Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio at Emergency Room Predicts Mechanical Complications of ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background@#The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been proven to be a reliable inflammatory marker. A recent study reported that elevated NLR is associated with adverse cardiovascular events in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We investigated whether NLR at emergency room (ER) is associated with mechanical complications of STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). @*Methods@#A total of 744 patients with STEMI who underwent successful primary PCI from 2009 to 2018 were enrolled in this study. Total and differential leukocyte counts were measured at ER. The NLR was calculated as the ratio of neutrophil count to lymphocyte count. Patients were divided into tertiles according to NLR. Mechanical complications of STEMI were defined by STEMI combined with sudden cardiac arrest, stent thrombosis, pericardial effusion, post myocardial infarction (MI) pericarditis, and post MI ventricular septal rupture, free-wall rupture, left ventricular thrombus, and acute mitral regurgitation during hospitalization. @*Results@#Patients in the high NLR group (> 4.90) had higher risk of mechanical complications of STEMI (P = 0.001) compared with those in the low and intermediate groups (13% vs. 13% vs. 23%). On multivariable analysis, NLR remained an independent predictor for mechanical complications of STEMI (RR = 1.947, 95% CI = 1.136–3.339, P= 0.015) along with symptom-to balloon time (P = 0.002) and left ventricular dysfunction (P < 0.001). @*Conclusion@#NLR at ER is an independent predictor of mechanical complications of STEMI undergoing primary PCI. STEMI patients with high NLR are at increased risk for complications during hospitalization, therefore, needs more intensive treatment after PCI.

Clinical Implication of Hypoxic Liver Injury for Predicting Hypoxic Hepatitis and In-Hospital Mortality in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients

Purpose@#In this study, we aimed to determine the value of hypoxic liver injury (HLI) in the emergency room (ER) for predicting hypoxic hepatitis (HH) and in-hospital mortality in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. @*Materials and Methods@#1537 consecutive STEMI patients were enrolled. HLI in the ER was defined as a ≥2-fold increase in serum aspartate transaminase (AST). HH was defined as a ≥20-fold increase in peak serum transaminase. Patients were divided into four groups according to HLI and HH status (group 1, no HLI or HH; group 2, HLI, but no HH; group 3, no HLI, but HH; group 4, both HLI and HH). @*Results@#The incidences of HLI and HH in the ER were 22% and 2%, respectively. In-hospital mortality rates were 3.1%, 11.8%, 28.6%, and 47.1% for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Patients with HLI and/or HH had worse Killip class, higher cardiac biomarker elevations, and lower left ventricular ejection fraction. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HLI in the ER was an independent predictor of HH [odds ratio 2.572, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.166–5.675, p=0.019]. The predictive value of HLI in the ER for the development of HH during hospitalization was favorable [area under the curve (AUC) 0.737, 95% CI 0.643–0.830, sensitivity 0.548, specificity 0.805, for cut-off value AST >80]. Furthermore, in terms of in-hospital mortality, predictive values of HLI in the ER and HH during hospitalization were comparable (AUC 0.701 for HLI at ER and AUC 0.674 for HH). @*Conclusion@#Among STEMI patients, HLI in the ER is a significant predictor for the development of HH and mortality during hospitalization (INTERSTELLAR ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02800421).

Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio at Emergency Room Predicts Mechanical Complications of ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background@#The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been proven to be a reliable inflammatory marker. A recent study reported that elevated NLR is associated with adverse cardiovascular events in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We investigated whether NLR at emergency room (ER) is associated with mechanical complications of STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). @*Methods@#A total of 744 patients with STEMI who underwent successful primary PCI from 2009 to 2018 were enrolled in this study. Total and differential leukocyte counts were measured at ER. The NLR was calculated as the ratio of neutrophil count to lymphocyte count. Patients were divided into tertiles according to NLR. Mechanical complications of STEMI were defined by STEMI combined with sudden cardiac arrest, stent thrombosis, pericardial effusion, post myocardial infarction (MI) pericarditis, and post MI ventricular septal rupture, free-wall rupture, left ventricular thrombus, and acute mitral regurgitation during hospitalization. @*Results@#Patients in the high NLR group (> 4.90) had higher risk of mechanical complications of STEMI (P = 0.001) compared with those in the low and intermediate groups (13% vs. 13% vs. 23%). On multivariable analysis, NLR remained an independent predictor for mechanical complications of STEMI (RR = 1.947, 95% CI = 1.136–3.339, P= 0.015) along with symptom-to balloon time (P = 0.002) and left ventricular dysfunction (P < 0.001). @*Conclusion@#NLR at ER is an independent predictor of mechanical complications of STEMI undergoing primary PCI. STEMI patients with high NLR are at increased risk for complications during hospitalization, therefore, needs more intensive treatment after PCI.

Clinical Implication of Hypoxic Liver Injury for Predicting Hypoxic Hepatitis and In-Hospital Mortality in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients

Purpose@#In this study, we aimed to determine the value of hypoxic liver injury (HLI) in the emergency room (ER) for predicting hypoxic hepatitis (HH) and in-hospital mortality in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. @*Materials and Methods@#1537 consecutive STEMI patients were enrolled. HLI in the ER was defined as a ≥2-fold increase in serum aspartate transaminase (AST). HH was defined as a ≥20-fold increase in peak serum transaminase. Patients were divided into four groups according to HLI and HH status (group 1, no HLI or HH; group 2, HLI, but no HH; group 3, no HLI, but HH; group 4, both HLI and HH). @*Results@#The incidences of HLI and HH in the ER were 22% and 2%, respectively. In-hospital mortality rates were 3.1%, 11.8%, 28.6%, and 47.1% for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Patients with HLI and/or HH had worse Killip class, higher cardiac biomarker elevations, and lower left ventricular ejection fraction. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HLI in the ER was an independent predictor of HH [odds ratio 2.572, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.166–5.675, p=0.019]. The predictive value of HLI in the ER for the development of HH during hospitalization was favorable [area under the curve (AUC) 0.737, 95% CI 0.643–0.830, sensitivity 0.548, specificity 0.805, for cut-off value AST >80]. Furthermore, in terms of in-hospital mortality, predictive values of HLI in the ER and HH during hospitalization were comparable (AUC 0.701 for HLI at ER and AUC 0.674 for HH). @*Conclusion@#Among STEMI patients, HLI in the ER is a significant predictor for the development of HH and mortality during hospitalization (INTERSTELLAR ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02800421).

The relationship between J wave and ventricular tachycardia during Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Background and objectives@#Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) occasionally causes life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia. J wave on surface electrocardiography (sECG) has also been associated with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation and cardiac events; therefore, we investigated whether the presence of J wave on sECG is a potential risk factor for ventricular arrhythmia in patients with TTC. @*Subjects and methods@#We performed a retrospective study in 79 patients who were diagnosed with TTC from 2010 to 2014. Among them, 20 (25.3%) were diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia (VT). The J wave on the sECG was defined as J point elevation manifested through QRS notching or slurring at least 1 mm above the baseline in at least two leads. @*Results@#A higher prevalence of ventricular tachycardia was observed in patients with J wave. The corrected QT interval (QTc) was significantly longer in the VT group than in the non-VT group. In a multivariate analysis, the presence of J wave appeared to be the only independent predictors of VT [Hazard Ratio (HR) 3.5, p = 0.019]. @*Conclusion@#Our results suggest that the presence of J wave on the sECG is significantly associated with VT, and appear to indicate that the presence of J wave is a strong and independent predictor of VT in patients with TTC.

Relation of blood pressure variability to left ventricular function and arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients

INTRODUCTION@#Variability of blood pressure (BP) has been reported to be related to worse cardiovascular outcomes. We examined the impact of daytime systolic BP variability on left ventricular (LV) function and arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients.@*METHODS@#Ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) and echocardiography were performed in 116 hypertensive patients. We assessed BP variability as standard deviations of daytime systolic BP on 24-hour ABPM. Conventional echocardiographic parameters, area strain and three-dimensional diastolic index (3D-DI) using 3D speckle tracking were measured. Arterial stiffness was evaluated by acquiring pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index.@*RESULTS@#Patients with higher BP variability showed significantly increased left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and late mitral inflow velocity, as well as decreased E/A (early mitral inflow velocity/late mitral inflow velocity) ratio, area strain and 3D-DI than those with lower BP variability (LVMI: p = 0.02; A velocity: p < 0.001; E/A ratio: p < 0.001; area strain: p = 0.02; 3D-DI: p = 0.04). In addition, increased BP variability was associated with higher PWV and augmentation index (p < 0.001). Even among patients whose BP was well controlled, BP variability was related to LV mass, diastolic dysfunction and arterial stiffness.@*CONCLUSION@#Increased BP variability was associated with LV mass and dysfunction, as well as arterial stiffness, suggesting that BP variability may be an important determinant of target organ damage in hypertensive patients.

Complete Versus Culprit-Only Revascularization for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Multivessel Disease in the 2(nd) Generation Drug-Eluting Stent Era: Data from the INTERSTELLAR Registry

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare outcomes of complete revascularization (CR) versus culprit-only revascularization for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease (MVD) in the 2nd generation drug-eluting stent (DES) era. METHODS: From 2009 to 2014, patients with STEMI and MVD, who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using a 2nd generation DES for culprit lesions were enrolled. CR was defined as PCI for a non-infarct-related artery during the index admission. Major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) was defined as cardiovascular (CV) death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization, or heart failure during the follow-up year. RESULTS: In total, 705 MVD patients were suitable for the analysis, of whom 286 (41%) underwent culprit-only PCI and 419 (59%) underwent CR during the index admission. The incidence of MACE was 11.5% in the CR group versus 18.5% in the culprit-only group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.37–0.86; p<0.01; adjusted HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.40–0.99; p=0.04). The CR group revealed a significantly lower incidence of CV death (7.2% vs. 12.9%; HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.31–0.86; p=0.01 and adjusted HR, 0.57; 95% CI; 0.32–0.97; p=0.03, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: CR was associated with better outcomes including reductions in MACE and CV death at 1 year of follow-up compared with culprit-only PCI in the 2nd generation DES era.

Complete Versus Culprit-Only Revascularization for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Multivessel Disease in the 2(nd) Generation Drug-Eluting Stent Era: Data from the INTERSTELLAR Registry

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES@#We aimed to compare outcomes of complete revascularization (CR) versus culprit-only revascularization for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease (MVD) in the 2nd generation drug-eluting stent (DES) era.@*METHODS@#From 2009 to 2014, patients with STEMI and MVD, who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using a 2nd generation DES for culprit lesions were enrolled. CR was defined as PCI for a non-infarct-related artery during the index admission. Major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) was defined as cardiovascular (CV) death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization, or heart failure during the follow-up year.@*RESULTS@#In total, 705 MVD patients were suitable for the analysis, of whom 286 (41%) underwent culprit-only PCI and 419 (59%) underwent CR during the index admission. The incidence of MACE was 11.5% in the CR group versus 18.5% in the culprit-only group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.37–0.86; p<0.01; adjusted HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.40–0.99; p=0.04). The CR group revealed a significantly lower incidence of CV death (7.2% vs. 12.9%; HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.31–0.86; p=0.01 and adjusted HR, 0.57; 95% CI; 0.32–0.97; p=0.03, respectively).@*CONCLUSIONS@#CR was associated with better outcomes including reductions in MACE and CV death at 1 year of follow-up compared with culprit-only PCI in the 2nd generation DES era.

Prognostic Value of Elevated Homocysteine Levels in Korean Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine whether an elevated homocysteine (Hcy) level is associated with a worse prognosis in Korean patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 5839 patients (60.4% male, mean age 61.3±11.2 years) with CAD were enrolled from 2000 to 2010 at Gangnam Severance Hospital. CAD was diagnosed by invasive coronary angiography. Laboratory values including Hcy level were obtained on the day of coronary angiography and analyses were performed shortly after sampling. Patients were divided into two groups according to their Hcy levels. Baseline risk factors, coronary angiographic findings, length of follow-up, and composite endpoints including cardiac death (CD) and non-fatal myocardial infarction (NFMI) were recorded. 1:1 propensity score matched analysis was also performed. RESULTS: Over a mean follow-up period of 4.4±2.5 years, there were 132 composite endpoints (75 CD and 57 NFMI) with an event rate of 2.3%. Mean Hcy level was 9.9±4.3 µmol/L (normal Hcy 7.9±1.5 µmol/L and elevated Hcy 13.9±5.1 µmol/L). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed an association of elevated Hcy level with worse prognosis (p<0.0001). In addition, a multivariate Cox regression analysis showed an association of elevated Hcy level with worse prognosis for both the entire cohort (hazard ratio [HR] 2.077, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.467-2.941, p<0.0001) and the propensity score matched cohort (HR 1.982, 95% CI 1.305-3.009, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Elevated Hcy level is associated with worse outcomes in Korean patients with CAD.

Numbness after Transradial Cardiac Catheterization: the Results from a Nerve Conduction Study of the Superficial Radial Nerve

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Numbness on the hand occurs infrequently after a transradial cardiac catheterization (TRC). The symptom resembles that of neuropathy. We, therefore, investigated the prevalence, the predicting factors and the presence of neurological abnormalities of numbness, using a nerve conduction study (NCS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From April to December 2013, all patients who underwent a TRC were prospectively enrolled. From among these, the patients who experienced numbness on the ipsilateral hand were instructed to describe their symptoms using a visual analogue scale; subsequently, NCSs were performed on these patients. RESULTS: Of the total 479 patients in the study sample, numbness occurred in nine (1.8%) following the procedure. The NCS was performed for eight out of the nine patients, four (50%) of which had an abnormal NCS result at the superficial radial nerve. A larger sheath and history of myocardial infarction (p=0.14 and 0.08 respectively) tended towards the occurrence of numbness; however, only the use of size 7 French sheaths was an independent predictor for the occurrence of numbness (odds ratio: 5.50, 95% confidence interval: 1.06-28.58, p=0.042). The symptoms disappeared for all patients but one, within four months. CONCLUSION: A transient injury of the superficial radial nerve could be one reason for numbness after a TRC. A large sheath size was an independent predictor of numbness; therefore, large sized sheaths should be used with caution when performing a TRC.

A Case of Endovascular Treatment of Severe Graft Limb Kinking after Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has been recommended as an alternative to open aneurysm repair. The risk of severe perioperative complications is lower than that in open surgical repair; however, late complications are more likely. After EVAR, regular yearly surveillance by duplex ultrasonography or computed tomography is recommended. We report the case of a 67-year-old man with a severely kinked left iliac branch of the stent graft 10 years after EVAR. He had not undergone regular follow-up during the last 4 years. We realigned the endograft kink by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.

Clinical and Echocardiographic Factors Affecting Tricuspid Regurgitation Severity in the Patients with Lone Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) can be a risk factor for development of significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR). We investigated which clinical and echocardiographic parameters were related to severity of functional TR in patients with lone AF. METHODS: A total of 89 patients with lone AF were enrolled (75 +/- 11 years; 48% male): 13 patients with severe TR, 36 patients with moderate TR, and 40 consecutive patients with less than mild TR. Clinical parameters and echocardiographic measurements including right ventricular (RV) remodeling and function were evaluated. RESULTS: Patients with more severe TR were older and had more frequently persistent AF (each p < 0.001). TR severity was related to right atrial area and tricuspid annular systolic diameter (all p < 0.001). The patients with moderate or severe TR had larger left atrial (LA) volume and increased systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) than the patients with mild TR (p = 0.04 for LA volume; p < 0.001 for SPAP). RV remodeling represented by enlarged RV area and increased tenting height was more prominent in severe TR than mild or moderate TR (all p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed type of AF, LA volume, tricuspid annular diameter and tenting height remained as a significant determinants of severe TR. In addition, tenting height was independently associated with the presence of severe TR (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: In patients with lone AF, TR was related to type of AF, LA volume, tricuspid annular diameter and RV remodeling. Especially, tricuspid valvular tethering seemed to be independently associated with development of severe functional TR.

Multidetector Computed Tomography for the Evaluation of Coronary Artery Disease; The Diagnostic Accuracy in Calcified Coronary Arteries, Comparing with IVUS Imaging

PURPOSE: Contrast enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) has been used as an alternative to coronary angiography for the assessment of coronary artery disease in the patient of the intermediate risk group. However, coronary calcium is a known limiting factor for MDCT evaluation. We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of 64-channel MDCT with each coronary artery calcium score (CACS) by compared with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 54 symptomatic patients with intermediate-risk (10 females, mean age 59.9+/-6.9 years, Framingham point scores 9-20) with 162 sites who had a culprit lesion on 64-channel MDCT before performing coronary angiography with IVUS were enrolled. Patients were divided into 4 subgroups depending on CACS: 0, 1-99, 100-399, and >400. Lesion length, external elastic membrane (EEM) cross sectional area (CSA), minimal luminal area, and plaque area were measured and compared between IVUS and MDCT. RESULTS: The correlation coefficients for the measurements of the EEM CSA, lumen CSA, and plaque area were r=0.514, r=0.837, and r=0.578, respectively. Furthermore, there were close correlation of plaque area between four subgroups of CACS (r=0.671, r=0.623, r=0.562, r=0.571, respectively). CONCLUSION: Despite the increase in CACS, the geometric analysis of coronary arteries using with 64-channel MDCT was comparable with IVUS in symptomatic patient of the intermediate risk group.

Erratum: Synephrine-containing dietary supplement precipitating apical ballooning syndrome in a young female

There was a spelling error in the main text.

Synephrine-containing dietary supplement precipitating apical ballooning syndrome in a young female

Apical ballooning syndrome (ABS) is a unique reversible cardiomyopathy that is frequently precipitated by emotional or physical stress. In addition, the few drugs reported to precipitate ABS were either illegal or strictly controlled for medical use. This paper reports a case of ABS precipitated by a dietary supplement. Our case accentuates the potential risk of dietary supplements containing synephrine, which is uncontrolled and available to the general public. Therefore, the Korea Food and Drug Administration should regulate these dietary supplements, and warn healthcare workers and the general public of the potential hazards of the indiscriminate abuse of dietary supplements.

Significance of Small Dense Low-Density Lipoprotein as a Risk Factor for Coronary Artery Disease and Acute Coronary Syndrome

Small dense LDL (sd-LDL) has recently emerged as an important coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factor. This study was performed to investigate how LDL particle size is related to CAD and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Blood samples were collected from 504 patients that underwent coronary angiography to evaluate chest pain. The LDL particle size of these samples was measured. The mean LDL particle size was smaller in patients with angiographically proven CAD than in the controls (26.41+/-0.95 vs 26.73+/-0.64nm, p < 0.001), and was negatively correlated with the Framingham risk score (r=-0.121, p=0.007). Patients with more extensive CAD had smaller LDL particles. LDL particle size was also smaller in patients with acute coronary syndrome as compared to non-ACS patients (26.09+/-1.42 vs 26.54+/-0.63nm, p=0.011). These results suggest that sd-LDL is independently associated with the incidence and extent of CAD, and can be a risk factor for the development of ACS in the Korean population.

A case of secondary amyloidosis due to bronchiectasis / 대한내과학회지

The Amyloidosis represent a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by abnormal extracellular and endothelial accumulation of insoluble proteins. This disorder displays variable clinical symptoms depending upon the involved organ and a diagnosis is rendered through a biopsy of the affected organ, follwed by staining using Congo-red which reveals an apple-green birefringence. We report a case of secondary amyloidosis diagnosed incidentally by endoscopic gastric and sigmoid colon mucosal biopsy in a patient who had history of bronchiectasis and recurrent pneumonia, pseudomembranous colitis and paralytic ileus.

Time-Phasic Development of Nitrate Tolerance According to the Hemodynamic Responses and the Expression of Phosphodiesterase 1A1

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Time-phasic development of nitrate tolerance in cardiovascular diseases is very important because it can contribute to the advent of blunted vasodilation or rebound ischemia even during continuous NTG treatment. In such a condition, we should change the therapeutic regimen of nitrate treatment to prevent the worsening of symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We created a nitrate-tolerant rat model using an osmotic minipump, and we examined the hemodynamic response to bolus NTG infusion in vivo. We checked the phosphodiesterase (PDE) 1A1 mRNA and protein level by relative quantitative RT-PCR and western blot analysis. We used 8-cpt-cGMP for investigating the development of a time-phasic nitrate tolerance mechanism after nitrate infusion. RESULTS: NTG-treated rats revealed a significant decrease in NTG-induced MAP drop (nitrate tolerance) from 1-day and this continued to the third day. The mRNA and protein levels of PDE1A1 similarly increased during these periods. CONCLUSION: This study revealed the development of time-phasic nitrate tolerance from the the aspects of in vivo hemodynamic responses and PDE 1A1 gene expression, and our work supports the need for further investigation to come up with a different therapeutic strategy and new drugs.

Incidence and Predictors of Late Secondary Tricuspid Regurgitation after Mitral Valve Replacement

BACKGROUND: Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) may develop later after mitral valve replacement (MVR) in the absence of prosthetic mitral valve (MV) dysfunction and other causes of left heart failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and predictors of severe TR late after MVR for rheumatic MV disease. METHODS: From 309 patients who underwent MVR between 1995 and 1997 at Yonsei Cardiovascular Hospital, we selected 193 patients (M:F=52:141; mean age 48.5+/-11.3) who underwent MVR for rheumatic valvular disease [concomitant TAP (Tricuspid annuloplasty) group: 56, No TAP group: 137]. The mean follow up duration was 83.2+/-26.4 months. Primary end point was time to clinical events, such as death, reoperation for tricuspid valve, admission due to right heart failure and the development of severe TR without left side heart failure. Patients were classified into 3 groups based on the degree of TR at the time of MVR: Group I; patients with coexisting mild TR (Grade 0, trivial), Group II; mild to moderate TR (Grade I-II), Group III; severe TR (Grade III-IV). RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (10.9%) developed clinical events [Group I: 2/78 (2.6%), Group II: 8/76 (10.5%), Group III: 11/39 (28.2%)]. Event free survival rate was different during the follow-up period between groups. By Cox regression analysis, initial severe TR (Hazard Ratio: 5.2, 95%CI 2.2-12.3), old age (Hazard Ratio: 4.3, 95%CI 1.4-12.8), and TAP (Hazard Ratio: 4.3, 95%CI 1.8-10.5) were the risk factors for the development of late severe TR. CONCLUSION: The incidence of severe TR or right heart failure in the absence of prosthetic MV dysfunction was 10.9% in MVR patients. Despite of successful TAP, the severity of TR at the time of MVR was the most important factor for prediction of late severe TR. It can be suggested that initial TR grade and RV function rather than TAP, is the important factor for the recurrence of severe TR after MV surgery.

Serum Levels of Advanced Glycation End Products Are Associated with In-Stent Restenosis in Diabetic Patients

The formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), in various tissues has been known to enhance immunoinflammatory reactions and local oxidant stresses in long standing diabetes. Recently, AGEs have been reported to play a role in neointimal formation in animal models of arterial injury. We attempted to determine whether the serum levels of AGEs are associated with coronary restenosis in diabetic patients. Blood samples were collected from diabetic patients with coronary artery disease undergoing stent implantation and the serum levels of AGEs were analyzed by the fluorescent intensity method. The development of in-stent restenosis (ISR) was evaluated by a 6-month follow-up coronary angiography. A total of 263 target lesions were evaluated, in 203 patients. The ISR rate in the high-AGE (> 170 U/ml) group (40.1%) was significantly higher than in the low-AGE group (< or =170 U/ml) (19.6%) (p < 0.001). Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed that a high level of serum AGEs is an independent risk factor for the development of ISR (odds ratio, 2.659; 95% CI, 1.431-4.940; p=0.002). The serum levels of AGEs constitute an excellent predictive factor for ISR, and should be one of the guidelines for medical therapy and interventional strategy to prevent ISR in diabetic patients.