Association between syndecan-4 and subclinical atherosclerosis in ankylosing spondylitis.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in the diagnosis and treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), the risk of cardiovascular complications in AS patients is still higher than in the general population. Macrophages are at the intersection of the basic pathogenetic processes of AS and atherosclerosis. Although syndecan-4 (SDC4) mediates a variety of biological processes, the role of SDC4 in macrophage-mediated atherogenesis in AS patients remains unclear. Herein, we aimed to investigate the role of SDC4 in subclinical atherosclerosis in AS patients. METHODS: Subjects were selected from eligible AS patients and control subjects without a prior history of AS who were referred to the rheumatology outpatient clinics. All participants' past medical records and clinical, and demographic characteristics were scanned. In addition, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurement and disease activity index measurement were applied to all patients. RESULTS: According to our data, serum SDC4 level was significantly higher among AS patients compared with the control group (6.7 [1.5-35.0] ng/mL vs 5.1 [0.1-12.5] ng/mL, P < .001). The calculated CIMT was also significantly higher in AS patients than in the control group (0.6 [0.3-0.9] mm vs 0.4 (0.2-0.7), P < .001]. Additionally, serum C-reactive protein level and SDC4 level were independent predictors of AS and strongly associated with CIMT. Linear regression analysis showed that serum SDC4 level was the best predictor of CIMT (P = .004). CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that serum SDC4 levels provide comprehensive information about the clinical activity of the disease and subclinical atherosclerosis in AS patients.

Evaluation of subclinical cardiovascular disease by carotid intima media thickness, epicardial adipose tissue thickness, serum endocan, and nesfatin-1 levels in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Data on the presence and extent of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) are conflicting. In our study, we aimed to investigate the increased CVD risk in patients with PHPT by carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness, and serum levels of endocan and nesfatin-1. METHODS: Patients with PHPT (n = 44) and age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects (n = 40) were enrolled in this study. Demographic data of the participants were questioned. Serum endocan and nesfatin-1 concentrations were assessed using commercially available ELISA kits. Noninvasive measurements of CIMT and EAT thickness were made with high-resolution ultrasonography and B-mode echocardiography. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in serum endocan and nesfatin-1 levels and EAT thickness in the PHPT group compared to controls. CIMT was statistically significantly higher in the PHPT group compared to controls (p = 0.001). A negative correlation was found between PTH and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (p = 0.001) but no significant relationship was found between other parameters. DISCUSSION: We found that CIMT is increased in patients with PHPT and consequently, CVD risk is high in these patients. More comprehensive studies are needed to identify other markers that predict increased CVD risk in patients with PHPT.

Arterial Stiffness, Carotid Intima-Media Thickness, Endocan, and A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase With Thrombospondin Type I Motif 9 Levels and Their Relationship With Disease Activity in Patients With Acromegaly With and Without Cardiovascular Risk Factors.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular complications such as cardiomyopathy and endothelial dysfunction, which are frequently seen in patients with acromegaly, are among the most important causes of morbidity and mortality. In this study, we aimed to investigate arterial stiffness, carotid intima-media thickness, endocan level, and A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type I motif 9 level and their relationship with disease activity in patients with acromegaly with and without cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: A total of 60 patients with acromegaly-25 with active disease, 26 with well-controlled disease, and 9 with newly diagnosed disease-and 60 age-, sex-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy control subjects were enrolled in this study. All the subjects' height, weight, BMI, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level, insulin, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), C-reactive protein , lipid, endocan, A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type I motif 9 levels, pulse wave velocity (PWV), and carotid intima-media thickness were measured. RESULTS: The SBP, DBP, FPG level, HbA1C level, and PWV of the acromegaly group were higher than those of the control group. In patients with acromegaly with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, the PWV was higher than that in the control group, and in patients with acromegaly without CVD risk factors, the PWV was similar to that in the control group. In a correlation analysis, a positive correlation was found between PWV and age, BMI, SBP, DBP, FPG level, and HbA1C level in the acromegaly group. CONCLUSION: In our study, we found that arterial stiffness increased in patients with acromegaly with CVD risk factors and that increased arterial stiffness was associated with hemodynamic (SBP and DBP) and metabolic (BMI, FPG level, and HbA1C level) parameters.

Effects of oral colchicine administration as first-line adjunct therapy in myopericarditis.

BACKGROUND: Although current guidelines recommend routine use of oral colchicine as a first-line adjunct therapy to aspirin/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for acute and recurrent pericarditis, there are insufficient data to recommend routine use of colchicine for the initial management of myopericarditis. METHODS: The records of 194 patients who were admitted for myopericarditis were investigated retrospectively. Patients receiving oral colchicine (n = 33) as an adjunct to aspirin/NSAIDs comprised the study group and patients who received conventional therapy (n = 31) formed the control group. Plasma C­reactive protein (CRP) levels, cardiac biomarkers, and several electrocardiographic parameters of atrial activation were evaluated before the start of treatment and at the 6­month follow-up. RESULTS: Assessments before and after treatment with regard to cardiac biomarkers and plasma CRP levels showed improvements in both groups (p > 0.05). There were statistically significant improvements in P wave indices including P wave duration, PR interval length, P wave dispersion, P terminal force, and isoelectric interval in the colchicine therapy group compared with the control group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Routine use of colchicine for the initial management of myopericarditis as a first-line adjunct therapy to aspirin/NSAIDs in patients with myopericarditis has favorable effects on electrocardiographic indices of atrial activation parameters.

Association between fragmented QRS and postprocedural rhythm disturbances in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

INTRODUCTION: According to recent studies, the rate of atrioventricular block requiring permanent pacing in patients following transcatheter aortic valve implantation varied between 5.7% and 42.5%. Fragmented QRS is a useful marker of myocardial scar and can predict adverse cardiac events. In this study, we examined association between f ragmented QRS and postprocedural rhythm disturbances and the need for permanent pacing in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we examined association between fragmented QRS and postprocedural rhythm disturbances and the need for permanent pacing in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation' sentence is enough for it. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed standard 12-lead electrocardiographic recordings of 124 consecutive patients in whom a CoreValve prosthesis was implanted. We examined 12-lead electrocardiogram before and after procedure along with one- and six-month follow-up. We documented QRS fragmentation and postprocedural rhythm disturbances. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the frequency of left bundle branch block, (21.1 versus 0%, p<0.05) and the incidence of atrioventricular blocks requiring permanent pacing (21.1 versus 0%, p<0.05) following transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients whose preprocedural electrocardiogram recordings revealed fragmented QRS compared to those without fragmented QRS. Based our collected data, the presence of QRS fragmentation in anterior derivations was the only independent factor associated with postprocedural rhythm disturbances (B-value 0.217; OR 0.805; 95%CI 0.136-4.78; p=0.004). CONCLUSION: Our data showed an increased risk for the development of new-onset left bundle branch block and atrioventricular blocks following transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients whose baseline electrocardiogram recordings demonstrated QRS fragmentation.

Association between SYNTAX II Score and late saphenous vein graft failure in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is a well-established treatment modality for patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD). Syntax II Score has been established as novel scoring system with better prediction of postprocedural outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of SYNTAX II Score for predicting late saphenous vein graft (SVG) failure in patients undergoing isolated CABG. METHODS: The records of 1,875 consecutive patients who underwent isolated CABG with at least one SVG were investigated. Those who underwent coronary angiography and SVGs angiography at least 1 year after the CABG were included. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of SVG failure. For each group, predictors of late SVG failure and subsequent clinical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: According to this study, the presence of hypertension, higher rates of repeat revascularization, and higher SYNTAX II Scores were found to be independent predictors of late SVG failure. In addition, the prognostic value of SYNTAX II Score was found to be significantly higher than anatomical SYNTAX Score in terms of predicting late SVG failure and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event. CONCLUSIONS: There was a strong association between SYNTAX II Score and late SVG failure in patients undergoing isolated CABG.

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.

Association between fragmented QRS and postprocedural rhythm disturbances in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: According to recent studies, the rate of atrioventricular block requiring permanent pacing in patients following transcatheter aortic valve implantation varied between 5.7% and 42.5%. Fragmented QRS is a useful marker of myocardial scar and can predict adverse cardiac events. In this study, we examined association between f ragmented QRS and postprocedural rhythm disturbances and the need for permanent pacing in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we examined association between fragmented QRS and postprocedural rhythm disturbances and the need for permanent pacing in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation' sentence is enough for it. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed standard 12-lead electrocardiographic recordings of 124 consecutive patients in whom a CoreValve prosthesis was implanted. We examined 12-lead electrocardiogram before and after procedure along with one- and six-month follow-up. We documented QRS fragmentation and postprocedural rhythm disturbances. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the frequency of left bundle branch block, (21.1 versus 0%, p<0.05) and the incidence of atrioventricular blocks requiring permanent pacing (21.1 versus 0%, p<0.05) following transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients whose preprocedural electrocardiogram recordings revealed fragmented QRS compared to those without fragmented QRS. Based our collected data, the presence of QRS fragmentation in anterior derivations was the only independent factor associated with postprocedural rhythm disturbances (B-value 0.217; OR 0.805; 95%CI 0.136-4.78; p=0.004). CONCLUSION: Our data showed an increased risk for the development of new-onset left bundle branch block and atrioventricular blocks following transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients whose baseline electrocardiogram recordings demonstrated QRS fragmentation.

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.

Association between SYNTAX II Score and late saphenous vein graft failure in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is a well-established treatment modality for patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD). Syntax II Score has been established as novel scoring system with better prediction of postprocedural outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of SYNTAX II Score for predicting late saphenous vein graft (SVG) failure in patients undergoing isolated CABG. METHODS: The records of 1,875 consecutive patients who underwent isolated CABG with at least one SVG were investigated. Those who underwent coronary angiography and SVGs angiography at least 1 year after the CABG were included. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of SVG failure. For each group, predictors of late SVG failure and subsequent clinical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: According to this study, the presence of hypertension, higher rates of repeat revascularization, and higher SYNTAX II Scores were found to be independent predictors of late SVG failure. In addition, the prognostic value of SYNTAX II Score was found to be significantly higher than anatomical SYNTAX Score in terms of predicting late SVG failure and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event. CONCLUSIONS: There was a strong association between SYNTAX II Score and late SVG failure in patients undergoing isolated CABG.

Hidden danger of COVID-19 outbreak: evaluation of subclinical myocardial dysfunction in patients with mild symptoms.

The COVID-19 infection, which is caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has rapidly emerged as a global public health issue. Cardiac complications secondary to this infection are common and associated with mortality. This study aimed to evaluate whether subclinical myocardial dysfunction exists in non-hospitalized mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients using left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS). In this cross-sectional, single-center study, data were collected from non-hospitalized mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients between January 01 and February 01, 2021. Fifty (26 male, 24 female) COVID-19 patients and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were included in the study. Apical four-, three-, and two-chamber images were analyzed longitudinally by conventional methods and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) for left ventricle functions. The mean age of the COVID-19 patients was 39.5 ± 8.96, and 52% of them were male. The most prevalent presenting symptoms were fever [in 34 (68%)], asthenia [in 30 (60%)], loss of appetite [in 21 (42%)], myalgia [in 20 (40%)], and cough [in 13 (26%)]. Plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) were significantly higher in the COVID-19 patients than in the controls (10.84 ± 12.44 vs. 4.50 ± 2.81, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of standard echocardiography and Doppler parameters (p > 0.05). Left ventricular longitudinal strain and strain velocity parameters were significantly decreased in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy individuals. LV-GLS values (- 21.72 ± 3.85% vs. - 23.11 ± 4.16%; p = 0.003) were significantly lower in COVID-19 patients compared with the healthy controls. Mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients also have subclinical myocardial dysfunction similar to hospitalized patients. STE has the potential for detecting subclinical LV systolic dysfunction, and can provide useful information regarding cardiac status in mildly symptomatic COVID-19 population.

Time delays in each step from symptom onset to treatment in acute myocardial infarction: Results from a nation-wide TURKMI registry.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to analyze the TURKMI registry to identify the factors associated with delays from symptom onset to treatment that would be the focus of improvement efforts in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Turkey. METHODS: The TURKMI study is a nation-wide registry that was conducted in 50 centers capable of 24/7 primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). All consecutive patients (n=1930) with AMI admitted to coronary care units within 48 hours of symptom onset were prospectively enrolled during a predefined 2-week period between November 1, 2018, and November 16, 2018. All the patients were examined in detail with regard to the time elapsed at each step from symptom onset to initiation of treatment, including door-to-balloon time (D2B) and total ischemic time (TIT). RESULTS: After excluding patients who suffered an AMI within the hospital (2.6%), the analysis was conducted for 1879 patients. Most of the patients (49.5%) arrived by self-transport, 11.8% by emergency medical service (EMS) ambulance, and 38.6% were transferred from another EMS without PCI capability. The median time delay from symptom-onset to EMS call was 52.5 (15-180) min and from EMS call to EMS arrival 15 (10-20) min. In ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the median D2B time was 36.5 (25-63) min, and median TIT was 195 (115-330) min. TIT was significantly prolonged from 151 (90-285) min to 250 (165-372) min in patients transferred from non-PCI centers. The major significant factors associated with time delay were patient-related delay and the mode of hospital arrival, both in STEMI and non-STEMI. CONCLUSION: The baseline evaluation of the TURKMI study revealed that an important proportion of patients presenting with AMI within 48 hours of symptom onset reach the PCI treatment center later than the time proposed in the guidelines, and the use of EMS for admission to hospital is extremely low in Turkey. Patient-related factors and the mode of hospital admission were the major factors associated with the time delay to treatment.

Dynamic changes in aortic stiffness after substantial weight loss by laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in patients with obesity: a 1-year follow-up study.

Arterial stiffness has been identified as a powerful and independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of aortic stiffness (AS) and adverse cardiovascular events. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the effects of weight loss after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on AS in individuals with morbid obesity by using the transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).A total of 53 patients with obesity (17 males, 36 females) who underwent LSG and did not have any known heart disease were included in the study. The AS parameters were measured with TTE. The demographic and echocardiographic data of the patients were studied before, at 1 month and 12 months after surgery.The mean age of the study group was 34.41±11.62, 68% of whom were female. There were no significant differences in terms of the standard echocardiography and Doppler measurements as compared with preoperative values (all p>0.05). When the elastic parameters of the aorta were compared, no significant differences were detected regarding aortic strain (%) ((16.28±4.11) vs (16.68±4.56), p=(0.998)), distensibility (cm2/dyn) ((6.74±1.78) vs (7.03±2.31), p=(0.997)) and Aortic Stiffness Index values ((10.73±3.84) vs (10.63±3.34), p=0.998) between baseline and first month after surgery. In the 12-month follow-up, it was determined that the aortic strain ((16.28±4.11) vs (22.74±5.79), p≤0.001) and distensibility ((6.74±1.78) vs (10.34±3.059), p<0.001)) values increased at significant levels.Weight loss by LSG improves arterial stiffness parameters in patients with obesity over a 1-year follow-up.

Favorable electrocardiographic changes after substantial weight loss in patients with morbid obesity : Results of a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Obese patients have an increased risk of arrhythmias and sudden death, even in the absence of structural heart disease and cardiac dysfunction. This study aimed to determine whether weight loss by bariatric surgery has an effect on arrhythmia-related electrocardiographic (ECG) variables in morbidly obese patients. METHODS: In this prospective study, the data of 48 patients were analyzed. All ECG variables that have the potential to predict ventricular arrhythmia were evaluated before surgery, and were compared with the 1­month and 6­month follow-up results. RESULTS: The mean body mass index was 45.74 ± 5.60 kg/m2 before surgery. There was a statistically significant decline in body mass index in the first and sixth month after surgery (39.26 ± 5.00 kg/m2 and 31.71 ± 4.49 kg/m2, respectively; p < 0.001). Furthermore, notable reduction was found in terms of heart rate measurements-QTc­d, JTc, JTc­d, Tp­e, TP-e/QT, TP-e/QTc-in the first month and sixth month compared with baseline (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Several ECG variables, such as heart rate (r = 0.369, p = 0.001), QTc­d (r = 0.449, p = 0.001), JTc­d (r = 0.324, p = 0.002), Tp­e (r = 0.592, p = 0.001), Tp-e/QTc (r = 0.543, p = 0.001), Tp-e/JTc (r = 0.515, p = 0.001), exhibited a positive and significant correlation with weigh loss. Moreover, a negative and weakly significant correlation was found between the index of cardiac electrophysiological balance (r = -0.239, p = 0.004) and body mass index. CONCLUSION: Substantial weight loss following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in obese patients is accompanied by a significant improvement in ventricular repolarization. Therefore, this effect may lead to a decrease in the incidence of lethal ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death.

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.

Effects of SGLT2 Inhibitors as an Add-on Therapy to Metformin on Electrocardiographic Indices of Ventricular Repolarization.

BACKGROUND: According to EMPA-REG OUTCOME, trial use of empagliflozin in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease improves hospitalization for heart failure and decreases cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Recent studies have shown that a prolonged T-peak to T-end interval on the resting electrocardiography is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. Tp-e/corrected QT interval (QTc) ratio is a reliable index of prolonged ventricular repolarization. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we examined the effects of sodium glucose co-transporters 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors as an add-on therapy to metformin on electrocardiographic indices of ventricular repolarization. METHODS: Electrocardiographic recordings before combination therapy along with three months and six months follow-up of 141 consecutive patients who were switched from monotherapy to combination therapy with two oral agents due to inadequate glycemic control were derived. QT interval (QT), QTc, Tp-e intervals and Tp-e/QT, Tp-e/QTc ratios were calculated and analyzed. RESULTS: After the six month follow-up, there was a significant decrease in the QT interval in patients who were using SGLT2 inhibitors as an add-on therapy to metformin compared to other glucose-lowering agents (373.4 ± 9.9 ms vs. 385.4 ± 12.5 ms, 382.9 ± 11.2 ms; p < 0.001 respectively). Furthermore, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios were significantly lower in this patient population compared to control groups (0.186 ± 0.023 vs. 0.196 ± 0.021, 0.191 ± 0.017; p < 0.001 and 0.174 ± 0.021 vs. 0.199 ± 0.022, 0.195 ± 0.016; p < 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed that using SGLT2 inhibitors as an add-on therapy to metformin favorably alters ventricular repolarization indices in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Prolonged pulmonary pulse transit time is associated with symptoms in patients with significant mitral stenosis and sinus rhythm.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary pulse transit time (pPTT) is a novel noninvasive echocardiographic measure to assess pulmonary arterial hemodynamics. It has been shown to be shorter in precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PHT). Mitral stenosis (MS) is one of the causes of postcapillary PHT. We aimed to investigate pPTT in patients with MS and its relationship with symptoms. METHODS: We included 51 patients with MS (25 were asymptomatic, NYHA I, and 26 were symptomatic, NHYA II or III), and 50 controls, and evaluated their demographic characteristics and echocardiographic variables, including pPTT. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics, including age, sex, body mass index, and cardiovascular risk factors, were similar between the MS and the control group. The pPTT was longer in the MS group than in the control group (0.21 ± 0.08 vs 0.15 ± 0.05, P < .001). Patients with symptomatic MS had longer pPTT than asymptomatic patients (P = .005). The pPTT was positively correlated with left atrial volume index and systolic pulmonary artery pressure, and negatively with tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (r = .432; P < .001, r = .319; P = .001, r = -.293; and P = .003, respectively). CONCLUSION: The measurement of pPTT appears clinically relevant in patients with PHT. Further studies evaluating whether it is useful in distinguishing precapillary from postcapillary PHT are required.

Short- and mid-term effects of sleeve gastrectomy on left ventricular function with two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in obese patients.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate left ventricular functions of obese patients with no known heart disease who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy by speckle tracking echocardiography in their early and medium-term postoperative follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Thirty-seven obese patients (10 M, 27 F) without coronary artery disease or heart failure who had undergone LSG were included in the study. Apical four-, three-, and two-chamber images were analyzed longitudinally by conventional methods and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) for left ventricle functions preoperatively, at the postoperative Month 1 and at the postoperative Month 6 (QLAB 6.0), using current software. RESULTS: No difference was found between standard echocardiography and Doppler parameters in terms of the 1-month versus 6-month follow-up values compared to baseline. Left ventricular STE longitudinal measurements demonstrated significantly higher longitudinal strain and strain velocity parameters in the follow-up values at Month 6 compared to the values at Month 1 and at baseline. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was -17.48 ± 1.09% in 6-month follow-up, -16.16 ± 1.26% in 1-month follow-up, and -16.06 ± 1.25% at baseline (P < .001). A significant correlation was found between delta GLS, which represents patients' GLS change in 6 months, and delta weight, which represents patients' body weight change in 6 months. CONCLUSION: Obese patients who had undergone LSG were observed to have improved left ventricular function in the mid-term.