Severity Of Coronary Artery Disease In Patients Research Articles

Elevated lipoprotein(a) as a predictor for multivessel disease in patients with premature acute coronary syndrome

Background and Aims: The role of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] in elucidating of premature coronary heart disease (CHD) is of importance. Our study was aimed to assess the association of Lp(a) level with coronary atherosclerosis severity in patients with premature acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Patients with New-Onset Tumor of Severe Coronary Artery Disease May be at a Higher Risk of Arrhythmia.

Background Arrhythmia is one of the causes of death in severe coronary artery disease patients who also suffered from cancer. Our research aims to compare the incidence of arrhythmia between severe coronary artery disease patient with and without new-onset tumor. Methodology. We enrolled 79 patients (December 2019–December 2020) with severe coronary artery disease in this study, and 40 of them were complicated with new-onset tumor. The details of all subjects were thoroughly obtained; the laboratory tests were implemented including creatinine before coronary angiography. The appraisal of the severity of coronary artery disease was applied by Gensini score. The cardiac inspection includes UCG, 12-lead ECG, and Holter monitor. Results Among them, there were 40 patients in the experimental group and 39 patients in the control group. The difference at the baseline between the two sets of figures was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The incidence of arrhythmia between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions The incidence of arrhythmia in severe coronary artery disease patients who were complicated with new-onset tumor was higher than that in patients with severe coronary artery disease alone, and attention should be paid to arrhythmia before tumor treatment.

Association between Circulating Fibrinogen Level and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Chronic Stable Angina

Background: Prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) among Bangladeshi population is higher in urban than rural population. Among the conventional risk factors diabetes mellitus is a major concern for Bangladeshi population. Fibrinogen (Fg) in plasma is associated with severity of CAD in some populations with acute coronary syndrome.&#x0D; Objective: The aim of the study was to find out the correlation between circulating fibrinogen level and severity of coronary artery disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with chronic stable angina (CSA).&#x0D; Methods: The study was carried out in the Department of Cardiology, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Dhaka from October 2015 to March 2016.Total 132 patients with chronic stable angina (CSA) and type 2 diabetes mellitus who got admitted for coronary angiogram were included in the study and they were divided into 2 groups according to the on admission level of fibrinogen. Coronary angiogram (CAG) was performed in all patients. The severity of the CAD was assessed by angiographic vessel score and Gensini score.&#x0D; Results: Mean Gensini score was 27.0±22.3 vs 22.2±16.4 and mean vessel score 1.6±0.9 vs 1.2±1.0 in group I and group II respectively (p=0.03 and 0.04, respectively). There was positive correlation between Fg and CAD severity in term of vessel score (r=0.19) and Gensini score (r=0.15). Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that dyslipidemia, smoking and elevated fibrinogen were the independently significant predictors of severe CAD in type 2 diabetic patients with CSA.&#x0D; Conclusion: Elevated plasma fibrinogen positively correlates with the severity of CAD in patients with diabetes mellitus having chronic stable angina.&#x0D; Bangladesh Heart Journal 2020; 35(2) : 106-113

Association Between Indigenous Status and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease: A Comparison of Coronary Angiogram Findings in Patients With Chest Pain Presenting to a Regional Hospital Emergency Department

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains the leading cause of death amongst Indigenous Australians accounting for 12.1% of all deaths in this population. However, there is little evidence to suggest that Indigenous status is an independent risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease. This study assessed the association between Indigenous status and the severity of CAD in patients presenting with chest pain at a regional hospital emergency department. This was a retrospective single-centre audit over 12 months from January to December 2017. Charts were reviewed for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients 18 years and older who presented with chest pain and subsequently underwent an invasive coronary angiogram. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine the association of Indigenous status with the severity of CAD. Indigenous patients are 2.7 times more likely to experience significant CAD compared to non-Indigenous patients (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=2.73, 95% CI [1.38, 5.39], p≤0.001) even after adjusting for other risk factors. Those aged 65 years and older are more prone to significant CAD (AOR=2.96, 95% CI [1.12, 7.78], p=0.03), while women were less likely to have significant CAD compared to men, (AOR=0.46, 95% CI [0.27, 0.78], p<0.01). In this study cohort, our analysis indicates that there is a strong association between Indigenous status and significant coronary artery disease, independent of the increased burden of traditional cardiovascular risk factors among Indigenous Australians.

Effect of coexistence of Chlamydia pneumoniae and increased epicardial fat thickness on coronary artery disease.

Epicardial fat thickness (EFT) and chlamydia infection are independent cardiovascular risk factors in coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to evaluate the effect of coexistence of EFT and chlamydia infection on the presence and severity of CAD in patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP). The study included 208 patients with SAP, divided into a CAD group (n=112) and a control group (n=96). The presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae-IgG (CP-IgG), EFT, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were compared between groups. CP-IgG, LVEF, and EFT were found to be independent predictors of CAD (CP-IgG, OR=1.559, p=0.021; LVEF, OR=0.798, p<0.001; EFT, OR=3.175, p=0.026). Moreover, a statistically significant interaction was detected between CP-IgG and EFT for predicting the presence of CAD (p<0.001). A good positive correlation was found between EFT and Gensini score (r=0.684, p<0.001). We found that there was an interaction between CP-Ig and EFT for CAD development. This finding suggests that the interaction of CP-IgG and EFT plays a prominent role in the inflammatory process.

Neutrophil: Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Coronary Artery Disease Severity in Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Using Syntax Score

Background: Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a prognostic marker for several cardiovascular diseases, including non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Syntax score (Sx score) is an anatomical score system for coronary artery disease (CAD) severity and can predict short-and long-term mortality in CAD intervention. Aim:To investigate the association between NLR and Sxscore as a measure of CAD severity in patients with NSTEMI. Methods:A prospective study was performed over 12 months on patients presenting with NSTEMI. Complete blood count (for NLR calculation), s. urea, s. creatinine, s. lipid profile, and s. cardiac enzymes were withdrawn upon admission. Coronary angiography with Sx score calculation was done during the index hospitalization. Results:We studied 111 consecutive patients, 85 males (76.6%) with a mean age of 55.3 ± 9.8 years. In univariate analysis, a high Sx score (≥ 33) was significantly associated withs. cholesterol, s. LDL, s. HDL, s. creatinine,s. CK, s. CK-MB, and NLR. In multivariate analysis, NLR was the only significant predictor of high Sx score [HR: 4.19 and 95% CI: 1.7-10.5, p: 0.002]. In the ROC analysis, the NLR cutoff of >7.1 had 100% sensitivity and 94% specificity to predict a high Sx score (AUC 0.97, P 7.1 predicts a high Sx score with 100% sensitivity and 94% specificity, thus helping in early and better risk stratification of NSTEMI.

To Assess Relationship of Lipoprotein (a) with Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Hospital based Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Elevated plasma concentrations of lipoprotein {Lp(a)} have been consistently shown to be a risk factor for the development of a spectrum of thrombotic and atherosclerotic disorders including Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Aim: To assess relationship of Lp(a) with severity of CAD in patients of Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI). Materials and Methods: A hospital based, cross-sectional study was conducted at Topiwala National Medical College and B.Y.L. Nair Charitable Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, between November 2016 to April 2018 (18 months). A total of 200 diagnosed cases of AMI who were willing to undergo coronary angiography were enrolled for this study. Prior to coronary angiography, a fasting blood sample was assessed for lipids and Lp(a) levels. The Synergy between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with TAXUS and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score was calculated according to the coronary angiography results. Patients were divided into two groups based on Lp(a) levels: &lt;25 mg/dL and &gt;25 mg/dL and categorised based on CAD severity and SYNTAX scores as low (&lt;22), intermediate (23-32) and high (&gt;32). Lp(a) levels were categorised as low (&lt;25 mg/dL) and high (&gt;25 mg/dL). A p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The statistical evaluation of data was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS; Chicago, IL, USA) program, version 20.0. Results: Majority of the patients belonged to the age group 41- 60 years. Males comprised 161 (80.5%) patients of the study population. Hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor, observed in 101 (50.5%) patients. Left ventricular ejection fraction &lt;40% was observed in 85 (42.5%) patients. Majority had low SYNTAX score {92 (46%)}. There was a significant difference in patients with Lp(a) &lt;25 mg/dL compared to patients with Lp(a) &gt;25 mg/dL with low (45.7% vs. 54.3%, p-value=0.0001), intermediate (9.9% vs. 90.1%, p-value=0.0001) and high SYNTAX scores (10.8% vs. 89.2%, p-value=0.0001), respectively. Conclusion: The Lp(a) was significantly associated with severity of CAD and it also displays prognostic significance.

Relation of apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism with the severity of coronary artery disease in patients with stable ischemic heart disease

Aim: Atherosclerosis begins from an early age and manifests in later years as Coronary artery disease (CAD). This inflammatory process is aggravated by age, smoking, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and genetic factors. We aimed to investigate which isoform of APOE is related to extensive coronary lesions in patients with stable coronary heart disease.Materials and Methods: This study was carried on single center. One hundred and ten patients diagnosed with stable coronary artery disease by coronary angiogram were enrolled consecutively. Syntax score was calculated by a tool of website calculator (www.syntax.com). According to the Syntax score, patients were split into three groups. APOE genotyping was performed through blood samples. Patients split into three groups according to the APOE genotypes: E4 (3/4 and 4/4 genotypes), E3(3/3 genotype), E2 (2/2 and 2/3 genotypes). APOE groups were compared according to baseline characteristics and syntax scores.Results: Coronary angiography and APOE genotypes of 98 patients were analyzed. 81 of patients (%82.6) had E3E3 allele; 6 of patients (%6.1) had E2E3 allele; 10 patients (%10.2) had E3E4 allele and 1 patient (%1) had E2E4 allele. Due to the contrast effect of E2 and E4 on CAD, we excluded patients with E2E4 allele from the study. Firstly, we assessed distribution of APOE genotype E2 (E2E3), E3 (E3E3 and E3E4), E4 (E3E4) within 3 groups of syntax scores. Total of 6 patients of E2 allele was at low syntax score group. 83 patients of E3 allele were at the low-risk group of syntax score. 10 patients of E3 allele were at the mid group and 4 patients were at the high-risk group of syntax score. 7 patients of E4 allele subjects were at the low-risk and 1 patient was at the high-risk group of syntax score. Compared to syntax score groups and APOE genotypes, E2 alleles were in lower syntax score group versus E3 (P=0.046) and E4 (P=0.003) alleles. However E4 alleles were in higher syntax score group versus E3 alleles (P= 0.034). The Syntax score was seemed to be lower in the E2 allele group versus E4 and E2 groups (P=0.013).Conclusion: we reported the first study that E2 allele was related with less and E4 allele was more extensity and severity of CAD in patients with stable ischemic coronary disease.

Association Between Indigenous Status and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease: A Comparison of Coronary Angiogram Findings in Patients With Chest Pain Presenting to a Regional Hospital Emergency Department

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains the leading cause of death amongst Indigenous Australians accounting for 12.1% of all deaths in this population. However, there is little evidence to suggest that Indigenous status is an independent risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease. This study assessed the association between Indigenous status and the severity of CAD in patients presenting with chest pain at a regional hospital Emergency Department.

Comparison of global registry of acute coronary events and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction risk scores in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome

Context: The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) scores in predicting coronary disease severity in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) have not been proved. Aims: We aimed to compare the GRACE score with TIMI risk score for prediction of the angiographic severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with NSTE-ACS. Settings and Design: This was an observational cross-sectional study. Subjects and Methods: Total 202 NSTE-ACS (NSTE myocardial infarction and unstable angina) patients were included. The GRACE and TIMI scores were estimated. Coronary angiogram was done and the Gensini score and vessel score were used to assess the severity of CAD. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS software version 27.0 was used for statistical analysis. For comparison of two means, independent sample t-test/Mann–Whitney U-test was used, while for more than two means, one-way ANOVA/Kruskal–Wallis test was used. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied for the predictability of GRACE and TIMI scores for severity of disease. Results: A positive association between the Gensini score and vessel score was observed with both the GRACE (P = 0.001) and TIMI (P = 0.001) scores. The area under the ROC curve for the GRACE score was 0.765 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.676–0.854), significantly superior to the area under the ROC curve of the TIMI score (0.715; 95% CI = 0.618–0.812). Risk factors such as higher age, hypertension, smoking history, dyslipidemia, ECG changes such as ST deviation and T inversion, and Killip classification showed a statistically significant association with severity of disease. Conclusions: Both the GRACE and TIMI risk scores were a good predictor of angiographic severity of CAD in patients with NSTE-ACS, and the GRACE score was found to be superior to the TIMI risk score.

Evaluation of serum vaspin levels with the severity of coronary artery disease

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate serum visceral adipose tissue-derived serpin (vaspin) level with the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD).BackgroundThere is controversy between the researchers on the subject of serum vaspin concentration in CAD.Patients and methodsTwenty control and 68 CAD patients were enrolled in this study. Vaspin was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.ResultsSerum levels of vaspin were significantly low in patients with CAD compared with healthy controls and low vaspin concentrations were correlated with CAD severity.ConclusionsDecreased serum vaspin levels were observed in the existence and severity of CAD in patients assessed by coronary angiography.

Optimal timing of coronary angiograms for patients with chronic kidney disease: association between the duration of kidney dysfunction and SYNTAX scores

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an increased risk of the progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, there are few data on the relationship between CAD severity and the duration of CKD. This study assessed the predictive value of the duration of kidney dysfunction in CKD patients with CAD severity. Methods In 145 patients (63.4% male, n = 92; mean age, 68.8 ± 12.8 years) with CKD, severity of CAD was assessed by coronary angiography and quantified by SYNTAX scores, and duration of kidney dysfunction was either assessed by checking historical biochemical parameters of individuals or was based on enquiries. Results Patients with high SYNTAX scores (≥ 22) had a greater prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors including age, gender, history of heart failure and smoking. In CKD patients, SYNTAX scores were positively correlated to duration of CKD and serum uric acid (UA), and negatively correlated to high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and ApoA1 levels. Univariate binary logistic regression and multivariate logistic analyses showed that SYNTAX scores correlated significantly with CKD duration, UA, and HDL-C. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis was used to explore a time point when coronary angiography application was economical and effective and yielded a Youden index of 6.5 years. Conclusions Together, our results demonstrated that the duration of kidney dysfunction was an independent correlate of the severity of CAD in patients with CKD. Our findings suggest that coronary angiography should be considered for CKD patients with renal insufficiency having lasted for more than 6.5 years.

Холтеровское мониторирование электрокардиограммы у пациентов со стабильной ишемической болезнью сердца: новые возможности

Background. Noninvasive diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) represents a real problem in clinical practice and can be improved by use of novel additional Holter ECG options. Aim. To evaluate the markers of electrical inhomogeneity of repolarization process in patients with various degree of coronary atherosclerosis. Materials and methods. All 116 patients, hospitalized for diagnostic coronary angiography, were divided into three groups: 1 – severe coronary atherosclerosis, 2 – initial atherosclerosis, 3 – normal coronary arteries (control group). A 12-lead Holter electrocardiography was performed to evaluate microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA), QT and QTc dispersion on maximal and minimal heart rate (QTdmax and QTcdmax, QTdmin and QTcdmin respectively). Results. Results of a comparative analysis have demonstrated significant differences between three mentioned groups referring to MTWA (p=0,015). QTdmax (p1-2&lt;0.001, p1-3=0.002) as well as QTcdmax (p1-2&lt;0.0001, p1-3=0.001) were significantly higher in group 1 compared to others. At the same time, QTdmin and QTcdmin values didn't differ between the groups. The results of a current study indicated increased absolute values of the markers of an impaired repolarization in individuals with severe coronary atherosclerosis (compared to initial atherosclerosis and normal coronary arteries). Conclusion. The markers of electrical inhomogeneity of repolarization process in the myocardium (MTWA, QTdmax and QTcdmax) represent perspective ECG instruments in evaluation of the severity of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with stable CAD, still requesting futher investigation.

Association of serum sclerostin levels with atherosclerosis severity in patients referred for invasive coronary angiography.

Association of serum sclerostin levels with atherosclerosis severity in patients referred for invasive coronary angiography.

The relationship between coronary artery severity and insulin resistance in patients with impaired glucose tolerance and metabolic syndrome

BackgroundThe relation between metabolic syndrome (MS) and coronary artery disease (CAD) is multifactorial, and the well-known risk factors can explain only about 25% of the disease as the relation between insulin resistance (IR) on top of MS and severity of CAD still a subject of debate with conflicting data. Also, IR and glucose intolerance are included in the definition of metabolic syndrome only by some associations. So, the aim of this research was to analyze the the relation between CAD severity (measured by the modified Gensini score) and the different components of the metabolic syndrome including insulin resistance and glucose intolerance.ResultsOut of 70 patients enrolled, 71.4% represented impaired glucose tolerance group (IGT group; n = 50) and 28.6% represented normal glucose tolerance group (NGT group; n = 20). The following variables were significantly greater among the IGT group including BMI (30.19 ± 2.27 vs 23.62 ± 2.92; P < 0.001), waist circumference (105.09 ± 8.02 vs 92.89 ± 19.92; P < 0.001), frequency of hypertension (80% vs 50%; P = 0.012), 2 h post prandial glucose (164 ± 30 vs 110 ± 20; P < 0. 04), fasting insulin (9.2 ± 1.2 vs 5.1 ± 4.3; P = 0.003), HOMA-IR (3.03 ± 0.12% vs 1.9 ± 0.12, P < 0.001), serum uric acid (4.8 ± 1.3 vs 5.8 ± 2.6; P = 0.03), mean modified Gensini score (22.3 ± 9.2 vs 15.4 ± 6.8; P < 0.001), while the mean serum HDL was significantly higher among the NGT group (40.8 ± 10.1 vs 50.6 ± 10.2; P < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between HOMA–IR; hs-CRP; MS-related variables (including waist circumflex; BMI; serum uric acid; HDL; TG);and the modified Gensini score (for HOMA, r = 0.63; P < 0.001). Several predictors for high scores of modified Gensini were noted in multiple regression analysis; however, out of those several predictors, HOMA-IR was the strongest one (OR = 4.0, 95% CI = (2.04-7.08).ConclusionIR is an independent risk factor for CAD severity in patients with IGT and MS. In patients with IR; those with aggressive CAD (or with a positive family history of premature CAD), IGT should be managed aggressively even before any evidence of frank diabetes. IR workup should be recommended among the other standard workup for those patients, if documented, interventions targeted against IR should be considered among the other standard management.

Relation entre la rigidité artérielle et la sévérité du statut coronaire après un syndrome coronaire aigu

BackgroundThe association between arterial stiffness (AS) and stable coronary artery disease (CAD) has been previously demonstrated. Whether increased arterial stiffness is associated with severe CAD in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is less explored. AimWe aim to investigate the relationship between AS parameters and the extent and severity of CAD in patients with ACS. MethodsThe study population consisted of 275 patients with ACS. We measured various AS parameters including pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), and central pulse pressure (cPP). CAD extent and severity was evaluated by the number of vessels with greater than 70% stenosis. ResultsThe study population was predominantly men (77, 5%) with an average age of 56, 4±10, 6 years. One hundred and fifteen patients were diabetic and 97 were hypertensive. One hundred fifty patients were admitted for ST elevation myocardial infarction (54, 5%) and 37, 5% for non ST elevation myocardial infarction. Thirty six percent of patients had single vessel disease and 47, 6% of the study population had multivessel disease. At the multivariate analysis, a positive correlation was observed between the number of coronary vessels disease and PWV. PWV (OR=1,272; IC95% [1,090; 1,483]; p=0,002) and cPP (OR=1,071; IC95% [1,024; 1,121]; p=0,003) were also independent predictors of multivessel disease. ConclusionIn patient with ACS, PWV is correlated with the extent of coronary artery disease, as measured by the number of vessels disease. PWV and cPP were also independent predictors of multivessel disease.

Galectin-1 is associated with the severity of coronary artery disease and adverse cardiovascular events in patients undergoing coronary angiography

Galectin-1, a β-galactoside-binding lectin mediating inflammation and neovascularization, is reported to attenuate ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction. But its role in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to identify the relationship between the circulating galectin-1 level and the severity of CAD in patients with suspected CAD. Pre-procedure galectin-1 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations were measured in 834 subjects who underwent scheduled coronary angiography. Subjects were grouped into tertiles of the galectin-1 levels. SYNTAX scores were calculated to evaluate the severity of CAD. All patients were followed until January 2019 or the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Patients with higher galectin-1 concentrations were older; had greater prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure; and were more likely to present with higher hs-CRP levels and SYNTAX scores. During the follow-up period of 1.3 ± 1.1 years, patients in the highest tertile of galectin-1 were associated with a greater risk of MACE after adjustment for age, sex, comorbidities, co-medications, serum levels of hemoglobin, creatinine, hs-CRP, ejection fraction, SYNTAX scores, and revascularization modalities (adjusted hazard ratio 10.95, 95% confidence interval 2.29–52.47, p = 0.003). Galectin-1 showed better discriminatory performance than hs-CRP, and non-inferior performance to SYNTAX scores, in predicting the incidence of MACE.

Abstract 14103: Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on the Association of Cardiovascular and Renal Biomarkers With the Presence and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients With Suspected Coronary Artery Disease: The EXCEED-J Study

Background: The impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on the association of cardiovascular (CV) and renal biomarkers with the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with suspected CAD are unclear. Methods: Using data from a multicenter, prospective cohort of 2324 patients with suspected but no history of CAD undergoing elective coronary angiography, we assessed the impact of CKD on the association of CV and renal biomarkers with the presence and severity of CAD. Heparin-free fasting serum levels of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor-1 (sFlt-1), VEGF, placental growth factor (PlGF), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), contemporary sensitive cardiac troponin-I (cTnI), high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP), cystatin C, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) were measured in 887 CKD and 1437 non-CKD patients enrolled in the EXCEED-J study. The severity of CAD was quantified using the Gensini score. Results: The mean age (standard deviation) of the patients was 69.8 (10.8) years; 65.6% were men. Serum levels of all biomarkers except PlGF were significantly higher in CKD than in non-CKD patients. In the entire patient cohort, only natural log-transformed (Ln-) cTnI was significantly associated with CAD, multi-vessel or left main trunk disease (MVD/LMTD), and Ln-Gensini score after adjustment for potential confounders. These associations were still significant in non-CKD, but not in CKD: Ln-cTnI was significantly associated with MVD/LMTD and Ln-Gensini score, but not with CAD. Stepwise regression analyses including potential confounders and all biomarkers revealed that Ln-cTnI was independently associated with CAD, MVD/LMTD, and Ln-Gensini score in the entire cohort and in non-CKD, but not in CKD: Ln-cTnI was independently associated with MVD/LMTD and Ln-Gensini score, but not with CAD. No other biomarker exhibited an independent association with CAD, MVD/LMTD, or Ln-Gensini score in the entire cohort, in non-CKD, or in CKD. Conclusions: Among CV and renal biomarkers measured in this study, only Ln-cTnI was independently associated with the presence and severity of CAD in patients with suspected CAD. These associations were attenuated in patients with CKD.

Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and association of HbA1c with severity of coronary artery disease in patients presenting as non-diabetic acute coronary syndrome

BackgroundAcute coronary syndrome (ACS) indicates the serious clinical manifestation of coronary artery disease (CAD) and is closely associated with cardiovascular prognosis in patients with ACS. This study was aimed to study the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the relation of HbA1c with the severity of CAD in patients presenting as non-diabetic ACS. Diabetic status of the patients was assessed with fasting blood sugar (FBS) and HbA1c levels, and coronary artery disease burden was assessed by coronary angiography.ResultsOut of 208 patients, 85.1% were males, and 14.9% were females; 73.56% cases were hypertensive. 80.77% of cases had STEMI, 17.79% had NSTEMI, and 1.44% had unstable angina. Out of 168 STEMI patients, 64.3% were thrombolysed, 21.42% presented late, 2.38% had contraindications to thrombolysis, and 11.9% underwent primary PCI. FBS in diabetic range was found in 44.23% of cases, impaired FBS in 36.54%, and 19.23% of patients had FBS in non-diabetic range. According to HbA1c, 41.8% were diabetic, 39.4% were pre-diabetic, and 18.8% were non-diabetic. A significant positive correlation was found between HbA1c and Gensini score and between HbA1c and the number of vessels involved.ConclusionThis study emphasises the importance of evaluating the presence of diabetes in patients presenting as non-diabetic acute coronary syndrome in developing countries. Acute coronary syndrome may be considered as one of the presentations of diabetes mellitus.

Methotrexate and Adalimumab Decrease the Serum Levels of Cardiovascular Disease Biomarkers (VCAM-1 and E-Selectin) in Plaque Psoriasis.

Background and objectives: The shared pathogenesis of psoriasis and atherosclerosis may be determined by assaying the levels of endothelial activation molecules. This study aimed at evaluating vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin serum concentrations, and atherosclerosis severity in patients with plaque psoriasis. It also aimed to determine the effects of methotrexate/adalimumab treatment for 12 weeks on the plasma levels of the aforementioned molecules. Materials and Methods: The study included 34 psoriasis patients (17 treated with methotrexate and 17 treated with adalimumab) and eight controls. The 10-year risk of a fatal cardiovascular disease, body mass index, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, and body surface area were calculated for each subject. VCAM-1 and E-selectin levels were determined via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline and after 12 weeks. Results: Baseline E-selectin and VCAM-1 levels were higher in the adalimumab group than in the methotrexate and control groups. VCAM-1 levels decreased in the adalimumab (p = 0.02) and methotrexate groups (p = 0.008), while E-selectin levels decreased in the methotrexate group (p = 0.004). Conclusions: The results indicate a correlation between systemic psoriasis treatment and E-selectin and VCAM-1 plasma concentrations, which may be associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease development.