Hyperdynamic Circulation Research Articles

Cardiac reserve and response to terlipressin in decompensated cirrhosis patients for prediction of development of AKI and mortality: A prospective cohort study

Background and Aim: Cirrhosis patients have limited cardiac reserve. Terlipressin alters the cardiac function and hyperdynamic circulation in cirrhosis patients. We investigated cardiac reserve, influence of terlipressin and its impact on clinical outcomes on patients with acute decompensated (AD) as compared to stable decompensated (SD) cirrhosis.

Distinct structural and dynamic components of portal hypertension in different animal models and human liver disease etiologies.

Background and AimsLiver fibrosis is the static and main (70%‐80%) component of portal hypertension (PH). We investigated dynamic components of PH by a three‐dimensional analysis based on correlation of hepatic collagen proportionate area (CPA) with portal pressure (PP) in animals or HVPG in patients.Approach and ResultsDifferent animal models (bile duct ligation: n = 31, carbon tetrachloride: n = 12, thioacetamide: n = 12, choline‐deficient high‐fat diet: n = 12) and patients with a confirmed single etiology of cholestatic (primary biliary cholangitis/primary sclerosing cholangitis: n = 16), alcohol‐associated (n = 22), and metabolic (NASH: n = 19) liver disease underwent CPA quantification on liver specimens/biopsies. Based on CPA‐to‐PP/HVPG correlation, potential dynamic components were identified in subgroups of animals/patients with lower‐than‐expected and higher‐than‐expected PP/HVPG. Dynamic PH components were validated in a patient cohort (n = 245) using liver stiffness measurement (LSM) instead of CPA. CPA significantly correlated with PP in animal models (Rho = 0.531; p < 0.001) and HVPG in patients (Rho = 0.439; p < 0.001). Correlation of CPA with PP/HVPG varied across different animal models and etiologies in patients. In models, severity of hyperdynamic circulation and specific fibrosis pattern (portal fibrosis: p = 0.02; septa width: p = 0.03) were associated with PH severity. In patients, hyperdynamic circulation (p = 0.04), vascular dysfunction/angiogenesis (VWF‐Ag: p = 0.03; soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1: p = 0.03), and bile acids (p = 0.04) were dynamic modulators of PH. The LSM‐HVPG validation cohort confirmed these and also indicated IL‐6 (p = 0.008) and hyaluronic acid (HA: p < 0.001) as dynamic PH components.ConclusionsThe relative contribution of “static” fibrosis on PH severity varies by type of liver injury. Next to hyperdynamic circulation, increased bile acids, VWF‐Ag, IL‐6, and HA seem to indicate a pronounced dynamic component of PH in patients.

Delirium in Acute Poisoning with 1,4-Butanediol and Its Correction

Delirium complicating regular use of psychoactive substances remains one of the major issues of critical care, toxicology, and psychiatry. However, the pathogenetic mechanisms of delirium development in patients with 1,4-butanediol poisoning have been poorly studied until now.The aim of the study was to reveal specific patterns of delirium in patients with 1,4-butanediol poisoning as well as to study the changes in systemic hemodynamic parameters, respiratory function, and body fluid compartments during the treatment.Material and methods. The study was prospective and treatment-randomized. Forty-eight male patients aged 20 to 45 years with delirium and acute 1,4-butanediol poisoning were enrolled. Of them, 24 patients were administered with succinate-containing drug 40 ml daily, 24 patients received standard treatment without antihypoxic agents. We studied the evolution of delirium, changes in anaerobic metabolism parameters, systemic hemodynamics, respiratory function, and the volume of fluid compartments. Impedance measurement method adjusted for interference was used in the study.Results. At the «peak» of delirium (days 1–3), the hyperdynamic circulation, increased systemic arterial tone, stroke output, respiratory function parameters, and metabolic lactate acidosis were recorded. A decrease in total fluid volume and extracellular fluid volume was clearly observed during day 1 of intoxication delirium along with increased permeability of cell membranes. On day 3 of delirium, a decrease in intracellular fluid volume and increase in extracellular fluid volume were noted. After the cytoflavin administration, shorter delirium duration (7.5 [6; 8] days), more rapid correction of lactate acidosis, stabilization of respiratory parameters and stabilization of cell membrane permeability by day 5 were found. In the control group, delirium persisted for up to 14 [11; 15] days (z=-5.9; P=0.00011) with more frequent development of complications such as nosocomial pneumonia (χ2=8.4, P&lt;0.001).Conclusion. The severity of delirium in acute poisoning with 1,4-butanediol was associated with metabolic lactate acidosis, changes in systemic hemodynamics and pulmonary function. A positive effect of adjunctive antihypoxic therapy with succinate-containing agent on cardio-respiratory parameters, cell membrane permeability, water balance due to elimination of tissue hypoxia and prompt switching to tissue aerobic metabolism has been found.

Microbiota transplants from feces or gut content attenuated portal hypertension and portosystemic collaterals in cirrhotic rats.

Liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension is the end of chronic liver injury with hepatic, splanchnic and portosystemic collateral systems dysregulation. Liver injury is accompanied by gut dysbiosis whereas dysbiosis induces liver fibrosis, splanchnic angiogenesis and dysregulated vascular tones vice versa, making portal hypertension aggravated. It has been proved that intestinal microbiota transplantation alleviates dysbiosis. Nevertheless, the influences of microbiota transplantation on cirrhosis-related portal hypertension are not so clear. Liver cirrhosis with portal hypertension was induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) in rats. Sham rats were surgical controls. Rats randomly received vehicle, fecal or gut (terminal ileum) material transplantation. The results showed that microbiota transplantation from feces or gut material significantly reduced portal pressure in cirrhotic rats (P=0.010, 0.044). Hepatic resistance, vascular contractility, fibrosis and relevant protein expressions were not significantly different among cirrhotic rats. However, microbiota transplantation ameliorated splanchnic hyperdynamic flow and vasodilatation. Mesenteric angiogenesis, defined by whole mesenteric window vascular density, decreased in both transplantation groups and phosphorylated endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) was down-regulated. Portosystemic shunts determined by splenorenal shunt (SRS) flow decreased in both transplantation groups (P=0.037, 0.032). Shunting severity assessed by microsphere distribution method showed consistent results. Compared with sham rats, cirrhotic rats lacked Lachnospiraceae. Both microbiota transplants increased Bifidobacterium. In conclusion, microbiota transplantation in cirrhotic rats reduced portal pressure, alleviated splanchnic hyperdynamic circulation and portosystemic shunts. The main beneficial effects may be focused on portosystemic collaterals-related events, such as hepatic encephalopathy and gastroesophageal variceal hemorrhage. Further clinical investigations are mandatory.

57 Undifferentiated heart sarcoma in young adult: from differential diagnosis to management

Abstract A 34-year-old patient arrived in Emergency Department (ED) with a history of haemoptysis, fever, and night sweats. Echocardiographic examination revealed a large isoechoic thickening that totally encompassed posterior mitral leaflet and which extended contiguously, both inferiorly with subvalvular apparatus with chordal fusion, and superiorly up to left atrial wall. This alteration caused a moderate mitral stenosis with an estimated average gradient of 10–15 mmHg (with possible overestimation due to temporary state of hyperdynamic circulation secondary to anaemization). There also was an anteriorly directed, eccentric jet of mitral regurgitation (2 +/4 + grade).Differential diagnosis of the aforementioned mitral formation included infectious etiology (endocarditic vegetation), pure phlogistic (inflammatory/rheumatic valvulitis), aseptic vegetation, and thrombosis. Transesophageal echocardiographic evaluation showed the extension of the mass into posterior leaflet, the latter completely englobed from commissure to commissure, and cranially adhered to posterior wall of left atrium with estimated dimensions of 1.9 × 12 mm; inferiorly, contiguity with diffusely thickened subvalvular apparatus and chordal fusion, was appreciated. Resulting stenosis was about 13–14 mmHg. Planimetric mitral valve area was estimated to be about 1 cm with associated mild-moderate regurgitation. Global systolic function was preserved with normal segmental kinesis and without significant anomalies affecting other valves. On cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with contrast medium, known sleeve thickening of left atrium (maximum thickness 12 mm in lateral area and 7.5 mm at the level of atrial septum) was extended caudocranially for 2.5 cm in lateral area and for 3.2 cm in the side of the atrial septum and with subocclusion of left inferior pulmonary vein. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS) was performed with biopsy examination and subsequent histological typing. It concluded for ‘undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma’ according to the WHO classification of thoracic tumours. In the stomach there was a diffuse infiltration of lamina propria by atypical, pleomorphic, and large cellular elements. Following cancer evaluation, first-line chemotherapy with ifosfamide and doxorubicin was undertaken. Two days later, due to finding of hyperpyrexia, with a feverish peak of up to 39°, infusion of chemotherapy was interrupted and empiric antibiotic therapy (piperacillin tazobactam) was started. Blood and urine cultures were carried out with search for antigens of legionella and pneumococcus, (MRSA), fungi, and respiratory viruses but all of them were negative for active infection. The following day, an episode of acute respiratory failure occurred, so we performed an urgent chest CT with finding of pneumonia with bilateral pleural effusion and linezolid was started. Because of sudden worsening of clinical conditions, patient was transferred to ICCU (Intensive Cardiac Care Unit) with gradual resolution of desaturation. Cardiac ultrasound imaging, from the very first performed in ED, has been fundamental in documenting the presence of a mass in mitral valve. The timeliness in identifying first and then characterizing it certainly had a positive impact on cancer management, especially in such an aggressive neoplasm in a young patient. Furthermore diagnostic process, corroborated by instrumental data provided by ecocardiography, CT, MRI, PET, and scintigraphy, allowed a better staging of the disease and highlighted other organ involvement in order to manage optimal therapeutic approach.

Corpus luteum number and the maternal renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system as determinants of utero-placental (vascular) development: the Rotterdam Periconceptional Cohort

BackgroundPregnancies with > 1 corpus luteum (CL) display a hyperdynamic circulation and an increased risk of small-for-gestational age deliveries. Among the factors released by the CL is prorenin, the inactive precursor of renin. Since the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is involved in early hemodynamic pregnancy adaptation, we linked both CL number and first-trimester concentrations of prorenin (as an indicator of RAAS activity) and the aldosterone/renin ratio (as an indicator of angiotensin-independent aldosterone effectiveness) to non-invasive markers of utero-placental (vascular) development, measured longitudinally from the first trimester onwards.MethodsA total of 201 women, who conceived naturally or after in-vitro fertilization treatment (with 0 (n = 8), 1 (n = 143), or > 1 (n = 51) CL), were selected from the Rotterdam Periconceptional Cohort. Maternal RAAS components were determined at 11 weeks gestation. Placental volume and utero-placental vascular volume were measured from transvaginal 3D ultrasound scans at 7, 9 and 11 weeks gestation, pulsatility and resistance indices of the uterine arteries were assessed by pulsed wave Doppler ultrasounds at 7, 9, 11, 13, 22 and 32 weeks gestation. At birth placental weight was obtained using standardized procedures.ResultsPregnancies without a CL show lower uterine artery indices throughout gestation than 1 CL and > 1 CL pregnancies, while parameters of placental development are comparable among the CL groups. After adjustment for patient- and treatment-related factors, first-trimester prorenin concentrations are positively associated with uterine artery pulsatility and resistance indices (β 0.06, 95% CI 0.01;0.12, p = 0.04 and β 0.10, 95% CI 0.01;0.20, p = 0.04, respectively), while high prorenin concentrations are negatively associated with first-trimester utero-placental vascular volume (β -0.23, 95% CI -0.44;-0.02, p = 0.04) and placental weight (β -93.8, 95%CI -160.3;-27.4, p = 0.006). In contrast, the aldosterone/renin ratio is positively associated with first-trimester placental volume (β 0.12, 95% CI 0.01;0.24, p = 0.04).ConclusionsThe absence of a CL, resulting in low prorenin concentrations, associates with low uterine artery pulsatility and resistance, while high prorenin concentrations associate with a low utero-placental vascular volume and weight. These data support a scenario in which excess prorenin, by upregulating angiotensin II, increases uterine resistance, thereby preventing normal placental (vascular) development, and increasing the risk of small-for-gestational age deliveries. Simultaneously, high aldosterone concentrations, by ensuring volume expansion, exert the opposite.

52-Year-Old Woman With Palpitations, Abdominal Distension, and Severe Abdominal Pain

52-Year-Old Woman With Palpitations, Abdominal Distension, and Severe Abdominal Pain

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 inhibition or deletion attenuates portal hypertension in rodents.

Liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension are accompanied by hyperdynamic circulation, angiogenesis and portosystemic collaterals. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) participate in fibrogenesis and angiogenesis, however, whether they can be targeted in cirrhosis treatment is unclear. Therefore, we performed three series of experiments to investigate this issue. Liver cirrhosis was induced by common bile duct ligation (BDL) in Sprague‐Dawley rats. Sham‐operated rats served as controls. Rats were randomly allocated to receive vehicle, minocycline (a nonselective MMP inhibitor) or SB‐3CT (MMP‐2 and −9 inhibitor) for 28 days in the first and second series, respectively. MMP‐9 knockout mice were used in the third series. The results showed that minocycline ameliorated portal hypertension, hemodynamic abnormalities, reduced collateral shunting, mesenteric vascular density, plasma VEGF level and alleviated liver fibrosis. SB‐3CT attenuated portal hypertension, hemodynamic derangements, reduced shunting, mesenteric vascular density, mesenteric VEGF protein expression, and liver fibrosis. Knockout BDL mice had significantly alleviated portal hypertension, liver fibrosis, liver α‐SMA and mesenteric eNOS protein expressions compared to wild‐type BDL mice. Liver SMAD2 phosphorylation was down‐regulated in all series with MMP inhibition or knock‐out. In conclusion, MMP‐9 inhibition or deletion ameliorated the severity of cirrhosis, portal hypertension, and associated derangements. MMP‐9 may be targeted in the treatment of liver cirrhosis.

1588 A Rare Case of Arteriovenous Malformation Following TMJ Arthroscopy: A Case Report and Review of The Literature

Abstract Patients undergo temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy as part of the diagnosis and management of chronic pain in the TMJ. Known complications of the procedure include bleeding within the joint spaces, lacerations of the external auditory canal and local nerve damage. We present the case of a 25-year-old woman who developed an arteriovenous fistula in the right pre-auricular region secondary to TMJ arthroscopic examination. She had presented with ongoing TMJ pain necessitating further investigation with arthroscopy. Following her procedure her TMJ symptoms improved, however she developed right pre-auricular swelling of gradual onset, right-sided headaches, and pulsatile tinnitus. Due to her pregnancy of around 16 weeks this was originally linked to expansion in plasma volume and hyperdynamic circulation; however, this was later diagnosed as an extremely rare, post-operative complication of TMJ arthroscopy. Her examination revealed a pre-auricular pulsatile swelling measuring approximately 1.5 cm. Blood tests including ESR and CRP were within normal limits excluding temporal arteritis. An ultrasound scan revealed an AV fistula of the right superficial temporal artery; Her MRI confirmed single vessel supply. Following discussion in the vascular anomalies MDT, she underwent embolisation with PHIL and surgical excision via a preauricular approach. The procedure was successful, and the patient made a full recovery. The literature reports very few cases of iatrogenic arterio-venous fistulas resulting from TMJ arthroscopic surgery. Our case emphasises the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in combining embolisation with surgical excision resulting in the successful management of a rare post-operative complication.

Electroacupuncture attenuates vascular hyporeactivity in a rat model of portal hypertension induced by bile duct ligation.

A hyperdynamic circulation and impaired vascular responsiveness to vasoconstrictors are observed in portal hypertension (PHT) rats. Inflammation is a major contributor to the hyperdynamic circulation state in murine models of PHT. Electroacupuncture (EA) may ameliorate the inflammatory response and limit arterial vasodilatation and portal pressure. This study investigated the possible mechanisms underlying putative hemodynamics effects of EA in normal and PHT rats. PHT was induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) surgery over 4 weeks in rats. Sham-operated and BDL rats were treated with low-frequency EA (2 Hz) at ST36 10 min three times weekly for one or two consecutive weeks (for a total of 3 or 7 treatments, respectively). Serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nitrite/nitrate (NOx) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α (6-keto-PGF1α) were analyzed, and hemodynamic variation and contractile responses to phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate and phenylephrine in aortic and superior mesenteric arterial rings were recorded. Inducible (i) and endothelial (3) nitric oxide synthase (NOS), cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), and protein kinase C-α (PKC-α) levels were determined by Western blotting. EA significantly reduced portal pressure and serum TNF-α, NOx and 6-keto-PGF1α levels compared to the untreated BDL group, enhanced maximum contractile responses in the aorta, up-regulated PKC-α, and down-regulated iNOS and COX-1 levels. In addition, EA decreased the aortic angiogenesis signaling cascade, reflected by down-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) abundance and transforming growth factor β receptor (TGFβR)I/II expression, as assessed by immunostaining. EA attenuates TNF-α, NO and 6-keto-PGF1α overproduction, modulates the vascular levels of constitutive NOS and PKC-α, blunts the development of the angiogenesis cascade, and enhances vascular contractile force in PHT rats.

Simulating Radial Pressure Waveforms with a Mock Circulatory Flow Loop to Characterize Hemodynamic Monitoring Systems.

Mock circulatory loops (MCLs) can reproducibly generate physiologically relevant pressures and flows for cardiovascular device testing. These systems have been extensively used to characterize the performance of therapeutic cardiac devices, but historically MCLs have had limited use for assessing patient monitoring systems. Here, we adapted an MCL to include peripheral components and evaluated its utility for qualitative and quantitative benchtop testing of hemodynamic monitoring devices. An MCL was designed to simulate three physiological hemodynamic states: normovolemia, cardiogenic shock, and hyperdynamic circulation. The system was assessed for stability in pressure and flow values over time, repeatability, waveform morphology, and systemic-peripheral pressure relationships. For each condition, cardiac output was controlled to the nearest 0.2L/min, and flow rate and mean arterial pressure remained stable and repeatable over a 60-s period (n=5, standard deviation of±0.1L/min and±0.84mmHg, respectively). Transfer function analyses showed that the systemic-peripheral relationships could be adequately manipulated. The results from this MCL were comparable to those from other published MCLs and computational simulations. However, resolving current limitations of the system would further improve its utility. Three pulse contour analysis algorithms were applied to the pressure and flow data from the MCL to demonstrate the potential role of MCLs in characterizing hemodynamic monitoring systems. Overall, the development of robust analysis methods in conjunction with modified MCLs can expand device testing applications to hemodynamic monitoring systems. Properly validated MCLs can create a stable and reproducible environment for testing patient monitoring systems over their entire operating ranges prior to clinical use.

Diagnosis and Management of Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy

Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy refers to the structural and functional changes in the heart leading to either impaired systolic, diastolic, electrocardiographic, and neurohormonal changes associated with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is present in 50% of patients with cirrhosis and is clinically seen as impaired contractility, diastolic dysfunction, hyperdynamic circulation, and electromechanical desynchrony such as QT prolongation. In this review, we will discuss the cardiac physiology principles underlying cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, imaging techniques such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and scintigraphy, cardiac biomarkers, and newer echocardiographic techniques such as tissue Doppler imaging and speckle tracking, and emerging treatments to improve outcomes. We reviewed available literature from MEDLINE for randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, and real-world outcomes using the search terms "cirrhotic cardiomyopathy," "left ventricular diastolic dysfunction," "heart failure in cirrhosis," "liver transplantation," and "coronary artery disease". Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is associated with increased risk of complications such as hepatorenal syndrome, refractory ascites, impaired response to stressors including sepsis, bleeding or transplantation, poor health-related quality of life and increased morbidity and mortality. The evaluation of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy should also guide the feasibility of procedures such as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, dose titration protocol of betablockers, and liver transplantation. The use of targeted heart rate reduction is of interest to improve cardiac filling and improve the cardiac output using repurposed heart failure drugs such as ivabradine. Liver transplantation may also reverse the cirrhotic cardiomyopathy; however, careful cardiac evaluation is necessary to rule out coronary artery disease and improve cardiac outcomes in the perioperative period. More data are needed on the new diagnostic criteria, molecular and biochemical changes, and repurposed drugs in cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. The use of advanced imaging techniques should be incorporated in clinical practice.

Atypically located spider angioma

To the Editor,&#x0D; A spider angioma or spider naevus is a type of telangiectasis found slightly beneath the skin surface, often containing a central arteriole and many small vessels which radiate outwards like a spider's web. Applying pressure to the center of the lesion leads to fading of the lesion. Spider angioma is a common presentation of liver cirrhosis, especially alcoholic cirrhosis. Spider angiomas are found only in the distribution of the superior vena cava, and are thus commonly found on the face, neck, upper chest and upper arm. Spider angioma is rarely observed on hand (1, 2). Here, we report a a very rare case with spider angioma on back of hand.&#x0D; A 54-year-old male patient admitted to our clinic with icterus and ascites. The patient had a diagnosis of alcoholic liver cirrhosis one month before. On physical examination, he had icterus and ascites. He had spider angiomas on his back, neck and on the back of his right hand, just proximal to second metacarpophalangeal joint (Figure 1). The patient’s Child Turcotte Pugh score (CTP) and model for end stage liver disease (MELD) scores were 12 and 22, respectively. Abdomen ultrasound showed cirrhosis with massive ascites. Endoscopy revealed grade 1 esophageal varices and portal hypertensive gastropathy. The patient gave written consent regarding this article.&#x0D; Spider angioma appears frequently in alcoholic cirrhotic or noncirrhotic alcoholic liver diseases with deuteriation of liver functions. Although, the exact cause of SA is not known, there have been many theories of possible etiologic factors such as disturbance of sex hormones (increased level of luteinizing hormone, decreased level of testosterone and a higher estradiol/testosterone ratio), angiogenesis, vasodilation, alcohol abuse, hyperdynamic circulation state, and liver dysfunction[3, 4]. The number and size of SA are correlated with the degree of liver disease (1, 3, 4). &#x0D; Our patient was a heavy drinker and had alcoholic liver cirrhosis with high CTP and MELD score. Although, our patient had multiple telangiectasias, it is a very rare finding of SA, observed on back of hand.

Nonselective Beta-Blockers in Compensated Cirrhosis: Preventing Variceal Hemorrhage or Preventing Decompensation?

Nonselective Beta-Blockers in Compensated Cirrhosis: Preventing Variceal Hemorrhage or Preventing Decompensation?

Maternal plasma pro-atrial and C-type natriuretic peptide levels and their associations with cardiovascular and renal function in the second half of normal pregnancy: a longitudinal study

BackgroundPhysiological adaptation in pregnancy is characterized by remodeling of endocrine, cardiovascular and renal functions leading to fluid retention, volume expansion, altered cardiac loading conditions and hyperdynamic circulation. Natriuretic peptides have been used as biomarkers of cardiovascular function, but their associations with gestational age-related changes in maternal cardiac, endothelial and renal function have not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to establish longitudinal reference values for maternal plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (proANP) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and investigate their temporal association with cardiovascular and renal function in the second half of pregnancy.MethodsThis study was a prospective longitudinal study of 53 low-risk pregnancies. Women were examined every 3–5 weeks during 22–40 weeks of gestation (252 observations). Fasting maternal blood samples were obtained to measure proANP, CNP, creatinine, cystatin C, uric acid, and fibrinogen levels. Cardiac function and systemic hemodynamics were assessed noninvasively by impedance cardiography (ICG) and vascular endothelial function by flow-mediated vasodilation of brachial artery (FMD).ResultsThe plasma proANP (R2adj = 0.79; P = 0.007), CNP (R2adj = 0.54; P = 0.005) decreased between 22 and 40 weeks. The creatinine (R2adj = 0.90; P < 0.001), cystatin C (R2adj = 0.93; P = < 0.001) and uric acid (R2adj = 0.83; P < 0.001) increased significantly, whereas the estimated glomerular filtration rate (R2adj = 0.93; P < 0.001) decreased with gestational age. The FMD did not change significantly but fibrinogen (R2adj = 0.79; P < 0.001) increased with advancing gestation. The maternal systemic vascular resistance index (R2adj = 0.50; P < 0.001) increased, stroke index (R2adj = 0.62; P < 0.001) decreased, whereas the cardiac index (R2adj = 0.62; P = 0.438) and thoracic fluid content (R2adj = 0.72; P = 0.132) did not change significantly with gestation. The proANP was associated with thoracic fluid content (R2adj = 0.74; P < 0.001) and fibrinogen (R2adj = 0.78; P = 0.034) but not with other variables of systemic hemodynamics, endothelial function, or renal function. The CNP was not associated significantly with parameters of cardiovascular or renal function.ConclusionLongitudinal reference values for maternal plasma proANP and CNP were established. These natriuretic peptides decreased slightly with advancing gestation, but they did not reflect the temporal physiological changes in maternal systemic hemodynamics, vascular endothelial function and renal function during the second half of pregnancy. The proANP correlated with the thoracic fluid content reflecting volume load in pregnancy.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in refractory ascites: clinical impact of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in cirrhotics are associated with circulatory dysfunction, hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) and heart failure in stressful conditions. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) exacerbates the hyperdynamic circulation and challenges cardiac function. We evaluated the incidence and the impact of LVDD in cirrhotic candidates to TIPS for refractory ascites. Among 135 patients who underwent TIPS for refractory ascites, 63 cases (child B/C 53/10, Na-model for end-stage liver disease 16.5 ± 0.9) who had 2D-transthoracic-echocardiography with tissue-Doppler-imaging pre-TIPS were retrospectively analysed (group A); in 23 cases cardiac and hormonal assessment before and after TIPS was available. 41 cirrhotics without refractory ascites treated by banding ligation for variceal re-bleeding were used as controls (group B). The prevalence of LVDD was higher in group A (59%; 22% with grade ≥2) as compared to group B (35%; 7% with grade ≥2) (P < 0.01 and P < 0.03). A lack of clinical response to TIPS occurred in 10 patients, all with LVDD (P < 0.03 vs. no LVDD) and in patients with grade ≥2 LVDD mostly (P < 0.02 vs. grade 1). Central venous pressure >20 mmHg after TIPS and left ventricular end-diastolic volume at basal were predictors of no response to TIPS (P = 0.01 and P = 0.004, respectively), which was an independent predictor of death. Elevated levels of NT-proBNP 3 days after TIPS were associated with advanced cardiac dysfunction (P = 0.005). NT-proBNP and careful LVDD investigation are useful to better select patients and to predict clinical response and mortality after TIPS.

Cardiac Morphology, Function, and Hemodynamics in Patients With Morbid Obesity and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis.

BackgroundThe patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease demonstrate an increased cardiovascular risk. The adverse influence of liver abnormalities on cardiac function are among many postulated mechanisms behind this association. The aim of the study was to evaluate cardiac morphology and function in patients with morbid obesity referred for bariatric surgery with liver biopsy.Methods and ResultsWe evaluated with echocardiography 171 consecutive patients without known cardiac disease (median age 42 [interquartile range, 37–48] years, median body mass index 43.7 [interquartile range, 41.0–47.5], 67% female patients. Based on the liver biopsy results, there were 44 patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), 69 patients with isolated steatosis, and 58 patients without steatosis. Patients with NASH demonstrated signs of left ventricular concentric remodeling and hyperdynamic circulation, including indexed left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter [cm/m2]: NASH 1.87 [0.22]; isolated steatosis 2.03 [0.33]; without steatosis 2.01 [0.19], P=0.001; relative wall thickness: NASH 0.49±0.05, isolated steatosis 0.47±0.06, without steatosis 0.46±0.06, P=0.011; cardiac index [L/m2]: NASH 3.05±0.54, isolated steatosis 2.80±0.44, without steatosis 2.79±0.50, P=0.013. After adjustment for sex, age, blood pressure, and heart rate, most of the measures of the left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, left atrial size, right ventricular function, and right ventricular size did not differ between groups.ConclusionsIn a group of patients with extreme obesity, NASH was associated with left ventricular concentric remodeling and hyperdynamic circulation. Increased cardiac output in NASH may represent an additional risk factor for incident cardiovascular events in this population.

Intraoperative Fluid Management Implies Insignificant Influence to Surgical Outcomes in Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction Cases.

Deliberate fluid administration has been used to maintain a hyperdynamic systemic circulation in free tissue transfer operations. The effects of intraoperative volume loading on postoperative complications have been controversial. The authors hypothesized that increasing intraoperative fluid administration was associated with increased postoperative surgical complications. Free flap operations for head and neck reconstruction between 2004 and 2014 were reviewed. A generalized estimating equation model was used to estimate the effect of intraoperative fluid administration on surgical outcomes. The optimized thresholds of anesthetic time were tested by the Youden index for flap compromise and major complications. A total of 2983 consecutive cases were included in the study. The incidences of flap compromise and total loss were 1.5 and 3.3 percent, respectively. Intraoperative fluid administration was not associated with surgical complications (p = 0.195). However, a 1-hour increase in anesthesia time was associated with a 19 percent increased risk of flap compromise (adjusted OR, 1.19; 95 percent CI, 1.10 to 1.29; p < 0.001). Prolonged anesthetic time, but not fluid administration, was associated with adverse surgical outcomes. Therapeutic, III.

Use of Either Non-invasive Ventilation Immediately Post-extubation or Controlled Mechanical Ventilation for One Hour after Fulfilling Weaning Criteria Decreases Re-intubation of Patients with Post-traumatic ARDS

Introduction: Re-intubation and re-ventilation after complete weaning of patients with prolonged ventilation are considered a major problem in ICU. The re-intubation in such patients associated with higher mortalities prolongs the duration of ICU stay. The mortality rate in those patients may exceed 40% in some studies. Aims: The study aimed to compare and evaluate the effect of use of two new maneuvers with control after fulfilling criteria of weaning from prolonged ventilation, either immediate use of NIV post-extubation and every 12 hours for 24 hours or MV for one hour on both re-intubation and ICU discharge of traumatic ARDS patients who ventilated for one week or more. Materials and Methods: It is a prospective double-blind study done on total 300 patients, admitted with respiratory failure ARDS due to severe lung contusion. All of them were selected to be ventilated for &gt; one week. All of them fulfilled the criteria of weaning at the end of the studied period. Patients were randomly allocated in three groups; each group contained 100 patients. Group A was considered the control group. They extubated and followed our routine protocol; patients of group B used our first new maneuver and reconnected to mechanical ventilation before extubation for one hour, while patients of group C used our second new maneuver; patients of this group extubated and immediately connected to NIV with BIPAP mode for 1 hour every 12 hours for 24 hours. Results: There was a significant reduction in the number of patients who experienced deterioration in conscious level throughout the study in patients of both groups B and C compared to group A. Also, a significant reduction was seen in the number of patients who experienced deterioration in clinical parameters of respiration, of both groups B and C compared to group A with regard to high respiratory rate, desaturation and development of hyperdynamic circulation (tachycardia and hypertension). Also, a significant reduction was seen in the number of patients who had multiple quadrant parenchymatous infiltration throughout the study in patients of both groups B and C compared to group A. significant reduction in the number of patients marked limitation to FEV1, FVC and MVV in patients of both groups B and C compared to group A. Conclusion: Use of either immediate NIV every 12 hours for 24 hours or MV for one hour after fulfillment of weaning criteria reduced reintubation, re-ventilation and post-extubation respiratory failure and decreased the ICU stay in prolonged ventilated patients due to ARDS from severe lung trauma with no significant difference between them.

Prevalence of Suspected Cases of Hyperthyroidism in Jeddah by Using Wayne's Scoring Index.

IntroductionHyperthyroidism is one of the primary dysfunctional thyroid diseases that results from abnormally high thyroid hormone secretion. It leads to metabolic derangement that manifests as heightened vital functions and metabolism and hyperdynamic blood circulation. Hyperthyroidism jeopardizes one’s quality of life and hampers the patient’s job performance. The disease is chronic but diagnosable and treatable and can be kept under control medically. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of suspected hyperthyroidism cases among a population sample in Jeddah city by using Wayne’s scoring and delineation of factors associated with the disease.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study design was used. A total of 346 participants were conveniently selected from two shopping malls in Jeddah city during a five-day health awareness campaign. The data were collected by certified physicians, according to Wayne’s score inventory.ResultsThe study included 194 women (56.1%) and 152 men (43.9%). The participants’ ages ranged from 16 to 56 years. The Wayne’s scores showed 80.6% were euthyroid, 18.2% equivocal, and 1.2% have hyperthyroidism. Bronchial asthma was significantly associated with hyperthyroidism in men, while obesity was significantly associated with hyperthyroidism in women. Age, gender, level of education, and family history of chronic diseases, including thyroid disorders, were not significantly associated with hyperthyroidism.ConclusionsWayne’s scoring for hyperthyroidism, which is a noninvasive tool, in addition to its detection of hyperthyroidism cases, can predict patients with equivocal results or those that might be subclinical for further medical assessment and follow-up. A Wayne’s score can give the results of hyperthyroidism comparable to the results obtained by biochemical investigations. This tool is not in common use, but it is quite useful and should be put into broader usage.