Priority setting in cardiovascular research in Iran using standard indigenous methods.

Background: Determining cardiovascular disease (CVD) research priorities is essential given the high burden of these diseases, limited financial resources, and competing priorities. This study aimed to determine the research priorities in CVD field in Iran using standard indigenous methods. Materials and Methods: An extensive search was done in relevant international and national studies. Then, an indigenous standard multistage approach based on multicriteria decision analysis steps was adapted to local situation and implemented. This process included forming a working group of experts in priority setting methodology, identifying the context and prioritization framework, discussing the methodology with the National Network of CVD Research (NCVDR) members who ultimately determined the priority research topics, weighted topics criteria, ranked topics, and reviewed all determined research priorities for final report. Results: Thirteen cardiovascular research priorities were determined by the NCVDR members. The first five priorities based on their scores include studies in hypertension, prevention and control of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and its risk factors, burden of IHD, Registration of CVDs, and COVID-19 and CVDs. Conclusion: Cardiovascular research priorities were determined using a standard indigenous approach by national experts who are the NCVDR members. These priorities can be used by researchers and health decision makers.

Survey of coronary catheterization laboratory activity in Iran during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: With the onset of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, hospitalization and treatment of non-covid patients decreased worldwide. The aim of this study is to evaluate the admission and treatment of patients with coronary artery diseases (CADs) by examining coronary Cath labs activities in some centers of Iran during the COVID-19 period. METHODS: A retrospective, multi-center survey was conducted in four cites in Iran which participated in National Persian Registry Of CardioVascular diseasE (N-PROVE). Two periods of COVID-19 occurrence peak in Iran were compared with the same date in 2019. Information was collected on the number of diagnostic and therapeutic coronary catheterizations in both stable ischemic heart diseases (SIHDs) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) settings. RESULTS: In the first peak of COVID-19 pandemic, coronary angiographies and angioplasties decreased by 37 and 38% compared to the same period in 2019, respectively. The most common indication for coronary angiography during this period was ACS [especially ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)]; however, at the time of peak decrease, the SIHDs were the most. In the second peak of COVID-19 pandemic in Iran, 34% and 27% decrease in diagnostic and therapeutic coronary procedures were seen, respectively. During this period, the number of elective admissions increased, although it was still lower than that in 2019. The tendency to rescue percutaneous coronary intervention increased in most centers during the COVID-19 era, especially in the second peak. CONCLUSION: A significant reduction in the coronary Cath lab activity has been observed during the COVID-19 pandemic that can indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Severe Pericardial Effusion: From Pathogenesis to Management: A Case Report Based Systematic Review.

The Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2) created a global pandemic that continues to this day. In addition to pulmonary symptoms, the virus can have destructive effects on other organs, especially the heart. For example, large pericardial effusion has been observed as a critical and life-threatening finding in Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) patients. In this case report based systematic review, we review the reports of moderate to severe pericardial effusion associated with tamponade physiology. Direct cardiomyocyte and pericardium invasion, inflammation and cytokine storms and oxidative stress due to acute respiratory distress syndrome, are the pathogenesis of this phenomenon. The results showed that the manifestations of this finding are variable. Pericardial effusion can be seen as a delayed complication, accompanied by myocarditis or pericarditis, isolated, or with acute respiratory distress syndrome. In most patients, emergency percutaneous pericardiocentesis was performed, and fluid analysis was often exudative in 3 pattern of hemorrhagic, serous, and serosanguinous. Medical treatment and follow-up are recommended, especially in cases of pericarditis.

The survey of electrophysiology lab activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: With the onset and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospitalization and treatment of noncovid patients were dramatically affected. The aim of this study is to evaluate the electrophysiology (EP) lab activity in a referral center in Iran during the COVID-19 era. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted on EP lab activity in Shahid Chamran Heart Center, Isfahan, Iran. Two periods of COVID-19 occurrence peaks in Iran were compared with same date in 2019. Information was collected on number of diagnostic and therapeutic electrophysiology studies (EPSs) and implantation of intracardiac devices such as permanent pacemaker (PPM), implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). RESULTS: In the first peak of COVID-19 pandemic, both of EPSs and intracardiac device implantations decreased by 80% compared to the same period in 2019. The most common type of device implanted during this period was PPM (70%); however, at the time of control, the ICD (73%) was the most common. Paroxysmal supraventricular tachyarrhythmia (PSVT) was the best indication for diagnostic and therapeutic EPSs in covid and control periods. In the second peak of prevalence of COVID-19 virus infection in Iran, 6% and 36% decreases in device implantations and EPSs were seen, respectively. During this period, the number of procedures increased, although it was still lower than in 2019. CONCLUSION: A significant reduction in the EP lab activity has been observed during both the COVID-19 pandemic peaks.

A Review of Coronary Artery Thrombosis: A New Challenging Finding in COVID-19 Patients and ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, more information on the nonrespiratory effects of the coronavirus is obtained. Cardiovascular complications, especially acute coronary syndromes, are rare. However, they prove to be effective factors in the mortality rate of COVID-19 subjects. Acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction with a special angiographic pattern in the form of extensive and multivessel thrombosis, regardless of atherosclerotic plaques, has posed a new therapeutic challenge. This has been associated with an increase in the incidence of stent thrombosis. Hypercoagulation, due to severe inflammation, is the main pathology of this phenomenon. Technically, percutaneous coronary intervention with aspiration thrombectomy and injectable antiplatelet are the mainstay of treatment for these patients. In addition, it is vital that appropriate antiplatelet and ischemia treatment after the intervention be taken into account.

A Review of Venous Thromboembolism Phenomena in COVID-19 Patients.

With the outbreak of the second peak of COVID-19 in many countries of the world, the symptoms and complications of this disease has received a great deal of attention. One of the most important known complications of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is the occurrence of venous thromboembolic events, especially in critically ill patients who are hospitalized in the intensive care unit. The pathology of this event is complex and multifactorial, but the main problem now is the timely diagnosis of these phenomena, which can reduce the mortality and morbidity of patients. Deterioration of clinical condition in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection along with increased coagulation markers can increase clinical suspicion of venous thromboembolic events. Imaging techniques, especially computed tomography pulmonary angiography, can well solve this puzzle and lead to timely treatment of these patients.