Effects of early and late aerobic exercise on right heart failure induced by monocrotaline in rats with pulmonary hypertension / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Clinical studies have shown that aerobic exercise is an important supplement to the clinical treatment of patients with pulmonary hypertension,which can alleviate the disease condition,increase exercise tolerance and improve the quality of life.However,it is not clear whether patients at different stages of pulmonary hypertension can benefit equally from exercise training. OBJECTIVE:To compare the intervention effects of early or late aerobic training on right heart failure in rats with pulmonary hypertension and explore its possible mechanism. METHODS:Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group,model sedentary group,model early exercise group and model late exercise group,with 15 rats in each group.The model of pulmonary hypertension was established by intraperitoneal injection of monocrotaline(60 mg/kg)in the latter three groups.The model early exercise group was given 8 weeks of treadmill aerobic exercise(60%maximum running speed,60 minutes per day,5 days a week)after modeling,while the model late exercise group was trained for 6 weeks after 2 weeks of modeling.The control and model sedentary groups were fed quietly in the rat cage for 8 weeks.After training,the exercise performance,right ventricular hemodynamics,cardiopulmonary function,cardiopulmonary histopathology,reactive oxygen species level in mitochondria,activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex and expressions of myocardial tissue proteins were detected. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the model sedentary group,exercise performance and right ventricular function improved(P<0.05),myocardial collagen content,endothelin-1,tumor necrosis factor-α/interleukin-10 ratio and β-myosin heavy chain/α-myosin heavy chain ratio decreased(P<0.05),vascular endothelial growth factor and sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium-adenosine triphosphate enzyme expression increased(P<0.05),immunofluorescence intensity of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and the protein expression of 3-nitrotyrosine decreased(P<0.05),the activities of complex I,II,IV and V increased in the model early exercise and model late exercise groups(P<0.05),but there were no significant changes in right ventricular maximum pressure,pulmonary acceleration time and pulmonary artery wall area/total vascular area ratio(P>0.05).Compared with the model late exercise group,the model early exercise group further improved exercise performance and right ventricular function,and downregulated collagen content,brain natriuretic peptide protein expression,tumor necrosis factor-α/interleukin-10 ratio and β-myosin heavy chain/α-myosin heavy chain ratio(P<0.05).To conclude,although pulmonary vascular remodeling and right ventricular overload persist in rats with pulmonary hypertension,exercise training at different stages of the disease has a cardioprotective effect.The mechanism is related to the improvement of cardiac remodeling,neurohormone system imbalance,inflammatory response and mitochondrial oxidative stress.Greater benefit is gained from initiating exercise in the early stage of the disease.

Electrocardiographic characteristics and their correlation with indicators of disease severity in patients with chronic pulmonary artery stenosis / 中华全科医师杂志

Objective:To analyze the electrocardiographic characteristics of patients with chronic pulmonary artery stenosis (PAS), and to explore their relationship with disease severity indicators.Methods:The study was a retrospective case-series analysis. Patients with chronic PAS admitted to Gansu Provincial Hospital from January 2018 to July 2021 were enrolled. The clinical data and the results of electrocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography, right cardiac catheterization, N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurement and 6-min walking distance test of patients were analyzed. The linear regression model or logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between electrocardiographic characteristics and the disease severity in patients with chronic PAS.Results:Sixty-three patients aged (62.1±9.7) years including 43 females (68.3%) were enrolled in the study. Among them, 62 patients (98.4%) had (R 1+S Ⅲ)-(S Ⅰ+R Ⅲ)<1.5 mV, and no patients had V 5lead R: S ratio to V 1 lead R: S<0.04 and V 6 lead R: S ratio<0.4. There were 55 patients (87.3%), with flat or inverted T-waves in V 1, and 10 patients (15.9%) with flat or inverted T-waves in all precordial leads (V 1-V 6). There were 18 patients (28.6%) with flat or inverted T-waves in inferior leads (Ⅱ, Ⅲ, aVF). Multiple liner regression analysis showed that Max R V1, 2+Max S I, aVL-S V1 combined with the number of flat or inverted T-waves in limb leads was independently correlated with atrial area ( R2=0.290, P=0.002); R V1+S V5 was independently correlated with right ventricular area ( R2=0.257, P=0.001); R peak V 1 combined with the number of flat or inverted T waves in precordial leads was independently correlated with tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion ( R2=0.407, P<0.001); (R 1+S Ⅲ)-(S Ⅰ+R Ⅲ) combined with the number of flat or inverted T waves in precordial leads was independently correlated with NT-proBNP ( R2=0.504, P<0.001); Max R V1, 2+Max S I, aVL-S V1 were independently correlated with right atrial pressure ( R2=0.803, P=0.036); (R 1+S Ⅲ)-(S Ⅰ+R Ⅲ) were independently correlated with mean pulmonary artery pressure ( R2=0.302, P<0.001); R aVRcombined with the number of flat or inverted T-waves in precordial leads was independently correlated with cardiac index ( R2=0.173, P=0.003); (R 1+S Ⅲ)-(S Ⅰ+R Ⅲ) was independently correlated with pulmonary vascular resistance ( R2=0.173, P=0.002); R peak V 1 combined with the number of flat or inverted T-waves in precordial leads was independently correlated with mixed vein oxygen saturation ( R2=0.302, P<0.001). Conclusion:The vast majority of patients with chronic PAS have (R 1+S Ⅲ)-(S Ⅰ+R Ⅲ)<1.5 mV and flat or inverted T-wave in V 1 lead, and some characteristic electrocardiographic manifestations are correlated with indicators of disease severity.

Severe Pulmonary Hypertension Secondary to Concomitant Mitral Stenosis with Veno-occlusive Disease in the Context of Systemic Sclerosis: Importance of Careful and Comprehensive Assessment

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a clinical syndrome consisting of physiologic/ hemodynamic criteria that are a consequence of several etiologies. Confirmation of pulmonary hypertension is based on right heart catheterization. Pulmonary hypertension is a devastating condition that can lead to considerable morbidity and premature mortality. In the last few decades, significant advancement in the pharmacotherapy of pulmonary hypertension has resulted from better understanding of the complex pathogenesis and pathophysiology of this dreaded disease. Despite these accomplishments, pharmacotherapy of pulmonary hypertension is still far from perfect, and the mortality in this modern treatment era is still unacceptably high. We report a complex clinical presentation characterized by severe pulmonary hypertension secondary to concomitant mitral stenosis with veno-occlusive disease in the context of systemic sclerosis. Our case highlights the importance of a systematic and comprehensive diagnostic approach to avoid missing an underlying pathology.

Application of CT pulmonary angiography in acute pulmonary embolism and right heart function / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo explore the application value of CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in assessing the severity of acute pulmonary embolism (APE) and right heart function in rehabilitation patients. MethodsFrom January, 2013 to January, 2020, 133 inpatients (94 positive and 39 negative) who underwent CTPA examination in Beijing Bo'ai Hospital were involved. Positive patients were further divided into mild, moderate and severe groups based on the pulmonary artery obstruction index (PAOI). The clinical parameters and right heart function indicators were compared. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between PAOI, and clinical parameters and right heart function indicators, and Logistic regression analysis was used to predict the risk factors of APE. ResultsThere was significant difference in lower extremity venous thrombosis, D-dimer, oxygen partial pressure, PAOI and left process of interventricular septum among four groups (H ≥ 12.350, P < 0.01). PAOI was moderately positively correlated with D-dimer (r = 0.443, P < 0.001) and left process of interventricular septum (r = 0.520, P < 0.001), and was weakly positively correlated with lower extremity venous thrombosis (r = 0.399, P < 0.001), left pulmonary artery diameter (r = 0.213, P = 0.014) and inferior vena cava regurgitation (r = 0.229, P = 0.008). Lower extremity venous thrombosis (OR = 7.708, P < 0.001) and left process of interventricular septum (OR = 3.641, P = 0.008) were independent risk factors for the onset of APE. The combination of the two indicators was effective for diagnosis of APE, and AUC was 0.795 (95% CI 0.715 to 0.874). ConclusionCTPA may be applied to evaluate the severity of APE and right heart function in rehabilitation patients.

Tricuspid Annuloplasty and Mitral Valvuloplasty for Tricuspid and Mitral Regurgitation with Severe Right Heart Failure Complicated with Liver Cirrhosis / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 71-year-old woman underwent VVI pacemaker implantation for complete atrioventricular block 38 years ago at the cardiovascular department of another hospital. In the course of observation, she developed atrial fibrillation. One year ago, she was admitted to hospital for aggravated congestive heart failure and was subsequently treated by a cardiovascular practitioner. She had persistent shortness of breath and lower leg edema, which were treated with increasing doses of oral diuretics. Due to poor treatment outcomes, she was referred to our hospital. Her echocardiography results suggested severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and moderate mitral regurgitation. She was also found to have impaired renal function and liver cirrhosis (Stage A of the Child classification), and was admitted. In addition, she had undernutrition with suspected cardiac cachexia. She was first treated by inotrope infusion and central venous hyperalimentation before tricuspid annuloplasty and mitral valvuloplasty were performed. Even though her postoperative management was complicated, she was discharged from our hospital. The conservative treatment with the increased dose of the diuretic for TR-associated right heart failure was prolonged in this patient, leading to severe right heart failure and aggravation of impaired renal function or congestive liver-associated hepatic disorders. Eventually, the patient required operative intervention; however, postoperative management is usually complex, and the operation result may be poor in such patients. We suggest that, from the time when right heart failure can be managed with relatively small doses of diuretics, surgeons should be involved in the care of patients with severe TR who do not require left heart valvular surgery, and should discuss the necessity of surgery earlier than the relevant guidelines suggest, depending on the patient's condition.

Concomitant repair of moderate or less tricuspid regurgitation during mitral valve surgery improves early and mid-term prognosis of tricuspid valve and right heart function / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To investigate the effect of concomitant tricuspid valve repair during mitral valve surgery on the early and mid-term prognosis of the tricuspid valve and right heart function in the patients with moderate or less tricuspid regurgitation. Methods    A retrospective study of 461 patients with mitral valve disease requiring cardiac surgery combined with moderate or less tricuspid regurgitation in our hospital from 2011 to 2014 was done. They were 309 males and 152 females with a median age of 53.00 (44.00, 60.00) years. According to whether they received tricuspid valve repair (Kay’s annuloplasty, DeVega’s annuloplasty or annular ring implantation), the patients were divided into a mitral valve surgery only group (a nTAP group, n=289) and a concomitant tricuspid valve repair group (a TAP group, n=172). At the same time, 43 patients whose tricuspid valve annulus diameter was less than 40 mm in the TAP group were analyzed in subgroups. Results    The median follow-up duration was 3.00 years (range from 0.10 to 9.30 years). There was no perioperative death. Three months after surgery, the anteroposterior diameter of the right ventricle in the TAP group was significantly improved compared with that in the nTAP group [–1.00 (–3.00, 1.00) mm vs. 0.00 (–0.20, 2.00) mm, P=0.048]. Three years after surgery, the improvement of right ventricular anteroposterior diameter in the TAP group was still significant compared with the nTAP group [–1.00 (–2.75, 2.00) mm vs. 2.00 (–0.75, 4.00) mm, P=0.014], and the patients in the TAP group were less likely to develop moderate or more tricuspid regurgitation (3.64% vs. 35.64%, P<0.001). Annuloplasty ring implantation was more effective in preventing regurgitation progression (P=0.044). For patients with a tricuspid annulus diameter less than 40 mm, concomitant tricuspid valve repair was still effective in improving the anteroposterior diameter of the right ventricle in the early follow-up (P=0.036). Conclusion     Concomitant tricuspid valve repair for patients with moderate or less tricuspid regurgitation during mitral valve surgery can effectively improve the tricuspid valve and right heart function in the early and mid-term after surgery. Annuloplasty ring implantation is more effective in preventing regurgitation progression. Patients whose tricuspid annulus diameter is less than 40 mm can also benefit from concomitant tricuspid repair.

Clinical significances of evaluation indexes of right heart function injury in patients with BCR-ABL-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Objective:To investigate the clinical significances of evaluation indexes of right heart function injury in patients with BCR-ABL-negative myroproliferative neoplasms (MPN).Methods:The clinical data of 208 patients with BCR-ABL-negative MPN diagnosed in the Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang and Jiangsu Province Hospital from January 2015 to August 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including 63 cases of primary myelopathic fibrosis (PMF), 39 cases of polycytosis vera (PV) and 106 cases of essential thrombocythemia (ET). The clinical characteristics of patients and the examination results of hematological related indicators were compared among the three groups. The examination results of indexes of right heart function injury were analyzed, including echocardiography, brain natriuretic peptide, soluble growth stimulation expression gene-2 (sST-2), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer, ferritin, β 2-microglobulin, peripheral blood WT1 gene, CD34 + cell count, etc. Results:Of the 208 patients, 109 were male and 99 were female; the median age was 62 years old (23 years old, 89 years old). The differences in levels of hemoglobin, platelet count, D-dimer, LDH and ferritin among PMF, PV and ET patients were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Color echocardiography was performed in 87 patients, including 26 cases of PMF, 19 cases of PV and 42 cases of ET. Pulmonary artery pressure increased in 69 cases (79.3%), left atrial diameter increased in 76 cases (87.3%), and diameter increased during right ventricular diastolic period in 59 cases (67.8%). There were significant differences in pulmonary artery pressure, left atrial diameter and diameter during right ventricular diastolic period among PMF, PV and ET patients (all P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that pulmonary artery pressure was positively correlated with ferritin, LDH, sST-2 and age ( r values were 0.796, 0.768, 0.915 and 0.734, all P<0.05), while it was negatively correlated with platelet count ( r = -2.330, P = 0.034). Conclusions:For BCR-ABL-negative MPN patients, the increase of pulmonary artery pressure, ferritin and LDH and the decreased platelet count and hemoglobin may increase the probability of right heart function impairment. For BCR-ABL-negative MPN patients with the higher levels of ferritin, LDH, sST-2, age, and the lower level of platelet count, the pulmonary artery pressure may be higher.

Clinical features of POEMS syndrome initially diagnosed as pulmonary hypertension / 中华全科医师杂志

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatments of patients with POEMS syndrome initially diagnosed as pulmonary hypertension (PH).Methods:Clinical data of 7 patients who were initially diagnosed as PH and finally diagnosed as POEMS syndrome in Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital from May 2013 to November 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, echocardiography, hemodynamic findings, treatment and prognosis of patients were analyzed.Results:Seven patients, including 4 males and 3 female, aged (55±9) (44-62) years were presented with elevated pulmonary artery pressure by echocardiography at admission. Chest tightness and shortness of breath (7/7), fatigue (6/7) and lower limb edema (4/7) were the most common symptoms in the first-episode. Meanwhile, patients also presented symptoms associated with POEMS syndrome, including multiple peripheral neuropathy (7/7), multiserosal cavity effusion (6/7), organomegaly (5/7), skin changes (5/7), and endocrine lesions (4/7). Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were significantly increased in all patients. The pulmonary arterial systolic blood pressure was (66±21)mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) estimated by echocardiography. Six patients underwent right heart catheterization and significantly increased mean pulmonary artery pressure((35±9) mmHg) was confirmed; and their pulmonary vascular resistance was (4.00±2.10) Wood U. All patients received corresponding treatment for POEMS syndrome. The excise tolerance was improved in 5 patients after successful treatment with stable or reversed WHO functional class. One patient received hemodialysis treatment for uncontrolled POEMS. One patient died during follow-up. The echocardiography was followed up in 4 patients, and 2 of whom had a complete reversal of PH, 1 had a partial reversal, and 1 had not yet reversed.Conclusions:In patients with PH who have multisystem manifestations, such as multiple peripheral neuropathy, multiserosal cavity effusion, organomegaly and skin changes, POEMS syndrome should be considered, and proper and active treatment of POEMS may reverse PH and improve the prognosis of patients.

Effects of dagliflozin on atrial tachyarrhythmia in rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension related right heart failure and its mechanisms / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effects of dagliflozin (DAPA) on atrial tachyarrhythmia (AT) in rats with right heart failure (RHF) due to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and the underlying mechanisms. Methods Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group (CTL group), model group (MCT group), MCT + low-dose DAPA intervention group (MCT + LD group) and MCT + high-dose DAPA intervention group (MCT + HD group). After 35 days of continuous intervention, the model and cardiac function evaluation, atrial structural remodelling assessment, inflammatory factor detection, and in vivo cardiac electrophysiology experiments were completed. Results DAPA reduced menn pulmonaryarterial pressure (mPAP) and menn right ventricular pressure (mRVP) in the model rats (P <0.05), attenuated the inflammatory response (P < 0.05), reduced right atrial fibrosis (P <0.05), reduced AT induction rate (P < 0.05) and mean atrial tachyarrhythmia duration (MATD) (P < 0.05), the extent of which was more pronounced in the high-dose DAPA intervention group. Conclusions DAPA can reduce AT susceptibility in PAH-induced RHF rats, and the mechanisms may be related to the inhibition of systemic inflammation and anti-atrial fibrosis by DAPA.

Identification, assessment, and management of acute right heart failure in children / 中国小儿急救医学

Acute right-sided heart failure(ARHF) can be caused by many acute cardiopulmonary diseases in children, and right heart function is an important determinant of the outcome and prognosis of many cardiopulmonary diseases.ARHF in children has rapid onset, rapid change, atypical clinical manifestations, and is more likely to cause serious hemodynamic changes and consequences if not treated in time.The effectiveness of treatment lies in the timely identification of ARHF, the accurate evaluation and monitoring of the hemodynamic status of children, and on this basis, the personalized and rational treatment combined with the primary disease.

Influence factors of delayed recovery after right ventricular-extrapulmonary arterial conduit reconstruction / 中国小儿急救医学

Objective:To explore the risk factors of early delayed recovery after right ventricular-extrapulmonary arterial(RV-PA)conduit reconstruction.Methods:From 2017 to 2021, the children with RV-PA conduit reconstruction, who were treated in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed.The demographic data and peri-operative clinical data of the patients were collected for statistical analysis.Results:Fifty-five patients were included in the study.The patients were sequenced by the length of ICU stay.The time at the 75th percentile was defined as the critical value for grouping.According to the ICU stay time of the children, they were divided into normal recovery group(ICU stay ≤7 days, n=40)and delayed recovery group(ICU stay>7 days, n=15).The mechanical ventilator time in the whole group was 24(0, 1 408)h, and the ICU stay time was 4(1, 67)d.Six cases required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support, and two cases died.In the multivariate Logistic regression analysis of two groups, long cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB) time( OR=1.034, 95% CI 1.009-1.061, P=0.009)and poor right ventricular function( OR=9.536, 95% CI 1.010-90.037, P=0.049)were independent risk factors for early delayed recovery. Conclusion:The risk of RV-PA conduit reconstruction is high.The proportion of ECMO support is increased.The mortality rate is higher.Right heart dysfunction and prolonged CPB time are risk factors for delayed postoperative recovery.

Revisión Sistemática Exploratoria sobre Uso de Óxido Nítrico Inhalado para Evaluación de Reactividad Vascular Pulmonar en Laboratorio de Hemodinamia en Sujetos Pediátricos con Hipertensión Pulmonar / Exploratory Systematic Review on the Use of Inhaled Nitric Oxide for Evaluation of Pulmonary Vascular Reactivity in Hemodynamics Laboratory in Pediatric Subjects with Pulmonary Hypertension

Introducción. La hipertensión arterial pulmonar (HAP) es una enfermedad que presenta un elevado índice de mortalidad en la población pediátrica. Para su diagnóstico, el gold standard es la prueba de reactividad vascular pulmonar (PRVP), debido a que permite medir la respuesta vasodilatadora del lecho vascular pulmonar frente a la administración de moléculas con acción terapéutica, como el óxido nítrico inhalado (iNO). Esta prueba al ser positiva se asocia a un mejor pronóstico. En la actualidad existe incertidumbre y falta de consenso sobre la indicación y administración de iNO durante la PRVP. Objetivo. Describir el uso reportado en la literatura sobre iNO en PRVP en sujetos pediátricos con HAP. Métodos. Revisión sistemática exploratoria sensible en bases de datos PubMed, Epistemonikos, Cochrane, Scopus, Lilacs y Scielo, que describen el uso de iNO durante la PRVP en sujetos pediátricos con HAP. Resultados. se identificaron 8.906 artículos, de los cuales se seleccionaron 5 para la revisión cualitativa. La PRVP se realizó durante el cateterismo cardiaco derecho (CCD) en sujetosentre 2 semanas y 18 años de edad. Los diagnósticos fueron HAP primaria, idiopática y asociada a patología cardiaca congénita, cardiomiopatía y enfermedad pulmonar. Esta prueba fue realizada en sujetos sólo con soporte de oxígeno o con sedación profunda en ventilación mecánica invasiva, con dosis variables de oxígeno (21 y 100%) e iNO (3 y 80 ppm), o asociado a otras moléculas como iloprostol®, dilitiazem, sildenafil y/o epoprostenol. La administración de iNO disminuyó presión de arteria pulmonar y la resistencia vascular pulmonar, con mantención de presión arterial sistémica y gasto cardiaco y sin complicaciones asociadas a su uso. Conclusiones. Existen escasos estudios sobre iNO en PRVP pediátrica y con calidad metodológica limitada. El iNO se utiliza como método diagnóstico de vaso reactividad en sujetos pediátricos con HAP asociada a cardiopatía congénita, primaria o secundaria. Los protocolos para su uso son variables con dosis entre 20 y 40 ppm, con o sin uso de oxigeno adicional, con tiempos poco precisos y sin consenso en equipos de administración.

Background. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease that has a high mortality rate among the pediatric population. For its diagnosis, the pulmonary vascular reactivity test (PVRT) is considered the "Gold Standard", because it allows to measure the vasodilator response of pulmonary vascular circulation with the administration of molecules with therapeutic action, such as inhaled nitric oxide (iNO). This test, when positive, is associated with a better prognosis of the disease. Currently, there's uncertainty and lack of consensus on the indication and administration of iNO during the PVRT. Objetives. to describe use of iNO in PVRT in pediatric users with PAH reported in the literature. Methods. Scoping review of studies published between 1992 and 2021 in PubMed, Epistemonikos, Cochrane, Scopus, Lilacs and Scielo databases, which describe the use of iNO during PVRT in pediatric users with PAH, in English and Spanish. Primary and secondary studies with a sensitive search strategy were considered. Results. 8,906 articles were identified, 40 were selected by title, 8 by full text, and 5 for final qualitative review. Of the total of articles selected, 3 were primary and 2 secondary studies. PVRT was performed during right heart catheterization (RHC) in a population between 2 weeks and 18 years old. Diagnoses were primary PAH, idiopathic PAH and PAH associated with congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy and pulmonary disease. This test was carried out in subjects on spontaneous ventilation with oxygen support or with deep sedation in invasive mechanical ventilation, with variable oxygen doses between 21 and 100%, with exclusive use of iNO between 3 and 80 ppm, being more used between 20 and 40 ppm, or associated with other molecules such as iloprostol®, dilithiazim, sildenafil and / or epoprostenol. In all selected studies, administration of iNO decreased PAP (pulmonary artery pressure) and PVR (pulmonary vascular resistance), with maintenance of SBP (systemic arterial blood pressure) and cardiac output. The primary studies were made up of pre and post-test of serial or parallel interventions. The selected studies of iNO in PVRT did not report complications associated with its use. Conclusions. studies on iNO in pediatric PVRT are scarce in number of publications and methodological quality. iNO is used as a diagnostic method of vasoreactivity in pediatric users with PAH associated with congenital, primary, or secondary heart disease. The protocols for its use are variable with recommended doses between 20 and 40 ppm, with or without the use of additional O2, with imprecise times and without consensus in administration equipment. The response to PVRT serves as a guide for the treatment and prognosis of pediatric users with PAH.

Hipertensión pulmonar en cardiopatías congénitas del adulto / Pulmonary hypertension in adult congenital heart disease / Hipertensão pulmonar na cardiopatia congênita do adulto

Introducción: la hipertensión pulmonar asociada a cardiopatías congénitas del adulto implica un amplio espectro de situaciones clínicas complejas de difícil manejo para el cardiólogo clínico. Revisión: se repasarán los principales aspectos fisiopatológicos relacionados con el desarrollo de hipertensión pulmonar en los diferentes grupos de cardiopatías congénitas, así como los criterios para establecer el diagnóstico. Se discutirá el tratamiento guiado por perfil de riesgo y los grupos farmacológicos disponibles en nuestro medio. Por último, se discutirán grupos especiales, como el síndrome de Eisenmenger y la embarazada con cardiopatía e hipertensión pulmonar. Conclusión: es importante tener presente de todas formas que la hipertensión pulmonar en este escenario puede tener un mal pronóstico (como en el síndrome de Eisenmenger), por lo cual se deben realizar los mayores esfuerzos para hacer un diagnóstico precoz y tratamiento oportuno de estos pacientes.

Introduction: pulmonary hypertension associated with congenital heart disease in adults involves a wide spectrum of complex clinical situations that are difficult to manage for the clinical cardiologist. Review: the main pathophysiological aspects related to the development of pulmonary hypertension in the different groups of congenital heart disease will be reviewed, as well as the criteria to establish the diagnosis. Treatment guided by risk profile and the pharmacological groups available in our setting will be discussed. Finally, special groups such as Eisenmenger syndrome and pregnant women with heart disease and pulmonary hypertension will be discussed. Conclusion: it is important to keep in mind, however, that pulmonary hypertension in this scenario could have a poor prognosis (for example in Eisenmenger syndrome), which is why every effort should be made to make an early diagnosis and timely treatment of these patients.

Introdução: a hipertensão pulmonar associada à cardiopatia congênita em adultos envolve um amplo espectro de situações clínicas complexas e de difícil manejo para o cardiologista clínico. Revisão: serão revistos os principais aspectos fisiopatológicos relacionados ao desenvolvimento da hipertensão pulmonar nos diferentes grupos de cardiopatias congênitas, bem como os critérios para estabelecer o diagnóstico. Serão discutidos o tratamento guiado pelo perfil de risco e os grupos farmacológicos disponíveis em nosso meio. Por fim, serão discutidos grupos especiais como síndrome de Eisenmenger e gestantes com cardiopatia e hipertensão pulmonar. Conclusão: de qualquer forma, é importante ter em mente que a hipertensão pulmonar nesse cenário pode ter um prognóstico ruim (como na síndrome de Eisenmenger), razão pela qual todo esforço deve ser feito para o diagnóstico precoce e tratamento oportuno desses pacientes.

Pathogenesis of acute cor pulmonale in children / 中国小儿急救医学

Acute cor pulmonale, usually secondary to pulmonary hypertension induced from severe pulmonary diseases or pulmonary circulation disorders, is characterized by acute right heart dysfunction and right heart failure.Hypoxemia, hypercapnia and positive pressure ventilation can all lead to pulmonary hypertension.During the treatment of critically ill children, especially in the process of respiratory support, acute cor pulmonale should be identified as soon as possible to consider the implementation of "lung protection" and "circulation protection" with monitoring of right heart function and protection as the core.

Value of real-time shear wave elastography in assessing splenic congestion in patients with chronic right heart failure / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the value of real-time shear wave elastography (SWE) in the assessment of splenic congestion in patients with chronic right heart failure.Methods:Sixty patients with chronic right heart failure with cardiac function grade Ⅱ-Ⅳ of New York Heart Association (NYHA) treated in Lianyungang First People′s Hospital from March 2020 to February 2021 were collected as the study group, and 20 healthy subjects in the same period were selected as the control group. Routine echocardiography was performed on all subjects; spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) was detected by SWE, and blood biochemical indicators related to patients with right heart failure were detected and recorded. SSM and other related parameters between the two groups were analyzed; the SSM in patients of different cardiac function classifications and course of disease were compared; 60 patients were divided into low SSM group (SSM≤15.0 kPa), middle SSM group (15.0 kPa<SSM<21.3 kPa) and high SSM group (SSM≥21.3 kPa) according to the measured SSM (9.1-34.5 kPa). The differences in clinical indicators between the three groups were analyzed and compared, and the adverse events of the three groups were analyzed by the kaplan-Meier (KM) method. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the value of SSM for predicting right atrial pressure (RAP)≥10 mmHg in patients with chronic right heart failure. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors of increased SSM in patients with chronic right heart failure.Results:Compared with the control group [(10.23±1.95)kPa], the SSM of the study group [(22.09±6.99)kPa] was significantly higher, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( P<0.05); the SSM in patients with cardiac function grade Ⅳ [(25.24±4.53)kPa] was higher than those of grade Ⅲ [(16.71±3.12)kPa] and grade Ⅱ [(11.89±2.10)kPa] (all P<0.001); the SSM in patients with course of disease≥1 year [(24.71±4.61)kPa] was higher than those with a course of <1 year [(14.95±4.00)kPa] ( P<0.001); Compared with the low SSM group and the middle SSM group, the estimated RAP, N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP) and right atrial volume index (RAVI) of the high SSM group were higher (all P<0.05), and the inferior vena cava collapsible index (IVC-CI) was lower ( P<0.05). KM survival analysis showed that the incidence of adverse events in high SSM group was significantly higher compared with the middle SSM group and lower SSM group ( P<0.001). SSM in patients with right heart failure was positively correlated with NT pro-BNP, estimated RAP, and RAVI (all P<0.05), negatively correlated with IVC-CI ( P<0.05); When SSM≥26.1 kPa, the area under ROC curve was of predicting RAP≥10 mmHg 0.863 (95% CI: 0.771-0.955), and the sensitivity and specificity were 76.5% and 81.4%. Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis showed that NT pro-BNP, estimated RAP and IVC-CI were independent risk factors of SSM in patients with chronic right heart failure. Conclusions:The increase of SSM can reflect the increase of RAP, the severity of right heart failure and heart failure. The detection of SSM by SWE technology can conveniently and effectively monitor and evaluate the degree of splenic congestion and injury.

Research progress of CT evaluation of acute pulmonary embolism and right ventricular dysfunction / 中华全科医师杂志

Pulmonary embolism is one of the common cardiothoracic vascular emergencies, and its main fatal complication is right ventricular dysfunction. CT pulmonary angiography is the preferred imaging method for clinical diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.This article reviews the imaging characteristics and mechanism of pulmonary embolism and right heart dysfunction in CT pulmonary angiography, the current clinical application status and limitations of CT pulmonary angiography, and the progress of CT pulmonary angiography technology.

Clinical observation of intermittently repeated application of levosimendan in the treatment of right heart failure of pulmonary hypertension / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To observe th e efficacy and safety of intermittently repeated application of levosimendan in the treatment of right heart failure of pulmonary hypertension. METHODS A total of 70 cases of right heart failure of pulmonary hypertension were collected from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University during Jan. 2019-May 2021，and then randomly divided into control group and observation group ，with 35 cases in each group.In control group ，the patients with moderate risk of classification of pulmonary hypertension were given Tadalafil tablets and Ambrisentan tablets ，while the patients with high risk were given Tadalafil tablets ，Ambrisentan tablets and Treprostinil injection ；both were given anti-right heart failure drugs at the same time. On the basis of treatment in the control group ，patients in the observation group were additionally intravenously pumped with levosimendan injection 12.5 mg，once a month ，at a rate of 0.05-0.1 μg/（kg·min），3 months in total. Response rate of therapy ，improvement of risk stratification of pulmonary hypertension after treatment ，and average pulmonary artery pressure ，six-minute walk distance （6MWD），serum level of N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP），right atrial pressure （RAP），oxygen saturation in mixed venous blood （SvO2），cardiac index （CI），right ventricular ejection fraction （RVEF），early diastolic tricuspid inflow velocity/early diastolic tricuspid annular velocity （E/Ea），tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion（TAPSE），right ventricular end-diastolic diameter （RVEDD），right ventricular end-systolic diameter （RVESD）before and after treatment ，and the occurrence of adverse reactions were observed in 2 groups. RESULTS The total response rate of observation group was significantly higher than control group after treatment （P＜0.05）. After treatment ，average pulmonary artery pressure，NT-proBNP level ，RAP，E/Ea，RVEDD and RVESD of 2 groups were significantly lower than before treatment ，while 6MWD，SvO2， CI， TAPSE and RVEF were significantly higher than before treatment ；NT-proBNP level and E/Ea of observation group were significantly lower than control group ， while 6MWD，CI，TAPSE and RVEF were significantly higher than control group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. There was no significant difference in average pulmonary artery pressure ， risk stratification improvement cases of pulmonary hypertension ， RAP， SvO2， RVEDD， RVESD and the incidence of asymptomatic hypotension between 2 groups（P＞0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Intermittently repeated application of levosimendan can improve the function of right heart of pulmonary hypertension complicated with right heart failure and has good safety.

Successful treatment of acute right heart failure under the guidance of point-of-care ultrasound: a case report / 中华危重病急救医学

In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to the evaluation and management of right heart function, for which point-of-care unltrasound provides more opportunities. A patient with acute right heart failure after tricuspid valve replacement was successfully treated in department of critical care medicine of Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University. This patient showed typical manifestations of acute right heart failure by point-of-care ultrasound. The overall right ventricular systolic function was weakened, and the right ventricle was enlarged. Ratio of the diameter for right ventricle to left ventricle was greater than 1. In the parasternal short-axis view, the right ventricle was oval, and ventricular septum was convex to the left ventricle. The preload of left ventricular was low and the left ventricular diastolic function was limited. Under the guidance of point-of-care ultrasound, the patient's condition tended to improve after treatments such as strengthening the heart, adjusting the preload and afterload of the left and right ventricles, improving renal blood perfusion, and respiratory support. The right ventricle was smaller than before, the systolic function of right ventricle and diastolic function of left ventricle were improved. The successful treatment experience of this case is summarized for reference.

Epigenetic regulation in pulmonary heart disease by non-coding RNA / 中国药理学通报

Pulmonary heart disease (PHD) is a common cardiovascular disease in China, with high mortality ratein its late stage.Currently, PHD treatments are mainly to delay the disease progression, which cannot effectively improve and cure the disease.Consequently, it is in urgent need to find a new treatment for PHD.Epigenetic regulation plays an important role in the occurrence and pathological process of diseases, which provides a novel idea of developing new drugs by regulating non-coding RNA(ncRNA).However, ncRNA studies in PHD are at the stage of few and shallow, stray and scattered.Therefore, this review for the first time summarizes ncRNA related to various PHD phenotypes, and discusses the epigenetic regulation in PHD by ncRNA.

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.