N-terminal pro-B-type Natriuretic peptide levels and left atrial appendage thrombosis in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation

Introduction: In hospitalized patients, atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia, and leading cause of cardio-embolic stroke. Objective: To evaluate the association between N-terminal b-type natriuretic peptide pro (NT-proBNP) and left atrial appendage thrombus in persistent atrial fibrillation patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study, enrolled 139 patients with persistent non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Transthoracic and trans-esophageal echocardiographs were performed in all patients. Results: Mean age was 70.5 ( 10.6 years, 80.6% male. In patients with LAAT, NT-proBNP was positively correlated with left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (r=0.345), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVEDS) (r= 0.449), E/e' (r=0.445), and left atrial spontaneous echo contrast (LA SEC) (r=0.478), and negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (r=-0.473), left atrial strain (r= -0.301), strain rate (r= -0.283), and e'(r= -0.458). In patients without LAAT, NT-proBNP was positively correlated with LVEDD (r= 0.333), LVESD (r= 0.358), E (r= 0.318), E/e' (r= 0.411), left atrial volume index (LAVI) (r= 0.421), and negatively correlated with LVEF (r= -0.307). Plasma NT-proBNP (> 1279 pg/mL) could be used to predict LAAT (AUC= 0.639; Se= 67.7%, Sp= 60.2%). In patients with ejection fraction > 50%, the cutoff value of NT-proBNP to predict LAAT was 1325 pg/mL (AUC= 0.572; Se= 57.9%, Sp= 78.3%). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that prior stroke, E/e' index, and NT-proBNP correlated with LAAT (r= 0.887; p< 0.001; r= -0.092, p= 0.035 and 0.022; p= 0.004, respectively). Conclusion: Plasma NT-proBNP levels and E/e' index are associated with LAAT in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation.

Introducción: En pacientes hospitalizados, la fibrilación auricular es la arritmia más común y causa principal de ictus cardioembólico. Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre el péptido natriurético NT proBNP y el trombo en la orejuela auricular izquierda en pacientes con fibrilación auricular persistente. Métodos: Se reclutaron prospectivamente 139 pacientes con fibrilación auricular no valvular persistente. Se realizaron ecocardiografías transtorácicas y transesofágicas en todos los pacientes. Resultados: Edad media, 70,5±10,6 años; 80,6 % hombres. En pacientes con LAAT, NT-proBNP correlacionó positivamente con el diámetro telediastólico del ventrículo izquierdo (DDVI) (r=0,345), diámetro sistólico final del ventrículo izquierdo (DSVI) (r=0,449), E/e' (r=0,445) y contraste de eco espontáneo auricular izquierdo (LA SEC) (r=0,478), y negativamente con la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo (FEVI) (r=-0,473), tensión auricular izquierda (r=-0,301), tasa de tensión (r=0,283) y e' (r=-0,458). En pacientes sin LAAT, NT-proBNP correlacionó positivamente con LVEDD (r= 0,333), LVESD (r=0,358), E (r=0,318), E/e' (r=0,411), índice de volumen auricular izquierdo (LAVI) (r=0,421), y negativamente con FEVI (r=-0,307). NT-proBNP plasmático (>1279 pg/mL) podría usarse para predecir LAAT (AUC=0,639; Se=67,7 %, Sp=60,2 %). En pacientes con fracción de eyección >50 %; valor de corte de NT-proBNP para predecir LAAT fue 1325 pg/mL (AUC=0,572; Se=57,9 %, Sp=78,3 %). Según regresión logística múltiple, el accidente cerebrovascular previo, el índice E/e' y NT-proBNP se correlacionaron con LAAT (r=0,887; p<0,001; r=0,092, p=0,035 y 0,022; p=0,004, respectivamente). Conclusiones: Los niveles plasmáticos de NT-proBNP y el índice E/e' se asocian con el OAI en pacientes con FA persistente.

Evaluation of Clinical, Demographic, and Biochemical Profiles of Trinidadian Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography

Background: Trinidad and Tobago ranks number 45 in the world for total deaths due to coronary heart disease. Predictive tests for coronary angiographic results set the basis for earlier monitoring of the disease before additional complications become obvious. Aims and Methods?This study aimed to evaluate the anthropometric and biochemical parameters of 124 patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) in Trinidad and how these parameters correlate to the findings at angiography. Results?The biochemical parameters showed statistically significant correlations with CAD severity by Spearman's rank-order correlation. Two clinical parameters showed significant associations with CAD severity—ethnicity (?2 (4)?=?12.925, p?=?0.012) and presence of type 2 diabetes at baseline (?2 (4)?=?21.483, p?<?0.001). Conclusion?Biochemical parameters such as fasting blood sugar, N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide, creatinine, and hemoglobin A1c were well correlated and well associated with the severity of CAD after diagnosis by the process of coronary angiography. Hence, these factors can be taken into consideration to predict the severity of CAD.

El péptido Pro-BNP como predictor de daño cardíaco en pacientes con esclerosis sistémica / Pro-BNP Peptide as a Predictor of Cardiac Damage in Systemic Sclerosis Patients

Introducción: La esclerosis sistémica es una enfermedad crónica del tejido conectivo de carácter autoinmune, de causa desconocida, que produce exceso de colágeno provocando fibrosis en la piel, con afectación de órganos internos. Los anticuerpos frecuentes son: antitopoisomerasa 1 y anticentrómero. Las formas clínicas son la cutánea difusa y cutánea limitada. La prevalencia de la afectación cardíaca varía entre un 8-28 por ciento y en fases tardías la presencia de signos y síntomas cardiovasculares es de mal pronóstico y una de las principales causas de mortalidad. Objetivo: Determinar la asociación entre afectación cardíaca y las formas clínicas, el pro-péptido natriurético cerebral N-terminal (NT-proBNP) y los autoanticuerpos en la esclerosis sistémica. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal de un universo de 140 pacientes, la muestra fue de 54 pacientes. Se le realizó ecocardiograma, niveles de NT-proBNP, anti-scl 70, anticentrómero y determinación de formas clínicas a todos los pacientes que cumplieron criterios de inclusión y que fueron atendidos en el Hospital: Hermanos Ameijeiras Habana-Cuba, entre julio de 2016 a diciembre de 2017. Resultados: La edad media fue 51,76 ± 12,82. Sexo femenino en un 96,3 por ciento. El 72,2 por ciento era piel blanca. La afectación cardíaca de la EScd fue de 77,5 por ciento, hormona NT-proBNP tuvo niveles elevados en un 55,0 por ciento. Los anti-scl-70 estuvieron negativos en el 70 por ciento (n = 28) de los pacientes con afectación cardíaca. El anti-centrómero estuvo negativo en el 95,0 por ciento (n = 38). Conclusiones: Se determinó que la afectación cardíaca en pacientes con esclerosis sistémica, es independiente de las formas clínicas y de la presencia de autoanticuerpos. Los pacientes que tuvieron los niveles séricos de NT-proBNP elevados presentaron afectación cardíaca(AU)

Introduction: Systemic sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune connective tissue disease of unknown cause, which produces excess collagen causing fibrosis in the skin, affecting internal organs. Common antibodies are antitopoisomerase 1 and anticentromere. The clinical forms are diffuse cutaneous and limited cutaneous. The prevalence of cardiac involvement varies between 8-28percent and in late stages the presence of cardiovascular signs and symptoms have poor prognosis and one of the main causes of mortality. Objective: To determine the association between cardiac involvement and clinical forms, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and autoantibodies in SSc. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study of a universe of 140 patients was carried out. Fifty four patients made up the sample. An echocardiogram, NT-proBNP, Anti-scl 70, anticentromere levels and determination of clinical forms were performed on all patients who met the inclusion criteria and who were treated at Hermanos Ameijeiras hospital in Havana, Cuba, from July 2016 to December 2017. Results: The mean age was 51.76 ± 12.82. Female sex accounted 96.3percent. 72.2percent were white skinned. Cardiac involvement of EScd was 77.5percent, NT-proBNP hormone had high levels in 55.0percent. Anti-scl-70 were negative in 70percent (n=28) of patients with cardiac involvement. Anti-centromere (ACT) was negative in 95.0percent (n=38). Conclusions: Cardiac involvement in patients with SS is independent of the clinical forms and the presence of autoantibodies. Patients with elevated NT-proBNP serum levels had cardiac involvement(AU)

Uso de NT-proBNP en el seguimiento ambulatorio de pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca con fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo reducida en una unidad multidisciplinaria de insuficiencia cardiaca

Introducción: La insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) es un síndrome clínico prevalente a nivel mundial, que se beneficia del abordaje multidisciplinario, pero su seguimiento ambulatorio sigue siendo un reto. La utilidad diagnóstica y pronóstica del NT-proBNP está apoyada en la evidencia actual; pero su uso en el seguimiento aún no ha sido definido. En el presente estudio se busca determinar si la variación en el tiempo del valor de NT-proBNP se relacionó con modificación en el tratamiento farmacológico de pacientes ambulatorios con IC y fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo reducida (FEVI ≤ 40%) de una unidad multidisciplinaria de insuficiencia cardíaca (UMIC). Metodología: Estudio cohorte retrospectivo, de pacientes que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión: 2 o más cuantificaciones de NT-proBNP en 12 meses y un seguimiento mínimo de 2 años entre los años 2013 y 2017. Resultados: De un total de 566 sujetos integrantes de cohorte activa de UMIC se incluyeron 107 que cumplieron criterios de inclusión; la mayoría hombres (58%), edad mediana de 63 años (Q1;Q3: 55,9;71,2 años), la principal comorbilidad fue hipertensión arterial (71%). En 56% de la población la etiología de IC fue no isquémica y el 50% tenía una clase funcional - NYHA I. La mediana de NT-proBNP basal fue de 698 pg/ml (Q1;Q3: (218;1564 pg/ml), con FEVI basal mediana de 30% (Q1;Q3: 27%;40%). En 55% de los pacientes la variación del valor de NT-proBNP durante el seguimiento se relacionó con modificaciones en el tratamiento farmacológico. Conclusiones: En la mitad de la población de nuestra cohorte se evidenció que los valores de NT-proBNP se relacionaron con cambios en el tratamiento farmacológico, independientemente de la situación clínica.

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) is a prevalent clinical syndrome worldwide, which benefits from a multidisciplinary approach, but its outpatient follow-up remains a challenge. The diagnostic and prognostic utility of NT-proBNP is supported by current evidence, but its use in monitoring has not yet been defined. The present study sought to determine whether the variation over time in the value of NT-proBNP was related to changes in the pharmacological treatment of outpatients with HF and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≤ 40%) in a multidisciplinary heart failure unit. (MHFU). Methodology: Retrospective cohort study of patients, who met the inclusion criteria: 2 or more quantifications of NT-proBNP in 12 months and a minimum follow-up of 2 years between 2013 and 2017. Results: Of 566 members of the MHFU active cohort, 107 met the inclusion criteria; most men (58%), median age 63 years (Q1;Q3: 55.9;71.2), the main comorbidity was arterial hypertension (71%). The etiology of HF was non-ischemic in 56% of the population, and 50% had a functional class - NYHA I. Median baseline NT-proBNP was 698 pg/ml (Q1;Q3: (218;1564), with median baseline LVEF of 30% (Q1;Q3: 27;40). In 55% of the patients, the variation in the NT-proBNP value during follow-up was related to changes in pharmacological treatment. Conclusions: In half of the population of our cohort, it was shown that NT-proBNP values were related to changes in pharmacological treatment, regardless of the clinical situation.

Introdução: A insuficiência cardíaca (IC) é uma síndrome clínica prevalente em todo o mundo, que se beneficia de uma abordagem multidisciplinar, mas seu acompanhamento ambulatorial continua sendo um desafio. A utilidade diagnóstica e prognóstica do NT-proBNP é suportada pelas evidências atuais, mas seu uso no monitoramento ainda não foi definido. O presente estudo procurou determinar se a variação ao longo do tempo no valor do NT-proBNP estava relacionada a mudanças no tratamento farmacológico de pacientes ambulatoriais com IC e fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE ≤ 40%) reduzida em uma unidade multidisciplinar de insuficiência cardíaca. (UMIC). Metodologia: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo de pacientes que preencheram os critérios de inclusão: 2 ou mais quantificações de NT-proBNP em 12 meses e seguimento mínimo de 2 anos entre 2013 e 2017. Resultados: Dos 566 membros da coorte ativa do UMIC, 107 preencheram os critérios de inclusão; maioria dos homens (58%), idade mediana 63 anos (Q1;Q3: 55,9;71,2), a principal comorbidade foi hipertensão arterial (71%). A etiologia da IC foi não-isquêmica em 56% da população, e 50% tinham classe funcional - NYHA I. A mediana basal do NT-proBNP foi de 698 pg/ml (Q1;Q3: (218;1564), com mediana basal FEVE de 30% (Q1;Q3: 27;40). Em 55% dos pacientes, a variação do valor de NT-proBNP durante o seguimento esteve relacionada a mudanças no tratamento farmacológico. Conclusões: Em metade da população do nosso coorte, foi demonstrado que os valores de NT-proBNP estavam relacionados a mudanças no tratamento farmacológico, independentemente da situação clínica.

Is Portable Cardiopulmonary Ultrasound the Future of Heart Failure Diagnosis?

Aim of the Study: Heart failure is a major problem of public health in Morroco , pulmonary congestion is a key sign which can be easly detected by pulmonary sonography via interlobular septal thickening. The aim of this study was to establish a link Between kerley B lines in the lung and signs of pulmonary congestion. In addition to assess the evolution of these parameters in response to diuretic treatment. Materials and Methods: We prospectively evaluate 118 patients who presented to the emergency of IBN Rochd Hospital in Casablanca with sensation of breathlessness at baseline, 7 days, one month and 3 months for kerley B lines, NYHA Class of dyspnea and the levels of NT pro bnp. the duration of this study was 4 months. Results: Kerley B lines were present in 87.4% of patients initially, 67.6% had elevated levels of NT-probnp and 53%,30%,16% had dyspnea Class II, III and IV respectively. Diuretic treatment have shown a similar improvement of kerley B lines, levels of NT pro bnp and the class of dyspnea . In deed after a follow up of 3 month : only 7 % of patients had persistant kerley b lines, NT pro bnp levels were high in only 7.6% these findings were concordant with the clinical symptomatolgy. Hence only 7% of our patients suffered from dyspnea at moderate efforts at the end of the study. Conclusion: We demonstrated in this study a positive correlation between kerley b lines and levels of NT pro-bnp. These findings may facilitate the orientation of patients within the emergency department and help to initiate heart failure treatment rapidely.

2D Echocardiographic Findings, NT-ProBNP Levels, and Outcomes in Dyspnoeic Patients: Results from the Pro-BNP Investigation of Dyspnoea in the Emergency Department- a Single Centre Experience

Background: Dyspnoeic in the emergency department with multiple co-morbidities is a diagnostic challenge. Approximately 15-20% of acute dyspneic in the Emergency Department due to ADHF (acute decompensated heart failure) are misdiagnosed. B-type peptide (BNP) and its amino-terminal fragment (NT-proBNP) accurately identify HF in dyspnoeic patients. In the general population with dyspnoea, plasma pro-BNP concentrations are increased in left ventricular dilatation, hypertrophy, systolic dysfunction, or diastolic dysfunction but are unaffected by pulmonary dysfunction. Aims and Objectives: To study the relation between NT pro-BNP & echocardiographic findings in acute dyspnoeic patients, and the relation between NT pro-BNP and In-hospital Mortality. Materials and Methods: Source of data- Patients admitted to the Emergency Room or cardiac intensive care unit with a history of acute dyspnea in a tertiary cardiac care center in south India, meeting inclusion & exclusion criteria, were studied. Results: The study population is predominantly constituted of the elderly population. The most common co-morbid condition was hypertension. The present study uses an NT pro BNP level of 900pg/ml as the cut-off level. 78 patients were positive for the test. Echocardiography showed that 58% had LV systolic dysfunction, 60% had diastolic dysfunction. 42 patients had EF >55%, 10 patients between 55-45%, 33 patients between 44-30% and 15 patients had EF < 30%. Mortality rate was 6% in the whole study population. However, Mortality was seen in only NT pro-BNP positive group it was not statistically significant (p=0.46). Conclusions: NT pro-BNP correlates well with the worsening of LV systolic function; as the EF decreases, NT pro-BNP increases. Increase in NT pro-BNP levels has to be interpreted in the clinical context, and it is not a substitute for echocardiography for assessing cardiac abnormalities and dysfunction.

Vitamin D Levels and Cardiopulmonary Status in Infants With Acute Bronchiolitis

Background: To assess association of vitamin D deficiency with cardiac and pulmonary status in infants with acute bronchiolitis. Methods: Infants hospitalized with acute bronchiolitis were enrolled and classified as those with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) below or equal and above 20 ng/mL. The primary outcomes were cardiopulmonary involvement defined by elevation of NT-ProBNP, alteration of echocardiographic parameters and respiratory support requirements. The secondary outcomes were the need for PICU admission and duration of hospitalization. Results: 92 (50 males) infants with median (IQR) age of 1 (0.5-3) month were included with median (IQR) serum 25-OHD level 27.4 (11.4-40.3) ng/mL. 43 (47%) patients had serum 25-OHD level below 20 ng/mL with left ventricle dysfunction (P=0.008), right ventricle dysfunction (P=0.008) and pulmonary hypertension (P=0.007) on echocardiography more commonly than those with serum 25- OHD ?20 ng/mL. The median (IQR) serum NT-ProBNP levels were higher in those with low 25-OHD levels than normal 25-OHD levels [2232.2 (461.4-4313.3) and 830.4 (312.7- 2579.5)], respectively (P=0.003). Low 25-OHD levels were associated with increased risk for PICU admission (OR 3.9 (95% CI 1.5-10.1); P=0.004), higher rates of non-invasive ventilation (P=0.048) and mechanical ventilation (P=0.005) and longer duration of hospitalization (P=0.015). Conclusion: Low serum vitamin D level was associated with clinical severity and impaired cardiac and pulmonary status in infants with acute bronchiolitis

Clinical value of sST2 in replacement of NT-proBNP in cardiac function evaluation in renal failure patients after cardiac surgery / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To explore the clinical value of soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 (sST2) in replacement of N-terminal fragment of the brain natriuretic peptide precursor (NT-proBNP) in cardiac function evaluation in renal failure patients after cardiac surgery. Methods    Sixty patients with renal insufficiency after cardiac surgery from January 2019 to June 2019 were divided into a test group, including 34 males and 26 females, with an average age of 49-78 (63.3±4.5) years. Another 60 patients with normal renal function were divided into a control group, including 37 males and 23 females, with an average age of 53-77 (61.7±3.8) years. The perioperative left ventricular ejection fraction, cardiac troponin T, creatine kinase-MB, sST2 and NT-proBNP were compared. Results    In patients of the test group, the NT-proBNP level increased significantly during perioperative period, and the change range was different from other cardiac function indexes. The change of sST2 in perioperative period was similar to other cardiac function indexes, which could reflect the change degree of cardiac function after operation. Conclusion    sST2 is more important to reflect the change degree of cardiac function in patients with renal dysfunction after cardiac surgery than NT-proBNP.

Urinary N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide as a biomarker for cardiovascular events in a general Japanese population: the Hisayama Study

BACKGROUND@#Epidemiological evidence has shown that serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations, a diagnostic biomarker for heart failure, are positively associated with cardiovascular risk. Since NT-proBNP in serum is excreted in urine, it is hypothesized that urinary NT-proBNP concentrations are correlated with serum concentrations and linked with cardiovascular risk in the general population.@*METHODS@#A total of 3060 community-dwelling residents aged ≥ 40 years without history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) were followed up for a median of 8.3 years (2007-2015). Serum and urinary concentrations of NT-proBNP at baseline were compared. The hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between NT-proBNP concentrations and the risk of developing CVD were computed using the Cox proportional hazards model.@*RESULTS@#The median values (interquartile ranges) of serum and urinary NT-proBNP concentrations at baseline were 56 (32-104) pg/mL and 20 (18-25) pg/mL, respectively. There was a strong quadratic correlation between the serum and urinary concentrations of NT-proBNP (coefficient of determination [R@*CONCLUSIONS@#The present study demonstrated that urinary NT-proBNP concentrations were well-correlated with serum concentrations and were positively associated with cardiovascular risk. Given that urine sampling is noninvasive and does not require specially trained personnel, urinary NT-proBNP concentrations have the potential to be an easy and useful biomarker for detecting people at higher cardiovascular risk.

Association of N-terminal-Pro-B-type Natriuretic Peptide with Localization of Thrombus and Clinical Outcome in Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Introduction: Pulmonary Embolism is a major health problemwhich is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Itis a common and lethal condition. This study was undertakento find the association between NT-Pro-BNP levels and thelocalisation of thrombus in acute Pulmonary Embolism and toprognosticate the patients.Material and methods: Prospective study conducted ata tertiary care hospital.Thirty patients with PulmonaryEmbolism of various etiologies, confirmed with clinicalfeatures, laboratory investigations and imaging and fulfillingthe inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. Aftergetting informed consent, Blood samples for assessmentof NT-Pro-BNP levels were collected within 24 hours ofadmission.Results: In 19 patients, the thrombus was located centrally(in main pulmonary artery) whereas in 11 patients, thethrombus was located in the peripherally (in segmental andsubsegmental pulmonary arteries). 22 participants of thestudy had normal clinical outcome. 5 patients were morbid(oxygen dependant/ heart failure) whereas 3 patients died.Patients with central pulmonary embolus had higher NT-ProBNP levels whereas patients with pulmonary embolus in thesegmental or subsegmental pulmonary arteries had relativelyless NTPro-BNP levels. Patients with high NT-Pro-BNPlevels had complicated in-hospital course/ mortality whereas,patients with relatively lower NT-Pro-BNP had uncomplicatedin-hospital course.Conclusion: This study shows that higher NT-Pro-BNPlevels indicate higher probability of a more central locationof thrombus in pulmonary embolism and also right ventricularoverload. Also patients with higher NT-Pro-BNP levels had acomplicated in hospital course.

A Study to Assess the Role of NT-proBNP as a Marker of Cardiac Mortality In Hemodialysis Patients

Background: Increased N-terminal pro-B-type natriureticpeptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations are associated withcardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients. The presentstudy was conducted to assess the role of NT-proBNP as amarker of cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients.Materials and Methods: NT-proBNP concentrations weremeasured in 50 prevalent hemodialysis patients to examine therisk of 90-days and 1-year mortality associated with baselineNT-pro BNP concentrations. Data was analyzed usingstandard descriptive statistics. Wilcoxon signed rank test andWelch two sample t-test were used in “R” commanderstatistical software.Results: The NT –pro BNP values at the entry into the study ofshort term i.e.90 days follow up death group were significantly(p value = 0.002647) high when compared to remaining livedialysis participants (n = 40). But the difference in NT –proBNP values at the entry into the study between death and liveparticipants was not statistically significant (p value = 0.7785)in long term i.e.1 year follow up participants. The difference inserum sodium at the time of entry, is statistically significant (p =0.03564), between live and dead groups at the end of shortterm follow up.Conclusion: Elevated NT-proBNP concentrations wereobserved in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients ondialysis at the entry of study and these values were associatedwith cardiac mortality in them. NT –pro BNP acts as a newermarker for cardiovascular risk in dialysis patients of ESRD.

Effect of medium frequency electrical stimulation on expression of neurotrophin-3 in rat masseter muscle / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective • To investigate the effect of medium frequency electrical stimulation on the expression of neurotrophin-3(NT-3) in the mandibular protrusion of SD rats. Methods • Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=20): blank control group, conditioned control group (treated with functional appliance, but without medium frequency electrical stimulation) and experimental group (treated with functional appliance and medium frequency electrical stimulation). Five rats in each group were sacrificed on the 3rd, 7th, 14th and 21st day to prepare the samples of masseter muscle. Immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR methods were used to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of NT-3 in the masseter muscle of rats. Results • The protein and mRNA expressions of NT-3 were increased firstly and then decreased in the conditioned control group and the experimental group, compared with those in the blank control group. Moreover, the protein and mRNA expressions of NT-3 in the conditioned control group were still higher than those in the blank control group on the 21st day (both P<0.05), while the protein and mRNA expressions of NT-3 in the experimental group almost returned to the normal level on the 21st day. Conclusion • Medium frequency electrical stimulation may accelerate the rate of neuromuscular reconstruction and shorten the time of functional orthopedic therapy in rats.

The correlation of doxorubicin related cardiotoxicity with B-type natriuretic peptide levels in South Indian population

Background: Anthracyclines represent the greatest risk for development of cardiotoxicity. Cardiotoxicity of anthracyclines may develop during the treatment (acute cardiotoxicity) and during the follow-up (chronic and late cardiotoxicity). Natriuretic peptides - Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP), B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) are released by myocardium in response to wall strain and pressure overload. The applicability of natriuretic peptides (ANP, BNP, NT-pro-BNP) as markers for Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity has been investigated only in a few studies and there is scarcity of data from India. Aims and Objectives: To observe correlation of NT-pro-BNP levels with cardiotoxicity in patients receiving doxorubicin. Methods and Materials: Eighty patients who were planned for treatment with Doxorubicin > 200 mg/m2 were included in this study. Each patient was assessed clinically (History, Pulse rate, Blood pressure) along with ECG, ECHO and NT-pro-BNP levels prior to initiation of chemotherapy, after completion of 200 mg/m2 of Doxorubicin, 3 months and 6 months after chemotherapy. Result: There were total of 80 patients in the study and they received a total of 384 cycles of Doxorubicin containing regimens according to respective protocols. The median number of cycles was four (range four to six cycles). The mean cumulative dose of doxorubicin was 267.75 mg/m2. As none of the patients developed any cardiac symptoms during or after the planned chemotherapy nor was there a drop in Ejection Fraction on serial ECHO, correlation with BNP levels was not possible. There were 4 patients who had very high values of NT-pro-BNP (>300 pg/ml) and 4 patients with moderate elevation of NT-pro-BNP (200-300 pg/ml) prior to the initiation of chemotherapy. 14 patients had serially increasing values of NT-pro-BNP in the 6 months follow-up. Conclusion: Based on the findings in this study it can be concluded that high upfront BNP values or increasing values of BNP does not correlate with the incidence of acute and early onset chronic cardiotoxicity. Whether or not the BNP values correlate with the incidence of late onset cardiotoxicity can be concluded only with a longer follow-up of these patients.

The role of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-a level in the first trimester of pregnancy and clinical outcome in an urban referral centre

Background: Estimation of serum PAPP-A levels studied predictability for adverse perinatal outcome. This case control study tries to establish the association between low PAPP-A levels among the pregnant woman and adverse maternal foetal outcome.Methods: This is an case-control study during 2017-2018 in the women delivered at Department of OBG at Mehta Hospitals. Women delivered in the labour room  had a first trimester screening of PAPP-A level were explained, taken informed consent, questionnaire which include detailed antenatal history, mode of delivery and baby data.  Depending upon outcome, the subjects are classified as case group or control group, out of the study sample of 264 subjects, 88 patients who had complications were taken as cases and 176 patients with no complications taken as control were undertaken.Results: Low PAPP-A level (<0.5 MoM) showed high incidence of PIH and preeclampsia, followed by IUGR and Preterm. PAPP-A level >0.5 MoM, normal outcome is more than the adverse outcome. The difference in the PAPP-A levels is statistically significant. In women with low PAPP A level, low birth weight found statistically significant when compared with <0.5 PAPP A level. The sensitivity of PAPP A levels in identifying the complicated outcomes was 17.04%.The specificity was 98.85%. The positive predictive value of predicting the complications was 88.23% and negative predictive value of 70.44%.Conclusions: The low PAPP-A levels confirmed during first trimester of pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and foetal outcome such as PIH, preeclampsia, preterm, IUGR and LBW.

SMILE en linfoma de células NK/T extranodal en recaída / SMILE in relapsed extranodal NK / T cell lymphoma

Introducción: El linfoma extranodal de células NK/T, tipo nasal es una variedad agresiva que se presenta con mayor frecuencia en Asia Oriental y América Latina. El régimen de tratamiento SMILE, basado en dexametasona, metotrexato, ifosfamida, L-asparaginasa y etopósido, mostró tasas de respuestas objetivas adecuadas en estudios de fase 1/2. Objetivo: presentar el primer reporte de la aplicación del protocolo SMILE en Cuba. Presentación del caso: paciente de 47 años de edad, blanca que presentó recaída temprana de linfoma extranodal de células NK/T tipo nasal en partes blandas de la pared anterior izquierda del tórax. Recibió quimioterapia SMILE por 4 ciclos y en la evaluación al final del tratamiento se comprobó que hubo una respuesta completa de la enfermedad(AU)

Introduction: Extranodal lymphoma of NK / T cells, nasal type is an aggressive variety that occurs most frequently in East Asia and Latin America. The SMILE treatment regimen, based on dexamethasone, methotrexate, ifosfamide, L-asparaginase and etoposide, showed adequate objective response rates in phase 1/2 studies. Objective: to present the first report of the application of the SMILE protocol in Cuba. Case presentation : 47-year-old white patient who presented early relapse of extranodal lymphoma of nasal NK / T cells in soft parts of the left anterior wall of the thorax. He received SMILE chemotherapy for 4 cycles and the evaluation at the end of the treatment showed that there was a complete response of the disease(AU)

Comparative Anti-Oxidative Effect of Spices in Experimentally Induced Type-II Diabetes in Rats

Nigella sativa, Allium sativum and Trigonella foenum-graecum are common dietary spices also traditionally used in the treatment of various diseases including diabetes mellitus. Clinical research has confirmed the efficacy of several spices extract in the modulation of oxidative stress associated with diabetes mellitus (DM). The therapeutic activity of each individual spice is well documented, but their effect when combined is unknown. Polyherbalism is of current interest because polyherbal formulations enhance therapeutic action and reduce the concentrations of single herbs, thereby reducing adverse events. This study evaluated the hypoglycaemic and anti oxidative activity of aqueous extract of black cumin, garlic, fenugreek individual and its combination at different doses in STZ-NT-induced diabetic rats. Diabetic rats were treated with aqueous extract for 30 days. These extract significantly (p<0.05) lowered the elevated fasting blood glucose, oxidative parameters but no effect seen in haematological indices. This oxidative stress was related to a decreased superoxide dismutase activity in diabetic rats. We suggested that black cumin, garlic, fenugreek and its combination could be used as antidiabetic complement in case of Type II diabetes mellitus.

Lo mejor del Congreso Uruguayo de Cardiología 2018 / The best of the 2018 Uruguayan Congress of Cardiology / O melhor do Congresso Uruguaio de Cardiologia 2018

Resumen: El 34° Congreso Uruguayo de Cardiología, celebrado en Montevideo del 2 al 4 de diciembre del pasado año, nuevamente destacó por las excelentes presentaciones de los temas más relevantes del ámbito cardiológico, así como también por sus invitados de renombre, nacionales e internacionales. Acompañando el gran nivel del Congreso se expusieron 32 temas libres que abarcaron diferentes áreas de la cardiología de los cuales comentaremos cuatro trabajos premiados: - Riesgo de trombosis en bioprótesis aórtica y eventos clínicos según uso de anticoagulación. Metaanálisis de la evidencia actual. - Uso de NT-ProBNP como predictor de evolución en el posoperatorio de cirugía cardíaca. - Prevalencia de septal pouch en una cohorte derivada para ecocardiograma transesofágico. - Incidencia de troponina T ultrasensible en rango anormal y su correlación con la anatomía coronaria en pacientes en valoración por enfermedad coronaria estable.

Summary: The 34th Uruguayan Congress of Cardiology, celebrated last year in Montevideo from December 2nd to 4th, again stood out for the excellent presentations of the most relevant topics in the field of cardiology, as well as for its renowned national and international guests. Accompanying the great level of the Congress, 32 articles that covered different topics in the cardiological area were presented, of which we will comment four awarded: - Risk of thrombosis in aortic bioprosthesis and clinical events according to the use of anticoagulation. Meta-analysis of current evidence. - Use of NT-ProBNP as a predictor of evolution in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery. - Prevalence of septal pouch in a cohort derived for transesophageal echocardiography. - Incidence of ultrasensitive troponin T in abnormal range and its correlation with coronary anatomy in patients in assessment for stable coronary disease.

Resumo: O 34º Congresso Uruguaio de Cardiologia, realizado em Montevidéu entre os dias 2 e 4 de dezembro no ano passado, voltou a destacar-se pelas excelentes apresentações dos temas mais relevantes no campo da cardiologia, bem como por seus renomados convidados, nacionais e internacionais. Acompanhando o grande nível do Congresso, tinham 32 temas livres que cobriam diferentes áreas da cardiologia, dos quais comentaremos quatro artigos premiados: - Risco de trombose na bioprótese aórtica e eventos clínicos de acordo com o uso de anticoagulação. Meta-análise da evidência atual. - Uso de NT-ProBNP como preditor de evolução no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca. - Prevalência de bolsa septal em uma coorte derivada para ecocardiografia transesofágica. - Incidência de troponina T ultrassensível em faixa anormal e sua correlação com a anatomia coronariana em pacientes em avaliação para doença coronariana estável.

Correlation analysis of plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, p-selectin and type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with acute coronary syndrome / 解放军医学杂志

[Abstract] Objective To investigate the relationship between plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP), P-selectin (PS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods Two hundred and twenty-eight patients with chest pain, admitted in the Department of Cardiology of Langfang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital and the Affiliated Hospital of North China University of Science and Technology from July 2017 to April 2018, were selected in present study, including 32 patients with T2DM, 124 patients with ACS, and 72 patients with T2DM complicated with ACS (DA group). ELISA was performed to detect the levels of plasma NT-pro-BNP and PS, and venous blood was taken on an empty stomach to complete a general biochemical project. Based on the results of coronary angiography performed by using Judkins method, the Gensini score was used to evaluate the degree of coronary stenosis. The general clinical data of the 3 groups were compared, and logistic regression was performed to analyze the risk factors for ACS in patients with T2DM. Results No statistical difference existed in gender, history of hypertension, smoking, body mass index, age, and creatinine among the three groups; The levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride were higher in DA group [(3.16±0.98)mmol/L and (2.21±1.36)mmol/L] than in T2DM and ACS group [(2.83±0.91)mmol/L, (1.65±1.05)mmol/L and (2.84±0.92)mmol/L, (1.68±0.97)mmol/L] with significant difference (P<0.05). The left ventricular ejection fraction was lower in DA group (58.97±7.35)% than in T2DM and ACS groups [(63.48±7.37)% and (61.26±7.68)%, respectively] with statistically significant difference (P<0.01). The PS was higher in DA group (48.30±13.61)ng/L than in ACS group (38.87±9.12)ng/L, and in ACS group than in T2DM group (21.46±12.30)ng/L; The C-reactive protein was higher in DA group [(27.63±11.87)mg/L] than in ACS group (20.21±9.32)mg/L, and in ACS group than in T2DM group [(10.30±4.22)mg/L]; The NT-pro-BNP M(Q1, Q3) was higher in DA group [419(154, 1350)pg/ml] than in ACS group [120(43, 416)pg/ml], and in ACS group than in T2DM group [22(12, 54)pg/ml]; The Gensini scores was higher in DA group (138.39±88.31) than in ACS group (82.12±63.08), and in ACS group than in T2DM group (39.98±32.12), all the differences listed above were statistically significant (P<0.01). It had been confirmed by multivariate logistic regression analysis that the levels of PS and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were the risk factors for ACS in patients with DM, their OR estimates were 1.138 (95%CI 1.089-1.990, P<0.01) and 1.656 (95%CI 1.189~2.307, P<0.01), respectively. Conclusion High levels of PS and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein are the independent risk factors for ACS in patients with T2DM. NT-pro-BNP was not associated with ACS in patients with T2DM.