Bradyarrhythmia development and permanent pacemaker implantation after cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Bradyarrhythmia is one of the complications that may develop after cardiac surgery. Only a few studies have previously dealt with this concern, and in our study, we investigated the factors affecting the development of atrioventricular block or sinus node dysfunction and the requirement of permanent pacemaker following cardiac surgery. METHODS: A total of 62 patients who developed the atrioventricular (AV) block or sinus node dysfunction and required a permanent pacemaker following cardiac surgery were included in the study. Among these, 31 patients were evaluated prospectively, and the information regarding 31 patients was evaluated retrospectively based on hospital records. Demographic, clinical, and surgical information was recorded. Patients were grouped according to the types of procedures, including the coronary artery bypass graft, valve surgery, congenital heart disease, and combinations of these. Patients were evaluated by standard 12-lead electrocardiogram and transthoracic echocardiography preoperatively. The postoperative development of bradyarrhythmia and requirement of permanent pacemaker were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of patients with preoperative conduction abnormality and wide QRS was statistically significantly higher than those without these disorders. The odds ratio for preoperative conduction abnormality risk in patients over 70 years of age was found as 4.429 (95% confidence interval, 1.40-13.93). There was no gender-related statistically significant difference in terms of left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular dilatation, interventricular septum thickness, the time interval from operation to the development of AV block, concomitant diseases, and complication rates. CONCLUSION: Preoperative conduction abnormality and wide QRS in patients over 70 years of age was determined as a risk factor.

Management and outcome of topical beta-blocker-induced atrioventricular block.

BACKGROUND: Topical beta-blockers have a well-established role in the treatment of glaucoma. We aimed to investigate the outcome of patients who developed symptomatic atrioventricular (AV) block induced by topical beta-blockers. METHODS: All patients admitted or discharged from our institution, the Siyami Ersek Training and Research Hospital, between January 2009 and January 2013 with a diagnosis of AV block were included in the study. Subjects using ophthalmic beta-blockers were recruited and followed for permanent pacemaker requirement during hospitalisation and for three months after discontinuation of the drug. A permanent pacemaker was implanted in patients in whom AV block persisted beyond 72 hours or recurred during the follow-up period. RESULTS: A total of 1 122 patients were hospitalised with a diagnosis of AV block and a permanent pacemaker was implanted in 946 cases (84.3%) during the study period. Thirteen patients using ophthalmic beta-blockers for the treatment of glaucoma and no other rate-limiting drugs were included in the study. On electrocardiography, eight patients had complete AV block and five had high-degree AV block. The ophthalmic beta-blockers used were timolol in seven patients (55%), betaxolol in four (30%), and cartelol in two cases (15%). The mean duration of ophthalmic beta-blocker treatment was 30.1 ± 15.9 months. After drug discontinuation, in 10 patients the block persisted and a permanent pacemaker was implanted. During follow up, one more patient required pacemaker implantation. Therefore in total, pacemakers were implanted in 11 out of 13 patients (84.6%). The pacemaker implantation rate did not differ according to the type of topical beta-blocker used (p = 0.37). The presence of infra-nodal block on electrocardiography was associated with higher rates of pacemaker implantation. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that topical beta-blockers for the treatment of glaucoma may cause severe conduction abnormalities and when AV block occurs, pacemaker implantation is required in a high percentage of the patients.

Altered diastolic function and aortic stiffness in Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is closely linked to cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: Echocardiographic studies were performed, including left ventricular diastolic functions, left and right atrial conduction times, and arterial stiffness parameters, namely stiffness index, pressure-strain elastic modulus, and distensibility, on 29 patients with AD and 24 age-matched individuals with normal cognitive function. RESULTS: The peak mitral flow velocity of the early rapid filling wave (E) was lower, and the peak velocity of the late filling wave caused by atrial contraction (A), deceleration time of peak E velocity, and isovolumetric relaxation time were higher in the AD group. The early myocardial peak (Ea) velocity was significantly lower in AD patients, whereas the late diastolic (Aa) velocity and E/Ea ratio were similar between the two groups. In Alzheimer patients, stiffness index and pressure-strain elastic modulus were higher, and distensibility was significantly lower in the AD group compared to the control. Interatrial electromechanical delay was significantly longer in the AD group. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that patients with AD are more likely to have diastolic dysfunction, higher atrial conduction times, and increased arterial stiffness compared to the controls of same sex and similar age.

The relationship between fragmentation on electrocardiography and in-hospital prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: In patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), QRS fragmentation was determined as one of the indicators of mortality and morbidity. The development of fragmented QRS (fQRS) is related to defects in the ventricular conduction system and is linked to myocardial scar and fibrosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 355 consecutive patients hospitalized in the coronary intensive care unit of our hospital with STEMI between the years 2010 and 2012 and their electrocardiographic features and the frequency of in-hospital cardiac events were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 217 cases in the fQRS group and 118 cases in the control group. QRS fragmentation was found to be a predictor for major cardiac events. In the fragmented QRS group, the frequency of in-hospital major cardiac events (MACE) and death were higher (MACE p<0.001; death p<0.003). In the fragmented QRS group, the cardiac enzymes (Troponin-I, CK-MB) were significantly higher than in the control group (p<0.001). In subgroup analyses, apart from the presence of fragmentation, the presence of more than 1 type of fragmentation and the number of fragmented deviations were also found to be related with MACE. A significant negative correlation was observed with the ejection fraction and, in particular, the number of fragmented deviations. CONCLUSIONS: Fragmented QRS has emerged as a practical and easily identifiable diagnostic tool for predicting in-hospital cardiac events in acute coronary syndromes. Patients who present with a fragmented QRS demonstrate increased rates of major cardiac events, death risk, and low ejection fraction. In patients with STEMI, the presence of fQRS on the ECG and number of fQRS derivations are a significant predictor of in-hospital major cardiac events.

Red cell distribution width is increased in patients with ascending aortic dilatation.

OBJECTIVES: The prognostic importance of red cell distribution width (RDW) and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in cardiovascular diseases has been shown. Ascending aortic dilatation (AAD) is a common cardiovascular disease and is associated with aortic wall inflammation and cystic degeneration. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between serum levels of RDW, NLR and the presence of AAD. STUDY DESIGN: Two-hundred consecutive patients with AAD diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography were prospectively recruited and were compared to 170 age-gender- matched subjects with normal aortic diameters. Complete blood counts (CBCs) were analyzed for hemoglobin, RDW and NLR counts, as well as mean corpuscular volume (MCV). If possible, results of CBC tests within the previous two years were also included and the averages were used. RESULTS: RDW [median 13.9, interquartile range (IQR) 1.40 vs. median 13.3, IQR 1.05%, p=0.01], NLR (median 2.04, IQR 1.09 vs. median 1.78, IQR 0.90, p=0.01) and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (median 0.60, IQR 0.80 vs. median 0.44, IQR 0.68 mg/L, p=0.01) levels were significantly higher in the AAD group compared to the control group. In univariate correlation analysis, ascending aortic diameters were correlated with RDW levels (r=0.31, p=0.01), NLR levels (r=0.15, p=0.01) and hs-CRP levels (r=0.12, p=0.03). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, increased levels of RDW and hs-CRP remained as the independent correlates of AAD in the study population. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that a RDW measurement higher than >13.8% predicted AAD with a sensitivity of 49.5% and a specificity of 82.8% (area under the curve [AUC] 0.681, p=0.01). CONCLUSION: In patients with AAD, RDW and hs-CRP levels are increased, which may indicate the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of AAD.

Can the T-peak to T-end interval be a predictor of mortality in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction?

BACKGROUND: The interval between the peak and the end of the T wave (Tp-e interval) on 12-lead ECG is a measure of transmural dispersion of repolarization and may be related to malignant ventricular arrhythmias. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the Tp-e interval predicts in-hospital and long-term mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing a primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). METHODS: This study included 488 consecutive patients with STEMI treated with pPCI. Electrocardiograms were obtained after pPCI and the Tp-e interval was measured in leads without ST-segment elevation. RESULTS: There were 46 (9.4%) deaths in the population, with a mean follow-up time of 21.1±10.2 months. The Tp-e interval was associated with not only in-hospital ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation, target vessel revascularization, and death but also long-term target vessel revascularization and death. Furthermore, the Tp-e interval measured using the tail method was found to be a significant predictor of long-term mortality in multivariable Cox analyses [odds ratio 1.018, 95% confidence interval (1.004-1.033)]. Findings were similar in the Tp-e interval and the heart rate-corrected Tp-e interval (cTp-e). CONCLUSION: Tp-e and cTp-e measured using the tail method were found to be predictors of both in-hospital and long-term mortality.

Presence of early repolarization on admission electrocardiography is associated with long-term mortality and MACE in patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous intervention.

BACKGROUND: Early repolarization (ER) is associated with increased risk of sudden cardiac death and ventricular fibrillation (VF) in patients with/without structural heart disease. In this trial we examined the short- and long-term prognostic value of ER on admission electrocardiogram (ECG) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHOD: Consecutive 521 patients with acute STEMI who underwent primary PCI were enrolled prospectively. Twelve-lead ECGs obtained during the initial diagnosis were scanned and stored digitally. The leads showing the typical ST segment elevation due to the acute infarction were excluded and the remaining ECG leads were included in the analysis for the presence of ER. RESULTS: The study group included 61 STEMI patients (55 male; mean age 57.6±12.6 years) with ER and 460 STEMI patients (378 male; mean age 57.1±12.5) without ER on ECG. In the ER group, 14 patients (22.9%) had notching, 10 patients (16.4%) had slurring, and 37 patients (60.7%) had only J-point elevation. When analyzing regional leads, ER was observed mostly in inferior leads (n=40, 65.6%). During the hospitalization period, ventricular tachycardia or VF occurred more frequently in the ER group (19.6% vs. 10.9%; p=0.04) and 6 patients (6.9%) from the ER group and 14 patients (3%) from the control group died (p=0.01). During a follow-up period of 21.1±10.2 months, mortality was significantly higher in the ER group (12.7% vs. 4.2%; p=0.01). When total mortality rates were considered, highest mortality was observed in patients with notching pattern (5/14 subjects; 35.7%) when compared to patients with slurring (3/10 subjects; 30%), patients with only J-point elevation patterns (5/37subjects; 13.5%) and the control group (33/460 subjects; 7.1%). Presence of notching and slurring pattern on admission ECG was found as independent predictors of long-term mortality; whereas presence of only J-point elevation was not. CONCLUSION: Presence of ER pattern in admission ECG in patients with STEMI is associated with both in-hospital and long-term mortality.

Increased level of resistin predicts development of atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Resistin is a peptide hormone that is secreted from lipid cells and is linked to type-2 diabetes, obesity, and inflammation. Being an important adipocytokine, resistin was proven to play an important role in cardiovascular disease. We compared resistin levels in patients with and without atrial fibrillation (AF) to demonstrate the relationship between plasma resistin levels and AF. METHOD: One hundred patients with AF and 58 control patients who were matched in terms of age, gender, and risk factors were included in the trial. Their clinical risk factors, biometric measurements, echocardiographic work up, biochemical parameters including resistin and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were compared. RESULTS: In patients with AF, plasma resistin levels (7.34±1.63ng/mL vs 6.67±1.14ng/mL; p=0.003) and hs-CRP levels (3.01±1.54mg/L vs 2.16±1.28mg/L; p=0.001) were higher than control group. In subgroup analysis, resistin levels were significantly higher in patients with paroxysmal (7.59±1.57ng/mL; p=0.032) and persistent AF (7.73±1.60ng/mL; p=0.006), but not in patients with permanent AF subgroups (6.86±1.61ng/mL; p=0.92) compared to controls. However, hs-CRP levels were significantly higher only in permanent AF patients compared to control group (3.26±1.46mg/L vs 2.16±1.28mg/L; p=0.02). In multivariate regression analysis using model adjusted for age, gender, body mas index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and creatinine levels, plasma resistin levels [odds ratio (OR): 1.30; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.70; p=0.04] and hs-CRP levels (OR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.12-1.86; p=0.004) were the only independent predictors of AF. CONCLUSION: The elevated levels of plasma resistin were related to paroxysmal AF group and persistent AF group, but not to permanent AF group.

Sick euthyroid syndrome is associated with poor prognosis in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous intervention.

BACKGROUND: Concomitant thyroid and heart disease are frequently encountered in clinical practice. There are many studies evaluating thyroid function in acute and critical conditions. Information on thyroid dysfunction in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is limited; its correlation with short and long-term outcome is not fully known. METHODS: Four hundred and fifty seven patients diagnosed with STEMI in our emergency department were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: patients with normal thyroid function (euthyroid) and patients with thyroid dysfunction. STEMI was diagnosed with 12 derivation surface electrocardiogram. Thyroid hormone levels (TSH, free T3 and free T4) were measured. Patients with other acute coronary syndromes and endocrine pathologies except diabetes mellitus were excluded. Two patient groups were compared in terms of in-hospital and long-term outcome. RESULTS: Out of 457, 72 (15%) patients with thyroid dysfunction were detected. The other patients were euthyroid and constituted the control group. In-hospital cardiogenic shock (15% vs. 3% in the control group; p < 0.01) and death (7% vs. 1% in the control group; p < 0.01) were more frequently observed in the thyroid dysfunction group. In the subgroup analysis, it was observed that patients with sick euthyroid syndrome have the poorest outcome. Other markers for poor outcome were anemia and renal failure. CONCLUSIONS: Thyroid dysfunction, particularly sick euthyroid syndrome, was found to be related to in-hospital and long term mortality in patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous intervention.

Elevated levels of RDW is associated with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

Red cell distribution width (RDW) and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have been found to be associated with cardiovascular diseases. Only a few trials have investigated the correlation of these parameters with postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the correlation of these parameters in non-valvular AF is still unclear. We retrospectively analyzed consecutive AF patients from medical records and included 117 non-valvular AF patients (103 paroxysmal and 14 chronic AF). All subjects underwent physical examination and echocardiographic imaging. Complete blood counts (CBCs) were analyzed for hemoglobin, RDW, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts as well as mean corpuscular volume. Results of CBC tests within the previous year were also included and the averages were used. The demographic and echocardiographic properties of non-valvular AF group were comparable to the control group except for left atrial volumes which were increased in AF (median 33.1, IQR 26.3-41.1 cm(3) vs. median 26.4, IQR 24.2-28.9 cm(3); p = 0.01). RDW levels were significantly higher in the AF group (median 13.4 %, IQR 12.9-14.1 %) compared to the control (median 12.6 %, IQR 12.0-13.1 %; p = 0.01). NLR was not statistically different in the AF group and the controls (2.04 ± 0.94 vs. 1.93 ± 0.64, respectively; p = 0.32). Hs-CRP levels were higher in the AF group compared to the controls (median 0.84, IQR 0.30-1.43 mg/L vs. median 0.29, IQR 0.18-0.50 mg/L, respectively; p = 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed RDW (OR 4.18, 95 % CI 2.15-8.15; p = 0.01), hs-CRP (OR 3.76, 95 % CI 1.43-9.89; p = 0.01) and left atrial volume (OR 1.31, 95 % CI 1.06-1.21; p = 0.01) as the independent markers of non-valvular AF. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that hemoglobin levels (standardized ß coefficient = -0.252; p = 0.01) and the presence of AF (standardized ß coefficient = 0.336; p = 0.01) were the independent correlates of RDW levels. Elevated RDW levels, not NLR, may be an independent risk marker for non-valvular AF.

[Cardiac resynchronization therapy in heart failure patients with atrial fibrillation]. / Atriyum fibrilasyonlu kalp yetersizligi bulunan hastalarda kardiyak resenkronizasyon tedavisi.

Despite advances in treatment, heart failure (HF) remains a highly prevalent, worldwide problem with a high morbidity and mortality. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has become an essential therapeutic tool in HF patients with significant dyssynchrony due to intrinsic conduction disease. Although the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with advanced HF is high, those patients are excluded or underrepresented in most of the CRT trails. In randomized studies supporting the benefits and indications for CRT, only 2% of patients had AF. Observational studies, a randomized trial and several meta-analyses showed that HF patients with AF may experience benefits similar to patients with a sinus rhythm in terms of functional capacity and reverse remodeling, quality of life, and even survival. With this review, it was aimed to discuss the clinical issues related to CRT, efficacy, heart rate control strategies, and their effects on the therapy.

Pacemaker implantation complication rates in elderly and young patients.

AIMS: To evaluate the complication rate differences between elderly and younger patients who receive a permanent pacemaker implantation. METHODS: We reviewed all cases admitted to our institution between January 2008 and June 2009 with symptomatic bradyarrhythmia for whom a permanent pacemaker was implanted. Beginning in June 2009, we prospectively collected data from all patients with the same diagnosis and procedure. The frequency of complications due to the pacemaker implantation procedure was evaluated and compared between young (<70 years old) and elderly (≥70 years old) patients. RESULTS: Among 574 patients with a permanent pacemaker, 259 patients (45.1%) were below and 315 patients (54.9%) were above or at 70 years of age. There were 240 (92.7%) and 19 (7.3%) dual-chamber pacemaker (DDD) and single-chamber pacemaker (VVI) implanted patients in the younger group, and 291 (76.8%) and 73 (23.2%) DDD and VVI pacemaker implanted patients in the elderly group, respectively. The complication rate was 39 (15.1%) out of 259 young patients and 24 (7.6%) out of 315 elderly patients. Postprocedural complications were statistically lower in the elderly patients than in younger patients (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: A pacemaker implantation performed by an experienced operator is a safe procedure for patients of advanced age. The patients who are above 70 years old may have less complication rates than the younger patients.

Hematoma complicating permanent pacemaker implantation: the role of periprocedural antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy.

BACKGROUND: Periprocedural management of antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy at the time of device implantation remains controversial. METHODS: We reviewed all cases for whom a pacemaker was implanted in our institution between January 2008 and June 2009. In addition, beginning in June 2009, we prospectively collected data from all patients admitted to our institution, for whom a pacemaker was placed. Clinical characteristics and anticoagulant/antiplatelet drug use were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 574 patients underwent a permanent pacemaker implantation. Of these, 20 patients (3.6%, 9 women) experienced a hematoma on pacemaker pocket site. Patients were aged between 35 and 79 years (mean 60.6 ± 12 years). The frequency of hematoma formation was significantly higher (p<0.001) in those who used warfarin than in those who did not. Aspirin (ASA), clopidogrel, dual antiplatelet therapy (DAT), and bridging to low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) did not increase the risk of hematoma formation (p>0.05). Eleven pocket revisions for hematoma evacuation were needed in 9 patients (1.6%), six of whom were on warfarin therapy (p>0.05). Co-morbidities were similar in patients with and without hematoma (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The frequency of hematoma is within acceptable ranges after pacemaker placement. The use of warfarin seriously increases the risk of hematoma. Bridging to LMWH safely prevents thromboembolism.

Cardiac device-related endocarditis: 31-Years' experience.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac device-related endocarditis (CDE) is a major complication of the implantation of a pacemaker and defibrillator. The experience in a single high-volume tertiary center is reported. METHODS: Thirty one years (1980-2011) of cases of CDE were analyzed retrospectively and compared to overall insertion data; the clinical course and management strategies of these patients have been reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 23 cases (16 male, median age 72 years) were identified, 20 of these cases were determined at our institution where 5287 procedures were performed (endocarditis rate 0.38%). Thirteen patients were determined to have a cardiac device pocket infection. Infection in 7 cases (30%) was caused by lead(s). However, in 16 cases (70%) both leads and the pocket of devices were the reason of infection. Median time was 13.5 months for presentation. Patients who had undergone the last procedure within 6 months were admitted earlier than those with longer post procedure time (p<0.05). Transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated lead vegetations in 13 of the 16 cases (81%). Organisms were identified in 18 cases (78%)-78% Staphylococci (56% Staphylococcus aureus). Leads of the device were removed in 17 cases (74%); seven cases by percutaneous simple traction and 10 cases by sternotomy. Six major complications attributable to device-related endocarditis were observed: four deaths (mortality 17.4%); one splenic abscess requiring splenectomy; and one septic pulmonary embolism; median follow-up 49 months. CONCLUSION: A CDE endocarditis rate of 0.38% was demonstrated. It remains a rare but potentially lethal complication of device implantation.

Anticholinesterase-induced symptoms improved by pacemaker implantation in patients with Alzheimer's disease: analysis of 6 cases.

Herein we describe 6 cases of patients with Alzheimer's disease presented with syncope, dizziness, and dyspnea soon after the initiation of cholinesterase inhibitor therapy. All patients had bradyarrhythmia on electrocardiogram (ECG). Two patients had complete atrioventricular block, 2 pateints had 2/1 type atrioventricular block, 1 patient had sinus bradycardia and hypersensitive carotid sinus syndrome, and 1 had sick sinus syndrome. All these patients were treated with pacemaker implantation and the cholinesterase inhibitor therapy continued. At 13-month follow-up, no syncope, dizziness, or dyspnea was reported.

Atrioventricular block in patients with thyroid dysfunction: prognosis after treatment with hormone supplementation or antithyroid medication.

BACKGROUND: Hypothyroidism is a reversible cause of atrioventricular (AV) block. Few reports have described reversible AV block caused by hyperthyroidism. However, it is unknown whether patients with AV block are expected to have a benign course after the initiation of appropriate therapy for thyroid dysfunction. METHODS: The study group consisted of patients with II or III degree AV block and bradyarrhythmia (≤40bpm) excluding patients with myocardial infarction, electrolyte abnormalities, digitalis toxicity, and vasovagal syncope. Thyroid dysfunction is diagnosed when thyroid stimulating hormone and thyroxine levels are not in defined normal ranges. AV block was determined by surface electrocardiogram (ECG). The cause and effect relation between AV block and thyroid dysfunction was evaluated. RESULTS: Of 668 patients, 29 (4.3%) had hypothyroidism (19 overt) and 21 (3.1%) had hyperthyroidism (8 overt). The most frequent ECG finding was complete AV block (27 of 50 patients). Ten patients had bradyarrhythmia and 13 had second-degree AV block. Euthyroid state was achieved in 10 hypothyroidic (34%) and in 7 hyperthyroidic patients (33%) with hormone replacement and antithyroid therapy, respectively, during the follow-up period (≤21 days). Thyroid dysfunction was found to be not related with AV block in 40 patients (80%). However, in 4 of 10 patients with AV block related to thyroid dysfunction the resolution of AV block occurred after the placement of pacemaker (>21 days). Overall, 44 of 50 (88%) patients with AV block in association with thyroid dysfunction were implanted with a permanent pacemaker. Of 6 patients who did not receive a pacemaker, 2 had complete AV block and 4 had bradyarrythmia. CONCLUSION: AV block associated with thyroid dysfunction needs great attention regardless of type of the thyroid disease. Patients with II and/or III degree AV block in the setting of thyroid dysfunction almost always need permanent pacemaker insertion even after normalization of thyroid status.