained from each patient on admission. Echocardiographic assessments were performed and recorded during the first 12 h. Right ventricular involvement was determined by electrocardiography, conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDI). RESULTS: In inferior MI with right ventricular involvement, tricuspid annulus planimetric systolic excursion (TAPSE) and right ventricular fractional area change were lower, and left ventricular E/E' ratio was higher. In the group with BNP levels above 400 pg/mL, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left ventricular end-systolic diameter were higher, and left ventricular ejection fraction and TAPSE, indicator of right ventricular systolic function, were lower. The elevated BNP levels were negatively correlated with RSm and TAPSE, while they were positively correlated with the E/E' ratio. The systolic blood pressure and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter during admission were independent predictors of BNP levels. CONCLUSIONS: In acute inferior MI, initially increased BNP levels may be valuable in predicting the right ventricle involvement. Higher rates of hypotension, right ventricular dysfunction and increased left ventricle diameters are observed in patients with BNP levels ≥ 400 pg/mL.

Non-Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia Episodes Predict Future Hospitalization in ICD Recipients with Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy is well known to reduce mortality in selected patients with heart failure (HF). OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether monitored episodes of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) might predict future HF hospitalizations in ICD recipients with HF. METHODS: We examined 104 ICD recipients (mean age: 60 ± 10.1 years, 80.8 % male) with HF who were referred to our outpatient clinic for device follow-up. After device interrogation, patients were divided into NSVT positive and negative groups. The primary endpoint was the rate of hospitalization within the next 6 months after initial ICD evaluation. RESULTS: Device evaluation demonstrated at least one episode of monitored NSVT in 50 out of 104 patients. As expected, no device therapy (shock or anti-tachycardia) was needed for such episodes. At 6 months, 24 patients were hospitalized due to acute decompensated HF. Hospitalization rate was significantly lower in the NSVT negative as compared with positive groups (38% versus 62%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.166 ; 95% CI 0.056 to 0.492; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Monitored NSVT bouts in ICD recordings may serve as a predictor of future HF hospitalizations in ICD recipients with HF suggesting optimization of therapeutic modalities in these patients along with a close supervision in the clinical setting.

Non-Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia Episodes Predict Future Hospitalization in ICD Recipients with Heart Failure / Episódios de Taquicardia Ventricular não Sustentada Predizem Futura Hospitalização em Receptores de CDI com Insuficiência Cardíaca

Abstract Background: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy is well known to reduce mortality in selected patients with heart failure (HF). Objective: To investigate whether monitored episodes of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) might predict future HF hospitalizations in ICD recipients with HF. Methods: We examined 104 ICD recipients (mean age: 60 ± 10.1 years, 80.8 % male) with HF who were referred to our outpatient clinic for device follow-up. After device interrogation, patients were divided into NSVT positive and negative groups. The primary endpoint was the rate of hospitalization within the next 6 months after initial ICD evaluation. Results: Device evaluation demonstrated at least one episode of monitored NSVT in 50 out of 104 patients. As expected, no device therapy (shock or anti-tachycardia) was needed for such episodes. At 6 months, 24 patients were hospitalized due to acute decompensated HF. Hospitalization rate was significantly lower in the NSVT negative as compared with positive groups (38% versus 62%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.166 ; 95% CI 0.056 to 0.492; p = 0.01). Conclusions: Monitored NSVT bouts in ICD recordings may serve as a predictor of future HF hospitalizations in ICD recipients with HF suggesting optimization of therapeutic modalities in these patients along with a close supervision in the clinical setting.

Resumo Fundamentos: A terapia de cardioversor-desfibrilador implantável (CDI) é bem conhecida por reduzir a mortalidade em pacientes selecionados com insuficiência cardíaca (IC). Objetivo: Investigar se os episódios monitorados de taquicardia ventricular não sustentada (TVNS) poderiam prever futuras hospitalizações por IC em receptores de CDI com IC. Métodos: Examinamos 104 receptores da CDI (idade média: 60 ± 10,1 anos, 80,8% do sexo masculino) com IC que foram encaminhados para o nosso ambulatório para acompanhamento do dispositivo. Após a interrogação do dispositivo, os pacientes foram divididos em grupos positivo e negativo de TVNS. O desfecho primário foi a taxa de hospitalização nos próximos 6 meses após a avaliação inicial do CID. Resultados: A avaliação do dispositivo demonstrou pelo menos um episódio de TVNS monitorado em 50 dos 104 pacientes. Como esperado, não foi necessária terapia de dispositivo (choque ou anti-taquicardia) para tais episódios. Aos 6 meses, 24 pacientes foram hospitalizados por insuficiência cardíaca descompensada aguda. A taxa de hospitalização foi significativamente menor na TVNS negativa em relação ao grupo positivo (38% contra 62%; Razão de risco ajustada [RR] 0,166; IC 95%: 0,056 a 0,492; p = 0,01). Conclusões: Os episódios de TVNS monitorados em gravações de CDI podem servir como preditores de hospitalizações futuras por insuficiência cardíaca em receptores CDI com IC sugerindo otimização de modalidades terapêuticas nesses pacientes, além de uma estreita supervisão no cenário clínico.

The impact of a single episode of remote ischemic preconditioning on myocardial injury after elective percutaneous coronary intervention.

INTRODUCTION: Myocardial injury after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) occurs in approximately 30% of procedures, and is related to worse prognosis. Effects of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) on reperfusion injury have been investigated before, yielding conflicting results. AIM: To assess the impact of a single episode of RIPC on myocardial injury after elective PCI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and four patients undergoing elective PCI, with normal baseline cardiac troponin-I (cTn-I) values, were randomized to two groups. Two patients were excluded due to data loss, and 102 patients were analyzed. Five minutes of ischemic preconditioning was delivered just before the intervention to the preconditioning group, by inflating the blood pressure cuff up to 200 mm Hg on the non-dominant arm. Postprocedural 16th hour cTn-I, ΔcTn-I (difference between the 16th h and baseline cTn-I values) and the prevalence of type 4a myocardial infarction were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Median cTn-I values after the procedure were compared. 16th hour cTn-I was insignificantly lower in the preconditioning arm (0.026 µg/l vs. 0.045 µg/l, p = 0.186). The incidence of cTn-I elevation 5-fold above the upper reference limit (URL) (> 0.115 µg/l) was lower in the preconditioning group, but it was also not significant (21.6% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.184). CONCLUSIONS: A single episode of RIPC before elective PCI demonstrated less troponin elevation but failed to show a significant effect.

Post-discharge heart failure monitoring program in Turkey: Hit-PoinT.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and feasibility of an enhanced heart failure (HF) education with a 6-month telephone follow- up program in post-discharge ambulatory HF patients. METHODS: The Hit-Point trial was a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial of enhanced HF education with a 6-month telephone follow-up program (EHFP) vs routine care (RC) in patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction. A total of 248 patients from 10 centers in various geographical areas were randomized: 125 to EHFP and 123 to RC. Education included information on adherence to treatment, symptom recognition, diet and fluid intake, weight monitoring, activity and exercise training. Patients were contacted by telephone after 1, 3, and 6 months. The primary study endpoint was cardiovascular death. RESULTS: Although all-cause mortality didn't differ between the EHFP and RC groups (p=NS), the percentage of cardiovascular deaths in the EHFP group was significantly lower than in the RC group at the 6-month follow up (5.6% vs. 8.9%, p=0.04). The median number of emergency room visits was one and the median number of all cause hospitalizations and heart failure hospitalizations were zero. Twenty-tree percent of the EHFP group and 35% of the RC group had more than a median number of emergency room visits (p=0.05). There was no significant difference regarding the median number of all-cause or heart failure hospitalizations. At baseline, 60% of patients in EHFP and 61% in RC were in NYHA Class III or IV, while at the 6-month follow up only 12% in EHFP and 32% in RC were in NYHA Class III or IV (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate the potential clinical benefits of an enhanced HF education and follow up program led by a cardiologist in reducing cardiovascular deaths and number of emergency room visits with an improvement in functional capacity at 6 months in post-discharge ambulatory HF patients.

Effectiveness of Thoracic Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of the Severity of Pulmonary Involvement in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of thoracic ultrasonography (USG) in a single session in the evaluation of the severity of pulmonary involvement in systemic sclerosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 48 consecutive systemic sclerosis patients (2 males, 46 females; mean age 50.8±11.9 years; range 21 to 76 years) followed-up in our center were included. A thoracic USG using a linear probe was performed for each patient to evaluate the parenchymal involvement by two pulmonary disease specialists. The number of B-lines (B-lines described USG sign of interstitial lung fibrosis) was recorded. Systolic pulmonary artery pressure was measured by means of using a phase probe to evaluate pulmonary hypertension in the same sequence. The same day, pulmonary function tests were conducted. Warrick score was calculated according high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images which were evaluated independently from each other by a radiologist and a pulmonary disease specialist. Medsger severity scale was calculated for each patient according to the results of HRCT findings, pulmonary function test, and systolic pulmonary artery pressure. RESULTS: The number of B-lines detected on thoracic USG was correlated with the Warrick score (r=0.89; p=0.0001) and Medsger disease scale (r=0.55; p=0.0001) and negatively correlated with diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (r= -0.56; p=0.0001) and forced vital capacity (r= -0.46; p=0.001). When HRCT was accepted as the gold standard; the sensitivity, specificity, positive predicted value, and negative predicted value for thoracic USG were 100%, 84.2%, 90.6%, and 100%, respectively. If thoracic USG was used instead of HRCT for the evaluation of Medsger scale, the results changed in only one of the 48 patients. CONCLUSION: Thoracic USG showed good correlation with HRCT findings for the evaluation of pulmonary parenchymal involvement in systemic sclerosis. Therefore, USG might be a noninvasive and useful tool for the long-term follow-up of systemic sclerosis patients after initial examination with USG and HRCT.

Effects of Gender on Electrocardiography in Subjects with Shortened Ventricular Depolarization (QRS).

BACKGROUND: Distinctions between electrocardiograms of female and male subjects have been recognized for many years. Due to these differences, arrhythmias in each gender have a tendency to differ. In our study, we aimed to compare electrocardiography intervals between men and women with short QRS durations. METHODS: Subjects with a QRS interval of ≤80 ms were included in the study. Patients were grouped by gender and the parameters were compared. Patients with diseases that might affect QRS interval and/or who were on medications were excluded. The electrocardiogram intervals of the subjects were measured, Holter monitors were placed, and parameters of time-based heart rate variation were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients (55% female) were included in the study. According to statistical analysis, no significant difference between the genders was observed in the heart rate or in the parameters, such as QT, JT, JTp, and TpTe intervals or heart rate-corrected QTc, JTc, JTpc, and TpTec intervals, which affect repolarization and are known to be arrhythmia precursors by shortening or elongation. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups for the parameters of heart rate variability time measures (SDNN, SDANN, rMSSD, and pNN50). CONCLUSION: We observed that when the QRS interval gets shorter, repolarization differences between the genders disappear. New studies are required on this subject.

Arrhythmias following revascularization procedures in the course of acute myocardial infarction: are they indicators of reperfusion or ongoing ischemia?

OBJECTIVE: The most important step in the treatment of ST elevation myocardial infarction is to sustain myocardial blood supply as soon as possible. The two main treatment methods used today to provide myocardial reperfusion are thrombolytic therapy and percutaneous coronary intervention. In our study, reperfusion arrhythmias were investigated as if they are indicators of coronary artery patency or ongoing ischemia after revascularization. METHODS: 151 patients with a diagnosis of acute ST elevation myocardial infarction were investigated. 54 patients underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention and 97 patients were treated with thrombolytic therapy. The frequency of reperfusion arrythmias following revascularization procedures in the first 48 hours after admission was examined. The relation between reperfusion arrhythmias, ST segment regression, coronary artery patency, and infarct related artery documented by angiography were analyzed. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the frequency of reperfusion arrhythmias (P = 0.355). Although angiographic vessel patency was higher in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, there was no significant difference between the patency rates of each group with and without reperfusion arrythmias. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that recorded arrhythmias following different revascularization procedures in acute ST elevation myocardial infarction may not always indicate vessel patency and reperfusion. Ongoing vascular occlusion and ischemia may lead to various arrhythmias which may not be distinguished from reperfusion arrhythmias.

Survival of patients with well-developed collaterals undergoing CABG or medical treatment: an observational case-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: The effects of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on mortality have not been evaluated in patients with well-developed coronary collaterals. We investigated functional capacity, presence of angina, the occurrence of acute myocardial infarction, survival and mortality in patients with well-developed coronary collaterals both undergoing and refusing CABG. METHODS: The study was designed as a retrospective observational case-controlled study. Seventy-eight patients undergoing coronary angiography were included in this study. They had critical occlusion in the proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD) with Rentrop-3 collateral circulation towards LAD, and to proceed with CABG has been suggested. The patients were divided in two groups; first group proceeding with CABG (n=40) and the second, rejecting the surgery (medical treatment group; n=38). The rates of survival, the incidence of angina pectoris and acute myocardial infarction as well as the functional capacities were evaluated in all patients. Survival rates were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding the baseline characteristics of patients, the presence of angina pectoris, the severity of angina pectoris according to CCS, the occurrence of acute myocardial infarction or stroke, and the functional capacity according to NYHA (p>0.05). Death due to cardiovascular reasons was observed in eight patients of CABG group and in five patients of medical treatment group (p=0.710). The 5-year survival rate was observed to be 80% in CABG group while it was observed to be 84% in the medical treatment group (p=0.730). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference regarding the survival rates in patients with well-developed coronary collaterals proceeding with CABG or medical treatment.

Coronary slow flow and acute coronary syndrome in a patient with spinal cord injury.

We report the case of a 55-year-old man who presented with acute coronary syndrome due to coronary slow flow after spinal cord injury. Data regarding the causes and clinical manifestations of coronary slow flow are inconclusive, but the autonomic nervous system is believed to be at least a contributing factor. The predominant vagal activity causes vasodilation and hemostasis, which can lead to acute coronary syndrome. We hereby call attention to hyperactive parasympathetic tonicity, which can lead to coronary slow flow and acute coronary syndrome in acute spinal cord injury patients.

Assessment of ventricular and left atrial mechanical functions, atrial electromechanical delay and P wave dispersion in patients with scleroderma.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate ventricular functions and left atrial (LA) mechanical functions, atrial electromechanical coupling, and P wave dispersion in scleroderma patients. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with scleroderma and twenty-four controls were included. Left and right ventricular (LV and RV) functions were evaluated using conventional echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). LA volumes were measured using the biplane area- -length method and LA mechanical function parameters were calculated. Inter-intraatrial electromechanical delays were measured by TDI. P wave dispersion was calculated by 12-lead electrocardiograms. RESULTS: LV myocardial performance indices (MPI) and RV MPI were higher in patients with scleroderma (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, respectively) while LA passive emptying fraction was decreased and LA active emptying fraction was increased (p = 0.051, p = 0.000, respectively). P wave dispersion and inter-intraatrial electromechanical delay were significantly higher in patients with scleroderma (25 [10-60] vs 20 [0-30], p = 0.000, 16.50 [7.28-26.38] vs 9.44 [3.79-15.78] and 11.33 [4.88-16.06] vs 4.00 [0-12.90], p < 0.05, respectively). Interatrial electromechanical delay was negatively correlated with LV E wave, (p = 0.018). LV E wave was demonstrated to be a factor independent of the interatrial electromechanical delay (R² = = 0.270, b = -0.52, p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that in scleroderma patients, global functions of LV, RV and mechanical functions of LA were impaired, intra-interatrial electromechanical delays were prolonged and P wave dispersion was higher. LV E wave was demonstrated to be a factor that is independent of the interatrial electromechanical delay. Reduced LV E wave may also give additional information on the process of risk stratification of atrial fibrillation.

Bidirectional tachycardia in a patient with pulmonary embolism.

We report a 55 year-old man with sudden cardiac arrest. Electrocardiography revealed runs of bidirectional ventricular tachycardia, and transthoracic echocardiography showed indirect findings of pulmonary embolism.

Assessment of the relationship between asymmetric dimethylarginine and severity of erectile dysfunction and coronary artery disease.

The plasma concentration of asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, has been linked to endothelial dysfunction. We investigated the relation between plasma ADMA concentration and severity of erectile dysfunction (ED) and coronary artery disease (CAD). We measured plasma levels of ADMA in 92 male patients. Patients were divided into three groups: group 1 (n = 41), patients with ED and without CAD; group 2 (n = 29), patients with stable CAD; group 3 (n = 22), control group (patients without CAD or ED). Erectile function was evaluated by the erectile function domain of the international index of erectile function (IIEF-EFD) a validated 15-item self-administered questionnaire. Erectile function is specifically addressed by six questions that form the so-called erectile function domain of the questionnaire. Each question is scored 0-5. ED is defined as any value < 26. Patients with CAD who have stable angina pectoris were selected after coronary angiography. ADMA was analyzed by ELISA method. Group 1 had significantly higher concentrations of plasma ADMA than groups 2 and 3 (respectively, 0.75 ± 0.40 vs. 0.50 ± 0.30, P = 0.013; 0.75 ± 0.40 vs. 0.50 ± 0.25, P = 0.021). There was negative correlation between ADMA and IIEF-EFD score in all groups (n = 92) (r = -0.322, P = 0.002). In a multiple logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, hyperlipidemia, ADMA remained independent predictor for severe ED. Odds ratio for plasma ADMA was 14.151 (1.101-181.940; P = 0.042). First of all, this study provides that ADMA concentrations are significantly higher in patients who have ED when compared to patients with CAD and controls. Second, there was a negative correlation between ADMA and severity of ED. Elevating levels of circulating ADMA is an independent risk factor for severe of ED, and ADMA may be a link between CAD and ED.

Asymmetrical dimethylarginine and severity of erectile dysfunction and their impact on cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Coronary artery disease (CAD) and vascular erectile dysfunction (ED) are related to endothelial dysfunction. Elevated asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels and ED are common in patients with increased cardiovascular risk. Our aim was to investigate whether ADMA has a predictive role for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The secondary aim of this study was to investigate whether severity of ED predicts MACE in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Follow-up data were available for severity of ED in 71 patients with ACS. Plasma ADMA levels were determined by ELISA in 57 patients. Erectile dysfunction was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function-6 (IIEF-6) score. Major adverse cardiovascular events (reinfarction, all-cause hospitalisation, stroke and all-cause death) was evaluated after a median of 10 months. RESULTS: Severe ED had no significantly increased hazard ratio for cardiovascular events compared with mild, mild to moderate, and moderate ED (0.259 [95% CI 0.041-1.6], p = 0.147; 0.605 [95% CI 0.095-3.8], p = 0.594; 0.980 [95% CI 0.233-4.1], p = 0.978; and 0.473 [95% CI 0.052-1.3], p = 0.508). The patients who had ADMA levels ≥ 0.32 µmol/l had no significantly increased hazard ratio for cardiovascular events compared with patients who had ADMA levels < 0.32 µmol/l (2.018 [95% CI 0.615-6.6], p = 0.247). CONCLUSIONS: Severity of ED and ADMA did not increase the risk of cardiovascular events in follow-up patients with ACS in our study. Larger prospective studies are necessary to evaluate whether ADMA predicts cardiovascular events in patients with ACS.

Plasma fibrinogen level may predict critical coronary artery stenosis in young adults with myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to determine the role of hematological variables in determining critical coronary artery stenosis in young adults with myocardial infarction. METHODS: This study includes 76 of 1,804 patients who applied to our hospital between January 2001 and December 2005. All were under 35 years old, diagnosed as acute myocardial infarction with clinical and laboratory findings, and had coronary angiography. Study patients were divided into two groups: those having critical coronary artery lesions (group I) and those having normal coronary arteries (group II). Then we compared these groups for age, sex, body mass index, risk factors, plasma protein C, protein S, antithrombine III and fibrinogen. Student t test, the c2 test, Fisher's exact test and Mann Whitney U test were used. RESULTS: There were no differences between the two groups in terms of hypertension (p = 0.70), smoking (p = 0.50), hyperlipidemia (p = 0.09), body mass index (p = 0.14), family history (p = 0.10), plasma protein C (p = 0.08), protein S (p = 0.35) or antithrombine III (p = 0.60). Plasma fibrinogen levels were significantly higher in group I than in group II (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that high plasma fibrinogen levels may be used as a predictor of critical coronary artery lesions in young patients with acute myocardial infarction.