Atherogenic index of plasma is an independent predictor of mitral annular calcification.

BACKGROUND: In the latest reports, atherogenic indices have been related to acute coronary syndromes, stable coronary artery disease, heart failure and future cardiac events. Conventional atherosclerosis risk factors have been associated with mitral annular calcification (MAC), but data on the relationship between atherogenic indices and MAC are lacking. We aimed to investigate a possible relationship between MAC and atherogenic indices. METHODS: In total 741 patients (n = 427 with MAC and n = 314 without MAC) who were examined in our cardiology clinic from February 2016 to October 2021 were recruited in the study. Mitral annular calcification was diagnosed by transthoracic 2-dimensional echocardiography. The atherogenic coefficient (AC), Castelli risk index 1 (CRI-1), Castelli risk index 2 (CRI-2) and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) were calculated by utilizing standard lipid test values. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in sex, age, diabetes and hypertension status between the patient and the control groups. Serum triglyceride level, AIP, Hs-CRP, smoking and BMI were independently significantly associated with MAC in multiple regression analysis (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Higher AIP was related to the existence of MAC and also predict the presence of MAC independently. Studies evaluating the modification of these indices are needed.

Another possible determinant for ischemic stroke with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation other than conventional oral anticoagulant treatment: The relationship between whole blood viscosity and stroke☆.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) still experience ischemic stroke despite recommended medications and this could be the consequence of increased whole blood viscosity (WBV). We evaluated the predictive value of WBV for stroke in patients with NVFA despite receiving oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy. METHODS: One thousand and forty-three NVAF patients on OAC medication were followed up for median 36.13 ± 18.31 months. WBV was calculated according to the validated de Simone's formula. RESULTS: WBV was significantly higher in stroke group when compared to non-stroke group at both low shear rate (LSR) and high shear rate (HSR). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated an independent association between WBV and stroke when adjusted for other risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: WBV appears to be a profitable predictor of ischemic stroke in patients with NVAF receiving OAC.

Evaluation of activated charcoal and lipid emulsion treatment in model of acute rivaroxaban toxicity.

AIM: Reducing or reversing the toxicity effects of new oral anticoagulants is an important question.The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effect of lipid emulsion (LE) and Activated Charcoal (AC) therapy on the intoxication of rivaroxaban, on mice. METHODS: Adult male Balb/c mice weighing approximately 30g were used in the study. Seven groups were assigned, with six mice in each group. Groups were defined; given only rivaroxaban, given only LE, given only AC, after the administration of rivaroxaban LE applied group in the 1st hour, after the administration of rivaroxaban LE applied group in the 3rd hour, after the administration of rivaroxaban AC applied group in the1st hour, after the administration of rivaroxaban AC applied group in the 1st hour and LE applied group in the 3rd hour. PT and Anti-Factor Xa activity were measured in all blood samples from subjects. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found when all groups were compared in terms of mean PT values and Anti-FactorXa values. However, no statistically significant difference was found in the mean PT and Anti-FactorXa values when only rivaroxaban administrated group and after the administration of rivaroxaban LE and/or AC applied groups were compared one to one. No deaths occurred in groups during the observation. CONCLUSION: Although the administration of either AC or LE alone or in combination resulted in a decrease in the mean values of PT and anti-Factor Xa, in case of rivaroxaban toxicity, but one-to-one comparison of the groups was not statistically significant.

Renal Dysfunction on Admission Predicts No-Reflow Phenomenon in Patients Undergoing Manual Thrombus Aspiration during Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

BACKGROUND: No-reflow is a frequent complication during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Available data is limited regarding its impact on short-term outcomes in patients undergoing manual thrombus aspiration. Renal impairment is also associated with higher complication rates in STEMI. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the impact of baseline renal dysfunction on the no- reflow phenomenon and the association of no-reflow phenomenon with early clinical outcomes. METHODS: A total of 94 consecutive STEMI patients who underwent primary stent-based PCI and thrombus aspiration were enrolled. No-reflow was established by the use of angiographic and electrocardiographic reperfusion criteria, respectively. Additionally angiographic and clinical follow-up data were also recorded. RESULTS: In our study, the no-reflow phenomenon was observed in 10 patients (11%) angiographically and in 23 patients (24%) electrocardiographically. Whereas, the the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) [odds ratio (OR) 10.4], hypertension (OR 6.2), previous MI (OR 6.5), previous PCI history, (OR 4.2), predilatation (OR 7.2), final balloon pressure (OR 0.9) were found to be the significant predictors of angiographic no-reflow, only reperfusion time was the predictor of electrocardiographic no-reflow (OR 1.12) at univariate analysis. After adjustment, lower eGFR (OR 14.8) was found to be the independent predictor for angiographic no-reflow. In-hospital mortality was more common in patients with either no-reflow condition separately. CONCLUSIONS: Longer ischemic time and lower initial eGFR values were associated with no-reflow phenomenon. Irrespective of poor reperfusion criteria, no-reflow phenomenon is associated with in-hospital outcome. Future efforts should be made to reduce the incidence of no-reflow especially in patients with lower initial eGFR values. KEY WORDS: Acute myocardial infarction • Glomerular filtration rate • No-reflow phenomenon • Primary percutaneous coronary intervention.