Application of the #Enzian classification for endometriosis on MRI: prospective evaluation of inter- and intraobserver agreement.

Objectives: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the inter- and intraobserver variability of the updated #Enzian classification of endometriosis on MRI and to evaluate the influence of reader experience on interobserver concordance. Methods: This was a prospective single-center study. All patients were included who received an MRI of the pelvis for evaluation of endometriosis between March and July 2023 and who have provided written informed consent. Images were reviewed independently for endometriosis by three radiologists, utilizing the MRI-applicable categories of the #Enzian classification. Two radiologists had experience in pelvic MRI and endometriosis imaging. One radiologist had no specific experience in pelvic MRI and received a one-hour briefing beforehand. Results: Fifty consecutive patients (mean age, 34.9 years ±8.6 [standard deviation]) were prospectively evaluated. Interobserver agreement was excellent for diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis (Fleiss' kappa: 0.89; 95% CI 0.73-1.00; p < 0.001) and endometriomas (Fleiss' kappa: 0.93; 95% CI 0.77-1.00; p < 0.001). For the experienced readers, interobserver agreement in the assessment of compartments A, B and C was excellent (κw ranging from 0.84; 95% CI 0.71-0.97; p < 0.001 to 0.89; 95% CI 0.82-0.97; p < 0.001). For the pairings of the experienced readers to the reader without specific experience in pelvic MRI, agreement was substantial to excellent (κw ranging from 0.64; 95% CI 0.44-0.85; p < 0.001 to 0.91; 95% CI 0.84-0.98; p < 0.001). Intraobserver variability was excellent for compartments A, B and C (κw ranging from 0.85; 95% CI 0.73-0.96; p < 0.001 to 0.95; 95% CI 0.89-1.00; p < 0.001). Conclusion: With sufficient experience, the #Enzian classification enables the achievement of excellent inter- and intraobserver agreement in MRI-based diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis and endometriomas.

The use of a 4.7 mg deslorelin slow release implant in male dogs in the field.

OBJECTIVE: Slow-release GnRH agonist implants (SRI) are used for reversible medical downregulation of testicular function in male dogs as an alternative to surgery. The 4.7 mg deslorelin SRI should reduce testosterone after 6-8 weeks and induce castration-like effects for 6 months (mon). However, some individual variation is described in the field in regard to onset and duration of effect. For this reason, we aimed to study the effects of the 4.7 mg deslorelin SRI in a larger cohort. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total 50 intact, healthy male dogs (12-48 months, mon; 9-40 kg) were treated with a 4.7 mg deslorelin SRI into the umbilical area (TG, n=45) or served as untreated controls (CG, n=5). CG dogs were surgically castrated after measurement of testicular dimensions and blood sampling for testosterone. In TG, SRIs remained for 5 mon in place and subsequently 3-7 male dogs were surgically castrated at removal (week, W 0) or 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 10 weeks later. Examination parameters were testicular dimensions (before treatment, at 4, 8, 12 W, 5 mon, weekly until castration), testosterone (before treatment, at 8 W, 5 mon, castration) and testicular histology (castration). RESULTS: Whereas examination parameters did not differ between CG and TG before treatment, testicular volume and testosterone was significantly reduced at all time points during treatment. In all but 3 (8 W) and 2 male dogs (5 mon) testosterone was basal during treatment before removal, whereas the parameters were significantly reduced compared to pre-treatment in the respective dogs. After implant removal, testosterone and testicular volumes increased. However, different to earlier studies, the "restart" was more variable with individual basal testosterone until W7, but also physiological testosterone concentrations in W2. Similarly, histological testicular findings at castration were quite variable: besides an arrest on spermatogonia and spermatocytes, elongated spermatids with normal spermatogenesis were found in individual dogs. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms the efficacy of the deslorelin SRI, but also individual variation especially regarding reversibility of effects on endocrine and germinative testicular function. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Deslorelin SRIs offer a suitable alternative to surgical castration with individual variation to be considered when used in clinical practice.

The association of serum uric acid/albumin ratio with the development of coronary collateral circulation in patients with chronic total occluded coronary arteries.

Introduction: Coronary collateral circulation (CCC) develops in chronic total occluded (CTO) vessels and protects the myocardium against ischemia in addition to the improvement of cardiac functions. Poor CCC is related to adverse cardiac events as well as poor prognosis. Serum uric acid/albumin ratio (UAR) has emerged as a novel marker associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes. We aimed to investigate whether there was an association between UAR and poor CCC in CTO patients. Methods: This study was comprised of 212 patients with CTO (92 with poor CCC and 120 with good CCC). All patients were graded based on Rentrop scores to poor CCC (Rentrop scores 0 and 1) and good CCC (Rentrop scores 2 and 3). Results: Poor CCC patients had higher frequencies of diabetes mellitus, triglyceride levels, Syntax and Gensini scores, uric acid, and UAR and lower lymphocyte, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and ejection fraction when compared to good CCC patients. UAR was an independent predictor of poor CCC in CTO patients. Furthermore, UAR had a better discriminative ability for patients with poor CCC from good CCC compared to serum uric acid and albumin. Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, the UAR could be used to detect poor CCC in CTO patients.

Evaluation of Naples Score for Long-Term Mortality in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

The Naples score (NS), which is a composite of cardiovascular adverse event predictors including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, albumin, and total cholesterol, has emerged as a prognostic risk score in cancer patients. We aimed to investigate the predictive value of NS for long-term mortality in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients (STEMI). A total of 1889 STEMI patients were enrolled in this study. The median duration of the study was 43 months (IQR: 32-78). Patients were divided into 2 groups according to NS as group 1 and group 2. We created 3 models as a baseline model, model 1 (baseline + NS in continuous), and model 2 (baseline + NS as categorical). Group 2 patients had higher long-term mortality rates than group 1 patients. The NS was independently associated with long-term mortality and adding NS to a baseline model improved the model performance for prediction and discrimination of long-term mortality. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that model 1 had a better net benefit probability for detecting mortality compared with the baseline model. NS had the highest contributive significant effect in the prediction model. An easily accessible and calculable NS might be used for risk stratification of long-term mortality in STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

The Relationship between Uric Acid/Albumin Ratio and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Patients with Hypertension. / A Relação entre a Relação Ácido Úrico/Albumina e a Espessura Média-Intimal da Carótida em Pacientes com Hipertensão.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension causes subendothelial inflammation and dysfunction in resulting atherosclerosis. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a useful marker of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. The uric acid to albumin ratio (UAR) has emerged as a novel marker for predicting cardiovascular events. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the association of UAR with CIMT in hypertensive patients. METHODS: Two hundred sixteen consecutive hypertensive patients were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients underwent carotid ultrasonography to classify low (CIMT < 0.9 mm) and high (CIMT ≥ 0.9 mm) CIMT groups. The predictive ability of UAR for high CIMT was compared with systemic immune inflammation index (SII), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR). A two-sided p-value <0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS: Patients with high CIMT were older and had higher UAR, SII, NLR, and CAR than low CIMT. Age, UAR, SII, NLR, and CAR, but not PLR, were associated with high CIMT. In multivariable analysis, age, CRP, SII, and UAR were independent predictors of high CIMT. The discrimination ability of UAR was higher than uric acid, albumin, SII, NLR, and CAR, and UAR had a higher model fit than those variables. UAR had higher additive improvement in detecting high CIMT than other variables, as assessed with net-reclassification improvement, IDI, and C-statistics. UAR was also significantly correlated with CIMT. CONCLUSION: UAR might be used to predict high CIMT and might be useful for risk stratification in hypertensive patients.

FUNDAMENTO: A hipertensão causa inflamação subendotelial e disfunção na aterosclerose resultante. A espessura média-intimal da carótida (EMIC) é um marcador útil de disfunção endotelial e aterosclerose. A razão ácido úrico/albumina (RUA) emergiu como um novo marcador para prever eventos cardiovasculares. OBJETIVO: Nosso objetivo foi investigar a associação da RUA com a EIMC em pacientes hipertensos. MÉTODO: Duzentos e dezesseis pacientes hipertensos consecutivos foram incluídos neste estudo prospectivo. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a ultrassonografia de carótida para classificar baixos (EMIC < 0,9 mm) e altos (EMIC≥0,9 mm) grupos de EMIC. A capacidade preditiva da RUA para EMIC alta foi comparada com o índice de inflamação imune sistêmica (IIS), razão neutrófilo/linfócito (RNL), razão plaqueta/linfócito (RPL) e razão proteína C reativa/albumina (RCA). Um valor de p bilateral <0,05 foi aceito como estatisticamente significativo. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes com EMIC alta eram mais velhos e tinham maior RUA, IIS, RNL e RCA do que baixo EMIC. Idade, RUA, IIS, RNL e RCA, mas não RPL, foram associados a EMIC alta. Na análise multivariada, idade, PCR, IIS e RUA foram preditores independentes de EMIC alta. A capacidade de discriminação de RUA foi maior do que ácido úrico, albumina, IIS, RNL e RCA, e RUA teve um ajuste de modelo maior do que essas variáveis. RUA teve maior melhoria aditiva na detecção de EMIC alta do que outras variáveis, conforme avaliado com melhoria de reclassificação líquida, MDI e estatísticas C. RUA também foi significativamente correlacionada com EMIC. CONCLUSÃO: RUA pode ser usado para prever EMIC alta e pode ser útil para estratificação de risco em pacientes hipertensos.

Comparison of outcomes between single long stent and overlapping stents: a meta-analysis of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: There is no consensus on whether to treat diffuse coronary artery lesions with a single long stent (SLS) or by overlapping two or more stents (OLS). The goal of this review was to compare the outcomes of these two approaches through a meta-analysis of the literature. METHODS: We searched for relevant studies in MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library. Our meta-analysis included 12 studies (n = 6414) that reported outcomes during the follow-up period. RESULTS: Individuals who received OLS had a greater risk of cardiac mortality and target lesion revascularization (TLR) than those who received SLS (RR: 1.51, CI: 1.03-2.21, p = 0.03, I2 = 0% and RR: 1.64, CI: 1.02-2.65, p = 0.04, I2 = 38%, respectively). The fluoroscopy period in the OLS group was longer than in the SLS group (SMD: 0.35, CI: 0.25-0.46, p < 0.01, I2 = 0%). more contrast volume was sued for the OLS group; however, there was substantial variability in the pooled analysis (I2 = 95%). In terms of all outcomes, there were no differences between stent generation types. CONCLUSION: In the first meta-analysis of mainly observational data comparing OLS vs. SLS for long coronary lesions, OLS had higher rates of cardiac mortality and TLR as well as longer fluoroscopy times compared to SLS.

Serum Uric Acid to Albumin Ratio Can Predict Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is one of the common complication of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Serum uric acid to albumin ratio (UAR) is a novel marker, which is associated with acute kidney injury in intensive care unit patients. We investigated the predictive value of UAR for the development of CIN in STEMI patients (n = 1379) after pPCI. The diagnosis of CIN was made based on an increase of basal creatinine levels >.5 mg/dL or 25% within 72 h after pPCI; 128 patients were in the CIN (+) group and 1251 patients were in the CIN (-) group. CIN (+) patients had higher serum uric acid (SUA), UAR, and lower albumin levels than CIN (-) patients. Age, diabetes, hypertension, hemoglobin, glucose at admission, basal creatinine, peak troponin I, total bilirubin, contrast volume/glomerular filtration rate, and UAR were independent predictors of CIN. A cutoff value of 1.62 for UAR detected CIN development with a sensitivity of 54% and specificity of 87.4%, and the discrimination ability of UAR was better than that of SUA or albumin. In conclusion, UAR was an independent predictor of the development of CIN.

Evaluation of Intermountain Risk Score for Short- and Long-Term Mortality in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients.

The aim of this study was to examine the Intermountain Risk Score (IMRS) for short- and long-term mortality in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients and compare it with the well-known risk scores, such as the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) and the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE). In this retrospective and cross-sectional study, 1057 consecutive patients with STEMI were evaluated. The end-points of the study were short- and long-term mortality. The overall mortality rate was 16% (n = 170 patients). The IMRS was significantly higher in STEMI patients who did not survive compared with those who survived. According to multivariable COX proportional regression analysis, the IMRS was independently related to both short- (HR: 1.482, 95% CI: 1.325-1.675, p < .001) and long-term mortality (HR: 1.915, 95% CI: 1.711-2.180, p < .001). The comparison of receiver operating characteristic curves revealed that the IMRS had non-inferior predictive capability for short- and long-term mortality than the TIMI and GRACE risk scores. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show that the IMRS can predict short- and long-term prognosis of patients with STEMI. Further, the IMRS' predictive value for overall mortality was non-inferior compared with TIMI and GRACE scores.

The Association of Serum Uric Acid/Albumin Ratio with No-Reflow in Patients with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

The goal of this investigation was to explore the relationship between serum uric acid/albumin ratio (UAR) and no-reflow (NR) in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients (n = 838) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Angiographic NR was defined as thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flows 0, 1, and 2 in the absence of coronary spasm or dissection. NR developed in 91 (10.9%) STEMI patients. Patients with NR had higher UAR and according to multivariable logistic regression models, a high UAR was an independent risk factor for NR. The area under the curve (AUC) value of the UAR was .760 (95%CI: .720-.801) in a receiver-operating characteristics curve (ROC) assessment. Notably, the UAR AUC value was greater than that of its components: albumin (AUC: .642) and serum uric acid (AUC: .637) (P < .05 for both comparisons). The optimum UAR value in detecting NR in STEMI patients was >1.21 with a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 67%. This was the first study to report that the UAR was independently associated with NR in STEMI patients who underwent pPCI.

A Relação entre a Relação Ácido Úrico/Albumina e a Espessura Média-Intimal da Carótida em Pacientes com Hipertensão / The Relationship between Uric Acid/Albumin Ratio and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Patients with Hypertension

Resumo Fundamento A hipertensão causa inflamação subendotelial e disfunção na aterosclerose resultante. A espessura média-intimal da carótida (EMIC) é um marcador útil de disfunção endotelial e aterosclerose. A razão ácido úrico/albumina (RUA) emergiu como um novo marcador para prever eventos cardiovasculares. Objetivo Nosso objetivo foi investigar a associação da RUA com a EIMC em pacientes hipertensos. Método Duzentos e dezesseis pacientes hipertensos consecutivos foram incluídos neste estudo prospectivo. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a ultrassonografia de carótida para classificar baixos (EMIC < 0,9 mm) e altos (EMIC≥0,9 mm) grupos de EMIC. A capacidade preditiva da RUA para EMIC alta foi comparada com o índice de inflamação imune sistêmica (IIS), razão neutrófilo/linfócito (RNL), razão plaqueta/linfócito (RPL) e razão proteína C reativa/albumina (RCA). Um valor de p bilateral <0,05 foi aceito como estatisticamente significativo. Resultados Os pacientes com EMIC alta eram mais velhos e tinham maior RUA, IIS, RNL e RCA do que baixo EMIC. Idade, RUA, IIS, RNL e RCA, mas não RPL, foram associados a EMIC alta. Na análise multivariada, idade, PCR, IIS e RUA foram preditores independentes de EMIC alta. A capacidade de discriminação de RUA foi maior do que ácido úrico, albumina, IIS, RNL e RCA, e RUA teve um ajuste de modelo maior do que essas variáveis. RUA teve maior melhoria aditiva na detecção de EMIC alta do que outras variáveis, conforme avaliado com melhoria de reclassificação líquida, MDI e estatísticas C. RUA também foi significativamente correlacionada com EMIC. Conclusão RUA pode ser usado para prever EMIC alta e pode ser útil para estratificação de risco em pacientes hipertensos.

Abstract Background Hypertension causes subendothelial inflammation and dysfunction in resulting atherosclerosis. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a useful marker of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. The uric acid to albumin ratio (UAR) has emerged as a novel marker for predicting cardiovascular events. Objective We aimed to investigate the association of UAR with CIMT in hypertensive patients. Methods Two hundred sixteen consecutive hypertensive patients were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients underwent carotid ultrasonography to classify low (CIMT < 0.9 mm) and high (CIMT ≥ 0.9 mm) CIMT groups. The predictive ability of UAR for high CIMT was compared with systemic immune inflammation index (SII), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR). A two-sided p-value <0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Results Patients with high CIMT were older and had higher UAR, SII, NLR, and CAR than low CIMT. Age, UAR, SII, NLR, and CAR, but not PLR, were associated with high CIMT. In multivariable analysis, age, CRP, SII, and UAR were independent predictors of high CIMT. The discrimination ability of UAR was higher than uric acid, albumin, SII, NLR, and CAR, and UAR had a higher model fit than those variables. UAR had higher additive improvement in detecting high CIMT than other variables, as assessed with net-reclassification improvement, IDI, and C-statistics. UAR was also significantly correlated with CIMT. Conclusion UAR might be used to predict high CIMT and might be useful for risk stratification in hypertensive patients.

The Association between Vitamin D Levels and Thrombus Burden in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Background: In current practice, establishing the potential predictors of high thrombus burden (HTB) before primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is crucial for its management. In this research, we aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D levels and HTB in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: This prospective, observational study was conducted on 257 STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI in Van Education and Research Hospital between March 2020 and March 2021. The thrombus burden grade was determined for each subject. The study population was divided into 2 groups: patients with HTB and those with low thrombus burden (LTB) based on the thrombus burden grade. Demographic, laboratory, and angiographic features were compared between the groups. Results: In total, 154 patients (mean age±SD=63.42±11.53 y, 65.6% male) had HTB and 103 patients had LTB (mean age±SD=61.50±10.23 y, 70.9% male). The patients stratified into the HTB group had lower vitamin D levels than those in the LTB group (8.0 ng/mL vs 17.9 ng/mL, respectively; P<0.001). The patients with HTB and low vitamin D levels had lower post-PCI thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow, TIMI myocardial perfusion grade, and post-PCI ST resolution. In a multivariable analysis, vitamin D was an independent predictor of HTB among the STEMI patients (OR: 0.76, 95%CI: 0.70-0.82; P<0.001). The ideal value of vitamin D to predict HTB was >17.6 ng/mL with a sensitivity of 81.8% and a specificity of 90.3%. Conclusion: The study results showed that vitamin D levels were an independent predictor of HTB in STEMI patients treated by primary PCI.

Evaluation of electrocardiographic P wave parameters in predicting long-term atrial fibrillation in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Electrocardiographic parameters, such as P wave peak time (PWPT), P wave duration (PWD), and P wave amplitude in lead DI, have been utilized to assess left atrial anomalies linked to the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) in different cohort settings. OBJECTIVE: To compare electrocardiographic parameters, such as P waves, in predicting long-term AF risk in acute ischemic stroke cases. METHODS: The data of 231 consecutive acute ischemic stroke cases were retrospectively collected. Two independent cardiologists interpreted the electrocardiography recordings for PWPT, PWD, and P wave amplitude in lead DI. The median follow-up study period was 16 (interquartile range [IQR]: 11-24) months. RESULTS: In total, AF was detected in 43 (18.6%) cases. All studied P wave parameters were found to be statistically significant in cases with AF. Based on multivariable logistic regression analysis, dementia, left atrium volume index, PWD (razão de chances [RC]: 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.058-1.184; p = 0.003), PWPT in lead DII (RC: 1.030; 95%CI: 1.010-1.050; p = 0.003), and advanced interatrial block morphology were independent predictors of long-term AF. P wave duration had the highest area under the curve value, sensitivity, and specificity for long-term AF in such cases compared with the other P wave parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Our head-to-head comparison of well-known P wave parameters demonstrated that PWD might be the most useful P wave parameter for long-term AF in acute ischemic stroke cases.

ANTECEDENTES: Parâmetros eletrocardiográficos, como tempo de pico da onda P (PWPT, na sigla em inglês), duração da onda P (PWD, na sigla em inglês) e amplitude da onda P na derivação DI, têm sido utilizados para avaliar anomalias atriais esquerdas ligadas ao desenvolvimento de fibrilação atrial (FA) em diferentes cenários de coortes. OBJETIVO: Comparar os parâmetros eletrocardiográficos destas ondas P na predição do risco de FA de longo prazo em casos de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) isquêmico agudo. MéTODOS: Os dados de 231 casos consecutivos de AVC isquêmico agudo foram coletados retrospectivamente. Dois cardiologistas independentes interpretaram os registros eletrocardiográficos para PWPT, PWD e amplitude da onda P na derivação DI. O período médio do estudo de acompanhamento foi de 16 (intervalo interquartil [IQR, na sigla em inglês]: 11­24) meses. RESULTADOS: No total, FA foi detectada em 43 (18,6%) casos. Todos os parâmetros da onda P estudados foram considerados estatisticamente significativos nos casos com FA. Com base na análise de regressão logística multivariável, demência, índice de volume do átrio esquerdo, PWD (razão de chances [RC]: 1,112; intervalo de confiança [IC] 95%: 1,058­1,184; p = 0,003), PWPT na derivação DII (RC: 1,030; IC95%: 1,010­1,050; p = 0,003) e avançada morfologia do bloqueio interatrial foram preditores independentes de FA de longo prazo. A PWD teve a maior área sob o valor da curva, sensibilidade e especificidade para FA de longo prazo em tais casos em comparação com os outros parâmetros da onda P. CONCLUSõES: Nossa comparação direta de parâmetros da onda P bem conhecidos demonstrou que a PWD pode ser o parâmetro da onda P mais útil para FA de longa duração em casos de AVC isquêmico agudo.

Evaluation of cardiac-electrophysiological balance according to National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at admission and discharge in acute ischemic stroke patients: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The main objectives of this investigation were to determine whether there were any relationships between corrected cardiac-electrophysiological balance value and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores at admission and discharge in patients with acute ischemic stroke and to assess whether cardiac-electrophysiological balance value was an independent predictor of high National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≥5). METHODS: In this retrospective and observational study, 231 consecutive adult patients with acute ischemic stroke were evaluated. The cardiac-electrophysiological balance value was obtained by dividing the corrected QT interval by the QRS duration measured from surface electrocardiography. An experienced neurologist used the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score to determine the severity of the stroke at the time of admission and before discharge from the neurology care unit. The participants in the study were categorized into two groups: those with minor acute ischemic stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score=1-4) and those with moderate-to-severe acute ischemic stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores ≥5). RESULTS: Acute ischemic stroke patients with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≥5 had higher heart rate, QT, corrected QT interval, T-peak to T-end corrected QT interval, cardiac-electrophysiological balance, and cardiac-electrophysiological balance values compared with those with an National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 1-4. The cardiac-electrophysiological balance value was shown to be independently related to National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores ≥5 (OR 1.102, 95%CI 1.036-1.172, p<0.001). There was a moderate correlation between cardiac-electrophysiological balance and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores at admission (r=0.333, p<0.001) and discharge (r=0.329, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study demonstrated that the cardiac-electrophysiological balance value was related to National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores at admission and discharge. Furthermore, an elevated cardiac-electrophysiological balance value was found to be an independent predictor of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≥5.

Triglyceride-to-glucose index to detect a non-dipping circadian pattern in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients.

Introduction: In this investigation, we aimed to explore the relationship between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and the non-dipping blood pressure (BP) pattern in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients. Methods: In this retrospective study, 216 consecutive newly diagnosed hypertensive patients who had undergone 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (ABPM) monitoring and had not received anti-hypertensive drugs were included. Non-dipping status was evaluated by a 24-h ABPM monitoring in all patients. We categorized the patients into two groups as; dippers (n=104 cases) and non-dippers (n=112 cases). The TyG index was derived from the fasting triglyceride and fasting glucose levels using the formula; ln[fasting triglyceride (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. Results: Non-dipper group had a higher TyG index than the dipper group. The TyG was an independent predictor of non-dipping BP in hypertensive individuals, according to multivariable analysis. The TyG index was negatively associated with a decrease in both systolic and diastolic BP during the nighttime. The ideal cutoff value of the TyG index in detecting non-dipping status was≥9.01 with 74.1% sensitivity and 71.2% specificity. A ROC comparison indicated that the area under the curve value of TyG index was superior to fasting triglyceride, fasting glucose, and homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) in detecting non-dipping BP. Conclusion: The TyG index was an independent predictor of non-dipping status in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients who had undergone 24-hour ABPM monitoring and had not received anti-hypertensive drugs. As a simple and easily obtained parameter, the TyG index can be used to detect such pattern among these patients.

The predictive value of triglyceride-glucose index for in-hospital and one-year mortality in elderly non-diabetic patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a reliable marker of insulin resistance, was associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of TyG index for mortality in elderly non-diabetic patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: In total, 430 non-diabetic patients aged over 65 years with STEMI were consecutively included. The TyG index was calculated by using the following formula: TyG index = ln (fasting triglyceride × fasting glucose/2). The 5-item modified frailty index score was utilized to determine comorbidities. Patients were divided into three groups based on TyG index tertiles. RESULTS: Patients included into high TyG index tertile were male and had higher body mass index, glucose, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 5-item modified frailty index and GRACE risk score; and had low systolic blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate and left ventricular ejection fraction. A one-unit increase in TyG index was associated with 3.03 extra cases per 1000 person-day for in-hospital mortality and 0.29 extra cases per 1000 person-day for long-term mortality. There was a non-linear relationship between TyG index and the risk of mortality with an increased risk above 8.5 for TyG index. Kaplan-Meier survival curves revealed that patients in high TyG index tertile had higher in-hospital and long-term mortality rates than those in low TyG index tertile. CONCLUSIONS: This was the first study to demonstrate that the TyG index could predict in-hospital and long-term mortality in elderly non-diabetic STEMI patients.

Evaluation of cardiac-electrophysiological balance according to National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at admission and discharge in acute ischemic stroke patients: A pilot study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The main objectives of this investigation were to determine whether there were any relationships between corrected cardiac-electrophysiological balance value and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores at admission and discharge in patients with acute ischemic stroke and to assess whether cardiac-electrophysiological balance value was an independent predictor of high National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≥5). METHODS: In this retrospective and observational study, 231 consecutive adult patients with acute ischemic stroke were evaluated. The cardiac-electrophysiological balance value was obtained by dividing the corrected QT interval by the QRS duration measured from surface electrocardiography. An experienced neurologist used the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score to determine the severity of the stroke at the time of admission and before discharge from the neurology care unit. The participants in the study were categorized into two groups: those with minor acute ischemic stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score=1-4) and those with moderate-to-severe acute ischemic stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores ≥5). RESULTS: Acute ischemic stroke patients with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≥5 had higher heart rate, QT, corrected QT interval, T-peak to T-end corrected QT interval, cardiac-electrophysiological balance, and cardiac-electrophysiological balance values compared with those with an National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 1-4. The cardiac-electrophysiological balance value was shown to be independently related to National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores ≥5 (OR 1.102, 95%CI 1.036-1.172, p<0.001). There was a moderate correlation between cardiac-electrophysiological balance and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores at admission (r=0.333, p<0.001) and discharge (r=0.329, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study demonstrated that the cardiac-electrophysiological balance value was related to National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores at admission and discharge. Furthermore, an elevated cardiac-electrophysiological balance value was found to be an independent predictor of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≥5.

Evaluation of electrocardiographic P wave parameters in predicting long-term atrial fibrillation in patients with acute ischemic stroke / Avaliação dos parâmetros eletrocardiográficos da onda P na predição de fibrilação atrial de longa duração em pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico agudo

Abstract Background Electrocardiographic parameters, such as P wave peak time (PWPT), P wave duration (PWD), and P wave amplitude in lead DI, have been utilized to assess left atrial anomalies linked to the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) in different cohort settings. Objective To compare electrocardiographic parameters, such as P waves, in predicting long-term AF risk in acute ischemic stroke cases. Methods The data of 231 consecutive acute ischemic stroke cases were retrospectively collected. Two independent cardiologists interpreted the electrocardiography recordings for PWPT, PWD, and P wave amplitude in lead DI. The median follow-up study period was 16 (interquartile range [IQR]: 11-24) months. Results In total, AF was detected in 43 (18.6%) cases. All studied P wave parameters were found to be statistically significant in cases with AF. Based on multivariable logistic regression analysis, dementia, left atrium volume index, PWD (razão de chances [RC]: 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.058-1.184; p = 0.003), PWPT in lead DII (RC: 1.030; 95%CI: 1.010-1.050; p = 0.003), and advanced interatrial block morphology were independent predictors of long-term AF. P wave duration had the highest area under the curve value, sensitivity, and specificity for long-term AF in such cases compared with the other P wave parameters. Conclusions Our head-to-head comparison of well-known P wave parameters demonstrated that PWD might be the most useful P wave parameter for long-term AF in acute ischemic stroke cases.

Resumo Antecedentes Parâmetros eletrocardiográficos, como tempo de pico da onda P (PWPT, na sigla em inglês), duração da onda P (PWD, na sigla em inglês) e amplitude da onda P na derivação DI, têm sido utilizados para avaliar anomalias atriais esquerdas ligadas ao desenvolvimento de fibrilação atrial (FA) em diferentes cenários de coortes. Objetivo Comparar os parâmetros eletrocardiográficos destas ondas P na predição do risco de FA de longo prazo em casos de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) isquêmico agudo. Métodos Os dados de 231 casos consecutivos de AVC isquêmico agudo foram coletados retrospectivamente. Dois cardiologistas independentes interpretaram os registros eletrocardiográficos para PWPT, PWD e amplitude da onda P na derivação DI. O período médio do estudo de acompanhamento foi de 16 (intervalo interquartil [IQR, na sigla em inglês]: 11-24) meses. Resultados No total, FA foi detectada em 43 (18,6%) casos. Todos os parâmetros da onda P estudados foram considerados estatisticamente significativos nos casos com FA. Com base na análise de regressão logística multivariável, demência, índice de volume do átrio esquerdo, PWD (razão de chances [RC]: 1,112; intervalo de confiança [IC] 95%: 1,058-1,184; p = 0,003), PWPT na derivação DII (RC: 1,030; IC95%: 1,010-1,050; p = 0,003) e avançada morfologia do bloqueio interatrial foram preditores independentes de FA de longo prazo. A PWD teve a maior área sob o valor da curva, sensibilidade e especificidade para FA de longo prazo em tais casos em comparação com os outros parâmetros da onda P. Conclusões Nossa comparação direta de parâmetros da onda P bem conhecidos demonstrou que a PWD pode ser o parâmetro da onda P mais útil para FA de longa duração em casos de AVC isquêmico agudo.