Mitral valve replacement after MitraClip therapy.

BACKGROUND: MitraClip therapy (MCT) is becoming more popular to treat mitral regurgitation (MR) in high-risk patients. It is, however, expanding to lower risk patients with the idea that mitral valve (MV) repair can be performed if surgery will be necessary. We report our surgical experience in patients who underwent MCT and subsequently required MV surgery. METHODS: From February 2012 to September 2014, three patients out of 34 who underwent MCT (8.8%) needed surgery because of lesions resulting in new MR. Two of them had functional and the third one degenerative MR. Two patients with functional MR underwent emergency surgery for MV lesions adding a new severe MR, the third one, with degenerative MR, had surgery 377 days after MCT. RESULTS: The MV showed a perforation of the anterior leaflet in one case and P2 completely torn in the second case. MitraClip opening was difficult and caused further injury to the leaflets. The third case developed a severe MV stenosis. All three patients underwent MV replacement with a tissue valve. The postoperative course was uneventful and, after a mean of 14 months, all patients are alive and in NYHA class I or II. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of urgent or elective surgery after MCT reduces the possibility of conservative surgery, as the possibility of valve reconstruction is less likely following the severe clip implantation-induced tissue damages.

Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation--an Asian stroke perspective.

Despite relatively lower prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in Asians (~1%) than in Caucasians (~2%), Asia has a much higher overall disease burden because of its proportionally larger aged population. For example, on the basis of reported age-adjusted prevalence rates and projected population figures in China, there will be an estimated 5.2 million men and 3.1 million women with AF older than 60 years by year 2050. Stroke is a disabling complication of AF that is of increasing cause for concern in Asians patients. Implementing consensus expert recommendations for managing stroke risk in patients with AF can considerably reduce stroke rates. However, caution is necessary when aligning management of Asian patients with AF to that of their Caucasian counterparts. Current international guidelines and risk stratification tools for AF management are based on findings in predominantly Caucasian populations and may therefore have limited relevance, in certain respects, to Asian patients. Oral anticoagulants play an important role in preventing AF-related stroke. The vitamin K antagonist warfarin is recommended for reducing the risk of stroke and thromboembolism in high-risk patients with nonvalvular AF; however, warfarin interacts with many drugs and food ingredients, which may pose significant challenges in administration and monitoring among Asian patients. Further research is needed to inform specific guidance on the implications of different stroke and bleeding profiles in Asians vs Caucasians. Moreover, there is scope to improve physician perceptions and patient knowledge, as well as considering alternative new oral anticoagulants, for example, direct thrombin inhibitors or factor Xa inhibitors.

Initial experience of using intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) for guiding balloon mitral valvuloplasty (BMV).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: BMV is an established treatment for rheumatic mitral valve stenosis. The procedure is historically guided by fluoroscopy, and the role of intracardiac echocardiogram (ICE) guidance is not well defined. We report our initial experience of using ICE to guide BMV procedures. METHODS: During BMV procedure, ICE catheter was inserted into the right atrium from the right femoral vein, and the septal puncture was monitored by ICE, as well as positioning of the balloon in the mitral valve. Comparisons were made between ICE, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), and catheterization derived hemodynamic measurements (cath). RESULTS: Seventeen patients with mitral stenosis underwent the procedure. The mean age was 44.4 ± 21 years. The mean MV area increased from 0.9 ± 0.1 cm(2) to 1.7 ± 0.2 cm(2), P < 0.0001 and the mean gradient decreased from 12.6 ± 5.8 mmHg to 4.9 ± 1.8 mmHg, P < 0.001. Atrial septum puncture and guidance of the balloon into the MV apparatus were obtained in all patients under ICE guidance. Severe MR developed in one patient and was readily detected by ICE. ICE derived gradient measurements were comparable to those obtained by TTE, and cath. CONCLUSION: ICE guidance of BMV is feasible, and useful in monitoring safe septal puncture, optimizing balloon positioning, and in detecting complications. The hemodynamic measurements obtained were comparable to those obtained by TTE, and cath.

Allergic reaction to abciximab with atypical manifestations.

Abciximab (ReoPro, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana) is an intravenous agent that had been approved for treatment of acute coronary syndrome undergoing coronary interventions. It is a chimeric monoclonal antibody fragment that binds to the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor with a potential for the development of an immune response to variable portions within the antigen binding site following its administration. We describe a 58-year-old man who developed sudden headache, short of breath, choking and restlessness after receiving Abciximab for coronary intervention. Discontinuation of abciximab and administration of intravenous fluids, steroid and antihistamines led to improvement of his symptoms gradually.

Smoking in Saudi Arabia and its relation to coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVES: The health hazards related to smoking are well known. Smoking is a recognized risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). Despite rejection of smoking by the Saudi community, we are still seeing smokers in our population. This study is designed to determine the prevalence of smoking in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and to find out its relation to CAD. This study is part of the Coronary Artery Disease In Saudis (CADIS) study. METHODS: This health survey was conducted by collecting data regarding smoking status among adult Saudis aged between 30 and 70 years of both sexes in KSA over a five year period from 1995 up to 2000. The study sample was of normal distribution and representative of all regions of KSA. The data were analyzed to provide the prevalence of smoking and its relation with CAD. RESULTS: The total number of subjects was 17,350, and current smokers were 2217; accordingly the overall prevalence of smoking among Saudis was 12.8%. Males (1555) were significantly smoking more than females (662) with a prevalence of 18.7% and 7.3%, respectively (P < 0.0001). Smoking is more prevalent among Saudis living in urban, northern, western, and eastern regions compared to other regions of KSA. Smokers are more likely to develop CAD compared to non-smokers (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Smoking is a prevalent health problem among Saudis that requires intervention for eradication. We found clear association between cigarettes smoking and CAD particularly among males. Persistent education of the health hazards related to smoking is recommended particularly at early age in-order to prevent initiation of smoking.

Hyperlipidemia in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of hyperlipidemia among Saudis of both genders in rural and urban communities. METHODS: Selected Saudis in the age group of 30-70 years were studied over a 5-year period between 1995 and 2000 in Saudi Arabia. Data were obtained from history, physical examination, and analysis of fasting plasma lipids. The data were analyzed to classify individuals with hypercholesterolemia (HC) (total cholesterol > or =5.2 mmol/l), and hypertriglyceridemia (HT) (total triglycerides > or =1.69 mmol/l). Logistic regression analysis was performed to provide a risk assessment model and correlation with other coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors. RESULTS: The number of study samples included in the final analysis was 16,819. The prevalence of HC was 54% with mean cholesterol level of 5.4+/-1.52 mmol/l. Prevalence of HC among males was 54.9% and 53.2% for females, while 53.4% among urban Saudis and 55.3% for rural Saudis. Hypertriglycemia prevalence was 40.3% with mean triglycerides level of 1.8+/-1.29 mmol/l. Males had statistically significant higher HT prevalence of 47.6% compared to 33.7% in females (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Hyperlipedimia is reaching higher prevalence rates in KSA. This finding may suggest that CAD will soon be a major health problem. Reduction in obesity by adopting healthier eating habits, and increasing physical activity are of considerable importance to our community.

Prevalence of physical activity and inactivity among Saudis aged 30-70 years. A population-based cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess physical activity levels among Saudi adults, and to examine the relationships of physical activity with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and obesity prevalence. METHODS: Data taken from the Coronary Artery Disease in Saudis Study which is a National Epidemiological Health Survey carried out between 1995 and 2000. Participants included 17395 Saudi males and females aged 30-70 years, selected randomly using a multistage stratified cluster sampling technique. Leisure-type and sport-related physical activities including walking were assessed using an interviewed-administered questionnaire. The activities were classified into five intensity categories and assigned metabolic equivalents (MET) according to the compendium of physical activity. Based on the intensity, duration and frequency of physical activity, subjects were classified into active or inactive category. RESULTS: Inactivity prevalence (96.1%) was very high. There were significantly (p<0.001)) more inactive females (98.1%) than males (93.9%). Inactivity prevalence increases with increasing age category, especially in males, and decreases with increasing education levels. Inactivity was the highest in the central region (97.3%; 95% CI = 96.8-97.8%) and the lowest in the southern region of Saudi Arabia (94.0%; 95% CI = 93.2-94.8%). Further, active individuals exhibited lower values of BMI and WC. CONCLUSION: These findings reveal the sedentary nature of Saudi population. The overwhelming majority of men and women did not reach the recommended physical activity levels necessary for promoting health and preventing diseases. The high prevalence of inactivity among Saudis represents a major public health concern.

Hypertension in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of hypertension among Saudis of both gender, between the ages of 30-70 years in rural as well as urban communities. This work is part of a major national study on Coronary Artery Disease in Saudis Study (CADISS). METHODS: This is a community-based study conducted by examining subjects in the age group of 30-70 years of selected households during a 5-year period between 1995 and 2000 in Saudi Arabia. Data were obtained from history using a validated questionnaire, and examination including measurement of blood pressure. The data were analyzed to provide prevalence of hypertension. Logistic regression was used to develop a risk assessment model for prevalence of hypertension. RESULTS: The total number of subjects included in the study was 17,230. The prevalence of hypertension was 26.1% in crude terms. For males, the prevalence of hypertension was 28.6%, while for females; the prevalence was significantly lower at 23.9% (p<0.001). The urban population showed significantly higher prevalence of hypertension of 27.9%, compared to rural population's prevalence of 22.4% (p<0.001). The prevalence of CAD among hypertensive patients was 8.2%, and 4.5% among normotensive subjects (p<0.001). Increasing weight showed significant increase in prevalence of hypertension in a linear relationship. CONCLUSION: Hypertension is increasing in prevalence in KSA affecting more than one fourth of the adult Saudi population. We recommend aggressive management of hypertension as well as screening of adults for hypertension early to prevent its damaging consequences if left untreated. Public health awareness of simple measures, such as low salt diet, exercise, and avoiding obesity, to maintain normal arterial blood pressure need to be implemented by health care providers.

Metabolic syndrome in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a well-established risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). We designed this study to obtain the prevalence of MS and each of its components in Saudi Arabia. This study is part of Coronary Artery Disease in Saudi Study (CADISS). METHODS: We conducted this community-based national epidemiological health survey by examining Saudi subjects in the age group of 30-70 years of selected households over a 5-year period between 1995 and 2000 in Saudi Arabia. We interviewed all subjects, examined and took measurements of their blood pressure, weight, height, waist circumference, as well as fasting samples of plasma glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. We obtained the prevalence of MS based on the presence of at least 3 of the following: abdominal obesity (waist circumference > 102 cm (40 inch) in male and > 88 cm (35 inch) in female), triglycerides > or = 150 mg/dl (1.69 mmol/L), HDL cholesterol < 40 mg/dl (1.03 mmol/L) in male and < 50 mg/dl (1.29 mmol/L) in female, blood pressure > or = 130/85 mm Hg, fasting glucose > or = 110 mg/dl (6.1 mmol/L) as defined by the Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III in 2001. RESULTS: We included 17,293 subjects in this survey during the study period. The overall age-adjusted prevalence of MS in Saudi Arabia obtained from this study is 39.3%. Age adjusted prevalence in males is 37.2% and crude prevalence is 40.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 39.8-42), while females have a higher prevalence of 42% and crude prevalence of 41.9% (95% CI 40.9-42.9). Saudi subjects from urban areas have significantly higher prevalence of 44.1% (95% CI 43.2-45) compared to those living in rural areas of 35.6% (95% CI 34.3-36.7) (p<0.0001). Low HDL affects 81.8% of females and 74.8% of males with MS leading all other factors, and it continued to be consistent in all different age groups. Metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for CAD, as the prevalence of CAD was higher among patients with MS (6.7%) compared to subjects without MS (4.6%) (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MS is high in Saudi Arabia. Low HDL cholesterol plays a major role in the contribution to the MS in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, we recommend routine assessment for the components of MS in patients with CAD, furthermore, we encourage aggressive management of the MS for primary prevention of CAD, particularly, measures to increase HDL cholesterol.

Tissue factor pathway inhibitor, natural coagulation inhibitors and hemostatic activation markers in patients with acute coronary syndromes.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims at characterizing the hemostatic changes, in a large cohort of Saudi Arab patients with acute coronary syndromes. METHODS: We consecutively enrolled 389 patients (unstable angina [UA]: n=181; myocardial infarction [MI]: n=208) in this study at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the period from April 2000 to November 2001. We collected blood samples before coronary angiography. Controls (n=101) were healthy males and females. All hemostatic assays were undertaken using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay based techniques and commercial kits. RESULTS: The mean plasma levels of both bound and free tissue factor pathway inhibitors (TFPI) were significantly higher and to comparable levels, in patients with MI and UA, than in healthy control levels. Markers of thrombin generation: the mean levels of prothrombin fraction 1+2, thrombin antithrombin complexes, and D-Dimer were very significantly elevated in the 2 patients groups than in controls. Proteins C and antithrombin III showed statistically significant reduction especially in patients with MI. Plasminogen activator inhibitor levels were significantly elevated in the 2 patient groups, but were higher in MI patients. The mean levels of fibrinogen and D-Dimer as well thrombin antithrombin complex were higher and the levels of free tissue factor pathway inhibitor were lower in patients with 3-vessel coronary artery disease than those with single and double vessel disease. CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirm the existence, and to a similar extent, of a hypercoagulable state in Saudi patients with MI than UA and in those with 3-vessel coronary artery disease than those with one or 2-vessel disease.

Obesity in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity and overweight are well known risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD), and are expected to be increasing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) particularly among females. Therefore, we designed this study with the objective to determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight among Saudis of both gender, between the ages of 30-70 years in rural as well as in urban communities. This work is part of a major national project called Coronary Artery Disease in Saudis Study (CADISS) that is designed to look at CAD and its risk factors in Saudi population. METHODS: This study is a community-based national epidemiological health survey, conducted by examining Saudi subjects in the age group of 30-70 years of selected households over a 5-year period between 1995 and 2000 in KSA. Data were obtained from body mass index (BMI) and were analyzed to classify individuals with overweight (BMI = 25-29.9 kg/m2), obesity (BMI >/=30 kg/m2) and severe (gross) obesity (BMI >/=40 kg/m2) to provide the prevalence of overweight and obesity in KSA. RESULTS: Data were obtained by examining 17,232 Saudi subjects from selected households who participated in the study. The prevalence of overweight was 36.9%. Overweight is significantly more prevalent in males (42.4%) compared to 31.8% of females (p<0.0001). The age-adjusted prevalence of obesity was 35.5% in KSA with an overall prevalence of 35.6% [95% CI: 34.9-36.3], while severe (gross) obesity was 3.2%. Females are significantly more obese with a prevalence of 44% than males 26.4% (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Obesity and overweight are increasing in KSA with an overall obesity prevalence of 35.5%. Reduction in overweight and obesity are of considerable importance to public health. Therefore, we recommend a national obesity prevention program at community level to be implemented sooner to promote leaner and consequently healthier community.

Diabetes mellitus in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major public health problem worldwide, and it is a known risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). New recommendations for the diagnosis of diabetes have changed the epidemiology of DM. Therefore, we designed this study with the objective to determine the prevalence of DM among Saudis of both sexes, between the ages of 30-70-years in rural as well as urban communities. This work is part of a major national project: Coronary Artery Disease in Saudis study (CADISS) that is designed to look at CAD and its risk factors in Saudi population. METHODS: This study is a community-based national epidemiological health survey, conducted by examining Saudi subjects in the age group of 30-70-years of selected households over a 5-year period between 1995 and 2000. Data were obtained from history, fasting plasma glucose levels, and body mass index. The data were analyzed to classify individuals as diabetic, impaired fasting glucose and normal, using 1997 American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria, which was adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1998, to provide prevalence of DM in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). RESULTS: A total of 17232 Saudi subjects were selected in the study, and 16917 participated (98.2% response rate). Four thousand and four subjects (23.7%), out of 16917 were diagnosed to have DM. Thus, the overall prevalence of DM obtained from this study is 23.7% in KSA. The prevalence in males and females were 26.2% and 21.5% (p<0.00001). The calculated age-adjusted prevalence for Saudi population for the year 2000 is 21.9%. Diabetes mellitus was more prevalent among Saudis living in urban areas of 25.5% compared to rural Saudis of 19.5% (p<0.00001). Despite the readily available access to healthcare facilities in KSA, a large number of diabetics 1116 (27.9%) were unaware of having DM. CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of DM in adults in KSA is 23.7%. A national prevention program at community level targeting high risk groups should be implemented sooner to prevent DM. We further recommend a longitudinal study to demonstrate the importance of modifying risk factors for the development of DM and reducing its prevalence in KSA.

Coronary artery disease in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major public health problem worldwide. To our knowledge, there is no national data available from community based studies on prevalence of CAD in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Therefore, we designed this study with the objective to determine the prevalence of CAD among Saudis of both sexes, between the ages of 30-70-years in rural as well as urban communities. Further, to determine the prevalence and clinical pattern of the major modifiable risk factors for CAD among the same population. This work is part of a major national study on CAD in Saudis Study (CADISS). METHODS: This is a community based study conducted by examining subjects in the age group of 30-70-years of selected households during 5-year period between 1995 and 2000 in KSA. Data were obtained from history using a validated questionnaire, and electrocardiography. The data were analyzed to provide prevalence of CAD and risk assessment model. RESULTS: Nine hundred and forty-four subjects, out of 17232 were diagnosed to have CAD. Thus, the overall prevalence of CAD obtained from this study is 5.5% in KSA. The prevalence in males and females were 6.6% and 4.4% (P<0.0001). Urban Saudis have a higher prevalence of 6.2% compared to rural Saudis of 4% (P<0.0001). The following variables are found to be statistically significant risk factors in KSA: age, male gender, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, current smoking, fasting blood glucose, fasting cholesterol and triglycerides. CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of CAD in KSA is 5.5%. A national prevention program at community level as well as high risk groups should be implemented sooner to prevent the expected epidemic of CAD that we are seeing, beginning. Measures are needed to change lifestyle and to address the management of the metabolic syndrome, to reduce modifiable risk factors for CAD. A longitudinal study is needed to demonstrate the importance of reducing modifiable risk factors for CAD in KSA.