Selvester Score May Be a Predictor of ICD Therapies in Patients with Non-Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

ABSTRACT Introduction: The benefit of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is still an issue under discussion. Studies examining the relationship between ventricular scar tissue and ICD shock with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) are promising. CMR studies have shown that ventricular scar tissue size and Selvester score show a correlation. In the light of this information, this study aimed to investigate the potential relationship between Selvester score and ICD therapies. Methods: The study included 48 patients who had undergone ICD implantation with a diagnosis of DCM and who had undergone routine 6-month ICD control in outpatient clinic controls between December 2018 and October 2019. Selvester score and other data were compared between patients who received ICD therapy (n=10) and those who did not (n=38). Results: Selvester score (P<0.001) was higher in ICD therapy group. Positive correlation was found between ICD shock therapy and Selvester score (P=0.002, r=0.843). Selvester score was detected as an independent predictor for ICD therapy after multiple linear regression analysis (P=0.004). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that Selvester score (P<0.001) was a significant predictor of ICD therapy. Selvester score cutoff points of 5 for were calculated to estimate ICD therapy, with a sensitivity of 100% and specifity of 81%. Conclusion: In our study, it was found that a high Selvester score may be a predictor for ICD therapies in patients with DCM. As an inexpensive and non-invasive method, Selvester score can help in the decision-making in these patients.

Predictive value of oxidative, antioxidative, and inflammatory status for left ventricular systolic recovery after percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the association between left ventricular ejection fraction recovery and the total oxidant status, total antioxidant capacity, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels. METHODS: A total of 264 ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients were classified into two groups according to baseline and 6-month follow-up left ventricular systolic function: reduced and recovery systolic function. Predictors of the recovery of left ventricular ejection fraction were determined by multivariate regression analyses. RESULTS: Multivariable analysis indicated that oxidative status index, baseline left ventricular ejection fraction and peak creatine-kinase myocardial bundle level, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were independently associated with the decreased of left ventricular ejection fraction at 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress and inflammation parameters were detrimental to the recovery of left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Prognostic Value of T-wave Positivity in Lead aVR in COVID-19 Pneumonia

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: T-wave positivity in the lead aVR is a marker of ventricular repolarization abnormality and provides information on short- and long-term cardiovascular mortality in heart failure patients, those with anterior myocardial infarction, and patients who underwent hemodialysis for various reasons. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between T-wave positivity in the lead aVR on superficial electrocardiogram and mortality from COVID-19 pneumonia. METHODS: This study retrospectively included 130 patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and treated as an outpatient or in the thoracic diseases ward in a single center between January 2021 and June 2021. All patients included in the study had clinical and radiological features and signs of COVID-19 pneumonia. The COVID-19 diagnosis of all patients was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction detected from an oropharyngeal swab. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups: survived and deceased. There were 55 patients (mean age: 64.76-14.93 years, 58.18 male, 41.12% female) in the survived group and 75 patients (mean age: 65-15 years, 58.67 male, 41.33% female) in the deceased group. The univariate and multivariate regression analyses showed that positive transcatheter aortic valve replacement (OR 5.151; 95%CI 1.001-26.504; p=0.0012), lactate dehydrogenase (OR 1.006; 95%CI 1.001-1.010; p=0.012), and d-dimer (OR 1.436; 95%CI 1.115-1.848; p=0.005) were independent risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSION: A positive transcatheter aortic valve replacement is useful in risk stratification for mortality from COVID-19 pneumonia.

A Simple Risk Scoring Systems to evaluate the presence of aneurysm and one-year mortality in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm using CHA2DS2-VASc and ATRIA

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: We aimed to demonstrate the clinical utility of CHA2DS2-VASc and anticoagulation and risk factors in atrial fibrillation risk scores in the assessment of one year mortality in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm. METHODS: We designed a retrospective cohort study using data from Suleyman Demirel University Hospital for the diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm. The study included 120 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm who underwent aortic computed tomography. Patients were divided into two groups according to presence of abdominal aortic aneurysm and the development of mortality. Predictors of mortality were determined by multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Multivariate regression analysis showed that CHA2DS2-VASc score, advanced age, female gender and elevated white blood cell counts were independent predictors of abdominal aortic aneurysm development while CHA2DS2-VASc score and elevated glucose levels were independent predictors of one year mortality in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm. The concordance statistics for anticoagulation and risk factors in atrial fibrillation risk Score and CHA2DS2-VASc risk score respectively were 0.96 and 0.97 and could significantly predict one year mortality in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: CHA2DS2-VASc and anticoagulation and risk factors in atrial fibrillation risk scores are easily obtained in an emergency setting and can accurately predict one year mortality as a noninvasive follow-up in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm. These simple scores could be used as a point of care decision aid to help the clinician in counseling patients presenting with abdominal aortic aneurysm and their families on treatment protocols.

The validation of the atria and cha2ds2-vasc scores in predicting atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass surgery

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of CHA2DS2-VASc and Anticoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation (ATRIA) risk scores for prediction of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) development in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) operation. Methods: The population of this observational study consisted of 370 patients undergoing CABG operation. CHA2DS2-VASc and ATRIA risk scores were calculated for all patients and their association with postoperative AF (AF episode lasting > 5 min) were evaluated. Predictors of postoperative AF were determined by multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: During follow-up, 110 patients (29.7%) developed postoperative AF. With multiple logistic regression analysis, risk factors for postoperative AF were determined: ATRIA risk score (odds ratio [OR] 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-1.36; P<0.001), fasting glucose level (OR 1.006; 95% CI 1.004-1.009; P<0.001), and 24-hour drainage amount (OR 1.002; 95% CI; 1.001-1.004; P<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that CHA2DS2-VASc and ATRIA risk scores were significant predictors for new-onset AF (C-statistic 0.648; 95% CI 0.59-0.69; P<0.001; and C-statistic 0.664; 95% CI 0.61-0.71; P<0.001, respectively). Conclusion: CHA2DS2-VASc and ATRIA risk scores predict new AF in patients undergoing CABG.

Predictive values of C-reactive protein/albumin ratio in new-onset atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of the newly defined C-Reactive Protein (CRP)/Albumin Ratio (CAR) in determining the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) in comparison with other inflammatory markers, such as Neutrophil/Lymphocyte (N/L) Ratio and Platelet/Lymphocyte (P/L) Ratio, in patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) surgery. METHODS The population of this observational study consisted of 415 patients undergoing CABG. The study cohort was subdivided into two groups based on the development of AF. Complete blood counts, serum CRP, and serum albumin levels were evaluated before the CABG. The CAR, N/L, and P/L ratios of all the patients were calculated. Predictors of postoperative AF were determined by multiple logistic regression analysis (MLRA). RESULTS During follow-up, 136 patients (32.8%) developed postoperative AF. With MLRA, independent risk factors for postoperative AF were determined as follows: fasting glucose level (OR: 1.01; 95 % CI: 1.00-1.01, P <0.001), age (OR: 1.12; 95 % CI: 1.07-1.17, P <0.001), left ventricle ejection fraction (OR: 0.90; 95 % CI: 0.87-0.94, P <0.001), male gender (OR: 3.32; 95 % CI: 1.39-7.90, P = 0.007), 24-hour drainage amount (OR: 1.004; 95 % CI: 1.002-1.005, P <0.001), and CAR (OR: 1.82; 95 % CI: 1.53-2.16, P <0.001). Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis showed that CAR (C-statistic: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.71-0.79, p< 0.001) was a significant predictor of AF. CONCLUSION Novel inflammatory marker CAR can be used as a reliable marker to predict the development of AF following CABG.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar o valor preditivo da recém-definida relação entre Proteína C-Reativa (PCR) e Albumina (CAR) na determinação do desenvolvimento de Fibrilação Atrial (FA) em comparação com outros marcadores inflamatórios, como proporção de Neutrófilos para Linfócitos (N/L) e relação Plaquetas/Linfócitos (P/L) em pacientes submetidos à Cirurgia de Revascularização do Miocárdio (CRM). MÉTODOS A população deste estudo observacional foi composta por 415 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio. A coorte do estudo foi subdividida em dois grupos de acordo com o desenvolvimento da FA. Contagens sanguíneas completas, PCR sérica e albumina sérica foram obtidas antes da CRM. Os valores de CAR, relação N/L e relação P/L foram calculados. Os preditores de FA pós-operatória foram determinados por análise de regressão logística múltipla. RESULTADOS Durante o acompanhamento, 136 pacientes (32,8%) desenvolveram FA pós-operatória. Com análise de regressão logística múltipla, foram determinados os fatores de risco para FA pós-operatória: glicemia de jejum (OR: 1,01; IC 95%: 1,00-1,01, p<0,001), idade (OR: 1,12; IC 95%: 1,07-1,17, p<0,001), fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (OR: 0,90; IC 95%: 0,87-0,94, p<0,001), sexo masculino (OR: 3,32; IC 95%: 1,39-7,90, p=0,007), quantidade de drenagem de 24 horas (OR: 1,004; IC 95%: 1,002-1,005, p<0,001), CAR (OR: 1,82; IC 95%: 1,53-2,16, p<0,001). A análise da curva de características operacionais do receptor mostrou que o CAR (estatística C: 0,75; IC 95%: 0,71-0,79, p<0,001) foi um preditor significativo de FA. CONCLUSÃO O novo marcador inflamatório CAR é confiável para prever o desenvolvimento de FA após a operação de revascularização miocárdica.

Relationship between c-reactive protein/albumin ratio and new-onset atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of the newly defined C-Reactive Protein (CRP)/Albumin Ratio (CAR) in determining the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) in comparison with other inflammatory markers, such as Neutrophil/Lymphocyte (N/L) Ratio and Platelet/Lymphocyte (P/L) Ratio, in patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) surgery. METHODS The population of this observational study consisted of 415 patients undergoing CABG. The study cohort was subdivided into two groups based on the development of AF. Complete blood counts, serum CRP, and serum albumin levels were evaluated before the CABG. The CAR, N/L, and P/L ratios of all the patients were calculated. Predictors of postoperative AF were determined by multiple logistic regression analysis (MLRA). RESULTS During follow-up, 136 patients (32.8%) developed postoperative AF. With MLRA, independent risk factors for postoperative AF were determined as follows: fasting glucose level (OR: 1.01; 95 % CI: 1.00-1.01, P <0.001), age (OR: 1.12; 95 % CI: 1.07-1.17, P <0.001), left ventricle ejection fraction (OR: 0.90; 95 % CI: 0.87-0.94, P <0.001), male gender (OR: 3.32; 95 % CI: 1.39-7.90, P = 0.007), 24-hour drainage amount (OR: 1.004; 95 % CI: 1.002-1.005, P <0.001), and CAR (OR: 1.82; 95 % CI: 1.53-2.16, P <0.001). Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis showed that CAR (C-statistic: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.71-0.79, p< 0.001) was a significant predictor of AF. CONCLUSION Novel inflammatory marker CAR can be used as a reliable marker to predict the development of AF following CABG.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar o valor preditivo da recém-definida relação entre Proteína C-Reativa (PCR) e Albumina (CAR) na determinação do desenvolvimento de Fibrilação Atrial (FA) em comparação com outros marcadores inflamatórios, como proporção de Neutrófilos para Linfócitos (N/L) e relação Plaquetas/Linfócitos (P/L) em pacientes submetidos à Cirurgia de Revascularização do Miocárdio (CRM). MÉTODOS A população deste estudo observacional foi composta por 415 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio. A coorte do estudo foi subdividida em dois grupos de acordo com o desenvolvimento da FA. Contagens sanguíneas completas, PCR sérica e albumina sérica foram obtidas antes da CRM. Os valores de CAR, relação N/L e relação P/L foram calculados. Os preditores de FA pós-operatória foram determinados por análise de regressão logística múltipla. RESULTADOS Durante o acompanhamento, 136 pacientes (32,8%) desenvolveram FA pós-operatória. Com análise de regressão logística múltipla, foram determinados os fatores de risco para FA pós-operatória: glicemia de jejum (OR: 1,01; IC 95%: 1,00-1,01, p<0,001), idade (OR: 1,12; IC 95%: 1,07-1,17, p<0,001), fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (OR: 0,90; IC 95%: 0,87-0,94, p<0,001), sexo masculino (OR: 3,32; IC 95%: 1,39-7,90, p=0,007), quantidade de drenagem de 24 horas (OR: 1,004; IC 95%: 1,002-1,005, p<0,001), CAR (OR: 1,82; IC 95%: 1,53-2,16, p<0,001). A análise da curva de características operacionais do receptor mostrou que o CAR (estatística C: 0,75; IC 95%: 0,71-0,79, p<0,001) foi um preditor significativo de FA. CONCLUSÃO O novo marcador inflamatório CAR é confiável para prever o desenvolvimento de FA após a operação de revascularização miocárdica.

Incidence of aspirin resistance is higher in patients with acute coronary syndrome and atrial fibrillation than without atrial fibrillation

SUMMARY In patients with atrial fibrillation, standard anticoagulation with a vitamin K antagonist plus dual antiplatelet therapy with a P2Y12 inhibitor and aspirin is the standard of care after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). While this therapy reduces the risk of thrombosis and stroke, it increases the risk of bleeding. It is unclear whether the antiplatelet effect of aspirin and clopidogrel may worsen atrial fibrillation (AF). OBJECTIVE Thus we aimed to analyze platelet aspirin resistance (AR) and clopidogrel resistance (CR) in acute coronary (ACS) patients based on sinus rhythm (SR) and AF. METHODS In this prospective trial, we included 543 patients (mean age: 62± 12 years; range: 26 - 89 years) who were on aspirin and clopidogrel therapy after the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome. AR and CR were analyzed by a Multiplate® MP-0120 device by using the method of whole blood aggregometry. RESULTS AF patients had significantly higher age, mean platelet volume, and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (p< 0.01 for each parameter). Similarly, Arachidonic-acid induced (ASPI) aggregation was higher in AF patients compared to SR patients (666±218 vs. 187±179, p<0.001). Among the ACS patients, significantly more female patients had AF (p<0.001). The incidence of hypertension in the AF group was higher compared to the SR group (p<0.001). However, adenosine diphosphate levels were not at a significant level in the two groups. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that the platelet inhibitory effect of Aspirin was worse for patients with AF, suggesting that the effectiveness of aspirin may be less in the prophylaxis of thromboembolism and more a bleeding risk.

RESUMO Em pacientes com fibrilação atrial, a anticoagulação padrão com antagonista da vitamina K mais terapia antiplaquetária dupla (DAPT) com inibidor de P2Y12 e aspirina é o padrão de tratamento após intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP). Enquanto essa terapia reduz o risco de trombose e derrame, aumenta o risco de sangramento. Não está claro se o efeito antiplaquetário da aspirina e do clopidogrel pode piorar a fibrilação atrial (FA). OBJETIVO Analisar a resistência à aspirina plaquetária (AR) e ao clopidogrel (CR) em pacientes coronarianos agudos (SCA) com base no ritmo sinusal (SR) e na FA. MÉTODOS Neste estudo prospectivo, foram incluídos 543 pacientes (idade média: 62±12 anos; intervalo: 26-89 anos) em uso de aspirina e clopidogrel após o diagnóstico de síndrome coronariana aguda. AR e CR foram analisados por um dispositivo Multiplate® MP-0120, utilizando o método de agregometria de sangue total. RESULTADOS Os pacientes com FA apresentaram valores significativamente maiores para idade, volume médio de plaquetas e proteína C reativa de alta sensibilidade (p<0,01 para cada parâmetro). Da mesma forma, a agregação induzida por ácido araquidônico (Aspi) foi maior nos pacientes com FA em comparação com os pacientes com SR (666±218 vs. 187±179, p<0,001). Entre os pacientes com SCA, significativamente mais pacientes do sexo feminino apresentaram FA (p<0,001). A incidência de hipertensão no grupo FA foi maior em comparação com o grupo SR (p<0,001). No entanto, os níveis de difosfato de adenosina não foram expressivamente significativos nos dois grupos. CONCLUSÃO Nossos achados indicam que o efeito inibitório plaquetário da aspirina foi pior em pacientes com FA, sugerindo que a eficácia da aspirina pode ser menor na profilaxia do tromboembolismo, com maior risco de sangramento.

Comparison of sharp dissection, electrocautery, and ultrasonic activated scalpel with regard to endothelial damage, preparation time, and postoperative bleeding during radial artery harvesting

Abstract Objective: To examine the effects of classical technique, electrocautery, and ultrasonic dissection on endothelial integrity, function, and preparation time for harvesting the radial artery (RA) during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: Forty-five patients who underwent isolated CABG and whose RA was suitable for use were studied and divided into three groups: Group 1, classical method (using sharp dissection); Group 2, electrocautery; and Group 3, ultrasonic cautery. Levels of prostacyclin and nitric oxide derivatives were examined biochemically; vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and endothelial nitric oxide synthetase (eNOS) values were assessed using immunohistochemical staining. RA preparation time, RA length/harvesting time ratio, and drainage amounts at the site of RA removal were compared. Results: Differences in RA preparation time (Group 1: 25±6 min, Group 2: 18±3 min, Group 3: 16±3 min, P<0.001) and length/harvesting time ratio (Group 1: 0.76±0.19 cm/min, Group 2: 0.98±0.16 cm/min, Group 3: 1.13±0.09 cm/min, P<0.001) were statistically significant among the groups. Levels of prostacyclin and nitric oxide derivatives were not statistically significant different, VCAM-1 and eNOS expressions were observed to be similar among the groups, and endothelial damage was detected in only one patient per group. Conclusion: Use of ultrasonic cautery during RA preparation considerably reduces the preparation time and postoperative drainage amount. However, the superiority of one method over the others could not be demonstrated when the presence of endothelial damage with both biochemical and histopathological evaluations was considered.

Predictive value of ATRIA risk score for contrast-induced nephropathy after percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: The AnTicoagulation and Risk factors In Atrial fibrillation (ATRIA) risk score used to detect the thromboembolic and hemorrhagic risk in atrial fibrillation patients has been shown recently to predict poor clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (ACS), regardless of having atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to analyze the relationship between different risk scores and contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) development in patients with ACS who underwent urgent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and compare the predictive ability of the ATRIA risk score with the MEHRAN risk score. METHODS: We analyzed 429 patients having St-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) who underwent urgent PCI between January 2016 and February 2017. Patients were divided into two groups: those with and those without CIN and both groups were compared according to clinical, laboratory, and demographic features, including the CHA2DS2-VASc and ATRIA risk score. Predictors of CIN were determined by multivariate regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was used to analyze the prognostic value of CHA2DS2-VASc and ATRIA risk score for CIN, following STEMI. RESULTS: Multivariate regression analysis showed that Athe TRIA risk score, Opaque/Creatinine Clearance ratio, and low left ventricular ejection fraction was an independent predictor of CIN. The C-statistics for the ATRIA risk score and CHA2DS2-VASC risk score were 0.66 and 0.64 (p<0.001, and p<0.001), respectively. A pair-wise comparison of ROC curves showed that both scores were not inferior to the MEHRAN score in predicting CIN. CONCLUSION: The ATRIA and CHA2DS2-VASC scoring systems were useful for detecting CIN following STEMI.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: O escore Anticoagulação e Fatores de Risco na Fibrilação Atrial (Atria), usado na detecção do risco tromboembólico e hemorrágico de pacientes com fibrilação atrial (FA), recentemente demonstrou predizer resultados clínicos ruins em pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio (SCA), independentemente de ter FA. Nosso objetivo foi analisar a relação entre os diferentes escores de risco e o desenvolvimento de nefropatia induzida por contraste (NIC) em pacientes com SCA submetidos à intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) urgente e comparar a capacidade preditiva do escore de risco Atria com o escore de risco Mehran. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados 429 pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio com elevação do segmento ST (IAM-ST) submetidos à ICP de urgência entre janeiro de 2016 e fevereiro de 2017. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: aqueles com e sem NIC, e ambos os grupos foram comparados de acordo com as características clínicas, laboratoriais e demográficas, incluindo os escores de risco CHA2DS2-VASc e Atria. Preditores de NIC foram determinados por análise de regressão multivariada. A análise da curva características de operação do receptor (ROC) foi utilizada para analisar o valor prognóstico dos escores de risco CHA2DS2-VASc e Atria para NIC, após IAM-ST. RESULTADOS: A análise de regressão multivariada mostrou que o escore de risco Atria, a relação opaca/crCl e a baixa fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo foram preditores independentes de NIC. A estatística-C para o escore de risco Atria e o escore de risco CHA2DS2-VASC foi de 0,66 e 0,64 (p<0,001 e p<0,001), respectivamente. Uma comparação de pares de curvas características de operação do receptor mostrou que ambos os escores foram não inferiores ao escore Mehran na previsão de NIC. CONCLUSÃO: Os sistemas de pontuação Atria e CHA2DS2-VASC foram sistemas úteis para a detecção de NIC após IAM-ST.

The relationship between mitral annular calcification, metabolic syndrome and thromboembolic risk

Abstract Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as an association between diabetes, hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is associated with several cardiovascular disorders, including coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure, ischemic stroke and increased mortality. The CHA2DS2-VASc score is used to estimate thromboembolic risk in AF. However, the association among MAC, MetS and thromboembolic risk is unknown and was evaluated in the current study. Methods: The study group consisted of 94 patients with MAC and 86 patients with MetS. Patients were divided into two groups: those with and those without MAC. Results: Patients with MAC had a higher MetS rate (P<0.001). In patients with MAC, the CHA2DS2-VASc scores and the rate of cerebrovascular accident and AF were significantly higher compared to those without MAC (P<0.001, for both parameters). The results of the multivariate regression analysis showed that history of smoking, presence of MetS and high CHA2DS2-VASc scores were associated with the development of MAC. ROC curve analyses showed that CHA2DS2-VASc scores were significant predictors for MAC (C-statistic: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.706-0.855, P<0.001). Correlation analysis indicated that MAC was positively correlated with the presence of MetS and CHA2DS2-VASc score (P=0.001, r=0.264; P<0.001, r=0.490). Conclusion: We have shown that CHA2DS2-VASc score and presence of MetS rates were significantly higher in patients with MAC compared without MAC. Presence of MAC was correlated with CHA2DS2-VASc score, presence of MetS, AF and left atrial diameter and negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation increases mean platelet volume

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may increase the risk of thromboembolic events. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of RFA on mean platelet volume (MPV), an indicator of platelet activity. METHODS A total of 95 patients undergoing RFA were included in the study. MPV was measured before and one month after the procedure. The control group was formed by 83 individuals of the same sex and age as those in the study group. RESULTS Beta-blockers, non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, and acetylsalicylic acid use was higher in the ablation group compared with the control group. Other baseline clinical characteristics and baseline hemoglobin, white blood cell count, platelet count, and MPV values were similar between the ablation and control groups. In the ablation group, baseline and post-procedural hemoglobin, white blood cell counts were similar. However, postprocedural MPV values were higher, and platelet counts were lower compared with the preprocedural values. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that MPV values are higher after RFA compared with baseline values.

RESUMO OBJETIVOS A ablação por radiofrequência (ARF) pode aumentar o risco de eventos tromboembólicos. O objetivo foi avaliar o efeito da ARF no volume plaquetário médio (VPM), um indicador de atividade plaquetária. MÉTODO No total de 95 pacientes submetidos à ARF, o VPM foi medido antes e um mês após o procedimento. Oitenta e três pessoas do mesmo sexo e faixa etária constituíram o grupo controle. RESULTADOS Betabloqueadores, bloqueadores dos canais de cálcio não diidropiridínicos e uso de ácido acetilsalicílico foram maiores no grupo ablação quando comparados ao grupo controle. Outras características clínicas basais e hemoglobina basal, contagem de leucócitos, contagem de plaquetas e valores de VPM foram semelhantes entre os grupos de ablação e controle. No grupo de ablação, linha de base e hemoglobina pós-procedimento, as contagens de glóbulos brancos foram semelhantes. No entanto, os valores de VPM pós-procedimento foram maiores e as contagens de plaquetas foram menores em comparação com os valores pré-procedimento. CONCLUSÕES Nossos resultados indicam que os valores de VPM são maiores após a ARF em comparação com os valores basais.

The CHA2DS2-VASc score for predicting atrial fibrillation in patients presenting with ST elevation myocardial infarction: prospective observational study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common form of supraventricular arrhythmia following ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The CHA2DS2-VASc and CHADS2 scores are used to estimate thromboembolic risk in cases of AF. Their usefulness in predicting the development of AF in patients presenting STEMI is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictive value of the CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores in patients with AF following STEMI. DESIGN AND SETTING: This prospective cohort study on 696 patients with STEMI was conducted at a tertiary-level cardiology clinic in a public university hospital. METHODS: Models including clinical and laboratory parameters were constructed to test the predictive value of CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores. Patients were divided into two groups: with and without AF. Predictors of AF were determined using multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: In the patients with AF, CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores were significantly higher than in those without AF (for both P < 0.001). Factors associated with AF in multivariate analyses included CHA2DS2-VASc score (odds ratio, OR: 1.48; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.25-1.75; P < 0.001), peak creatine kinase-myocardial binding (OR: 1.002; 95% CI: 1.00-1.003; P = 0.0024), duration of the coronary intensive care unit stay (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.24-12.30; P = 0.001) and no use of renin-angiotensin system blockers (OR: 2.16; 95% CI: 1.14-4.10; P = 0.0017). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that CHA2DS2-VASc scores were significant predictors for new-onset AF (C-statistic: 0.698; 95% CI: 0.631-0.765; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores predicted new AF in patients presenting STEMI.

The relation between echocardiographic epicardial fat thickness and cha2ds2-vasc score in patients with sinus rhythm

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the predictive value of epicardial fat thickness (EFT) in CHA2DS2-VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes mellitus, previous stroke or transient ischemic attack, vascular disease, age 65-74 years, sex category) score risk groups. Methods: A total of 158 consecutive patients (75 females, 83 males, mean age 70.8±6.3 years) admitted routinely for cardiologic control were divided into two groups according to their CHA2DS2-VASc scores (scores 0 and 1 were regarded as low risk, and score ≥2 as high risk). One hundred twenty-five of 158 patients had a high-risk score. Results: Mean EFT was significantly higher in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group (4.34±0.62 vs. 5.37±1.0; P<0.001). EFT was positively correlated with CHA2DS2-VASc score (r=0.577, P<0.001). According to receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis, EFT value of 4.4 mm was found to be predictive of high risk in CHA2DS2-VASc score with 80% of sensitivity and 79% of specificity (C-statistic = 0.875, P<0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.76-0.90). And according to multivariate logistic regression analysis, EFT was an independent predictor of high thromboembolic risk in terms of CHA2DS2-VASc score. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that echocardiographic EFT measurement could provide additional information on assessing cardiovascular risks, such as thromboembolic events, and individuals with increased EFT should receive more attention to reduce unfavorable cardiovascular risk factors and the development of future cardiovascular events.

Circulation levels of acute phase proteins pentraxin 3 and serum amyloid A in atherosclerosis have correlations with periodontal inflamed surface area

Abstract Objectives One of the plausible mechanisms in the relationship between periodontitis and coronary artery disease (CAD) is the systemic inflammatory burden comprised of circulating cytokines/mediators related to periodontitis. This study aims to test the hypothesis that periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) is correlated with higher circulating levels of acute phase reactants (APR) and pro-inflammatory cytokines/mediators and lower anti-inflammatory cytokines/mediators in CAD patients. Material and Methods Patients aged from 30 to 75 years who underwent coronary angiography with CAD suspicion were included. Clinical periodontal parameters (probing depth - PD, clinical attachment loss, and bleeding on probing - BOP) were previously recorded and participants were divided into four groups after coronary angiography: Group 1: CAD (+) with periodontitis (n=20); Group 2: CAD (+) without periodontitis (n=20); Group 3: CAD (-) with periodontitis (n=21); Group 4: CAD (-) without periodontitis (n = 16). Serum interleukin (IL) −1, −6, −10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, serum amyloid A (SAA), pentraxin (PTX) 3, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were measured with ELISA. Results Groups 1 and 3 showed periodontal parameter values higher than Groups 2 and 4 (p<0.0125). None of the investigated serum parameters were statistically significantly different between the study groups (p>0.0125). In CAD (-) groups (Groups 3 and 4), PISA has shown positive correlations with PTX3 and SAA (p<0.05). Age was found to predict CAD significantly according to the results of the multivariate regression analysis (Odds Ratio: 1.17; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.08-1.27; p<0.001). Conclusions Although age was found to predict CAD significantly, the positive correlations between PISA and APR in CAD (-) groups deserve further attention, which might depend on the higher PISA values of periodontitis patients. In further studies conducted in a larger population, the stratification of age groups would provide us more accurate results.