[Personal Resources of Adolescents in Eastern and Western Germany - Results of the KiGGS Study 15 and 25 years after the German Reunification]. / Personale Ressourcen von Jugendlichen in Ost- und Westdeutschland ­ Ergebnisse der KiGGS-Studie 15 und 25 Jahre nach der Wende.

QUESTIONS: More than 15 years after the German reunification, were there differences in the personal resources among adolescents born around 1989 between East and West? How did the differences of this generation develop? METHODS: Data from the study on the health of children, adolescents and young adults in Germany (KiGGS study) from the years 2003-2006 and 2014-2017 are used to determine the prevalence of low personal resources in 14-17-year-old adolescents in Eastern and Western Germany. Cross-sectional data at both time periods are compared between East and West, and longitudinal data are used to follow the cohort over the course of age RESULTS: Around 15 years after the German reunification, 14- to 17-year-olds from East Germany more frequently show fewer personal resources and have lower self-efficacy expectations than adolescents of the same age in West Germany. 10 years later, these differences are barely visible and have partially reversed. The east-west differences found cannot be explained by the different socio-economic situations of the families in East and West. DISCUSSION: The results show that in the 2000s, adolescents born around 1989 from families living in Eastern Germany, showed a higher risk of having fewer personal resources than adolescents from families living in Western Germany. 25 years after the German reunification this is no longer recognizable. While the differences between East and West decrease over time, the importance of the socio-economic situation of the family for the personal resources of adolescents as a whole increases, to the detriment of those with a lower socioeconomic status. The results indicate the need for targeted interventions to strengthen psychosocial resources especially for children and adolescents in phases of transformation and biographical breaks.

Mental health issues in childhood and adolescence, psychosocial resources and socioeconomic status - An analysis of the KiGGS Wave 2 data.

Mental health burdens are among the most common health issues in childhood and adolescence. Psychosocial resources can act as protective factors and can help in preventing the development and reduce the symptoms of mental health issues. This article discusses this relationship and the availability of these resources within the three different social status groups among 11- to 17-year-olds. The database is the second wave of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS Wave 2, 2014-2017). Mental health issues were assessed via the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires; psychosocial resources via self-reported personal, family and social resources; social status was ascertained through a multidimensional index based on the information provided by parents on education, occupational status and income. The analyses show that 11- to 17-year-olds who have psychosocial resources are less likely to show mental health issues (independent of their social status) and that, compared to high social status, mental health issues are more frequently associated with low social status. Children from (socially) worse-off families have less access to resources. The results consequently highlight the importance of prevention and health promotion measures directed at strengthening resources. Focusing such measures on the needs of disadvantaged population groups should contribute to health equity.

Utilization of early detection examinations by children in Germany. Results of the cross-sectional KiGGS Wave 2 study.

Examinations for early detection of diseases (called U-Untersuchungen in Germany) are among the most important prevention measures at childhood age. According to KiGGS Wave 2 data, participation rates are over 95% for most of these examinations. 99.7% and 99.6% of children, respectively, who had reached the recommended age for these examinations participated in the U1 and U2 examinations, 98.0% and 98.1%, respectively, the U8 and U9 examinations. Participation rates for children from families with low socioeconomic status and those with a two-sided migration background are slightly lower. A comparison with previous KiGGS waves shows that the utilization of early detection examinations has increased significantly over the last ten years. During this time, social differences which were previously pronounced have decreased.

The subjective health of adults in Germany.

The term 'subjective health' reflects not only existing illnesses and health complaints, but particularly emphasizes the personal well-being. Studies often collect data on subjective health by asking participants to provide self-assessments of their general state of health. This was also the case with GEDA 2014/2015-EHIS, which employed the internationally renowned Minimum European Health Module (MEHM) as part of the study. Its results demonstrate that 68.2% of adults in Germany rate their general health as very good or good, with the remaining 31.8% rating it as fair, poor or very poor. The proportion of women who rate their general health as very good or good is slightly lower than the proportion of men who do so (66.6% compared to 69.9%). With increasing age, women and men view the condition of their general health as worsening. The study also identified educational differences which showed that men and women with low levels of education tend to rate their health worse compared to self-assessments provided by women and men with higher levels of education, and in some cases also regional differences.

[Risk Factors for Postoperative Delirium after Cardiac Surgery]. / Risikofaktoren des postoperativen Deliriums in der Herzchirurgie.

Background Delirium is a common psychiatric disorder after cardiac surgery and predisposes patients to increased mortality and morbidity. Its prevention requires knowledge of the risk factors involved. Objective What are preoperative risk factors for postoperative delirium after cardiac surgery? Methods Prospective longitudinal study of 241 elective cardiac surgical patients with preoperative assessment of potential risk factors and delirium assessment twice daily over five postoperative days. Results 13 % of the patients experienced delirium. Reduced cognitive performance (OR: 3.80; 95 % CI: 1.66 - 8.66), higher comorbidity (OR: 1.36; 95 % CI: 1.07 - 1.7) and higher age (OR: 1.08; 95 % CI: 1.02 - 1.13) increased the risk of delirium. Conclusion Delirium after cardiac surgery is common. It occurs in particular in patients with low cognitive performance, higher comorbidity and higher age.

The Extracellular Matrix Signature in Vein Graft Disease.

BACKGROUND: Vein graft disease is a major and yet unsolved problem in cardiac revascularization surgery. Although accumulation of extracellular matrix is characteristic for vein graft disease, detailed analysis of the fibrotic material is lacking. Because alterations of collagen cross-links are typical for organ fibrosis, we performed a comprehensive analysis of collagen and elastin in vein graft disease. METHODS: Collagen, elastin, and their respective cross-links were analyzed using histology and amino acid analysis. The expression of collagen-modifying enzymes was analyzed using SYBR Green quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Fibrillin expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Diseased vein grafts showed a marked increase of collagen and of intermediate collagen cross-links, which are markers for newly synthesized collagen. Furthermore, we identified in vein graft disease increased levels of mature hydroxylysine aldehyde-derived cross-links typical for skeletal tissues. This was accompanied by upregulation of lysyl hydroxylase 2 and lysyl oxidase expression. Furthermore, vein graft disease showed a reduction of the elastin/collagen ratio, using elastin cross-links as a marker of elastin content, which was accompanied by an increase of fibrillin-1. CONCLUSIONS: Vein graft disease was accompanied by marked alterations in the composition of the extracellular matrix. The altered collagen cross-link pattern and the reduced elastin/collagen ratio might synergistically increase the stiffness in diseased vein grafts. Furthermore, hydroxylysine aldehyde-derived cross-links can cause a decreased degradability of collagens by matrix-metalloproteinases. Our data suggest collagen cross-links as a therapeutic target in vein graft disease.

Toward individualized management of the ascending aorta in bicuspid aortic valve surgery: the role of valve phenotype in 1362 patients.

OBJECTIVE: Decision making regarding the management of the ascending aorta (AA) in patients with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) undergoing valve surgery has hardly been individualized and remains controversial. We analyzed our individualized, multifactorial approach, focusing on the BAV phenotype. METHODS: In 1362 patients (1044 men) undergoing aortic valve surgery, the BAV phenotypes were intraoperatively classified and retrospectively analyzed. The mean follow-up was 5.4±3.6 years (range, 0-14; 7334 patient-years), and the data were 96.5% complete. The individualized AA management decision process mainly included the AA diameter, age, body surface area, macroscopic AA configuration, and the perceived tissue strength of the aortic wall resulting in 3 AA treatment groups: no intervention, aortoplasty (AoP), and AA replacement (AAR). RESULTS: In 906 patients (66.5%), no intervention was performed and 172 (12.6%) and 284 (20.9%) underwent AoP and AAR, respectively. The hospital mortality was 1.1% for no intervention, 0.6% for AoP, and 0.4% for AAR (P=.4). The 10-year survival was similar for all 3 groups and comparable to that of the general population. Five reoperations on the AA occurred, 4 in the no intervention and 1 in the AoP group. BAV type 2/unicuspid patients were younger and more had undergone AAR in absolute numbers and after allowing for the AA diameter. Also, in patients with BAV type 1 LR and regurgitation, AAR was performed more often. CONCLUSIONS: The individualized, multifactorial management of AA in patients with BAV during aortic valve surgery leads to excellent results. The threshold AA diameter for intervention (AoP or AAR) varied from 34 to 51 mm (mean, 43.9). BAV type 2/unicuspid and BAV type 1 LR with regurgitation emerged as determinants for more liberal AAR in our practice. Longer term follow-up is necessary to confirm our conclusions.

The fate of the bicuspid valve aortopathy after aortic valve replacement.

OBJECTIVES: The fate of the aortic dimensions in patients with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) after aortic valve replacement (AVR) is unclear. We investigated the evolution of aortic root and ascending aorta dimensions in patients with a BAV after AVR. To neutralize the effect of pathological transvalvular haemodynamics on aortic dimensions, we evaluated our hypotheses in patients with normal transvalvular haemodynamics after a subcoronary autograft procedure, which preserves intact the native aortic wall. METHODS: We excluded patients operated on for endocarditis; who developed autograft insufficiency > trivial and who required autograft reoperation during the follow-up. We included 448 patients (361 with BAV; 340 males; 44.6 ± 11.4 years; mean follow-up: 7.5 ± 3.9 years). Valve phenotype was determined during surgery. Annual echocardiographic examinations (n = 3336) were performed (follow-up completeness: 98%). To allow for somatometric, gender and age influences, z-values of measurements were calculated from the general population (GP) and analysed using longitudinal methods. RESULTS: The increase in ascending aorta did not differ from that expected in the GP (0.04 z-values/year; P = 0.06). No difference could be observed in diameter increase rates between BAV and tricuspid aortic valve patients (TAV) (0.04 vs 0.06 z-values/year; P = 0.3), as well as between BAV phenotypes. The sinus increase did not differ from that expected in the GP (0.03 z-values/year; P = 0.1), and no significant differences could be observed between BAV phenotypes. In patients undergoing aortoplasty (n = 70), no significant difference in the rates of ascending aorta and sinus increase could be observed, compared with the GP. CONCLUSION: For the time period of this study and in patients with normal aortic root haemodynamics after AVR, ascending aorta dimensions over time are similar to that of the matched GP. Patients with a BAV did not exhibit higher rates of ascending aorta dilatation after AVR than patients with TAV. At least for the first postoperative decade, transvalvular haemodynamics appear to exhibit a greater influence than the genetic component of BAV on the development of the BAV aortopathy.

Hemodynamics of the Edwards Sapien XT transcatheter heart valve in noncircular aortic annuli.

OBJECTIVES: During implantation of transcatheter aortic valves into severe calcified aortic annuli, misdeployments due to asymmetric shapes of the target region were reported. Whether the resultant stent deformations influence valve performance has not been quantified. The objective of this study was to investigate in vitro hemodynamics of the Edwards Sapien XT (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, Calif) after valve deployment in noncircular aortic annuli. METHODS: Six Edwards Sapien XT valves were implanted into a model of the aortic annulus with different shapes (elliptical, triangular, and bulged compared with ideal circular) and investigated in a pulsatile flow simulator. Leakage was determined by ultrasonic flow measurements, and leaflet coaptation was visualized by high-speed video. In addition, the origin of leakage was investigated under static pressure. RESULTS: The lowest amount of leakage occurred in the ideal circular shape, whereas in most of the noncircular configurations increased transvalvular leakage due to paravalvular leaks and folds at the free edges of the leaflets was found, more often by implantation of the valve within a triangular annulus shape. Implantation of the valves into the elliptical configuration with the prosthesis commissure directed to the longitudinal axis of the annular plane showed similar values compared with the circular annulus. Pressure gradients were not influenced by the valve distortion. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of the Edwards Sapien XT transcatheter valve into non-circular-shaped aortic annuli leads to increased leakage. Annulus shape and relative position of the prosthesis are main determinants of leakage. Implantation into elliptical annuli, as found in bicuspid aortic valves, seems feasible.

First clinical results with the new sinus prosthesis used for valve-sparing aortic root replacement.

OBJECTIVES: Sinuses of Valsalva are important in assuring the physiological function of the aortic valve. This study evaluates short-term clinical results of the reimplantation technique for aortic valve-sparing root replacement using a new prosthesis with three separate sinuses of Valsalva (sinus prosthesis). METHODS: Between February 2009 and February 2011, a total of 23 patients (20 m/3 f; mean age 52 ± 14.8 years; range 24-70 years) with aortic root aneurysm underwent aortic valve-sparing procedures according to the David reimplantation technique using the new sinus prosthesis. Eighteen patients had tricuspid and five patients bicuspid aortic valves. All patients received clinical as well as echocardiographic examinations postoperatively (mean 13 ± 9.3 months; 0.3-28 months). RESULTS: There was no death and no reoperation of the aortic valve. At latest follow-up, most patients were in New York Heart Association class I (n = 22; 95.7%). In 95.7% aortic valve regurgitation (AR) was 0 or 1+; one patient had AR 2+. Pressure gradients were between the normal range (mean pressure gradient 4.7 ± 1.9 mmHg). Echocardiographic images demonstrate physiological aortic root dimensions and configuration with three separate sinuses of Valsalva without systolic contact of leaflets to the wall. CONCLUSIONS: The new sinus prosthesis provides near normal root geometry and hemodynamics in valve-sparing aortic root replacement using the reimplantation technique, applicable for tricuspid and also bicuspid aortic valves.

Mid-term results of different aortic valve-sparing procedures in Marfan syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Marfan patients with aortic root aneurysm are typically treated with the Bentall procedure, though aortic valve-sparing procedures (AVSPs) are also possible. The study aim was to compare the authors' experience with two such techniques performed at their institution, namely a reimplantation according to David (David I) and remodeling according to Yacoub. METHODS: Between 1996 and 2009, a total of 37 Marfan patients underwent an AVSP at the authors' institution. Of these patients, 25 (mean age 32 +/- 14.9 years) underwent surgery according to David (group D), and 12 (mean age 35 +/- 10.9 years) according to Yacoub (group Y). The patients underwent both clinical and echocardiographic follow up examinations at a mean of 42.0 +/- 36.4 months after surgery. RESULTS: One patient from each group had moved abroad and was lost to follow up. The remaining 35 patients were alive at follow up, and none presented with any major neurological or bleeding complications. In addition, no significant differences were noted between the groups in terms of NYHA classification, left ventricular function, or left ventricular diameter. At follow up, aortic valve function was also comparable between groups, with a peak/mean gradient of 9.4 +/- 6.4/5.3 +/- 3.5 mmHg and 5.1 +/- 3.3/2.8 +/- 1.5 mmHg for groups D and Y, respectively (p = 0.081/0.058). The measured mean grades of aortic valve regurgitation were comparable in groups D and Y (0.6 +/- 0.7 and 1.1 +/- 0.6, respectively; p = 0.055). However, aortic root dimensions obtained via M-mode were smaller in group D patients (29.6 +/- 2.3 mm) than in group Y patients (36.1 +/- 6.6 mm) (p = 0.027). Only three patients from group Y required reoperation on the aortic valve due to valvular regurgitation (p = 0.028); two of these had presented with aortic dissection at the first operation. CONCLUSION: Both types of AVSP can be performed with comparably good interim clinical results, and also low mortality and morbidity, in patients with Marfan syndrome.

Long-term results of 203 young and middle-aged patients with more than 10 years of follow-up after the original subcoronary Ross operation.

BACKGROUND: The choice of prosthesis for aortic valve replacement in young and middle-aged patients remains challenging owing to the accelerated degeneration of bioprostheses in these age groups and the risks of thromboembolism and bleeding with mechanical valves. Theoretically, the living pulmonary autograft (Ross operation) would be advantageous. Long-term results of the various Ross techniques are needed for defining the value of this surgical concept. METHODS: Of a total of 576 subcoronary Ross patients operated on between June 1994 and June 2011, we report on 203 consecutive subcoronary patients (mean age, 47.2±13.6 years, 155 male, 2,491 patient-years) with a follow-up of at least 10 years (mean, 12.3±2.9 years). RESULTS: Early and late mortality were 0.98% (n=2) and 11.4% (n=23). Valve-related mortality was 2.5% (n=5). Survival did not differ from that of the general German population. Freedom from autograft or allograft reoperation was 92.2% at 10 years and 87.1% at 15 years. Five major bleeding (0.20%/patient-year) and 11 thromboembolic events (0.44%/patient-year) occurred in 5 and 10 patients, respectively. Neither a systematic increase in aortic regurgitation nor an increase in root dimensions with time could be observed. In the vast majority of patients, valvular hemodynamics at latest echocardiographic follow-up were excellent. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term results of the original subcoronary Ross operation reveal normal survival, excellent hemodynamics, low risk of thromboembolism or bleeding, and small risk for reoperation. These results favor the pulmonary autograft concept in young and middle-aged patients in experienced centers and may serve to better define its role in surgical treatment of aortic valve disease in these patients.

A new sinus prosthesis for aortic valve-sparing surgery maintaining the shape of the root at systemic pressure.

PURPOSE: We describe a new prosthetic graft aiming to restore normal valve configuration in systemic circulation. In vitro evaluation data and first clinical results are presented. DESCRIPTION: The aortic valve consists of three separate leaflets and sinuses of Valsalva interconnected through three straight interleaflet triangles. This shape has important implications on valve function. EVALUATION: In vitro tests showed nearly normal hemodynamics, although root distensibility was decreased and bending deformation of the leaflets was increased due to the nonflexibility of the graft material. However, the anatomical shape of the aortic root was well preserved in vitro and also in vivo without contact of leaflets to the prosthesis wall. CONCLUSIONS: This new sinus prosthesis maintains normal configuration of the aortic root with three distinct sinuses of Valsalva and straight commissural pillars in systemic circulation. The noncompliant material induces abnormal leaflet bending during systole, but leaflets do not collide with the wall of prosthesis.

Pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes in patients with acute aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening condition with high mortality and a relatively unclarified pathophysiological mechanism. Although differentially expressed genes in AAD have been recognized, interactions between these genes remain poorly defined. This study was conducted to gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying AAD and to support the future development of a clinical test for monitoring patients at high risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aortic tissue was collected from 19 patients with AAD (mean age 61.7 +/- 13.1 years), and from eight other patients (mean age 32.9 +/- 12.2 years) who carried the mutated gene for Marfan syndrome (MS). Six patients (mean age 56.7 +/- 12.3 years) served as the control group. The PIQOR(TM) Immunology microarray with 1076 probes in quadruplicates was utilized; the differentially expressed genes were analysed in a MedScan search using Pathway Assist software. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and protein analysis were performed. RESULTS: Interactions of MS fibrillin-1 (FBN1) in the MedScan pathway analysis showed four genes, fibulin-1 (FBLN1), fibulin-2 (FBLN2), decorin (DCN) and microfibrillar associated protein 5 (MFAP5), which were differentially expressed in all tissue from AAD. The validation of these genes by qRT-PCR revealed a minimum of three-fold downregulation of FBLN1 (0.5 +/- 0.4 vs. 6.1 +/- 2.3 fold, p = 0.003) and of DCN (2.5 +/- 1.0 vs. 8.5 +/- 4.7 fold, p = 0.04) in AAD compared to MS and control samples. CONCLUSIONS: Downregulation of fibrillin-1 (FBN1) may weaken extracellular components in the aorta and/or interfer with the transmission of cellular signals and eventually cause AAD. Additional research on these four identified genes can be a starting point to develop a diagnostic tool.

Vena cava as autologous tissue for pulmonary valve substitute.

In this study, we report on our first experience with the construction of a valve using autologous vena cava tissue for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction. Simulating the clinical situation valves were built from tubular pieces of porcine inferior vena cava placed in a PTFE tube and investigated in a pulsatile flow simulator. Based on the given vena cava dimensions, conduits were constructed with diameters of 19 mm in bicuspid or tricuspid and 22 mm and 24 mm in bicuspid configuration. The lowest pressure gradients were observed in the 22 mm vena cava valves in bicuspid configuration (8.6+/-0.5 mmHg) compared to 24 mm valves (10.6+/-0.9 mmHg, P=0.0004) and 19 mm valves (13.4+/-1.5 mmHg, P=0.005). No differences could be found between 19 mm bicuspid and tricuspid valves. Concerning valve opening movements, a complete opening in the 19 mm and a nearly unhindered opening in 22 mm valves were registered. In 24 mm valves opening was incomplete. Leakage was increased in 19 mm bicuspid valves due to leaflet prolapse. In conclusion, construction of a valve mechanism from vena cava tissue is feasible. The in-vitro hemodynamic results are encouraging, animal experiments are ongoing to investigate the midterm function of these valves.

A classification system for the bicuspid aortic valve from 304 surgical specimens.

OBJECTIVE: In general, classification of a disease has proven to be advantageous for disease management. This may also be valid for the bicuspid aortic valve, because the term "bicuspid aortic valve" stands for a common congenital aortic valve malformation with heterogeneous morphologic phenotypes and function resulting in different treatment strategies. We attempted to establish a classification system based on a 5-year data collection of surgical specimens. METHODS: Between 1999 and 2003 a precise description of valve pathology was obtained from operative reports of 304 patients with a diseased bicuspid aortic valve. Several different characteristics of bicuspid aortic valves were tested to generate a pithy and easily applicable classification system. RESULTS: Three characteristics for a systematic classification were found appropriate: (1) number of raphes, (2) spatial position of cusps or raphes, and (3) functional status of the valve. The first characteristic was found to be the most significant and therefore termed "type." Three major types were identified: type 0 (no raphe), type 1 (one raphe), and type 2 (two raphes), followed by two supplementary characteristics, spatial position and function. These characteristics served to classify and codify the bicuspid aortic valves into three categories. Most frequently, a bicuspid aortic valve with one raphe was identified (type 1, n = 269). This raphe was positioned between the left (L) and right (R) coronary sinuses in 216 (type 1, L/R) with a hemodynamic predominant stenosis (S) in 119 (type 1, L/R, S). Only 21 patients had a "purely" bicuspid aortic valve with no raphe (type 0). CONCLUSIONS: A classification system for the bicuspid aortic valve with one major category ("type") and two supplementary categories is presented. This classification, even if used in the major category (type) alone, might be advantageous to better define bicuspid aortic valve disease, facilitate scientific communication, and improve treatment.

Pulmonary homograft muscle reduction to reduce the risk of homograft stenosis in the Ross procedure.

OBJECTIVE: The Ross procedure has gained increasing interest as an attractive alternative for aortic valve replacement. Despite its advantages, there is a certain risk of structural valve deterioration, especially of the pulmonary homograft as a result of shrinkage and subsequent stenosis predominantly at the muscular annulus. Theoretically, reduction of homograft muscle tissue could reduce this risk. METHODS: From February 1996 through December 2002, a total of 238 patients (mean age 44 +/- 13.2 years) underwent the Ross procedure with the subcoronary technique with follow-up investigations before discharge and after 12 and 24 months. To estimate the importance of homograft muscle reduction within our institution-specific risk factor scale for change of transhomograft pressure gradient with time, we performed a generalized estimating equation approach, which identified homograft muscle reduction, higher body surface area in male patients, younger patient age, smaller homograft diameter, blood transfusions, and follow-up time as independent risk factors demonstrating a high beta value (-2.8638) for muscle reduction. To find out whether muscle reduction influences transhomograft pressure gradient, we compared patients with (group A, n = 39) and without (group B, n = 199) muscle reduction. The other mentioned independent risk factors were not different between groups, except for blood transfusions (group A greater than B, P < .01), indicating a negative bias for group A. RESULTS: The maximum pressure gradient across the homograft was lower in patients with muscle reduction before discharge (4.5 +/- 2.8 mm Hg group A vs 6.2 +/- 3.8 mm Hg group B, P = .004) and after 1 (9.3 +/- 5.8 vs 13.1 +/- 8.4 mm Hg, P = .028) and 2 years (10.8 +/- 7.6 vs 13.7 +/- 7.5 mm Hg, P = .013). No significant differences were found concerning homograft insufficiency. CONCLUSIONS: We provide some evidence that transhomograft pressure gradient can be reduced significantly within the first 2 years after operation by homograft muscle reduction. Longer term follow-up is necessary to evaluate this promising operative technique further.