Effects of Low Dose versus High Dose Statin Therapy on the Changes of Endothelial Function and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Patients with Variant Angina

BACKGROUND: To compare the effects of low dose and high dose of statin treatment on endothelial function and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in patients with variant angina (VAP). METHODS: A total of 70 patients with VAP were divided into two groups; atorvastatin 10 mg treatment group (group I: n = 35, 54.2 +/- 12.5 years) versus atorvastatin 40 mg treatment group (group II: n = 35, 52.6 +/- 9.8 years). Flow mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery and IMT of the carotid artery were compared between the groups after 6 months of statin treatment. RESULTS: The baseline FMD and carotid IMT were not different between the groups. After 6 months of statin therapy, FMD was significantly improved in both groups (7.7 +/- 2.5% to 8.9 +/- 2.2% in group I, p = 0.001, 7.9 +/- 2.7% to 9.5 +/- 2.8% in group II, p < 0.001), but the degree of FMD change and FMD at 6 month were not different between the groups. Carotid IMT were not changed in both groups after 6 months of statin therapy. CONCLUSION: The use of statin for 6 months significantly improved endothelial function in patients with VAP, but carotid IMT was not changed. The use of high dose statin did not show significant additional benefit as compared with the use of low dose statin. The present study suggested that statin therapy would be beneficial in the treatment of VAP.

Five-year Clinical follow-up after Revascularization for Chronic Total Coronary Artery Occlusion / 대한구급학회지

BACKGROUND: Chronic total occlusion (CTO) has been considered as an unsuitable lesion for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) because of technical difficulty and low success rate. Owing to technical advances and increased operator's experience, PCI has been attempted in a large number of patients with CTO in recent years, but there are few long-term follow-up reports for PCI to CTO. METHODS: We analyzed 83 patients (59.7+/-9.2 years, 28 female) with CTO on diagnostic coronary angiogram at the Heart Center and Coronary Care Unit of Chonnam National Hospital from January 1996 to July 1997. The patients were divided into two groups according to revascularization by PCI or CABG (coronary artery bypass graft): the revascularized group (received PCI or CABG, Group I) and non-revascularized group (Group II). RESULTS: PCI was tried in 46 patients and successful in 33 patients (71.7% of the success rate). Eleven patients (13.3%) were treated with the coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and 31 (37.3%) patients were medically treated. During 5-year clinical follow-up 11 patients died [13.1%; cardiac death 6 (7.1%), non-cardiac death 5 (6.0%)] and the major adverse cardiac events occurred to 24 (28.6%) patients. Cardiac death occurred to one patient of the Group I and 5 patients of Group II (p=0.06). The mean survival time was significantly different (57.8+/-9.2 months in Group I and 50.9+/-19.5 months in Group II, p=0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Revascularization for CTO prolonged the mean survival time of the patients on long- term clinical follow-up.

Clinical Characteristics of Hypervagotonic Sinus Node Dysfunction

BACKGROUND: Sinus node dysfunction (SND) is caused not only by intrinsic sinus node disease, but also by the extrinsic factors. Among the extrinsic factors, autonomic imbalance is most common. Symptomatic SND usually requires permanent pacemaker therapy. However, the clinical characteristics and patient response to medical therapy for hypervagotonic SND have not been properly clarified. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty two patients (14 men, 18 women, 51 +/- 14 years) with hypervagotonic SND were included in this study, but those patients who had taken calcium antagonists, beta-blockers or other antiarrhythmic drugs were excluded. Hypervagotonic SND was diagnosed if the abnormal electrophysiologic properties of the sinus node were normalized after the administration of atropine (0.04 mg/kg). RESULTS: The presenting arrhythmias were 16 cases of sinus bradycardia (50.0%), 12 of sinus pause (37.5%), 3 of sinoatrial block (9.4%) and 1 of tachy-bradycardia (3.1%). Nine (28.1%) patients had hypertension, 7 (21.9%) smoked, 2 (6.3%) had diabetes mellitus, and 1 (3.1%) had hypercholesterolemia. Among the patients, 3 had no remarkable symptoms, 13 had dizziness, 7 had syncope, 3 had weakness and 6 had shortness of breath. Twenty five (78.1%) patients were treated with theophylline, 1 patient with tachy-bradycardia syndrome was treated with digoxin and propafenone, and 6 (18.8%) were treated with no medication. During the 43 +/- 28 month follow-up, 25 patients remained asymptomatic, but 6 who took no medication developed mild dizziness. One patient needed permanent pacemaker implantation owing to recurrent syncope despite of theophylline treatment. CONCLUSION: These results show that hypervagotonic SND has a benign course and most of the patients can be managed safely without implanting a pacemaker. (Ed note: I like the abstract. It is short and direct, as it should be.)

Long-Term Clinical Benefits of a Platelet Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Receptor Blocker, Abciximab (ReoPro (R) ), in High-Risk Diabetic Patients undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND: High-risk percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) are associated with a high complication rate, a low procedural success rate and a high restenosis rate, especially in diabetics. We sought to determine whether abciximab (ReoPro (R) ) therapy affects long-term clinical outcomes of Korean patients with diabetes undergoing high-risk PCI. METHODS: One hundred and nineteen patients with 152 lesion sites were administered ReoPro (R) among 2, 231 patients who underwent PCI at Chonnam National University Hospital from March 1999 to Feb 2001. These 119 patients were divided into two groups, 30 were allocated to a diabetic group (Group I, 57.7 +/- 8.2 years, 22 male), and 89 to a non-diabetic group (Group II, 59.6 +/- 10.8 years, 68 male). Early and long-term clinical outcomes after PCI were analyzed. RESULTS: In terms of clinical diagnosis, the number of acute myocardial infarctions in Group I was 25 (83.3%) and 76 in Group II (85.4%). As for risk factors, target artery lesions, and ACC/AHA types, no differences were found between the two groups. The number of patients with total occlusion was 21 (55.3%) and 62 (53.9%), and the number with a thrombus-containing lesion was 28 (93.3%) and 88 (98.9%) in Groups I and II, respectively. The procedure was successful in 27 (90.0%) in Group I, and in 80 (89.9%) in Group II, and no differences were evident between the two groups in terms of bleeding complications. No major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization or cardiac death, were observed in Group I, but 8 cases of MACE occurred in Group II during hospitalization. Clinical follow-up was performed in 116 patients (97.5%) over 18.5 +/- 6.7 (5-28) months. The number of overall MACEs was 10 (3.3%) in Group I and 14 (15.7%) in Group II (p=0.038). CONCLUSION: ReoPro (R) used in high-risk PCI in diabetics was effective in terms of early clinical outcomes, but its long-term clinical benefits were not proven.

An Elevated Value of C-Reactive Protein is the Only Predictive Factor of Restenosis after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND: The current techniques for percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) remain limited by restenosis. Recent studies have provided evidence of inflammation playing a role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. METHODS: Whether inflammatory markers are predictors of subsequent restenosis were prospectively tested in 272 consecutive patients with angiographically proven coronary artery disease. Patients having undergone PCI at Chonnam National University Hospital, between Sept. 1999 and Mar. 2001, were divided into two groups according to the occurrence of restenosis on a follow-up coronary angiogram: Group I were patients with restenosis (n=99, 59.5 +/- 10.8 years, M: F=77: 22) and Group II were those without restenosis (n=173, 58.8 +/- 10.2 years, M: F=131: 42). The IgG seropositivity, cytomegalovirus (CMV) titers, C. pneumoniae, H. pylori and levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in the seropositivity of the CMV IgG C. pneumoniae IgG and H. pylori IgG between the two groups (Groups I vs. II: 100 vs. 100%, 24.7 vs. 25.7% and 62.2 vs. 63.7%, respectively). Of the angiographic parameters, a low Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow (TIMI 0 or I) was more common in Group I than Group II (p=0.038). The patients with an elevated CRP (> 0.5 mg/dL) were more common in Group I than Group II (57.6 vs. 36.4%, p=0.001), with the CRP values being higher in Group I than Group II (3.3 +/- 5.8 vs. 1.3 +/- 2.6 mg/dL, p=0.001). According to a multiple logistic regression analysis, the CRP was the only predictor of restenosis, with an odds ratio of 2.1169 (95% C.I. 1.2062-3.7154, p=0.009). CONCLUSION: The CRP value is the most important predictor of restenosis after PCI.

Long-term clinical outcomes in diabetics after coronary artery bypass surgery and coronary stenting / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a major risk factor for restenosis after percuataneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) has been considered desirable in diabetics with multivessel disease. However, recent developments in devices and techniques of PCI have led to speculation about advantages of CABG in diabetic patients. We sought to compare long-term clinical outcomes of coronary stenting and those of CABG in diabetics with coronary artery disease. METHODS: Among diabetics who underwent revascularization therapy in Chonnam National University Hospital between Mar 1998 and Feb 1999, 122 patients (Group I, 84 males, 60+/-8 years) who had stent implanted, and 38 patients (Group II, 24 males, 60+/-8 years) who had bypass surgery were selected and their short- and long-term clinical were compared. RESULTS: As for clinical diagnosis and risk factors there were no differences between the two groups. In ACC/AHA types Group II had more multiple and complex vessel disease than Group I (p<0.05). Incidences of in-hospital adverse cardiac events were not different between the two groups, but during the period of 30.5+/-6.7 months the incidence of target lesion revascularization was significantly higher in Group I (18.9% versus 5.7%, p<0.005). CONCLUSION: Short-term clinical outcomes of coronary stenting were comparable to those of CABG in patients with diabetes, but the incidence of repeat revascularization was higher in the coronary stenting group. With the advent of adjunctive therapies in the prevention of restenosis after PCI, these results require fu rther clinical assessment.

The Effects of Radiation Using Ho-166 on Endothelial Function in a Porcine Coronary Model

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It has been reported that intracoronary radiation therapy (ICRT) using a Ho-166 coated balloon inhibits restenosis of porcine coronary arteries. However, the consequences of ICRT on coronary artery endothelial function are unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of ICRT using a Ho-166 balloon on coronary artery endothelial function and vasomotor reactivity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female pigs (25-35 kg) were orally premedicated daily with aspirin (100 mg) and ticlopidine (250 mg) for the duration of the study. Under sterile conditions with local anesthesia of the skin provided by 2% lidocaine, an arteriotomy of the left carotid artery was performed, an 8 Fr sheath was inserted, and intraarterial heparin sodium (10,000 IU) was injected. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the coronary artery main branch was selected through an 8 Fr guiding catheter for coronary artery overdilation injury (balloon to artery ratio, 1.3:1) and ICRT. A Ho-166 coated balloon prepared to deliver 20 Gy at a depth of 2 mm from the balloon surface was used for ICRT. The coronary artery main branch in each pig was randomly assigned to either balloon injury (Group I) or balloon injury plus ICRT (Group II). Coronary artery segments were taken from the animals at 0 week (n=8), 4 weeks (n=6) and 8 weeks (n=8) after the intervention. Data in each group denote the relative ratio compared to non-injured coronary artery and are expressed as mean +/- standard error of mean. RESULTS: The degree of KCl-induced contractile response (g) was not different between the two groups at 0 and 4 weeks, but was significantly decreased in group II compared to group I at 8 weeks (I:1.04+/-0.06, II:0.79+/-0.07, p=0.014). In rings precontracted with prostaglandin F 2alpha (PGF 2alpha), the degree of NO-dependent relaxation (%) induced with substance P was significantly decreased in group II compared to group I at 0 week (I:0.93+/-0.33, II:0.47+/-0.31, p=0.03), but the difference between the two groups was not significant at 4 and 8 weeks. In rings precontracted with PGF 2alpha and LAME in the presence of indomethacin, the degree of EDHF-induced relaxation (%) using substance P was not different between the two groups at 0, 4 and 8 weeks; nor was the degree of sodium nitroprusside-induced endothelium independent relaxation (%) in depolarized conditions with PGF 2alpha. CONCLUSION: Endothelial function of the porcine coronary artery is only transiently impaired after ICRT using a Ho-166 coated balloon. Therefore this therapy can be used as an effective method to prevent restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Using Crosswire NT in Total Occlusion of Coronary Artery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Despite marked advances in the design of percutaneous coronary intervention hardware, total occlusion remains associated with a low primary success rate. The most common cause of failure is the inability to cross the lesion with a guidewire. We report the results of a non-randomized single-center investigation using a hydrophilic coated guidewire (Crosswire NT). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We analyzed the angiographic results of 92 patients (68 males, 24 females, age 58.8+/-9.7 years-old) who underwent angioplasty utilizing Crosswire NT for either total (TIMI flow 1) or subtotal occlusion at Chonnam National University Hospital between December 2000 and July 2001. RESULTS: Clinical diagnoses of the studied subjects revealed 40 cases of acute myocardial infarction, 15 of myocardial infarction, 29 of unstable angina and 8 of stable angina. The primary success rate was 79.3% (73/92), the success rate in total occlusion was 69.0% (40/58), and that of the chronic total occlusion cases among the total occlusion group was 64.3% (18/28). The success rates in the use of Crosswire NT as the first and second choice were 85.7% and 78.8%, respectively. The abrupt occlusive lesions, complex lesions more than type B 2, and presence of collateral circulation were all associated with a lower success rate. Coronary artery perforation occurred in one case. CONCLUSION: The new nitinol hydrophilic wire, Crosswire NT, is a safe and effective tool for the recanalization of total occlusive coronary lesion.

Factors for development of left ventricular dysfunction during long-term right ventricular apical pacing / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: It is known that prolonged QRS duration (QRSd) in a 12-lead ECG is associated with decreased left ventricular (LV) systolic function in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Development of LV systolic dysfunction and prolongation of paced QRSd are often observed in patients with permanent pacemakers (PPM). However, the significance of prolonged paced QRSd in patients with PPM is not determined. METHODS: We studied sixty-four patients (male:female=27:37, mean age=57.6+/-15.4 years) who had been on PPM (DDD: 15, VDD: 18, VVI: 31) for more than one year (mean: 68.2+/-44.0 months). LV function was normal before implantation of PPM. The 12-lead ECG and echocardiography were recorded prior to implantation, immediately after implantation and at the last follow-up. RESULTS: Paced QRSd did not significantly increase during the follow-up period. LVEF at the last follow-up (LVEF-FU) was significantly lower than that prior to implantation (59.3+/-11.5% vs. 64.9+/-10.1%, por=180 ms than in patients without (44.4+/-12.0% vs. 61.7+/-9.5%, p<0.001). In predicting LV systolic dysfunction with the paced QRSd (cut-off value: 180 ms), sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 60.0%, 88.7%, 50.0% and 99.2%, respectively. The paced QRSd at the last follow-up was significantly correlated with paced QRSd immediately after implantation (r=0.542, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: LV systolic dysfunction after long-term right ventricular apical pacing may develop. Prolongation of paced QRSd 180 ms during follow-up may suggest development of LV systolic dysfunction. New technologies to minimize prolongation of paced QRSd should be investigated to prevent LV systolic dysfunction after permanent ventricular pacing.

The Effects of Beta-Radiation Using a Holmium-166 Coated Balloon on Neointimal Hyperplasia in a Porcine Coronary Stent Restenosis Model

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Brachytherapy is a promising method in the prevention and treatment of coronary stent restenosis. We sought to observe the therapeutic effects of a radioactive balloon loaded with Holmium-166 (166Ho) in a porcine coronary stent restenosis model. Materials and Methods: A radioisotope of (166Ho) was coated on the balloon surface using a polyurethane coating (20 Gy in 0.5 mm depth). Stent overdilation injuries were performed in two coronary arteries in 8 pigs. Four weeks after the stent overdilation injury, radiation therapies were performed using a control balloon dilation in one coronary artery (Group I:n = 8) and a 166Ho-coated balloon in the other coronary artery in each pig (Group II:n = 8). Follow-up coronary angiogram and histopathologic assessment were performed at 4 weeks after the therepy was administered. RESULTS: Laboratory findings did not differ significantly between the pre-treatment baseline and the measurements taken after radiation. On quantitative coronary angiogram, the coronary artery diameters were not significantly different between the two groups before stenting or at 4 and 8 weeks after stenting. On histopathologic analysis, injury score, internal elastic lamina area and lumen area did not differ significantly between the two groups. The neointimal area was 1.78 +/- 0.11 mm2 in group I and 1.36 +/- 0.12 mm2 in group II (p=0.017), and the histopathologic area of stenosis was 35.1 +/- 1.6% in Group I, 27.6 +/- 1.9% in Group II (p=0.005). CONCLUSION: A treatment of beta-radiation in a stented porcine coronary artery using radioactive Ho-166 coated balloon inhibits stent restenosis without any side effects.

The Clinical Effects of a Combined Agent Including Losartan and Hydrochlorthiazide, Hyzaar(R), in Patients with Ischemic Heart Failure

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor is known to be effective in the prevention of left ventricular remodeling following myocardial infarction. However, little data is available concerning the clinical effects of angiotensin (AT) receptor blocker in ischemic cardiomyopathy. This study evaluated the clinical effects of the concomitant use of losartan with low doses of hydrochlorthiazide in cases of ischemic cardiomyopathy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A combined agent of 50 mg of losartan potassium with 12.5 mg of hydrochlorthiazide (HCTZ) was administrated once daily over a 12-week period to 29 patients (M:F=26:3, 61.4+/-8.7 years) who were diagnosed with ischemic heart failure (ejection fraction lower than 50% by echocardiography) at Chonnam National University Hospital. RESULTS: Clinical symptoms of dyspnea in the 29 patients improved from 2.08+/-0.49 to 1.15+/-0.38 as measured by New York Heart Association class. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure did not change significantly following treatment (116.5+/-18.0/77.0+/-11.9 mmHg vs. 118.7+/-15.1/78.1+/-11.1 mmHg). The ejection fraction following administration of Losartan/HCTZ increased from 40.3+/-8.1% to 46.7+/-10.8% (p=0.001). Losartan/HCTZ was well tolerated in all patients without significant adverse effects or laboratory changes. CONCLUSION: A fixed combination of losartan and low dose hydrochlorthiazide is effective in patients with ischemic heart failure.

Long-term clinical benefit of a platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor blocker (Abciximab; ReoPro(R)) in diabetic patients undergoing high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: High-risk percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) are associated with high complication rate, low procedural success rate and high restenosis rate, especially in diabetics. We sought to observe whether diabetes affects long-term clinical outcomes after Abciximab (ReoPro(R)) therapy in Korean patients undergoing high-risk PCI. METHODS: One hundred nineteen patients with 152 lesion sites were administered ReoPro(R) out of 2,231 patients who underwent PCI at Chonnam National University Hospital from Mar 1999 to Feb 2001. They were divided into two groups, 30 in diabetic group (Group I, 57.7+/-8.2 years, 22 male) and 89 in non-diabetic group (Group II, 59.6+/-10.8 years, 68 male). Early and long-term clinical outcomes after PCI were analyzed. RESULTS: In clinical diagnosis the number of acute myocardial infarction was 25 in Group I (83.3%) and 76 in Group II (85.4%). As for risk factors and target lesion artery, ACC/AHA types, there were no differences between the two groups. The number of patients with total occlusion was 21 (55.3%) and 62 (53.9%) and thrombus-containing lesion 28 (93.3%) and 88 (98.9%) in Group I and II respectively. Procedure was successful in 27 (90.0%) in Group I and 80 (89.9%) in Group II and there were no differences in bleeding complications. No major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization or cardiac death were observed in Group I, but there were 8 cases of MACE in Group II during hospitalization. Clinical follow-up was performed in 116 patients (97.5%) during 18.5+/-6.7 (5~28) months. The number of overall MACEs were 10 (3.3%) in Group I and 14 (15.7%) in Group II (p=0.038). CONCLUSION: ReoPro(R)used in high-risk PCI in diabetics was effective in early clinical outcome, but long-term clinical benefits were not warranted.

A Case of Cutting Balloon Catheter Captured within Stent Mesh and Fractured During the Treatment for In-Stent Restenosis

The entrapment and detachment of a cutting balloon catheter during the treatment of in-stent restenosis (ISR) has never been reported. We describe a case of a cutting balloon catheter impinged within the stent mesh, which fractured during pull-back. We report a case of a 52-year old male patient who had been stented for the management of critical stenosis of the proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD) seven months previously. A follow-up coronary angiogram revealed a critical diffuse ISR at the proximal LAD, so cutting balloon angioplasty was tried. The guide wire went through the lesion without difficulties ; however the cutting balloon was entrapped in the proximal LAD during advancement. We tried to pull-back the cutting balloon, but the balloon fractured, and disconnected at the mid-shaft portion. The broken distal cutting balloon impacted in the proximal LAD and left main stem, and the proximal shaft of balloon catheter was floating in the descending aorta. ST segment elevation was demonstrated on ECG monitoring ; as a result emergent coronary bypass surgery was performed. The broken catheter was removed from left coronary artery successfully.

An elevated value of C-reactive protein is the only predictive factor of restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Current techniques of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) remain limited by the restenosis. Recent studies provide evidence that inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. METHODS: We prospectively tested whether inflammatory markers are predictors of subsequent restenosis in 272 consecutive patients with angiographically proved coronary artery disease. The patients who underwent PCI at Chonnam National University Hospital between Sep. 1999 and Mar. 2001 were divided into two groups according to the occurrence of restenosis on follow-up coronary angiogram: patients with restenosis (Group I : n=99, 59.5 10.8 years, M : F=77:22) and patients without restenosis (Group II : n=173, 58.8 10.2 years, M : F=131:42). IgG seropositivity and titer of CMV, C. pneumoniae, H. pylori, levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) were compared between two groups. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in the seropositivity of CMV IgG, C. pneumoniae IgG, H. pylori IgG between two groups (Group I vs. II : 100% vs. 100%, 24.7% vs. 25.7%, 62.2% vs. 63.7% in group I vs. II respectively). Among angiographic parameters, low TIMI flow (TIMI 0 or I) was more common in Group I than in Group II (p=0.038). The patients with elevated CRP (>0.5 mg/dL) were more common in Group I than those in Group II (57.6% vs. 36.4%, p=0.001) and the value of CRP was higher in Group I than in Group II (3.3+/-5.8 mg/dL vs. 1.3+/-2.6 mg/dL, p=0.001). According to multiple logistic regression analysis, CRP was the only predictor of restenosis with odd ratio of 2.1169 (95% C.I. 1.2062-3.7154, p=0.009). CONCLUSION: The value of CRP is the most important predictor of restenosis after PCI.

The role of C-reactive protein on long-term clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: The inflammation is an important feature of atherosclerotic lesions, and high level of C-reactive protein (CRP) is known to be associated with increased coronary events and poor prognosis in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We examined the clinical and angiographic outcomes, success rate of the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and long-term survival rate after PCI according to the level of CRP on admission. METHODS: Two hundred and eight patients with AMI who underwent primary or rescue PCI between 1997 and 1999 at Chonnam National University Hospital were divided into two groups: Group I (n=86, 59.9+/-9.3 years, male 74.4%) with normal CRP ( or = 1.0 mg/dL, mean value=3.50+/-0.93 mg/dL) on admission. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between two groups. The incidence of cardiogenic shock was higher in Group II than in Group I (Group I; 3/86, 3.5% vs Group II; 15/122, 12.3%, p=0.026). The coronary angiographic findings were not different between two groups. The ejection fraction and Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow were improved after PCI in both groups (Group I; 49.4+/-10.5 to 52.0+/-9.0%, 1.52+/-1.13 to 2.77+/-0.55, p<0.001 vs Group II; 50.1+/-11.2 to 52.7+/-9.7, 1.55+/-1.11 to 2.76+/-0.53, p<0.001). Primary success rate of PCI was 94.2% (81/86) in Group I and 95.1% (116/122) in Group II (p=0.776). The survival rates of Group I was 97.7%, 97.7% and 96.5%, and those of Group II was 91.8%, 91.0% and 86.9% at 1, 6 and 12 months, respectively (p=0.043 at 1 month, p=0.040 at 6 months, p=0.018 at 12 months). CONCLUSION: Higher incidence of cardiogenic shock and worse long-term survival after PCI are observed in AMI patients with elevated CRP.

Changes of Glomerular Basement Membrane(GBM) Thickness in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Urinary Abnormalities / 대한신장학회잡지

We reviewed forty renal biopsies from 39 patients of rheumatoid disease with urinary abnormalities. Pathologic findings were as follows : 11 cases with normal or minor glomerular abnormalities(MGA), 10 with membranous glomerulonephropathy, 6 with IgA nephropathy, 4 with mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis, 3 with renal amyloidosis, 2 with interstitial nephritis, 2 with minimal change disease(MCD), 1 with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and 1 with microscopic polyangiitis. Among 11 cases with MGA both in light and immunofluorescent microscopy, 8 cases were analyzed morphometrically with electron micrographs to determine the variation of thickness of the glomerular basement membrane. The mean GBM thickness was 334.5+/-76nm and was not statistically significantly different to that of control(391+/-39 nm, p>0.05). Of these, one case showed diffuse attenuation of GBM(175.1+/-27.6nm) to meet the criteria of thin basement membrane disease. Also, another case showed normal finding. Mean GBM thickness of the remaining 6 cases, excluding these 2 cases, was 344.7+/-31.3nm. The proportion of attenuated foci (less than 300nm) was increased ranging from 30.3% to 40.5% of total measurements of GBM(control 11.4 %, p<0.02). Another cases with distinct renal diseases also showed segmental attenuation of GBM (22-30.3%). In conclusion, the renal manifestations were variable in patients with rheumatoid disease and segmental thinning of GBMs was noted in most cases, which may evoke idiopathic hematuria during the course of RA. The renal morphologic lesion in RA patients with isolated proteinuria and those with hematuria can not be accurately predicted on the basis of clinical symptoms and signs. Prospective long-term studies are necessary to determine the nature and consequences of the condition.

The Role of Fibrinogen, Lipoprotein (a) and C-Reactive Protein in Acute Thrombotic Occlusion after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND: Acute thrombotic occlusion after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a serious complication that provokes acute myocardial infarction, cardiac death or emergent bypass surgery. The role of fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP) and lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] in the patients who developed acute thrombotic occlusion after PCI was investigated. METHODS: The patients with acute coronary syndrome who underwent PCI at Chonnam National University Hospital between Jan. 1999 and Jun. 2000 were divided into two groups according to the occurrence of acute thrombotic occlusion: patients with thrombotic occlusion after PCI (Group I; 62.3+/-8.8 years, M:F=19:8) and patients without thrombotic occlusion after PCI (Group II; 59.6+/-10.6 years, M:F=271:95). Clinical and angiographic characteristics, levels of fibrinogen, CRP and Lp(a) were compared between two groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the level of fibrinogen between two groups. The patients with elevated CRP (>0.5mg/dL) were more common in Group I than those in Group II (88.9% vs. 42.3%, p=0.0001) and the value of CRP was higher in Group I than in Group II (4.97+/-5.18 mg/dL vs. 2.27+/-4.23 mg/dL, p=0.002). The patients with high Lp(a) (>30mg/dL) were more prevalent in Group I than those in Group II (44.4% vs 18.6%, p=0.001). There were no significant differences in the risk factors for coronary artery disease, except for diabetes mellitus (Group I : Group II, 40.7% : 16.9%, p=0.002). Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow of Group I was lower than in Group II (p=0.0001). Multiple regression analysis after the adjustment for age, sex and other cardiovascular risk factors, diabetes mellitus, low TIMI flow, high CRP and Lp(a) were independently associated with the occurrence of acute thrombotic occlusion (p=0.008, 0.0001, 0.031, 0.035, respectively). CONCLUSION:The elevated values of CRP and Lp(a), diabetes mellitus, and low TIMI flow are significant predictive factors for the acute thrombotic occlusion in patients with acute coronary syndrome after PCI.

The Clinical Effects of Tranilast on Restenosis after Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tranilast is an anti-allergic drug that suppresses the release of cytokines, such as platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta and interleukin-1beta. It has recently become known to be effective in the prevention of restenosis following PTCA (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred forty two consecutive patients with angina who underwent PTCA between Jan 1999 and Jul 2000 at Chonnam National University Hospital were analyzed prospectively. Thirty patients (Tranilast group:60.8+/-7.7 years, M:F=22:8, 41 lesions) out of 48 who received 300 mg tranilast for 3 months following PTCA and who underwent follow-up CAG (coronary angiogram), were compared with 61 patients (Control group:58.1+/-11.0 years, M:F=52:9, 82 lesions) out of 94, 94 who did not receive tranilast but did undergo follow-up CAG. RESULTS: The restenosis rate per lesion was significantly lower in the Tranilast group than in the Control group on the 6-month follow-up CAG (Tranilast vs. Control group:19.5% vs. 40.2%, p=0.021). The minimal luminal diameter was significantly larger in the Tranilast group as compared to the Control group (1.99+/-0.76 vs. 1.50+/-0.83 mm p=0.002). One patient of the Tranilast group suffered from liver dysfunction and stopped medication. CONCLUSION: The oral administration of tranilast is safe and effective in the prevention of restenosis following PTCA in patients with angina.

Analysis of Underlying Diseases in Elderly Patients with Atrial

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation(AF) is the common and importand arrhythmia in the eldery. Because the distribution of cardiovascular disease changes according to age group and era, the distribution of underlying diseases in patients with AF also tends to change. The purpose of this study is to identify the difference between the eldery(> or = 65yr) and the young adult(<65yr) patients with AF in distribution of underlying disease. METHODS: 218 patients with AF diagnosed by routine EKG and Holter minitoring from Jan. 1996 to Dec 1998 in National Medical Center was evaluated. Their medical records were reviewed retrospectively in aspect of age, sex, developmental form & underlying disease of AF. In detail. last two subjects were investigated in two separate age group and at the same time, relation between them studied. RESULTS: The majority of age group with AF was 65~74yr(40.4%) and the eldery patient was 59.7%. Acute paroxysmal form and chronic persistent form was 21.1% and 78.9% respectively. There was no significant difference in development form of AF between the eldery and young adult group(chi2=1.45, p=0.227) The common underlying disease were hypertension(33.4%), congestive heart failure(32.1%), rheumatic valvular heart diseas(20.2%). ischemic heart disease(14.2%), hyperthyroidism(6.9%), COPD(4.1%), and lone AF(10.1%). In the eldery patients. hypertension is the most common underlying disease(42.3%) and congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease, rheumatic valvular heart disease, and COPD were 36.2%, 21.5%, 10.8%, 6.9% respectively. In the young adult group-, rheumatic valvular heart disease was the most common(34%), and congestive heart failure, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and hyperthyroidism were 26.1%, 20,5%, 3.4%, 10.2% respectively(chi2 = 62.71, p = 0.000). wheares ischemic heart disease, COPD, hyperthyroidism, stress, trauma, acute alcohol intoxication and lone AF were more common in acute paroxysmal AF, but hypertension, congestive heart failure, reumatic valvular heart disease were more common in chronic persistent AF(chi2 = 93.75, p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Among underlying disease of AF. hypertension, congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease were markedly increased and rheumatic valvular heart disease was decreased than previous reports in Korea. Hypertension, congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease, COPD were more common in the eldely and as to rheumatic valvular heart disease, hyperthyroidism, and lone AF were in the young adult. Thus it showed significant difference in underlying desease between the eldery & the young adult as well as acute paroxysmal & chronic persistent form.

Age-related trend of diseases distribution in the elderly aged 60 years and older / 대한내과학회지

With increasing life expectance and improvement of the overall health of the elderly, the understanding of geriatric disease becomes an important aspect of medical services. In the elderly, the frequencies of hypertension, DM, & anemia are increased according to aging and renal function is decreased progressively. As screening test for cervical cancer Papanicolaou smear is recommended due to its cost-effective benefits in females. In age-adjusted elderly male and female study populations, authors investigated the alterations of the above diseases, hypercholesterolemia, liver disease, obesity, & proteinuria distributions. METHODS: This study included 1,181 aged 40 years (600 males, 581 females) visitors between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 1997 in National Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea. Authors divided these populations into two large groups such as group A and B. Group A was composed of 40-59 years, group B 60 years and older. Group A and B were subdivided into 4 subgroups each other, such as A-1, A-2, A-3 and A-4, B-1, B-2, B-3 and B-4 by means of age-adjusted dividing scale. We used our inclusion criteria to define each disease. RESULTS: Hypertension was the most common disease in males of group B, but obesity was in females. The age-adjusted frequencies of hypertension, anemia, obesity & proteinuria were increased according to aging in the elderly aged 60 years and older. Though hypercholesterolemia revealed non-specific distribution in each group, increased frequency was observed in females compared to males in group B. With increasing their age, abnormal findings of Papanicolaou smear were found in females of group B. CONCLUSIONS: As the frequencies of hypertension, anemia, obestiy, proteinuria & abnormal findings of Papanicolaou smear were increased in the elderly aged 60 years and older as increasing their age. Much more attentions and follow up plans for these disease should be needed in the elderly.