Acute kidney injury after transcatheter aortic valve implantation and mortality risk-long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) complicating transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is relatively frequent and associated with significant morbidity. Previous studies have shown a higher 30-day and 1-year mortality risk in patients with periprocedural AKI. Our aim was to identify the prognostic impact of periprocedural AKI on long-term follow-up. METHODS: This is a single-center prospective study evaluating patients undergoing TAVI for severe aortic stenosis. AKI was defined according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium 2 definition, as an absolute increase in serum creatinine ≥0.3 mg/dL or an increase >50% within the first week following TAVI. Mortality data were compared between patients who developed AKI and those who did not. Logistic and Cox regressions were used for survival analysis. RESULTS: The final analysis included 1086 consecutive TAVI patients. AKI occurred in 201 patients (18.5%). During the follow-up period, 289 patients died. AKI was associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality {4.5 versus 1.9% in the non-AKI group; hazard ratio [HR] 3.70 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.35-10.13]}. Although 1-year mortality was higher in the AKI group in univariate analysis, it was not significant after a multivariate regression. AKI was a strong predictor of longer-term mortality [42.3 versus 22.7% for 7-year mortality; HR 1.71 (95% CI 1.30-2.25)]. In 189 of 201 patients we had data regarding recovery from AKI up to 30 days after discharge. In patients with recovery from AKI, the mortality rate was lower (38.2 versus 56.6% in the nonrecovery group; P = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Periprocedural AKI following TAVI is a strong risk factor for short-term as well as long-term mortality (up to 7 years). Therefore more effort is needed to reduce this complication.

Prevention of post procedural acute kidney injury in the catheterization laboratory in a real-world population.

BACKGROUND: Radiologists and cardiologists have a remarkably different approach to the clinical importance and to the need for prophylactic treatment of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of forced diuresis with matched controlled hydration (FMH) in a real-world, high risk population. METHODS: This is an investigator-driven, single-center, retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. A total of 150 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography, angioplasty or TAVR who were treated with FMH were compared to a matched historical control cohort. RESULTS: In the FMH treated patients, eGFR improved following the procedure from 37ml/min per 1.73m2 at baseline to 39ml/min per 1.73m2 (p<0.001); the net creatinine decreased from 1.85mg/dl to 1.78mg/dl (p<0.001). Among the matched control group, eGFR deteriorated from a baseline value of 36.7ml/min per 1.73m2 to 33.2ml/min per 1.73m2 post procedurally (p<0.001); the net creatinine increased from 1.88mg/dl to 2.14mg/dl (p<0.001). The incidence of post procedural AKI was substantially lower in the FMH treated group (2.7%) compared to the control group (26.7%). By multivariable analysis FMH treatment was independently correlated with reduced incidence of post procedural AKI compared with the control group (OR 0.06, p<0.001). Contrast volume did not correlate with AKI in neither univariate nor multivariate analyses. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing coronary angiography, angioplasty or TAVR, who are considered high risk to develop post procedural AKI, forced diuresis with matched controlled hydration resulted in a significant net creatinine decrease, eGFR increase and a decrease in the incidence of AKI.

Variance in Biomarker Usefulness as Indicators for Carotid and Coronary Atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease. Nevertheless, the role of specific biomarkers as indicators for both coronary and carotid diseases is debatable. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association of biomarkers with coronary and carotid disease. METHODS: We studied 522 consecutive patients with stable angina. All underwent coronary angiography and carotid duplex study on the same day. Patients with no apparent carotid plaques were evaluated for carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) using an automated system that sampled over 100 samples in each carotid artery. Biochemical markers of cardiovascular disease risk were obtained at the time of coronary angiography, including serum lipid levels, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), white blood cell count, fibrinogen and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 66 ± 11; 73% were males. Significant carotid stenosis was associated with higher hs-CRP (9.4 ± 17 vs. 6.3 ± 13 mg/L, P = 0.001), while high HbA1c (6.7 ± 1.6 vs. 5.8 ± 0.8%, P 0.001) and low high density lipoprotein levels (40 ± 9 vs. 47 ± 14 mg/dl, P < 0.001) were linked with advanced coronary artery disease severity. In contrast, CIMT was not related to any of the biomarkers evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Although atherosclerosis is considered a systemic disease, different biomarkers are associated with coronary and carotid artery disease. Identifying the specific biomarkers for each disease is important for both prevention and for exposing the underlying pathophysiologic mechanism.

High red blood cell distribution width and preclinical carotid atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Preclinical carotid atherosclerosis is associated with future risk of stroke. Data regarding the correlation between carotid atherosclerosis and biomarkers, which might predict the risk for the disease has been inconsistent and conflicting. Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is also related to adverse clinical outcomes. Studies examining the relationship between RDW and preclinical and clinical carotid atherosclerosis were non-conclusive. OBJECTIVE: To study the association between RDW and preclinical carotid atherosclerosis in a large heterogeneous cohort. METHODS: Patients underwent Doppler ultrasound of the common carotid artery and Carotid Intima Media Thickness (CIMT). Advanced CIMT software analyzed over 100 samples in each exam. Blood samples for RDW were obtained on the same day. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the correlation between RDW and preclinical carotid atherosclerosis. RESULTS: Five hundred and twenty-two consecutive patients were included, with a mean age of 6.6 ± 11. A cut-off value of 14.1% was used to differentiate between high and low RDW groups. The higher RDW group (RDW above 14.1%) was significantly older and with more cardiovascular risk factors. In a multivariate analysis, in all the patients including those treated by lipid modifying therapies, high RDW was significantly associated with advanced CIMT (OR = 2.35, CI 95% 1.28-4.30, p = 0.006). This association remained significant in subgroups of non-diabetic patients as well as patients not treated by lipid modifying drugs. RDW was also associated with significant carotid artery stenosis (OR = 1.77, CI 95% 1.12-2.82, p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: High RDW correlates with increased risk for preclinical and clinical carotid atherosclerosis.

High red blood cell distribution width is associated with the metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: High values of Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (RDW) have been associated with adverse outcome in various clinical settings. The mechanism behind this association is not clear. The Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that increases the risk for cardiovascular disease and death. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between high RDW and the MetS in a relatively large cohort of patients. METHODS: A cohort of 3,529 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography was used to evaluate the association between RDW and the MetS. The association was assessed by using a logistic regression. Cox's regression analysis was used to evaluate the impact of RDW on long term mortality. RESULTS: The mean age was 65 years (range 24-97), with 27% women. Overall, 30% were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of MetS was 29% in patients with RDW <14% and 34% in patients with RDW ≥14% (P = 0.003).Using multivariate analysis, RDW values above 14% were independently associated with MetS (odds ratio 1.2 [95% CI 1.0-1.4], P = 0.043). Among all the criteria of the metabolic syndrome, hypertension, elevated glucose levels and abdominal obesity were associated with high RDW, with hypertension being the strongest criteria, with an increased risk of 1.8 fold ([95% CI 1.5-2.1]; P = 0.001). During follow up (1614 ± 709 days, 2-2763 days), long term mortality was 8% in the low RDW group and 28% in the high RDW group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: RDW ≥14% is independently associated with higher rates of metabolic syndrome and long-term all-cause mortality.

Anemia in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients with Markers of Inadequate Bone Marrow Response.

BACKGROUND: Anemia confers an adverse prognosis in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Several mechanisms have been implicated in the etiology of anemia in this setting, including inflammation, blood loss, and the presence of comorbidities such as renal failure. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the adequacy of bone marrow response as potentially reflected by elevation in blood and reticulocyte counts. METHODS: Consecutive men with STEMI who underwent primary percutaneous intervention within 6 hours of symptom onset and who presented to our catheterization laboratory during a 36 month period were included in the study. The cohort was divided into quartiles according to hemoglobin concentration, and differences in clinical and laboratory characteristics between the groups were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 258 men with STEMI were recruited, 22% of whom suffered from anemia according to the World Health Organization classification (hemoglobin < 13 g/dl). Men in the lowest quartile of hemoglobin concentration presented with significantly lower white blood cell and platelet counts (9.6 ± 2.9 vs. 12.6 ± 3.6 x 103/µl, P < 0.001) and (231 ± 79 vs. 263 ± 8 x 103/µl, P < 0.01), respectively, despite higher inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein and fibrinogen) compared with patients in the upper hemoglobin concentration quartile. Reticulocyte production index was not significantly higher in anemic patients, with a value of 1.8, 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6 in the ascending hemoglobin quartiles, respectively (P = 0.292). CONCLUSIONS: Anemic men with STEMI have relatively lower leukocyte and platelet counts as well as a reduced reticulocyte count despite higher inflammatory biomarkers. These findings might suggest inadequate bone marrow response.

Relation of metabolic syndrome with long-term mortality in acute and stable coronary disease.

Past studies examining the effects of the metabolic syndrome (MS) on prognosis in postangiography patients were limited in size or were controversial in results. The aim of the study was to examine the association of the MS and the risk for long-term mortality in a large cohort of patients undergoing coronary angiography for various clinical indications. Medical history, physical examination, and laboratory values were used to diagnose patients with the MS. Cox regression models were used to analyze the effect of MS on long-term all-cause mortality. We prospectively recruited 3,525 consecutive patients with a mean age of 66 ± 22 years (range 24 to 97) and 72% men. Thirty percent of the cohort had MS. Patients with MS were more likely to have advanced coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndrome (p <0.001). Patients with MS had more abnormalities in their metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers regardless of their clinical presentation. A total of 495 deaths occurred during a mean follow-up period of 1,614 ± 709 days (median 1,780, interquartile range 1,030 to 2,178). MS was associated with an increased risk of death in the general cohort (hazard ratio [HR] 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01 to 1.56, p = 0.02). MS had a significant effect on mortality in stable patients (HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.18, p = 0.01), whereas it did not have a significant effect on mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome (HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.44, p = 0.42). In conclusion, MS is associated with increased mortality in postangiography patients. Its adverse outcome is mainly seen in patients with stable angina.

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and long-term survival in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction.

INTRODUCTION: High RDW values are associated with adverse prognosis in many clinical conditions including short and medium term outcome of patients with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between RDW and long term mortality in STEMI patients undergoing primary angioplasty (PPCI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cohort of 535 STEMI patients undergoing PPCI were divided into two groups (RDW > 14%, RDW ≤ 14%) using CHAID and CART methods. The association between RDW and 5-year all-cause mortality was assessed using Cox's proportional hazards analysis. RESULTS: A total of 37 patients died during follow up of 5 years (mean: 1059, median: 1013, range 2-2130 days). RDW > 14% was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 5, CI 95% 2.7- 9.9, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, RDW > 14 remained significantly associated with increased risk for all-cause mortality (HR = 3.8, CI 95% 1.8- 7.99, p < 0.001). Patients with RDW above 14% did not have lower ejection fraction, higher CPK or more conventional risk factors. CONCLUSION: RDW value above 14 is independently associated with increased long term all-cause mortality in patients with STEMI undergoing PPCI.

Polymer-free drug-eluting stent in unselected patient population: a single center experience.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical performance of the Cre8™ polymer-free drug-eluting-stent in unselected real-life population. BACKGROUND: Inflammation plays a key role in the multi-factorial process eventually leading to target vessel failure (TVF) after drug-eluting-stent (DES) implantation. The local chronic inflammatory reaction in the vessel wall at the site of stent implantation is, at least in part, attributed to interaction between the polymer coating of DES and vessel wall components. The belief that elimination of the polymer will reduce the occurrence of short and long-term TVF has led to the field of polymer-free DES development. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this prospective, open-labeled, single-center, uncontrolled trial we enrolled consecutive patients undergoing PCI to receive the Cre8™ stent. The only exclusion criteria were in-stent restenosis and target vessel diameter <2.5mm. Primary end points were cardiac death and target vessel failure (TVF) at 1-year. Overall, 215 patients were enrolled, in which 318 Cre8 stents were implanted. Study population was characterized by a high prevalence of comorbidities including 38% of diabetics. More than 50% presented with acute coronary syndromes. During 1-year of follow-up there were 1 case of sudden death and 1 case of non-cardiac death, as well as 2 cases of TVF. CONCLUSION: In this small single-center trial of unselected real-life population, the polymer-free Cre8™ DES appears to be effective, as it was associated with very low rates of target-vessel-failure up to 1-year follow-up.

Higher neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio is related to lower ejection fraction and higher long-term all-cause mortality in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients.

BACKGROUND: Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a novel biomarker that can single out individuals at risk for vascular events. We assessed whether NLR provides additive prognostic value in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: NLR was computed from the absolute values of neutrophils and lymphocytes from the complete blood count of patients who underwent primary coronary angioplasty for STEMI. The cohort was divided into 2 groups according to NLR (NLR ≥ 6.5%, NLR < 6.5%) using χ(2) automatic interaction detection. The association between NLR and in-hospital clinical complications and left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) was assessed using logistic regression. The association between NLR, 30-day and 5-year all-cause mortality were analyzed using Cox regression models, adjusting for potential clinical, metabolic, and inflammatory confounders. RESULTS: In a group of 538 consecutive STEMI patients, high NLR (NLR ≥ 6.5%) was independently associated with increased 30-day and 5-years mortality rates (odds ratio, 15.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-154; P = 0.018; and hazard ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-4.8; P = 0.039, respectively). High NLR was also independently associated with lower EF (49 ± 8 vs 46 ± 8; P < 0.001) and fewer hospital complications. CONCLUSIONS: In patients presenting with STEMI, high NLR was independently associated with lower EF, fewer hospital complications, and higher mortality rates up to 5 years. NLR value appears additive to conventional risk factors and commonly used biomarkers.

Hyperglycemia in patients referred for cardiac catheterization is associated with preexisting diabetes rather than a stress-related phenomenon: a prospective cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: An increased serum glucose level in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is associated with adverse clinical outcome. This hyperglycemia has been attributed, at least in part, to acute stress reaction. Our objective was to determine whether hyperglycemia is a stress-related phenomenon or whether it represents a more sustained and possibly significant background dysglycemia. HYPOTHESIS: Hyperglycemia in patients undergoing coronary angiography is related to background dysglycemia. METHODS: Blood samples were obtained at the time of cardiac catheterization. Patients with hemoglobin A1c >6.5% were excluded to avoid patients with chronic glucose levels above 135 mg/dL. A logistic regression model was created to assess the influence of different variables on hyperglycemia (glucose levels above 140 mg/dL). We also evaluated the effect of glucose levels above 140 mg/dL on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) up to 36 months. RESULTS: There were 2554 consecutive patients prospectively recruited. Serum glucose levels above 140 mg/dL was a strong predictor of MACE (hazard ratio: 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-3.6, P = 0.002). Both diabetes mellitus and ACS were associated with hyperglycemia (glucose levels above 140 mg/dL). Nevertheless, the incidence of hyperglycemia was doubled in diabetic patients (odds ratio [OR]: 9.4, 95% CI: 3.9-22.4, P < 0.001) compared with patients with ACS (OR: 4.6, 95% CI: 2.3-9.0, P < 0.001). Combining both conditions was associated with a high likelihood of elevated glucose levels (OR: 15.5, 95% CI: 7.4-32.9, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Hyperglycemia in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization is a strong predictor of adverse outcome. It is mainly related to background dysglycemia and to a lesser extent to the acute stress accompanying ACS.

Lack of correlation between coronary blood flow and carotid intima media thickness.

BACKGROUND: The phenomenon of slow coronary flow (SCF) in the presence of normal coronary arteries may indicate endothelial dysfunction, which is characteristic of an early stage in the development of atherosclerosis. Measurement of the Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) allows identification of early stages of atherosclerosis. CIMT might offer a non-invasive method of diagnosing SCF patients. Previous studies demonstrated conflicting results regarding the relationship between these two phenomena. In the present study, we examined the association between coronary flow velocity and the degree of CIMT in patients with angiographically normal coronary arteries. METHODS: Coronary arterial blood flow velocity was measured using two methods - Corrected Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) Frame Count (CTFC) and Coronary Clearance Frame Count (CCFC). In addition, we measured the level of the CIMT using a special automated computerized software. RESULTS: Seventy Five consecutive patients were prospectively recruited. No correlation was found between CIMT and mean CTFC (r = -0.08, p = NS) or mean CCFC (r = -0.07, p = NS). In addition, CIMT values did not differ between the SCF and the Normal coronary flow (NCF) groups (0.796 mm vs. 0.805 mm, respectively, p = 0.733). Patients with SCF had higher levels of hematocrit (39.9% vs. 36.1%, p < 0.001), LDL cholesterol (101.1 mg/dl vs. 85.8 mg/dl, p = 0.01) and higher rate of current smokers (28.9% vs. 10.8%, p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with angiographically normal coronary arteries and SCF do not have increased CIMT values. However, current smoking, higher LDL cholesterol and hematocrit levels are all related to slower coronary blood flow.

Inverse correlation between coronary and retinal blood flows in patients with normal coronary arteries and slow coronary blood flow.

BACKGROUND: The "Slow Coronary Flow" (SCF) phenomenon in the presence of angiographically normal coronaries is attributed to microvascular and endothelial dysfunction. The microcirculation can be non-invasively assessed by measuring retinal blood flow velocity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of the "Retinal Functional Imager" (RFI) device as a noninvasive method of diagnosing patients with slow coronary flow. METHODS: Coronary blood flow velocity assessed by corrected TIMI Frame Count and retinal arterioles blood flow assessed by RFI were measured in 28 consecutive patients with normal coronary arteries. The patients were divided into 2 groups: a slow coronary flow (SCF) and a normal coronary flow (NCF) groups. RESULTS: Inverse correlation was found between retinal and coronary blood flows so that higher retinal arterial flow velocity was observed in the SCF group (3.8 ± 1.1 mm/s vs. 2.9 ± 0.61 mm/s, respectively, p = 0.022). RFI provided 73% sensitivity and 77% specificity for diagnosing SCF using ROC analysis. Additionally, patients with SCF had higher values of serum LDL cholesterol (104.7 ± 18.93 mg/dl vs. 81.55 ± 14.62 mg/dl in NCF, p = 0.005), Glucose (96.9 ± 23.0 mg/dl vs. 83.55 ± 9.7 mg/dl in NCF, p = 0.024), and lower percentage of statin consumption (40.0% vs. 76.9% in NCF, p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Slow coronary blood flow can be non-invasively diagnosed with Retinal Functional Imager. Patients with normal coronary arteries and slow coronary blood flow have high retinal arteriolar blood flow. Early non-invasive diagnosis of SCF might help detect individuals who are at higher risk to develop coronary atherosclerosis, and to provide them with early preventive measures.

Decline in serum cholinesterase activities predicts 2-year major adverse cardiac events.

Parasympathetic activity influences long-term outcome in patients with cardiovascular disease, but the underlying mechanism(s) linking parasympathetic activity and the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) are incompletely understood. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the association between serum cholinesterase activities as parasympathetic biomarkers and the risk for the occurrence of MACEs. Cholinergic status was determined by measuring the cumulative capacity of serum acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) to hydrolyze the AChE substrate acetylthiocholine. Cholinergic status was evaluated in randomly selected patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. The patients were divided into two groups of 100 patients in each group, with or without occurrence of MACEs during a follow-up period of 40 months. Cox regression models adjusted for potential clinical, metabolic and inflammatory confounders served to evaluate association with clinical outcome. We found that patients with MACE presented lower cholinergic status and AChE values at catheterization (1,127 ± 422 and 359 ± 153 nmol substrate hydrolyzed per minute per milliliter, respectively) than no-MACE patients (1,760 ± 546 and 508 ± 183 nmol substrate hydrolyzed per minute per milliliter, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively), whose levels were comparable to those of matched healthy controls (1,622 ± 303 and 504 ± 126 nmol substrate hydrolyzed per minute per milliliter, respectively). In a multivariate analysis, patients with AChE or total cholinergic status values below median showed conspicuously elevated risk for MACE (hazard ratio 1.85 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-3.15, p = 0.02] and 2.21 [95% CI 1.22-4.00, p = 0.009]) compared with those above median, even after adjusting for potential confounders. We conclude that parasympathetic dysfunction expressed as reduced serum AChE and AChE activities in patients compared to healthy controls can together reflect impaired parasympathetic activity. This impairment predicts the risk of MACE up to 40 months in such patients. Monitoring these parasympathetic parameters might help in the risk stratification of patients with cardiovascular disease.

Admission glucose, fasting glucose, HbA1c levels and the SYNTAX score in non-diabetic patients undergoing coronary angiography.

BACKGROUND: Pre-diabetic state is a major risk factor for the development of diabetes and cardiovascular events. Admission glucose, fasting glucose and HbA1c levels have an effect on prognosis in patients with pre-diabetes and in non-diabetic individuals. The aim of the present study was to investigate which of the following glucometabolic markers (admission glucose, fasting glucose and HbA1c levels) is correlated with the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in non-diabetic patients. METHODS: CAD severity according to SYNTAX score was prospectively evaluated in 226 non-diabetic patients hospitalized with myocardial infarction or stable angina and underwent coronary angiography. Glucose intolerance was assessed by serum admission glucose, fasting glucose and HbA1c levels. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate which glucometabolic factor has the strongest correlation with CAD severity. RESULTS: HbA1c was the only glucometabolic factor associated with SYNTAX score above 22 (OR = 3.03, CI 95% 1.03-8.9, p = 0.04). HbA1c was also significantly associated with CAD severity in subgroup analysis (MI and stable angina). CONCLUSIONS: In non-diabetic patients with myocardial infarction or stable angina, HbA1c levels correlate with CAD severity as measured by the SYNTAX score. No correlation was found between admission glucose or fasting glucose levels and CAD severity.

Red blood cell distribution width and 3-year outcome in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW), which is routinely reported in complete blood counts, is a measure of the variability in size of circulating erythrocytes. RDW is a novel, independent predictor of prognosis in patients with cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the significance of this biomarker in a relatively large cohort of patients, and to assess its association with a more severe underlying cardiovascular disease. A cohort of 3,222 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography was divided according RDW median. The association between RDW and 3-year outcome in the context of other predictors was assessed using Cox's proportional hazards analysis. Patients with elevated RDWs were older, had higher body mass indices, and had more cardiovascular risk factors and more cardiovascular diseases. The total rate of mortality, MI and stroke (MACE) was 7.7% (120 events) in the lower RDW group, and 18.2% (303 events) in the higher RDW group, p < 0.001. Following adjustment for multiple background risk factors, medications, and laboratory results, the RDW value was independently associated with worse outcome (HR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.07-1.18, p < 0.001, for each 1% increase in RDW). Elevated RDW values are independently associated with adverse 3-year outcome in patients undergoing coronary angiography.

Cardiovascular risk factors in men with ischemic heart disease and erectile dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in men with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and erectile dysfunction (ED). METHODS: We studied cardiovascular risk factors in men with IHD and ED, who undergo coronary angiography. All men filled the Sexual Health Inventory for Males questionnaire (SHIM). SHIM questionnaire scores between 17 and 21 represented mild ED. SHIM questionnaire scores of 16 or lower represented significant ED. Cardiovascular risk factors included the following: age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, hyperlipidemia, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤30%, and 3-vessel disease. Binary regression analysis was used to study which cardiovascular risk factors were independently associated with ED. RESULTS: The study included 171 men. Mean age was 64.2 ± 12.6 years. Overall, 61 men (35.7%) had mild ED and 80 men (46.8%) had significant ED. More than half of men (n = 101; 59.1%) had 3 or more cardiovascular risk factors. Age was the only cardiovascular risk factor independently associated with significant ED (odds ratio 1.154; 95% confidence interval 1.081-1.232; P <.0001). No cardiovascular risk factors were independently associated with mild ED. CONCLUSION: ED and its cardiovascular risk factors are highly prevalent in men with IHD. However, only age is independently associated with significant ED in this population.

Platelet inhibitory effect of clopidogrel in patients treated with omeprazole, pantoprazole, and famotidine: a prospective, randomized, crossover study.

BACKGROUND: Concerns about an inhibitory effect of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on clopidogrel metabolism have been raised. Because the pharmacological effect of clopidogrel is dependent on genetically determined activity of the hepatic cytochrome P450 isoenzymes system, it is important to examine the interaction between different PPIs and high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) after controlling for genetic variability. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of 2 PPIs and a histamine-2 (H2) receptor-blocker on platelet reactivity in a crossover trial where each patient was alternately treated with each drug. HYPOTHESIS: Omeprazole reduces HPR more than other PPI or H2 blockers. METHODS: Patients treated with aspirin and clopidogrel for at least 1 month were assigned to 3 consecutive 1-month treatment periods during which they were treated with each of the 3 study medications twice daily: omeprazole 20 mg, famotidine 40 mg, and pantoprazole 20 mg. At the end of each treatment phase, platelet function was evaluated with the Verify Now system using 2 cutoff values (>208 P2Y12 reaction units [PRUs] and >230 PRUs) for the definition of HPR. RESULTS: Patients with HPR were older than those without HPR (62 ± 10 vs 55 ± 8 years, respectively, P = 0.03). HPR was more prevalent during omeprazole therapy compared to famotidine or pantoprazole (48%, 33%, and 31%, respectively, for the 208 PRU cutoff, P= 0.04; and 37%, 17%, and 23%, respectively, for the 230 PRU cutoff, P= 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: After eliminating the effects of interindividual variability in clopidogrel metabolism, omeprazole therapy was associated with substantially more HPR than famotidine or pantoprazole.

Impact of estimated glomerular filtration rate on vascular disease extent and adverse cardiovascular events in patients without chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) predicts major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), though the effect of eGFR on MACE and vascular disease extent among individuals with normal or mildly impaired renal function requires definition. Our aim was to examine the prognostic implications of eGFR and its effect on atherosclerosis burden in individuals without CKD undergoing vascular imaging studies. METHODS: The study enrolled 2746 consecutive patients undergoing clinically-driven coronary angiography who had an eGFR > 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) and no history of CKD. Same-day carotid duplex results were available for 317 patients. Patients were followed for up to 3 years for the occurrence of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke. RESULTS: After adjustment for potential clinical and biochemical confounders, eGFR was found to be independently associated with coronary artery disease extent in the entire study population and among patients with normal renal function (n = 1170; eGFR > 90 mL/min/1.73 m(2)): odds ratio (OR) = 1.16 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-1.24) and OR = 1.25 (95% CI, 1.11-1.4) per 10 mL/min decrements in eGFR, respectively. Similarly, eGFR was independently associated with carotid artery stenosis in the entire cohort (OR, 1.86 [95% CI, 1.12-3.1]). By Cox regression analysis, eGFR was an independent predictor of the composite MACE end point (hazard ratio, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.04-1.28]), and all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.38 [95% CI, 1.19-1.60]). CONCLUSIONS: eGFR is an independent predictor of atherosclerotic vascular disease extent and MACE rates in patients with normal or mildly impaired renal function.