[Long-term results of radiofrequency catheter ablation of long-lasting persistent atrial fibrillation: five years of follow-up].

AIM: To evaluate long-term results of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) vs. rate-control strategy in patients with long-lasting persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) METHODS: We assessed 5-years results in 66 patients (53.3+/-12.3 years old, 8 women) with long-lasting persistent AF who underwent RFA (ablation group), as well as in age-gender-AF duration-matched patients who were treated with rate-control strategy (rate-control group).The ablation strategy consisted of wide-area circumferential lines around pulmonary veins, roof lines and extensive RFA of the left atrial substrate modification using a three-dimensional mapping system. Incidence of sinus rhythm (SR) maintenance, death, stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), worsening of heart failure (NYHA) were evaluated after 5 years of follow-up. RESULTS: After 5 years of follow up SR was present in 38 (56%) of 42 who were under follow up patients of ablation group and all patients had AF in rate-control group (95% CI 0.02247-0.3598; p=0.0001). Seventeen (27%) patients of ablation group continued to take atniarrhythmic drugs. 29 (44%) patients of ablation group vs. 48 (73%) patients of rate-control group received warfarin (95% CI 0.442-1.1; p=0.046) at five years of follow up. After five years of follow up the incidence of MI, stroke, worsening of heart failure functional class, and death in the ablation/rate-control groups were 0%/7.5% (95% CI 0.05247-0.30898; p=0,006), 0%/9% (95% CI 0.08903-0.32561; p=0.001), 6%/25% (95% CI 0.147-0.894; p=0.006), and 0.02%/0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with long-lasting persistent AF ablation strategy results in stable SR in the majority of patients, and decreased incidence of cardiovascular events compared with rate-control strategy during up to 5 years of follow-up.

[Clinical features and history of vasovagal syncope].

Aim of this investigation was to study special characteristics of natural course of vasovagal syncope (VVS). During 3 years we examined 212 patients (44% men) in accordance with recommendations of European Society of Cardiology using tilt tests according to Westminster or Italian protocols for confirmation of vasovagal genesis. Depending on results of initial investigation patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 comprised 144 patients (68%) satisfying criteria of VVS; group 2 comprised other patients (n=41, 19%) with transitory loss of consciousness of unclear origin. Patients with VVS were significantly younger (mean age 35.1+/-13.6 and 44.4+/-13.,9 years, respectively; <0.01) with earlier appearance of first episode of fainting (16 vs. 39 years; <0,01). In most cases VVS appeared in the age younger than 35 years. Accuracy of anamnestic method for diagnosis of VVS was 99%. Forty one percent of patients with classical VVS had several potential causes of fainting (situational syncope, paroxysms of tachyarrhythmia, epilepcy). This could lead to mistakes at initial stage of diagnostics. Progressive clinical course was observed in 15% of patients and was associated either with syncopi of other, including nonvagal origin, or with increased frequency of previously stereotypical attacks. In every second patient with initially frequent recurrences of VVS we observed long spontaneous remissions. Nondrug methods of treatment were effective in 43% of these patients. Tilt test had high informative power for diagnostics of VVS. With this its informativity was low in patients with onset of fainting attacks in middle age and with atypical clinical picture.

[Assessment of vasovagal origin of syncope based on history features].

Study aim was to elaborate questionnaire for diagnostics of vasovagal syncope (VVS) based on data of anamnesis. We examined 182 patients (mean age 37.1+/-14.3 years, 78 men, 104 women). Initial examination included anamnesis, physical examination, electrocardiography at rest, measurement of blood pressure in orthostasis. Each patient was asked 82 questions describing duration of symptoms, characteristics of episodes of loss of consciousness, symptoms of prodromal period before loss on consciousness and in the period of recovery. As a standard method of VVS diagnostics of we used tilt test (TT) according to Westminster or Italian protocols. Using methods of statistical analysis we created questionnaire for diagnostics of VVS. Tilt-positive group comprised 108 patients (age 35.9+/-14.6 years, 45% men), tilt-negative group comprised 74 patients (age 36.1+/-14.3 years, 39% men). Of 82 testing questions 8 had probability ratio (PR) >1 and were significant predictors (<0.05) of positive TT. Seven questions had <1 and were significant predictors (<0.05) of negative TT. These questions were included into logistical regression analysis. The final variant of the questionnaire comprises 15 vasovagal origin questions. Total score necessary for diagnosis of VVS is more or equal 1. Sensitivity of questionnaire for prediction of positive result of TT was 95%, specificity - 57%. This allows to using it as a screening test for selection of further method of investigation in patients with episodes of loss of consciousness.

[Heart rate variability in the prognosis of tilt-testing results].

Study aim was assessment of dynamics of spectral parameters of heart rate variability (HRV) during the Westminster and Italian protocols of tilt-test (TT). We included in this study 114 patients with recurrent vasovagal syncope (VVS). Basing on TT results we distinguished 4 groups of patients: with positive result of the Westminster protocol (WPTT) (group 1, n=30); with negative result of WPTT (group 2, n=23); with positive result of the Italian protocol (IPTT) (group 3, n=44); with negative result of IPTT (group 4, n=11). Control group comprised 14 healthy persons without history of syncope. Spectral parameters of HRV were analyzed in 3 five minutes intervals (before TT in horizontal position, during first and last 5 minutes of orthostasis). Structure of vasovagal responses was similar for all TT protocols used. In lying position in patients of groups 1-3 lower values of LF1 and LF1/HF1 were registered, as well as high values of HF1 compared with the control group and patients with negative results of IPTT. Initial stage of TT in patients with positive result of WPTT (group 1) was characterized by almost twofold increase of LF values (n.u.) and decrease of HF parameters (n.u.) compared with other patients. In the group 1 during the second period.

[Frequency of detection the of Brugada syndrome signs in the course of ECG registration].

The aim of the study was to assess prevalence of the Brugada syndrome during carrying out ECG in the conditions of medico-sanitary division of a large industrial enterprise. Signs of the Brugada syndrome were found on 20 of 42779 ECGs (0.047%) registered during 1 year in patients aged 22-68 years. Type 2 syndrome was noted in 4 patients, others had type 2 of the syndrome. Men comprised 90% of patients. At 24 hour ECG monitoring paroxysm of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia was registered in 1 patient during night hours. Cases of sudden death were registered in families of 3 patients (all men older than 45 years). Four patients experienced syncopi clinical picture of which resembled more neurocardiogenic but not arrhythmic attacks. Thus prevalence of the Brugada syndrome in our population was quite low.

[Cardioselective beta-adrenoblockers in patients with stable angina pectoris. Comparison of efficacy and safety].

AIM: To compare efficacy and safety of cardioselectivc beta-blockers (BB) in patients with stable angina. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An open comparative randomized trial with participation of 40 patients suffering from stable angina (NYHA FC II-III) was made. All the patients were divided into two groups. Patients of group 1 received betaxolol, those of group 2--other selective BB: metoprolol (n = 13), bisoprolol N = 6, nebivolol (n = 1). The BB dose was doubled each 2 weeks up to achievement of the maximal tolerable dose. The trial continued for 2 months during which the patients were also given aspirin, statins, ACE inhibitors, mononitrates, amlodipin and thiazide diuretics. The efficacy of the treatment was assessed by the data of the treadmill test by Brus protocol, echocardiography according to ASE recommendations, high resolution ultrasound examination of endothelium-related relaxation of the brachial artery. Lipid transport parameters were estimated with enzyme techniques. RESULTS: A mean dose of betaxolol, metoprolol and bisoprolol was 14 +/- 4.5 mg/day, 127 +/- 24 mg/ day, 10 +/- 4 mg/day. A noticeable lowering of heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) was observed in both groups, but HR in group 1 decreased more (57.35 +/- 5.19 and 62.4 +/- 8.84 b/m, respectively, p = 0.033) and systolic pressure showed a trend to greater reduction. Exercise tolerance in both groups was compatible. The lowest threshold HR was achieved in betaxolol group (a fall from 133.8 +/- 23.5) to 105.0 +/- 14, 23 b/min (p+0.027). Endotheium-related relaxation of the brachial artery was improved in betaxolol group: the diameter of the artery increased from 6.38 +/- 4.32 to 9.22 +/- 4.37% (p = 0.057), the peak blood flow velocity--from 14.81 +/- 3.91 to 23.87 +/- 3.7% (p = 0.031). In group 2 a positive trend in these parameters was not observed. BB had no negative effect on left ventricular contractility, parameters of transmitral blood flow, bronchial conduction, metabolism. CONCLUSION: Compared to other BB, betaxolol had a stronger effect on hemodynamic parameters (HR and BP) at rest and exercise, improved endothelial vascular function in patients with stable angina.