Severe Heart Disease Research Articles

Characteristics and outcomes of elderly patients undergoing protected percutaneous coronary intervention with impella mechanical circulatory support

Abstract Background/Introduction In high-risk patients, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with Impella mechanical circulatory support has become an important part of the revascularization strategy. However, data regarding the impact of age in patients undergoing Impella-supported PCI are limited. Purpose The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics and outcomes of Impella mechanical circulatory support in patients ≥75 years of age undergoing high-risk PCI. Methods Using the PROTECT III study, a prospective, multicenter, FDA-audited cohort of the Catheter-based Ventricular Assist Device (cVAD) registry, we compared baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients ≥75 years of age with those of patients <75 years of age treated with Impella-supported high-risk PCI. Rates of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral events (MACCE), defined as the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke/transient ischemic attack, and revascularization, were assessed at 30 days and 90 days, and mortality was assessed to 1 year. A multivariable Cox regression model (including covariates significant in univariable analysis) was used to examine associations between age and clinical outcomes. Results A total of 1237 patients (26.8% female) were included in the analysis; of whom 493 (39.9%) were ≥75 years of age. Patients ≥75 years of age had lower body mass index (27 kg/m² vs. 30 kg/m²), a lower prevalence of diabetes (49% vs. 61%) and prior MI (37% vs. 43%), and lower estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR, 60 vs. 74 mL/min/1.73 m²). They more often suffered from severe valvular heart disease (17% vs. 7%), and more frequently underwent left main PCI (58% vs. 39%). Left ventricular ejection fraction was higher in patients ≥75 years of age (37.7±15.9% vs. 32.0±14.5%). (p<0.05 for all comparisons). Baseline SYNTAX scores did not differ among groups. Rates of death and MACCE did not differ between age groups at either 30 days or 90 days (Figure 1). Mortality at 1 year was 24.0% in patients ≥75 years of age and 17.9% in those <75 years of age. Age ≥75 years was associated with an increased risk of mortality at 1 year (unadjusted HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.05-1.86, p=0.02) and the association remained significant after multivariable adjustment (adjusted HR 1.99, 95% CI 1.24-3.18, p=0.004; Figure 2). Conclusion(s) This study demonstrates that increased age ≥75 years was not associated with a higher risk of mortality or MACCE at 30 or 90 days following protected PCI with Impella mechanical circulatory support, suggesting that protected high-risk PCI in elderly patients is safe and feasible. However, age ≥75 years remained an independent predictor for 1-year mortality after protected PCI.30-day and 90-day MACCE1-year All-cause death

One-year outcome of elderly patients with endocarditis: a retrospective observational study

Abstract Background The incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) is rising in general population, especially in elderly, where it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Health care procedures, degenerative heart valve diseases and intracardiac electronic devices are the main risk factors for IE in elderly population. Cardiac surgery is largely underused in these patients and the few available observational studies seem to confirm the positive outcome of surgery. Purpose The aim of the present study is to assess differences in survival between elderly patients affected by endocarditis treated with a conservative strategy or cardiac surgery. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational study of 143 elderly patients (age ≥ 70 years old) affected by endocarditis with at least one year of follow-up who were hospitalized between 2016 and 2022. The primary endpoint was the difference in one-year all-cause mortality between patients treated with a conservative strategy or cardiac surgery. The secondary endpoint was one-year mortality for sepsis or septic shock. The cumulative probability of survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier estimator. The log-rank test was used to compare between-group differences in survival and cox regression was used in the uni and multivariate analysis, a p<0.05 was considered significant. Results Between 2016 and 2022, 242 patients have been diagnosed with IE. Between them, 143 patients were at least 70 years old (59%). Cardiac surgery was performed in 16 patients, while 127 were treated with medical therapy alone. Patients treated with cardiac surgery were younger (74y vs 80y, p=0.005) and had higher prevalence of severe valvular heart disease (69% vs 23%, p< 0.001). The primary endpoint of one-year all-cause mortality occurred in 80 patients in the conservative strategy group and in 5 patients treated with surgery (p=0.015); the secondary endpoint occurred in 42 patients in conservative strategy group, while no patients treated with surgery died for sepsis or septic shock (p=0.006). Finally, surgery was associated with better one-year survival (HR 0.34, 95% CI 0.14 - 0.85). Conclusions IE in elderly patients is an emerging clinical matter since its incidence is rising but mortality has not significantly decreased. Current clinical guidelines do not give specific indication for elderly, who are generally excluded from surgery due to the high risk carried by age and comorbidities. Few previous studies have analyzed the best treatment strategy in this cohort of patients, but data from observational studies shows a better outcome among those undergone surgery. The result of our work confirmed that elderly patients with IE treated with cardiac surgery have better one-year survival and lower rate of death for all causes, sepsis or septic shockKaplan Mayer Curve For One-Year Survival

Abstract 13859: The Omics Signature of Human Pericardial Fluid Exosomes Reveals the Therapeutic Potential of APAF-1 Inhibition in Ischemic Heart Disease

Background: The human pericardial fluid (PF) contains heart-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) able to induce vascular responses via microRNA (miR) transfer. People with diabetes (DM) are particularly at risk of severe ischemic heart disease (IHD) and might require personalized therapeutic treatment. Hypothesis: The PF-sEVs molecular profiling supports the identification of clinical-relevant therapeutic targets. Aims: 1) To characterize PF-sEVs of IHD patients with/out type-2 DM (T2DM) in comparison to controls; 2) to validate the emerging therapeutic target candidates. Methods: PF samples (n=12/group) were collected during cardiac surgeries, namely CABG (for IHD with/out DM groups) and mitral valve repair (non-IHD, non-DM control group). sEVs were prepared (SEC), quality controlled (Nanosight and Exoview) and submitted to untargeted proteomics and microRNA array (Exiqon) or validation experiments. miRNA-target prediction methods and integration of proteomics and transcriptomics via networks identified differentially expressed pathogenic proteins and their putative endogenous miRNA regulators. The emerging dysregulated miRNA/protein axis was investigated in vitro and in mice with myocardial infarction (MI) and with/out diet-induced T2DM. Results: the PF-EVs of IHD patients with DM showed increased APAF-1 and reduced let-7b-5p, a miR which we have demonstrated to repress APAF-1 by direct 3’-UTR-binding. Exposure of endothelial cells (ECs) to DM and IHD-mimicking culture conditions increases APAF-1 level, triggering apoptosis and reducing angiogenesis. The phenotype of ECs kept under disease-mimicking conditions was rescued by APAF-1 silencing (siRNAs) and by supplementation with either healthy PF-EV or LNPs carrying let-7b-5p as sole miR cargo. The synthetic APAF-1 inhibitor ZYZ-488 improved post-MI cardiac function (Vevo3100 echocardiography), increased capillary density and reduced EC apoptosis in the peri-infarct area of diabetic and non-diabetic mice of both sexes. Conclusions: PF-EVs represent a novel and privileged source for the discovery of clinical-relevant therapeutic targets. APAF-1 inhibition holds value for post-ischemic cardiac protection and repair, including in diabetic people.

Do we need standardized management after termination-of-resuscitation attempts? Autoresuscitation in a 67-year-old woman

BackgroundAutoresuscitation is the phenomenon of spontaneous return of circulation after cessation of CPR, also known as the Lazarus phenomenon. Most of the evidence is based on case reports and a few systematic reviews. The occurrence of autoresuscitation may lead to self-reproach and dismay in affected emergency personnel and may rise questions about the correct procedure after terminating resuscitative efforts. In contrast to existing cardiac arrest guidelines there is no standardized approach to terminating resuscitative attempts.CaseWe report a case of out of hospital autoresuscitation in a 67-year-old female after 60 min of advanced cardiac life support. After shock refractory shockable rhythm, we recorded pulseless electrical activity and fixed pupils, consequently resuscitation was terminated. About 50 min later the patient surprisingly showed signs of life. Due to the suggestive history a coronary angiography was performed, showing severe coronary heart disease which necessitated surgical intervention. After ACBP surgery and intensive care followed by treatment on the cardiological ward, she was finally discharged to neurological rehabilitation.ConclusionAs already proposed by existing literature, there should be at least a 10-min interval of close monitoring after abandoning CPR. Transport of a deceased patient should only take place after secure signs of death can be detected. Further investigation is needed to determine which patients are most likely to benefit from an extended observation period. Our case reports highlights the difficulties in death declaration and the importance of close monitoring after abandoning CPR.

Association between Serum Ferritin and Prognosis in Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease in Intensive Care Units.

Recent years have seen a clear link established between elevated ferritin levels and COVID-19 prognosis. However, the impact of heightened ferritin levels on the prognosis of individuals with severe ischemic heart disease remains uncertain. We utilized the MIMIC IV database to identify a cohort of ischemic heart disease patients who underwent serum ferritin testing. We conducted regression analyses, employed the overlap propensity score weighting model, and utilized the restricted cubic splines model to comprehensively investigate the associations between serum ferritin levels and clinical outcomes. Our cohort included 1173 patients with diagnosed ischemic heart disease, categorized into high and low serum ferritin groups. After meticulous adjustment for confounding factors in a fully adjusted model, the hazard ratios (HRs) for 90-day and 1-year mortality were 1.63 (95% CI: 1.27-2.09) and 1.49 (95% CI: 1.19-1.86), respectively, in the high-ferritin group compared to the low-ferritin group. Subsequent analyses with propensity score weighting confirmed these results. Remarkably, restricted cubic spline analysis revealed an almost linear relationship between log-transformed serum ferritin levels and the risk of both 90-day and 1-year all-cause mortality. Moreover, incorporating ferritin into conventional severity of illness scores significantly improved the area under the curve for both 90-day and 1-year mortality. This study provides compelling evidence regarding the prognostic significance of serum ferritin in predicting 90-day and one-year mortality rates among patients diagnosed with ischemic heart disease.

A mediation analysis of metabolic and inflammatory factors in the severe sleep apnea-coronary heart disease association.

It is unclear whether metabolic and inflammatory factors mediate the association between severe sleep apnea and coronary heart disease (CHD) in observational studies based on the large-scale population. This study aims to assess the association between severe sleep apnea and CHD and to explore the extent to which this association is mediated by metabolic factors and C-reactive protein (CRP). In UK Biobank, 213 442 CHD-free (mean age: 55.00) adults were followed up for 15years to detect incident CHD. Metabolic factors included hyperglycemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperuricemia. A higher CRP concentration level was defined as a cutoff point of >3.0mg/l. Data were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models and the generalized structural equation model. During follow-up, 9278 participants developed incident CHD (4.3%). The multi-adjusted hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval of CHD related to severe sleep apnea were 1.76 (1.44-2.15). In the mediation analysis, the strongest indirect association was for dyslipidemia, accounting for 20.8% of the association between severe sleep apnea and CHD (β = 0.22, 95% confidence interval = 0.16-0.28), followed by hypertriglyceridemia (12.3%). The proportion of mediation increased to 29.1% when CRP was added to the metabolic mediators. Severe sleep apnea was associated with an increased risk of CHD. Lipid factors might play an essential role in the severe sleep apnea-CHD relationship. CRP increased the magnitude of mediation effects of overall metabolic factors. What is already known on this topic It is unknown whether the association between severe sleep apnea and CHD among the large population-based cohort study. Evidence on the mediating effect of metabolic and inflammatory factors in the severe sleep apnea-CHD association remains unclear. What this study adds Lipid factors were the biggest mediation driver in the severe sleep apnea-CHD path. C-reactive protein increased the magnitude of mediation effects of overall metabolic factors. How this study might affect research, practice or policy Investigating mediation analyses not only enhances comprehension of the pathophysiological connection between severe sleep apnea and CHD but also offers valuable insights into preventing CHD.

The Effect of Salacia Reticulata Extract Biscuits on Blood Sugar Control of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Two-Period, Two-Sequence, Crossover, Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Trial.

Background Traditional physicians in Sri Lanka and India use extracts from the plant Salacia reticulata,or Kothala Himbutu (KH) to treat diabetes. The effect of a KH biscuit, taken as a snack, on glycemic control was investigated in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methodology This triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, two-period, two-sequence, crossover study was conducted in the Internal Medical Clinic, Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura. A research assistant opened computer-generated random numbers enclosed in a sealed envelope and performed treatment allocation. The group outcome was masked from the researchers, patients, and analysts. Both the placebo and the KH biscuit were identical. The primary outcome measure was HbA1c. Intention to treat analyses was used. Glycemic stability was assured in the run-in period, and patients with severe renal, liver, or heart disease were excluded. If patients needed insulin, they were withdrawn from the trial. Results From January 2014 to May 2016, 230 patients were screened, and 136 were randomized. Of them, 62 were allocated, 58 completed the placebo biscuit, 71 were allocated, and 69 completed the KH biscuit. After the washout period and crossover, 57 completed the KH and 65 completed the placebo biscuit. The baseline mean HbA1c level was 8.45% (68.9 mmol/mol) and 8.65% (71.0 mmol/mol) for the placebo-KH biscuit and KH-placebo biscuit groups. At the end of the trial, the HbA1c levels in the placebo-KH biscuit group and the KH-placebo biscuit group were 8.23% (66.4 mmol/mol) and 8.53% (69.3 mmol/mol), respectively. The unadjusted mean HbA1c reduced from the baseline with 0.10% (95% CI = -0.12, 0.32) after the placebo biscuit and 0.35% (95% CI = 0.10, 0.60) after the KH biscuit. After the placebo and KH biscuits, the HbA1c values were 8.46% (95% CI = 8.19, 8.73) (69 mmol/mol with 95% CI = 66, 72) and 8.19% (95% CI = 7.90, 8.48) (66 mmol/mol with 95% CI = 63, 69), respectively. The paired sample t-test shows that the reduction was not significant for placebo biscuits (p = 0.324), while it is significant for KH biscuits (p = 0.003). Analysis with multiple imputations confirmed a significant difference between the placebo and KH biscuit in reducing the HbA1c level. Conclusions KH biscuit taken as a snack reduces HbA1c by 0.25% compared to placebo without serious renal or liver adverse effects. The biscuit can be safely recommended as a snack to patients with type 2 diabetes.

Mental Health Conditions Among Children and Adolescents With Congenital Heart Disease: A Danish Population-Based Cohort Study.

Despite the known mental health burden among children with congenital heart disease (CHD), the literature is constrained by a lack of comparison cohorts and population-based follow-up data. We examined the incidence of mental health conditions among children with CHD, relative to 3 comparison cohorts. This population-based cohort study identified all children with CHD (<18 years of age; n=16 473) in Denmark from 1996 to 2017, through linkage of individual-level data across national registries. This allowed for complete follow-up of the population. Comparison cohorts included children from the general population (n=162 204), siblings of children with CHD (n=20 079), and children with non-CHD major congenital anomalies (n=47 799). Mental health conditions were identified using inpatient and outpatient hospital discharge codes, prescription data, and data on use of community-based psychology, psychiatry, and psychotherapy services. We computed cumulative incidence by 18 years of age, incidence rates, and adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) using Cox regression. aHRs accounted for sex, year of CHD diagnosis, parental mental health, and socioeconomic status. All estimates were stratified by age, sex, and CHD complexity. The cumulative incidence of mental health conditions by 18 years of age in the CHD cohort was 35.1% (95% CI, 34.0%-36.1%), corresponding to aHRs of 1.64 (95% CI, 1.58-1.71), 1.41 (95% CI, 1.30-1.52), and 1.02 (95% CI, 0.98-1.07) compared with the general population, sibling, and major congenital anomaly cohorts, respectively. Mental health incidence rates showed prominent peaks in early childhood and adolescence. Males and children with severe or single-ventricle CHD demonstrated higher incidence rates of mental health conditions relative to females and children with mild or moderate CHD, respectively. Compared with the general population and sibling cohorts, incidence rates and aHRs in the CHD cohort were highest for severe stress reactions, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, intellectual disability, and autism spectrum disorder. Compared with children in the major congenital anomaly cohort, the aHRs were close to 1. More than one-third of children with CHD were diagnosed or treated for a mental health condition by 18 years of age. Mental health conditions began early in life and were most prominent among males and children with severe or single-ventricle heart disease.

ПРЕДИКТОРЫ ГОСПИТАЛЬНЫХ ОСЛОЖНЕНИЙ И ДЛИТЕЛЬНОЙ ГОСПИТАЛИЗАЦИИ У ПАЦИЕНТОВ, ПЕРЕНЕСШИХ КОРОНАРНОЕ ШУНТИРОВАНИЕ: РОЛЬ СВОБОДНЫХ ЖИРНЫХ КИСЛОТ И ИНДЕКСОВ ИНСУЛИНОРЕЗИСТЕНТНОСТИ

Introduction. Often, carbohydrate metabolism disorders (type 2 diabetes mellitus, prediabetes) are detected in patients with severe coronary heart disease who are preparing for elective coronary bypass surgery. Insulin resistance can occur even in the absence of manifest disorders of carbohydrate metabolism and have its own influence on the course of coronary artery disease. With regard to the prognosis of coronary artery bypass grafting, the role of insulin resistance is not clearly defined, there are isolated reports on the relationship between the estimated indices of insulin resistance and free fatty acids and the number of postoperative complications of CABG Purpose of the study. To study the effect of carbohydrate metabolism disorders and insulin resistance indicators on the immediate results of coronary bypass grafting (CABG). Materials and methods. 383 consecutive patients who underwent CABG in 2011-2012 at the Research Institute of the KPSSZ were included, free fatty acids and fasting insulin in plasma were determined in all patients, insulin resistance indices HOMA-IR (Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance), QUICKI (Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Chek) were calculated Index) and Revised-QUICKI, McAuley. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of the composite endpoint of hospital stay after CABG &gt;10 days or significant complication. Perioperative characteristics were analyzed in two cohort groups: group 1 - patients with a combined endpoint (CCT&gt;10 days), n=291, and group 2 (n=92) without CCT. Results. In the CCT group, the median age was higher, and the proportion of women was 30% versus 14.1% (p=0.003). Patients of the 1st group (with CCT) had a higher percentage of type 2 diabetes mellitus (37.5% versus 17.4%, p&lt;0.001, more people with obesity (p&lt;0.001) and a higher percentage of combined operations (p =0.007) In group 1 (with CCT), the median of glucose (p=0.031), glycated hemoglobin HbA1c (p=0.009), free fatty acids (p=0.007) and Revised-QUICKI (p=0.020) was higher than In a binary regression, the predictors of the combined endpoint (significant complications or hospital stay after CABG &gt;10 days) were female gender, age, left atrial size, and free fatty acids before surgery (p&lt;0.001). per 1 mmol l, the probability of the endpoint increased by 255.9%, and with an increase in LA by 1 cm - by 219.5%, each year of age added 6.9% to the probability of the index event.For this model, the statistical significance was χ2 (2 ) = 38.337, p&lt;0.001 The Nagelkerke R2 value was 0.336 (explaining 33.6% of the combined variance of the results) and the model correctly classified 78.5% of the cases. At the same time, fasting glucose, insulin, lipid levels, HOMA, QUICKI, Revised-QUICKI, McAuley indices did not show their relationship with the studied outcome. Conclusions: In the group with a complicated postoperative period of CABG, there were significantly more women, patients with DM 2, and obese individuals, there was a higher median of free fatty acids and the Revised-QUICKI index. Free fatty acids and type 2 diabetes mellitus were independent predictors of hospital complications or length of stay after CABG.

Electrocardiography-documented sudden cardiac death due to ventricular fibrillation in a young cat without echocardiographic evidence of severe structural heart disease

An asymptomatic three-year-old male European Domestic Shorthair cat was referred for an irregular heart auscultation. Apart from localized concentric left ventricular septal hypertrophy, echocardiography was normal. However, ventricular ectopy was observed on electrocardiography (ECG) during echocardiography. The cat died suddenly 55 minutes after the start of the subsequent Holter ECG. Analysis showed sinus rhythm interrupted by 192 single ventricular premature complexes, a ventricular couplet, two incidents of ventricular bigeminy and two runs of ventricular tachycardia (VT). The last run of VT deteriorated into ventricular fibrillation (VF) and ultimately cardiac arrest. Structural heart disease including mild feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or myocarditis, primary arrhythmia (channelopathy) or extra-cardiac disease were maintained as differential diagnosis. Unfortunately, a necropsy was declined leaving no definitive diagnosis available. In this case report, it is shown that VF due to ventricular ectopy is a possible cause of SCD even in asymptomatic cats with only mild echocardiographic signs of structural heart disease.

Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in obesity patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Obesity is a growing epidemic in the world. It increases the risk for severe health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Recent research has found that obesity is associated with an increased risk for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). The purpose of this literature review with meta-analysis is to analyse the possible association between obesity and temporomandibular disorders. Pubmed, Web of Science and Lilacs were systematically searched until 01/03/2000. Articles dealing with TMD and obesity were selected, and numbers that might be useful in the meta-analysis were extracted. Fifty articles were chosen after using all three search engines. Thirty-five articles were considered during the initial screening step. Four papers were chosen for title and abstract screening based on the PECO model. A manual search of bibliographies and the Cochrane database was also carried out, but no publications that matched the inclusion criteria were located. The articles and meta-analysis did not show a clear association between obesity and temporomandibular disorders. There is no evidence regarding the reliability of either method. Both have superimposable results.

Robot-Assisted versus Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Metanalysis of Intra- and Post-Operative Complications.

The use of robotic surgery is attracting ever-growing interest for its potential advantages such as small incisions, fine movements, and magnification of the operating field. Only a few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have explored the differences in perioperative outcomes between the two approaches. We screened the main online databases from inception to May 2023. We included studies in English enrolling adult patients undergoing elective gastrointestinal surgery. We used the following exclusion criteria: surgery with the involvement of thoracic esophagus, and patients affected by severe heart, pulmonary and end-stage renal disease. We compared intra- and post-operative complications, length of hospitalization, and costs between laparoscopic and robotic approaches. A total of 18 RCTs were included. We found no differences in the rate of anastomotic leakage, cardiovascular complications, estimated blood loss, readmission, deep vein thrombosis, length of hospitalization, mortality, and post-operative pain between robotic and laparoscopic surgery; post-operative pneumonia was less frequent in the robotic approach. The conversion to open surgery was less frequent in the robotic approach, which was characterized by shorter time to first flatus but higher operative time and costs. The robotic gastrointestinal surgery has some advantages compared to the laparoscopic technique such as lower conversion rate, faster recovery of bowel movement, but it has higher economic costs.

Retrospective analysis of patients with severe valvular heart disease requiring treatment at University Hospital “Sveti Duh” in a two-year period

Retrospective analysis of patients with severe valvular heart disease requiring treatment at University Hospital “Sveti Duh” in a two-year period

Ischemic strokes in COVID-19: risk factors, obesity paradox, and distinction between trigger and causal association.

Stroke has been described as a COVID-19 complication. However, its occurrence rate, risk factors, and causal relationships are still not well established. We describe the characteristics of confirmed COVID-19-related strokes among all cases of COVID-19 hospitalized in our health network, from November 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021. Risk factor analysis has been conducted for ischemic stroke (IS), which represents 92% of all confirmed cases of Covid-19-related strokes, and a "causal attribution to infection" classification is provided. In all, 62/4105 hospitalized COVID-19 patients had an acute stroke (1.51%). Severe COVID-19 (OR 2.27-CI 1.06-4.77; p = 0.032), atrial fibrillation (OR 3.65-CI 1.63-7.98; p = 0.001), and ischemic heart disease (OR 4.590-CI 1.714-12.137; p = 0.002) proved to be independent risk factors for IS, while obesity was a protective factor (OR 0.90-CI 0.82-0.97; p = 0.012). COVID-19 had a causal role in 32.1% of IS cases, was a relevant cofactor in 28.6% of cases of IS, and was a possible trigger in 39.3% of events. Our stroke occurrence rate is consistent with other population-based reports (range 0.34-2.7%). Prespecified peculiar clinical and radiological features allow the distinction between "IS caused by COVID-19" and "IS triggered by COVID-19." Clinical history of vascular diseases and risk factors is crucial in determining the risk of IS in patients with COVID-19. However, the protective effect of a BMI > 30 kg/m2 seems to suggest an obesity paradox.

Non-eligibility for pivotal HFpEF/HFmrEF outcome trials and mortality in a contemporary heart failure cohort

Pivotal outcome trials targeting heart failure with preserved (HFpEF) and mildly-reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) may have excluded patients at highest risk of poor outcomes. We aimed to assess eligibility for HFpEF/HFmrEF outcome trials in an unselected heart failure cohort and its association with all-cause mortality. Among 32.028 patients presenting to a tertiary care center emergency unit for any reason between August 2018 and July 2019, we identified 407 admissions with evident HFpEF and HFmrEF. Eligibility criteria for pivotal trials CHARM-Preserved, I-PRESERVE, TOPCAT, PARAGON-HF, EMPEROR-Preserved and DELIVER were assessed by chart review. The proportions of admissions fulfilling HFpEF/HFmrEF trial eligibility criteria were 88% for CHARM-Preserved, 40% for I-PRESERVE, 35% for TOPCAT, 28% for PARAGON-HF, 51% for EMPEROR-Preserved, and 49% for DELIVER. During a median follow-up of 1.9 years, death-from-any-cause occurred in 121 cases (30%). Twenty-four-month overall survival estimates for non-eligible and eligible admissions were 53% vs. 76% for CHARM-Preserved (HR=2.32, 95% CI: 1.47–3.67, p<0.001), 62% vs. 87% for I-PRESERVE (HR=2.97, 1.85–4.77, p<0.001), 67% vs. 84% for TOPCAT (HR=2.04, 1.29–3.24, p = 0.002), 68% vs. 85% for PARAGONHF (HR=2.28, 1.33–3.90, p = 0.003), 64% vs. 81% for EMPEROR-Preserved (HR=1.90, 1.27–2.84, p = 0.002), and 65% vs. 80% for DELIVER (HR=1.71, 1.14–2.57, p = 0.010). Exclusion criteria independently predicting death were eGFR <20 ml/min/1.73 m2, COPD with home oxygen therapy, and severe valvular heart disease. Conclusively, in a contemporary HFpEF/HFmrEF cohort, non-eligibility for outcome trials predicted for strongly increased mortality. HFpEF/HFmrEF patients at highest mortality risk were likely underrepresented in previous outcome trials and their treatment remains an unmet medical need.

Informal caregivers must open the door to information during heart surgery patients hospitalization. A qualitative study

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background/Introduction Despite the possibility of invasive procedures, open heart surgery is still recommended in cases of severe ischemic heart disease and valvular heart disease. National health authorities recommend that health care professionals in hospital should offer informal caregivers necessary learning and support for burdensome caring duties. Follow-up of heart surgery patients after discharge from hospital can be an informal caregiver challenge. There is a lack of studies on the informal caregivers’ experiences with information from health care professionals from before and during hospitalization. Purpose This study explores the informal caregivers of heart surgery patients experiences of information and communication from health care professionals before and during hospitalization. Methods Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted in informal caregivers to patients, who had undergone open heart surgery. A semi-structured interview guide was used during videotelephony (Facetime), phone or face-to-face onsite interview. The settings were university hospitals in Norway and Denmark respectively and were carried out between November 2022 – January 2023. Data analysis in NVivo software tool, following Braun and Clarke`s 6-step thematic analysis process. Results A total of 12 informal caregivers, married or partnered, two men, mean age 65 years, were interviewed two to four weeks after the patient had been discharged to home following open heart surgery. Two main themes were identified: i) lack of preoperative information and ii) responsibility to chase for in-hospital communication. Informal caregivers must invite themselves to gain access to information before admission. Informal caregivers experienced being a team with the patient before admission and then be separated in the health care system. The information and communication were targeted to the patient. Therefore, it was necessary for informal caregivers to be communicatively strong and thereby force doors open to get needed information for themselves. For some informal caregivers it was manageable while others felt lost and withdrew. Conclusion(s) Informal caregivers to patients undergoing open heart surgery want to be part of the information process before and during hospital admission. They want to be in a team with the patient, but it requires an active invitation from health care professionals.

Biomimetic-modified bioprosthetic heart valves with controlled release of glycyrrhizin acid mediated by the inflammatory microenvironment for anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-calcification

Artificial heart valve replacement is optimum for treating severe valvular heart disease (VHD). Bioprosthetic heart valves (BHVs) have received widespread attention from patients and doctors due to their good hydrodynamics, hemocompatibility, and minimally invasive implantation. However, the inflammatory microenvironment caused by cytotoxicity of residual aldehyde groups, the immunogenicity of heterogeneous tissue, and implantation damage, have led to problems such as endothelialization difficulties, leaflet thrombosis, and calcification of BHVs, limiting service life and applicability to the population of BHVs. In this study, we introduced chondroitin sulfate (CS) and p-aminophenyl boronic acid-glycyrrhizin acid (PBA-GA) into glutaraldehyde (Glut) cross-linked BHV material, thereby preparing a bionic-modified BHV material (CS-GA-PP), which can remould the inflammatory microenvironment at the injured site. CS can form an extracellular matrix (ECM)-like structure, reducing the immunogenicity and thrombosis of BHVs, at the same time, GA can be released under the inflammatory microenvironment, exerting an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing inflammation and calcification. CS-GA-PP maintained the great structural stability and mechanical properties brought about by cross-linking with Glut. In addition, the strategy significantly improved the anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory, endothelialization, and anti-calcification properties of the BHV material. It is expected to provide a new idea and a solution for the intelligent biomedical design of Glut cross-linked BHV material.

Dosiahnennia arytmolohii u prohnozuvanni zloiakisnykh arytmii pid chas khvorob sertsia za kraini desiatyrichchia (ohliad literatury; rezultaty vlasnykh doslidzhen)

Introduction. With severe heart diseases, ventricular arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation can occur. The aim of the study. To analyze the achievements of arrhythmology in the field of predicting malignant arrhythmias over the past decades cardiology and to present the own results. Materials and methods. Literature surway of 34 articles supplemented with own results directed towards prediction of cardiac arrhythmia including the malignant arrhythmias. Results. Conducted investigation identified the following signs predicting the arrhythmias development: left ventricular hypertrophy, blockage of the bundle of His left limb, severe hypertension, diabetes. Left ventricle and left atrial remodeling are predictors of atrial fibrillation development. In patients with coronary arteries disease, predictors of atrial fibrillation development are increased heart volume and size, as well as decreased left ventricle ejection fraction. In 5 monographs on cardiac arrhythmias, predictors of prognosis and algorithms for the development of malignant cardiac arrhythmias are presented in details. Together with professor O. Sychov it was elaborated original classification of supraventricular extrasystoles. Conclusion. Over the past decades, a number of prognostic criteria for malignant cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death were elaborated. These include: pronounced left ventricle hypertrophy, blockage of the left limb bundle of His, severe form of hypertension, progressive chronic heart failure, the occurrence of T. Killip II and more, ventricular extrasystole 3-5 grades according to B. Laun, ventricular tachycardia of the “pirouette” type, reduction of the left ventricle ejection fraction is less than 40.0 %, thickening of the left ventricle posterior wall and interventricular membrane 14 mm and more, sino-atrial and atrio-ventricular blockage, prolongation of the Q-T interval, use of anti-arrhytmic drugs of IA and IS classes, etc. As a rule, the more of these arrhythmias predictors are exposed, the more often sudden cardiac deaths develops. Hovewer, certain exceptions of this rule sometimes appear. Keywords: coronary heart disease combined with hypertension, diagnostic criteria, predictors of complications progression.

Heart team consultations for patients with severe coronary artery disease or valvular heart disease in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic: a single-center experience.

The Heart Team (HT) as a group of experienced specialists is responsible for optimal decision-making for high-risk cardiac patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HT functioning. In this retrospective, single-center study, we evaluated the cooperation of HT in terms of the frequency of meetings, the number of consulted patients, and the trends in choosing the optimal treatment strategies for complex individuals with severe coronary artery disease (CAD) or valvular heart disease (VHD) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. From 2016 to May 2022, 301 HT meetings were held, and a total of 4,183 patients with severe CAD (2,060 patients) or severe VHD (2,123 patients) were presented. A significant decrease in the number of HT meetings and consulted patients (2019: 49 and 823 vs. 2020: 44 and 542 and 2021: 45 and 611, respectively, P < 0.001) as well as changes in treatment strategies-increase of conservative, reduction of invasive (2019: 16.7 and 51.9 patients/month vs. 2020: 20.4 and 24.8 patients/month and 2021:19.3 and 31.6 patients/month, respectively, P < 0.001)-were demonstrated with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the pandemic slowly receded, the observed changes began to return to the pre-pandemic trends. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a decrease in the number of HT meetings and consulted patients and significant reduction of invasive procedures in favor of conservative management. Further studies should be aimed to evaluate the long-term implications of this phenomenon.

Catalytic antibodies in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy patients cleave desmoglein 2 and N-cadherin and impair cardiomyocyte cohesion

AimsArrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is a severe heart disease predisposing to ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death caused by mutations affecting intercalated disc (ICD) proteins and aggravated by physical exercise. Recently, autoantibodies targeting ICD proteins, including the desmosomal cadherin desmoglein 2 (DSG2), were reported in AC patients and were considered relevant for disease development and progression, particularly in patients without underlying pathogenic mutations. However, it is unclear at present whether these autoantibodies are pathogenic and by which mechanisms show specificity for DSG2 and thus can be used as a diagnostic tool.Methods and ResultsIgG fractions were purified from 15 AC patients and 4 healthy controls. Immunostainings dissociation assays, atomic force microscopy (AFM), Western blot analysis and Triton X-100 assays were performed utilizing human heart left ventricle tissue, HL-1 cells and murine cardiac slices. Immunostainings revealed that autoantibodies against ICD proteins are prevalent in AC and most autoantibody fractions have catalytic properties and cleave the ICD adhesion molecules DSG2 and N-cadherin, thereby reducing cadherin interactions as revealed by AFM. Furthermore, most of the AC-IgG fractions causing loss of cardiomyocyte cohesion activated p38MAPK, which is known to contribute to a loss of desmosomal adhesion in different cell types, including cardiomyocytes. In addition, p38MAPK inhibition rescued the loss of cardiomyocyte cohesion induced by AC-IgGs.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that catalytic autoantibodies play a pathogenic role by cleaving ICD cadherins and thereby reducing cardiomyocyte cohesion by a mechanism involving p38MAPK activation. Finally, we conclude that DSG2 cleavage by autoantibodies could be used as a diagnostic tool for AC.