The Relationship between the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index and Ischemia with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography. / A Relação entre o Índice de Imuno-Inflamação Sistêmica e Isquemia com Artérias Coronárias Não Obstrutivas em Pacientes Submetidos à Angiografia Coronária.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia with the non-obstructive coronary artery (INOCA) is an ischemic heart disease that mostly includes coronary microvascular dysfunction and/or epicardial coronary vasospasm due to underlying coronary vascular dysfunction and can be seen more commonly in female patients. The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII, platelet × neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio) is a new marker that predicts adverse clinical outcomes in coronary artery disease (CAD). OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the relationship between INOCA and SII, a new marker associated with inflammation. METHODS: A total of 424 patients (212 patients with INOCA and 212 normal controls) were included in the study. Peripheral venous blood samples were received from the entire study population prior to coronary angiography to measure SII and other hematological parameters. In our study, the value of p<0.05' was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The optimal cut-off value of SII for predicting INOCA was 153.8 with a sensitivity of 44.8% and a specificity of 78.77% (Area under the curve [AUC]: 0.651 [95% CI: 0.603-0.696, p=0.0265]). Their ROC curves were compared to assess whether SII had an additional predictive value over components. The AUC value of SII was found to be significantly higher than that of lymphocyte (AUC: 0.607 [95% CI: 0.559-0.654, p = 0.0273]), neutrophil (AUC: 0.559 [95%CI: 0.511-0.607, p=0.028]) and platelet (AUC: 0.590 [95% CI: 0.541-0.637, p = 0.0276]) in INOCA patients. CONCLUSIONS: A high SII level was found to be independently associated with the existence of INOCA. The SII value can be used as an indicator to add to the traditional expensive methods commonly used in INOCA prediction.

FUNDAMENTO: A isquemia com artéria coronária não obstrutiva (INOCA) é uma doença cardíaca isquêmica que inclui principalmente disfunção microvascular coronariana e/ou vasoespasmo coronariano epicárdico devido à disfunção vascular coronariana subjacente e pode ser observada mais comumente em pacientes do sexo feminino. O índice de inflamação imunológica sistêmica (SII, relação plaquetas × neutrófilos/linfócitos) é um novo marcador que prediz resultados clínicos adversos na doença arterial coronariana (DAC). OBJETIVO: Este estudo tem como objetivo investigar a relação entre INOCA e SII, um novo marcador associado à inflamação. MÉTODOS: Um total de 424 pacientes (212 pacientes com INOCA e 212 controles normais) foram incluídos no estudo. Amostras de sangue venoso periférico foram recebidas de toda a população do estudo antes da angiografia coronária para medir o SII e outros parâmetros hematológicos. Em nosso estudo o valor de p<0,05' foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. RESULTADOS: O valor de corte ideal do SII para prever o INOCA foi 153,8, com sensibilidade de 44,8% e especificidade de 78,77% (Área sob a curva [AUC]: 0,651 [IC 95%: 0,603­0,696, p=0,0265]). Suas curvas ROC foram comparadas para avaliar se o SII tinha um efeito preditivo adicional valor sobre os componentes. O valor da AUC do SII foi significativamente maior do que o do linfócito (AUC: 0,607 [IC 95%: 0,559­0,654, p = 0,0273]), neutrófilos (AUC: 0,559 [IC 95%: 0,511­0,607, p = 0,028]) e plaquetas (AUC: 0,590 [IC 95%: 0,541­0,637, p = 0,0276]) em pacientes INOCA. CONCLUSÕES: Verificou-se que um nível elevado de SII estava independentemente associado à existência de INOCA. O valor do SII pode ser usado como um indicador para adicionar aos métodos tradicionais e caros comumente usados na previsão do INOCA.

Clinical implication of the Naples prognostic score on transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with severe aortic stenosis.

BACKGROUND: One of the hallmarks of frailty in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) is malnutrition, for which one of the most up-to-date scoring systems is the Naples prognostic score (NPS). This study sought to investigate the predictive role of the NPS in determining mortality in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) under long-term follow-up. METHODS: A total of 430 consecutive patients with symptomatic severe AS who underwent TAVR were included retrospectively. The primary endpoint of the study was the long-term all-cause mortality. The study population was divided into two groups according to the NPS value, including Group 1 (NPS 0-2) and Group 2 (NPS 3-4). RESULTS: The all-cause mortality occurred in 250 patients (62.5%) patients during a follow-up time of 40.6 (22.0-69.4) months. During the follow-up period, all-cause mortality was higher in Group 2 compared with Group 1 (87.9% vs. 42.9%, p < 0.001). Older age (p < 0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p = 0.015), left ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.021), and being in Group 2 (high NPS) (hazard ratio: 7.058, 95% confidence interval: 5.174-9.629, p < 0.001) were found to be independent predictors of all-cause mortality at long-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: The NPS as a malnutrition and inflammation marker in patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent TAVR provides valuable information for all-cause mortality under long-term follow-up.

The relationship between plasma atherogenic index and long-term outcomes after endovascular intervention in superficial femoral artery lesions.

OBJECTIVES: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) results from the systemic atherosclerotic process. In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between plasma atherogenic index (AIP), a ratio of molar concentrations of triglycerides to HDL-cholesterol, and long-term outcomes after endovascular therapy (EVT) in patients with superficial femoral artery (SFA) stenosis. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 673 patients who underwent EVT for PAD in our tertiary center between January 2015 and December 2020. In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the AIP value with the optimum cutoff value was determined as 0.576 to detect the presence of major adverse limb events (MALEs). Patients were divided into two groups according to low AIP (<0.576 as group 1) and high AIP (>0.576 as group 2). RESULTS: Among the major endpoints, long-term restenosis rates were significantly higher in patients in the high-AIP group than in the low-AIP group (p<.001). The lower extremity amputation rate was not statistically significant between the two groups. All-cause mortality rate (54 (31.6) versus 117 (68.4), p<.001) was significantly higher in patients in the high-AIP group than in the low-AIP group. In addition, the MALE rate (94 (29.2) versus 218 (62.1), p<.001) was significantly higher in patients in the high-AIP group than in those in the low-AIP group. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we found that AIP is a significant independent predictor of long-term MALE in patients who underwent EVT for SFA.

Conscious sedation versus general anesthesia for transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is considered a major risk factor for postoperative complications after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). To date, there is no clear consensus on the best anesthesia management for these patients. We aimed to investigate the effects of types of anesthesia on clinical outcomes in patients with severe COPD undergoing TAVI. METHODS: This is a single-center, retrospective study comparing conscious sedation (CS) versus general anesthesia (GA) in 72 patients with severe COPD who underwent TAVI. The primary endpoints were 30-day all-cause mortality and postoperative pulmonary complications. RESULTS: The main outcome of interest of this study was that the frequency of pulmonary complications was statistically higher in the GA group (21.4% vs 3.3%, p = 0.038). These differences are most likely attributed to the GA because of prolonged mechanical ventilation, and longer ICU stay (2 (1.2-3) vs 2.5 (2-4) days, p = 0.029) associated with an increased risk of nosocomial infections. There were no significant differences in procedure complications and 30-day mortality between the two groups (GA; 19% vs CS; 13.3%, p = 0.521). One-year survival rates, compared by Kaplan-Meier analysis, were similar between groups (log-rank p = 0.733). CONCLUSION: In aortic stenosis patients with severe COPD undergoing TAVI, the use of GA compared with CS was associated with higher incidences of respiratory-related complications, and longer ICU length of stay. CS is a safe and viable option for these patients and should be considered the favored approach.

Structural Changesofthe Right Fibrous Trigone as a Risk Factor for Conduction Disturbance After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

BACKGROUND: The right fibrous trigone, which the His bundle penetrates, is part of the subaortic area adjacent to the membranous septum. Structural alterations of the right fibrous trigone may cause conduction disturbance as a result of compression in this area after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. This study analyzed the hypothesis of whether imaging parameters of the RFT could predict the risk of conduction disturbance after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. METHODS: We retrospectively examined 209 patients who underwent transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantationat a tertiary cardiac center. The different valve models were divided into 2 groups: self-expanding valve and balloon-expandable valve. Using pre-procedure computed tomography, we evaluated for the alterations of the right fibrous trigone. RESULTS: New conduction disturbance was seen in 75 of 209 (35.8%) patients. Receiver operating characteristics plots displayed a right fibrous trigone density of -6 Hounsfieldunit for SEV and -16 Hounsfield unit for balloon-expandable valve as the optimal cut- off points for prediction conduction disturbance. In multiple regression analyses, the high density of RFT emerged as an independent predictor of conduction disturbance in both the self-expanding valve (odds ratio: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.02, P = 0.035) and bal- loon-expandable valve (odds ratio: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.03, P = 0.017) groups. A shorter membranous septum length and a greater implantation depth were also found to be significantly associated with a higher incidence of conduction disturbance in both trans- catheter aortic valve implantation groups. CONCLUSION: High density of right fibrous trigone is independently associated with con- duction disturbance after transcatheter aortic valve implantation, and its pre-proce- dure computed tomography evaluation can help predict the new-onset of conduction disturbance.

Association of red blood cell distribution width, systemic-immune-inflammation index and poor cardiovascular outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Red cell distribution width (RDW) and the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) have been extensively studied as predictors of morbidity and mortality in several cardiovascular diseases. This prospective study aimed to investigate the relationship between long term major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) and simple hematological parameters in hypertensive patients. METHODS: The study included a total of 1202 patients with newly diagnosed HT. Of the patients, 662 (55.1%) were female and 540 (44.9%) were male, with a mean age of 53.0 ± 11.4 years. The primary endpoint of the study was long term MACE, including cardiac death, stroke, and myocardial infarction. This is the first study focusing on the association of SII with major adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with HT. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients (8.7%) developed at least one MACE during a mean follow-up period of 82.2 ± 1.3 months. RDW (13.0 ± 0.9 vs. 13.5 ± 1.2%, p < .001) and SII [465.0 (353.4-609.4) vs. 584.4 (468.9-794.0) x103/µL, p < .001] were significantly higher in patients with MACEs. The prevalence of MACEs was significantly higher in patients with RDW>13.1% (10.4 vs. 5%; p < .001) and in patients with SII>465 x103/µL (11.8 vs. 3.1%; p < .001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed SII and RDW were independent predictors of MACEs. CONCLUSION: The results of the study demonstrated that the RDW and SII were independent predictors of long-term cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients. These simple hematological parameters may be used as prognosticators of MACE in patients with newly diagnosed HT.

Relationship between impaired repolarization parameters and poor cardiovascular clinical outcomes in patients with potentially serious coronary artery anomalies.

BACKGROUND: Congenital coronary artery anomalies (CCAAs) have the potential for life-threatening complications, including malignant ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between impaired repolarization parameters and poor cardiovascular clinical outcomes in patients with potentially serious CCAAs. METHODS: This retrospective study included 85 potentially serious CCAA patients (mean age: 54.7 ± 13.6 years; male:44) who were diagnosed with conventional and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography and 12-lead surface electrocardiography. Cardiac events were defined as sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, syncope, cardiac arrest and SCD. RESULTS: The presence of interarterial course (IAC) was confirmed by CCTA in 37 (43.5%) patients. During a median follow-up time of 24 (18-50) months, a total of 11 (12.9%) patients experienced cardiac events. The presence of IAC was significantly more frequent and Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QTc ratio and frontal QRS/T angle (fQRSTa) were significantly greater in patients with poor clinical outcomes. Moreover, the presence of IAC, high Tp-e/QTc ratio and high fQRSTa were found to be independent predictors of poor clinical outcomes and decreased long-term cardiac event-free survival in these patients. A net reclassification index was +1.0 for the Tp-e/QTc ratio and +1.3 for fQRSTa which were confirmable for additional predictability of these repolarization abnormalities. CONCLUSION: Impaired repolarization parameters, including wider fQRSTa, prolonged Tp-e interval, and increased Tp-e/QTc ratio, and IAC may be associated with poor cardiovascular clinical outcomes in potentially serious CCAA patients.

Do teachers' educational philosophies affect their digital literacy? The mediating effect of resistance to change.

This study aims to reveal the direct and indirect effects of primary school teachers' educational philosophies on their digital literacy through resistance to change. A cross-sectional research design was used in the current study. Data were collected from 298 primary school teachers working at primary schools located in a city centre in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. The relationships between the variables were tested through the use of the structural equation model. The study results indicated that the teachers' traditional and contemporary educational philosophies did not directly affect their digital literacy levels, but indirectly affected their resistance to change through the level of resistance to change. The results also suggested that teachers' traditional educational philosophies had a negative effect on their digital literacy levels through the mediating role of resistance to change, while the contemporary educational philosophies positively affected their digital literacy levels through resistance to change. Consequently, in recent conditions teachers are expected to develop both their own and students' digital skills. Due to the importance of digital literacy in this age where technology permeates every aspect of life, teachers should accept digital change and transformation without resistance.

The Effect of Recanalization of a Chronic Total Coronary Occlusion on Atrial Conduction Velocities.

BACKGROUND: P-wave duration and P-wave dispersion (PWD) give information about inhomogeneous and discontinuous atrial conduction, which are believed to be the leading electrophysiological causes of atrial fibrillation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of percutaneous chronic total occlusion (CTO) revascularization on P-wave duration and PWD in electrocardiography (ECG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 98 consecutive patients with sinus rhythm who underwent percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) for CTO. The maximum (Pmax) and minimum P-wave duration and PWD were measured before CTO interventions and at the first and sixth months after the procedure. RESULTS: There was no significant differences between the successful and failed CTO PCI groups in pre-procedural demographic, clinical, laboratory, angiographic data, and ECG parameters. Pmax values and PWD at 1 month and 6 months after successful CTO PCI were statistically lower than those at baseline (p < 0.001), while there was no significant change in the failed CTO PCI group. PWD values were significantly lower at 6 months of follow-up, regardless of the target vessel (p = 0.010, p < 0.001, p < 0.001; for left anterior descending, circumflex and right coronary artery, respectively). Compared to pre-CTO values in all Rentrop classes, PWD values were significantly lower at the sixth month. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that Pmax and PWD, which are risk factors for atrial arrhythmias, significantly reduced within 1 and 6 months after successful CTO PCI irrespective of the target vessel.

Impact of different degrees of computed tomography-based oversizing on clinical outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation using the Portico system.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the influence of different degrees of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT)-based perimeter oversizing on incidence and severity of paravalvular aortic regurgitation (PAR) and conduction disturbances (CD) for the Portico device. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 63 patients who underwent transcatheter aortic implantation (TAVI) in our center from March 2017 to June 2019. Patients were divided into two groups (group I, below %13.9; group II, above 13.9%) based on the degree of oversizing. Oversizing was calculated as (Device nominal perimeter / MDCT-derived annular perimeter - 1) * 100. Procedural and clinical data were evaluated by VARC-2 definitions. RESULTS: Mild or greater PAR was present in 76.4% of patients in group I and 34.4% of patients in group II (P = 0.009). The rate of CD tended to be lower in the patient's group I (P = 0.034). A cutoff value of 13.9% was identified as having the best predictive value for mild or greater PAR. On multivariate analysis, a lower percentage of oversizing (odds ratio 6.38; %95 confidence interval 2.00 - 20.33; P = 0.002) emerged as the most powerful independent predictor of PAR, whereas the implantation depth and severe oversizing were independent predictors of CD (P = 0.003 and P = 0.029, respectively). We demonstrated that the optimal acceptable perimeter-based oversizing range appears to be between 10 - 15%. CONCLUSION: Perimeter-based oversizing by MDCT inversely correlated with PAR after TAVI for Portico device, and its preoperative evaluation could help in predicting PAR and CD.

Impaired repolarization parameters may predict fatal ventricular arrhythmias in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (from the CILICIA Registry).

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is significantly associated with high risk of fatal ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). Increased frontal QRST angle (fQRSTa), Tpe interval, and Tp-e/QTc ratio are described as ventricular repolarization parameters which are related to arrhythmias. In this study, we aimed to investigate the predictive value of these repolarization parameters for fatal VAs in patients with HCM. METHODS: A total of 127 HCM patients (mean age: 47.9 ±â€¯12.6 years; male:79) were enrolled in this retrospective study. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography. Moreover, the last electrocardiograms within 3 months prior to the fatal VA documentation were assessed. The primary outcome was the occurrence of fatal VAs including sustained ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation which were documented from implantable cardioverter defibrillator records. RESULTS: There were documented fatal VAs in 37 (29.1%) patients during a mean follow-up time of 70.1 ±â€¯22.6 months. The prevalence of fatal VAs was significantly higher in patients with fQRSTa ≥140 degrees (67.4 vs. 7.4%; p < 0.001) and in patients with Tp-e/QTc ratio ≥ 0.19 (61.5 vs. 6.7%; p < 0.001) as compared to others. High Tp-e/QTc ratio (hazard ratio: 1.564; 95% confidence interval: 1.086-4.796; p = 0.032) and high fQRSTa (hazard ratio: 1.864; 95% confidence interval: 1.106-8.745; p = 0.002) were found to be independent predictors of fatal VAs in HCM patients. CONCLUSIONS: Wider fQRSTa, prolonged Tp-e interval, and increased Tp-e/QTc ratio may be associated with fatal VAs in HCM patients. In addition to traditional risk factors, these simple ECG parameters may provide valuable information during evaluation of sudden cardiac death risk in HCM patients.

Usefulness of membranous septum length in the prediction of major conduction disturbances in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement with different devices.

BACKGROUND: Conduction disturbances (CD) are one of the most common adverse events after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), and seem to be dependent on the device used as well as anatomical factors. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the length of the membranous septum (MS) could provide useful information about the risk of CD and to examine the impact of the MS on CD after TAVR using different devices. METHODS: This study included 140 patients undergoing TAVR with a balloon­expandable valve or self­­expanding valve. The length of the MS was assessed by preoperative computed tomography. ΔMSID was calculated as the length of the MS minus implantation depth. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients (17%) received a permanent pacemaker (PPM), 53 (38%) developed new­­onset left bundle­branch block (LBBB) following TAVR. The MS length was shown to be the strongest independent predictor of new­onset LBBB (odds ratio [OR], 3.05; 95% CI, 1.96-4.77; P <0.001) and PPM implantation (OR, 3.76; 95% CI, 2.01-7.06; P <0.001). ΔMSID was also inversely associated with the development of LBBB and the need for PPM. In a head­to­head comparison, ΔMSID values were found to be statistically lower in the self­expanding valve group (-0.8 mm vs 0.7 mm; P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A short MS and ΔMSID with a negative value increase the risk of CD. Assessment of the MS length prior to TAVR might serve as an additional tool to guide clinical decision­making and appropriate device selection to reduce the the risk of CD.

The prognostic value of fQRSTa in patients with aortic stenosis undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Surgical aortic valve replacement (sAVR) is the ultimate therapy for severe aortic stenosis (AS) in suitable patients. Prognostic factors of sAVR are great interest in recent studies. Frontal QRS-T angle (fQRSTa) is a novel marker of ventricular repolarization abnormalities. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic value of fQRSTa in patients with severe symptomatic AS undergoing sAVR. METHODS: A total of 372 patients with severe degenerative AS who underwent successful sAVR were included in this retrospective study. Then, patients were divided into two groups: patients with narrow fQRSTa (≤90°) as group 1 and wide fQRSTa (>90°) as group 2. Perioperative and postoperative clinical evaluation and time of death were recorded from all subjects. RESULTS: The incidence of total mortality was higher in patients with wider fQRSTa (13.8% [15]; 4.9% [9], P = .013) compared to patients with narrow fQRSTa. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, advanced age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.054; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.004-1.106; P = .034), dyspnea (OR = 7.687; 95% CI = 2.296-25.729; P = .001), lower efection fraction (OR = 0.924; 95% CI = 0.884-0.966; P = .001), in-hospital duration (OR = 1.051; 95% CI = 1.016-1.088; P = .004) and wider fQRSTa (OR = 4.029; 95% CI = 1.383-11.740; P = .011) were found to be independent predictors of mortality. Additionally, a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis also revealed that long-term survival was found to be significantly decreased in patients with wider fQRSTa (log-rank P = .014). CONCLUSION: fQRSTa was related with poor prognosis in patients with AS undergoing sAVR. fQRSTa was also an independent predictor of mortality in this population.

The effect of Ramadan fasting on ambulatory blood pressure in treated hypertensive patients using diuretics.

OBJECTIVE: The influence of the Ramadan fasting on blood pressure (BP) in patients taking diuretics therapy has not been addressed specifically yet. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of long Ramadan fasting on BP with ambulatory BP monitoring in hypertensive patients using diuretics. METHODS: This prospective, observational study was done on 129 hypertensive patients and was carried out in two groups: 73 treated hypertensive patients were assigned to the diuretic group and 56 treated hypertensive patients were allocated to the non-diuretic group. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory BP monitoring was performed during and after Ramadan. Mean overall, daytime and nighttime BP were measured and compared in both groups. The differences in mean SBP and DBP were recorded between the two monitoring periods. RESULTS: In diuretic group, 24-h SBP decreased from 128.2 ± 17.9 to 119.3 ± 9.5 mmHg during Ramadan (8.9 units; P < 0.001). DBP decreased from 79.4 ± 10.9 to 75.3 ± 7.6 mmHg (4.1 units; P < 0.001). On the other hand, SBP and DBP were lower insignificantly in the non-diuretic group. The reduction in SBP was significantly higher in the diuretic group (overall: P = 0.005, daytime: P = 0.011, nighttime: P = 0.022). Thiazide-like diuretics lowered BP more than thiazide-type diuretic despite an insignificant difference. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that Ramadan fasting might cause significant reductions in mean SBP and DBP measurements in patients using diuretics. Despite decreasing in BP, diuretics generally well tolerated and can be safe in well-controlled hypertensive patients during Ramadan fasting.

The Prevalence of Fabry Disease Among Turkish Patients with Non-Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Insights from a Screening Study

Aims: Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder due to a deficiency of the α-galactosidase A enzyme. Cardiac involvement is present in over 60% of adult cases of Fabry disease. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy without left ventricular outflow tract obstruction is the most common phenotype. The aim of the study was to screen adult patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy without left ventricular outflow tract. Methods: A total of 80 patients between the ages of 18 and 65 years old, were referred to a tertiary center for trans-thoracic echocardiography for various clinical indications. They were investigated for the presence of idiopathic left ventricular hypertrophy without resting or dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Plasma α-galactosidase A enzyme activity and α-galactosidase GLA gene mutations were investigated. Results: The mean age was 41.5±12.7 years and 66.25% of patients were males. The mean echocardiographic parameters were as follows: left ventricular ejection fraction 60.7±7.4%, interventricular septum thickness 18.2±4.4 mm, left ventricular posterior wall 13.5±2.1 mm, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter 47.4±6.2 mm, left ventricular end-systolic diameter 27.8±6.5 mm, and left ventricular mass index 171.05±48.5 g/m². Hemizygous mutations associated with Fabry disease were detected in two male patients (2.50% of the screened population): NM_000169.2:c.334C>T(p.Arg112Cys), NM_000169.2:c.902G>A(p.Arg301Gln). Conclusion: Fabry disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis in a highly selected patient population with unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy. The cardiologist may play an important role in the screening and diagnosis of the disease.

Comparison of Edwards Sapien XT versus Lotus Valve Devices in Terms of Electrophysiological Study Parameters in Patients Undergoing TAVI.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to assess the electrocardiographic and electrophysiological parameters of conduction abnormalities in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) due to severe aortic valve stenosis. METHODS: The study included 55 patients who underwent TAVI using either the Boston Scientific Lotus (n:25) (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA, USA) or Edwards Sapien XT (n:30) (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA) prostheses. An electrophysiological study (EPS) was performed in the catheterization room immediately before the initial balloon valvuloplasty and immediately after prosthesis implantation. RESULTS: QRS duration and His-bundle to His-ventricle (HV) intervals, which were similar between the two groups before the procedure, were found to be significantly higher in the Lotus valve group postprocedure. Permanent pacemakers (PPMs) were required more frequently in the Lotus group than in the Sapien XT group at discharge (24.0% vs 6.7%, P = 0.07). With the exception of a higher prevalence of paravalvular leakage (P < 0.001) in patients undergoing Sapien XT implantation, other clinical outcomes were similar between the two groups. Multiple regression analysis revealed that baseline atrioventricular (AV) conduction disorders and HV intervals after the procedure were independently associated with PPM implantation after TAVI. CONCLUSION: In this first study comparing the findings of EPS and electrocardiography, the impact of the Lotus valve on AV conduction systems was greater than that of the Sapien XT. However, the need for PPM was higher in the Lotus valve than in the Sapien XT. PPM requirement is related to valve design; it may decrease with reduced frame height and metal burden in novel valve systems.

Long-term prognostic significance of admission plateletcrit values in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction.

The plateletcrit has been investigated as a new predictor of cardiovascular risk. The objective of our study was to investigate the role of admission plateletcrit in predicting long-term cardiovascular mortality in patients presenting with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). We enrolled 296 patients with NSTEMI (mean age 59.2 ±â€Š11.8 years; 228 men, 68 women) in this study. The study population was divided into tertiles on the basis of admission plateletcrit values. A high plateletcrit (n = 98) was defined as a value in the upper third tertile (plateletcrit >0.23), and a low plateletcrit (n = 198) was defined as any value in the lower two tertiles (plateletcrit ≤0.23). The median follow-up time was 38 months. In multivariate analyses, a significant association was noted between high plateletcrit values and the adjusted risk of long-term mortality (odds ratio = 12.15, 95% confidence interval = 1.78-82.77; P < 0.001). In the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the long-term mortality rate was 20.4% in the high plateletcrit group versus 4.5% in the low plateletcrit group (P < 0.001). Long-term major advanced cardiac events (MACE), hospitalization for heart failure and reinfarction were significantly higher in patients with high plateletcrit. Admission plateletcrit is a strong and independent predictor of long-term cardiovascular mortality in patients with NSTEMI.

The relationships between blood pressure, blood glucose, and bone mineral density in postmenopausal Turkish women.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and osteoporosis are important comorbidities commonly seen in postmenopausal women. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationships between blood pressure, blood glucose, and bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal Turkish women. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 270 consecutive patients who were admitted to an outpatient clinic with vasomotor symptoms and/or at least 1 year of amenorrhea were included. The patients were categorized into three groups according to their blood pressure and metabolic status as follows: normotensive, hypertensive nondiabetics, and hypertensive diabetics. The T- and z-scores of the proximal femur and lumbar vertebrae were measured with the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry method to assess the BMD of the study groups. RESULTS: Lumbar vertebral T-scores (P<0.001), lumbar vertebral z-scores (P<0.003), and proximal femoral T-scores (P<0.001) were demonstrated to be significantly lower in the hypertensive diabetic group compared to the hypertensive nondiabetic and normotensive groups. Systolic blood pressure was significantly inversely correlated with lumbar vertebral T-scores (r=-0.382; P=0.001), lumbar vertebral z-scores (r=-0.290; P=0.001), and proximal femoral T-scores (r=-0.340; P=0.001). Moreover, diastolic blood pressure was significantly inversely correlated with lumbar vertebral T-scores (r=-0.318; P=0.001), lumbar vertebral z-scores (r=-0.340; P=0.001), and proximal femoral T-scores (r=-0.304; P=0.001). Hypertension (odds ratio [OR]: 2.541, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.46-3.48, P=0.003), diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.136, 95% CI: 1.254-3.678, P=0.006), and age (OR: 1.069, 95% CI: 1.007-1.163, P=0.022) were found to be significant independent predictors of osteopenia in a multivariate analysis, after adjusting for other risk parameters. CONCLUSION: The present study is the first to evaluate the relationships between blood pressure, blood glucose, and BMD in postmenopausal Turkish women. Moreover, both hypertension and diabetes were demonstrated as significant independent predictors of osteopenia in postmenopausal Turkish women. Clinicians should be aware of the high risk of developing osteopenia in diabetic hypertensive postmenopausal women.

Relationship between serum visfatin levels and coronary slow-flow phenomenon.

BACKGROUND: Increased levels of visfatin, a novel adipocytokine, are reported in atherosclerosis, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between coronary slow flow (CSF) and visfatin in patients undergoing elective coronary angiography for suspected coronary artery disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 140 recruited participants (90 patients with CSF and 50 controls) were divided into two groups according to their coronary flow rates. Coronary flow was quantified by thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count (TFC). RESULTS: Serum visfatin levels were higher in the CSF group than in the control group (3.29 ± 1.11 vs. 2.70 ± 1.08 ng/ml, p = 0.003). A significant correlation was found between TFC and visfatin (r = 0.535, p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.720 (95 % confidence interval, 0.622-0.817, p < 0.001) for visfatin in the diagnosis of CSF. If a cut-off value of 2.59 ng/ml was used, higher levels of visfatin could predict the presence of CSF with 78.9 % sensitivity and 64.0 % specificity. CONCLUSION: Visfatin levels might be a useful biomarker for predicting CSF in patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography.