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.

Safety and Outcomes of Intravenous Thrombolytic Therapy in Ischemic Stroke Patients with COVID-19: CASCADE Initiative.

BACKGROUND: There is little information regarding the safety of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) in patients with stroke and COVID-19. METHODS: This multicenter study included consecutive stroke patients with and without COVID-19 treated with IV-tPA between February 18, 2019, to December 31, 2020, at 9 centers participating in the CASCADE initiative. Clinical outcomes included modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at hospital discharge, in-hospital mortality, the rate of hemorrhagic transformation. Using Bayesian multiple regression and after adjusting for variables with significant value in univariable analysis, we reported the posterior adjusted odds ratio (OR, with 95% Credible Intervals [CrI]) of the main outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 545 stroke patients, including 101 patients with COVID-19 were evaluated. Patients with COVID-19 had a more severe stroke at admission. In the study cohort, 85 (15.9%) patients had a hemorrhagic transformation, and 72 (13.1%) died in the hospital. After adjustment for confounding variables, discharge mRS score ≥2 (OR: 0.73, 95% CrI: 0.16, 3.05), in-hospital mortality (OR: 2.06, 95% CrI: 0.76, 5.53), and hemorrhagic transformation (OR: 1.514, 95% CrI: 0.66, 3.31) were similar in COVID-19 and non COVID-19 patients. High-sensitivity C reactive protein level was a predictor of hemorrhagic transformation in all cases (OR:1.01, 95%CI: 1.0026, 1.018), including those with COVID-19 (OR:1.024, 95%CI:1.002, 1.054). CONCLUSION: IV-tPA treatment in patients with acute ischemic stroke and COVID-19 was not associated with an increased risk of disability, mortality, and hemorrhagic transformation compared to those without COVID-19. IV-tPA should continue to be considered as the standard of care in patients with hyper acute stroke and COVID-19.

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.

A review of neuroradiological abnormalities in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to various neurological manifestations. There is an urgent need for a summary of neuroimaging findings to accelerate diagnosis and treatment plans. We reviewed prospective and retrospective studies to classify neurological abnormalities observed in patients with the SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: The relevant studies published in Scopus, PubMed and Clarivate Analytics databases were analysed. The search was performed for full-text articles published from 23 January 2020 to 23 February 2021. RESULTS: In 23 studies the number of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection was 20,850 and the number of patients with neurological manifestations was 1996 (9.5%). The total number of patients with neuroradiological abnormalities was 602 (2.8%). SARS-CoV-2 has led to various neuroimaging abnormalities which can be categorised by neuroanatomical localisation of lesions and their main probable underlying pathogenesis. Cranial nerve and spinal root abnormalities were cranial neuritis and polyradiculitis. Parenchymal abnormalities fell into four groups of: (a) thrombosis disorders, namely ischaemic stroke and sinus venous thrombosis; (b) endothelial dysfunction and damage disorders manifested as various types of intracranial haemorrhage and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome; (c) hypoxia/hypoperfusion disorders of leukoencephalopathy and watershed infarction; and (d) inflammatory disorders encompassing demyelinating disorders, encephalitis, vasculitis-like disorders, vasculopathy and cytotoxic lesions of the corpus callosum. Leptomeninges disorders included meningitis. Ischaemic stroke was the most frequent abnormality in these studies. CONCLUSION: The review study suggests that an anatomical approach to the classification of heterogeneous neuroimaging findings in patients with SARS-CoV-2 and neurological manifestations would lend itself well for use by practitioners in diagnosis and treatment planning.

Management of ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak: Iranian"247" National Committee's position paper on primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

World Health Organization has designated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a pandemic. During the past several weeks, a considerable burden has been imposed on the Iranian's healthcare system. The present document reviewed the latest evidence and expert opinion regarding the management of ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction during the outbreak of COVID-19 and outlines a practical algorithm for it.