High sensitivity C reactive protein, fibrinogen levels and the onset of major depressive disorder in post-acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Major depression disorder (MDD) is a common condition in patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and depression is a risk factor for mortality following an ACS. Growing evidence suggests that there is an intricate interplay between atherosclerosis, inflammation and depression. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of atherosclerosis-induced inflammation in the mediation of MDD. METHODS: 87 patients without depression were recruited at the time of an ACS, evaluated at 3 and 7 days and followed at 1, 3 and 9 months for the occurrence of a MDD as assessed by structured interviews (MINI). At each time point, they were monitored for inflammatory markers (high sensitivity C Reactive Protein {hsCRP} and fibrinogen), cardiovascular risk factors and atherosclerosis burden. Association between possible predictive characteristics and depression was assessed using a multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS: The overall incidence of MDD, in this population, was 28.7% [95% CI: 19.5 - 39.4] during the 9-month follow up period. Elevated hsCRP was not associated with depression onset after an ACS (adjusted OR: 1.07 [0.77 - 1.48]; p = 0.70), and similarly no association was found with fibrinogen. Furthermore, we found no association between hsCRP, fibrinogen or atherosclerosis burden at any time-point, and the occurrence of a MDD (or HDRS-17 and MADRS). The only factor associated with depression occurrence after an ACS was a previous personal history of depression (adjusted OR: 11.02 [2.74 to 44.34]; p = 0.0007). CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that after an ACS, patients treated with optimal medications could have a MDD independent of elevated hsCRP or fibrinogen levels. Personal history of depression may be a good marker to select patients who should be screened for depression after an ACS.

Efficacy over time of a short overall atherosclerosis management programme on the reduction of cardiovascular risk in patients after an acute coronary syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: The prognostic significance of monitoring risk factors and adjusting treatments in patients after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is well documented. However, studies over the last few years show that secondary prevention objectives are rarely met. Prevention programmes are effective but their benefit is only partially maintained in long-term follow-up. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the efficacy of a global management programme for atherosclerosis (the CEPTA programme) on the long-term monitoring of cardiovascular risk factors, on adherence to treatment, and to compare the data of clinical events post-ACS with that contained in the scientific literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six hundred and sixty consecutive patients were hospitalised three months after the occurrence of an ACS to evaluate residual risk factors, the atherosclerosis burden, and to undergo a treatment adjustment and a therapeutic and dietary education programme. We evaluated the impact of this long-term programme on the balance of risk factors, treatment maintenance and clinical events. At the end of an average follow-up of 20 months, 96.3% of patients were on antiaggregates, 86.0% were on beta-blockers or Verapamil, 62.4% were on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin to receptor antagonists, 88.4% were on cholesterol-lowering medication and 75.5% were receiving a combination of beta-blocker antiaggregates and cholesterol-lowering drugs. Monitoring of LDL cholesterol and blood pressure was done in over 81 and 71% of patients, respectively. At 20 months of follow-up, total mortality was 3.6% and one cardiovascular event occurred in 12% of patients. In conclusion, this short programme following ACS is beneficial for the long-term management of cardiovascular risk factors and the sustainability of drug treatments.

[Patients' information in percutaneous core breast biopsy]. / Le don d'information dans les prélèvements percutanés mammaires: savoir le dire, savoir le faire.

Information takes a large part of patient's perceptions of the procedure. If the information is adapted, patients tolerate the procedure well. We point out indications and explain the different types of procedure. For infraclinical masses, sonographically guided automated core needle biopsy removes samples. Sonographically guided vacuum-assisted large-core biopsy is only used for diagnosis generally on second purpose for masses. Stereotaxic vacuum-assisted large-core biopsy is used for microcalcifications (needle 8 or 11 gauge). Haematoma and bleeding are rare (< 4%), but care is necessary to avoid complications. Information is executed before the procedure and a booklet is giving to the women. This information has to be adapted because lot of informations could increase patient's anxiety if they don't want more informations and "not enough information" could also increase anxiety if they want more informations. The practitioner, by hearing, his formation and his experience, is able to adapt informations.