Interleukin-10 serum level in acute coronary syndrome patients.

Aim To compare plasma IL-10 concentrations in patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) with those in Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Methods ACS patients hospitalized in intensive coronary care unit (ICCU) of Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital/Faculty of Medicine University of Indonesia (CMH/FMUI), Persahabatan Hospital, MMC Hospital, and Medistra Hospital, Jakarta, between May 2005 and May 2006, were included in this study. The ambulatory CAD patients were taken as comparator. The serum IL-10 level was measured by immunoassay method, and compared by using Independent Student’s t-test. To investigate whether IL-10 serum level could predict ACS, the sensitivity and specifi city of this parameter towards SKA in various IL-10 serum levels were calculated as well. Results In this observational study, as many as 146 subjects were analyzed, consisting of 84 ACS patients, and 62 coronary artery disease (CAD). The IL-10 level was higher in the group of ACS patients (7.37 pg/mL + 7.81, CI 95% 5.68-9.07) than that in CAD patients (1.59 pg/mL + 1.55, CI 95% 1.2-1.98). The optimal cut-off point for serum IL-10 level is >1.95 pg/mL, with 79.76 % sensitivity and 77.42 % specifi city. Conclusion The IL-10 level was higher in the ACS patients compared to that in CAD patients. Serum IL-10 measurement is a quite superior method to distinguish acute and stable condition, eventhough it is not as good as hsCRP for the same purpose.

The effect of curcumin on lipid level in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Aim: to evaluate the effects of curcumin on total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride in acute coronary syndrome patients. Methods: this study were conducted at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital (RSUPN-CM), Persahabatan Hospital, MMC Hospital and Medistra Hospital, Jakarta. The study started from 1 May 2005 to 5 May 2006. Study Design was an interventional study which was a randomized double blind controlled trial to evaluate the effects of curcumin administration at escalating doses (low dose 3 times 15 mg/day, moderate dose 3 times 30 mg/day, and high dose 3 times 60 mg/day) on total cholesterol level, LDL cholesterol level, HDL cholesterol level, and triglyceride level in ACS patients. Results: a 75 ACS patients undergoing randomization participated in randomized controlled trial (RCT). Of the 75 ACS patients participating in that RCT, 67 received care at RSCM, 6 at Persahabatan Hospital, and 2 at MMC Hospital. As many as 63 patients were able to participate in the RCT up to its conclusion. There was no significant difference in age, sex, risk factor of dyslipidemia, DM, smoking, hypertension, CHD history in family, height, body weight and body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure in the four groups of patients. This showed that the randomization performed was reasonably good. There was no significant difference in laboratory parameters, such as total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride, fasting blood glucose, blood glucose 2 hours PP, glyco Hb, triglyceride, Hb, Ht, leukocyte, thrombocyte, ureum, creatinine, SGOT, SGPT, in the four groups. There was no significant difference in types of ACS and locations of ACS in the four groups as well. There was no significant difference in statin medicatios (simvastatin), aspirin ACE inhibitor, and DM medications in the four groups. No patient used tiazolidindion. No significant difference was found in the percentage of compliance in the four groups of patients. The effects of curcumin on total cholesterol level and LDL cholesterol level, there was a trend that the lower the dose of curcumin, the higher the effect of reduction. For HDL cholesterol level, there was also a trend that the lower the dose of curcumin, the higher the effect of increase in HDL cholesterol level. However, for triglyceride the pattern was not the same, and the group of moderate-dose curcumin shoed the minimal effect of increase, followed by the low-dose curcumin and finally the high-dose curcumin that showed the highest effect of increase. Conclusion: the administration of low-dose curcumin showed a trend of reduction in total cholesterol level and LDL cholesterol level in ACS patients.

Serum adhesion molecule levels in acute coronary syndrome among Indonesian patients.

AIM: to observe whether the VCAM and ICAM level in ACS patients were higher than those in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients. In addition, we would like to observe the cut off point of VCAM and ICAM level in ACS patients. METHODS: in observational study, as many as 146 subjects were analyzed, consisting of 84 ACS patients, and 62 coronary heart disease (CHD) patients. This study were conducted at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital (RSUPN-CM), Persahabatan Hospital, MMC Hospital and Medistra Hospital, Jakarta. The study was carried out from May 2005 to May 2006. RESULTS: the VCAM level was higher in the group of ACS patients (mean 981.06 ng/mL, SD 319.28, CI 95%: 911.77-1050.35) than in that in the group of CHD (mean 915.23 ng/mL, SD 283.05, CI 95%: 843.35-987.11), but the difference is not significant. At cut-off point of VCAM level >or= 920.8 ng/mL, the highest sensitivity (57.14%) and highest specificity (67.74%) were found with ROC of 0.58. The ICAM level was higher in the group of ACS patients (mean 268.08 ng/mL, SD 72.75, CI 95%: 252.29/283.87) than that in the group of CHD (mean 245.18 ng/mL, SD 87.37, CI 95%: 222.99-267.37), but the difference is not significant. At cut-off point of ICAM level 248.6 ng/mL, the highest sensitivity (54.76%) and highest specificity (66.13%) were found with ROC of 0.62. CONCLUSION: it could be concluded that VCAM and ICAM level in ACS were higher than in CHD, but the difference is not significant. The VCAM and ICAM level are not the best parameter to differentiate between acute (ACS) and stable (CHD) condition.

Oral anticoagulant treatment in management of elderly patients with atrial fibrillation [corrected]: is it beneficial or detrimental?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is supraventricular tachyarrhythmia characterized by uncontrolled atrial activation, and deteriorates atrial function. In AF patients, increasing of age is related with enlarge left atrium (LA), diminished flow velocity of left atrial appendage (LAA), and spontaneously contrast echo, with other factors which are predisposition for LA thrombus. In AF patients, thromboemboli after cardioversion without anticoagulant administration is 1.5-3.0%. Elderly patient is not contraindication for anticoagulant, although higher risk for bleeding. For stroke prevention in >65 years of age whilst the patient is candidate for oral anticoagulant warfarin, it should be prescribed to reach INR 2.0-3.0. Some reports on anticoagulant evaluation (INR) and bleeding as complication of warfarin prescribed for AF treatment are not significantly different in elderly and younger patients.

The cut-off point of interleukin-6 level in acute coronary syndrome.

AIM: this study aimed to observe whether the interleukin-6 level in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients were higher than those in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients. In addition, we would like to observe the cut off point of interleukin-6 level in ACS. METHODS: this cross sectional study were conducted at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital (RSUPN-CM), Persahabatan Hospital, MMC Hospital and Medistra Hospital, Jakarta. The study started from 1 May 2005 to 5 May 2006. RESULTS: in this observational study, as many as 62 CHD patients were collected and 84 ACS that met the study criteria. Demographic analysis showed that there was no difference in ages among the two groups (ACS and CHD). The risk factors of dyslipidemia, hypertension and lipid profile in the two groups did not differ significantly. Waist circumference and IMT, systolic and diastolic blood pressures in the two groups did not also differ significantly. Smoking was more prevalent in the groups of ACS than in the groups of CHD. In this study the IL-6 level in ACS (mean 40.85 pg/mL, SD 41.71, CI 95% 25.63-42.08 was higher than that in CHD (mean 4.58 pg/mL, SD 9.61, CI 95% 2.14-7.02). To identify the IL-6 level as the predictor for the occurrence of ACS, sensitivity and specificity were calculated at various cut-off points of IL-6 level. At cut-off point of IL-6 4.43 pg/mL the highest sensitivity (89.95%) and highest specificity (77.42%) were found with ROC of 0.87. CONCLUSION: it could be concluded that the IL-6 level in ACS were higher that those in CHD. The IL-6 level 4,43 pg/mL could differentiate the acute condition (ACS) and stable condition (non-ACS) with sensitivity of 89.95% and specificity of 77.42%, and ROC of 0.87.

Correlation between free thyroxin levels and left ventricular ejection fraction in Graves' disease (preliminary study).

AIM: to determine the correlation between free thyroid hormone level and left ventricular ejection fraction in newly diagnosed Graves' patients. METHODS: this is a preliminary study with an initial cross-sectional design using free thyroxine level as a parameter of thyroid hormone state and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) as a parameter of left ventricular systolic function. Free thyroxine level was measured in the laboratory and the LVEF was assessed by Simpson's methods of echocardiography study. RESULTS: ten patients (7 men and 3 women; age 18-52 years old) were studied. Their average of fT4 was 5.75 (SD 0.96) ng/dL and their average of LVEF was 70.57 (SD 4.50)%. There was positive correlation coefficient between free thyroxine level and left ventricular ejection fraction (r=0.711, p=0.021) in newly diagnosed Graves' patients. CONCLUSION: in this study strong positive correlation was found between free thyroxine (fT4) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in newly diagnosed Graves' patients.

Tips and tricks to make case report.

The main purpose of a case report is to educate clinicians about the clinical features, investigation, and/or the treatment of patients with unusual problems. It is important to remember that all the rules that apply to other forms of medical writing, also apply equally to case reports. The IMRAD format ( introduction, methods, results, and discussion) that one sees in reports of clinical research might not always be appropriate for case reports. Article of case report usually contain a title, authorship, introduction, case description, discussion, references, and acknowledgements. Author decision between submitting to a general, specialist, or even subspecialty journal will depend on the rarity of the case and its specific features. Keep in mind the basic reason for writing a case report: namely, that it should have a message for the reader. It consider who the message is aimed at, and then select a journal whose readership will include the target audience.

Correlation between left ventricular mass and visceral fat thickness in obese women.

AIM: This study was aimed to measure left ventricular mass, which partly determines the function of the left ventricle, in obese women. METHODS: The total number of study subjects was 90, which consisted of 45 obese women (BMI >or= 25 Kg/m2) and 45 non-obese women (BMI < 25 Kg/m2) as control group. They were evaluated by M mode echocardiography and abdominal CT to measure visceral fat, blood pressure, insulin resistance and waist circumference. Correlation was assessed for both groups. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the left ventricular mass of the obese and non-obese group (P= 0.000), systolic blood pressure (P = 0.000), diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.006), waist circumference (P = 0.000), visceral fat (P = 0.000), and HOMA-IR (P = 0.000). With bivariant analysis, it is concluded that there are significant correlations between left ventricular mass and visceral fat (r = 0.67, P = 0.000); between BMI and left ventricular mass (r = 0.67, P = 0.000); between waist circumference and left ventricular mass (r = 0.72, P = 0.000); and also between HOMA-IR and left ventricular mass (r = 0.57, P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: There are significant correlations between increased left ventricular mass and visceral fat, BMI, waist circumference and HOMA-IR among Indonesian women. So far, this study has shown a correlation between obesity and high cardiovascular risk.

The correlation between insulin resistance and left ventricular systolic function in obese women.

AIM: To determine the correlation between insulin resistance and left ventricular systolic function in obese women. METHODS: 44 obese (BMI > or =25 kg/m2) and 45 normal weight women were studied. They had no other pathological conditions. Echocardiograms were undertaken in our echocardiographic laboratory following standard methods. The homeostasis model was used to assess insulin resistance (HOMA IR). RESULTS: Ejection fraction (p =0.22) and fractional shortening (p= 0.58) were not difference between obese women and the normal group. There was no correlation between insulin resistance and left ventricular systolic function. CONCLUSION: There was no correlation between insulin resistance and left ventricular ejection fraction.

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in obese women.

AIM: To determine the direct effect of obesity on echocardiographic indices of diastolic left ventricular function METHODS: 44 obese (BMI > or =25 kg/m2) and 45 normal weight women were studied. They had no other pathological conditions. Echocardiographic indices of diastolic function were obtained, and dysfunction was assumed when at least two values differed by > or =2 SD from the normal weight group. RESULTS: In obese subjects, the values of maximum velocity of active mitral filling (A) were increased and pulmonary diastolic velocity was decreased significantly (p< 0,01); all other diastolic variables were unchanged. Subclinical diastolic dysfunction tend to be more prevalent among obese subjects but it was not significantly different from non obese (p= 0.11), being present in nine obese (20.5%) and 4 normal (8.9%) subjects. CONCLUSION: Subclinical left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is present in obese women.

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in chronic renal failure patients on chronic hemodialysis in Dr. Cipto-Mangunkusumo Hospital : the association with left ventricular mass.

Fourty three patients with chronic renal failure undergoing chronic hemodialysis in Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia/Cipto-Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, since October 2003 until February 2004, were examined for echocardiography (2-D, M-mode, Doppler imaging).Diastolic dysfunction was found in 58.1 % of chronic renal failure patients on hemodialysis. There was no significant difference between left ventricular mass in the group with or without left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.

The correlation between hs C-reactive protein and left ventricular mass in obese women.

Plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations are increased in obese individuals. In this study, we examined the correlation between hsCRP and left ventricular mass (LV mass). Fourty five healthy obese women and fourty five healthy non obese women as the controls group were studied by echocardiography and hsCRP. There was no significant correlation between hsCRP and left ventricular mass in obese women (r = 0.29, p 0.06). There was a significant correlation between hs CRP and body mass index (r = 0.46, p 0,002), and also hsCRP and visceral fat (r= 0.33, p 0.03).

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus patient without cardiovascular disease: the association with microalbuminuria.

Twenty-eight cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) without any cardiovascular disease were recruited from the Department of Metabolic-Endocrine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia / Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta. Recruitment of the study began in October 2001 and was completed by December 2001. Participants were examined for echocardiography and microalbuminuria urinary examination. Diastolic dysfunction was found in 73.7% of type 2 diabetic patients without microalbuminuria and 66.7% in type 2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria. Neither type 2 diabetic groups with nor without microalbuminuria indicated any significant association to the occurrence of diastolic dysfunction.

Clinical Manifestation of Acute Myocardial Infarction in the Elderly.

A retrospective study were performed in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) that hospitalized in ICCU Cipto Mangunkusumo hospital, Jakarta during the period of January 1994 until Decmber 1999. There were 513 patients hospitalized with MCI, 227 patients (44.2%) were classified as elderly, and 35.2% of them were female. Most of the elderly AMI patients reported typical chest pain just like their younger counterparts. Elderly AMI patients tend to come later to the hospital, and more Q-wave myocardial infarction were identified compared to non- Q-wave myocardial infarction. Risk factors of diabetes mellitus and hypertension were more common among the elderly. The prevalence of atrial fibrillation and the mortality rate were higher among elderly AMI patients.

Anti-thrombin III, Protein C, and Protein S deficiency in acute coronary syndrome.

The final most common pathway for the majority of coronary artery disease is occlusion of a coronary vessel. Under normal conditions, antithrombin III (AT III), protein C, and protein S as an active protein C cofactor, are natural anticoagulants (hemostatic control) that balances procoagulant activity (thrombin antithrombin complex balance) to prevent thrombosis. If the condition becomes unbalanced, natural anticoagulants and the procoagulants can lead to thrombosis. Thirty subjects with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were studied for the incidence of antithrombin III (AT III), protein C, and protein S deficiencies, and the result were compare to the control group. Among patients with ACS, the frequency of distribution of AT-III with activity < 75% were 23,3% (7 of 30), and only 6,7% ( 2 of 30 ) in control subject. No one of the 30 control subject have protein C activity deficient, in ACS with activity < 70% were 13,3% (4 of 30). Fifteen out of the 30 (50%) control subjects had protein S activity deficiency, while protein S deficiency activity < 70% was found 73.3.% (22 out of 30). On linear regression, the deterministic coefficient of AT-III activity deficiency to the development ACS was 13,25 %, and the deterministic coefficient of protein C activity deficient to the development of ACS was 9,06 %. The cut-off point for AT-III without protein S deficiency expected to contribute to the development of vessel disease was 45%. On discriminant analysis, protein C activity deficiency posed a risk for ACS of 4,5 greater than non deficient subjects, and AT-III activity deficiency posed a risk for ACS of 3,5 times greater than non deficient subjects. On binary logistic regression, protein S activity acted only as a reinforcing factor of AT-III activity deficiency in the development of ACS. Protein C and AT III deficiency can trigger ACS, with determinant coefficients of 9,06% and 13,25% respectively. Low levels of protein C posed a greater risk of ACS than low levels of AT III. Protein S deficiency was a reinforcing factor on AT-III deficient to development of ACS. The cut-off point of AT-III without protein S deficiency expected to give single vessel disease was 45%, and 9,5% for the development of triple vessel disease.

A randomized comparative trial of first-dose response to Angiotensin- Converting Enzyme Perindopril and Captopril in Indonesian heart failure patients.

Several large placebo-controlled trials have confirmed that angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors significantly reduce mortality aid morbidity in all functional grades of congestive heart failure (CHF), nevertheless only a proportion of patients who may benefit from treatment are priscribed an ACE inhibitor. One of the perceived difficulties is the occurrence of first-dose hypotension in susceptible patients. A double-blind, randomised, single-dose therapy, parallel-group study was conducted with the aim to compare the first-dose responses to low dose ACE inhibitors captopril and perindopril in patients with stable chronic heart failure. Seventy patients (New York Heart Association class I-IV) were included. Blood pressure was recorded every 15 minutes 2 hours before starting treatment. The mean of these readings was taken as the baseline blood pressure. Patients were randomised to receive a single-dose of captopril 6.25 mg or perindopril 2 mg. After taking the drug, blood pressure was monitored every 15 minutes for 2 hours, every 30 minutes during 5 hours then hourly after 2 hours. The maximum mean arterial pressure fall from baseline of perindopril was 0.85 mmHg compared to captopril 4.60 mmHg. The maximum mean systolic fall from baseline of perindopril was 3 '31 'mmHg compared to captopril 6.76 mmHg while the maximum mean diastolic fall from baseline of perindopril was 1.08 mmHg compared to captopril 2.63 mmHg. The hypotensive effect of the captopril group started soon after dosing and reached its maximum after 1 to 2 hours while perindopril showed slight reduction of systolic after 1 hour and slight reduction of diastolic after 4 hours. Compared to captopril, perindopril seemed to be less likely to cause first-dose hypotension in patients with heart failure.