Improvement In Echocardiographic Parameters Research Articles

In Vivo Study on Doxycycline Protective Mechanisms during Myocardial Ischemia Injury in Rats.

The fact that during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, myosin light chain 1 (MLC1) and troponin I (TnI) are degraded by matrix metalloproteases activity has already been well established in both in vitro and ex vivo studies. However, I/R injury is a complex issue based on several overlapping mechanisms. Increased activity of myosin light chain kinase and nitric oxide synthase due to oxidative stress leads to post-translational modifications of MLC1, thus leading to the increased degradation of these proteins. Wistar rats were subjected to left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion. To measure the pharmacological effect of doxycycline, transthoracic echocardiography as well as biochemical tests, concentrations of TnI, LDH, MLC1, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were performed. Gelatinize activity and cytotoxicity level were also assessed; Results: I.p., administration of doxycycline before LAD occlusion surgery increased TnI and LDH content in the heart and decreased cytotoxicity. A reduction of MMP-2 and MMP-9 concentration and MMP-2 activity after administration of Doxy was also observed, as well as improvement in echocardiographic parameters just 7 days after surgery. Inhibition of MMPs by doxycycline, in vivo, may serve as a protective agent in future therapy.

Left bundle branch pacing vs biventricular pacing in heart failure patients with left bundle branch block: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) is a novel pacing modality of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) that achieves more physiologic native ventricular activation than biventricular pacing (BiVP). To explore the validity of electromechanical resynchronization, clinical and echocardiographic response of LBBP-CRT. Systematic review and Meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the standard guidelines as mentioned in detail in the methodology section. In our analysis, the success rate of LBBP-CRT was determined to be 91.1%. LBBP-CRT significantly shortened QRS duration, with significant improvement in echocardiographic parameters, including left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left ventricular end-systolic diameter in comparison with BiVP-CRT. A significant reduction in New York Heart Association class and B-type natriuretic peptide levels was also observed in the LBBP-CRT group vs BiVP-CRT group. Lastly, the LBBP-CRT cohort had a reduced pacing threshold at follow-up as compared to BiVP-CRT.

Add-on Sacubitril/Valsartan Therapy Induces Left Ventricular Remodeling in Non-responders to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy to a Similar Extent as in Heart Failure Patients Without Resynchronization.

Non-responders to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT-NR) have poor prognosis. Sacubitril/valsartan (SV) treatment improved the outcome of patients with heart failure with reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (HFrEF) in randomized trials with no data on the specific cohort of CRT-NRs. The aim of this study was to compare the echocardiographic and biomarker changes in CRT-NR patients treated with versus without SV, and in patients with HFrEF on SV therapy. CRT-NR patients initiated on SV (groupI), CRT-NR patients on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEi/ARB) (groupII), and patients with HFrEF (without CRT) initiated on SV (groupIII) were identified in our heart failure (HF) registry. CRT-NR was defined as < 10% improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LV EF) 6months after the implantation. Echocardiographic parameters and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels at baseline and at the end of follow-up were compared. A total of 275 patients (groupI, 70; groupII, 70; and groupIII, 135) were included. After a follow-up of 7.54 ± 1.8months (mean ± standard deviation [SD]), LV EF (%) increased in groupI (25.2 ± 5.7 versus 29.4% ± 6.7; p < 0.001) and in groupIII (26.6 ± 6.4 versus 29.9 ± 6.7; p < 0.001). LV end-systolic diameters (mm) decreased in groupI (56.6 ± 9.0 versus 54.3 ± 8.7; p = 0.004) and in groupIII (55.9 ± 9.9 versus 54.3 ± 11.2; p = 0.021). The levels of NT-proBNP (pg/mL) decreased in groupI (2058.86 [1041.07-4502.51] versus 1121.55 [545-2541]; p < 0.001) and in groupIII (2223.35 [1233.03-4795.96] versus 1123.09 [500.38-2651.27]; p < 0.001). The extent of improvement was similar in groupsI and III (p > 0.05). No significant changes were detected in groupII. SV therapy induced similar improvements in echocardiographic parameters and in NT-proBNP levels in CRT-NR patients and in patients with HFrEF without resynchronization.

Effect of SGLT-2 inhibitor, dapagliflozin, on left ventricular remodeling in patients with type 2 diabetes and HFrEF

The current study evaluated the effect of SGLT-2 inhibitor, dapagliflozin, on left ventricular remodeling in patients with type 2 diabetes and HFrEF. 60 patients were randomized (1:1) to receive dapagliflozin 10 mg once daily, or placebo double blind for 1 year. Patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography and doppler evaluation prior to dapagliflozin initiation and at 1 year. At 1year, adjusted mean difference versus placebo in change from baseline in LVEF was 2.5% (95% CI: 1.00–4.06, P = 0.002). Adjusted mean difference versus placebo in change from baseline in LVED volume was − 6.0ml (95% CI: -8.07 -−3.87, P<0.001). Adjusted mean difference versus placebo in change from baseline in LVES volume was − 8.1ml (95% CI: -11.07 -−5.14, P<0.001). Similarly, adjusted mean difference versus placebo in change from baseline in LVED diameter was − 1.6 mm (95% CI: -2.67 -−0.62, P = 0.002). Adjusted mean difference versus placebo in change from baseline in VTI was 0.20 cm (95% CI: 0.01–0.38, P = 0.036). Dapagliflozin was well tolerated. Dapagliflozin was associated with significant and clinically meaningful improvement in echocardiographic parameters versus placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes and HFrEF.Registration number and date: ChiCTR2300072707, 21/06/2023.

Reduction of moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

ObjectiveTricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a progressive disease with high mortality and limited medical treatment options, and its association with atrial fibrillation (AF) has been documented. This study aimed to investigate...

Effectiveness of metabolic therapy in patients with myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background. Patients diagnosed with an ST-elevation myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes mellitus present a complex clinical scenario with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Despite advancements in the standard treatment approaches for an ST-elevation myocardial infarction, the mortality and morbidity rates among individuals with concomitant type 2 diabetes mellitus remain considerable. This study aims to compare the effects of adenosine and quercetin, both alone and in combination, with standard treatment on the outcomes in patients with an ST-elevation myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes. Materials and methods. This study employed a prospective, randomized controlled design to compare the effects of adenosine, quercetin, and standard treatment in patients with an ST-elevation myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 97 patients were recruited and randomly assigned to three groups: group 1 (adenosine and quercetin), group 2 (quercetin), group 3 (standard treatment only). The patients were followed up for 3 weeks. Results. The combined treatment with adenosine and quercetin, along with standard treatment, demonstrated a more pronounced effect on improving cardiac function compared to quercetin and standard treatment alone. Specifically, the combined treatment group exhibited a significant reduction in ST elevation after percutaneous coronary intervention, indicating a more complete resolution of myocardial ischemia. Moreover, the combined treatment group showed improvements in echocardiographic parameters, such as left ventricular ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain, indicating enhanced cardiac function. Additionally, the combined treatment appeared to have a positive impact on quality of life, as assessed by validated questionnaires. Notably, a slight decrease in body mass index was observed in the combined treatment group, suggesting a potential benefit in weight management. Conclusions. The results of our study support the notion that the combination of adenosine, quercetin, and standard treatment may offer superior outcomes compared to individual therapies or standard treatment alone. This combined approach demonstrated a more substantial resolution of ST elevation, enhanced cardiac function, and improved quality of life. Furthermore, there was a suggestive indication of potential weight management benefits, as evidenced by a slight decrease in body mass index in the group receiving the combined treatment.

SEQUENTIAL NEPHRON BLOCKADE VERSUS DUAL RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN SYSTEM BLOCKADE IN TRUE RESISTANT HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Objective: True resistant hypertension (RHTN) is a challenging medical condition in which the blood pressure remains uncontrolled despite the use of three different classes of antihypertensive agents at maximum tolerated dose. In order to reduce the sodium and volume overload in these patients and bring the blood pressure to acceptable levels, several pharmacologic agents that promote sequential nephron blockade (SNB) or dual renin- angiotensin system blockade (DRASB) can be used. Therefore, this review aims to evaluate the data presented in some clinical trials comparing the SNB to the DRASB. Design and method: A systematic search following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was conducted in MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and LILACS, resulting in a total of 123 articles. One abstract and 4 randomized controlled trials were selected to be assessed in this review. Results: Both treatments decreased systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. In one of the protocols, the decreases in the SNB group were significantly greater than in the DRASB group. A sub-analysis showed that the improvements in blood pressure were significant only in those with acceptable adherence to treatment. The two interventions reduced office blood pressure, with one study indicating that the reduction was superior in SNB. In markers of arterial stiffening and aging, there were no significant improvements. Pulse wave velocity and common carotid artery stiffness were similar in both groups and tended to decrease. One of the studies showed improvement in echocardiographic parameters for diastolic dysfunction. Conclusions: Despite the improvements in blood pressure in both groups, SNB therapy has a higher potential as a treatment for RHTN, especially when there is good adherence to the medication. Also, SNB tended to improve arterial stiffness and diastolic dysfunction. Nonetheless, there is a need for more studies for a better evaluation of these outcomes.

Comparing angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitors with sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors for heart failure with diabetes mellitus

Background and aimsClinical comparisons of angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI) and sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) treatment in patients with HFrEF and T2DM are limited. This study evaluated the clinical outcomes and treatment benefits of SGLT2i versus ARNI treatment in patients with HFrEF and T2DM in a large real-world data set.MethodsWe identified 1487 patients with HFrEF and T2DM who were undergoing ARNI or SGLT2i treatment for the first time (n = 647 and 840, respectively) between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2021, and with clinical outcomes of CV death, hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), composite CV outcomes, or renal outcomes.ResultsThe HHF risk reduction conferred by SGLT2i treatment was more significant than that conferred by ARNI treatment (37.7% vs. 30.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–1.41). SGLT2i use conferred significantly greater renal protection against the doubling of serum creatinine (13.1% vs. 9.3%; 95% CI 1.05–1.75), an estimated glomerular filtration rate decline of > 50% (24.9% vs. 20.0%; 95% CI 1.02–1.45), and progression to end-stage renal disease (3.1% vs. 1.5%; 95% CI 1.62–5.23). The improvements in echocardiographic parameters were comparable between the groups.ConclusionsCompared with ARNI treatment, SGLT2i treatment was associated with a more significant HHF risk reduction and greater preservation of renal function in patients with HFrEF and T2DM. This study also supports the prioritization of SGLT2i use in these patients when patients' conditions or economic resources need to be considered.

P236 THE EARLY USE OF A PARTICULAR HEMODIALYTIC FILTER DURING SCA–STEMI COMPLICATED BY MULTIORGAN FAILURE

Abstract A 66–year–old man, hypertensive, obese and avid smoker, in apparent good health until, due to the onset of typical chest pain associated with vomiting and algid sweating, he went to the PS where a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome with ST–segment elevation was made. As per the guidelines, antithrombotic therapy was administered and transfer to the HUB center was arranged to perform urgent coronarography; thrombotic occlusion of the I M.O. branch was revealed and treated with angioplasty and drug–eluting stent implantation. On admission to the NICU, the patient presented hypotensive, tachycardic and with repeated episodes of rectorrhagia and vomiting intermingled with blood. Cardiac echocolorDoppler showed mild reduction in global kinesthesia (FE 45%) with hypo–akinesis of the inferior and lateral walls, circumferential pericardial effusion that was not hemodynamically significant, dilated and fixed inferior vena cava with mild increase in systolic pulmonary artery pressure. On suspicion of gastro–intestinal ischemic damage, supported by the clinical and laboratory findings (creatinine increase with anuria for more than 12 hours and severe signs of hepato–pancreatic insufficiency) CT scan with mdc was performed showing hepato–renal hypoperfusion. Therefore, on suspicion of multi–organ dysfunction syndrome, renal replacement therapy was started in CVVHD mode with filter for clearance of medium molecular weight molecules (cut–off 40 kDa) to reduce possible cytokine and myoglobin damage. Already from the first hours of treatment, there was a rapid and exponential improvement in clinical–laboratory parameters with resumption of diuresis. During hospitalization, two episodes of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation treated with electrical and pharmacological cardioversion were detected; given a CHA2DS2VASc score 3 and a HAS–BLED score 2, triple antithrombotic therapy was initiated. At follow–up, there was improvement in echocardiographic parameters (minimal residual pericardial dislodgement and inferior vena cava of normal caliber and respiratory collapsibility) and clinical–laboratory.

Safety and Efficacy of Sildenafil for Group 2 Pulmonary Hypertension in Left Heart Failure.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a multifactorial, progressive disease with poor outcomes. Group 2 PH is defined by pulmonary vascular disease with elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure including both left-sided obstructive lesions and diastolic heart failure (HF). Sildenafil was historically discouraged in this population as pulmonary vasodilation can lead to pulmonary edema. However, evidence suggests that sildenafil can help to treat the precapillary component of PH. This is a single center, retrospective pilot study of pediatric PH patients with left-sided HF who were treated with sildenafil for ≥ 4 weeks. HF patients without mechanical support (HF group) and HF patients with a left ventricular assist device (HF-VAD) were analyzed. The exploratory analysis described the safety and side effects of the drug. Echocardiographic parameters were compared before and after sildenafil treatment in a paired analysis. The changes in medical therapy during treatment, mechanical support, and mortality was reported; 19/22 patients tolerated sildenafil. Pulmonary edema in two patients resolved upon discontinuation of sildenafil. In the HF group, both the right atrial volume and right ventricular diastolic area decreased, and the tricuspid regurgitation (TR) S/D ratio decreased after therapy (p = 0.02). Across both the groups, four patients weaned off milrinone and seven weaned off inhaled nitric oxide. Of the thirteen HF patients, four received a transplant, and all of the nine HF-VAD patients received a transplant. Sildenafil can be safely used in carefully selected patients with HF and mixed pre/postcapillary PH with judicious titration and inpatient surveillance, with patients showing improvements in echocardiographic parameters.

Follow up and outcome of transcatheter device closure in pediatric patients in a tertiary cardiac centre of Nepal

BackgroundCongenital heart diseases have significant effect on the growth and development of a child. Timely intervention helps a child to grow and develop to full potential. Cardiac interventionists have not long ago developed methods to cure conditions via transcatheter methods like device closures for shunt lesions. These interventions have been hugely accepted and applied all over the world. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the outcome of Transcatheter device closure in Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) and Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) in terms of improvement in echocardiographic parameters and nutritional well-being. It also outlined the immediate and long term complications of Transcatheter device closure of the shunt lesions. MethodologyA prospective study was carried out among 129 pediatric patients who underwent Transcatheter device closure of shunt lesions at Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre from March 2019 to March 2021. Simple convenient, consecutive non-probability sampling method was used for the study.Independent sample t-test was applied to see the correlation and significance of continuous variables and Linear regression was used to find out relation between weight gain and device closure. ResultsAmong 129 pediatric patients having either ASD, PDA or VSD without other comorbidities who underwent transcatheter device closure at Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, there was 1 mortality (0.7 %), 3 device embolization (2.3 %), 11 (8.5 %) tiny residual leaks, 6 (4.6 %) femoral artery thrombosis, 19 (14.7 %) Left ventricular systolic dysfunction, 4 (3.1 %) new onset arrhythmia, 13(10.0 %) new onset trivial AR and 2 (1.5 %) mild obstruction to surrounding structures. There were no long term complications observed during the study period. Pulmonary artery pressures improved in most along with normalization of chamber dilatation. There was significant improvement in weight of children at the end of one year follow up (P < 0.001), however among individual shunt lesion, only patients undergoing PDA device closure demonstrated significant weight gain. ConclusionTranscatheter device closure is a promising, safe and effective means of treatment for ASD, PDA and VSD. It has significant bearing in weight gain as well as general well-being of children. Judicious selection of cases, proficient expertise and availability of suitable infrastructures are paramount for successful outcome.

Impact de la Dapagliflozine sur les paramètres échocardiographiques chez les patients présentant une insuffisance cardiaque à fraction d’éjection réduite : « À propos d’une série monocentrique de 43 cas »

IntroductionThe treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction HFrEF (< 40%) uses hygienic-dietary rules combined with beta-blockers, renin-angiotensin system blockers RASB (alone or in combination with Sacubitril) and spironolactone. Dapagliflozin (SGLT2 inhibitor) has proven its effectiveness in reducing morbi-mortality in patients with HF. However, its effects on echocardiographic parameters are less known. ObjectiveTo describe the impact of the addition of Dapagliflozin to conventional treatment on echocardiographic parameters in patients with HFrEF < 40%. MethodObservational, single-center and non-randomized study involving patients with HFrEF < 40%. This group was compared to a cohort of 50 patients with HfrEF < 40% under conventional treatment without Dapagliflozin (taken from the HF register of our center and whose management dates back to before the adoption of this molecule in the HF ESC-2021 guidelines) to assess the ultrasound impact of Dapagliflozin. Results43 patients aged between 40 and 68 years with HfrEF < 40% on Beta-blocker, BSRA, Spironolactone and Dapagliflozin 10 mg/d. The mean EF was 33% ± 3 (30–39%), mean LVd diameter 64 mm ± 6 (55–71 mm) and mean longitudinal strain at -11% ± 4. These patients were compared to a cohort of 50 patients with the same profile without Dapagliflozin. After a follow-up of 7 months (5–8 months): The average EF increased to 37% with 11 patients EF > 40% against 35% and 5 patients EF > 40% for the group without Dapagliflozin (P 0.057), average LVd at 61 mm versus 66 mm in the group without Dapagliflozin (P 0.095), Mean longitudinal strain at −14% (6 patients < −15) versus −12% (1 patient <−15) in the group without Dapagliflozin (P 0.046). ConclusionIn a population of patients with HfrEF < 40% under conventional treatment for HF, the prescription of Dapagliflozin is associated with an improvement of echocardiographic parameters (EF and longitudinal strain). Mots-clésSérie;Dapagliflozine;insuffisance cardiaque;strain;ProBNP;dysfonction VG

Hemodynamic Effects of Sacubitril/Valsartan in Patients with Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Over 24 Months: A Retrospective Study.

BackgroundThe effects of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) were recently reported. However, the hemodynamic impact of this well-established treatment in patients with HFrEF has been poorly systematically researched.AimWe aimed to investigate the hemodynamic effects of sacubitril/valsartan among patients with HFrEF.MethodsBetween 2016 and 2020, we retrospectively collected data for patients with HFrEF treated at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Germany. Data for 240 patients with HFrEF were available. We systematically analyzed echocardiographic parameters, all-cause hospitalization, and congestion rate.ResultsThe left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improved from a median (minimum; maximum) of 28% (3; 65) before initiation of sacubitril/valsartan to a median of 34% (13; 64) at 24-month follow-up (p < 0.001). Systolic pulmonary atrial pressure (PAPsys) decreased from a median of 30 mmHg (13; 115) to 25 mmHg (20; 80) at 24-month follow-up (p = 0.005). The median (minimum; maximum) tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion improved from 17 mm (3; 31) at baseline to 20 mm (9; 30) at 12-month follow-up (p = 0.007). The incidence of severe and moderate mitral, tricuspid, and aortic valvular insufficiency improved after treatment. Hospitalization and congestion rates reduced at 24-month follow-up. The mortality rate in echocardiographic and functional nonresponders was higher than in responders (12.1 vs. 5.2%; p = 0.1 and 11.3 vs. 3.1%; p = 0.01, respectively).ConclusionFollow-up 24 months after starting treatment with sacubitril/valsartan revealed sustained improvements in echocardiographic parameters, including LVEF, PAPsys, and cardiac valvular insufficiency. Rates of all-cause hospitalization and congestion had decreased significantly at follow-up. The mortality rate was higher in echocardiographic and functional nonresponders.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40256-022-00525-w.

Prospective study of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs eating nontraditional or traditional diets and in dogs with subclinical cardiac abnormalities.

BackgroundRecent studies have investigated dogs with presumed diet‐associated dilated cardiomyopathy (daDCM), but prospective studies of multiple breeds are needed.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo evaluate baseline features and serial changes in echocardiography and cardiac biomarkers in dogs with DCM eating nontraditional diets (NTDs) or traditional diets (TDs), and in dogs with subclinical cardiac abnormalities (SCA) eating NTD.AnimalsSixty dogs with DCM (NTD, n = 51; TDs, n = 9) and 16 dogs with SCA eating NTDs.MethodsEchocardiography, electrocardiography, and measurement of taurine, cardiac troponin I, and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide were performed in dogs with DCM or SCA. Diets were changed for all dogs, taurine was supplemented in most, and echocardiography and cardiac biomarkers were reassessed (3, 6, and 9 months).ResultsAt enrollment, there were few differences between dogs with DCM eating NTDs or TDs; none had low plasma or whole blood taurine concentrations. Improvement in fractional shortening over time was significantly associated with previous consumption of a NTD, even after adjustment for other variables (P = .005). Median survival time for dogs with DCM was 611 days (range, 2‐940 days) for the NTD group and 161 days (range, 12‐669 days) for the TD group (P = .21). Sudden death was the most common cause of death in both diet groups. Dogs with SCA also had significant echocardiographic improvements over time.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceDogs with DCM or SCA previously eating NTDs had small, yet significant improvements in echocardiographic parameters after diet changes.

FOLLOW-UP OF PATIENTS WITH SEVERE PULMONARY HYPERTENSION AFTER MITRAL VALVE REPLACEMENT

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) occurs with an overall prevalence estimated at 15 per one million individuals. PH is only defined in the resting state and is present when the catheter derived mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) exceeds 25 mmHg. Objective: To assess the clinical, echocardiographic, and hemodynamic changes occurring to patients with severe pulmonary hypertension after mitral valve replacement in early and mid-term period. Patients and methods: This study included 40 patients, who underwent mitral valve replacement for mitral valve disease with severe PH > 50 mmHg) were studied prospectively for immediate and midterm (after 2 years) postoperative hemodynamics and outcomes. This study was conducted in Shebeen El-Koom Teaching Hospital during the period August 2016 to December 2019. Results: The early and mid-term results of mitral valve replacement in patients with pulmonary hypertension were good with functional improvement and reduction of pulmonary hypertension. By the end of the study, some complications, which were successfully managed, were reported and survival at two years was 92.5%. Conclusion: Mitral valve replacement (MVR) was safe and effective operation even in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) with acceptable operative mortality, and a significant improvement in echocardiographic parameters, pulmonary pressure, and NYHA classification.

Exercise training early after acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction and its effect on ventricular remodeling

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Deterioration of left ventricular function after acute myocardial infarction is common, particular in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This often leads to heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Exercise training has shown to be beneficial in stable chronic heart failure patients. However, effects of exercise training have been rarely investigated during very early phases of STEMI. Purpose The Exercise in Acute Myocardial Infarction (Ex-AMI) pilot study wanted to investigate whether exercise training has beneficial effects on ventricular remodeling under the following conditions: a) started early after myocardial infarction b) exclusively after STEMI c) performed with higher intensity. The hypothesis of this study was that exercise training early after acute myocardial infarction performed for 24 weeks is superior to usual care, regarding the improvement of echocardiographic parameters. It was also assumed that higher-intensity interval training is more effective than moderate continuous training. Methods Therefore, we randomized 19 patients with STEMI (58.0 ± 7.1 years, 5% female) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) &amp;lt;55% to: 1. Moderate continuous training (MCT; 50-60% VO2peak; n = 6) 2. Higher intensity interval training (HIIT; MCT interspersed by intervals of 80-85% VO2peak; n = 6) 3. Usual care (UC; n = 7) Exercise groups (EG: MCT and HIIT) started seven days after STEMI (run-in period for two weeks, followed by a tailored supervised exercise program for 22 weeks). Three-dimensional echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing were performed at the beginning and at the end of the training period. Patients were also continuously monitored for adverse events. Results At baseline, LVEF (46.3 ± 6,5%) as well as exercise capacity (VO2peak: 17.8 ± 4.4·kg-1·min-1) were impaired. In both exercise groups (EG: MCT and HIIT) LVEF improved significantly more than in the control group (mean change +7.3 ± 3.5% in EG vs. 2.3 ± 2.3% in UC; p = 0.007). Furthermore HIIT was not superior to MCT (mean change 7.6 ± 3.6% in HIIT vs. 6.7 ± 4.1% in MCT; p = 0.78) in terms of LVEF. There were no training associated adverse events. Conclusion Exercise training early after acute STEMI seems to have anti-remodeling effects. There is a need for more randomized controlled trials to confirm these findings, in order to find the optimal timing and dose of exercise after STEMI. Abstract Figure. Changes in LVEF (in %) after 24 weeks

Efficacy and safety of percutaneous mitral balloon valvotomy in patients with mitral stenosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AimsPercutaneous mitral balloon valvotomy PMBV is an acceptable alternative to Mitral valve surgery for patients with mitral stenosis. The purpose of this study was to explore the immediate results of PMBV with respect to echocardiographic changes, outcomes, and complications, using a meta-analysis approach.MethodsMEDLINE, and EMBASE databases were searched (01/2012 to 10/2018) for original research articles regarding the efficacy and safety of PMBV. Two reviewers independently screened references for inclusion and abstracted data including article details and echocardiographic parameters before and 24–72 h after PMBV, follow-up duration, and acute complications. Disagreements were resolved by third adjudicator. Quality of all included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale NOS.Results44/990 references met the inclusion criteria representing 6537 patients. Our findings suggest that PMBV leads to a significant increase in MVA (MD = 0.81 cm2; 0.76–0.87, p < 0.00001), LVEDP (MD = 1.89 mmHg; 0.52–3.26, p = 0.007), LVEDV EDV (MD = 5.81 ml; 2.65–8.97, p = 0.0003) and decrease in MPG (MD = −7.96 mmHg; −8.73 to −7.20, p < 0.00001), LAP (MD = −10.09 mmHg; −11.06 to −9.12, p < 0.00001), and SPAP (MD = −15.55 mmHg; −17.92 to −13.18, p < 0.00001). On short term basis, the pooled overall incidence estimates of repeat PMBV, mitral valve surgery, post-PMBV severe MR, and post-PMBV stroke, and systemic thromboembolism were 0.5%, 2%, 1.4%, 0.4%, and 0.7%% respectively. On long term basis, the pooled overall incidence estimates of repeat PMBV, mitral valve surgery, post-PMBV severe MR, and post-PMBV stroke, systemic thromboembolism were 5%, 11.5%, 5.5%, 2.7%, and 1.7% respectivelyConclusionPMBV represents a successful approach for patients with mitral stenosis as evidenced by improvement in echocardiographic parameters and low rate of complications.

Therapeutic Evaluation of Antibody-Based Targeted Delivery of Interleukin 9 in Experimental Pulmonary Hypertension.

Background and Aims: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a heterogeneous disorder associated with poor prognosis. For the majority of patients, only limited therapeutic options are available. Thus, there is great interest to develop novel treatment strategies focusing on pulmonary vascular and right ventricular remodeling. Interleukin 9 (IL9) is a pleiotropic cytokine with pro- and anti-inflammatory functions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic activity of F8IL9F8 consisting of IL9 fused to the F8 antibody, specific to the alternatively-spliced EDA domain of fibronectin, which is abundantly expressed in pulmonary vasculature and right ventricular myocardium in PH. Methods: The efficacy of F8IL9F8 in attenuating PH progression in the monocrotaline mouse model was evaluated in comparison to an endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) or an IL9 based immunocytokine with irrelevant antibody specificity (KSFIL9KSF). Treatment effects were assessed by right heart catheterization, echocardiography as well as histological and immunohistochemical tissue analyses. Results: Compared to controls, systolic right ventricular pressure (RVPsys) was significantly elevated and a variety of right ventricular echocardiographic parameters were significantly impaired in all MCT-induced PH groups except for the F8IL9F8 group. Both, F8IL9F8 and ERA treatments lead to a significant reduction in RVPsys and an improvement of echocardiographic parameters when compared to the MCT group not observable for the KSFIL9KSF group. Only F8IL9F8 significantly reduced lung tissue damage and displayed a significant decrease of leukocyte and macrophage accumulation in the lungs and right ventricles. Conclusions: Our study provides first pre-clinical evidence for the use of F8IL9F8 as a new therapeutic agent for PH in terms of a disease-modifying concept addressing cardiovascular remodeling.

Clinical outcome of cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients randomized to an active fixation bipolar left ventricular lead versus a passive quadripolar lead

Objectives: To compare the clinical outcome of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients receiving a bipolar left ventricular (LV) lead with a side helix for active fixation to the outcome in patients receiving a quadripolar passive fixation LV lead. Design: Sixty-two patients (mean age 72 ± 11 years) were blindly and randomly assigned to the active fixation bipolar lead group (n = 31) or to the quadripolar lead group (n= 31). The LV leads were targeted to the basal LV segment in a vein concordant to the LV segment with the latest mechanical contraction chosen on the basis of preoperative radial strain (RS) echocardiography. Results: At the 6-month follow-up (FU), the reduction in LV end-systolic volume and LV reverse remodelling responder rate, defined as LV end-systolic volume reduction >15%, was 77% in the active fixation group and 83% in the quadripolar group, which was not significantly different. At the 12-month FU, the LV ejection fraction (LVEF) did not differ between the groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups in changes in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class or Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire score. The occurrence of phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS) was 19% in the active fixation group versus 10% in the quadripolar group (p=.30), and all cases were resolved by reprogramming the device. All patients were alive at the 12-month FU. There was no device infection. Conclusions: There were no significant differences between the active fixation group of patients and the quadripolar group of patients concerning improvement in echocardiographic parameters or clinical symptoms. ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04632472

Clinical and echocardiographic outcomes in heart failure associated with methamphetamine use and cessation

ObjectiveMethamphetamine use is associated with systolic dysfunction, pulmonary arterial hypertension and may also be associated with diastolic dysfunction. The impact of methamphetamine cessation on methamphetamine-associated heart failure (MethHF) remains poorly...