Comorbid conditions in Egyptian patients with migraine.

BACKGROUND: Identifying migraine comorbidities may guide prognosis and treatment options. This study aimed to assess the frequency of comorbid conditions among adults with migraine living in Greater Cairo. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, Egyptian migraine sufferers aged ≥ 18 years living in Greater Cairo were consecutively recruited (April 2019 - April 2021). Following The International Classification of Headache Disorders-third edition, diagnosis of migraine was confirmed, and the type of migraine was defined as whether episodic or chronic, with or without aura, with childhood/adolescence or adulthood onset. Specialist physicians from the research team assessed comorbid conditions among the respondents. RESULTS: The mean age of respondents (n = 1064) was 35 ± 7. Irritable bowel syndrome represented the most common comorbidity in our patients (45.5%), followed by vitamin D deficiency (41.8%). The frequency of epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus was significantly higher in patients with chronic than episodic type (χ2 = 4.514, P = 0.034), (χ2 = 12.302, P = 0.001), (χ2 = 12.302, P = 0.001), (χ2 = 4.806, P 0.028), respectively. Females with menstrual migraines had a significantly higher frequency of generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and restless leg syndrome than those with non-menstrual migraines (χ2 = 7.636, P 0.006), (χ2 = 9.245, P = 0.002), and (χ2 = 11.997, P = 0.001), respectively. The frequency of diabetes was significantly higher in patients with migraine with aura than in those without aura (χ2 = 4.248, P value 0.039). CONCLUSION: This study provides a better understanding of the comorbidities in Egyptian patients with migraine and will provide new avenues for developing individualized therapy for migraine patients.

The associations between coronary artery disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing in recognition as a hepatic condition that is unrelated to significant alcoholic consumption, but has rather, been suggested to constitute cardiovascular risk (irrespective of traditional risk factors and high-risk plaque features). Both coronary artery disease and NAFLD share the same pathophysiology and metabolic profile. NAFLD can theoretically be a source/initiator for coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to study the association between NAFLD, CAD, the presence of high-risk plaque features, and the severity of stenosis. RESULTS: We recruited 800 patients with suspected obstructive CAD and planned for coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), Exclusion criteria: heavy alcohol consumption; contraindications to contrast media; unevaluated coronary-artery segments; other known liver disease; and use of oral corticosteroids and/or amiodarone. Non-enhanced Computed Tomography abdomen was performed before the CCTA to detect NAFLD. To study the association between NAFLD and the presence of CAD, patients were classified as to either have, or not have CAD. The CAD group were then further studied for the presence of high-risk plaque features: napkin ring sign, Positive remodelling, Low Hounsfield unit (HU), and Spotty calcium; and their association with NAFLD. Thirty-two per cent of patients had NAFLD and 45% had CAD. A significant association between NAFLD and CAD was found (OR 4.21, 95% CI (confidence interval) (2.83-6.25), p = 0.000). In CAD patients, significant associations were present between NAFLD and high-risk plaque features: Napkin ring sign, Positive remodelling, Low HU, and Spotty calcium (OR 7.88, 95% CI (4.39-14.12), p < 0.001, OR 5.84, 95% (3.85-8.85), p < 0.001, OR 7.25, 95% CI (3.31-15.90), p < 0.001 and OR 6.66, 95% CI (3.75-11.82), p < 0.001), respectively. NAFLD was present in 39.30%, 50.00%, 20.00%, 54.50% and 100.00% of patients with CAD; and 1-24%; 25-49%; 50-69%; 7 = 0-99%, LMD (Left Main Disease) > 50% stenosis or 3V disease, and Total occlusion, respectively, p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: NAFLD is strongly associated with CAD, high-risk plaque features and higher grade of stenosis.

Presentation, management, and outcomes of STEMI in Egypt: results from the European Society of Cardiology Registry on ST elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Apart from few small single-center studies, there are limited data about STEMI patients in Egypt. Nineteen Egyptian centers (with and without PCI facilities) participated in this registry with 1356 patients who were compared to 7420 patients from other ESC countries. The aims of this study were to describe the characteristics of patients with STEMI, to assess STEMI management patterns particularly the current use of reperfusion therapies, to evaluate the organization of STEMI networks across Egypt, to evaluate in-hospital patient outcome, and to compare Egyptian patients with other ESC countries. RESULTS: Compared to other ESC countries, Egyptian patients were younger (mean age 55.4 ± 11.3 vs. 62.9 ± 12.4; p < 0.001 and 4.36% vs. 19.41%% were ≥ 75 years old; p < 0.001) with fewer females (18.44% vs. 25.63%; p < 0.001). Egypt had longer median time between symptoms onset and first medical contact: 120.0 (60.0; 240.0) vs.100.0 (50.0; 240.0) p < 0.001. Self-presentation rather than EMS presentation was the mode of admission in 86.06% in Egypt vs. 25.83% in EU countries (p < 0.001). On qualifying ECG, anterior STEMI was in 57.08% in Egypt vs. 45.98% in other countries (p < 0.001). Initial reperfusion therapy was 49.12%, 43.07%, and 7.26% for primary PCI, thrombolytic therapy and no reperfusion in Egypt vs. 85.42%, 7.26%, and 7.82% for EU countries, respectively. In-hospital mortality was 4.65% in Egypt vs. 3.50% in other countries p 0.040 and was 18.87% in no reperfusion vs. 2.10% in primary PCI vs. 4.97% in thrombolysis (p < 0.001) among Egyptians. Patients were discharged on aspirin in 98.61%, clopidogrel in 91.07%, ticagrelor in 7.31%, DAPT in 97.69%, beta blockers in 82.83%, ACE inhibitors in 84.76%, MRAs in 10.01%, and statins in 99.77%. CONCLUSION: Compared to other ESC countries, Egyptian STEMI patients were younger, more frequently current smokers and diabetics, and had longer time between symptoms onset and first medical contact with more self-presentation rather than EMS presentation. Thrombolytic therapy is still a common reperfusion therapy in Egypt while primary PCI was offered to half of the patients. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in Egypt and was highest among no reperfusion patients and lowest among PPCI patients.