Predictors of Reduced Left Ventricle Global Longitudinal Strain One Year After COVID-19 Pneumonia.

Aim      To identify predictors of decreased left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) using the method of speckle-tracking in gray scale one year after COVID-19-associated pneumonia in patients without ischemic heart disease (IHD), previous pulmonary embolism (PE), peripheral thrombosis, and atrial fibrillation (AF).Material and methods  The study included 156 patients from the Prospective Registry of People After COVID-19-Associated Pneumonia, with optimal visualization quality according to echocardiography (EchoCG), without IHD, AF, history of pulmonary embolism (PE), and peripheral thrombosis. The patients underwent clinical examination in the hospital during the acute period and at 3 and 12 months after discharge from the hospital. To identify earlier predictors of LV GLS impairment, clinical, laboratory, and instrumental data obtained in the hospital and at 3 months of discharge were compared based on the presence of LV GLS impairment one year after discharge (43 patients with reduced LV GLS and 113 patients with normal LV GLS). An LV GLS value ≥18% was considered reduced.Results At 3 months after discharge from the hospital, LV GLS impairment was detected in 34 (21.8%) of 156 patients, and 12 months later, in 43 (27.6%; p=0.211) of 156 patients. In contrast to the group with normal LV GLS, the majority of the group with reduced LV GLS were men (74.4% vs. 37.2%; p=0.001). In this group, body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher (29.9±4.3 kg/m2 vs. 28.1±4.5 kg/m2; p=0.011), and biological (11.6% vs. 2.7%; p=0.024) and hormonal therapy was administered more frequently (38.1% vs. 22.3%; p=0.049). The final predictive model for LV GLS impairment included male gender (odds ratio (OR), 5.65; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.22-14.37; p <0.001), BMI (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.01-1.23; p=0.040), left ventricular end-systolic volume index (LVESVI) (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01-1.22; p=0.046) and right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) acceleration time (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.95-0.99; p=0.027).Conclusion      One year after COVID-19-associated pneumonia, a decrease in LV GLS was observed in 27.6% of patients without IHD, AF, history of PE, and peripheral thrombosis and was associated with male gender, increased BMI and LVESVI, and shortened RVOT acceleration time as measured 3 months after discharge from the hospital. The decrease in LV GLS one year after discharge was not associated with the severity of the disease, length of stay in the hospital, or biological and hormonal therapy.

Comparison of clinical and echocardiographic parameters of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia three months and one year after discharge.

Aim    To study changes in clinical and echocardiographic parameters in patients after documented COVID-19 pneumonia at 3 months and one year following discharge from the hospital. Material and methods    The study included 116 patients who have had documented COVID-19 pneumonia. Patients underwent a comprehensive clinical evaluation at 3 months ± 2 weeks (visit 1) and at one year ± 3 weeks after discharge from the hospital (visit 2). Mean age of the patients was 49.0±14.4 years (from 19 to 84 years); 49.6 % were women. Parameters of global and segmentary longitudinal left ventricular (LV) myocardial strain were studied with the optimal quality of visualization during visit 1 in 99 patients and during visit 2 in 80 patients.Results    During the follow-up period, the incidence rate of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) increased primarily due to development of arterial hypertension (AH) (58.6 vs. 64.7 %, р=0.039) and chronic heart failure (CHF) (35.3% vs. 40.5 %, р=0.031). Echocardiography (EchoCG) showed decreases in values of end-diastolic dimension and volume, LV end-systolic and stroke volumes (25.1±2.6 vs. 24.5±2.2 mm /m2, p<0.001; 49.3±11.3 vs. 46.9±9.9 ml /m2, p=0.008; 16.0±5.6 vs. 14.4±4.1 ml /m2, p=0.001; 36.7±12.8 vs. 30.8±8.1 ml /m2, p<0.001, respectively). LV external short-axis area (37.1 [36.6-42.0] vs. 38.7 [35.2-43.1] cm2, р=0.001) and LV myocardial mass index calculated with the area-length formula (70.0 [60.8-84.0] vs. 75.4 [68.2-84.9] g /m², р=0.024) increased. LV early diastolic filling velocity (76.7±17.9 vs. 72.3±16.0 cm /sec, р=0.001) and lateral and septal early diastolic mitral annular velocities decreased (12,10±3,9 vs. 11.5±4.1 cm /sec, р=0.004 and 9.9±3.3 vs. 8.6±3.0 cm /sec, р<0.001, respectively). The following parameters of LV global longitudinal (-20.3±2.2 vs. -19.4±2.7 %, р=0.001) and segmental strain were impaired: apical segments (anterior, from -22.3±5.0 to -20.8±5.2 %, р=0.006; inferior, from -24.6±4.9 to -22.7±4.6, р=0.003; lateral, from -22.7±4.5 to -20.4±4.8 %, р<0.001; septal, from -25.3±4.2 to -23.1±4.4 %, р<0.001; apical, from -23.7±4.1 to -21.8±4.1 %, р<0.001), mid-cavity (anteroseptal, from -21.1±3.3 to -20.4±4.1 %, р=0.039; inferior, from -21.0±2.7 to -20.0±2.9 %, р=0.039; lateral, from -18.4±3.7 to -17.6±4.4 %, р=0.021). RV basal and mid-cavity sphericity indexes increased (0.44±0.07 vs. 0.49±0.07 and 0.37±0.07 vs. 0.41±0.07, respectively, р<0.001 for both). A tendency for increased calculated pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (22.5±7.1 and 23.3±6.3 mm Hg, р=0.076) was observed. Right ventricular outflow tract velocity integral decreased (18.1±4.0 vs. 16.4±3.7 cm, р<0.001).Conclusion    Patients after COVID-19 pneumonia one year after discharge from the hospital, compared to the follow-up data 3 months after the discharge, had an increased incidence of CVD, primarily due to the development of AH and CHF. EchoCG revealed changes in ventricular geometry associated with impairment of LV diastolic and systolic function evident as decreases in LV global longitudinal strain and LV myocardial apical and partially mid-cavity strain.

Estimation of erythrocyte parameters of general blood analysis in patients with SARS-CoV-2 -associated pneumonia.

The study of the features and dynamics of the erythrocyte parameters of general blood analysis in patients with cardiovascular diseases who underwent SARS-CoV-2 associated pneumonia is of great practical importance. That was a prospective study. The study included 106 patients with SARS-CoV-2-associated pneumonia. All patients were divided into 2 groups. The first group included 51 patients without CVD, the second group included 55 patients with CVD .Patients in both groups underwent laboratory examination of blood samples at the time of hospitalization and 3 months after discharge from the hospital. Parameters of the erythroid series of the general blood test were assessed. Among inflammatory biomarkers, we examined the concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP), high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) and homocysteine. Initially all patients underwent computed tomography of the chest organs. Revealed what indicators of the erythroid series in the groups of patients with and without CVD had significant differences in a number of parameters: ESR; RDW-SD and RDW-CV with significant excess of parameters in group 2. Three months after discharge from the hospital, patients in both groups had a significant increase in HCT, MCV, MCH. There was detected decrease in both groups in MCHC, RDW-CV (p<0.001 for all parameters), ESR level in group 2.At baseline, CRP exceeded reference values in both groups of patients, reaching maximum values in group 2. After 3 months CRP decreased significantly only in group 1. Increased CRP was associated with elevated hs-CRP in 3 months after discharge and elevated homocysteine levels in both groups, indicating the persistence of prolonged inflammatory vascular reaction in patients after SARS-CoV-2 associated pneumonia, more pronounced in group 2 patients. RDW-CV over 13.6 and lymphocytes / CRP less than 0.6 increase the likelihood of having lung tissue damage over 50% by 9.3 and 5.9 times, respectively. Thus, the data obtained confirm that RDW-CV, the coefficient of variation of erythrocyte distribution width, associated with the parameters of inflammatory response and the lymphocytes / CRP is lung volume marker and of COVID-19 severity. Careful consideration of already known laboratory parameters allows us to expand the number of indicators influencing the risk of COVID-19 complications and enable an earlier response to a difficult situation.

Prospective analysis of laboratory blood parameters in patients with cardiovascular diseases who underwent COVID-19-associated pneumonia.

The study of the characteristics and dynamics of laboratory biomarkers in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) undergoing COVID-19-associated pneumonia may be of great clinical importance. The study included 116 patients who underwent COVID-19-associated pneumonia. The patients were divided into 2 groups. The first group included 49 patients without CVD, the second group - 67 patients with CVD. A blood sample was performed in all patients at the time of hospitalization and 3 months after discharge from the hospital. The parameters of general blood count, biochemistry, hemostasis, and biomarkers of inflammation were assessed - concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP), highly sensitive CRP (hs-CRP), homocysteine and IL-6. All patients initially underwent computed tomography of the chest organs. We found that ESR, WBC (leukocytes), NLR (neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio), fibrinogen, LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), LYM/CRP ratio (lymphocytes/CRP) were parameters that significantly distinguished patients in the 1st and 2nd groups. Three months after discharge from the hospital in patients of both groups the increased indicators approached the reference values, however, some parameters such as CRP, ESR, WBC, fibrinogen remained at a higher level in group 2 compared to group 1. Correlation analysis revealed the relationship between parameters of inflammation and hemostasis in the 2nd group of patients, which confirms the presence of latent vascular inflammatory potential in this group. It was revealed that such indicators as lymphocytes, neutrophils, APTT and LDH were associated with the initial volume of lung lesion more than 50%. Increase of these parameters by 1 unit contributes to increase in the volume of lung tissue damage by 6.5%, 6.4%, 11%, and 0.6%, respectively. Thus, dynamic control of laboratory parameters has prognostic value in assessing the nature of the course of COVID-19 associated pneumonia in patients with CVD and developing an algorithm for personalized monitoring of patients in the post-COVID period with the aim of timely correction of therapy to prevent unwanted vascular complications.

Influence of Total Ischemic Time on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Aim      To evaluate the effect of the total time of myocardial ischemia on results of the treatment of patients with ST segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).Material and methods This study used data from a hospital register for PCI in STEMI from 2006 through 2017. 1649 patients were included. Group 1 consisted of 604 (36.6 %) patients with a total time of myocardial ischemia not exceeding 1880 min; group 2 included 531 (32.2 %) patients with a duration of myocardial ischemia from 180 to 360 min; and group 3 included 514 (31.2 %) patients with a duration of myocardial ischemia longer than 360 min.Results Mortality was lower in group 1 (2.3 %) than in groups 2 and 3 (6.2 and 7.2 %, respectively; p1-2=0.001; p1-3<0.001; p2-3=0.520). The incidence of major cardiac complications ("adverse cardiac events", MACE) was lower in group 1 (4.1 %) than in groups 2 and 3 (7.3 and 9.5 %, respectively, p1-2=0.020; p1-3<0.001; p2-3=0.200). The incidence of no-reflow phenomenon was higher in group 3 (9.7 %) than in groups 2 and 3 (4.5 and 5.3 %, respectively (p1-2=0.539; p1-3=0.001; p2-3=0.005). The major factors associated with the increased total time of myocardial ischemia >180 min were age (odd ratio, OR, 1.01 at 95 % confidence interval, CI, 1.0 to 1.02; р=0.044), female gender (OR, 1.64 at 95 % CI 1.26 to 2.13; р<0.001), chronic kidney disease (OR 1.82 at 95 % CI 1.21 to 2.74; р=0.004). Performing prehospital thrombolysis was associated with a decrease in the total time of myocardial ischemia (OR 0.4 at 95 % CI 0.31 to 0.51; р<0.001). A strong direct correlation was observed between the total time of myocardial ischemia and the time from the onset of pain syndrome to hospitalization (r=0.759; р<0.001).Conclusion      The total time of myocardial ischemia >180 min was associated with increased mortality and development of MACE. The total time of myocardial ischemia > 360 min was associated with increased incidence of the no-reflow phenomenon. The major predictors for the time of myocardial ischemia >180 min included age, female gender, and chronic kidney disease. The use of pharmacoinvasive strategy was associated with an increased number of patients with a total duration of myocardial ischemia <180 min. The contribution of the time of prehospital delay to the total time of myocardial ischemia was greater than the contribution of the "door-to-balloon" time. The time of prehospital delay showed a strong direct correlation with the total time of myocardial ischemia.

The risk score for in-hospital mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Aim    To develop a scale (score system) for predicting the individual risk of in-hospital death in patients with ST segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) with an account of results of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Material and methods    The analysis used data of 1 649 sequential patients with STEMI included into the hospital registry of PCI from 2006 through 2017. To test the model predictability, the original sample was divided into two groups: a training group consisting of 1150 (70 %) patients and a test group consisting of 499 (30 %) patients. The training sample was used for computing an individual score. To this purpose, ß-coefficients of each variable obtained at the last stage of the multivariate logistic regression model were subjected to linear transformation. The scale was verified using the test sample.Results    Seven independent predictors of in-hospital death were determined: age ≥65 years, acute heart failure (Killip class III-IV), total myocardial ischemia time ≥180 min, anterior localization of myocardial infarction, failure of PCI, SYNTAX scale score ≥16, glycemia on admission ≥7.78 mmol/l for patients without a history of diabetes mellitus and ≥14.35 mmol/l for patients with a history of diabetes mellitus. The contribution of each value to the risk of in-hospital death was ranked from 0 to 7. A threshold total score of 10 was determined; a score ≥10 corresponded to a high probability of in-hospital death (18.2 %). In the training sample, the sensitivity was 81 %, the specificity was 80.6 %, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.902. In the test sample, the sensitivity was 96.2 %, the specificity was 83.3 %, and the AUC was 0.924.Conclusion    The developed scale has a good predictive accuracy in identifying patients with acute STEMI who have a high risk of fatal outcome at the hospital stage.

The level of growth differentiation factor 15 as a predictor of left atrial thrombosis in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

Aim    To study the role of blood concentration of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) as a predictor of left atrial/left atrial appendage (LA/LAA) thrombosis in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF).Material and methods    538 patients with nonvalvular AF were admitted to the Tyumen Cardiology Research Center in 2019-2020 for radiofrequency ablation and elective cardioversion. According to findings of transesophageal echocardiography (EcoCG), 42 (7.8%) of these patients had LA/LAA thrombosis and 79 (14.7%) of them had the effect of spontaneous echo contrast (SEC). This comparative, cross-sectional, cohort study included at the initial stage 158 successively hospitalized patients with nonvalvular AF: group 1 (with LA/LAA thrombosis, n=42) and group 2 (without LA/LAA thrombosis and without SEC, n=116). To eliminate significant differences in age between the groups, an additional inclusion criterium was introduced, age from 45 to 75 years. Finally, 144 patients were included into the study: group 1 (with LA/LAA thrombosis, n=42, mean age 60.9±7.2 years) and group 2 (without LA/LAA thrombosis and without SEC, n=116, mean age 59.5±6.0 years). 93 (91%) patients in group 1 and 40 (95%) patients in group 2 had arterial hypertension (p=0.4168); 53 (52%) and 29 (^(%), respectively, had ischemic heart disease (p=0.0611). The groups did not differ in sex, profile of major cardiovascular diseases, or frequency and range of oral anticoagulant treatment. General clinical evaluation, EchoCG, and laboratory tests, including measurements of blood concentrations of GDF-15 and NT-proBNP, were performed.Results    In the group with LA/LAA thrombosis, 1) persistent AF prevailed whereas paroxysmal AF was more frequently observed in patients without thrombosis; 2) a tendency toward more pronounced chronic heart failure was observed; 3) tendencies toward a high median CHA2DS2­VASc score and toward a greater proportion of patients with scores ≥3 were observed. According to EchoCG findings, group 1 had higher values of sizes and volumes of both atria and the right ventricle, left ventricular (LV) end-systolic volume and size, pulmonary artery systolic blood pressure, and LV myocardial mass index. LV ejection fraction (EF) was in the normal range in both groups but it was significantly lower for patients with LA/LAA thrombosis, 59.1±5.1 and 64.0±7.3, respectively (p=0.00006). Concentrations of GDF-15 (p=0.00025) and NT-proBNP were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (p=0.000001). After determining the threshold values for both biomarkers using the ROC analysis, two independent predictors of LA/LAA thrombosis were obtained by the stepwise multiple regression analysis: GDF-15 >935.0 pg/ml (OR=4.132, 95 % CI 1.305-13.084) and LV EF (OR=0.859, 95 % CI 0.776-0.951). The ROC analysis assessed the model quality as good: AUC=0.776 (p<0.001), sensitivity 78.3 %, specificity 78.3 %.Conclusion    For patients with nonvalvular AF, both increased GDF-15 (>935.0 pg/ml) and LV EF are independent predictors for LA/LAA thrombosis.

Gender characteristics of lipid profile parameters and markers of vascular inflammation in patients with stable angina pectoris in groups with presence and absence of type 2 diabetes.

The study of the parameters of the lipid profile and markers of the inflammatory reaction of the vascular wall in patients with stable angina pectoris in the presence or absence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is of great importance for revealing the gender characteristics of the pathophysiological mechanisms of the development and course of diseases, developing secondary prevention of complications and determining the prognosis. 194 patients with stable angina pectoris (SA), single-vessel coronary artery disease, mean age 60.3 ± 7.8 years were examined. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1 - patients with SA without diabetes 2 (n = 152), group 2 - with SA and diabetes 2 (n = 42). In each group, subgroups of men and women are distinguished. The study of biomarkers was carried out upon admission to the hospital on the background of therapy, taken on an outpatient basis. The study included a complex of parameters of the lipid spectrum, markers of the inflammatory response, endothelial dysfunction, and carbohydrate metabolism parameters. A comparative analysis of biomarkers revealed an excess of reference values of atherogenic lipid fractions in both groups of patients, regardless of patient gender. Moreover, in the first group of patients, in the subgroup of women, a significant excess of the level of TC, PL (a), and ApoA-1 was registered compared with the subgroup of men. In the second group, there were no significant differences in parameters between the male and female subgroups. Evaluation of the parameters of the inflammatory reaction revealed in the subgroup of women with T2DM a steady tendency to exceed the level of hs-CRP, TNF-α, homocysteine compared with both men and women in the SA group without T2DM. The logistic regression revealed the main biochemical markers that affect the aggravation of the course of IHD in women with T2DM: this is a uric acid level of more than 380 mmol / l - OS 11.5 (95% CI 1.71-77.69), TNF-α more 8 pg / ml - OR 7.5 (95% CI 1.07-52.46) and an increase in TG - OR 3.33 (95% CI 1.073-10.335). Thus, women of the 2nd group with the presence of T2DM are characterized by the highest level of atherogenic fractions of lipids, markers of vascular inflammation, glucose and HbA1c, which may indicate the greatest potential for the development of atherothrombotic complications in this subgroup of patients.

[Predictors of Left Atrial Severe Fibrosis in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation].

Objective The search for predictors of severe (>35 %) left atrial (LA) fibrosis in patients (pts) with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) directed for catheter ablation (CA).Materials and Methods 69 pts with nonvalvular AF (57 paroxismal and 12 persistent) aged from 32 to 69 years (mean age 57.1±8.4, 28 females) were included in the study, among them 59 pts (86 %) with arterial hypertension (AH), 24 (34.8 %) - with AH and CAD. Complete physical study, laboratory tests (including NT-proBNP level), comprehensive echocardiography were performed. As a surrogate substrate of LA fibrosis, the area of low-voltage (<0.5 mV) zones in LA was estimated in the process of voltage electroanatomic mapping, as the first stage of CA. The total square of LA fibrosis in absolute values (Sf, cm2) and in percent of total LA square (Sf%), as well as the degree of fibrosis: degree I - <5 %, II - 5-19 %, III - 20-35 %, IV - >35 % were calculated. Degree IV of fibrosis was considered as severe fibrosis.Results Extent of fibrosis didn't depend on sex, age, body weight, presence of diabetes, CHA2DS2VASc scores, duration of AF history. There was a tendency to smaller Sf in pts with spontaneous termination of AF compared to those who required cardioversion: 7.2 cm2 (4.4; 17.1) and 12.6 cm2 (4.2; 30.5), respectively (p=0.069). Although NT-proBNP level was normal in 62 % of pts (<125 pg / ml), it was higher in Sf% ≥20 % than in Sf% <5 %: 146.0 (48.0; 276.0) and 42.8 (24.2; 91.0) pg / ml, respectively (p=0.0216). The distribution of pts by left ventricular (LV) geometry types was as follows: normal geometry (t.1) - 34, concentric remodeling (t.2) - 16, concentric LV hypertrophy (t.3) - 8, eccentric LV hypertrophy (t.4) - 11. Compared to pts with t. 1 (reference level), pts with t.3 and t.4 had higher LA volume and LV myocardial mass index, and pts with t.4 had larger end-diastolic LV volume and lower LV ejection fraction. Pts with t.4 tended to have higher Sf% than t.1: 31.1 (10.2; 46.2) and 11.2 (5.1; 28.0), respectively (p=0.053). Using logistic regression 3 independent predictors of LA severe fibrosis were detected: type 4 geometry of LV - OR=8.893 (95 % CI 1.150; 68.78), NT-proBNP >128 pg / ml - OR=6.184 (1.01; 37.99), LA volume index >34 ml / m2 - OR=5.92 (1.05; 33.38). According to ROC analysis, the area of the curve AUC = 0.839 (p<0.001), model specificity - 85.1 %, sensitivity - 70.0 %, predictive accuracy - 82.5 %.Conclusion In pts with nonvalvular AF predictors of severe (>35 %) LA fibrosis were LV geometry type in the form of eccentric LV hypertrophy, LA volume index >34 ml / m2 and NT-proBNP >128 pg / ml.

[Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: 10-Years Follow-up].

Aim      To study long-term results and to identify predictors of death in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent endovascular revascularization.Materials and methods This study included 283 patients registered in the hospital registry of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) for STEMI from 2006 through 2009. Analysis of 10-year results included all-cause and cardiovascular death rate, incidence of recurrent myocardial infarction (MI), repeated revascularization, stroke, stent restenosis and thrombosis. Also, a composite endpoint МАССЕ (Major Adverse Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Events) was evaluated, which included death, recurrent MI, repeated PCI, stent restenosis and thrombosis, coronary bypass, and stroke.Results Information about the health condition was provided by 204 (72.1 %) patients. Mean follow-up period was 120.1±9.5 months. All-cause mortality was 25.5 % with cardiovascular death determined in 19.1 % of cases. Recurrent MI developed in 21.6 % of patients; in 1.5 % of cases, recurrent MI resulted from thrombosis of previously implanted stents. Repeated PCI was performed for 31.9 % of patients; in 13.7 % of cases, the PCI was performed for stent restenosis. Coronary bypass was performed for 5.4 % of patients. Incidence of stroke was 10.3 %. Major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications (МАССЕ) during the follow-up period were determined in 60.3 % patients. According to the Cox proportional hazards regression model, age ≥65 years (odds ratio (OR), 3.75 at 95 % confidence interval (CI) from 1.75 to 8.03; р=0.001) and incomplete coronary revascularization (OR, 3.09 at 95 % CI from 1.52 to 6.30; р=0.002) were independent predictors of death based on data of the 10-year observation.Conclusion      Therefore, at 10 years following endovascular revascularization, STEMI patients showed a moderate death rate with a high incidence of major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications. The leading causes for fatal outcomes were recurrent cardiovascular complications. The major predictors of death for the coming 10-year period included age ≥65 years and incomplete myocardial revascularization.

[The association of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) level with extent of left atrial fibrosis in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation].

Aim To study the relationship between the serum level of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) and clinical and functional characteristics and severity of left atrial (LA) fibrosis in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF).Material and methods The study included 87 patients with nonvalvular AF (62 patients with paroxysmal AF and 25 patients with persistent AF) aged 27 to 72 years (mean age, 56.9±9.2 years, 32 women). 85 % of these patients had arterial hypertension (AH), 33 % had AH and ischemic heart disease, and 12.6 % had isolated AF and were hospitalized for primary catheter ablation. General clinical evaluation, echocardiography, laboratory tests including measurement of GDF-15 and NT-proBNP concentrations in blood were performed. As a surrogate substrate of LA fibrosis during the electroanatomical voltage mapping, the area of low-voltage (<0.5 mV) zones in LA was calculated, including the total LA fibrosis area (Sf, cm2) and a percentage of fibrosis of the total LA area (Sf%).Results Median concentration of GDF-15 was 767.5 [590.0; 951.0] pg /ml. The GDF-15 level positively correlated with age, presence and severity of AH and chronic heart failure, body mass index, and degree of obesity, CHA2DS2 VASc score, level of NT-proBNP, and LA fibrosis area (Sf and Sf%) and negatively correlated with the indexes of left ventricular diastolic function, e' septal and e' lateral. The area of fibrosis increased with increasing GDF-15 concentrations divided into quartiles; Sf% exceeded 20 % at GDF-15 levels higher than median. After a comparative analysis of patients with Sf% ≤20 % and >20 %, statistically significantly different variables were included into a stepwise logistic regression analysis. Two independent predictors of LA fibrosis >20% were identified: a concentration of GDF-15 higher than median (odd ratio (OR), 3.318, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.184-9.298) and LA volume index (OR, 1.079, 95 % CI: 1.014-1.147). According to results of the ROC analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.762 (p=0.000), the model specificity was 72.3 %, sensitivity was 72.4 %, and the prediction accuracy was 72.4 %.Conclusion Blood levels of GDF-15 were associated with the presence and severity of major risk factors for AF and the area of LA fibrosis. In this study, a level of GDF-15 above the median and the LA volume index were independent predictors of LA fibrosis > 20% of the LA area.

[Association of Atrial Fibrillation with Coronary Lesion in Ischemic Heart Disease Patients].

AIM: to find out whether atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) is related to some definite localization or extent of coronary artery lesions or type of coronary circulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared data of clinical, laboratory, and instrumental examination of 178 IHD patients from the Registry of coronary angiography of patients with AF (main group) and 331 patients (comparison group) selected according to propensity score matching with balancing by sex, age, body mass index, severity of chronic heart failure, frequency of myocardial infarctions, detection of arterial hypertension, and thyroid diseases. RESULTS: The groups did not differ in terms of alcohol use, frequency of smoking, and detection of diabetes. Patients with AF compared with those without had higher mean heart rate (105±32 vs. 70±13 bpm, р<0.001), lower level of triglycerides (1.74±1.08 vs. 1.94±1.17 mmol / l, р=0.019). AF patients more rarely had class III-IV effort angina (52.9 % vs. 66.5 %, р=0.041). Rate of detection of left ventricular (LV) dilatation and index of LV asynergy in both groups were similar, but absolute dimensions and indexes of LV, left atrium, right ventricle, LV myocardial mass were higher in the AF group. Hemodynamically significant mitral regurgitation and lowering of LV contractility were more often detected in patients with AF (49.1 % vs. 18.4 %, р<0.001, and 56.2 % vs. 39.5 %, р<0.001, in main and comparison groups, respectively). Analysis of coronary angiography data showed that patients with compared with those without AF more often had right type of coronary circulation (87.5 % vs. 80.4 %, р=0.043) as well as lesions of the right coronary artery (92.1 % vs. 85.8 %, р=0.037), and less often lesions of left coronary artery trunk (16.3 % vs. 24.8 %, Ñ€=0.027). CONCLUSION: AF in patients with IHD is associated with right coronary artery lesions and right type of coronary circulation.

[Prospective analysis of lipid profile parameters and markers of vascular inflammatory response with prognosis of undesirable coronary events in patients with coronary heart disease after angioplasty with stenting.]

The study of the causes of the development of vascular coronary complications after angioplasty with stenting using the evaluation of biochemical parameters in the dynamic observation of patients with IHD with significant coronary stenosis determines the relevance of the study. To analyze the parameters of lipid spectrum and markers of vascular inflammatory reaction in patients with IHD, in groups with stable angina and episode of unstable angina after angioplasty with stenting, to trace the dynamics of biochemical parameters and to reveal the predictors of undesirable coronary events. Patients with IHD with significant coronary stenosis of the arteries (SCS, n = 95) after coronary angiography at the point of maximum increase in the level of markers of the inflammatory reaction (3 months after angioplasty) are divided into 2 groups - patients with persistent stable angina pectoris (SA, n = 77) until the end of the study and patients with developed postvascularization episode of unstable angina (UA, n = 18). The dynamics of observation of biochemical parameters recorded the absence of normalization of the atherogenic spectrum of the lipid profile and the prolonged nature of the vascular inflammatory response to the end point of observation after angioplasty.The method of binary logistic regression revealed that in the general group of patients with IHD, an increase in the level of low density lipoprotein cholesterol by 1 mmol / L significantly increases the probability of significant coronary stenosis in men and raises the risk of UA after angioplasty by 7.38 times. It was found that patients with UA at the initial stage have a significantly higher risk of coronary blood flow instability in the post-vascularization period due to an elevated level of homocysteine. A set of biochemical markers for predicting the significance of coronary stenosis and development of undesirable vascular coronary events after angioplasty in patients with IHD has been identified: male sex, elevated LDL cholesterol and hyperhomocysteinemia.

[Right ventricular dilatation in patients with coronary heart disease without myocardial infarction: According to the data of the Coronary Angiography Surgery Registry].

AIM: To identify factors associated with right ventricular (RV) dilatation in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) without prior myocardial infarction (Ml). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Out of 16 839 patents from the Coronary Angiography Surgery Registry, the investigators selected patients with >75% stenosis in at least one coronary artery without acute or prior MI: 75 patients with echocardiographically detected RV dilatation and 1134 without RV dilatation. RESULTS: Among the patients with RV dilatation, there were more men (92% versus 80.2%; p=0.01 2). In this group, the mean body mass index (BMI) was higher (31.7±5.2 kg/m2 versus 30.1±4.7 kg/m2; p=0.01 9); there was more commonly higher NYHA functional class (FC) (III) chronic heart failure (CHF) (22.2% versus 12.5%; p=0.002), clinically relevant mitral regurgitation (29.4% versus 4.0%; all ps<0.001), and cardiac rhythm and conduction disturbances (45.5% versus 17.8%; p<0.001) in rarer severe FC (III-IV) exertional angina (30.3% versus 52.8%; p=0.007). The groups were different as evidenced by coronarography and major blood biochemical indicators. Decreased myocardial contractility (odds ratio (OR), 4.22; p=0.002), male sex (OR, 4.03;p=0.007), cardiac rhythm and conduction disturbances (OR, 2.98; p<0.001), clinically relevant mitral regurgitation (OR, 2.34; p=0.001); higher FC CHF (OR, 1.87; p=0.034), BMI (OR, 1.08; p=0.01 0), and lower FC exertional angina (OR, 0.42; p=0.001) demonstrated an independent relationship to RV dilatation, as evidenced by a multivariateanalysis. CONCLUSION: In the patients with CHD without MI, RV dilatation is independently related to male sex, left ventricular functional characteristics, and higher BMI.

[Clinical profile and treatment of left main coronary artery disease in a real-world practice].

Aim of this study was to assess clinical profile, treatment and long-term results in patients with left main coronary artery disease in a real-world practice. 225 cases were analyzed. Long-term results were evaluated from 213 (97.7%) patients. Median follow-up period was 49 months. Fifty two (23.9%) patients received nonsurgical treatment, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was performed in 106 (48.6%) patients, percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in 60 (27.5%) patients. Patients of nonsurgical group had more severe clinical profile compared with PCI group. There was no differences between nonsurgical and CABG groups as well as between CABG and PCI groups in clinical profile. Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event rate was higher in nonsurgical group. There was no difference between CABG and PCI groups. Survival in CABG and PCI groups was higher compared with nonsurgical group. Survival effect of revascularization was observed immediately (before 6 months) and continued long-term (more than 60 months). Revascularization was independent predictor of improved long-term survival. After diagnosis of left main coronary artery stenosis PCI was performed more quickly than CABG.

[Predictors of high-grade ventricular arrhythmias in patients referred for the coronary angiography].

Ventricular arrhythmias (VA) are still the leading cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Therefore identification of predictors of high-grade (hg) VA and stratification of risk of fatal events remain important problems of cardiology. We analyzed data of 993 patients with and without hgVA according to 24 hours Holter monitoring referred for the coronary angiography. Patients with hgVA were older (57.2 ± 8.4 vs. 54.9 ± 8.3 years, p = 0.001), had lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (51.6 ± 11.2 vs. 58.4 ± 7.6%, p < 0.001) and larger extent of LV wall motion abnormalities (10.8 ± 15.7% vs. 5.5 ± 10.9%, p = 0.001). Patients with hgVA more often had LV aneurysms and thrombi. These patients also had significantly greater LV end diastolic diameter (54.3 ± 7.4 vs. 49.9 ± 4.7 mm, p < 0.001), and more often had NYHA class III-IV chronic heart failure (28.1 vs. 15.5%, p < 0.001). According to multivariate analysis hgVA were independently associated with age, LV dilation and reduced LVEF (specificity and sensitivity of a mathematical model for prediction of hgVA were 78 and 49.5%, respectively). Each subsequent year of life increased risk of having hgVA by 1.2% (odds ratio [OR] 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.05, p = 0.002), while 1 mm increase of LV size elevated risk of VA by 4.2% (OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.04-1.13, p < 0.001), and 1% lowering of LVEF increased risk of VA by 7% (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.92-0.98, p < 0.001).

[Parameters associated with absence of significant coronary atherosclerosis by data of register of provided coronary angiography].

AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to reveal the sign of coronary atherosclerosis absence using the factor analysis in patients referred for the coronary angiography. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 9409 patients suspected stable coronary artery disease (CAD) or with confirmed diagnosis of CAD from the "Registry of provided coronary angiography" were included in the study. RESULTS OF THE STUDY: Principal factor described about 59% of the variation and included the burdens of 4 parameters (gender, smoking, significant coronary atherosclerosis and hypothyroidism) and was interpreted as factor of coronary atherosclerosis. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that the absence of coronary stenosis was associated with female gender, non-smoking status and hypothyroidism.

[Impact of cardiac resynchronization therapy on survival in patients with ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy in clinical practice].

AIM: To compare the impact of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on survival in patients with ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (CMP) in clinical practice. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study enrolled 206 patients with NYHA Functional Class II-IV chronic heart failure (CHF) and a left ventricular ejection fraction of < or = 35, including 107 patients implanted with CRT devices in combination with continuous drug therapy (DT). Among the 107 patients, 48 were diagnosed as having non-ischemic CMP (NCMP), 59 as coronary heart disease (CHD). The other 99 patients (12 with NCMP and 87 with CHD) were on DT only. Later on the patients from both groups were divided into subgroups according to the treatment policy of CHF: CRT + DT or DT only. The mean follow-up period was 24 +/- 18.1 months. RESULTS: The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that overall survival in the patients on CRT + DT was significantly higher than in those on DT (70 and 49%, respectively; p = 0.004). Analysis of the chosen treatment policy in the NCMP subgroup showed no significant differences in survival rates in the patients receiving CRT + DT or DT (74 versus 78%, respectively; p = 0.5). At the same time, the survival rates in the CHD patients on CRT + DT were significantly higher than those in the DT subgroup (68 versus 44%; p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: CRT significantly reduces overall mortality in patients with CHF in clinical practice. Our findings indicated that this effect was achieved mainly in patients with CHD, rather than in those with NCMP.

[Predictors of hemodynamically significant coronary stenoses in patients with disturbed myocardial perfusion based on the results of single-photon emission computed tomography].

Patients with positive results of single-photon emission CT (SPECT) were examined to identify parameters indicative of hemodynamically significant coronary stenosis (HSCS) prior to coronaroangiography (CAG). 47 of the 84 patients (mean age 49.1 +/- 8.7 yr, 71% men) had positive results of SPECT. Patients with HSCS more frequently experienced acute myocardial infarction (37.1% vs 6.5%. p = 0.005) and circulatory failure (II-IV functional class NYHA) (92.3% vs 51.6%, p = 0.026). Also, they had higher blood glucose levels (6.9 +/- 2.5 vs 5.3 +/- 0.8 mmol/l, p = 0.007). The echocardiographic study more frequently revealed the 50% impairment of left ventricular function in these patients (17.4 vs 7.4%, p = 0.001), reduced ejection fraction (59.6 +/- 8.9 vs 48.9 +/- 10.5%), greater LV size and asynergia (20.8 +/- 18.0 vs 2.0 +/- 5.5% and 1.4 +/- 0.3 vs 1.0 +/- 0.1%), more pronounced mitral insufficiency (81.3 +/- 59.4%, p = 0.026). Only these patients had post-infarctional changes in myocardium (31.3%. p = 0.001). Discrimination analysis revealed independent association of HSCS with LV asynergia and mitral regurgitation. These echocardiographic parameters may be regarded as predictors of HSCS in patients with suspected CHD and positive results of SPECT.

[Specific features of left ventricular remodeling in patients with diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease residing in the Far North].

This study enrolled 202 patients with diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease residing in the Far North. They were selected from 8753 subjects included in the Registry of performed coronary angiographies. The control group contained 196 patients with CHD and DM2 residing in the south of Tyumen region. 76 (19%) patients had normal structural and functional characteristics of LV (LVMM = < N and LVRWT < 0.45), in 322 (81%) these characteristics were pathologically changed (eccentric and concentric LV hypertrophy, concentric LV remodeling). Groups 1 and 2 included 79.2 and 68.4% men respectively p = 0.014) of mean age 53.9 +/- 0.45 and 58.1 +/- 0.51 p < 0.001) having LV diameter 26.2 +/- 0.2 mm and 25.5 +/- 0.2 mm (p = 0.012). Other echocardiographic parameters, occurrence of asymmetric myocardial hypertrophy, and distribution of the patients by the types of LV geometric models were not significantly different. Odd ratios for the patients with pathological LV morphology revealed no dependence of LV remodeling on the site of residence. The structural and functional changes in myocardium of the patients residing in the North and South of Tyumen region were comparable in terms of severity. It is concluded that DM is a powerful factor influencing myocardial remodeling to the extent that masks even the effects of extreme ("northern") environmental conditions.