Impact of atrial flow regulator (AFR) implantation on 12-month mortality in heart failure : Insights from a single site in the PRELIEVE study.

BACKGROUND: Implantation of the atrial flow regulator (AFR) to create an interatrial left-to-right shunt has been shown to be safe and feasible to reduce intracardiac filling pressures in patients with heart failure (HF). OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the effect of AFR implantation on 12-month mortality and hospitalization rates in patients with reduced (HFrEF) or preserved HF (HFpEF). METHODS: One-year follow-up data from 34 subjects enrolled at a single PRELIEVE center were analyzed. The 12-month predicted mortality was calculated using the Meta-Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC) risk score. Patients were divided into two groups, according to their history of hospitalizations for HF. RESULTS: Study data of 34 patients (HFrEF: 24 [70.6%]; HFpEF: 10 [29.4%]) were assessed. Median follow-up duration was 355 days. In total, 14 (41.2%) patients were hospitalized during the follow-up period and 6 (17.6%) of these patients were hospitalization for HF (HHF). A total of 24 hospitalizations occurred in this period and 8 (33%) hospitalizations were for HHF. The median baseline MAGGIC score was 23 and the median predicted mortality was 13.4/100 patient years. Observed mortality was 3.1/100 patient years. The observed survival (97%) was 10.3% (95% confidence interval 3.6-17.5%, p = 0.004) better than the predicted survival (86.6%). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that AFR implantation has favorable effects on mortality in patients with heart failure, regardless of ejection fraction. Furthermore, compared to baseline, left ventricular filling pressure (assessed by echocardiography) decreased significantly without right side volume overload at the 1­year follow-up.

Improvement of Pulmonary Function in Heart Failure Patients with Restrictive Patterns Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the improvement of pulmonary function in heart failure patients with restrictive patterns undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). METHODS: A total of 80 patients with heart failure and restrictive patterns undergoing TAVR due to severe aortic stenosis were included in this study. Spirometry and gas diffusion were assessed before and 4-6 months after TAVR. Pre- and post-TAVR measures were compared using paired t-tests. RESULTS: Spirometry demonstrated increased absolute and percentage predicted total lung capacity (TLC), forced vital capacity (FVC), residual volume (RV), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), and forced vital capacity (FVC). FEV1/FVC decreased due to a pronounced increase in FVC. Additionally, the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) increased significantly. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary function improves in heart failure patients with restrictive patterns undergoing TAVR.

Impact of Antecedent Aspirin Use on Infarct Size, Bleeding and Composite Endpoint in Patients with de Novo Acute Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of antecedent aspirin use on infarct size, bleeding and composite endpoint in patients with de novo acute myocardial infarction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 562 consecutive patients with de novo acute myocardial infarction were included in this prospective cohort study. Patients were assigned into two groups based on presence (n=212) and absence (n=350) of prior aspirin use. Primary endpoint was myocardial infarct size, as estimated by troponin I peak. In-hospital mortality, bleeding and composite clinical endpoint including cardiogenic shock, stroke, in-hospital mortality and major bleeding were also evaluated. RESULTS: Although GRACE and CRUSADE scores were higher, troponin I peak was lower in prior aspirin users. This result was maintained after adjustment for baseline ischemic risk profile and other major confounders including MI type and location. Despite high CRUSADE score, there was no increase in major and minor bleeding. Minimal bleeding was higher in antecedent aspirin users. When it was adjusted for the CRUSADE score, a similar risk was reported. CONCLUSION: Patients with de novo acute myocardial infarction using aspirin for primary prevention have an unexpectedly smaller infarct size and similar bleeding rates.

Correlation between apnea-hypopnea index and Tp-Te interval, Tp-Te/QT, and Tp-Te/QTc ratios in obstructive sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent sleep disorder associated with important cardiovascular complications including ventricular arrhythmias. Tp-Te interval, Tp-Te/QT, and Tp-Te/QTc ratios are repolarization indices representing ventricular arrhythmogenic potential. These parameters are associated with ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between apnea-hypopnea index and Tp-Te, Tp-Te/QT, and Tp-Te/QTc in OSA. METHODS: We screened a total of 280 patients who underwent overnight polysomnography (PSG) between the years 2012-2017 at our institution. Patients were assigned into four groups based on severity of apnea-hypopnea index: 70 with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) <5 (control group), 71 with 5 ≤ AHI < 15, 63 with 15 ≤ AHI < 30, and 76 with AHI ≥ 30. Tp-Te, Tp-Te/QT, and Tp-Te/QTc were measured. RESULTS: Compared to control group, repolarization parameters were significantly prolonged in other groups (Tp-Te interval: 68.3 ± 6.8, 71.8 ± 6.3, 79.1 ± 5.5, and 85.1 ± 6.4 ms, p < .001; Tp-Te/QT ratio: 167.5 ± 12.7, 181.7 ± 13.0, 202.2 ± 10.0 and 219.4 ± 13.5, p < .001; Tp-Te/QTc ratio: 151.1 ± 16.6, 167.6 ± 16.6, 193.7 ± 14.4, and 225.5 ± 17.0, p < .001). There was a significant trend toward higher Tp-Te, Tp-Te/QT, and Tp-Te/QTc across higher AHI categories. In a univariate regression analysis, body mass index, smoking status, Tp-Te, and Tp-Te/QTc were significantly associated with the severity of AHI in OSA. Tp-Te (OR 1.629, 95% CI 1.393-1.906, p < .001), Tp-Te/QTc (OR 1,333 95% CI 1.247-1.424, p < .001), and smoking status (OR 5.771, 95% CI 1.025-32.479, p = .047) were found to be significant independent predictors of severity of AHI in a multivariate analysis, after adjusting for other risk parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that Tp-Te, Tp-Te/QT, and Tp-Te/QTc were prolonged in patients with OSA. There was significant correlation between apnea-hypopnea index and these parameters.

The effect of 5-day course of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin combination on QT interval in non-ICU COVID19(+) patients.

BACKGROUND: The combination of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and azithromycin showed effectiveness as a treatment for COVID-19 and is being used widely all around the world. Despite that those drugs are known to cause prolonged QT interval individually there is no study assessing the impact of this combination on electrocardiography (ECG). This study aimed to assess the impact of a 5-day course of HCQ and azithromycin combination on ECG in non-ICU COVID19(+) patients. METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, we enrolled 109 COVID19(+) patients who required non-ICU hospitalization. All patients received 5-day protocol of HCQ and azithromycin combination. On-treatment ECGs were repeated 3-6 h after the second HCQ loading dose and 48-72 h after the first dose of the combination. ECGs were assessed in terms of rhythm, PR interval, QRS duration, QT and QTc intervals. Baseline and on-treatment ECG findings were compared. Demographic characteristics, laboratory results were recorded. Daily phone call-visit or bed-side visit were performed by attending physician. RESULTS: Of the 109 patients included in the study, the mean age was 57.3 ± 14.4 years and 48 (44%) were male. Mean baseline PR interval was 158.47 ± 25.10 ms, QRS duration was 94.00 ± 20.55 ms, QTc interval was 435.28 ± 32.78 ms, 415.67 ± 28.51, 412.07 ± 25.65 according to Bazett's, Fridericia's and Framingham Heart Study formulas respectively. ∆PR was -2.94 ± 19.93 ms (p = .55), ∆QRS duration was 5.18 ± 8.94 ms (p = .03). ∆QTc interval was 6.64 ± 9.60 ms (p = .5), 10.67 ± 9.9 ms (p = .19), 14.14 ± 9.68 ms (p = .16) according to Bazett's, Fridericia's and Framingham Heart Study formulas respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between QTc intervals. No ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation or significant conduction delay was seen during follow-up. There was no death or worsening heart function. CONCLUSION: The 5-day course of HCQ- AZM combination did not lead to clinically significant QT prolongation and other conduction delays compared to baseline ECG in non-ICU COVID19(+) patients.

Predictive role of ventricular repolarization parameters for the occurrence of complete heart block in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the role of ventricular repolarization parameters to predict complete atrioventricular block in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). METHODS: A total of 150 patients undergoing TAVI due to severe aortic stenosis were included in this retrospective cohort study. Patients were assigned in two groups based on the presence (n: 49) or absence (n: 101) of complete atrioventricular block after TAVI. Ventricular repolarization intervals (QT, QTc, JT, JTc, TP-E), indices (QT dispersion), and ratios (TP-E/QT, TP-E/QTc, TP-E/JTc) were measured. RESULTS: Electrocardiographic repolarization parameters such as Tp-e interval: 74.2 ± 5.1 versus 59.2 ± 6.1 ms, p < .001; QTc interval: 397.6 ± 3.4 versus 368.1 ± 7.8 ms, p < .001; JTc interval: 317.4 ± 11.3 versus 291.1 ± 6.7 ms, p < .001; Tp-e/QT ratio: 0.28 ± 0.04 versus 0.20 ± 0.04, p < .001; Tp-e/QTc ratio: 0.29 ± 0.04 versus 0.19 ± 0.03, p < .001; Tp-e/JT ratio: 0.32 ± 0.03 versus 0.23 ± 0.03, p < .001; Tp-e/JTc ratio: 0.30 ± 0.02 versus 0.2 ± 0.03, p < .001; and QT dispersion: 34.4 ± 3.0 versus 17.8 ± 3.6 ms, p < .01 were significantly higher in post-TAVI permanent pacemaker group. In a univariate regression analysis, pulmonary artery pressure, heart rate, coronary artery disease, Tp-e/QTc, Tp-e/JTc, and PR interval were significantly associated with complete heart block. Tp-e/JTc (OR 0.373, p = .067) and PR interval (OR 0.898, p = .079) were found to be independent predictors of these type of arrhythmias in a multivariate analysis. But it is not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that repolarization parameters may play a role in predicting complete atrioventricular block. Tp-e/JTc was found to be potential independent risk marker for this setting.

Assessment of the Relationship between Monocyte to High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio and Myocardial Bridge / Avaliação da Relação entre a Razão de Monócitos para Lipoproteínas de Alta Densidade e a Ponte Miocárdica

Abstract Background: Assessing the monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) is a new tool for predicting inflamation, which plays a major role in atherosclerosis. Myocardial bridge (MB) is thought to be a benign condition with development of atherosclerosis, particularly at the proximal segment of the brigde. Objective: To evaluate the relationhip between MHR and the presence of MB. Methods: We consecutively scanned patients referred for coronary angiography between January 2013- December 2016, and a total of 160 patients who had a MB and normal coronary artery were enrolled in the study. The patients' angiographic, demographic and clinic characteristics of the patients were reviewed from medical records. Monocytes and HDL-cholesterols were measured via complete blood count. MHR was calculated as the ratio of the absolute monocyte count to the HDL-cholesterol value. MHR values were divided into three tertiles as follows: lower (8.25 ± 1.61), moderate (13.11 ± 1.46), and higher (21.21 ± 4.30) tertile. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: MHR was significantly higher in the MB group compared to the control group with normal coronary arteries. We found the frequency of MB (p = 0.002) to increase as the MHR tertiles rose. The Monocyte-HDL ratio with a cut-point of 13.35 had 59% sensitivity and 65.0% specificity (ROC area under curve: 0.687, 95% CI: 0.606-0.769, p < 0.001) in accurately predicting a MB diagnosis. In the multivariate analysis, MHR (p = 0.013) was found to be a significant independent predictor of the presence of MB, after adjusting for other risk factors. Conclusion: The present study revealed a significant correlation between MHR and MB.

Resumo Fundamento: A avaliação da razão de monócitos para lipoproteínas de alta densidade (MHR, sigla em inglês) é uma nova ferramenta para se prever o processo inflamatório, o qual desempenha um papel importante na aterosclerose. A ponte miocárdica (PM) é considerada uma condição benigna com desenvolvimento de arteriosclerose, particularmente no segmento proximal da ponte. Objetivo: Avaliar a relação entre a MHR e a presença de PM. Métodos: Examinamos concecutivamente pacientes encaminhados para angiografia coronariana entre janeiro de 2013 e dezembro de 2016, e um total de 160 pacientes, uma parcela dos quais com PM, e outra com artérias coronárias normais, foram incluídos no estudo. As características angiográficas, demográficas e clínicas dos pacientes foram revisadas a partir de registros médicos. Monócitos e colesteróis HDL foram medidos através de hemograma completo. A MHR foi calculada como a razão entre a contagem absoluta de monócitos e o valor do colesterol HDL. Os valores de MHR foram divididos em três tercis, da seguinte forma: tercil inferior (8,25 ± 1,61); tercil moderado (13,11 ± 1,46); e tercil superior (21,21 ± 4,30). Considerou-se significativo um valor de p < 0,05. Resultados: A MHR foi significativamente maior no grupo com PM, em comparação com grupo controle com artérias coronárias normais. Verificamos que a prevalência de PM (p=0,002) aumentou à medida que se elevavam os tercis de MHR. A razão monócitos-colesterol HDL com ponto de corte de 13,35 apresentou sensibilidade de 59% e especificidade de 65,0% (área ROC sob a curva: 0,687, IC95%: 0,606-0,769, p < 0,001) na predição acurada do diagnóstico de PM. Na análise multivariada, a MHR (p = 0,013) mostrou-se um preditor independente significativo da presença de PM, após ajustes para outros fatores de risco. Conclusão: O presente estudo revelou uma correlação significativa entre MHR e PM.

Assessment of the Relationship between Monocyte to High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio and Myocardial Bridge.

BACKGROUND: Assessing the monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) is a new tool for predicting inflamation, which plays a major role in atherosclerosis. Myocardial bridge (MB) is thought to be a benign condition with development of atherosclerosis, particularly at the proximal segment of the brigde. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationhip between MHR and the presence of MB. METHODS: We consecutively scanned patients referred for coronary angiography between January 2013- December 2016, and a total of 160 patients who had a MB and normal coronary artery were enrolled in the study. The patients' angiographic, demographic and clinic characteristics of the patients were reviewed from medical records. Monocytes and HDL-cholesterols were measured via complete blood count. MHR was calculated as the ratio of the absolute monocyte count to the HDL-cholesterol value. MHR values were divided into three tertiles as follows: lower (8.25 ± 1.61), moderate (13.11 ± 1.46), and higher (21.21 ± 4.30) tertile. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: MHR was significantly higher in the MB group compared to the control group with normal coronary arteries. We found the frequency of MB (p = 0.002) to increase as the MHR tertiles rose. The Monocyte-HDL ratio with a cut-point of 13.35 had 59% sensitivity and 65.0% specificity (ROC area under curve: 0.687, 95% CI: 0.606-0.769, p < 0.001) in accurately predicting a MB diagnosis. In the multivariate analysis, MHR (p = 0.013) was found to be a significant independent predictor of the presence of MB, after adjusting for other risk factors. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed a significant correlation between MHR and MB.

The prognostic value of fragmented QRS in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

BACKGROUND: Although transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) can successfully correct aortic narrowing, pre-existing pathophysiological alterations in the left ventricle are still a concern in terms of long-term mortality. This study aimed to examine the predictive role of fQRS morphology on long-term prognosis in patients undergoing TAVI due to severe aortic stenosis. METHODS: A total of 117 patients undergoing TAVI due to severe aortic stenosis were included in this retrospective cohort study. Patients were assigned into two groups based on the presence (n = 36) or absence (n = 81) of fQRS. Predictors of long-term survival were estimated. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality was higher in fQRS group (5.5% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.0224). In the long-term, fQRS (OR: 3.06, 95% CI 1.29-7.27, p: 0.01), LVEF <50% (OR: 2.54, 95% CI 1.07-6.02, p: 0.03) and presence of atrial fibrillation (OR: 2.42, 95% CI 1.05-5.60, p: 0.03) emerged as significant independent predictors of short survival. CONCLUSION: Presence of fQRS on ECG, an indirect indicator of myocardial fibrosis, seems to have the potential to be used as a prognostic marker after TAVI procedure. Large prospective studies are warranted.

Turkey: coronary and structural heart interventions from 2010 to 2015.

Growing populations and ageing demographics lead to an increased burden of ischaemic heart disease and related cardiovascular interventions, resulting in pressure on healthcare systems. Although the healthcare system in Turkey has undergone comprehensive remodelling over the last decade, there are many challenges to overcome, including better reimbursement for cardiovascular interventions, standardisation of interventional cardiology services and research-related activities. In this manuscript, we present an overview of coronary and structural heart interventions in Turkey, as well as providing information on current reimbursement policies and the healthcare system.