Lower Mean Blood Pressure Research Articles

Gardenia jasminoides has therapeutic effects on L‑NNA‑induced hypertension invivo.

Gardenia jasminoides is a plant that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine. It has four key active components (genipin gentiobioside, geniposide, crocin 1 and crocin 2). The aim of the present study was to determine the anti‑hypertension effects of Gardenia jasminoidesin vivo. The chemical composition of Gardenia jasminoides was determined using liquid chromatography. The anti‑hypertensive effects of Gardenia jasminoides were determined by a L‑NG‑nitroarginine (L‑NNA)‑induced hypertension animal model. Both Gardenia jasminoides plants of the Jiangjin County variety (CJGJ) and the Lichuan City variety (HLGJ) were used. HLGJ contained more geniposide than CJGJ. L‑NNA was used to induce hypertension in mice, and the mice were subsequently treated with CJGJ and HLGJ. The Gardenia jasminoides‑treated mice exhibited lower systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP) and mean blood pressure (MBP) than the experimental control mice. Additionally, HLGL has a more potent effect on SBP, MBP and DBP than CJGJ. Following Gardenia jasminoides treatment, the nitric oxide contents in serum, heart, liver, kidney and stomach of mice were higher than the L‑NNA‑induced control mice, and the malondialdehyde contents were lower; the levels in HLGJ‑treated mice were closer to those normal mice than the levels in CJGJ‑treated mice were. Serum levels of endothelin‑1 and vascular endothelial growth factor were reduced by HLGJ treatment in hypertensive mice, whereas the calcitonin gene‑related peptide level was raised. Reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction analysis of mouse heart and vessel tissue demonstrated that HLGJ‑treated mice exhibited higher heme oxygenase‑1, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), endothelial NOS, Bax, caspase‑3, caspase‑8, caspase‑9 mRNA expression levels and lower adrenomedullin, receptor activity modifying protein, interleukin‑1β, tumor necrosis factor‑α, inducible NOS, Bcl‑2, monocyte chemoattractant protein‑1, nuclear factor‑κB and matrix metalloproteinase‑2 and ‑9 mRNA expression compared with control hypertensive mice and CJGJ‑treated mice. In conclusion, Gardenia jasminoides has anti‑hypertensive effects, and these effects may be associated with the active component, geniposide.

Abstract 076: Modeling Heterogeneity of Benefit in Patients Eligible for Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators: Insights From the SCD-HeFT Registry

Background: Guidelines recommend that patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (<35%; HFrEF), on goal-directed medical therapy be considered for placement of an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death. This recommendation arose from the results of the SCD-HeFT trial, where there was a 7% absolute mortality reduction at 5 years in those who got an ICD. However, the application of these guidelines has been suboptimal and it is unknown if particular patient characteristics drive this benefit. Methods: We used patient-level data from the multi-center SCD-HeFT trial to examine the heterogeneity of the primary outcome (5-year all-cause mortality) in 1676 patients randomized to placebo or ICD (excluding those randomized to amiodarone). We used step-wise variable selection to select the variables for the final model. A cox proportional hazards model was then applied to develop a prediction tool to estimate patient benefit with ICD. Results: After variable selection, the following variables were found to be significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality over 5 years: older age, male sex, ischemic heart disease, diabetes, higher NYHA class, lower LVEF, diuretic use, lower mean blood pressure, higher blood urea nitrogen, and randomization to placebo (see Figure 1). There was a significant interaction of treatment allocation with diabetes, where the benefit of ICDs was greatest amongst those without diabetes (HR placebo vs. ICD amongst diabetics, 6.33, 95% CI 2.40-20.91; p < 0.001). Conversely, among diabetics ICD therapy was associated with an increased risk of mortality when compared to medical therapy (HR 6.39, 95% CI 2.51-15.95; p < 0.001). The c-statistic for the model was 0.73. Conclusion: There is substantial heterogeneity of treatment benefit from an ICD for primary prevention of 5-year all-cause mortality. If validated in a distinct and more contemporary dataset, this model may have an important role in patient selection and shared decision-making.

Techniques, Timing & Prognosis of Post Infarct Ventricular Septal Repair: a Re-look at Old Dogmas.

ObjectiveThe study aimed to identify the factors affecting the prognosis of post myocardial infarction (MI) ventricular septal rupture (VSR) and to develop a protocol for its management.MethodsThis was a single center, retrospective-prospective study (2009-2014), involving 55 patients with post MI VSR. The strengths of association between risk factors and prognosis were assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The UNM Post MI VSR management and prognosis scoring systems (UPMS & UPPS) were developed.ResultsThirty-day mortality was 52.5% (35% in the last 3 years). Twenty-eight (70%) patients underwent concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting. Residual ventricular septal defect was found in 3 (7.5%) patients. The multivariate analysis showed low mean blood pressure with intra-aortic balloon pump (OR 11.43, P=0.001), higher EuroSCORE II (OR 7.47, P=0.006), higher Killip class (OR 27.95, P=0.00), and shorter intervals between MI and VSR (OR 7.90, P=0.005) as well as VSR and Surgery (OR 5.76, P=0.016) to be strong predictors of mortality. Concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (P=0.17) and location (P=0.25) of VSR did not affect the outcome. Mean follow-up was 635.8±472.5 days and 17 out of 19 discharged patients were in NYHA class I-II.ConclusionThe UNM Post-MI VSR Scoring Systems (UPMS & UPPS) help in management and prognosis, respectively. They divide patients into 3 groups: 1) Immediate Surgery - Patients with scores of <25 require immediate surgery, preferably with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, and have poor prognosis; 2) Those with scores of 25-75 should be managed with "Optimal Delay" and they have intermediate outcomes; 3) Patients with scores of >75 can undergo Elective Repair and they are likely to have good outcomes.

Target-Controlled Infusion of Propofol in Training Anesthesiology Residents in Colonoscopy Sedation: A Prospective Randomized Crossover Trial.

BackgroundPropofol is widely used in sedation for colonoscopy, but its adverse effects on cardiovascular and respiratory systems are still concerning. The present study investigated whether target controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol could provide a better sedation quality than manually controlled infusion (MCI) in training inexperienced anesthesiology residents.Material/MethodsEighteen training residents were allocated into 2 groups receiving TCI and MCI training in their first month in the endoscopy center, while receiving MCI and TCI training instead in their second month. The last 2 patients at the end of each month were included to analyze the sedation quality of TCI and MCI techniques by comparing satisfaction of endoscopist and patients based on the visual analogue scale (VAS). Heart rate (HR), mean blood pressure (MAP), SpO2, and recovery time were also compared as the secondary outcomes.ResultsThe demographic data were similarly distributed among the TCI and MCI patients. Endoscopist’s satisfaction score in the TCI group was significantly higher than in the MCI group, 81.3±7.2 versus 74.2±9.5 (P=0.003), but the patients’ satisfaction score was similar between the 2 groups. More stable hemodynamic status was obtained in the TCI group, manifested as higher lowest MAP and lower highest MAP than in the MCI group. Lowest SpO2 in the TCI group was significantly higher than in the MCI group. Patients in the TCI group recovered earlier than in the MCI group.ConclusionsTCI is a more effective and safer technique for anesthesiology residents in sedation for colonoscopy.

Increased Blood Pressure Variability Is Associated with Worse Neurologic Outcome in Acute Anterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke.

Background. Although research suggests that blood pressure variability (BPV) is detrimental in the weeks to months after acute ischemic stroke, it has not been adequately studied in the acute setting. Methods. We reviewed acute ischemic stroke patients from 2007 to 2014 with anterior circulation stroke. Mean blood pressure and three BPV indices (standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and successive variation) for the intervals 0–24, 0–72, and 0–120 hours after admission were correlated with follow-up modified Rankin Scale (mRS) in ordinal logistic regression models. The correlation between BPV and mRS was further analyzed by terciles of clinically informative stratifications. Results. Two hundred and fifteen patients met inclusion criteria. At all time intervals, increased systolic BPV was associated with higher mRS, but the relationship was not significant for diastolic BPV or mean blood pressure. This association was strongest in patients with proximal stroke parent artery vessel occlusion and lower mean blood pressure. Conclusion. Increased early systolic BPV is associated with worse neurologic outcome after ischemic stroke. This association is strongest in patients with lower mean blood pressure and proximal vessel occlusion, often despite endovascular or thrombolytic therapy. This hypothesis-generating dataset suggests potential benefit for interventions aimed at reducing BPV in this patient population.

Short-term effects of oral dronedarone administration on cardiac function, blood pressure and electrocardiogram in conscious telemetry dogs.

Dronedarone is a multichannel blocking antiarrhythmic drug that has been used for management of atrial fibrillation in humans, but the data in veterinary medicine are inadequate. The objective of this study was to determine the short-term effects of oral dronedarone on cardiac inotropy and lusitropy, blood pressure and electrocardiogram (ECG) in healthy dogs. A total of 6 beagle dogs were instrumented with telemetry units and sono-micrometry crystals to obtain left ventricular pressure-volume relationship, mean blood pressure (MBP) and ECG. Dogs were given orally dronedarone (20 mg/kg, twice per day) for 7 days. All parameters were obtained hourly at 4–8 hr after the first dose and at 12-, 96- (day 4) and 168-hr (day 7) after dosing. The results showed that dronedarone had no effect on inotropy and lusitropy, while it significantly lengthened PQ interval (P<0.001) and lowered MBP (P<0.05). Dronedarone also tended to reduce cardiac output (P=0.237) and heart rate (P=0.057). These results suggested that short-term effects of oral dronedarone administration at a dose of 20 mg/kg, twice per day, produced negative dromotropy with minimal effect on cardiac function in conscious dogs.

Predictors of poor outcome in gastrointestinal bleeding in emergency department

To determine the prognostic risk factors of gastrointestinal bleeding in emergency department cases. The trial was a retrospective single-center study involving 600 patients over 18-years-old and carried out with approval by the Institutional Ethics Committee. Patient data included demographic characteristics, symptoms at admission, past medical history, vital signs, laboratory results, endoscopy and colonoscopy results, length of hospital stay, need of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and mortality. Mortality rate was the principal endpoint of the study, while duration of hospital stay, required interventional treatment, and admission to the ICU were secondary endpoints. The mean age of patients was 61.92-years-old. Among the 600 total patients, 363 (60.5%) underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and the most frequent diagnoses were duodenal ulcer (19.2%) and gastric ulcer (12.8%). One-hundred-and-fifteen (19.2%) patients required endoscopic treatment, 20 (3.3%) required surgical treatment, and 5 (0.8%) required angiographic embolization. The mean length of hospital stay was 5.21 ± 5.85 d. The mortality rate was 6.3%. The ICU admission rate was 5.3%. Patients with syncope, higher blood glucose levels, and coronary artery disease had significantly higher ICU admission rates (P = 0.029, P = 0.043, and P = 0.002, respectively). Patients with low thrombocyte levels, high creatinine, high international normalized ratio, and high serum transaminase levels had significantly longer hospital stay (P = 0.02, P = 0.001, P = 0.019, and P = 0.005, respectively). Patients who died had significantly higher serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels (P = 0.016 and P = 0.038), and significantly lower mean blood pressure and oxygen saturation (P = 0.004 and P = 0.049). Malignancy and low Glasgow coma scale (GCS) were independent predictive factors of mortality. Prognostic factors for gastrointestinal bleeding in emergency room cases are malignancy, hypotension on admission, low GCS, and impaired kidney function.

Comparison of neostigmine and sugammadex for hemodynamic parameters in cardiac patients undergoing noncardiac surgery

Study ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to compare the hemodynamic effects of neostigmine-atropine combination and sugammadex in patients with cardiac problems undergoing noncardiac surgery. DesignProspective randomized study. SettingIn the operating room. PatientsNinety patients with a class 2 or 3 cardiovascular disease according to the New York Heart Association classification and aged between 18 and 75 years undergoing noncardiac surgery were randomized. InterventionsGroup N (n = 45) received 0.03 mg/kg IV neostigmine when T2 appeared as measured with a nerve muscle stimulator. When heart rate was 5 beats/min (±10 beats/min) lower than the heart rate before administration of the medication, 0.5 mg IV atropine sulfate was given. Group S (n = 45) received 3 mg/kg IV sugammadex when T2 appeared as measured with a nerve muscle stimulator. MeasurementsHeart rate, mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and electrocardiographic alterations including the QTc (QT Fredericia and QT Bazett) were recorded. Main ResultsThere were no significant differences between and within the groups in terms of QTc values. Sugammadex group had a significant decrease on heart rate 1 minute after the medication when compared to the measurement before the medication (P < .05). Heart rate and systolic blood pressure increased in neostigmine group 3 minutes after the medication and during postoperative measurements (P < .05). Sugammadex group had lower systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressures and heart rate when compared to neostigmine group (P < .05). ConclusionsWe suggest that sugammadex might be preferred as it provides more hemodynamic stability compared to neostigmine-atropine combination to reverse rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockage in cardiac patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.

Abstract 15037: Hyperreninemic Aldosteronism in Caucasian and African-American Patients With Apparent Resistant Hypertension

Introduction: While primary aldosteronism (PA) is a recognized and relatively well-defined cause of resistant hypertension (RHTN), there is a relative paucity of data defining patients with hyperreninemic aldosteronism (HA) and RHTN. Hypothesis: We sought to identify characteristics of patients with HA and compare them to patients with and without PA within a large cohort of patients with RHTN. Methods: We analyzed 1236 RHTN patients who were referred to our Hypertension Clinic with and underwent complete biochemical work-up including plasma aldosterone concentration, plasma renin activity, and 24-hour urinary aldosterone. Demographics, antihypertensive drug regimen, comorbidities, biochemical parameters and evaluation for secondary RHTN, where indicated, were evaluated. Hyperreninemic aldosteronism was defined as plasma renin activity &gt;1 ng/mL*hr, aldosterone-renin-ratio of ≈ 8 or more, and 24-hour urinary aldosterone &gt;12 mcg/24h. Results: In 128 eligible patients with resistant hypertension and HA, the mean age was 52.9±12.1 years with 56% being males (Table). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 149.2±22.0 and 87.9±15.5 mm Hg, respectively. Significant numbers of HA patients had co-morbid obesity (63.3%) and obstructive sleep apnea (44.9%). Compared to patients with PA, patients with HA had statistically significant lower proportions of patients with African-American race and systolic blood pressure. Compared to all RHTN patients, HA patients had lower mean age and systolic blood pressure, but were more likely to be male and have obstructive sleep apnea. Conclusions: Resistant hypertension due to hyperreninemic aldosteronism appears to predominantly affect obese, middle-aged males. Patients with HA causing RHTN have distinct differences from PA patients with RHTN. More investigation is required to identify appropriate treatment protocols for this poorly defined subset of patients with RHTN.

Abstract 12098: S-nitrosoglutathione Reductase Deficiency Prevents Neurological Injury After Cardiac Arrest and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Introduction: Nitric oxide (NO) exerts many of its effects via protein S-nitrosylation (SNO). Protein SNO levels are critically controlled by the activity of denitrosylase S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR). The objective of this study was to examine the impact of enhanced protein SNO induced by GSNOR deficiency on the outcomes of cardiac arrest (CA) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in mice. Methods and Results: Wild-type (WT) mice and mice deficient for GSNOR (GSNOR-/-) were subjected to CA for 8 min whereupon CPR was performed with chest compression and mechanical ventilation. There were no differences in characteristics before CA and during CPR except for lower mean blood pressure in GSNOR-/- mice at baseline. WT mice that were subjected to CA/CPR exhibited a poor 6-day survival rate (16.7%), depressed neurological function, and increased hydrogen peroxide production in the brain. In contrast, GSNOR-/- mice exhibited better neurological recovery, attenuated hydrogen peroxide production, and markedly improved 6-day survival rate (66.7%, P&lt;0.05 vs WT). The protective effects of GSNOR deficiency were associated with markedly reduced mitochondria complex I activity in the brain at 5 min after CPR compared with sham-operated GSNOR-/- mice as evidenced by the ATP turnover rate in isolated cerebral mitochondria. Administration of a mitochondria-targeted S-nitrosothiol MitoSNO to WT mice 1min before CPR similarly depressed cerebral mitochondrial complex I activity and improved neurological outcomes, and survival rate. These results suggest that SNO-based inhibition of mitochondrial activity prevents ischemic neurological injury after CA and CPR. Conclusions: GSNOR-deficiency improves outcomes after CA and CPR in mice at least in part by modulating mitochondrial complex I activity and reducing reactive oxygen species generation during early reperfusion phase. Pharmacological augmentation of protein SNO may limit long term neurological impairment and death after CA/CPR.

Characterization of Cardiac Troponin Elevation in the Setting of Pediatric Supraventricular Tachycardia.

Cardiac troponin (cTn) is currently considered the gold standard biomarker for detection of myocardial necrosis. Patients with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) often present with symptoms resulting in cTn assessment; however, there are no data on the results of such testing in childhood. We hypothesized that cTn elevation would be common in the pediatric SVT population and would portend a benign prognosis. A retrospective review of all pediatric patients (≤21 years) presenting with SVT was performed. Clinical and electrocardiographic variables from the emergency department (ED) presentation were reviewed and clinical outcomes during subsequent follow-up assessed. Of 128 patients seen in the ED for SVT, cTn was assessed in 48 (38 %). Of patients with cTn assessment, 14 (29 %) patients demonstrated cTn elevation. Univariate predictors of cTn elevation included presentation with respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms (50 vs 12 % and 42 vs 9 %; p = 0.008 and p = 0.01, respectively), lower mean arterial blood pressure (73 vs 85 mm Hg, p = 0.009), higher age-adjusted tachycardia rate (z score 9.3 vs 7.2, p < 0.001), and longer tachycardia duration (4.2 vs 1.0 h, p = 0.02). Multivariate logistic regression confirmed the association of age-adjusted tachycardia rate (odds ratio [OR] 3.8 per heart rate z score, confidence interval [CI] 1.9-11.8, p = 0.003) and duration (OR 1.5 per hour, CI 1.1-2.5, p = 0.03). Clinical outcome was excellent with no adverse sequelae during a median of 2.9 years of follow-up. Cardiac Tn elevation is common in the pediatric population presenting with SVT. Episode severity, characterized by respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms, lower mean blood pressure, and increased tachycardia rate and duration are predictive. Clinical follow-up is favorable.

Abstract 081: Intracerebroventricular (ICV) Infusion of Angiotensin-(1-7) Lowers Blood Pressure and Improves Autonomic Function in Antenatal Betamethasone Exposed Sheep

We have previously shown that antenatal betamethasone exposure in sheep is associated with a deficiency in angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of these betamethasone exposed (BMX) sheep and impaired baroreflex sensitivity for control of heart rate (BRS) by 6 weeks of age followed by persistent suppression of the reflex and elevation in mean blood pressure (MAP) by 6 months of age. In this study we sought to determine if supplementation of Ang-(1-7) administered via continuous infusion into the lateral ventricle of 4 month old BMX lambs (1-7, n=4) at a dose of 1.25ug/kg/hr for 1 week would improve the BRS, heart rate variability (HRV) and lower MAP and blood pressure variability (BPV). The control group received ICV artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF, n=4). MAP and heart rate were recorded continuously via femoral arterial catheters and digitized before and one week after the ICV infusion. Both blood pressure and heart rate were analyzed to obtain measures of spontaneous BRS, HRV and BPV in the frequency and time domain. There were no differences in any of the measures between the two groups at baseline and no changes in the aCSF group after 1 week of ICV aCSF administration. Meanwhile, Ang-(1-7) ICV treatment significantly improved all measures of BRS compared to baseline, (HFa, 5.3±0.9 vs. 2.4±0.5 ms/mm Hg, p=0.03) and sequence ALL (6.5±1.6 vs. 1.9±0.9 ms/mm Hg, p=0.01). Ang-(1-7) also improved HRV measured as rMSSD (11.6±1.6 vs. 7±1.2 ms at baseline, p=0.04). Ang-(1-7) administration lowered MAP by 11.5 mm Hg (p &lt; 0.05) compared to a rise of 2.0 mm Hg in the control group with no significant changes in heart rate or BPV in either group. These data support the hypothesis that Ang-(1-7) deficiency in the CSF contributes to the impaired autonomic function and reduced parasympathetic tone in betamethasone exposed sheep and replacement of the peptide in the brain will help restore these measures to normal levels. Elevating Ang-(1-7) levels in humans exposed antenatally to betamethasone may have beneficial cardiovascular effects.

Dexmedetomidine in Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Hysterectomy: A CONSORT-Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Both dexmedetomidine and sufentanil modulate spinal analgesia by different mechanisms, and yet no human studies are available on their combination for analgesia during the first 72 hours after abdominal hysterectomy.This CONSORT-prospective, randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combination of dexmedetomidine and sufentanil in intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for 72 hours after abdominal hysterectomy.Ninety women undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy were divided into 3 equal groups that received sufentanil (Group C; 0.02 μg/kg/h), sufentanil plus dexmedetomidine (Group D1; 0.02 μg/kg/h, each), or sufentanil (0.02 μg/kg/h) plus dexmedetomidine (0.05 μg/kg/h) (Group D2) for 72 hours after surgery in this double-blinded, randomized study. The primary outcome measure was the postoperative sufentanil consumption, whereas the secondary outcome measures were pain intensity (visual analogue scale), requirement of narcotic drugs during the operation, level of sedation, Bruggrmann comfort scale, and concerning adverse effects.The postoperative sufentanil consumption was significantly lower in Groups D1 and D2 than in Group C during the observation period (P < 0.05), but lower in Group D2 than in Group D1 at 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery (P < 0.05). The heart rate after intubation and incision was lower in Groups D1 and D2 than in Group C (P < 0.05). On arrival at the recovery room, Groups D1 and D2 had lower mean blood pressure than Group C (P < 0.05). The intraoperative requirement of sevoflurane was 30% lesser in Groups D1 and D2 than in Group C. The sedation levels were greater in Groups D1 and D2 during the first hour (P < 0.05). Compared with Groups C and D1, Group D2 showed lower levels of the overall incidence of nausea and vomiting (P < 0.05).Among the tested PCA options, the addition of dexmedetomidine (0.05 μg/kg/h) and sufentanil (0.02 μg/kg/h) showed better analgesic effect and greater patient satisfaction without other clinically relevant side effects for patients undergoing hysterectomy during the first 72 hours after abdominal hysterectomy.

Autonomic Dysfunction Correlates with Clinical and Inflammatory Activity in Patients with Crohn's Disease.

Autonomic dysfunction has been implicated in Crohn's disease (CD). We aimed to investigate heart rate variability (HRV) as a marker of possible autonomic imbalance in patients with CD. Thirty patients with CD and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were enrolled in a prospective cohort study and underwent HRV study. Anxiety level was scored using the STAI questionnaire and CD clinical activity was assessed by Harvey-Bradshaw index. Blood tests including inflammatory markers were obtained for all participants. CD subjects had lower mean blood pressure (85.51 ± 11.07 mm Hg, 91.51 ± 6.99, P = 0.015) and albumin and significantly higher CRP and IL-6 compared with controls (P < 0.002 for all comparisons). Mean HRV values of very low-frequency power and low-frequency power components were significantly lower among CD subjects (P = 0.038 and 0.027, respectively), implying a predominant sympathetic tone. Anxiety level scores were significantly higher among patients with CD for both state anxiety (P = 0.001) and trait anxiety (P < 0.0001). However, patients with active disease had similar anxiety scores as patients in remission, yet had a significantly lower BMI, lower albumin level, and higher CRP and IL-6 levels (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). Moreover, despite similar anxiety scores, patients with active disease had higher pulse rate (P = 0.02) and lower HRV indexes, which correlated with albumin levels(r = 0.7, P = 0.001). Although patients with CD have higher anxiety levels compared with controls, they exhibit depressed HRV independent of this anxiety state and in direct correlation with disease activity and inflammatory markers. These observations suggest an inherent imbalance of autonomic function associated with active inflammation.

A comparison of cardiopulmonary function, recovery quality, and total dosages required for induction and total intravenous anesthesia with propofol versus a propofol-ketamine combination in healthy Beagle dogs

ObjectiveTo compare cardiopulmonary function, recovery quality, and total dosages required for induction and 60 minutes of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol (P) or a 1:1 mg mL−1 combination of propofol and ketamine (KP). Study designRandomized crossover study. AnimalsTen female Beagles weighing 9.4 ± 1.8 kg. MethodsDogs were randomized for administration of P or KP in a 1:1 mg mL−1 ratio for induction and maintenance of TIVA. Baseline temperature, pulse, respiratory rate (fR), noninvasive mean blood pressure (MAP), and hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2) were recorded. Dogs were intubated and spontaneously breathed room air. Heart rate (HR), fR, MAP, SpO2, end tidal carbon dioxide tension (Pe’CO2), temperature, and salivation score were recorded every 5 minutes. Arterial blood gas analysis was performed at 10, 30, and 60 minutes, and after recovery. At 60 minutes the infusion was discontinued and total drug administered, time to extubation, and recovery score were recorded. The other treatment was performed 1 week later. ResultsKP required significantly less propofol for induction (4.0 ± 1.0 mg kg−1 KP versus 5.3 ±1.1 mg kg−1 P, p = 0.0285) and maintenance (0.3 ± 0.1 mg kg−1 minute−1 KP versus 0.6 ±0.1 mg kg−1 minute−1 P, p = 0.0018). Significantly higher HR occurred with KP. Both P and KP caused significantly lower MAP compared to baseline. MAP was significantly higher with KP at several time points. P had minimal effects on respiratory variables, while KP resulted in significant respiratory depression. There were no significant differences in salivation scores, time to extubation, or recovery scores. Conclusions and clinical relevanceTotal intravenous anesthesia in healthy dogs with ketamine and propofol in a 1:1 mg mL−1 combination resulted in significant propofol dose reduction, higher HR, improved MAP, no difference in recovery quality, but more significant respiratory depression compared to propofol alone.

5 Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events at 30-days were not Significantly different between Frail and non-frail older (≥75 years) Patients with non ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome Managed by Invasive Strategy: An Analysis from the ICON1 Study: Abstract 5 Table 1

OBJECTIVE--To evaluate the relative contributions of factors acting at different stages in life to regional differences in adult blood pressure. DESIGN--Prospective cohort study (British regional heart study). SETTING--One general practice in each of 24 towns in Britain. SUBJECTS--7735 Men aged 40-59 years when screened in 1978-80 whose geographic zone of birth and zone of examination were classified as south of England, midlands and Wales, north of England, and Scotland. Non-migrants (n = 3144) were born in the town where they were examined; internal migrants (n = 4147) were born in Great Britain but not in the town where they were examined; and international migrants (n = 422) were born outside Great Britain. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Systolic and diastolic blood pressures and height. RESULTS--Regardless of where they were born, men living in the south of England had lower mean blood pressures than men living in Scotland (142.5/80.1 v 148.1/85.2 mm Hg). The effects of the place of birth and place of examination on adult blood pressure were examined in a multiple regression model. For internal migrants the modelled increase in mean systolic blood pressure across adjacent zones of examination was 2.1 mm Hg (95% confidence interval 1.3 to 2.9); for adjacent zones of birth the corresponding increase was 0.1 mm Hg (-0.7 to 0.7). The place of examination seemed to be a far more important determinant of mean adult blood pressure than the place of birth. Height is an accepted marker of genetic and early life influences. Regional differences in height were therefore analysed to test whether the multiple regression model could correctly distinguish between the influence of place of birth and place of examination. As expected, men born in Scotland were shorter on average than men born in the south of England irrespective of where they lived in Britain (172.6 cm v 175.1 cm for internal migrants). CONCLUSION--Regional variations in blood pressure were strongly influenced by where the men had lived for most of their adult lives rather than by where they were born and brought up. Among middle aged men, factors acting in adult life seemed to be more important determinants of regional differences in blood pressure than those acting early in life such as genetic inheritance, intrauterine environment, and childhood experience.

Under-recognition of Low Blood Pressure Readings in Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a recessive sex-linked hereditary disorder, is characterized by degeneration, atrophy, and weakness of skeletal and cardiac muscle. The purpose of this study was to document the prevalence of abnormally low resting BP recordings in patients with DMD in our outpatient clinic. The charts of 31 patients with DMD attending the cardiology clinic at Rush University Medical Center were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressures along with current medications, echocardiograms, and documented clinical appreciation and management of low blood pressure were recorded in the form of 104 outpatient clinical visits. Blood pressure (BP) was classified as low if the systolic and/or mean BP was less than the fifth percentile for height for patients aged ≤17 years (n = 23). For patients ≥18 years (n = 8), systolic blood pressure (SBP) <90 mmHg or a mean arterial pressure (MAP) <60 mmHg was recorded as a low reading. Patients with other forms of myopathy or unclear diagnosis were excluded. Statistical analysis was done using PASW version 18. BP was documented at 103 (99.01 %) outpatient encounters. Low systolic and mean BP were recorded in 35 (33.7 %) encounters. This represented low recordings for 19 (61.3 %) out of a total 31 patients with two or more successive low recordings for 12 (38.7 %) patients. Thirty-one low BP encounters were in patients <18 years old. Hispanic patients accounted for 74 (71.2 %) visits and had low BP recorded in 32 (43.2 %) instances. The patients were non-ambulant in 71 (68.3 %) encounters. Out of 35 encounters with low BP, 17 patients (48.6 %) were taking heart failure medication. In instances when patients had low BP, 22 (66.7 %) out of 33 echocardiography encounters had normal left ventricular ejection fraction. Clinician comments on low BP reading were present in 11 (10.6 %) encounters, and treatment modification occurred in only 1 (1 %) patient. Age in years (p = .031) and ethnicity (p = .035) were independent predictors of low BP using stepwise multiple regression analysis. Low BP was recorded in a significant number of patient encounters in patients with DMD. Age 17 years or less and Hispanic ethnicity were significant predictors associated with low BP readings in our DMD cohort. Concomitant heart failure therapy was not a statistically significant association. There is a need for enhanced awareness of low BP in DMD patients among primary care and specialty physicians. The etiology and clinical impact of these findings are unclear but may impact escalation of heart failure therapy.

Prognosis of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in septic shock patients.

The prognosis of myocardial dysfunction in critically ill patients with sepsis and its association with mortality is controversial. We aim to determine the significance of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in septic shock patients and their associated outcome. A prospective, single center, observational study was carried out at an intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital. A total of 66 patients diagnosed with septic shock were enrolled in the study from September 2010 to June 2012. The 2D echocardiography was performed for all the patients. Ejection fraction <50% was the diagnosing parameter for the patients with systolic dysfunction in septic shock. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III (APACHE III) score was calculated. The mean age of patients were found to be 53.71 ± 16.76 years. The mortality rate was found to be 48.48% and among them 43.75% patients had ejection fraction <50%. Non-survivors exhibited significantly lower mean blood pressure (74.19 ± 10.28 versus 80.59 ± 11.31; p = 0.008), lower ejection fraction (52.59 ± 16.37 versus 62.56 ± 8.31; p = 0.029) and higher APACHE III score (89.34 ± 15.41 versus 70.65 ± 13.27; p <0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curves APACHE III score (area under curve = 0.830) and ejection fraction (area under curve = 0.656) were used to predict the mortality in septic patients. Low ejection fraction, a marker to measure left ventricular systolic dysfunction is a predictor of mortality in septic shock patients. However, more research is needed to confirm the findings.

Acute kidney injury in septic patients admitted to emergency clinical room: risk factors and outcome.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common source of morbidity in sepsis. We sought to determine risk factors for AKI, by acute kidney injury network (AKIN) criteria, in septic patients admitted in emergency clinical room (ER). Prospective cohort study of 200 patients admitted to the ER of a University Hospital, followed for development of AKI over 5 days. AKI developed in 144/200 (72 %) patients. In multivariable regression analysis, independent risk factors for AKI included age over 65 years (OR 1.28; 95 % CI 1.12-1.89; p = 0.04), mean blood pressure (MBP) lower than 65 mmHg at moment of admission (OR 1.89; 95 % CI 1.43-2.64, p = 0.003) and diabetes mellitus (OR 1.66; 95 % CI 1.30-3.20; p = 0.012). Mortality rate was 51.4 % in AKI patients compared with 26.8 % for those without AKI (p = 0.002). Septic shock (OR = 1.83, 95 % CI 1.23-2.74, p = 0.007), AKIN 3 (OR = 1.64; 95 % CI 1.19-1.89, p = 0.02), APACHE 2 > 20 (OR 1.92, 95 % CI 1.34-2.02, p = 0.009) and need for dialysis (OR = 1.26, 95 % CI 1.13-1.75, p = 0.03) were identified as independent risk factors for death in multivariable regression analysis. AKI severity in septic patients admitted in ER is associated with mortality. Diabetes, age over 65 years, and low MBP are independent risk factors for AKI and deserve further study to prevent AKI and, consequently, decreasing mortality.

Sublingual nitroglycerin in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction: Impact on central and regional carotid and radial input impedance and hemodynamics

Background: The systolic blood pressure lowering effect of sublingual nitroglycerin (NTG) administration is generally thought to primarily arise from its action on wave reflection, although recent invasive data indicate that at least part of the blood pressure reduction can be ascribed to an effect on left ventricular dynamics. Methods: Carotid and radial pressure waveforms and aortic, carotid and radial flow were measured in 19 HFpEF patients using applanation tonometry and pulsed Doppler ultrasound, respectively. Signals were time-aligned and global systemic as well as regional impedance and wave reflection analysis was applied. Results: NTG lowered carotid systolic (130.8±26 at baseline vs. 110.4±18.4mmHg after NTG, P<0.01) and mean (92.5±18.4 vs.85.4±14.3) blood pressure. Global systemic effects included a decrease in systemic vascular resistance (1.00±0.32 vs. 0.88±0.28 mmHg.ml-1.s, P<0.05), characteristic impedance (0.133±0.089 vs. 0.089±0.034 mmHg.ml-1.s, P<0.05) and an increase in total arterial compliance (1.20±0.58 vs. 1.52±0.53 ml.mmHg-1, P<0.01).NTG had a major impact on the amplitude of the forward pressure wave (58±24.3 vs. 40.6±13.3 mmHg, P<0.01), with no significant change in reflection magnitude. Regional analysis demonstrated a large effect of NTG on carotid input impedance, lowering impedance over the entire frequency spectrum, with radial artery input impedance did not demonstrate any significant changes (despite large effects on pressure and flow waveform morphology). Conclusions: Our data in HFpEF confirm the absence of impact of NTG on reflection magnitude, and demonstrate large effects of NTG on the input impedance of the cerebral vascular district, with little effect on the distal forearm circulation.