Cerebrovascular Comorbidities Research Articles

Psoriatic arthritis and the dermatologist: An approach to screening and clinical evaluation

Psoriatic arthritis is a common form of inflammatory arthritis that frequently accompanies psoriasis of the skin—up to 30% of patients with psoriasis are affected. Recognition of the clinical features of psoriatic arthritis is critical, as delayed detection and untreated disease may result in irreparable joint injury, impaired physical function, and a significantly reduced quality of life. Recent epidemiologic studies have also supported that psoriatic arthritis is associated with cardiometabolic and cerebrovascular comorbidities, including coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cerebrovascular accidents, further highlighting the importance of identifying affected patients. Dermatologists are poised for the early detection of psoriatic arthritis, as psoriasis predates its development in as many as 80% of patients. In an effort to further acquaint dermatologists and other clinicians with psoriatic arthritis, this review provides a detailed overview, emphasizing its salient clinical features, and discusses classification criteria, validated screening tools, and simple musculoskeletal examination maneuvers that may facilitate earlier detection and treatment of the disorder.

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular comorbidities of juvenile dermatomyositis in US children: an analysis of the National Inpatient Sample.

JDM is associated with multiple potential risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including reduced heart rate variability, systolic/diastolic cardiac dysfunction, abnormal brachial artery reactivity and metabolic syndrome. However, little is known about cardiovascular risk in JDM. We sought to examine the association between JDM and cardiovascular risk factors and disease in US children. Data from the 2002-12 National Inpatient Sample was analysed, including ∼20% of all US hospitalizations (n = 14 535 620 paediatric hospitalizations). JDM was significantly associated with 12 of 13 comorbidities, including hypertension [survey logistic regression; crude odds ratio (95% CI): 22.25 (15.51, 31.92)], obesity [5.87 (3.44, 10.02)], uncomplicated diabetes [7.95 (4.21, 15.00)], lipid abnormalities [5.84 (2.77, 12.31)], particularly lipodystrophy [151.08 (38.24, 596.86)], peripheral and visceral atherosclerosis [10.09 (3.70, 27.56)], late effects of cerebrovascular disease [15.49 (2.37, 101.43)], personal history of transient ischaemic attack and cerebral infarction [10.82 (2.46, 47.65)], pulmonary circulatory disorder [12.23 (2.59, 57.73)], arrhythmia [3.93 (2.80, 5.52)], bradycardia [4.22 (2.65, 6.74)] and hypotension [2.62 (1.27, 5.39)]. There are significantly higher odds of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular comorbidities among inpatients with JDM, with adolescents, girls and racial/ethnic minorities being at highest risk.

Survey of cognitive dysfunction and influencing factors in elderly inpatients in geriatric department of general hospital

Objective To investigate the cognitive dysfunction of inpatients in geriatric department general hospital and to analyze the influencing factors. Methods A total of 205 patients hospitalized in Peking University Third Hospital were evaluated by mini-mental state examination(MMSE). All patients were divided into cognitive impairment group and non-cognitive impairment group.The general characteristics, prevalence, biochemistry indexes, comorbidities, and color ultrasound-detected plaque and stenosis in carotid arteries and artery of lower extremity were analyzed and compared between two groups.The logistic multiple regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of cognitive dysfunction. Results The differences in age(P=0.027), education(P=0.003), marital status(P=0.000), living situation(P=0.001), hypertension history(P=0.031), type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)history(P=0.036), cerebrovascular disease history(P=0.043)and HbA1c(P=0.032)were statistically significant between cognitive impairment and non-cognitive impairment group(all P<0.05). Logistic multiple regression analysis showed that age, marital status, T2DM history, cerebrovascular disease history and comorbidities were positively correlated with cognitive impairment(all P<0.05). Education was negatively correlated with cognitive impairment(P<0.05). Conclusions Cognitive impairment is associated with age, education, marital status, T2DM history, cerebrovascular disease history and comorbidities. Key words: Cognition disorders; Risk factors

Association Between Inflammatory Skin Disease and Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Co-Morbidities in US Adults: Analysis of Nationwide Inpatient Sample Data.

Psoriasis, atopic dermatitis or eczema (AD-E), pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid (BP), and hidradenitis are chronic inflammatory skin disorders associated with systemic immune activation, considerable symptom burden, stigma, functional disturbances, and mental health symptoms. All of these might increase cardiovascular risk. The objective of this study was to determine whether these inflammatory skin diseases are associated with increased cardiovascular/cerebrovascular risk and/or disease. We analyzed data from the 2002-2012 National Inpatient Sample, including a representative 20% sample of all US hospitalizations (n=72,108,077 adults). In multivariate logistic regression models with propensity score matching, patients hospitalized with versus without a diagnosis the inflammatory skin diseases examined had higher odds of obesity (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] for pemphigus: 1.16 [1.05-1.29]; BP 1.14 [1.06-1.23]; AD-E: 1.82 [1.79-1.86]; psoriasis: 2.36 [2.32-2.41]; hidradenitis: 2.79 [2.59-3.01]). Inflammatory skin disease was also associated with significantly higher odds of different cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension (pemphigus: 1.39 [1.31-1.48]; BP 1.96 [1.88-2.05]; AD-E: 1.19 [1.17-1.21]; psoriasis: 1.61 [1.59-1.64]), and diabetes mellitus with complications (pemphigus: 1.34 [1.18-1.52]; BP: 2.06 [1.90-2.24]; AD-E: 1.13 [1.10-1.17]; psoriasis: 1.39 [1.35-1.44]), as well as vascular, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular disease, including peripheral vascular disease (pemphigus: 1.14 [1.00-1.30]; BP: 1.83 [1.69-1.98]; AD-E: 1.18 [1.14-1.22]; psoriasis: 1.32 [1.28-1.35]), peripheral and visceral atherosclerosis (BP: 1.67 [1.53-1.81]; AD-E: 1.16 [1.12-1.20]; psoriasis: 1.27 [1.24-1.30]), pulmonary circulation disorders (pemphigus: 1.67 [1.39-2.01]; BP: 2.17 [1.92-2.45]; AD-E: 1.39 [1.33-1.45]; psoriasis: 1.37 [1.31-1.43]), congestive heart failure (pemphigus: 1.75 [1.60-1.90]; BP: 2.82 [2.68-2.98]; AD-E: 1.10 [1.07-1.13]; psoriasis: 1.05 [1.02-1.07]), history of transient ischemic attack (pemphigus: 1.36 [1.14-1.62]; BP: 2.03 [1.83-2.26]; AD-E: 1.19 [1.15-1.23]; psoriasis: 1.31 [1.26-1.36]), and cerebrovascular disease. In stratified analyses, multiple inflammatory skin diseases were associated with significantly higher rates of obesity, hypertension, and/or diabetes in patients aged <50years and females. Psoriasis, pemphigus, BP, AD-E, and hidradenitis were all associated with increased cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk, especially at younger age.

Clinical characteristics of early- and late-onset gout: A cross-sectional observational study from a Chinese gout clinic.

A retrospective cross-sectional study using data from an outpatient clinic in China was conducted to investigate the clinical features of early-onset gout patients.All patients diagnosed with gout were asked about clinical characteristics of their gout and comorbid diseases. Patients presenting with acute flares were asked about common triggers before the flare. "Early-onset" gout was defined as onset of gout before 40 years and "late-onset" as onset ≥40 years. Major joint involvement, flare frequency before presentation, the cumulative number of involved joints, proportions of tophi complications at presentation, flare triggers, as well as any metabolic, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and renal comorbidities, were compared between the 2 groups.A total of 778 gout patients were enrolled in this study, including 449 (57.7%) in the early-onset group and 329 (42.3%) in the late-onset group. Compared with the late-onset gout patients, the early-onset gout patients had a higher proportion of ankle/mid-foot involvement (62.8% vs 48.2%, P < 0.001), more frequent flares before presentation (11.2 ± 1.17 vs 6.97 ± 1.03 times per year, P = 0.01), higher cumulative number of involved joints (5.2 ± 0.26 vs 3.8 ± 0.26, P < 0.001), and more likely to have alcohol consumption as a flare trigger (65.2% vs 53.9%, P = 0.03); whereas early-onset gout patients had fewer metabolic, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or renal complications.Early- and late-onset gout patients had different clinical features. Early-onset seems to be influenced more by lifestyle, while late-onset patients have more complications because of comorbidities.

Inverse comorbidity in multiple sclerosis: Findings in a complete nationwide cohort

BackgroundInverse comorbidity is disease occurring at lower rates than expected among persons with a given index disease. The objective was to identify inverse comorbidity in MS. MethodsWe performed a combined case-control and cohort study in a total nationwide cohort of cases with clinical onset of MS 1980–2005. We randomly matched each MS-case with five population controls.Comorbidity data were obtained from multiple, independent nationwide registries. Cases and controls were followed from January 1977 to the index date, and from the index date through December 2012.We controlled for false discovery rate and investigated each of eight pre-specified comorbidity categories: psychiatric, cerebrovascular, cardiovascular, lung, and autoimmune comorbidities, diabetes, cancer, and Parkinson's disease. ResultsA total of 8947 MS-cases and 44,735 controls were eligible for inclusion.We found no inverse associations with MS before the index date. After the index date, we found a decreased occurrence of chronic lung disease (asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) (HR 0.80 (95% CI 0.75–0.86, p<0.00025)) and overall cancer (HR 0.88 (95% CI 0.81–0.95, p=0.0005)) among MS-cases. ConclusionThis study showed a decreased risk of cancers and pulmonary diseases after onset of MS.Identification of inverse comorbidity and of its underlying mechanisms may provide important new entry points into the understanding of MS.

Postoperative sepsis prediction in patients undergoing major cancer surgery

BackgroundCancer patients are at increased risk for postoperative sepsis. However, studies addressing the issue are lacking. We sought to identify preoperative and intraoperative predictors of 30-d sepsis after major cancer surgery (MCS) and derive a postoperative sepsis risk stratification tool. MethodsPatients undergoing one of nine MCSs (gastrointestinal, urological, gynecologic, or pulmonary) were identified within the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (2005-2011, n = 69,169). Multivariable adjusted analyses (MVA) were performed to identify the predictors of postoperative sepsis. A composite sepsis risk score (CSRS) was constructed using the regression coefficients of predictors significant on MVA. The score was stratified into low, intermediate, and high risk, and its predictive accuracy for sepsis, septic shock, and mortality was assessed using the area under the curve analysis. ResultsOverall, 4.3% (n = 2954) of patients developed postoperative sepsis. In MVA, Black race (odds ratio [OR] = 1.30, P = 0.002), preoperative hematocrit <30 (OR = 1.40, P = 0.022), cardiopulmonary and cerebrovascular comorbidities (P < 0.010), American Society of Anesthesiologists score >3 (P < 0.05), operative time (OR = 1.002, P < 0.001), surgical approach (OR = 1.81, P < 0.001), and procedure type (P < 0.001) were significant predictors of postoperative sepsis. CSRS demonstrated favorable accuracy in predicting postoperative sepsis, septic shock, and mortality (area under the curve 0.72, 0.75, and 0.74, respectively). Furthermore, CSRS risk stratification demonstrated high concordance with sepsis rates, 1.3% in low-risk patients versus 9.7% in high-risk patients. Similarly, 30-d mortality rate varied from 0.5% to 5.5% (10-fold difference) in low-risk patients versus high-risk patients. ConclusionsOur study identifies the major risk factors for 30-d sepsis after MCS. These risk factors have been converted into a simple, accurate bedside sepsis risk score. This tool might facilitate improved patient–physician interaction regarding the risk of postoperative sepsis and septic shock.

Vascular comorbidities in multiple sclerosis: a nationwide study from Denmark.

To investigate the occurrence of vascular comorbidities before and after the clinical onset of multiple sclerosis. In this combined case-control and cohort study, all Danish born citizens with onset of multiple sclerosis 1980-2005 were identified from the Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry and randomly matched with controls regarding year of birth, gender, and municipality on January 1st in the year of multiple sclerosis (MS) onset (index date). Individual-level information on comorbidities was obtained from several independent nationwide registries and linked to the study population by unique personal identification numbers. To assess the presence of vascular comorbidities before and after MS onset, cases and controls were followed from January 1977 to the index date, and from the index date through December 2012. We used logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and Cox regression to calculate hazard ratios (HRs). Before the index date, MS cases had a decreased probability for cerebrovascular comorbidity [OR 0.69 (95% CI 0.48-0.99, p=0.043)], and a numerically but not statistically significant decreased probability for cardiovascular comorbidity [OR 0.87 (95% CI 0.71-1.07, p=0.188)]. After the index date, MS cases had an increased risk for cerebrovascular comorbidity [HR 1.84 (95% CI 1.69-2.00, p<0.0005)], and for cardiovascular comorbidity [HR 1.08 (95% CI 1.02-1.15, p=0.013)]. The lower occurrence of cerebrovascular comorbidities in cases prior to MS onset could be due to protective immune mechanisms, while the higher occurrence of vascular comorbidities in cases after MS onset could be because of converging causal pathways of the coexisting diseases. These findings deserve to be studied closer in a broader spectrum of comorbidities in MS.

Anesthesia management during aortic surgery: Preoperative patient assessment.

Patients with aortic diseases have a high rate of cardiac, cerebrovascular, or pulmonary comorbidities. Open surgery or endovascular interventions of the aorta are associated with high perioperative cardiac risk. Simple scoring systems for preoperative risk stratification can be used to identify high-risk patients. In these patients, further diagnostic and therapeutic interventions are required to reduce perioperative morbidity and mortality. In contrast, low-risk patients can be identified, who may proceed to intervention without additional cardiopulmonary diagnostic testing. According to evidence-based recommendations in patients at risk, statin therapy should be initiated and beta blockers should be uptitrated preoperatively. Smoking cessation preoperatively reduces perioperative complications and should be encouraged in all patients.

Neuropsychological functioning in heart transplant candidates

Objective: This study provides age stratified neuropsychological test data for a large sample of heart transplant candidates. Patients with and without neurological co-morbidities were compared to better isolate the effects of congestive heart failure (CHF) on brain functioning.Method: Between 1988 and 2011, 956 patients (717 males, 239 females) with end-stage CHF and other life threatening cardiac diseases underwent neuropsychological assessment as a requirement of the heart transplant workup. Intellectual, memory, executive, language, attentional and psychomotor abilities were assessed, and standard cardiac measures were concurrently collected. Independent t-tests were used to compare subgroups with and without neurological co-morbidities on cardiac, neuropsychological and MMPI-2 measures. Chi-square tests were used for categorical items to compare demographic data between the two groups.Results: Significant cognitive impairments across all domains assessed were typical in all age groups. Neurological co-morbidities, such as CVA and cardiac arrest were common, with 28% of the sample having one or more condition. That subgroup scored lower on measures of processing speed, memory, and executive measures, but the pattern of deficits was similar for both groups and not explainable by depression. Depression prevalence per MMPI-2 findings was comparable to that of the general population.Conclusions: End stage heart disease/heart failure is associated with global, mild to moderate cognitive impairment, regardless of age or neurological co-morbidities. Contributing factors likely include cerebrovascular hypoperfusion, multiorgan failure, systemic co-morbidities, and lifestyle issues.

Comorbid conditions are associated with healthcare utilization, medical charges and mortality of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

This study aims to examine the associations between comorbid conditions and healthcare utilization, medical charges, or mortality of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Nebraska state emergency department (ED) discharge, hospital discharge, and death certificate data from 2007 to 2012 were used to study the comorbid conditions of patients with RA. RA was defined using the standard International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9-CM 714 or ICD-10-CM M05, M06, and M08). There were more comorbid conditions in patients with RA than in patients without RA. Comorbid conditions were majorly related to healthcare utilization and mortality of patients with RA. In addition to injury, fracture, sprains, and strains, symptoms of cardiovascular and digestive systems, respiratory infection, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were common comorbid conditions for ED visits. In addition to joint replacement and fracture, infections, COPD and cardiovascular comorbidities were common comorbid conditions for hospitalizations. Cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and respiratory comorbidities, dementia, malignant neoplasm, and diabetes mellitus were common comorbid conditions for deaths of patients with RA. In addition, the numbers of comorbid conditions were significantly associated with the length of hospital stay and hospital charges for patients with RA. The findings in this study indicated that comorbid conditions are associated with healthcare utilization, medical charges, and mortality of patients with RA.

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular comorbidities in hemodialysis patients from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries enrolled in the dialysis outcome and practice pattern study phase 5 (2012-2015).

To determine the prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities and their active risk factors in the selected hemodialysis centers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the Dialysis Outcome and Practice Pattern Study (DOPPS) was performed on 40 dialysis centers in the six GCC countries from June 2012 to May 2015. There were 21 dialysis centers from Saudi Arabia, nine from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), four from Kuwait, four from Oman, two from Qatar, and one from Bahrain. There were 922 patients participating in the study; 419 patients from Saudi Arabia, 144 from the UAE, 164 from Kuwait, 89 from Oman, 58 from Qatar, and 25 from Bahrain. Baseline data and laboratory investigations were obtained from every study patient, and the patients with any new events, change of dialysis prescription, or death were reported to the DOPPS main center during follow-up. The median age of the patients in the GCC centers was 55 years (range 32- 80 years), and the median percentage of males was 57%. The most common cause of chronic kidney disease among the study patients was diabetes mellitus (median: 43%) followed by hypertension (median: 29%) and glomerulonephritis (median: 9%). Hypertension (median 90%) and diabetes mellitus (median 52%) were the most common predisposing comorbidities to cardiovascular events in the study patients. The median ratios of patients with coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, and congestive heart failure were 34%, 23%, and 24%, respectively. The median ratio for cerebrovascular comorbidities was 9%. The median prevalence of the factors that may predispose to the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular comorbidities such as gender of the patients, adequacy of dialysis, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, levels of anemia, parathormone levels, and calcium and phosphorus levels in the GCC countries were comparable with those in the previous DOPPS in other countries.

The Modern Criteria for Medical Management of Acromegaly.

Acromegaly is an insidious disorder characterized by excess secretion of growth hormone (GH) and elevated circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), generally caused by a pituitary adenoma. It is a rare disease associated with an average 10-year reduction in life expectancy due to metabolic, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular comorbidities and reduced quality of life caused by paresthesias, fatigue, osteoarthralgia, or bone fractures. In 2000, Cortina Consensus Conference established general criteria for diagnosis and biochemical control of acromegaly, which have been revised in recent years, adapting them to emerging clinical evidences as well as the evolving assay techniques. Authors have proposed a binary definition of cure for acromegaly, where both GH and IGF-I are important determinants: the former is more linked to the presence of residual adenomatous tissue, while the latter to the peripheral activity of the disease. Control of tumor growth and complications is also an essential goal of treatment. Surgical, medical, and radiotherapy approaches are all valid alternatives. The surgical option is, however, unsuccessful in about 50% of patients. Somatostatin analogs (SRLs), octreotide LAR, and lanreotide ATG can inhibit cell growth, besides their beneficial effects on GH hypersecretion and on most comorbidities. Pasireotide is a new multireceptor-targeted SRL with reported superior biochemical efficacy to octreotide, due to higher affinity for SSTR-5, but potentially causing detrimental effects on glucose homeostasis. Pegvisomant could be a valid choice in all patients resistant to SRLs. It is a competitive GH antagonist, which efficaciously blocks IGF-I production, inhibiting the dimerization of GH receptor. Normal IGF-I levels represent, therefore, its only relevant efficacy endpoint, while only few cases of tumor growth on pegvisomant have been reported, so far.

Executive Function, Survival, and Hospitalization in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. A Longitudinal Analysis of the National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT).

Cognitive dysfunction has been demonstrated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but studies are limited to cross-sectional analyses or incompletely characterized populations. We examined longitudinal changes in sensitive measures of executive function in a well-characterized population of patients with severe COPD. This study was performed on patients enrolled in the National Emphysema Treatment Trial. To assess executive function, we analyzed trail making (TM) A and B times at enrollment in the trial (2,128 patients), and at 12 (731 patients) and 24 months (593 patients) after enrollment, adjusted for surgery, marriage status, age, education, income, depression, PaO2, PaCO2, and smoking. Associations with survival and hospitalizations were examined using Cox regression and linear regression models. The average age of the patients was 66.4 years, and the average FEV1 was 23.9% predicted. At the time of enrolment, 38% had executive dysfunction. Compared with those who did not, these patients were older, less educated, had higher oxygen use, higher PaCO2, worse quality of life as measured by the St. George's Respiratory Quotient, reduced well-being, and lower social function. There was no significant change over 2 years in TM A or B times after adjustment for covariables. Changes in TM B times were modestly associated with survival, but changes in TM B-A times were not. Changes in TM scores were not associated with frequency of hospitalization. Lung function, PaO2, smoking, survival, and hospitalizations were not significantly different in those with executive dysfunction. In this large population of patients with severe emphysema and heavy cigarette smoking exposure, there was no significant decline over 2 years in cognitive executive function as measured by TM tests. There was no association between executive function impairment and frequency of hospitalization, and there was a possible modest association with survival. It is plausible that cerebrovascular comorbidities explain previously described cognitive pathology in COPD.

Endothelial dysfunction is associated with the severity of cerebral small vessel disease

The pathogenesis of cerebral small vessel disease, a disease that involves white matter lesions (WMLs) and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), is thought to be associated with endothelial dysfunction. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) has been used to measure endothelium-dependent vasodilation. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between endothelial function (as measured by FMD) and cerebral small vessel disease. Patients with a history of cerebrovascular disease and comorbidities were enrolled in this study (n=102; 69 males, 70.1±9.2 years). The patients were divided into two groups according to the severity of WMLs, which were assessed by Fazekas classification; grades 0 to 1 as mild WMLs group and grades 2 to 3 as severe WMLs group. A gradient-echo MRI was performed in 96 patients (94.1%) to evaluate whether CMBs were present. The patients in the severe WMLs group (n=40) were older (P=0.001), more frequently exhibited hypertension (P=0.045) and diabetes mellitus (P=0.026) and possessed lower FMD values (P<0.001) than the patients in the mild WMLs group (n=62). CMBs were observed in 30 patients (31.3%). Using receiver operating characteristic curves, the optimal FMD cutoff values for predicting the presence of severe WMLs and CMBs were 3.9% and 3.7%, respectively. On multivariate logistic analysis, FMD <4.0% (odds ratio 9.50; 95% confidence interval 3.55-28.83) was independently associated with severe WMLs. Additionally, FMD <3.8% (5.82; 2.23-16.50) was also associated with the presence of CMBs. Endothelial dysfunction as evaluated by FMD may be predictive of the severity of cerebral small vessel disease.

Abstract 218: Relationships Between Telomere G-tail Lengths, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Endothelial Function in the Patients With Carotid Atherosclerosis

Background and Purpose: Telomere length of leukocytes is associated with cardiovascular risk. Recently, telomere G-tails, which are extensions of a guanine-rich single-stranded 3’-overhang, are thought to be key structures that protect telomere DNA from DNA damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between telomere G-tail lengths, total telomere lengths and clinical factors, including biological inflammation and oxidative stress markers. Methods: Patients with history of cerebrovascular diseases and comorbidities were enrolled in this study (n=102; 69 males, 70.1±9.2 years). Total telomere lengths and telomere G-tail lengths were measured by hybridization protection assay (Tahara H et al. Nat Methods. 2005). Serum reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured by using the total ROS assay system (Hayashi I et al. Mutat Res. 2007). Endothelial function was evaluated by ultrasound assessment of brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD) as an index of endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Results: Telomere G-tail length (13653.0±2787.4 RLU/μg DNA) was positively correlated with total telomere length (176698.3±20308.0 RLU/μg DNA; R2=0.156, P&lt;0.001). In addition, telomere G-tail length was negatively correlated with age (R2=0.075, P&lt;0.001). Telomere G-tail lengths were not associated with the serum ROS levels or hs-CRP levels, although there was a significant association between serum hs-CRP levels and ROS levels (R2=0.336, P&lt;0.001). Telomere G-tail lengths were positively correlated with FMD values (R2=0.074, P=0.006), although total telomere lengths were not correlated with those values (R2=0.026, P=0.105). On multivariate regression analysis, longer telomere G-tail lengths (standardized partial regression coefficient [β] 0.219; P=0.018), higher age (β -0.209; P=0.031), and male (β -0.264; P=0.004) were independently associated with FMD values. Conclusion: Telomere G-tail lengths were independently related to the endothelial function after adjustment for vascular risk factors, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Telomere G-tail lengths might be more useful marker for the endothelial function which was evaluated by FMD than total telomere lengths.

Antiplatelet therapy before, during, and after extremity revascularization

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is well recognized as a marker for systemic atherosclerosis. Platelets play an essential role in all stages of the disease, contributing to both thrombosis and the development of atherosclerosis. Medication regimens to optimize outcomes in both patients who are to undergo revascularization and those who will be managed without interventional therapy must address antiplatelet therapy. Given the common cardiovascular and cerebrovascular comorbidities in patients with PAD, antiplatelet therapy has the potential to decrease thromboembolic events in addition to improving patency after interventions. This clinical update reviews the current literature and recommendations for antiplatelet therapy in patients with PAD.

Preoperative Factors Predicting Clinical Outcome Following Laparoscopic Fundoplication

Antireflux surgery is effective for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux, but not all patients benefit equally from it. The challenge is to identify the patients who will ultimately benefit from antireflux surgery. The aim of this study was to identify preoperative factors that predict clinical outcome after antireflux surgery, with special interest in the influence of socioeconomic factors. Preoperative clinical and socioeconomic data from 1,650 patients who were to undergo laparoscopic fundoplication were collected prospectively. Clinical outcome measures (persistent heartburn, dysphagia, satisfaction) were assessed at short-term (1 year) and longer-term (≥ 3 years) follow-up. At early follow-up, male gender (relative risk [RR] 1.091, p < 0.001) and the presence of a hiatus hernia (RR 1.065, p = 0.002) were independently associated with less heartburn. Male gender was also associated with higher overall satisfaction (RR 1.046, p = 0.034). An association was found between postoperative dysphagia and age (RR 0.988, p = 0.007) and the absence of a hiatus hernia (RR 0.767, p = 0.001). At longer-term follow-up, only male gender (RR 1.125, p < 0.001) was an independent prognostic factor for heartburn control. Male gender (RR 0.761, p = 0.001), the presence of a hiatus hernia (RR 0.823, p = 0.014), and cerebrovascular comorbidities (RR 1.306, p = 0.019) were independent prognosticators for dysphagia at longer-term follow-up. A hiatus hernia was the only factor associated with better overall satisfaction. Socioeconomic factors did not influence any clinical outcomes at short- and longer-term follow-up. Male gender and hiatus hernia are associated with a better clinical outcome following laparoscopic fundoplication, whereas socioeconomic status does not influence outcome.

How to asses and improve cardiopulmonary risk prior to vascular surgery?

Patients with peripheral arterial disease have a high rate of cardiac, cerebrovascular, or pulmonary comorbidities. Peripheral arterial surgical interventions are associated with a moderate to high perioperative cardiac risk. Simple clinical scoring systems for preoperative risk stratification can be used to identify high-risk patients. In these patients further diagnostic and therapeutic measures are required to reduce perioperative morbidity and mortality. In contrast, a group of patients can be identifed that do not require additional cardiopulmonary diagnostics and can immediately proceed to the intervention. According to evidence-based recommendations in patients at risk beta blocker should be uptitrated and statin therapy should be initiated preoperatively. Quitting smoking preoperatively also reduces perioperative complications and should be encouraged in all patients.

Options for treating postherpetic neuralgia in the medically complicated patient.

Patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) are often of advanced age or immunocompromised and likely to have ≥1 comorbid medical condition for which they receive ≥1 medication (polypharmacy). Comorbidities affecting renal or hepatic function can alter pharmacokinetics, thereby impacting the efficacy or tolerability of PHN analgesic therapies. Cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or psychiatric comorbidities may increase patient vulnerability to potential adverse events associated with some PHN analgesic therapies. Because PHN is a localized condition, localized therapy with a topical analgesic (lidocaine patch 5% and capsaicin 8% patch or cream) may provide adequate efficacy while mitigating the risk of systemic adverse events compared with oral analgesics (eg, tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, opioids). However, combined therapy with a topical and an oral analgesic or with >1 oral analgesic may be needed for optimal pain management in some patients. This review summarizes how comorbidities and concomitant medications should be taken into account when selecting among available pharmacotherapies for PHN and provides recommendations for the selection of therapies that will provide analgesia while minimizing the risk of adverse events.