Impact of Red Blood Cell Transfusion on Subsequent Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Acute Heart Failure and Anemia.

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion therapy is often performed in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) and anemia; however, its impact on subsequent cardiovascular events is unclear. We examined whether RBC transfusion influences major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after discharge in patients with AHF and anemia.We classified patients with AHF and anemia (nadir hemoglobin level < 10 g/dL) according to whether they received RBC transfusion during hospitalization. The endpoint was MACE (composite of all-cause death, non-fatal acute coronary syndrome/stroke, or heart failure readmission) 180 days after discharge. For survival analysis, we used propensity score matching analysis with the log-rank test. As sensitivity analysis, we performed inverse probability weighting analysis and multivariable Cox regression analysis.Among 448 patients with AHF and anemia (median age, 81 years; male, 55%), 155 received RBC transfusion and 293 did not. The transfused patients had worse clinical features than the non-transfused patients, with lower levels of nadir hemoglobin and serum albumin and a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate. In the propensity-matched cohort of 87 pairs, there was no significant difference in the MACE-free survival rate between the 2 groups (transfused, 73.8% vs. non-transfused, 65.3%; P = 0.317). This result was consistent in the inverse probability weighting analysis (transfused, 76.0% vs. non-transfused, 68.7%; P = 0.512), and RBC transfusion was not significantly associated with post-discharge MACE in the multivariable Cox regression analysis (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.468, 95% confidence interval: 0.976-2.207; P = 0.065).In conclusion, this study suggests that RBC transfusions for anemia may not improve clinical outcomes in patients with AHF.

Fractional excretion of urea nitrogen can identify true worsening renal function in patients with heart failure.

AIMS: Fractional excretion of urea nitrogen (FEUN), used to differentiate the cause of acute kidney injury, has emerged as a useful fluid index in patients with heart failure (HF). We hypothesized that FEUN could be useful in identifying worsening renal function (WRF) associated with poor outcomes in patients with acute HF (AHF). METHODS AND RESULTS: Overall, 1103 patients with AHF (median age, 78 years; male proportion, 60%) were categorized into six groups according to the presence of WRF and FEUN values (low, ≤32.1%; medium, >32.1% and ≤38.0%; and high, >38.0%) at discharge. WRF was defined as an increase of ≥0.3 mg/dL in the serum creatinine level from admission to discharge. FEUN was calculated by the following formula: (urinary urea × serum creatinine) × 100/(serum urea × urinary creatinine). The cut-off values for low, medium, and high FEUN were based on a previous study. The primary outcome of this study was HF readmission after hospital discharge. During the 1 year follow-up, 170 HF readmissions occurred. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed significantly higher HF readmission rates in patients with WRF than in those without WRF (log-rank test, P < 0.001). Additionally, among patients with WRF, HF readmission rates were lowest in those with medium FEUN values, followed by those with low FEUN values and those with high FEUN values. On multivariable analysis, the presence of WRF with low or high FEUN values was independently associated with increased HF readmission, as compared with the absence of WRF with medium FEUN values. Notably, no association was noted between WRF with medium FEUN values and HF readmission. CONCLUSIONS: The prognostic impact of WRF was significantly mediated by the FEUN values and was associated with worse outcomes only when the FEUN values were either low or high. Our study suggests that FEUN can identify prognostically relevant WRF in patients with AHF.

Predictive Factors for Decreasing Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Progression to the Dilated Phase of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) may progress to the dilated phase (DHCM). This study aimed to identify the predictive factors for DHCM progression, including left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF < 50%) or decreased LV contraction (LVEF < 60%). The study included 291 patients enrolled in our hospital's HCM registry who were grouped based on their poststudy LVEF (LVEF of ≥60%, 50-59%, and <50%). Predictive factors of an LVEF of <50% or <60% were determined. Further, the effects of percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA) on long-term systolic LV function and DHCM development were investigated. LVEF was ≥60%, 50-59%, and <50% in 239, 33, and 19 patients, respectively, during the follow-up period (mean: 64.9 months). Multivariate analyses indicated baseline atrial fibrillation (AF), nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT), and left ventricular diameter at end-systole (LVDs) as significant predictors of DHCM. Using a scoring method based on AF, NSVT, and LVDs, patients with 2 and 3 points had a significantly higher risk of developing DHCM. PTSMA in 78 HCM patients demonstrated no significant effect on long-term LVEF changes or DHCM development. We concluded that AF, NSVT, and LVDs are significant predictors of DHCM development. However, a validation study with a larger population is required.

Comparison of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Procedures and Outcomes for Recent and Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Although the primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is an established treatment for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), relevant guidelines do not recommend it for recent-STEMI cases with a totally occluded infarcted related artery (IRA). However, PCI is allowed in Japan for recent-STEMI cases, but little is known regarding its outcomes. We aimed to examine the details and outcomes of PCI procedures in recent-STEMI cases with a totally occluded IRA and compared the findings with those in acute-STEMI cases.Among the 903 consecutive patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome, 250 were treated with PCI for type I STEMI with a totally occluded IRA. According to the time between symptom onset and diagnosis, patients were divided into the recent-STEMI (n = 32) and acute-STEMI (n = 218) groups. The background, procedure details, and short-term outcomes were analyzed. No significant differences between the groups were noted regarding patient demographics, acute myocardial infarction severity, or IRA distribution. Although the stent number and type were similar, significant differences were observed among PCI procedures, including the number of guidewires used, rate of microcatheter or double-lumen catheter use, and application rate of thrombus aspiration. The thrombolysis rate in the myocardial infarction flow 3-grade post-PCI did not differ significantly between the groups. Both groups had a low frequency of procedure-related complications. The in-hospital mortality rates were 0% and 4.6% in the recent-STEMI and acute-STEMI groups, respectively (P > 0.05).Although recent-STEMI cases required complicated PCI techniques, their safety, success rate, and in-hospital mortality were comparable to those of acute-STEMI cases.

Utility of fractional excretion of urea nitrogen in heart failure patients with chronic kidney disease.

AIMS: Maintenance of euvolaemia with diuretics is critical in heart failure (HF) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, it is challenging because no reliable marker of volume status exists. Fractional excretion of urea nitrogen (FEUN) is a useful index of volume status in patients with renal failure. We aimed to examine whether FEUN is a surrogate marker of volume status for risk stratification in HF patients with CKD. METHODS AND RESULTS: We examined 516 HF patients with CKD (defined as discharge estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 ) whose FEUN was measured at discharge (median age, 80 years; 58% male). The patients were divided into four groups according to quartile FEUN value at discharge: low-FEUN, FEUN ≤ 32.1; medium-FEUN, 32.1 < FEUN ≤ 38.0; high-FEUN, 38.0 < FEUN ≤ 43.7; and extremely-high-FEUN, FEUN > 43.7. FEUN was calculated by the following formula: (urinary urea × serum creatinine) × 100/(serum urea × urinary creatinine). During the 3 year follow-up, 131 HF readmissions occurred. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the HF readmission rate was significantly lower in the medium-FEUN group than in the other three groups (log-rank test, P = 0.029). Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified the low-FEUN, high-FEUN, and extremely-high-FEUN values as independent factors associated with post-discharge HF readmission. In the analysis of 130 patients who underwent right heart catheterization during hospitalization, a significant correlation between FEUN value and right atrial pressure was observed (R = 0.243, P = 0.005). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that FEUN value at discharge decreased in a dose-dependent manner with loop diuretics. CONCLUSIONS: In HF patients with CKD, FEUN is a potential marker of volume status for risk stratification of post-discharge HF readmission. Low FEUN value (FEUN ≤ 32.1) may represent intravascular dehydration, whereas high FEUN value (FEUN > 38.0) may represent residual congestion; both of them were independent risk factors for HF readmission. FEUN may be useful to determine euvolaemia and guide fluid management in HF patients with CKD.

Angioscopic findings 1 year after percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Chronic total occlusion (CTO) is a high-risk factor for stent thrombosis, but little is known about the difference in neointimal healing between CTO and non-CTO lesions regarding implanted stents. We investigated factors affecting neointimal healing after stent implantation for CTO and non-CTO lesions using angioscopy. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 106 stents in 85 consecutive patients between March 2016 and July 2020. Their average age was 68 ±â€¯11 years, and participants (73 male and 12 female) underwent follow-up angiography and angioscopy 1 year after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The stents (n = 106) were divided into three groups according to the lesion status at the previous PCI: CTO (n = 17), acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (n = 35), and stable coronary artery disease without CTO or non-CTO (n = 54). RESULTS: The neointimal stent coverage grade was significantly lower in the CTO and ACS groups than in the non-CTO group (0.4 ±â€¯0.5, 0.9 ±â€¯0.8, and 1.4 ±â€¯0.8, respectively, p < 0.001). Thrombi were significantly more frequent in CTO and ACS than in non-CTO (71 %, 51 %, and 15 %, respectively, p < 0.001). The yellow grade in CTO was comparable to that in ACS but significantly higher in CTO than in non-CTO (CTO vs. ACS vs. non-CTO 1.5 ±â€¯0.7, 1.4 ±â€¯0.6, and 0.9 ±â€¯0.7, respectively, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Delayed healing occurs in stents implanted for CTO lesions. Longer dual-antithrombotic therapy may be beneficial.

Cardiogenic cerebral embolism due to sinus arrest associated with coronary intervention for the right coronary artery: A case report.

Percutaneous coronary artery intervention (PCI) carries the risk of occlusion of the sinus node branch (SNB) which can lead to sinus arrest (SA). Generally, PCI-related SA recovers spontaneously, with a favorable clinical course. Herein, we describe a case of SNB occlusion after PCI for the right coronary artery which resulted in SA, subsequent left atrial appendage thrombus, and cardiogenic cerebral embolism (CE). Ultimately, the patient died due to cardiogenic CE. We report on the mechanism of intracardiac thrombus formation and discuss CE prevention strategies after PCI. Based on our experience, the possibility of adverse events due to PCI-induced SA must be considered, although PCI-induced SA is generally expected to resolve. .

Feasibility and safety of CT-aided pericardiocentesis from a subxiphoid anterior approach by using fluoroscopy in patients with chronic pericardial effusions.

BACKGROUND: Pericardiocentesis is an essential procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of pericardial effusions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a subxiphoid anterior approach using fluoroscopy aided by a sagittal axis chest computed tomography (CT) view in comparison with an ultrasound-guided apical approach in patients with chronic pericardial effusion. METHODS: Among 72 consecutive patients (68.8 ± 14.4 years old, 52 males) with hemodynamically stable chronic pericardial effusions, a total of 85 procedures were retrospectively analyzed. We divided them into two groups according to the site of the approach for the pericardiocentesis. RESULTS: A subxiphoid anterior approach (n = 53) was performed guided by fluoroscopy. The sagittal axis view of the chest CT was constructed to determine the puncture angle and direction for the subxiphoid anterior approach. An apical approach (n = 32) was performed by ultrasound guidance. The success rates of the anterior and apical approaches were 98.1% and 93.8%, respectively. There were two cases with cardiac perforations in the apical approach group, while no cases developed perforations in the subxiphoid anterior approach group. CONCLUSION: The subxiphoid anterior approach for pericardiocentesis was feasible and safe for managing chronic pericardial effusions. A reconstruction of the sagittal axis view of the chest CT imaging was helpful to identify the direction and depth to access the pericardial space from the subxiphoid puncture site before the pericardiocentesis using the lateral fluoroscopic view.

Adjunctive Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis during Primary PCI for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction with High Thrombus Burden.

BACKGROUND: High coronary thrombus burden has been associated with unfavorable outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the optimal management of which has not yet been established. METHODS: We assessed the adjunctive catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with STEMI and high thrombus burden. CDT was defined as intracoronary infusion of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA; monteplase). RESULTS: Among the 1849 consecutive patients with STEMI, 263 had high thrombus burden. Moreover, 41 patients received t-PA (CDT group), whereas 222 did not receive it (non-CDT group). No significant differences in bleeding complications and in-hospital and long-term mortalities were observed (9.8% vs. 7.2%, p = 0.53; 7.3% vs. 2.3%, p = 0.11; and 12.6% vs. 17.5%, p = 0.84, CDT vs. non-CDT). In patients who underwent antecedent aspiration thrombectomy during PCI (75.6% CDT group and 87.4% non-CDT group), thrombolysis in myocardial infarction grade 2 or 3 flow rate after thrombectomy was significantly lower in the CDT group than in the non-CDT group (32.2% vs. 61.0%, p < 0.01). However, the final rates improved without significant difference (90.3% vs. 97.4%, p = 0.14). CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive CDT appears to be tolerated and feasible for high thrombus burden. Particularly, it may be an option in cases with failed aspiration thrombectomy.

Effect of Empagliflozin Versus Placebo on Body Fluid Balance in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Subgroup Analysis of the EMBODY Trial.

BACKGROUND: The development of heart failure is associated with fluid balance, including that of extracellular water (ECW) and intracellular water (ICW). This study determined whether sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors affect fluid balance and improve heart failure in patients after acute myocardial infarction. METHODS AND RESULTS: EMBODY was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of Japanese patients with acute myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes. Overall, 55 patients who underwent bioelectrical impedance analysis were randomized to receive once daily 10 mg empagliflozin or placebo 2 weeks after acute myocardial infarction onset. We investigated the time course of body fluid balance measured using the bioelectrical impedance analysis device, InBody. The primary end points were changes in body fluid balance from weeks 0 to 24. Changes between baseline and week 24 in the empagliflozin and placebo groups were -0.21 L (P = .127) and +0.40 L (P = .001) in ECW (P = .001) and -0.23 L (P = .264) and +0.74 L (P < .001) in ICW (P < .001), respectively. In a stratified analysis, the rise in ECW and ICW was significantly attenuated in the empagliflozin group in contrast to the placebo group in participants with a body mass index of 25 or higher but not in those with a body mass index of less than 25. CONCLUSIONS: Early sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor administration may attenuate changes in ECW and ICW.

Clinical features and long-term prognosis of patients with congestive heart failure taking tolvaptan: a comparison of patients with preserved and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction.

Few studies have investigated the clinical benefit of the long-term use of tolvaptan (TLV) for heart failure (HF). This study evaluated the long-term prognosis of patients administered TLV for > 1 year among patients who had HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and those who had HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Overall, 591 consecutive patients were admitted to our hospital and administered TLV for HF between 2011 and 2018. We retrospectively enrolled 147 patients who were administered TLV for > 1 year. We divided them into the HFpEF group (n = 77, 52.4%) and the HFrEF group (n = 70; 47.6%). Their clinical backgrounds and long-term prognosis were examined. Compared with the patients in the HFrEF group, the patients in the HFpEF group were significantly older and included more women. Moreover, the HFpEF group showed significantly lower all-cause mortality (38.6% vs. 24.7%; log-rank, P = 0.014) and cardiovascular mortality during the average 2.7-year follow-up. Univariate analysis revealed that all-cause mortality was correlated with male sex, HFpEF, and changes in serum creatinine levels from baseline. Multivariate analysis revealed that HFpEF was an independent influencing factor for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.23-0.86; P = 0.017). Long-term administration of TLV may be more beneficial for HFpEF than for HFrEF.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction from a Single-center Experience in Tokyo.

Objective The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant impact on global healthcare systems. Some studies have reported the negative impact of COVID-19 on ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients; however, the impact in Japan remains unclear. This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on STEMI patients admitted to an academic tertiary-care center in Tokyo, Japan. Methods In this retrospective, observational, cohort study, we included 398 consecutive patients who were admitted to our institute from January 1, 2018, to March 10, 2021, and compared the incidence of hospitalization, clinical characteristics, time course, management, and outcomes before and after March 11, 2020, the date when the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Results There was a 10.7% reduction in hospitalization of STEMI patients during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with that in the previous year (117 vs. 131 cases). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of late presentation was significantly higher (26.5% vs. 12.1%, p<0.001), and the onset-to-door [241 (IQR: 70-926) vs. 128 (IQR: 66-493) minutes, p=0.028] and door-to-balloon [72 (IQR: 61-128) vs. 60 (IQR: 43-90) min, p<0.001] times were significantly longer than in the previous year. Furthermore, the in-hospital mortality was higher, but the difference was not significant (9.4% vs. 5.0%, p=0.098). Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted STEMI patients in Tokyo and resulted in a slight decrease in hospitalization, a significant increase in late presentation and treatment delays, and a slight but nonsignificant increase in mortality. In the COVID-19 era, the acute management system for STEMI in Japan must be reviewed.

Empagliflozin confers reno-protection in acute myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

AIMS: Although the reno-protective effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors are known in patients with heart failure or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), this effect has not been confirmed in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS AND RESULTS: The prospective, multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled EMBODY trial investigated patients with AMI and T2DM in Japan. The eligible patients included adults aged 20 years or older, diagnosed with AMI and T2DM, and who could be discharged within 2-12 weeks after the onset of AMI. One hundred and five patients were randomized (1:1) to receive once daily 10 mg empagliflozin or placebo within 2 weeks of AMI onset. In this sub-analysis, we investigated the time course of renal functional parameters such as serum creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from baseline to Weeks 4, 12, and 24. Ninety-six patients (64 ± 11 years, 78 male) were included in the full analysis (n = 46 and 50 in the empagliflozin and placebo groups, respectively). We used serum creatinine and eGFR as indicators of renal function. In the placebo group, eGFR decreased from 66.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 at baseline to 62.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 by Week 24 (P = 0.023) but remained unchanged in the empagliflozin group (from 64.60 to 64.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 , P = 0.843). In the latter group, uric acid improved from 5.8 mg/dL at baseline to 4.9 mg/dL at Week 24 (P < 0.001). In the earlier analysis of 56 patients with eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 , the eGFR decreased and the serum creatinine increased from baseline to 24 weeks in the placebo group, significantly different to the empagliflozin group (-6.61 vs. +0.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 , P = 0.008 and +0.063 vs. -0.001 mg/dL, P = 0.030, respectively). The changes in serum creatinine and eGFR from baseline to Week 24 were significantly correlated with those in uric acid in the placebo group (r = 0.664, P < 0.001 and r = -0.675, P < 0.001, respectively) but not in the empagliflozin group. CONCLUSIONS: Empagliflozin prevented the kidney functional decline in patients with AMI and T2DM, especially those with baseline eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 . Early administration of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in these patients is considered desirable for renal protection.

Effect of Empagliflozin Versus Placebo on Plasma Volume Status in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

INTRODUCTION: Plasma volume status (PVS), a parameter of the discrepancy between actual plasma volume (PV) and ideal PV, has been recently evaluated as a prognostic marker in patients with heart failure. This subgroup analysis of the EMBODY trial was designed to determine whether a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor affects the alleviation of heart failure and improvement of PVS in patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with congestive heart failure (CHF). METHODS: The EMBODY trial was a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to identify the effect of an SGLT2 inhibitor on cardiac sympathetic hyperactivity in patients with AMI and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Japan. In total, 105 patients were randomized (1:1) to receive 10 mg empagliflozin or a placebo (once daily), 2 weeks after the onset of AMI. In this subanalysis, we investigated the time-course of PVS at baseline and weeks 4, 12, and 24. RESULTS: Overall, 96 patients were included in the subgroup analysis set (age 64.3 ± 10.9 years, 80.2% men; 46 in the empagliflozin group and 50 in the placebo group). Body weight and PVS decreased in the empagliflozin group compared with the placebo group at 24 weeks (- 2.2 vs. + 0.1 kg, P < 0.001, and - 5.1 vs. - 0.3%, P < 0.001, respectively). Decreased PVS, defined as a change in PVS of < - 4.5%, was associated with the administration of empagliflozin (odds ratio 2.61, 95% confidence interval 1.11-6.15, P = 0.028). N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide levels decreased in both the empagliflozin and placebo groups (1028.7-370.3 pg/mL, P < 0.001, and 1270.6-673.7 pg/mL, P < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: Empagliflozin reduced the body weight and PVS. Early SGLT2 inhibitor administration in patients with AMI, CHF, and T2DM can therefore be effective in reducing the body weight and PVS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN 000030158.

Relationship Between Procedural Right Bundle Branch Block and 1-Year Outcome After Alcohol Septal Ablation for Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy　- A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol septal ablation (ASA) is a treatment option in patients with drug-refractory symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). In many patients, right bundle branch block (RBBB) develops during ASA because septal branches supply the right bundle branch. However, the clinical significance of procedural RBBB is uncertain.Methods and Results:We retrospectively reviewed 184 consecutive patients with HOCM who underwent ASA. We excluded 40 patients with pre-existing RBBB (n=10), prior pacemaker implantation (n=15), mid-ventricular obstruction type (n=10), and those lost to follow-up (n=5), leaving 144 patients for analysis. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the development (n=95) or not (n=49) of procedural RBBB. ASA conferred significant decreases in the left ventricular pressure gradient (LVPG) in both the RBBB and no-RBBB group (from 74±48 to 27±27 mmHg [P<0.001] and from 75±45 to 31±33 mmHg [P<0.001], respectively). None of the RBBB patients developed further conduction system disturbances. The percentage reduction in LVPG at 1 year after the procedure was significantly greater in the RBBB than no-RBBB group (66±24% vs. 49±45%; P=0.035). Procedural RBBB was not associated with pacemaker implantation after ASA, but was associated with reduction in repeat ASA (odds ratio 0.34; 95% confidence interval 0.13-0.92; P=0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Although RBBB frequently occurs during the ASA procedure, it does not adversely affect clinical outcomes.

Characteristics of Inter-Arm Difference in Blood Pressure in Acute Aortic Dissection.

BACKGROUND: An inter-arm difference in blood pressure (IADBP) is characteristic of acute aortic dissection (AAD), but the importance of which arm exhibits lower blood pressure (BP) and the mechanism underlying IADBP are not well understood. METHODS: We identified consecutive patients with chest and/or back pain and suspected acute cardiovascular disease whose BP had been measured in both arms. We retrospectively compared the characteristics of such patients with AAD (n=93) to those without AAD (non-AAD group, n=122). Additionally, we separately compared patients with type A AAD (TAAD group, n=58) or type B AAD (TBAD group, n=35) to the non-AAD group. The characteristics analyzed were patient background and IADBP-related factors, including systolic BP (SBP) in the right arm (R) and left arm (L), and R-L or L-R as IADBP. Computed tomography (CT) findings of AD extending to the brachiocephalic artery (BCA) and/or left subclavian artery (LSCA) were examined in patients with an IADBP. RESULTS: In a comparison of the TAAD group and non-AAD group, the prevalences of R <130 mm Hg (38% vs. 19%, p=0.009), L-R >15 mm Hg (19% vs. 8%, p=0.047), L-R >20 mm Hg (14% vs. 4%, p=0.029) were higher in the TAAD group. Multivariate analysis showed that L-R >15 mm Hg with R <130 mm Hg was independently associated with TAAD (OR 25.97, 95% CI 2.45-275.67, p=0.007). However, IADBP-related factors were not associated with TBAD. AAD patients with L-R >20 mm Hg all had TAAD, and all aortic dissection extended to the BCA just before the right common carotid artery on CT. CONCLUSIONS: IADBP was characterized by R

Effects of empagliflozin versus placebo on cardiac sympathetic activity in acute myocardial infarction patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: the EMBODY trial.

BACKGROUND: Protection from lethal ventricular arrhythmias leading to sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a crucial challenge after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic activity can be noninvasively assessed using heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate turbulence (HRT). The EMBODY trial was designed to determine whether the Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor improves cardiac nerve activity. METHODS: This prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included patients with AMI and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Japan; 105 patients were randomized (1:1) to receive once-daily 10-mg empagliflozin or placebo. The primary endpoints were changes in HRV, e.g., the standard deviation of all 5-min mean normal RR intervals (SDANN) and the low-frequency-to-high-frequency (LF/HF) ratio from baseline to 24 weeks. Secondary endpoints were changes in other sudden cardiac death (SCD) surrogate markers such as HRT. RESULTS: Overall, 96 patients were included (46, empagliflozin group; 50, placebo group). The changes in SDANN were + 11.6 and + 9.1 ms in the empagliflozin (P = 0.02) and placebo groups (P = 0.06), respectively. Change in LF/HF ratio was - 0.57 and - 0.17 in the empagliflozin (P = 0.01) and placebo groups (P = 0.43), respectively. Significant improvement was noted in HRT only in the empagliflozin group (P = 0.01). Whereas intergroup comparison on HRV and HRT showed no significant difference between the empagliflozin and placebo groups. Compared with the placebo group, the empagliflozin group showed significant decreases in body weight, systolic blood pressure, and uric acid. In the empagliflozin group, no adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first randomized clinical data to evaluate the effect of empagliflozin on cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic activity in patients with T2DM and AMI. Early SGLT2 inhibitor administration in AMI patients with T2DM might be effective in improving cardiac nerve activity without any adverse events. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The EMBODY trial was registered by the UMIN in November 2017 (ID: 000030158). UMIN000030158; https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000034442 .