Peak Flow Velocity Research Articles

Level of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor ACE2 activity is highly elevated in old-aged patients with aortic stenosis: implications for ACE2 as a biomarker for the severity of COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a high mortality in elderly patients with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases. The cellular receptor of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), thereby implicating a link between cardiovascular diseases and SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility. Aortic stenosis (AS) represents a chronic inflammatory state with severe cardiovascular complications in the elderly, a prime condition for COVID-19 mortality. The circulating ACE2 levels were measured in 111 patients with severe AS and compared to patients with hypertension and healthy individuals. About 4 times higher circulating ACE2 activity was found in patients with severe AS than in hypertensives or healthy individuals (88.3 ± 61.6., n = 111, 20.6 ± 13.4, n = 540, and 16.1 ± 7.4 mU/L, n = 46, respectively). Patients with severe AS were older than patients with hypertension (80 ± 6 years vs. 60 ± 15 years, P < 0.05). Serum ACE2 activity correlated negatively with the left ventricular ejection fraction, aortic root area, TAPSE, and positively with the right ventricular systolic pressure, cardiac diameters in patients with AS. In contrast, circulating ACE2 activity was independent of the blood pressure, peak flow velocity at the aortic root, kidney function (GFR), and inflammatory state (CRP). We found no effect of RAAS inhibitory drugs on the serum ACE2 activity in this group of patients. Our results illustrate circulating ACE2 as a potential interface between chronic inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and COVID-19 susceptibility. Elderly patients with AS have markedly elevated ACE2 levels together with altered left and right ventricular functions, which may pose higher risks during COVID-19. Our clinical data do not support a role for RAAS inhibitors in regulating circulating ACE2 levels.

Haemodynamic collapse immediately after transcatheter aortic valve implantation due to dynamic intraventricular gradient: a case report and review of the literature.

BackgroundDynamic intraventricular obstruction after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been previously reported. There is a risk of haemodynamic collapse in the case of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction due to systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral valve.Case summaryAn 83-year-old woman with aortic stenosis (AS) was referred to our hospital for TAVI. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a severely calcified aortic valve with a peak velocity of 6.3 m/s across the valve. Acceleration of blood flow (peak velocity 2.6 m/s) at the LVOT due to a septal bulge was also seen. Transfemoral TAVI was performed, and a 29 mm Evolut PRO was implanted under general anaesthesia. After the implantation, a complete atrioventricular block with junctional rhythm developed, and refractory hypotension occurred immediately. Transoesophageal echocardiography revealed LVOT obstruction due to SAM of the mitral valve associated with severe mitral regurgitation (MR), which was not observed preoperatively. Fluid infusion and catecholamine administration were not effective. However, after performing temporary pacing from the right ventricular (RV) apex, the LVOT obstruction and severe MR improved. Her haemodynamics stabilized, and we could complete the procedure. A dual-chamber permanent pacemaker with beta-blocker administration as a longer-term treatment further improved the LVOT obstruction. The patient was finally discharged to a rehabilitation hospital.DiscussionAlertness and recognition of potential LVOT obstruction after TAVI are important. Pacing from the RV apex, as well as dual-chamber pacing, comprise a less invasive and feasible therapeutic option in such cases.

Relationships between kidney dysfunction and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction: a hospital-based retrospective study.

Preclinical left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is a high-risk state for heart failure. Kidney dysfunction is a known risk factor for heart failure, but its association with asymptomatic LVDD is not well-known. A hospital-based retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients who underwent echocardiogram between 2006 and 2016 to assess the association between baseline kidney function and LVDD on echocardiogram. E/e' ratio was defined as the ratio of peak velocity of early diastolic left ventricular inflow (E) to mitral annular velocity (e'). The primary outcome was time to development of LVDD, which was defined as E/e' ratio > 14. The changes in the E/e' ratio and other echocardiographic parameters were assessed using a mixed effects model. Among 1167 patients, the mean age was 61 years, and the mean baseline E/e' ratio and ejection fraction were 9.6 and 69%, respectively. During a median follow-up of 3.2 years, 231 (19.8%) people developed LVDD. According to eGFR (mL/min/1.73m2), the risk for LVDD based on hazard ratio [95% confidence interval (95% CI)] was 1.20 (0.82, 1.75) for 60 to < 90, 1.42 (0.87, 2.31) for 45 to < 60, and 2.57 (1.61, 4.09) for < 45 (P trend < 0.001). The adjusted risks (95% CI) for annual change in E/e' ratio was 0.09 (0.03, 0.14) overall and 0.28 (0.11, 0.45) in the lowest eGFR group; the trend in changes in annual E/e' ratio by baseline eGFR was significant (P trend = 0.01). Relatively low kidney function was related with the risks for LVDD. Long-term cohort studies are warranted to confirm the association between LVDD and symptomatic heart failure in patients with kidney dysfunction.

Left and right atrial appendage functional features as predictors for voltage-defined left atrial remodelling in patients with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation

It was hypothesised that left atrial (LA) fibrosis identified by the presence of low-voltage areas (LVA) may influence the mechanical and electrical function of the left (LAA) and right (RAA) atrial appendage among the long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (LSPAF) population. 140 consecutive patients underwent voltage mapping of LA with a multielectrode catheter following pulmonary vein isolation and restoration of sinus rhythm with cardioversion. Echocardiography determined LAA peak outflow and inflow velocities and intracardiac catheter-based mean LAA and RAA AF cycle length (AFCL) were obtained during AF before ablation. The impact of flow velocities and AFCL on the prevalence and location of LVA was further evaluated. LVA were detected in 54% of the patients. 14% of the patients presented severe global LVA burden > 20% of the total LA surface area. 29% of the patients presented a disseminated pattern of remodelling as 3 out of 5 LA segments were affected. LAA AFCL, RAA AFCL, LAA flow velocities did not predict the absolute presence of LVA. However LAA AFCL > 155 ms predicted disseminated LVA pattern and LAA AFCL > 165 ms severe LVA incidence. LAA AFCL > 155 ms was predictive for existence of LVA within antero-septal LA segments whilst LAA emptying velocity ≤ 0.2 m/s within lateral wall. Moreover RAA AFCL > 165 ms was strongly related to the presence of LAA AFCL > 15 ms and > 165 ms. LAA and RAA functional assessment was predictive of the presence of advanced stages of voltage-defined LA fibrosis and its regional distribution among LSPAF population

Effect of Bundle Care on Deep Venous Thrombosis in Patients Received Renal Biopsy

Objective: To explore the effect of bundle care on the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients who received renal biopsy, and provide reference for clinical care. Methods: 300 patients with nephrotic syndrome who received renal biopsy in our hospital from February 2018 to August 2020 were selected and randomly divided into the observation group and the control group, with 150 patients in each group. In the control group, patients were given routine care: informing the precautions before and after operation, observing the changes of vital signs and bleeding after operation, etc. In the observation group, patients were given bundle care intervention, including preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative routine care, ankle pump exercise, Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) treatment and psychological care. The incidence of lower-limb venous thrombosis was compared between the two groups. Results: The incidence of deep venous thrombosis in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05), 1 case (0.6%) in the observation group and 8 cases (5.3%) in the control group; the peak velocity and mean velocity of lower-limb venous blood flow in the observation group were higher than those in the control group; the average length of stay in the observation group was less than that in the control group, and the satisfaction degree in the observation group was higher than that in the control group. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: For patients who received renal biopsy, bundle care can help improve the peak velocity and mean velocity of venous blood flow, reduce the incidence of VTE, the average length of stay, and social costs, relieve their pain, and improve satisfaction degree of care; moreover, it plays an important role in reducing the incidence of deep venous thrombosis.

Use of a Mobile Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Device (Vekroosan) in Mobile Patients With Chronic Venous Disease.

BackgroundCompression therapy is an essential part of chronic venous disorder (CVD) treatment in reducing associated complications. This observational study aimed to note the use, effects and tolerance of a mobile intermittent pneumatic calf compression (IPC) device, Vekroosan® (DVT Solution P/L).MethodsIn 56 patients, Doppler ultrasonography was used to measure venous blood peak flow velocity (PFV) at external iliac, common femoral, distal superficial femoral and popliteal vein levels both before and after application of Vekroosan calf compressor for comparison.ResultsVekroosan was able to show significant clinical benefit in 45 patients (80%). There was a significant increase in femoral PFV pressure in post-compression measurement when compared to the pre-compression measurement (43.1 vs. 32.4 cm/s, P < 0.001), even when patients mobilize. On average, the PFV pressure increased by 10.7 cm/s when compared to baseline. A significant decrease was seen in calf swelling after calf compression (31.3 vs. 21.9 cm, P < 0.01), also with mobilization. Eighty-seven percent of patients tolerated the device well.ConclusionsOur study shows that use of mobile IPC devices, such as Vekroosan, is safe and effective in the treatment of CVD, can be used while mobilizing and can achieve results comparable to non-mobile devices.

Echocardiographic estimation of left ventricular-arterial coupling in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease.

BackgroundThe effective arterial elastance (Ea) to left ventricular (LV) end‐systolic elastance (Ees) ratio (Ea/Ees) is an index of the interaction between LV and systemic arterial systems, left ventricular‐arterial coupling (VAC). The Ea is an index of total arterial load of the LV, whereas Ees is an index of LV systolic function. In humans, inappropriate VAC based on increased Ea/Ees estimated using echocardiography is associated with more advanced heart disease severity.HypothesisLeft ventricular‐arterial coupling assessed by echocardiographic estimation of Ea/Ees is associated with disease severity in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD).AnimalsNinety MMVD dogs and 61 healthy dogs.MethodsProspective cross‐sectional study. The MMVD dogs were classified into stages B1, B2, or C according to American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine guidelines. Effective arterial elastance was echocardiographically estimated using the formula: mean blood pressure/(forward stroke volume/body weight). End‐systolic elastance was echocardiographically estimated using the formula: mean blood pressure/(LV end‐systolic volume/body weight). The ratio Ea/Ees was calculated.ResultsThe ratio Ea/Ees was higher in stage B2 dogs than in healthy dogs and dogs stage B1 (both P < .0001), and higher in stage C dogs than in healthy dogs and dogs in the other 2 stages (healthy vs C and B1 vs C, P < .0001; B2 vs C, P = .0005). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that Ea/Ees and the peak velocity of early diastolic transmitral flow to isovolumic relaxation time ratio were independent predictors of stage C among echocardiographic indices in MMVD dogs.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceInappropriate VAC assessed by echocardiographically estimated Ea/Ees is associated with advanced disease severity in dogs with MMVD.

Effect of moxibustion on cardiac remodeling and myocardial function in rats with exercise-induced fatigue

Objective: To explore the effect of moxibustion at Shenque(CV8) on myocardial structure and function in rats with exercise-induced fatigue. Methods: A 12-week treadmill training program was used to establish a rat model of exercise-induced fatigue. Fifty-six male SD rats removed six rats that did not reach the molding condition, Remaining rats were randomly divided into the following five groups: a normal group (n=10) that did not under go the exercise routine and were not treated, a control group (n=10) that did not under go the exercise routine, but received a mild dose of moxibustion at “Shenque” (CV 8) for 15 min, an untreated group (n=10) that received no treatment after exercise, a CV 8 group (n=10) that received a mild dose of moxibustion at “Shenque” (CV 8) for 15 min after exercise, a non-acupoint(tail) group(n=10) that received a mild dose of moxibustion at “non-acupoint” for 15 min after exercise. At one hour after the end of the 12-week training program, the left ventricular diastolic volume (LVDV), left ventricular systolic volume (LVSV), peak early diastolic mitral blood flow velocity (E), and peak late diastolic mitral blood flow velocity (A) were measured,and the E/A ratio were calculated. The serum myoglobin (Mb), creatine kinase-muscle/brain (CK-MB), and cardiac troponin-I (cTnI) levels were detected using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Results: When the values obtained before and after treatment were compared within the same groups, the LVDV, LVSV, E, and A were increased (P

The correlation between tissue Doppler imaging and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide concentration during left ventricular diastolic function recovery after coronary artery bypass grafting.

This study aims to evaluate the changes in left ventricular diastolic function after coronary artery bypass grafting through tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration and the correlation between the two. A total of 133 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting between January 2016 and December 2018 were included in this study. Echocardiography and NT-proBNP concentration were reviewed pre-operation, 1 month post-operation, and 3-6 months post-operation. The transmitral peak flow velocity (E) of the mitral valve was measured at each of the three-time points using spectral Doppler imaging. The mitral annulus displacement (Ea peak and Aa peak) was then measured at each of the time points using TDI, and the E/Ea ratio was calculated. Subsequently, the correlation of the E value, Ea value, and E/Ea ratio with NT-proBNP concentration was statistically analyzed. The data obtained at the three-time points were compared with the respective concentrations of NT-proBNP. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a correlation between NT-proBNP concentration and E value, Ea value, and E/Ea ratio. Left ventricular diastolic function gradually recovered at 1 month and 3-6 months after coronary artery bypass grafting. There was a correlation between TDI-related values and NT-proBNP concentration.

Cerebrospinal fluid flow in normal beagle dogs analyzed using magnetic resonance imaging.

BackgroundDiseases related to cerebrospinal fluid flow, such as hydrocephalus, syringomyelia, and Chiari malformation, are often found in small dogs. Although studies in human medicine have revealed a correlation with cerebrospinal fluid flow in these diseases by magnetic resonance imaging, there is little information and no standard data for normal dogs.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to obtain cerebrospinal fluid flow velocity data from the cerebral aqueduct and subarachnoid space at the foramen magnum in healthy beagle dogs.MethodsSix healthy beagle dogs were used in this experimental study. The dogs underwent phase-contrast and time-spatial labeling inversion pulse magnetic resonance imaging. Flow rate variations in the cerebrospinal fluid were observed using sagittal time-spatial labeling inversion pulse images. The pattern and velocity of cerebrospinal fluid flow were assessed using phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging within the subarachnoid space at the foramen magnum level and the cerebral aqueduct.ResultsIn the ventral aspect of the subarachnoid space and cerebral aqueduct, the cerebrospinal fluid was characterized by a bidirectional flow throughout the cardiac cycle. The mean ± SD peak velocities through the ventral and dorsal aspects of the subarachnoid space and the cerebral aqueduct were 1.39 ± 0.13, 0.32 ± 0.12, and 0.76 ± 0.43 cm/s, respectively.ConclusionsNoninvasive visualization of cerebrospinal fluid flow movement with magnetic resonance imaging was feasible, and a reference dataset of cerebrospinal fluid flow peak velocities was obtained through the cervical subarachnoid space and cerebral aqueduct in healthy dogs.

Association of dietary and gut microbiota-related metabolites with calcific aortic stenosis

Background Histopathological changes in calcific aortic stenosis (CAS) resemble changes in coronary atherosclerosis. Concerning recent evidence on dietary and gut microbiota-related metabolites representing players in atherosclerosis, we aimed to investigate the link between dietary and gut microbiota-derived metabolites and CAS. Methods We consecutively recruited eligible subjects with moderate-severe CAS (n = 60), aortic sclerosis (ASc) (n = 49) and age and gender-matched control subjects (n = 48) in May 2016-December 2016. Plasma dietary and gut microbiota-related metabolite levels, namely choline, betaine, and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), were measured using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy method. Histopathological examinations were performed in patients that underwent aortic valve surgery. Results Prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors or co-morbidities did not differ among groups (all p > 0.05). CAS patients had higher plasma choline levels compared to both control (p < 0.001) and ASc (p = 0.006). Plasma betaine and TMAO levels were similar (both p > 0.05). Compared to the lowest quartile choline levels (<11.15 μM), patients with the highest quartile choline levels (≥14.98 μM) had higher aortic valvular (p < 0.001) and mitral annular (p = 0.013) calcification scores. Plasma choline levels were independently associated with aortic peak flow velocity (B ± SE:0.165 ± 0.060, p = 0.009). Choline levels were elevated in subjects who had aortic valves with denser lymphocyte infiltration (p < 0.001), neovascularization (p = 0.011), osseous metaplasia (p = 0.004), more severe tissue remodelling (p = 0.002) and calcification (p = 0.002). Conclusion We found a significant association between choline levels and CAS presence and severity depicted on imaging modalities and histopathological examinations. Our study may open new horizons for prevention of CAS.

Respiratory Variation in Aortic Blood Flow Velocity in Hemodynamically Unstable, Ventilated Neonates: A Pilot Study of Fluid Responsiveness.

To assess whether respiratory variation in aortic blood flow peak velocity can predict preload responsiveness in mechanically ventilated and hemodynamically unstable neonates. Prospective observational diagnostic accuracy study. Third-level neonatal ICU. Hemodynamically unstable neonates under mechanical ventilation. Fluid challenge with 10 mL/kg of normal saline over 20 minutes. Respiratory variation in aortic blood flow peak velocity and superior vena cava flow were measured at baseline (T0), immediately upon completion of the fluid infusion (T1), and at 1 hour after fluid administration (T2). Our main outcome was preload responsiveness which was defined as an increase in superior vena cava flow of at least 10% from T0 to T1. Forty-six infants with a median (interquartile range) gestational age of 30.5 weeks (28-36 wk) were included. Twenty-nine infants (63%) were fluid responders, and 17 (37%) were nonresponders Fluid responders had a higher baseline (T0) respiratory variation in aortic blood flow peak velocity than nonresponders (9% [8.2-10.8] vs 5.5% [3.7-6.6]; p < 0.001). Baseline respiratory variation in aortic blood flow peak velocity was correlated with the increase in superior vena cava flow from T0 to T1 (rho = 0.841; p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of respiratory variation in aortic blood flow peak velocity to predict preload responsiveness was 0.912 (95% CI, 0.82-1). A respiratory variation in aortic blood flow peak velocity cut-off point of 7.8% provided a 90% sensitivity (95% CI, 71-97), 88% specificity (95% CI, 62-98), 7.6 positive likelihood ratio (95% CI, 2-28), and 0.11 negative likelihood ratio (95% CI, 0.03-0.34) to predict preload responsiveness. Respiratory variation in aortic blood flow velocity may be useful to predict the immediate response to a fluid challenge in hemodynamically unstable neonates under mechanical ventilation. If our results are confirmed, this measurement could be used to guide safe and individualized fluid resuscitation in critically ill neonates.

An investigation into the impacts of water demand management and decentralized water recycling on excess sewer sediment deposition

Sewers are a critical part of the urban water system and represent a considerable investment due to the presence of extensive networks in many cities. Consequently, excess sewer sediment deposition, from changed inflow conditions or lack of appropriate sewer infrastructure, can lead to significantly increased maintenance and operational costs. The main aim of this manuscript is to quantify the potential impacts of reduced inflow and increased sediment concentrations from the implementation of sustainable water practices, such as Decentralized Water Recycling and Water Demand Management, on excess sediment deposition in gravity sewers. Experiments in a sewer pilot plant, with municipal wastewater, and modelling using a comprehensive local-scale sewer sediment model were used in conjunction to address this aim. Results from both these methods indicated that a reduction in inflows from the moderate implementation of sustainable water practices had a large impact on the quantity of sediment deposited in gravity sewers. However, further modelling showed that the reduction in bed erosion during peak flows for the same implementations of sustainable water practices occurred more gradually. Overall, our findings showed that in existing gravity sewer mains with reasonable slope and flow velocities, a moderate decrease in peak flow velocity of around 15% due to the implementation of Decentralized Water Recycling and Water Demand Management was unlikely to result in a net increase of sediment deposition. Future work in this area could focus on confirming these findings through case studies in the field or on long-term pilot studies with detailed bed height and density measurements.

The effect of Celiac disease on cardiac functions and aortic elasticity parameters in children.

We aimed to investigate the effect of Celiac disease on myocardial functions and aortic elasticity parameters. Thirty children with Celiac disease and 30 healthy children were enrolled in the study. Both the groups were similar in terms of age and gender. Cardiac functions of all children in the patients and control group were evaluated using conventional transthoracic echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging. Aortic strain, distensibility, and stiffness index were calculated by M-mode echocardiography. The demographic findings, height, weight, and body mass index of cases were similar among two groups. No statistical difference was found between E wave velocity for conventional transthoracic echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging measurements of the mitral valve; early diastolic flow peak velocity, A wave velocity; late diastolic flow peak velocity; and E/A ratio. Isovolumetric relaxation time and isovolumetric contraction time ratios were statistically different between the groups (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p = 0.000). The myocardial performance index calculated according to the pulse Doppler measurement results was found to be statistically different between the groups (p = 0.000). There was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of aortic strain, distensibility, and stiffness index. In this study, both conventional transthoracic echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging revealed the affection of the myocardial functions during systole and diastole in children with Celiac disease. Therefore, early follow-up and routine cardiac evaluation of celiac patients may be appropriate due to the increased risk of cardiac affection.

Reliable phase-contrast flow volume magnetic resonance measurements are feasible without adjustment of the velocity encoding parameter.

Purpose: To show that adjustment of velocity encoding (VENC) for phase-contrast (PC) flow volume measurements is not necessary in modern MR scanners with effective background velocity offset corrections. Approach: The independence on VENC was demonstrated theoretically, but also experimentally on dedicated phantoms and on patients with chronic aortic regurgitation ( ) and one healthy volunteer. All PC measurements were performed using a modern MR scanner, where the pre-emphasis circuit but also a subsequent post-processing filter were used for effective correction of background velocity offset errors. Results: The VENC level strongly affected the velocity noise level in the PC images and, hence, the estimated peak flow velocity. However, neither the regurgitant blood flow volume nor the mean flow velocity displayed any clinically relevant dependency on the VENC level. Also, the background velocity offset was shown to be close to zero ( ) for a VENC range of 150 to , adding no significant errors to the PC flow volume measurement. Conclusions: Our study shows that reliable PC flow volume measurements are feasible without adjustment of the VENC parameter. Without the need for VENC adjustments, the scan time can be reduced for the benefit of the patient.

Does Balance Dynamics Well Capture the Secondary Circulation and Spinup of a Simulated Hurricane?

AbstractThis study investigates a claim made by Heng et al. in an article published in 2017 and intimated soon after in their article published in 2018 that axisymmetric “balanced dynamics can well capture the secondary circulation in the full-physics model” during hurricane spinup. Using output from a new, convection-permitting, three-dimensional numerical simulation of an intensifying hurricane, azimuthally averaged forcings of tangential momentum and heat are diagnosed to force an axisymmetric Eliassen balance model under strict balance conditions. The balance solutions are found, inter alia, to poorly represent the peak inflow velocity in the boundary layer and present a layer of relatively deep inflow extending well above the boundary layer in the high-wind-speed region of the vortex. Such a deep inflow layer, a hallmark of the classical spinup mechanism for tropical cyclones comprising the radial convergence of absolute angular momentum above the boundary layer, is not found in the numerical simulation during the period of peak intensification. These deficiencies are traced to the inability of the balance model to represent the nonlinear boundary layer spinup mechanism. These results are contrasted with a pseudobalance Eliassen formulation that improves the solution in some respects while sacrificing strict thermal wind balance. Overall, the quantitative results refute the Heng et al. claim and implicate the general necessity of the nonlinear boundary layer spinup mechanism to explain the spinup of a hurricane in realistic model configurations and in reality.

Correlation between ductus venosus spectrum and right ventricular diastolic function in isolated single-umbilical-artery foetus and normal foetus in third trimester.

BACKGROUNDSingle umbilical artery (SUA) is the most common umbilical cord malformation in prenatal diagnosis. The presence of an SUA can cause blood circulation disorder in the foetus and functional changes of the foetal heart, affecting foetal circulation. The right ventricular diastolic functions in foetuses with isolated SUA and in normal foetuses in the third trimester were evaluated using the spectral Doppler of blood flow in the foetal ductus venosus (DV).AIMTo evaluate the right ventricular diastolic functions in foetuses with isolated SUA and in normal foetuses in the third trimester.METHODSColour Doppler was used to measure the spectrum of foetal DV and tricuspid orifice in 34 foetuses with isolated SUA aged 28-39 wk and in age-matched healthy controls. The DV flow velocities and velocity ratios were measured. The early passive/late active (E/A) ratio at the tricuspid orifice and tissue Doppler Tei index of the foetal right ventricular in the two groups were also measured.RESULTSDuring the third trimester, the isolated SUA group showed a lower ‘a’-wave peak velocity in the DV than the control group (P < 0.05). The correlations between the velocity ratios and E/A ratio at the tricuspid orifice in the two groups were analysed, and the correlation between the ventricular late diastolic velocity/ventricular diastolic peak flow velocity and E/A ratios was the best (R2 of the isolated SUA group: 0.520; R2 of the control group: 0.358). The correlations between the velocity ratios and tissue Doppler Tei index of foetal right ventricular in the two groups were analysed, and the correlation between the pulsatility index for veins (PIV) and tissue Doppler Tei index ratios was the best (R2 of the isolated SUA group: 0.865; R2 of the control group: 0.627).CONCLUSIONIn the isolated SUA group, the atrial systolic peak velocity ‘a’ decreased, and this finding might be related to the changes in foetal cardiac functions. The ratio of ventricular late diastolic velocity to ventricular diastolic peak flow velocity was closely related to the E/A ratio at the tricuspid valve and can be used to identify changes in the right ventricular diastolic functions of isolated SUA and healthy foetuses. PIV was closely related to the tissue Doppler Tei index of the foetal right ventricular and can be used to identify the right ventricular overall functions of isolated SUA and healthy foetuses.

Echocardiographic Parameters and Mortality in Pediatric Sepsis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the prognostic value of echocardiographic parameters in pediatric septic patients. MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE (last update April 5, 2020). Observational studies of pediatric sepsis providing echocardiographic parameters in relation to mortality. Echocardiography data were categorized as those describing left ventricular systolic or diastolic function, right ventricular function, and strain echocardiography parameters. Data from neonates and children were considered separately. Analysis is reported as standardized mean difference and 95% CI. We included data from 14 articles (n = 5 neonates, n = 9 children). The fractional shortening was the most commonly reported variable (11 studies, n = 555 patients) and we did not identify an association with mortality (standardized mean difference 0.22, 95% CI [-0.02 to 0.47]; p = 0.07, I2 = 28%). In addition, we did not find any association with mortality also for left ventricular ejection fraction (nine studies, n = 417; standardized mean difference 0.06, 95% CI [-0.27 to 0.40]; p = 0.72, I2 = 51%), peak velocity of systolic mitral annular motion determined by tissue Doppler imaging wave (four studies, n = 178; standardized mean difference -0.01, 95% CI [-0.34 to 0.33]; p = 0.97, I2 = 0%), and myocardial performance index (five studies, n = 219; standardized mean difference -0.51, 95% CI [-1.10 to 0.08]; p = 0.09, I2 = 63%). However, in regard to left ventricular diastolic function, there was an association with mortality for higher early wave of transmitral flow/peak velocity of early diastolic mitral annular motion determined by tissue Doppler imaging ratio (four studies, n = 189, standardized mean difference -0.45, 95% CI [-0.80 to -0.10]; p = 0.01, I2 = 0%) or lower peak velocity of early diastolic mitral annular motion determined by tissue Doppler imaging wave (three studies, n = 159; standardized mean difference 0.49, 95% CI [0.13-0.85]; p = 0.008, I2 = 0%). We did not find any association with mortality for early wave of transmitral flow/late (atrial) wave of trans-mitral flow ratio (six studies, n = 273; standardized mean difference 0.28, 95% CI [-0.42 to 0.99]; p = 0.43, I2 = 81%) and peak velocity of systolic mitral annular motion determined by tissue Doppler imaging wave measured at the tricuspid annulus (three studies, n = 148; standardized mean difference -0.18, 95% CI [-0.53 to 0.17]; p = 0.32, I2 = 0%). Only a few studies were conducted with strain echocardiography. This meta-analysis of echocardiography parameters in pediatric sepsis failed to find any association between the measures of left ventricular systolic or right ventricular function and mortality. However, mortality was associated with higher early wave of transmitral flow/peak velocity of early diastolic mitral annular motion determined by tissue Doppler imaging or lower peak velocity of early diastolic mitral annular motion determined by tissue Doppler imaging, indicating possible importance of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. These are preliminary findings because of high clinical heterogeneity in the studies to date.

Effects of pimobendan on left atrial transport function in cats.

BackgroundArterial thromboembolism is a sequela of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in cats related to left atrial (LA) enlargement and dysfunction.HypothesisPimobendan improves LA transport function in cats.AnimalsTwenty‐two client‐owned cats with HCM and 11 healthy cats.MethodsProspective, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical cohort study. Cats were randomized to receive either pimobendan (0.25 mg/kg PO q12h) or placebo for 4 to 7 days. Nineteen echocardiographic variables of LA size and function were evaluated. Statistical comparisons included t tests, analysis of variance, and multivariable analyses.ResultsPeak velocity of left auricular appendage flow (LAapp peak; mean ± SD, 0.85 ± 0.20 vs 0.71 ± 0.22 m/s; P = .01), maximum LA volume (P = .03), LA total emptying volume (P = .03), peak velocity of late diastolic transmitral flow (A peak velocity; 0.77 ± 0.12 vs 0.62 ± 0.17 m/s; P = .05), and A velocity time integral (A VTI; 3.05 ± 0.69 vs 3.37 ± 0.49; P = .05) were increased after pimobendan. Mean change after pimobendan was larger in cats with HCM compared to healthy cats for LA fractional shortening (2.1% vs −2.1%; P = .05), A VTI (0.58 vs 0.01 cm; P = .01), LAapp peak (0.20 vs 0.02 m/s; P = .02), LA kinetic energy (3.51 vs −0.10 kdynes‐cm; P = .05), and LA ejection force (1.93 vs −0.07 kdynes; P = .01) in the multivariable model. The stronger effect of pimobendan in cats with HCM was independent of LA size.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceWe identified positive, albeit minor, effects of pimobendan on LA function in cats with HCM. Whether or not treatment with pimobendan decreases the risk of cardiogenic embolism deserves further study.

Assessment of pulmonary arterial stiffness in patients with cirrhosis: A prospective cohort study.

In the current literature, several studies show that PAS (pulmonary artery stiffness) is associated with RV (right ventricular) dysfunction, PAH (pulmonary arterial hypertension), and disease severity in subjects with structural cardiac disease, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), and chronic lung disease. Hence, our main aim was to use PAS to show the early changes in the pulmonary vascular region in subjects with cirrhosis. In this prospective cross-sectional study, 39 subjects who were being followed up with cirrhosis and 41 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were included in this study. For each case, the PAS value was obtained by dividing mean peak velocity of the pulmonary flow by the PfAT (pulmonary flow acceleration time). The measured PAS was 23.62 ± 5.87 (Hz/msn) in cirrhotic participants and 19.09 ± 4.16 (Hz/msn) in healthy cases (P < .001). We found a positive statistical significance between PAS and RVSP (right ventricle systolic pressure)/sPAP (systolic pulmonary arterial pressure) (r = .395; P = .013). PAS was an independent predictor that was associated with cirrhosis disease according to multivariate LR (logistic regression) analysis (OR: 1.209; 95% CI: 1.059-1.381; P = .005). Based on the study results, we consider that PAS may help in the early detection of findings in the pulmonary vascular area, even if the RV function findings or sPAP is within the normal range.