Identification of Pacemaker Lead Position Using Fluoroscopy to Avoid Significant Tricuspid Regurgitation.

Permanent pacemaker implantation improves survival but can cause tricuspid valve dysfunction in the form of tricuspid regurgitation (TR). The dominant mechanism of pacemaker-mediated TR is lead impingement. This study evaluated the association between the location of the pacemaker leads crossing the tricuspid valve and the incidence of worsening TR and lead impingement using fluoroscopy. Lead positions were evaluated using perpendicular right anterior oblique (RAO) and parallel left anterior oblique (LAO) fluoroscopic angulation views of the tricuspid annulus. A two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) was performed to evaluate the maximum TR jet area-to-right atrium ratio and define regurgitation severity. A three-dimensional TTE was performed to evaluate lead impingement. A worsening of TR was observed in 23 of 82 subjects. Most leads had an inferior position in the RAO view and a septal position in the LAO view. The mid position in the RAO view and septal position in the LAO view were risk factors for lead impingement. Mid and septal positions were associated with higher risks of significant TR and lead impingement. Lead impingement was associated with a high risk of significant TR. Pacemaker-mediated TR remains a significant problem after lead implantation.

The association of apolipoprotein in the risk of ST-elevation myocardial infarction in patients with documented coronary artery disease.

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death worldwide, in this case, acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or acute myocardial infarction (AMI) that developed from coronary artery disease (CAD). Several risk factors contribute to AMI. Non-modifiable risk factors are age, sex, race, and family history. Modifiable risk factors include dyslipidemia, hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus, as well as recent factors that are considered more specific such as homocysteine, lipoprotein a [Lp(a)], high sensitivity C- reactive protein (hs-CRP), and apolipoprotein. This study aimed to determine the role of apolipoprotein as a risk factor for STEMI. Methods: This study combines three epidemiological designs: a descriptive and cross-sectional correlative study with 62 STEMI patients at the National Cardiovascular Center Harapan Kita and a comparative study of 62 STEMI patients and 20 non-ACS CAD patients at the Universitas Indonesia Hospital. Results and conclusion: The descriptive study showed the level of apoB 80.71 ± 28.3, apoA1 104.93 ± 27.8, apoB/apoA1 ratio 0.78 ± 0.22, and Lp(a) 6.85 (1.0-48.1). ApoB moderately correlates with LDLc (p < 0.001; r = 0.571). ApoA1 weakly correlates with HDLc (p = 0.005; r = 0.379). In comparative study, there were significant differences between the STEMI and non-ACS CAD groups on apoA1 (104.93 ± 27.8 vs. 137.48 ± 26.46), apoB/apoA1 ratio (0.78 ± 0.22 vs. 0.59 ± 0.15), and hs-CRP (2.88 [0.4-215] vs. 0.73 [0.15-8.9]). Multivariate analysis showed that the most significant risk factors for STEMI in this study were hypertension for modifiable factors and apoA1 for apolipoprotein. The apoA1 and apoB/apoA1 ratio examination can be suggested for people who have experienced plaque formation and are at risk for myocardial infarction.

Prevalence and Factors Related to Hypovitaminosis D in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Depression.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D (hypoD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and depression has not been documented. In addition, the risk factors are unknown. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of and risk factors for hypoD in patients with T2DM who also have depression. METHODS: 118 patients with T2DM who visited the outpatient endocrinology clinics at Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital between December 2019-September 2022 provided the clinical and demographic data for this cross- sectional study, including body mass index, blood pressure, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profiles, therapy, gender, age, marital status, and educational background. We used The Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI II) to evaluate depression. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit to assess the dependent variable: serum vitamin D. We characterized serum vitamin D levels into three groups (normal, 30 ng/mL; insufficient, 20-29 ng/mL; deficient, 20 ng/mL). We also used analyses of variance to examine the anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical factors between the three groups. RESULTS: 118 subjects with T2DM. Their median age was 56 years old (48, 75-60 years old), with a BDI II score of 17 (15-19), and a serum concentration of vitamin D. The D level was 18.3 ng/mL (9.17-29.46 ng/mL). Only 21.8% of patients with T2DM and depression had sufficient levels of vitamin D. We used multivariable analysis of variance model to examine the associations between age, BDI II score, HbA1c, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure with vitamin D level. Age and BDI II score both had a statistically significant effect on vitamin D levels. CONCLUSION: This cross-sectional study discovered that patients with T2DM and depression had a high prevalence (77.7%) of hypoD. Age and BDI II score both affected differences in vitamin D levels with statistical significance.

Diagnostic role of stool TB-PCR in suspected tuberculous colitis patient at Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo National Central General Hospital: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: the signs and symptoms of tuberculous (TB) colitis were similar with other diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease. Therefore, finding the diagnostic modality to help differentiate TB colitis with other diseases was a challenge. In this study we aimed to find the proportion of positive stool TB-PCR in suspected TB colitis subjects and also the diagnostic value of the stool TB-PCR if compared to colonoscopy, histopathology and clinical evaluation. Methods: a cross-sectional study was done on subjects suspected to have TB colitis who undergone colonoscopy and histopathology examination between February-April 2019. Stool samples from those subjects were collected and extracted with the QIAamp® Fast Stool DNA Mini Kit. The TB-PCR was done using artus® M. tuberculosis RG PCR kit, which targeted on 16s rRNA gene. The results of stool TB-PCR then were compared with the combination of colonoscopy, histopathology and clinical evaluation as the gold standard. Results: from sixty subjects who were recruited, there were 26/60 (43.3%) subjects with positive stool TB-PC. It was consisted of 7/8 TB colitis subjects and 19/52 non-TB colitis subjects. The diagnostic value of the stool TB-PCR was: sensitivity 87.5%, specificity 63.5%, positive predictive value 26.9% and negative predictive value 97.1%. Conclusion: stool TB-PCR has good sensitivity but low specificity for diagnosing TB colitis. Therefore, stool TB-PCR could be utilized as a screening test for TB colitis.

Invasive candidiasis among high prevalence neurological patients.

INTRODUCTION: Invasive candidiasis is a severe form of infection. The incidence of invasive fungal infections has increased, due to the increasing number of patients with impaired immunity who are being treated through prolonged stay in hospital facilities. Neurological patient treatment methods such as antimicrobials, corticosteroid, central venous catheter (CVC), total parenteral nutrition, and mechanical ventilation use are associated with common risk factors for invasive candidiasis. Our study demonstrated invasive candidiasis prevalence among neurological patients. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was done with consecutive sampling of neurological patients who were hospitalized from January 2017 to February 2020 at the Mahar Mardjono National Brain Center Hospital East Jakarta Indonesia. Patients with sepsis, septic shock, or fever (> 38.5 °C), and who had not received antifungals before culture were enrolled in the study. Clinical specimens were obtained from blood, liquor cerebrospinal or other sterile sites, CVC, respiratory tract specimens, and urine or other non-sterile sites. Socio-demographic data, potential risk factors based on previous studies, clinical, and other tests data were obtained from medical records. Classification of invasive candidiasis was according to the Paphitou classification criteria. RESULTS: One hundred and two subjects met the study criteria. The prevalence of invasive candidiasis in neurological patients was 13.7%. All of the isolates were C. parapsilosis. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of invasive candidiasis was high in the samples studied. The infection was associated with septic shock, tracheostomy, and duration of use of central venous catheter, ventilator, and steroids.

Cutoff Value of Qualitative HBsAg for Confirmatory HBsAg Using the Chemiluminescence Microparticle Immunoassay Method.

BACKGROUND: Confirmatory hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is an assay used to distinguish weakly reactive from false-positive HBsAg results. OBJECTIVE: To determine the signal to cutoff (S/CO) value of chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) HBsAg assay that should trigger follow-up confirmatory HBsAg testing. METHODS: All specimens with an initial S/CO value of 0.90-100.00 were subjected to repeat HBsAg testing after high-speed centrifugation. The specimens with an initial S/CO value in that range remained in the same range and were then followed up with confirmatory HBsAg testing. RESULT: In total, 132 specimens had an S/CO value between 0.90 and 100.00 after high-speed centrifugation, followed by confirmatory HBsAg retesting. The S/CO value of HBsAg specimens for which the results required verification with confirmatory HBsAg was 0.98 (100% sensitivity, 3.3% specificity) through 9.32 (47.1% sensitivity, 100% specificity). CONCLUSION: The HBsAg S/CO values (as determined by the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay [CMIA] method) that should trigger confirmatory HBsAg testing are 0.98-9.32.

The Association of ß2-Microglobulin and Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 with Major Adverse Cardiac Event in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND: chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases the severity and risk of mortality in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. The role of ß2-M as a filtration and inflammation marker and FGF23 as a CKD-MBD process marker might be significant in the pathophysiology in ACS with CKD patients. This study aims to determine the association of ß2-M and FGF23 with major adverse cardiac event (MACE) in ACS patients with CKD. METHODS: we used cross sectional and retrospective cohort analysis for MACE. We collected ACS patients with CKD consecutively from January until October 2018 at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital. Data were analyzed using logistic regression and Cox's Proportional Hazard Regression. RESULTS: a total of 117 patients were selected according to the study criteria. In bivariate analysis, ß2-M, FGF23, and stage of CKD had significant association with MACE (p = 0.014, p = 0.026, p = 0.014, respectively). In multivariate analysis, ß2-M - but not FGF 23- was significantly associated with MACE (adjusted HR 2.16; CI95% 1.15-4.05; p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: ß2-M was significantly associated with MACE, while FGF23 was not so. This finding supports the role of inflammation in cardiovascular outcomes in ACS with CKD patient through acute on chronic effect.

Isolation and identification of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 6B from a patient with bacterial meningitis infection in Jakarta, Indonesia.

CNS infection is a life-threatening condition in developing countries and Streptococcus pneumoniae has been reported as the most common cause of bacterial meningitis; however, there is limited data on pneumococcal meningitis in Indonesia. This cross-sectional study aimed to isolate and identity S. pneumoniae strains from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens collected as part of routine testing from patients with clinically diagnosed central nervous system infection at a national referral hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2017. S. pneumoniae isolation and identification were performed using conventional culture and molecular tools. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns were monitored through minimum inhibitory concentration testing. From 147 CSF specimens, one S. pneumoniae strain was identified from a patient with bacterial meningitis symptoms. The isolate was serotype 6B (ST5661) and susceptible to 18 antimicrobial agents tested, including penicillin, tetracycline, and the macrolide group. Our data provide insights into the epidemiology of invasive pneumococcal disease in Indonesia.

The Role of Acute Hyperglycemia on the Risk of Malignant Arrhythmia in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients: A Study of Myocardial Damage, Ion Channel Changes and Inflammatory Factors.

BACKGROUND: acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is often followed by hyperglycemia. To date, there is no study that examine the role of myocardial damage, ion channel changes and increased inflammatory response as a pathomechanism of malignant arrhythmias due to hyperglycemia in AMI patients. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of acute hyperglycemia on the occurence of malignant arrhythmias, troponin I, VLP, echocardiographic strain, ion channel changes (CaMKII) and hsCRP. This study also aims to assess the effect of troponin I, VLP, GLS, CaMKII and hsCRP on the occurence of malignant arrhythmias in AMI patients with acute hyperglycemia. METHODS: a cross-sectional study followed by a cohort study was conducted on AMI patients treated at ICCU Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital Jakarta during November 2018 to May 2019 period. Patients with severe infections and who had experienced malignant arrhythmias at admission were excluded from the study. The occurence of malignant arrhythmias as the main outcome of this study and CaMKII level were assessed on the fifth day of treatment. Patients who died before the fifth day of treatment due to causes other than malignant arrhythmias were excluded from analysis. The association between acute hyperglycemia with VLP and the occurence of malignant arrhythmias was analyzed through a chi-square test, whereas the differences between troponin I, GLS, CaMKII and hsCRP, based on the hyperglycemia status of the patient, were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: a total of 110 patients were included in the study. Two patients died on the third day of observation due to malignant arrhythmias. No significant relationship was found between acute hyperglycemia in AMI and malignant arrhythmias (RR = 1,38, 95%CI 0.50-3.77). There were differences of CaMKII level on day-1 and day-5 between those who were experienced malignant arrhytmia and those who were not (p-value for differences are 0,03 and 0,01, respectively. In the acute hyperglycemia group, there was difference of CaMKII day-5 levels between positive and negative VLP (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: it was concluded that the inititial stage of AMI causes more dominant myocardial damage, as compared to metabolic factors. In the next stage of AMI, acute hyperglycemia increases ROS and the activation of ion channel changes described by CaMKII. This change results in electrophysiological remodeling of the heart, as seen in the VLP image on SA-ECG.

The association of fatty acid desaturase gene polymorphisms on long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid composition in Indonesian infants.

Background: Adequate availability of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) is important for human health from pregnancy to adulthood. Previous studies on fatty acid desaturase (FADS) gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been performed predominantly in Western populations and showed that FADS SNPs had a marked impact on LC-PUFA composition in blood and tissues. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the influence of fetal FADS genotypes on LC-PUFA composition in umbilical artery plasma lipids in Indonesian infants. Design: We performed a cross-sectional study to assess for these associations. Results: A total of 12 cord plasma n-6 (ω-6) and n-3 (ω-3) fatty acids were analyzed for associations with 18 FADS gene cluster SNPs from 390 women with single parturition from the Indonesian Prospective Study of Atopic Dermatitis in Infants (ISADI). Fetal FADS genotypes influenced cord plasma LC-PUFA composition, but, in contrast to previous studies from Western populations, the quantitatively predominant SNPs were associated with lower LC-PUFA content. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this study was the first in South East Asia on FADS genotypes and arterial cord blood fatty acids to show an association between fetal LC-PUFA composition and fetal FADS SNPs. The FADS genotype distribution differs markedly between different geographical populations. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02401178.

In Vitro Antibacterial Interaction of Doripenem and Amikacin against Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates.

Evaluation of the in vitro interaction of doripenem and amikacin against Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae was done by classifying them into four groups: doripenem and amikacin sensitive (DOR-S/AMK-S), doripenem sensitive and amikacin resistant (DOR-S/AMK-R), doripenem resistant and amikacin sensitive (DOR-R/AMK-S), and both doripenem and amikacin resistant (DOR-R/AMK-R). The MIC of each antibiotic and their combination was obtained using the Etest method. The fractional inhibitory concentration index was calculated to classify the results as synergistic, additive, indifferent, or antagonistic interaction. In the DOR-S/AMK-S class, 1 isolate of A. baumannii showed synergy and the other 5 showed additive results, 5 isolates of P. aeruginosa showed additive and 1 isolate showed indifferent result, and 2 isolates of K. pneumoniae showed additive and the other 4 showed indifferent results. In the DOR-S/AMK-R class, 3 isolates of A. baumannii showed additive and the other 3 showed indifferent results, 2 isolates of P. aeruginosa showed indifferent results, and 1 isolate of K. pneumoniae showed additive and the other 5 showed indifferent results. In the DOR-R/AMK-S class, 1 isolate of A. baumannii showed additive and the other 5 showed indifferent results, 1 isolate of P. aeruginosa showed additive and the other 5 showed indifferent results, and 4 isolates of K. pneumoniae showed additive and the other 2 showed indifferent results. In the DOR-R/AMK-R class, 6 isolates of A. baumannii showed indifferent results, 1 isolate of P. aeruginosa showed additive and the other 5 showed indifferent results, and 1 isolate of K. pneumoniae showed additive and the other 5 showed indifferent results. Synergy occurred in only 1 (1.5%) isolate. Additive interaction occurred in 24 (35.3%) isolates, and indifferent interaction occurred in 43 (63.2%) isolates. Doripenem sensitive combined with amikacin sensitive reduced MIC significantly in all bacterial isolates when compared to single MIC of each antibiotic.

Correlation Between Vitreous Advanced Glycation End Products, and D-dimer with Blood HbA1c Levels in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy.

BACKGROUND: proliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR) is an advanced form of DR that eventually could lead to blindness. Levels of vitreous advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and D-dimer may reflect the pathological changes in the retina, but only few studies have assessed their correlation with blood hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) levels. This study aimed to find the association between blood HbA1c levels with vitreous AGEs and D-dimer levels in patients with proliferative DR. METHODS: an analytical cross-sectional study was performed in subjects with proliferative DR who underwent vitrectomy. Subjects were divided into 2 subgroups, i.e. uncontrolled (HbA1c >7%) and controlled (HbA1c <7%) groups. Vitreous AGEs and D-dimer levels were assessed; the levels were compared between uncontrolled and controlled hyperglycemic patients. Statistic correlation tests were also performed for evaluating blood HbA1c, vitreous AGEs, and D-dimer levels. RESULTS: a total of 47 patients were enrolled in this study and 32 (68.1%) of them were women. Median vitreous AGEs level was 11.0 (3.0 - 48.0) µg/mL; whereas median vitreous D-dimers level was 5,446.0 (44.0 - 37,394.0 ) ng/mL. The median vitreous AGEs levels was significantly higher in patients with uncontrolled vs. controlled hyperglycemia (14.0 vs. 4.0 mg/mL; p<0.001). There was a significant positive correlation with moderate strength between blood HbA1c level and vitreous AGEs level (r=0.524; r2=0.130; p=0.0001). Blood HbA1c level could be used to predict vitreous AGEs level by using the following calculation: vitreous AGEs = -1.442+ (1.740xblood HbA1c). Vitreous D-dimer levels were not significantly different between uncontrolled and controlled hyperglycemia (median 4607.5 vs. 5701.6 ng/mL; p = 0.458). There was a positive significant correlation between blood HbA1c and vitreous D-dimer levels (r = 0.342; p = 0.019); however the correlation was weak. Vitreous AGEs level had a positive significant correlation with vitreous D-dimer levels (r = 0.292; p = 0.046) and the correlation strength was also weak. CONCLUSION: median vitreous AGEs levels were significantly higher in proliferative DR patients with uncontrolled than those with controlled hyperglycemia. Blood HbA1c level can be used to assess vitreous AGEs level in patients with proliferative DR by using the following calculation: vitreous AGEs = -1.442+(1.740 x HbA1c). However, the blood HbA1c level can not be used to predict vitreous D-dimer level in patients with proliferative DR.

Study protocol to investigate the environmental and genetic aetiology of atopic dermatitis: the Indonesian Prospective Study of Atopic Dermatitis in Infants (ISADI).

INTRODUCTION: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common skin disorder in young children worldwide, with a high impact on morbidity and quality of life. To date, no prospective study has been published on the incidence and potential predictors of AD in South East Asian populations. The Indonesian Prospective Study of Atopic Dermatitis in Infants (ISADI) will address the genetic, metabolic and dietary characteristics of mothers and their offspring, as well as potential determinants of AD within the first year of infant life. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This prospective study will be undertaken in about 400 infants to investigate the direct and indirect effects of filaggrin (FLG) gene mutations, the genetic variants of FADS1, FADS2 and FADS3 and the role of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) on the development of AD. We will use standardised protocols for subject recruitment, umbilical artery plasma analysis, buccal cell sampling for genotyping, fatty acid analysis, physical exams, 3-day food-intake recall of mothers and children, as well as comprehensive questionnaires on environmental, socioeconomic and AD-related factors, including family history. Monthly monitoring by telephone and physical exams every 3 months will be carried out to assess participants' anthropometry, medical history and incidence of AD diagnosis during the first year of life. Hypotheses-driven analyses of quality-controlled dietary, genetic and metabolic data will be performed with state-of-the-art statistical methods (eg, AD-event history, haplotype, dietary or metabolic factor analysis). Direct and indirect effects of genetics and LCPUFA in buccal cell and cord plasma glycerophospholipids as potential mediators of inflammation on AD development will be evaluated by path analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Permanent Medical Research Ethics Committee in Medicine and Health/Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia/Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (No. 47/H2.F1/ETIK/2014) approved the study protocol (extended by the letter no. 148/UN2.F1/ETIK/2015). We aim to disseminate our findings via publication in an international journal with high impact factor.

The role of apolipoprotein E polymorphism in improving dyslipidemia in obese adolescents following physical exercise and National Cholesterol Education Program Step II intervention.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle changes are important factors for managing dyslipidemia before considering blood lipid-lowering drugs. However, genetic factors can influence the response outcome. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine a dyslipidemia management strategy in obese adolescents. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 60 dyslipidemic obese adolescents received physical exercise and the NCEP step II diet for 28 days. Apolipoprotein E (apo E) genotypes and blood lipid levels were compared before and after interventions. RESULTS: The apo E3/E3 genotype was found to be common in all subjects. Mean levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) improved in subjects with the E3 allele after the intervention, but not the E2 allele. Total cholesterol and LDL-C, but not triglyceride levels, improved in subjects with the E4 allele. DISCUSSION: Apo E alleles might influence improvement in lipid profiles after diet and exercise interventions. These results could inform personalized dyslipidemia management in obese adolescents, to determine which subjects would benefit from blood lipid-lowering drugs.

The Effect of Enhanced External Counterpulsation Therapy and Improvement of Functional Capacity in Chronic Heart Failure patients: a Randomized Clinical Trial.

AIM: to investigate the efficacy of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) therapy to improve functional capacity in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). METHODS: a double-blind random clinical trial was performed in 99 patients with CHF who had received EECP therapy at Jade Cardiovascular Clinic, Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia between January 2014 and June 2015. Subjects were categorized into 2 groups, i.e. 49 subjects had sham EECP therapy and 50 subjects had EECP therapy. All subjects performed six-minute walking test (6MWT) before and after receiving EECP therapy. RESULTS: there was no significant difference between both groups regarding the basic characteristics of patients with CHF. The 6MWT result before EECP therapy showed that there were 30 patients (61.2%) with walk distance of <300 meter in the sham EECP group; while in the group receiving EECP therapy, we found 34 patients (68%); p=0.24. Post-EECP therapy, there were 33 patients (67.3%) with walk distance of <300 meters in EECP sham group; while in the group receiving EECP alone, there was only 1 patient (2%); p<0.01.The 6MWT walk distance in sham group before EECP therapy was 252.65 (SD 97.55) meters and it was 243.65 (SD 86.96) meters following the EECP therapy; p=0.18. In EECP group, the 6MWT walk distance before therapy was 256.88 (SD 85.56) meters and after EECP therapy the walk distance was 449.46 (SD 92.08) meters; p<0.01. CONCLUSION: EECP therapy is effective to improve functional capacity in patients with CHF.

ST2 Levels Before and After Treatment of NYHA III and IV Heart Failure.

AIM: to find whether ST2 can be used to determine clinical improvement in patients with NYHA III and IV heart failure. METHODS: this is a longitudinal, pre and post-test study without a control group. Study subjects are 23 NYHA III and IV heart failure patients. ST2 was tested at the start and end of hospital treatment. RESULTS: of 23 heart failure patients, 70% were classified as NYHA III while 30% were NYHA IV. There were more male subjects than females (51.4% vs. 48.6%). Median age for NYHA III heart failure patients was 52 years and mean age for NYHA IV heart failure patients was 58 years. Heart failure was mostly caused by coronary artery disease (52%). ST2 levels did not correlate with age, length of care, sex and cause of heart failure. ST2 levels in NYHA IV heart failure patients (58.82±37.36 ng/mL) tended to be higher than the one in NYHA III group (30.75 [14.4-84.5] ng/mL), but the difference was statistically not insignificant (p=0.89). ST2 levels at the start of treatment was significantly higher than at the end (31.4 [14-129.2] ng/mL vs. 18.4 [7.6-77.8] ng/mL), p=0.001. This shows that clinical improvement is associated with significant reduction of ST2 levels. CONCLUSION: ST2 can be used as a marker to determine clinical improvement in NYHA III and IV heart failure.

The effect of aerobic exercise on blood and plasma viscosity on cardiac health club participants.

AIM: to analyze the effect of SJS aerobic exercise on blood and plasma viscosity. METHODS: the study was performed on 30 subjects with an age span of 40 to 60 years. Subjects participated in SJS aerobic exercise of moderate intensity of 40 to 45 minutes duration, three times a week for 9 to 12 weeks. Five milliliters of blood were collected into K3EDTA container to assess blood and plasma viscosity prior to the program and following the completion of the SJS program. Blood and plasma viscosity was measured using Brookfield LVDV-III viscometer using rotational method principle. RESULTS: this study demonstrated a significant decrease in blood viscosity (2.94%, p = 0.03) and insignificant decrease in plasma viscosity in subjects following SJS aerobic exercise compared to prior exercise. CONCLUSION: this study proved that SJS aerobic exercise of moderate intensity of 40 to 45 minutes duration times a week for 9 to 12 weeks gave the benefit of lowering blood viscosity, which contributes to reducing the risk of coronary heart disease.

Albumin cobalt binding (ACB) test: its role as a novel marker of acute coronary syndrome.

The biochemical marker of myocardial ischemia is detected prior to the development of myocardial necrosis, i.e. a novel biochemical evaluation based on human serum albumin binding to cobalt, a transitional metal. The evaluation is known as Albumin Cobalt Binding (ACB) Test. ACB Test is applied to detect the presence of Ischemia Modified Albumin (IMA), an albumin which has altered binding capacity to bind metal ion such as cobalt (Co), copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) in N-terminus region. It is produced when the serum albumin convenes with ischemic heart tissues. ACB Test detecting the presence of myocardial ischemia that occurs prior to myocardial necrosis has been studied by some researchers and they found an ACB increase prior to troponin increase. The cut off point of ACB evaluation was 85 U/ml. Provided that the value was greater than 85 U/ml then there was positive myocardial ischemia. But it should be noticed that IMA increase in the plasma may be due to other tissues such as gastrointestinal tissues or skeletal muscles tissues. We should also consider other factors which may affect the evaluation result such as severe hypoalbuminemia that will cause a false-high result. ACB Test may be used as an early marker of myocardial ischemia that occurs prior to myocardial necrosis.

The role of lipid profile as a risk factor indicator for ischemic stroke at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta.

AIM: to determine the role of low HDL-cholesterol, and high total cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol and triglyceride as risk factors for ischemic stroke at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital. METHOD: a study was conducted on 76 patients with an age range of 40-70 years. Subjects consisted of 38 post ischemic stroke patients and 38 control subjects with a diagnosis other than stroke. The study sample consisted of serum for lipid profile assessment. Total cholesterol and triglyceride were assessed using enzymatic method, while HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol using direct homogenous enzymatic method. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square and multivariate analysis using logistic regression. RESULTS: low HDL-cholesterol was found in ischemic stroke patients and demonstrated a significant difference compared to control subjects (p<0.05). The results of total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol did not demonstrate a significant difference. The odds ratio (3.09; CI 95%: 1.04; 8.73) demonstrates that low HDL-cholesterol is a risk factor for ischemic stroke. CONCLUSION: a low HDL-cholesterol level is a risk factor for ischemic stroke, with an odds ratio of 3.09, while total cholesterol, triglyceride and high LDL-cholesterol levels were not risk factors for ischemic stroke.

The role of persistent anticardiolipin antibody as risk factor of ischemic stroke.

AIM: To determine the role of persistent ACA and hyperviscosity as risk factor of ischemic stroke. METHODS: A study was conducted on 76 subjects whose age 40 to 70 years. Subjects consisted of 38 patients of post ischemic stroke and 38 controls with diagnosis other than stroke. Fresh blood samples were taken and mixed with EDTA for viscosity examination and serum for ACA IgM and IgG examination. The laboratory examination for persistent ACA IgM and IgG used ELISA method, while viscosity analysis was using viscometer. Statistic analysis used chi-square and multivariate analysis with logistic regression. RESULTS: In this study we found persistent ACA IgG in 25% of case group , and 2.63% in control group. Multivariate analysis showed persistent ACA IgG as risk factor for ischemic stroke with p < 0.05 and OR 14.11 (CI 95%:1.64;121.11). We found persistent ACA IgM in 2.78% of case group and 5.26% in control group. High blood viscosity was found in 15.79% case group and 10.53% in a control group. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference of viscosity (p = 0.740) and persistent ACA IgM (p = 1.000) between case and control group. CONCLUSION: study showed that persistent ACA IgG in stroke ischemic was higher than in control subjects. Blood viscosity examination and persistent ACA IgM did not show significant difference. While persistent ACA IgG with OR 14.11 (CI: 1.64; 121.11) was the risk factor for ischemic stroke. Blood viscosity and persistent ACA IgM were not risk factors for ischemic stroke.