Function Tests In Patients Research Articles

Accuracy of monitoring liver function tests in patients receiving statin at primary care

Accuracy of monitoring liver function tests in patients receiving statin at primary care

The Association Between Physical Activity/Heart Rate Variability Data Obtained Using a Wearable Device and Timed Motor Functional Tests in Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Pilot Study.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating X-linked muscle disease. Clinical evaluation of DMD uses patient-intensive motor function tests, and the recent development of wearable devices allows the collection of a variety of biometric information, including physical activity. In this study, we examined differences in physical activity and heart rate variability (HRV) between patients with DMD and healthy subjects using a wearable device, and investigated any association between these parameters and motor function in patients with DMD. Participants were 7 patients with DMD and 8 healthy males, whose physical activity and HRV were provided by a wearable device. These data were used to investigate the relationship between both physical activity and HRV parameters and timed motor functional tests [Time to stand from supine, 10-meter walking time (10MWT), North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA), and 6-minute walking test (6MWT)] in patients with DMD. Results of 24-hours physical activity, fat burning, total number of steps and active distance, average step rate, average exercise intensity during walking, exercise, degree of forward lean during walking, maximum heart rate, normalized low frequency power (LF norm), and maximum exercise intensity in patients with DMD were lower than those in control subjects. Physical activity and HRV parameters did not correlate with the time to stand from supine. The 10MWT positively correlated with average heart rate, while NSAA negatively correlated with average heart rate, total frequency power (TF), and very low frequency power (VLF) during arousal. The 6MWT negatively correlated with ratio LF/high frequency power (HF). Physical activity and HRV indices that differ from those of normal children and that correlate with motor function assessment may serve as digital biomarkers.

An Experimental Study to Analyse the Effect of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation in Improving Functional Capacity and Pulmonary Function Test in Patients with Post Renal Transplantation

An Experimental Study to Analyse the Effect of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation in Improving Functional Capacity and Pulmonary Function Test in Patients with Post Renal Transplantation

Effects of Resveratrol on Liver Function Tests in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background. Some studies have shown that resveratrol may prevent, delay, or treat liver damage. This study aimed to provide up-to-date evidence regarding the effect of resveratrol on the liver enzymes (ALT & AST) in NAFLD patients. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of resveratrol on liver enzymes in patients with NAFLD by searching various databases for published RCTs.Methods. A systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed up to September 2023. This systematic review and meta-analysis included all the RCT studies assessing resveratrol supplements on serum AST and/or ALT in NAFLD patients. The effect was presented as a mean difference and 95 % confidence interval (CI) in a random-effects model.Results. Finally, six eligible randomized controlled trials consisting of 256 patients were found. Resveratrol had no significant effect on serum ALT (Mean diff = 3.30 IU/L; 95 % CI: –2.34, 8.94; p = 0.25) and AST (Mean diff = 0.07 IU/L; 95 % CI: –2.96, 3.10; p = 0.96) concentrations. Moreover, subgroup analysis revealed that neither resveratrol dose nor intervention duration had any significant effect on the serum ALT and AST levels.Conclusion. The current evidence shows that resveratrol supplementation did not affect liver enzymes in NAFLD patients.

The relationship between increased iron load and respiratory function tests in patients diagnosed with transfusion dependent thalassemia

Aims: Thalassaemia syndromes are the most common single gene disorders affecting more than 200 million people worldwide. Beta thalassaemia (BT) is the most common cause of transfusion-dependent thalassaemia (TDT). It has been reported in studies that iron accumulation occurs in the lungs, especially in the alveolo-capillary membrane, and the frequency of parenchymal disease increases in patients receiving frequent blood transfusions. In our study, we aimed to investigate whether there is a correlation between iron overload and pulmonary function in patients with TDT.
 Methods: The study included 61 patients aged between 18 and 45 years with a diagnosis of TDT who were followed up in the hematology clinic of our tertiary care center between 2018 and 2023. Based on spirometry measurements, the pattern of respiratory impairment was defined and correlated with serum ferritin levels. 
 Results: The mean age of the 61 patients included in the study was 24.83±6.02 years and 33 were female and 28 were male. The mean ferritin value was 3150.88±2553.51 ng/ml. The annual number of transfusions was 15.39±1.90. According to the PFT results, mean FVC % value was 81.59±9.28, mean FEV1 % value was 82.11±7.6, mean FEV1/FVC % value was 102.55±7.63. Mean ferritin values were found to be significantly higher in patients diagnosed with TDT with restrictive lung pattern (p=0.004). 
 Conclusion: Our study showed that high ferritin levels are related to increased restrictive lung disease in the adult age group.

Does Radioactive Iodine Treatment Damage the Lacrimal System?

In this prospective study, we aimed to make a quantitative assessment of the lacrimal glands before and after radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment in patients with hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer. The study included 80 eyes of 40 patients. There were 25 patients in group 1 (hyperthyroid group) and 15 patients in group 2 (thyroid cancer group). Group 1 has received low dose ( 131 I) and group 2 high dose ( 131 I). Before, and at the first and sixth month after RAI treatment, all patients underwent ophthalmological examinations, Schirmer tests, TBUT tests, tear osmolarity (TO), and ocular surface examinations. The age and sex characteristics of both groups were similar. Although no significant change was observed in tear film tests before and after treatment in group 1, a significant decrease in Schirmer and TBUT values and a significant increase in TO were observed in group 2 in the first month after treatment. These values returned to normal in the sixth month. Although no Schirmer test was observed lower than 10 mm in any patient before RAI treatment, the Schirmer test was measured 5 to 10 mm in 4 (10%) patients in group 2 in the first month after treatment. Again, in these patients, TBUT was below 10 seconds and TO was greater than 308 mOsm/L. In this study, although no change was observed in tear function tests in patients receiving low doses of RAI, a decrease in tear secretion and an increase in TO were detected in patients receiving high doses in the early period.

Abnormal vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials as a risk factor for unpredicted falls in spinocerebellar ataxia: a preliminary study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to correlate the symptoms and signs with the findings of laboratory vestibular function tests in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA).MethodWe retrospectively recruited 26 patients with SCA (9 men, median age: 52, age range: 21–67). Assessments included Dizziness Handicap Inventory, EuroQoL Five-Dimension, symptom questionnaires manifesting during walking in daily life, the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), and vestibular function tests including 3D video-oculography, video head impulse test, subjective visual vertical, and cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP).ResultsCross-analyses revealed that the patients with VEMP abnormalities showed higher SARA (p = 0.014) and prevalence of unpredictable falls (p = 0.046). The patients with SCA1 more frequently had unpredictable falls (75%, p = 0.038) and VEMP abnormalities (88%, p = 0.001) compared to SCA2 (29% falls, 17% VEMP abnormalities) and SCA6 (no falls or VEMP abnormalities).ConclusionAbnormal VEMPs are strongly associated with unpredicted falls in patients with SCA, particularly in those with SCA1. Impaired processing of otolithic information may contribute to falls in SCAs, and VEMP may help identifying the patients with a risk for unpredicted falls and preventing fall-related injuries in SCA. Limited number of patients with lower SARA scores warrant further confirmatory studies.

Does pulmonary endarterectomy improve the clinical conditions of patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease without pulmonary hypertension?

To verify whether the new hemodynamic definition of PH has any implication in treatment of CTEPD patients without PH, we retrospectively analysed the clinical and functional changes determined by pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) in 63 CTEPD patients without PH who underwent surgery at our center, comparing those in whom the hemodynamic diagnosis of PH met recent guideline recommendations versus those in whom the diagnosis only met previous hemodynamic thresholds.The results show that the vast majority of CTEPD patients without PH operated at our center would now be defined as CTEPH patients. PEA did not result in any improvement in exercise capacity nor in right ventricular function or lung function test in patients with mPAP ≤ 20 mmHg and PVR ≤ 2 WU; on the contrary, hemodynamic parameters, exercise capacity, right ventricular function and lung function significantly improved in patients with mPAP between 21 and 24 mmHg.

Comparison of Thyroid Gland Sonography Index with Serum Antithyroid Peroxidase, Antithyroglobulin, and Thyroid Function Tests in Patients with Hashimoto Thyroiditis.

Ultrasound examination of the thyroid has emerged as a useful diagnostic and prognostic tool, along with measuring serum titers of anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO), anti-thyroglobulin (Tg), and thyroid hormones, in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. So, we aimed at considering correlations of ultrasonographic, antibodies, and thyroid hormone levels. A total of 149 patients (118 females, 31 males; aged 18-60 years; mean age: 38.60 ± 8.03 years) who were diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis were enrolled in the study. The blood sample was taken to measure serum titers of free T3 (FT3) and T4 (FT4), TSH, anti-TPO, and anti-Tg antibody titers. The thyroid sonography of each patient was classified into one of the five grades by real-time ultrasound (US) based on echogenicity, thyroid size, and thyroid pattern. We evaluated whether there was a correlation between thyroid characteristics observed via ultrasound and serum levels of thyroid hormones, anti-TPO antibodies, and anti-Tg antibodies. Nodular structures were detected in 54 (36.2%) patients (38 micro-nodular and 16 macro-nodular). Echogenicity was recorded as isoechoic in 15(10.07%) and hypoechoic in 119 (79.87%) subjects. Euthyroid subjects had significantly thicker isthmus than overt and subclinical hypothyroid patients (P=0.018). Mean serum TSH, anti-Tg, and anti-TPO antibody titers showed a significant increase in patients with macro-nodules compared to those with micro-nodules and individuals without nodules (P0.05). The thickness of the isthmus had a significant negative correlation with FT4 (P=0.046; r=0.11) and FT3 (P=0.017; r=0.15), respectively. Thyroid autoantibodies had positive significant correlations with different parameters of thyroid volume (P0.05). Thyroid US findings, in addition to serum anti-Tg and anti-TPO antibody titers, might be correlated with the severity and extent of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, but further evaluations are needed.

Receiver Operating Characteristic Analysis of Liver Function Tests in Patients with Chronic Viral Hepatitis B in Baghdad, Iraq

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health challenge, and clearance or persistence of HBV is mostly determined by host immune responses, Therefore, this study aimed to determine HBV effects in chronic HBV patients living in Baghdad receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The impact of HBV genotypes on liver-function parameters was explored A case-control study was conducted during June-October 2018 on 80 chronic HBV patients and 96 matched control. The results revealed that most patients were males 50 (62.5%), while female patients accounted for 30 (37.5%). The sera of patients were positive for anti-HBc (hepatitis B core antigen) IgG and -HbsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen) antibodies, while they were negative for anti-Hbc IgM antibody. Such profile is consistent with the interpretation of chronic HBV infection. Four liver-function tests (LFTs); total serum bilirubin (TSB), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were assessed. Significantly increased levels of ALP, ALT and AST were observed in HBV patients compared to normal healthy control, while TSB showed no significant variation. However, in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, only ALP and AST occupied an excellent area under curve (AUC > 0.90).

Lung functions pre- and post-endoscopic balloon dilation treatment among patients with subglottic stenosis.

Subglottic stenosis (SGS) is an unusual clinical condition of mucosal wounding, compromising the extra-thoracic part of the tracheal airway below the vocal folds. The diagnosis of SGS is established with a detailed clinical examination and a direct endoscopic examination, and the role of spirometry is also often acknowledged. This study aimed to investigate the impact of SGS on lung functions before and after the balloon dilation procedure. The respiratory functions were performed in the Department of Clinical Physiology and the Department of Otolaryngology College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In this study, 50 patients with SGS were referred from the Department of Otolaryngology, and lung functions before and after the balloon dilation procedure among patients with SGS were performed using an electronic spirometer. The results revealed that the mean values for lung function test parameters VC (p=0.01), FVC (p=0.01), FEV1 (p=0.004), FEV1/FVC Ratio (p=0.01), PEFR (p=0.01), FEF-25% (p=0.01), FEF-50% (p=0.01), and FEF-75%, (p=0.01) were significantly improved in both male and female patients with SGS on one month after the balloon dilation procedure. It is concluded that the lung function test parameters were increased after the balloon dilation procedure among patients with SGS. The findings showed the impact of SGS on lung function test parameters. Spirometry is a valuable test in patients with SGS and is an appropriate marker to reveal post-airway outcomes. Physicians must suggest lung function tests in patients with SGS before and after the balloon dilation procedure.

Choosing between coronary CT angiography and functional tests in patients with suspected coronary artery disease: mind the (gender) gap

Abstract Introduction There is a need for a simple method to choose between a functional vs. anatomical test as first line approach to patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). While European Guidelines base the decision on pretest probability (PTP) without a clear threshold, American Guidelines rely uniquely on age, with a 65-year-old cut-off for both genders. The aims of this study were: 1) to assess the proportion of patients undergoing coronary CT angiography (CCTA) in whom a functional test could have been more suitable due to extensive coronary artery calcification (CAC) and/or inconclusive CCTA results; 2) compare PTP vs. age to predict the presence of these suboptimal conditions for CCTA. Methods Individuals 40-80 years old were identified in a single center registry of patients with stable chest pain or dyspnea who underwent CCTA. Patients with known CAD, severe valvular disease, or irregular heart rhythms were excluded. PTP of obstructive CAD was calculated using age, sex, and symptom typicality. Patients were considered to have suboptimal conditions for CCTA if extensive CAC was present (defined conservatively as an Agatston score >400) or if one or more segments >2mm were deemed non-evaluable despite CAC score ≤ 400. Results A total of 884 patients (57% women, mean age 62±10 years) were included. Symptoms consisted of chest pain in 705 patients (80%). The median PTP of obstructive CAD was 22% (IQR 14-32). Overall, 162 patients (18%) had suboptimal conditions for CCTA due to CAC score >400 (n=140), or ≥1 non-evaluable segments (n=22). The proportion of patients with suboptimal conditions for CCTA was significantly higher in men than in women (27% vs. 12%, respectively; p<0.001). For both genders, the discriminative power to predict suboptimal CCTA conditions was significantly higher for age than for PTP (c-statistic in men 0.74 vs. 0.64, p<0.001; in women 0.71 vs. 0.62, p=0.012). In every age group, the proportion of patients with suboptimal conditions for CCTA was at least 2 times higher in men than in women, with a 10-15 year gap between genders - Fig. Conclusion Suboptimal conditions for a fully diagnostic CCTA were found in 18% of patients, were more strongly associated with age than with PTP, and were at least 2 times more frequent in men than in women across all age groups. These findings support the use of an age cut-off for anatomical vs. functional testing in men, and the use of CCTA as first line test in most women regardless of age.Proportion of patients suboptimal CCTA

Invasive coronary function testing in patients with INOCA - a single center experience

Abstract Background Coronary vasomotion disorders (CVDs) represent a frequent cause of angina in patients with ischemia with non-obstructed coronary arteries (INOCA). Invasive coronary angiography (ICA) often fails to identify patients with vasospastic angina and/or microvascular dysfunction. Purpose Our aim was to describe and characterize CVDs in INOCA patients, using a multi-parametric, invasive, coronary function testing protocol. Methods Patients with INOCA that underwent our protocol for coronary function testing (CFT), between July 2021 and October 2022 were included in this single-center prospective study. The protocol consisted of an invasive assessment of coronary circulation vasorelaxation at rest and during hyperemia, as well as the propensity for coronary vasospasm using increasing doses of intra-coronary acetylcholine. Fractional flow reserve, coronary flow reserve (CFR), and index of microvascular resistance (IMR) were recorded. CVDs were diagnosed based on the criteria proposed by the Coronary Vasomotor Disorders International Study Group. Results A total of 56 patients were included, mean age was 64±12 years and 57.1% were female. At baseline, all patients had either typical angina (82.1%, n=46) or a positive ischemia test (67.9%, n=38). Twenty patients (35.7%) had a history of a previous ICA or computed tomography due to anginal symptoms, while only 8.9% of patients had known structural ischemic heart disease and were subjected to percutaneous coronary intervention. Our CFT protocol was completed in all patients without any serious complications. Isolated epicardial vasospasm was found in 16 (28.6%) patients, isolated coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) in 9 (16.1%), and a combination of CMD and coronary vasospasm in 9 (16.1%). Only 1 patient (1.8%) had isolated microvascular spasm. We were able to further identify two distinct endotypes of CMD, using a combined assessment of CFR and IMR, termed structural and functional CMD: Functional CMD - 7 patients (12.5%) had CFR < 2.0 and IMR < 25; Structural CMD - 6 patients (10.7%) had CFR < 2.0 and IMR > 25. Conclusion Coronary vasomotion disorders are a common cause of INOCA. A CFT protocol is safe, can be used in clinical practice, and can provide a definite diagnosis for the underlying cause of angina.

Reproducibility of pulmonary function tests in patients with systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease in which interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Clinical management of the lung disease is mainly based on pulmonary function testing (PFT) and their changes over time. Little is known about the reproducibility of PFT testing in SSc patients. The aim of this study was to assess the test–retest reliability and reproducibility of PFTs in SSc patients with or without ILD over 30 days in order determine the potential physiologic variation over the time. We performed prospective observational study of SSc patients. The FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio, DLCO and KCO parameters were assessed in this population at four different timepoints; T0 (time 0) and H3 (T0 + 3 h) defined test–retest reliability, D15 (T0 + 15 days) and D30 (T0 + 30 days) for reproducibility. A mixed linear model was used to test the effect of time (and therefore reproducibility) on patients and we looked for an interaction. We included 25 SSc patients divided in two groups, 14 with ILD and 11 non-ILD. Interactions between time and group were not significant and were not reported. Time and group did not significantly influence the different measures of the PFT: FVC [p values time and group effect respectively (0.33; 0.34)], FEV1/FVC ratio (0.093; 0.056) and DLCO (0.99; 0.13) in the ILD and non ILD group (Table S2). The analyse with interactions between time and group were not significant and are not reported. We also used a Bland Altman test to assess reproducibility for FVC (L) and DLCO (mMKpa/min/L), Figs. 1 and 2 respectively. The measurements were therefore reproducible over time and in each group. PFT parameters are reproducible over time in a clinically stable population of SSc (no significant effect of the time T0, H3, D15 and D30) and there is no significant distinction between patients with ILD and no ILD. These respiratory functional data can further underline their use in clinical practice.

Comparative utility of vestibular function tests in patients with peripheral and central vestibular dysfunction

BackgroundBithermal caloric irrigation, video head impulse test (vHIT), and rotational testing are commonly used to assess peripheral vestibular function, but the relative clinical utility of each test in differentiating patients with peripheral vestibulopathy is debated. ObjectivesTo determine whether (1) the combination of two or more vestibular tests enhances diagnostic utility over a single test; (2) abnormal test results on vestibular tests correlate with one another. MethodsRetrospective analysis of data collected from multidisciplinary vestibular clinics at two academic medical centers from 2016 to 2022. Results150 patients (54.10 ± 15.09 years, 88 females) were included. No individual test was significantly better at predicting the presence of peripheral vestibular damage (p > 0.05). vHIT test results improved significantly when combined with either the caloric test (p = 0.007) or rotary chair test (p = 0.039). Caloric and rotational testing had high sensitivity (74.65% and 76.06%, respectively) and specificity (83.54% and 78.48%, respectively). vHIT demonstrated excellent specificity (89.87%) but poor sensitivity (47.89%). Caloric, vHIT, and rotary chair tests results did not correlate with one another (p > 0.05). ConclusionsVestibular function tests have comparable diagnostic utility, yet each offers unique advantages. Caloric and rotational testing may be best suited for screening peripheral damage and vHIT may function ideally as a confirmatory test.

THU653 Subacute Thyroiditis Following Covid19 Infection

Abstract Disclosure: E. Fanous: None. J.G. Karam: None. Background: Subacute thyroiditis is a self-limiting inflammatory condition of the thyroid gland which usually occurs as a post-viral reaction, leading to the destruction of thyroid follicular cells due to infiltration of lymphocytes. During the first outbreak of COVID-19 virus, subacute thyroiditis had been reported as a complication that may occur in patients without any previous thyroid disorder [1]. Clinical Case: A 62-year-old female patient presented with few weeks history of generalized weakness, fatigue, chills, malaise, low appetite, and unintentional weight loss of around 10lbs. She stated that she feels "internal tremors" and palpitations with heart rate increasing from baseline 60 bpm to 90bpm. She had one episode of near syncope at work prompting her presentation. She reports no change in bowel movements, no heat intolerance, no fever or night sweat, no shortness of breath, no visual changes or eyes problems. Five weeks prior to presentation, the patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 infection by PCR, with a mild disease pattern that consisted of upper respiratory symptoms lasting for few days, however she continued to feel fatigue and low appetite since then, attributing her symptoms to long-term sequelae of Coivd-19. Her past medical history is remarkable for obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and two prior Covid 19 infections: in 2020, treated with monoclonal antibodies, and early 2022. The physical exam was significant for slightly tender thyroid and heart rate of 94 bpm. Thyroid function tests were consistent with hyperthyroidism; TSH<0.01mIU/ml, FT4=2.55ng/dl (0.58-1.64), T4=19.6 mcg/dl (4.4-9.5), T3=1.45ng/ml (0.72-1.35), with negative TSI, TPO AB, and TG AB. ESR was 44mm/hr, RAI uptake and scan showed very low uptake which is indicative for subacute thyroiditis. The patient was given supportive therapy. She developed mild and transient hypothyroidism at 6 weeks follow-up with TSH of 8.59 IU/ml and FT4=0.62 ng/dl (0.89-1.76) before her thyroid tests return to normal at 9 weeks with complete resolution of her symptoms. Conclusion: Prolonged diverse symptoms following Covid19 infection are often attributed to long term Covid symptoms. Health Care providers should be aware of the possibility of subacute thyroiditis following Covid 19 infection and should obtain thyroid function tests in patients who present with malaise, decreased appetite, weight loss and palpitations in the weeks following Covid 19 infection. Reference:1. Mattar SAM, Koh SJQ, Rama Chandran S, Cherng BPZ. Subacute thyroiditis associated with COVID-19. BMJ Case Rep. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2020-237336 Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Our Experience of Renovisceral Interventions in Patients Undergoing Aortobifemoral Bypass for Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease

Abstract Introduction: Aortobifemoral bypass is the standard recommended procedure for aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD). Patients of AIOD presenting with claudication pain and tissue loss require revascularization of lower limbs, with few requiring mesenteric and/or renal revascularization. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of patients undergoing aortobifemoral bypass with mesenteric/renal revascularization in patients of AIOD with mesenteric/renal occlusion. Objective: The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) restoration of normal renal function in terms of urine output and renal function test in patients who underwent mesenteric revascularization and (2) resolution of abdominal angina in patients who underwent mesenteric revascularization. Methods: A total of 13 patients with a mean age of 45.8 years, presenting with critical limb ischemia with renal/mesenteric occlusion due to AIOD of Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus D type, underwent aortobifemoral bypass with renal/mesenteric revascularization. The demographics of patients, Rutherford stage and WIFI stage, pre- and postoperative ABI, probable etiology, any renovisceral interventions done, duration of procedure, type of renal ischemia (warm/cold), duration of renal ischemia, postoperative complications, duration of stay, patency of graft, wound infection, amputation rates, and mortality were documented on a structured pro forma. Five (38.46%) patients presented with severe claudication, 3 (23.07%) patients with rest pain, and the remaining 5 (38.46%) patients with minor tissue loss. Along with AIOD, 3 (23.07%) patients had concomitant bilateral femoropopliteal disease and tibial vessel disease, 3 (23.07%) patients had unilateral femoropopliteal disease, and 2 (15.38%) patients had bilateral tibial vessel disease. Three (23.07%) patients had infrarenal aortoiliac occlusion and 10 (76.9%) patients had juxtarenal aortoiliac occlusion (managed using Liddicoat/Madiba–Robbs technique). Outcomes were assessed in terms of graft patency, need of dialysis in postoperative period, wound infection, limb survival, amputations, and mortality. Results: Aortic clamp was placed suprarenal (38.46%), infrarenal (53.84%), and interrenal (7.69%) of patients. Cold renal perfusion solution was used in 15.38% of patients with an ischemia time of 38.5 min. The average duration of warm renal ischemia was 5 min 24 s. Revascularization of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was done in 15.38%, and inferior mesenteric artery in 38.46%. Renal revascularization by Madiba–Robbs technique was done in 30.76% of patients. In 92.3% of patients, bifurcated Dacron synthetic graft was used, and in 7.69%, femoral vein with bovine pericardial patch was used for revascularization. In postoperative period, 7.69% developed acute limb ischemia, 30.07% had severe metabolic acidosis, and 15.38% of patients had respiratory complications with good renal function and no bowel ischemia. Conclusion: Renal and mesenteric revascularization in addition to aortobifemoral bypass is a safe, effective, and durable procedure with acceptable postoperative complications. The effective surgical technique of renal and mesenteric revascularization including the usage of renal perfusion solution was found to be of paramount importance in our study. All patients who underwent SMA revascularization were free from abdominal angina. All patients who underwent renal revascularization were free from dialysis and also there was a decrease in the use of antihypertensive drugs in these patients.

Liver function tests in patients with hypertension in primary care: a prospective cohort study.

Liver function tests (LFTs) are frequently used to monitor patients with hypertension in UK primary care. Evidence is lacking on whether testing improves outcomes. To estimate the diagnostic accuracy of LFTs in patients with hypertension and determine downstream consequences of testing. Prospective study using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). In total, 30 000 patients with hypertension who had LFTs in 2015 were randomly selected from CPRD. The diagnostic accuracy measures for eight LFT analytes and an overall LFT panel were calculated against the reference standard of liver disease. Rates of consultations, blood tests, and referrals within 6 months following testing were measured. The 1-year incidence of liver disease in patients with hypertension was 0.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.4% to 0.6%). Sensitivity and specificity of an LFT panel were modest: 61.3% (95% CI = 53.1% to 69.0%) and 73.8% (95% CI = 73.1% to 74.3%), respectively. The positive predictive value (PPV) of the eight individual LFT analytes were low ranging from 0.2% to 8.9%. Among patients who did not develop liver disease, mean number of consultations, referrals, and tests were higher in the 6 months following false-positives at 10.5, 0.7 and 29.8, respectively, compared with true-negatives: 8.6, 0.6, and 19.8. PPVs of LFTs in primary care were low, with high rates of false-positive results and increased rates of subsequent consultations, referrals, and blood testing. Avoiding LFTs for routine monitoring could potentially reduce patients' anxiety, GP workload, and healthcare costs.

Tomographic Fibrosis Score in the Patients with Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease.

Various visual semi-quantitative staging systems based on high-resolution computed tomography are used to evaluate inflammatory rheumatologic disease-associated interstitial lung disease. We aimed in this retrospective study to evaluate whether tomographic fibrosis score, a new visual semi-quantitative staging system, was a predictor of mortality and the relationship between tomographic fibrosis score and respiratory function tests in patients with systemic sclerosis-associ- ated interstitial lung disease. The patients who have been followed up at a single-center rheumatology clinic for the last 5 years and met the American College of Rheumatology / European League Against Rheumatism (ACR-EULAR) 2013 systemic sclerosis classification criteria were included in the study. Clinical data were obtained retrospectively from patient records, including patients' characteristics, pulmonary function test (forced vital capacity), diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide test, high-reso- lution computed tomography results, medication history, and serological test results. High-resolution computed tomography of the patients diagnosed with interstitial lung disease were assessed for the study. The radiologists scored the extent of parenchymal abnormalities (ground glass opacification, reticulation, honeycombing, and consolidation) and calculated tomographic fibrosis score and also traction bronchiectasis score for each patient. Fifty-two patients (46 female, median age 60 (Q1-Q3:47-66) years) were included in this study. The median disease duration, follow-up time, interstitial lung disease duration, and time from sys- temic sclerosis diagnosis to interstitial lung disease diagnosis were 80 (59-143) months, 78 (50-119) months, 63 (43-81) months, and 4 (0-58) months, respectively. The median tomographic fibrosis score and traction bronchiectasis score of the patients were 3.08% (1.33-8.06) and 0 (0-2), respectively. There was a moderate direct correlation between tomographic fibrosis score and traction bronchiectasis score (r = +0.472, P < .001). Additionally, there was a mod- erate inverse correlation between tomographic fibrosis score and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide at diagnosis (r = -0.554, P = .011). During the follow-up period, 12 (23%) patients died. Kaplan-Meier Test (P = 0.009) and Cox regression analysis (B: 4.673, 95% confidence interval, 1.321-16.529, P = .017) revealed that tomographic fibrosis score ≥ 5% was associated with mortality. Multivariate analysis was not performed due to the small number of patients. An inverse relationship was found between tomographic fibrosis score and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide at diagnosis. The odds ratio for mortality was 4.7 when tomographic fibrosis score was ≥5%. Tomographic fibrosis score may be useful for predicting mor- tality and respiratory function in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease.

Invasive Functional Assessment of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis in the TAVI Era.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common finding in patients suffering from aortic valve stenosis (AS), with a prevalence of over 50% in patients 70 years of age or older. Transcatheter aortic valve intervention (TAVI) is the standard treatment option for patients with severe AS and at least 75 years of age. Current guidelines recommend percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients planned for TAVI with stenoses of >70% in the proximal segments of non-left main coronary arteries and in >50% of left main stenoses. While the guidelines on myocardial revascularization clearly recommend functional assessment of coronary artery stenoses of less than 90% in the absence of non-invasive ischemia testing, a statement regarding invasive functional testing in AS patients with concomitant CAD is lacking in the recently published guideline on the management of valvular heart disease. This review aims to provide an overview of the hemodynamic background in AS patients, discusses and summarizes the current evidence of invasive functional testing in patients with severe AS, and gives a future perspective on the ongoing trials on that topic.