Mm Hg Range Research Articles

O PERFIL DE DISPENSAÇÃO DE ANTI-HIPERTENSIVOS EM UMA FARMÁCIA DA CIDADE DE ALIANÇA-TO

Introduction: Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition that affects the blood vessels, heart, brain and eyes. If left untreated, it can even lead to kidney failure. The condition arises when blood pressure readings are repeatedly recorded above the 140 by 90 mmHg range. One form of treatment is pharmacological, with classes of drugs known as antihypertensives. Objective: To verify the dispensing profile of antihypertensive drugs in a pharmacy belonging to the Popular Pharmacy Program in the city of Aliança do Tocantins, showing the classes of drugs most commonly used to treat hypertension. Materials and methods: The data was collected from the drug dispensing records between January and April 2024 from a pharmacy in the municipality of Aliança-TO. The pharmacy in question provided spreadsheets containing detailed information on the medicines dispensed daily. This data was then compiled and analyzed. Final considerations: Through the data survey, it was concluded that Losartan was the most dispensed antihypertensive between January and May 2024 at Drogaria Brasil Popular in the city of Aliança do Tocantins-TO.

12293 Dynamic Clinical Evolution: Why Patients Require Long-Term Follow-up Over Time

Abstract Disclosure: A. Attre: None. A. Syeda: None. A. Khan: None. B. Esayag-Tendler: None. Dynamic Clinical Evolution: Why Patients Require Long-Term Follow-up Over Time Introduction Primary Hyperaldosteronism (PHA) is an increasingly recognized cause of secondary hypertension amenable to specific therapy. We describe a case of PHA with change in management trajectory over time. Case A 48-year-old woman was diagnosed with PHA in 2009 based on an aldosterone level of 42.7 ng/dL, plasma renin activity of <0.1 ng/mL/hr, and a low potassium of 3.4 mmol/L. At that time, simultaneous adrenal venous sampling (AVS) had revealed a bilateral etiology of aldosterone excess. Original imaging with CT scan had shown fullness on both adrenal glands, and she was treated with 50mg daily spironolactone. Follow-up with CT scan in 2018 revealed similar imaging phenotype. When she established care with us in 2020, the abdomen MRI revealed a 2.5 cm x 1.9 cm right adrenal nodule. In addition, the blood pressure readings were noted to be high despite increasing doses of spironolactone to 150mg. Her laboratory results revealed aldosterone 151 ng/dL [< 31 ng/dL], cortisol 0.8 µg/dL, plasma renin activity 0.8 ng/mL/hr [0.2 ng/mL/hr - 1.6 ng/mL/hr], ACTH 12.5 pg/mL [7.2 pg/mL - 63.3 pg/mL], normal plasma metanephrine and a normal thyroid panel. A decision was made to repeat AVS in 2023 following Dr. Doppman’s protocol. The patient’s spironolactone was held before AVS and the plasma renin activity before the procedure was 0.4-0.8 ng/mL/hr. Results: Repeat AVS in 2023 showed mean pre-ACTH right to left lateralization index (LI) of 29.9 and mean post-ACTH LI of 9.7 (cutoff >4). This is concordant with the right adrenal nodule noted on imaging. The selectivity index confirmed adequate adrenal venous sampling data. Analysis of our findings confirmed right adrenal excess and left adrenal suppression compared to the IVC results. This patient underwent a laparoscopic right adrenalectomy in 2023. This patient's aldosterone levels were measured two days postoperatively and were found to be 4.2 ng/dL, showing immediate improvement. Six months postoperatively, our patient’s home and clinic blood pressures are in 120s/60s mmHg range without any medications. The aldosterone remains less than 6 ng/dL and the plasma renin activity is no longer low. Her potassium remains around 4.9 mmol/L. Discussion Based on current literature, surgical treatment is preferred when there is a confirmed unilateral cause of PHA. Adrenalectomy is recommended in patients with confirmed unilateral hyperaldosteronism especially when they do not achieve clinical and biochemical goals (renin plasma activity >1 ng/mL/hr, resolution of hypokalemia and optimal BP control) despite the use of MRA at appropriate doses. Suppressed renin is known to be associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity. This case serves as an important example of the need to follow patients long-term because PHA is a dynamic clinical entity that affects quality of life. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Factors Related to Raised Intraocular Pressure: In a Tertiary Hospital in Bangladesh

Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally, accounts for 8% of such cases. The probability of developing glaucoma appears to be elevated in individuals with systemic hypertension or diabetes mellitus. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only modifiable risk factor associated with the development and progression of glaucoma, and both medical and surgical interventions are available for its management. This study, conducted in the Ophthalmology department of BSMMU from July 2021 to June 2022, was a hospital-based cross-sectional investigation with a sample size of 153. The majority of participants fell into the 41-50 age group, with a mean age of 37.15±17.14. 41.8% of the responders were men and 58.2% were women. Refractive errors were identified in 7.2% of cases, with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) diagnosed in 60% of cases, normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) in 11.1%, and angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) in 10.5%, among other types. The study also observed associations between age groups and IOP levels, with 42% of individuals aged 30-50 having IOP in the 18-22 mmHg range. Additionally, 50% of established glaucoma cases had diabetes mellitus, 30% had hypertension, and 10% had a history of steroid therapy. Together with other variables including steroid usage, diabetes, and hypertension, high IOP continues to be a substantial risk factor for the start and progression of glaucoma. J. of Sci. and Tech. Res. 5(1): 157-162, 2023

THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN LONG-TERM BLOOD PRESSURE MANAGEMENT AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASES IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY ALDOSTERONISM FOLLOWING TREATMENT

Objective: The effect of optimal blood pressure control on the decline of renal function in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) following treatment are still needed to confirm in large sample cohort studies. The present study aimed to investigate the association between long-term blood pressure management and the development of chronic kidney disease in patients with PA following treatment. Design and method: In this retrospective chort study, patients with confirmed PA,and aged >20 years who visited the hypertension center of People's hospital of Xinjiang Autonomous Region between 2011 to 2022 were enrolled and were followed up until June 2023. We analyzed the association between the mean blood pressure control and the development of CKD. The mean blood pressure control depended on the mean of three follow-up visits,in-office BPs after diagnosis of PA and treatment at least three months. Multifactorial analysis was performed using logistic regression, with demographic variables (age, sex, and body mass index,etc.), and clinical characteristics (including smoking, alcohol consumption,etc.) as adjusted. Restricted cubic spline regression was used to find the optimal blood pressure cut-off point. SPSS 27.0 and R4.3.1 were used for the above statistical analysis. Results: This study finally included 4406 PA patients with at least three follow-up blood pressure visits at intervals greater than three months, and after adjusting related confounders, the mean follow-up time was 5.08 years, the mean age was 49.5 years,mean systolic blood pressure was significantly associated with CKD (OR: 1.018 [1.008-1.029], P < 0.001). Compared with the group with SBP >=140 mmHg, 120 =< SBP <130 mmHg(OR: 0.561 [0.406-0.777],P<0.001), 130 =<SBP<140 mmHg(OR: 0.593 [0.445-0.791], P<0.001). The RCS showed that systolic blood pressure in the 119-133 mmHg range. Conclusions: Control of SBP at 120-130 mmHg in patients with PA is associated with better renal outcome. Compared with the group with SBP >=140 mmHg, the risk was reduced by 44% and 41% in the groups with 120 =<SBP<130 mmHg and 130 =<SBP<140 mmHg, respectively.

Intraocular Pressure Monitoring Smart Contact Lens with High Environmental Stability

AbstractSmart contact lenses (SCLs), integrating various functional components, serve as a platform for wirelessly intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring. Accurate and dynamic measurements offer crucial clinical references for patients with ocular hypertension. Nevertheless, the complex ocular environment poses great challenges, particularly for inductor–capacitor–resistor (LCR) type IOP sensors, which suffer signal instability due to variations of ocular dielectric properties. Here, an innovative IOP monitoring sensor with robust environmental stability, achieved by integrating the ground shield, is proposed. Employing a capacitive pressure sensor with porous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) structure encased in a hydrogel, the study successfully demonstrates high‐sensitivity monitoring of IOP changes using in vitro porcine eyes. This optimized design empowers the wireless IOP sensor with a sensitivity of 1.15 ‰/mmHg. It exhibits exceptional frequency stability after undergoing 100 wear cycles on ten distinct porcine eyes and remains reliable across a wide range of metabolite concentrations typical of normal eyes. Notably, any observed frequency shift translates into IOP changes within a 3 mmHg range, showcasing its suitability for repeated use and daily IOP monitoring.

A streamlined controlled-expansion covered tapered stent for TIPS in the treatment of PHT

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) relieves cirrhotic complications by reducing portacaval pressure gradient (PCG), but it lacks precision in achieving a targeted post-TIPS PCG simply through diameter adjustment of equal diameter stents. This study aimed to present a controlled-expansion, streamlined, and covered tapered stent, and examined its effects on pressure reduction compared with equal- diameter stents. Twenty-four patients who underwent standardized 8-mm stent TIPS implantation at West China Hospital from December 2017 to February 2021 were included in the current study. Virtual equal-diameter stent graft with different diameter and streamlined tapered stents were created in the post-TIPS 3-dimentional models reconstructed based on computed tomography angiography data. The numerical simulation showed that only two patients achieved targeted post-TIPS PCG consistent with the clinical invasive measurement. When 6-mm and 10-mm equal-diameter stents were employed, simulated post-TIPS PCGs for most patients remained outside the safe range, and recirculating flow was observed at the stent-portal vein anastomosis. In contrast, the use of the new streamlined taper stent resulted in post-TIPS PCGs within the 10–12 mmHg range for 17 out of 24 patients, with no recirculating flow observed at the anastomotic sites. In conclusion, the streamlined tapered stent could pose an effective solution to the problem that the big jump depressurization between two different equal-diameter stents and it would improve the hemodynamics in the region near the PV-stent anchorage. Therefore, the streamlined tapered stent may present a superior alternative for TIPS procedure.

Automatic irrigation system with a fiber-optic pressure sensor regulating intrapelvic pressure for flexible ureteroscopy

Increased intrapelvic pressure (IPP) due to irrigation during flexible ureteroscopy (f-URS) can pose a risk of postoperative severe urinary tract infection associated with pyelovenous backflow. An automatic regulation system for maintaining safe IPP levels could enable surgeons to perform f-URS safely without postoperative complications. This study aimed to assess the measurement accuracy of an ultra-miniature fiber-optic pressure sensor incorporated into a small-caliper ureteroscope for assessing IPP and to develop an automatic irrigation system linked to this sensor. A porcine kidney was used for the ex vivo experiment. The nephrostomy catheter, connected to the conventional pressure transducer, was placed on the renal pelvis to evaluate the actual IPP (a-IPP). For measuring IPP using the fiber-optic pressure sensor (fo-IPP) built into the f-URS, a diaphragm pressure sensor of Φ250 μm was used. To establish an irrigation system, the optimal proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller was explored to accurately adjust the irrigation pump flow rate. A high correlation between a-IPP and fo-IPP was confirmed across irrigation pressure values of 60–180 mbar (all, r ≥ 0.7, p < 0.001). When performing bolus irrigation, although fo-IPP showed relatively a higher peak value than a-IPP, the response time of fo-IPP was equivalent to that of a-IPP. After PID parameter optimization, our automatic irrigation system based on fo-IPP smoothly and accurately regulated the intended IPP set in the 5–20 mmHg range without overshooting. We successfully developed and demonstrated an automatic irrigation system regulating IPP based on the PID controller for f-URS, utilizing a fiber-optic pressure sensor. Further research, including in vivo studies, will be needed to assess clinical feasibility.

Redefining Hypotension in Older Adults: Implications for the Prevention of Age Related Cognitive Decline

Chronically low blood pressure in older adults is associated with significantly increased long-term risks of dementia and all-cause mortality risk. Yet low blood pressure is generally not treated until an individual begins to experience the acute symptoms arising from very low cerebral perfusion. However, these acute symptoms, such as dizziness, balance difficulty, syncope, increased fall occurrence, vision impairment, and nausea, begin to occur only at very low blood pressure levels, such that mean arterial pressure levels as low as 65mmHg are often considered to be of limited concern. If the long-term consequences of chronic low blood pressure are to be prevented, an alternative approach to defining what constitutes too low a blood pressure for older adults, i.e. hypotension, will be required. Cognitive aging is a significant health concern for many older adults as it has significant impact on quality of life, and is widely considered a precursor to dementia. Here, we utilize an FDA cleared computer aided cognitive assessment tool to identify the relationship between resting brachial blood pressure in the upright seated position, and cognitive function in a convenience sample of independently living older adult men and women. We observed that resting diastolic blood pressure is significantly and positively correlated with cognitive function in adults over the age of 60 years. Specifically, cognitive performance was found to be significantly impaired for diastolic blood pressure levels below approximately 80 mmHg. Diastolic blood pressures (DBP) below 80 mmHg in older adults have consistently been shown to increase the risk of dementia as well as all-cause mortality, but the influence of below normal DBP on quality of life (QoL) in older adults has not been extensively addressed. The present work shows that adults over age 60, with a DBP below 80 mmHg, are significantly more likely to demonstrate mild to moderate cognitive impairment, and correspondingly, the associated impacts on QoL. These results lead to the suggestion that maintenance of diastolic blood in older adults in the 80-90 mmHg range will not only improve quality of life in this population, but may also provide substantial clinical benefit in terms of preventing, or reversing, age-related cognitive decline.

Uniocular Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: An Unusual Case Report from Bangladesh

Purpose: To describe the case of a uniocular patient with advanced primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and age-related cataract in the right eye and microphthalmic left eye. Methods: A 73-year-old one-eyed man presented with four years of painless, progressive dimness of vision in the right eye. The vision was 6/18 in the right eye, whereas the left eye had no light perception (NLP). In the left eye, severe ptosis and microphthalmos were detected, while the right eye had age-related cataracts, an open anterior chamber angle, intraocular pressure (IOP) of 30 mmHg, and progressive glaucomatous optic neuropathy. The IOP was dropped to 22 mmHg after a topical timolol maleate (0.5%), brimonidine tartrate (0.2%), and brinzolamide (1%). As the patient had mature cataract, advanced glaucomatous optic nerve damage, target IOP was not reached, and adherence issues with antiglaucoma medications (AGM), the decision was made to proceed with cataract extraction combined with augmented trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C (MMC). Results: There were no intraoperative complications. Over one year, the IOP was maintained in the 12–14 mmHg range without AGM. Conclusion: In advanced glaucoma patients, combined phaco-trabeculectomy operations can considerably lower IOP and drug load or compliance concerns with antiglaucoma drugs. This case represented an efficient and safe surgical technique for uniocular advanced POAG, particularly in a developing country like Bangladesh.

Oxygen Reserve Index and Arterial Partial Pressure of Oxygen: Relationship in Open Heart Surgery.

Mild to moderate hyperoxia is potentially beneficial to patients undergoing open heart surgery. Oxygen Reserve Index (ORI) is a novel parameter that correlates to arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) in the hyperoxic range. This prospective study aimed to assess whether the relationship between ORI and PaO2 remains intact in the setting of open-heart surgery. This study included patients undergoing valve, aortic arch and coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG) surgeries, on and off pump, between September 1st 2019 and August 31st 2021. Enrolled patients had arterial blood gas samples collected and analyzed after induction of anesthesia and increases in FiO2 in steps of 0.08 with ORI being recorded at the time of sample collection for cross reference and analysis. ORI values showed a statistically significant correlation with PaO2 values in the 100-200 mmHg range (r = 0.8193, p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a significant correlation between ORI and SpO2 values in the range of 95% and 100% (r = 0.529, p < 0.05). The preserved relationship between ORI and PaO2 in the mild and moderate hyperoxic range can allow more precise titration of oxygen therapy to guide therapy targeting normoxia, mildly and moderately hyperoxia. Additionally, it could have a potential use as an early warning system for impeding hypoxia.

Comparison between the values of intra-ocular pressure measured by Goldmann applanation tonometer and Air-Puff non-contact tonometer and their relationship with central corneal thickness.

Glaucoma is a sight threatening disorder in which measuring intra-ocular pressure (IOP) with accuracy plays a fundamental role. This study aimed to compare the IOP values air-puff of non-contact tonometer(APT) and Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) along with their relationship to central corneal thickness (CCT), in various IOP groups. Three hundred and eleven patients were enrolled using convenience sampling in this cross-sectional, prospective study. IOP was measured with Keeler 3000 APT and GAT along with CCT using TOMEY EM-4000. Data was analysed using Bland-Altman, Spearman's and intra-class correlation analysis of APT, GAT and CCT on SPSS 24.0. The median IOP by APT and GAT was 14 mmHg (range:37) and 12 mmHg (range:16) whereas the median CCT was 534µ (range: 44), respectively. At low (<10 mmHg) and normal IOP (10-20 mmHg) both the instruments showed similar results but GAT was found to be more accurate (p£0.001) at higher IOP (21-30 mmHg). However, at moderate and higher groups of IOP, APT revealed overestimation of IOP compared to GAT. CCT also plays a significant role.

All over the MAP: describing pressure variability in acute spinal cord injury.

Observational study. To examine the feasibility of meeting the current clinical guidelines for the hemodynamic management of acute spinal cord injury (SCI) which recommend maintaining mean arterial pressure (MAP) at 85-90 mmHg in the days following injury. This study examined data collected minute-by-minute to describe the pressure profile in the first 5 days following SCI in 16 patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Vancouver General Hospital (40 ± 19 years, 13 M/3 F, C4-T11). MAP and intrathecal pressure (ITP) were monitored at 100 Hz by arterial and lumbar intrathecal catheters, respectively, and reported as the average of each minute. Spinal cord perfusion pressure was calculated as the difference between MAP and ITP. The minute-to-minute difference (MMdiff) of each pressure variable was calculated as the absolute difference between consecutive minutes. Only 24 ± 7% of MAP recordings were between 85 and 90 mmHg. Average MAP MMdiff was ~3 mmHg. The percentage of MAP recordings within target range was negatively correlated with the degree of variability (i.e. MMdiff; r = -0.64, p < 0.008) whereas higher mean MAP was correlated with greater variability (r = 0.57, p = 0.021). Our findings point to the 'real life' challenges in maintaining MAP in acute SCI patients. Given MAP fluctuated ~3 mmHg minute-to-minute, maintaining MAP within a 5 mmHg range with conventional volume replacement and vasopressors presents an almost impossible task for clinicians and warrants reconsideration of current management guidelines.

Altered cardiac and vascular stiffness in pregnancy after a hypertensive pregnancy

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are an important cause of morbidity and mortality, impacting on both maternal and fetal wellbeing. Affected women are at higher risk of future cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Our study objective was to assess differences in cardiovascular function in pregnant women previously affected by gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. Pregnant women diagnosed with gestational hypertension or preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy were recruited at the start of a subsequent pregnancy and compared to healthy pregnant and non-pregnant controls. All patients underwent pulse wave analysis and echocardiography. Indexes of echocardiography-derived arterial and left ventricular elastance were calculated. In our study women with prior hypertension (n = 25) were more likely to have blood pressure in the 120–139/80–99 mmHg (prehypertension) range. Women with previous hypertension in pregnancy had increased late diastolic transmitral flow velocities (A wave) and increased augmentation index. Women without prior hypertension (n = 50) demonstrated more compliance (reduced EaI and Ees) compared to the non-pregnant controls (n = 40). This adaptation was not seen in pregnancy with prior hypertension, where increased arterial stiffness was observed. In conclusion we have shown increased prevalence of prehypertension and increased arterial stiffness in pregnant women previously affected by gestational hypertensive disease. An increased atrial component to ventricular filling reflects altered diastolic function after hypertensive pregnancy. These women are at increased future cardiovascular risk due to altered cardiac and vascular function and require effective risk mitigation.

Micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in a Taiwanese population: 2-year clinical outcomes and prognostic factors.

To evaluate the 2-year efficacy and safety of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MP-TSCPC) in Taiwanese patients with glaucoma. We included the patients who received standardized MP-TSCPC with follow-up examinations on a regular basis for 24months. Treatment success was defined as the attainment of a postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) between 6 and 21mmHg or a ≥ 20% reduction in IOP from baseline without an increase in glaucoma medications. A total of 60 eyes from 56 patients who underwent MP-TSCPC for refractory glaucoma were included. The median age at MP-TSCPC intervention was 58.9 ± 12.4years. The percentage of treatment success was 88.3% at 3months, 83.3% at 6months, 78.3% at 12months, and 75.0% at 24months. The mean baseline IOP prior to MP-TSCPC was 34 ± 11.9mmHg (range 14-56mmHg). The mean postoperative IOP decreased to 20.9 ± 10.0mmHg, 18.0 ± 7.8mmHg, 17.5 ± 6.4mmHg, and 18.2 ± 7.1mmHg after 3months, 6months, 12months, and 24months, respectively, in successful cases. The mean number of glaucoma medications at baseline was 3.8 ± 0.2, and the mean numbers of glaucoma medications at postoperative months 3, 6, 12, and 24 were 2.6 ± 0.7, 2.8 ± 0.6, 2.5 ± 1.4 and 2.6 ± 1.4, respectively, in successful cases. Younger age and prior CW-TSCPC significantly contributed to surgical failure in the multivariate model. Complications after MP-TSCPC included mild anterior chamber inflammation, conjunctival hemorrhage, hypotony, and mydriasis, and all subsided after treatment. None of the eyes developed vitreous hemorrhage, cystoid macular edema, or phthisis bulbi in the late postoperative period. This study demonstrated that younger age and prior CW-TSCPC were risk factors for MP-TSCPC failure within 2years. MP-TSCPC might be safe and effective for refractory glaucoma patients with maximal antiglaucoma medications.

Design and validation of a prototype to calibrate the pressure variable in tonometry

This paper corresponds to the results of an experimental research that to led to the design of a useful prototype for quality control of measurements in the field of tonometry to diagnose and check glaucoma. All tonometry techniques are based on Goldmann ́s tonometers (GT) and the Imbert-Fick principle. Taking into account the principles and techniques of industrial metrology, the prototype could be used as a standard to calibrate the pressure readings of this class of tonometers. The developed protoype eliminates the indirect measurement that is required with current standards and facilitates a greater control of the sources of error in the measurement. The model is based on the integration of a sensor to a hydraulic model to measure pressures from 0 to 80 mmHg range, whose precision was validated through R&amp;R studies. The precision of the prototype was validated according to the Rigel UNI-SIM standard and was complemented by calibrating 15 tonometers.

The Results of Trabeculectomy with Antimetabolites in Elderly Patients: A Retrospective Study

Objective: To examine the effectiveness and results of primary trabeculectomy with 5-fluorouracil (group 1) or mitomycin-C (group 2) in elderly patients.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study including 67 eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma that underwent primary trabeculectomy with group 1 or group 2. Patients who were followed up for less than 1 year or were under 55 years of age were excluded from the study. Surgical success was evaluated according to a decrease in cup/disk ratio and reduction of intraocular pressure without any topical medication.&#x0D; Results: The mean ages of participants were 65.7 years (range 59–88) and 65.9 years (range 59–74) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The mean preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure values were 31.3 ± 5.7 mmHg (range 17–46) and 14.8 ± 0.4 mmHg (range 10–21) in group 1 (p &lt; 0.001) and 31.5 ± 7.4 mmHg (range 18–52) and 14.8 ± 2.9 mmHg (range 10–21) in group 2 (p &lt; 0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: The use of 5-fluorouracil or mitomycin-C during primary trabeculectomy is associated with high postoperative success rates. There were no significant differences between 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin-C in terms of intraocular pressure reduction.

Blood pressure levels and risk of haemorrhagic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation and oral anticoagulants: results from The Swedish Primary Care Cardiovascular Database of Skaraborg.

To assess the risk of haemorrhagic stroke at different baseline SBP levels in a primary care population with hypertension, atrial fibrillation and newly initiated oral anticoagulants (OACs). We identified 3972 patients with hypertension, atrial fibrillation and newly initiated OAC in The Swedish Primary Care Cardiovascular Database of Skaraborg. Patients were followed from 1 January 2006 until a first event of haemorrhagic stroke, death, cessation of OAC or 31 December 2016. We analysed the association between continuous SBP and haemorrhagic stroke with a multivariable Cox regression model and plotted the hazard ratio as a function of SBP with a restricted cubic spline with 130 mmHg as reference. There were 40 cases of haemorrhagic stroke during follow-up. Baseline SBP in the 145-180 mmHg range was associated with a more than doubled risk of haemorrhagic stroke, compared with a SBP of 130 mmHg. In this cohort of primary care patients with hypertension and atrial fibrillation, we found that baseline SBP in the 145-180 mmHg range, prior to initiation of OAC, was associated with a more than doubled risk of haemorrhagic stroke, as compared with an SBP of 130 mmHg. This suggests that lowering SBP to below 145 mmHg, prior to initiation of OAC, may decrease the risk of haemorrhagic stroke in patients with hypertension and atrial fibrillation.

A preoperative modified Allen test result may be associated with long term mortality after hemodialysis access construction.

The modified Allen test (MAT) is a simple bedside method determining collateral hand circulation prior to hemodialysis (HD) access surgery. Hand ischemia as reflected by low systolic finger pressures (Pdig) is associated with high mortality rates in severe kidney disease (CKD) patients. Aim of the present study was to assess a possible relation between absolute finger pressure drop (∂Pdig) during a preoperative MAT and mortality after a first HD access construction. Pdig (systolic pressure, mmHg) was measured using digital plethysmography following compression of radial and ulnar arteries in CKD patients just before access surgery between January 2009 and December 2018 in one center. The greatest ∂Pdig of both index fingers was used for analysis. Cardiovascular and overall mortality were assessed during the following 4 years using the ERA-EDTA classification system (codes 11, 14-16, 18, 22-26, 29). Cox regression analysis determined possible associations between ∂Pdig and mortality. Complete data sets were available in 108 patients (male n = 71; age 70 years ±12; mean follow up (FU) 1.6 years ±0.1; FU index 99% ±1). Median ∂Pdig was 31 mmHg (range 0-167 mmHg). Patients having cardiovascular disease (CV+) demonstrated higher ∂Pdig values (CV+ 44 ± 5 mmHg vs CV- 29 ± 3 mmHg, p = 0.012). A total of 26 patients (24%) died during FU (CV+ death, n = 16; 62%). For each 10 mmHg ∂Pdig increase, overall mortality increased by 10%, and CV+ mortality by 15% (overall mortality: HR 1.10 [1.01-1.22], p = 0.048; CV+ mortality: 1.15 [1.03-1.29], p = 0.017). Following correction for age, ∂Pdig remained associated with CV+ mortality (HR 1.13 [1.00-1.26], p = 0.043). A large drop in systolic finger pressure during a preoperative MAT is related to mortality after primary HD access surgery. The role of this potential novel risk parameter requires confirmation in a larger population.

Investigating the Effects of Strapping Pressure on Human-Robot Interface Dynamics Using a Soft Robotic Cuff

Physical human-robot interfaces are a challenging aspect of exoskeleton design, mainly due to the fact that interfaces tend to migrate relatively to the body leading to discomfort and power losses. Therefore, the key is to develop interfaces that optimize attachment stiffness, i.e., reduce relative motion, without compromising comfort. To that end, we propose a method to obtain the optimal attachment pressure in terms of connection stiffness and comfort. The method is based on a soft robotic interface capable of actively controlling strapping pressure which is coupled to a cobot. Hereby the effects of strapping pressure on energetic losses, connection stiffness, and perceived comfort are analyzed. Results indicate a trade-off between connection stiffness and perceived comfort for this type of interface. An optimal strapping pressure was found in the 50 to 80 mmHg range. Connection stiffness was found to increase linearly over a pressure range from 0 mmHg (stiffness of 1139 N/m) to 100 mmHg (stiffness of 2232 N/m). And energetic losses were reduced by 42% by increasing connection stiffness. This research highlights the importance of strapping pressure when attaching an exoskeleton to a human and introduces a new adaptive interface to improve the coupling from an exoskeleton to an individual.

Blood pressure levels and risk of haemorrhagic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation and anticoagulants: results from a primary care cohort with hypertension

Abstract Background Haemorrhagic stroke (HS) is a serious condition that kills and debilitates many of those afflicted by it. Hypertension and oral anticoagulation (OAC) are independent risk factors for HS. Many patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have hypertension and OAC. The concomitance of hypertension and OAC confers an even higher risk of haemorrhagic stroke, but less is known about the association between specific blood pressure levels and the risk of HS in patients with AF and OAC. Purpose To assess the risk of haemorrhagic stroke at different systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels in a primary care population with hypertension, AF and OAC. Methods We identified 3972 patients with hypertension, AF and OAC in a primary care database in southern Sweden. We followed patients from Jan 1, 2006 until a first event of HS, death, cessation of OAC or Dec 31, 2016. HS was defined as ICD-10 diagnosis codes: I60, I61, and I62. We analysed the association between SBP levels and HS by dividing SBP into five categories: &amp;lt;130, 130–139, 140–159, 160–179 and ≥180 mmHg. We also fitted a spline curve to visualise the relationship between SBP and HS. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated for the SBP categories with a Cox proportional hazards model. The 130–139 group was used as a reference in the model. We identified age, sex, previous stroke, platelet inhibitor treatment, alcohol abuse and smoking as possible confounders with a directed acyclic graph and included them as co-variates in the model. Results We identified 51 cases of HS during follow-up. In the categorical analysis of SBP, point estimates of HRs for HS increased gradually from the lowest SBP category to the 160–179 category. Only the 160–179 category had a significantly different HR (3.76, CI 1.56–9.04) than the reference 130–139 category, however. See Table 1. No other co-variates were significantly associated with HS. The spline curve, Figure 1, illustrates a significantly increased HR for HS in the 140–175 SBP range. Conclusions In this real-world primary care cohort with hypertension, AF and OAC, we found that SBP in the 160–179 mmHg range was significantly associated with an increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke. Our findings emphasise the importance of blood pressure control in this patient category. Figure 1. Continuous and categorical SBP &amp; HS risk Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): The study was financed by grants from the Swedish state under the agreement between the Swedish government and the country councils, the ALF-agreement.