Journal of Clinical Medicine

Research

11 pages, 1654 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Effects of Local Air Pollution on Popliteal Artery Aneurysms

by Maria Elisabeth Leinweber, Katrin Meisenbacher, Thomas Schmandra, Thomas Karl, Giovanni Torsello, Mikolaj Walensi, Phillip Geisbuesch, Thomas Schmitz-Rixen, Georg Jung and Amun Georg Hofmann

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(11), 3250; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13113250 - 31 May 2024

Viewed by 681

Abstract

Objectives: A growing body of evidence highlights the effects of air pollution on chronic and acute cardiovascular diseases, such as associations between PM₁₀ and several cardiovascular events. However, evidence of the impact of fine air pollutants on the development and progression of [...] Read more.

Objectives: A growing body of evidence highlights the effects of air pollution on chronic and acute cardiovascular diseases, such as associations between PM₁₀ and several cardiovascular events. However, evidence of the impact of fine air pollutants on the development and progression of peripheral arterial aneurysms is not available. Methods: Data were obtained from the multicenter PAA outcome registry POPART and the German Environment Agency. Means of the mean daily concentration of PM₁₀, PM_2.5, NO_2, and O₃ concentrations were calculated for 2, 10, and 3650 days prior to surgery for each patient. Additionally, weighted ten-year averages were analyzed. Correlation was assessed by calculating Pearson correlation coefficients, and regression analyses were conducted as multiple linear or multiple logistic regression, depending on the dependent variable. Results: For 1193 patients from the POPART registry, paired air pollution data were available. Most patients were male (95.6%) and received open surgical repair (89.9%). On a regional level, the arithmetic means of the daily means of PM₁₀ between 2000 and 2022 were neither associated with average diameters nor runoff vessels. Negative correlations for mean PAA diameter and mean NO₂, as well as a positive correlation with mean O₃, were found; however, they were not statistically significant. On patient level, no evidence for an association of mean PM₁₀ exposure over ten years prior to inclusion in the registry and PAA diameter or the number of runoff vessels was found. Weighted PM_10, NO_2, and O₃ exposure over ten years also did not result in significant associations with aneurysm diameter or runoff vessels. Short-term air pollutant concentrations were not associated with symptomatic PAAs or with perioperative complications. Conclusions: We found no indication that long-term air pollutant concentrations are associated with PAA size or severity, neither on a regional nor individual level. Additionally, short-term air pollution showed no association with clinical presentation or treatment outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue (Cardio-)Vascular System in Health and Disease: Current Update and Perspectives—Volume II)

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12 pages, 2546 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparing the Real-World and Clinical Trial Bleeding Rates Associated with Oral Anticoagulation Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation

by Ying Gue, Dan Bloomfield, Debra Freedholm and Gregory Y. H. Lip

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(8), 2277; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13082277 - 15 Apr 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1996

Abstract

Background The prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) involves the use of oral anticoagulation, commonly in the form of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). However, it comes with an increased risk of bleeding, and therefore, counselling patients on their individual risks [...] Read more.

Background The prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) involves the use of oral anticoagulation, commonly in the form of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). However, it comes with an increased risk of bleeding, and therefore, counselling patients on their individual risks is important. Although the majority of patients initiated on DOACs have been represented within the clinical trials, some cohorts are under-represented in whom clinicians cannot practice evidence-based medicine. Methods Utilising the pooled clinical trial (CT) data sourced from Medidata Enterprise Data Store, five recent open-label industry-sponsored AF trials were compared with real-world data (RWD) sourced from the HealthVerity™ Marketplace with the occurrence of bleeding events as the primary outcome of interest. Results A total of 64,421 patients were included in the analysis, with 3207 patients from the clinical DOAC trials and 61,214 patients from the RWD cohort. Overall, the patients from the RWD cohort had more co-morbidities, were older (72.2 ± 11.9 vs. 65.3 ± 10.7 years old, p < 0.001), had higher mean CHA₂DS₂VASc (3.98 ± 1.9 vs. 2.87 ± 1.73, p < 0.001), and HAD-BLED scores (2.13 ± 1.02 vs. 1/04 ± 0.93, p < 0.001) when compared to the trial data. When comparing the incidence of the first major bleed at 12 months post-treatment initiation, rates in the RWD cohort were significantly higher (10.69 vs. 18.97 per 100 person-years). The impact of co-morbidities such as age, CHA₂DS₂VASc, and HAD-BLED scores was similar in both cohorts; however, there was an under-representation of older females and more co-morbid patients within the clinical trial cohort. Conclusions DOAC-treated patients have a higher bleeding incidence rate in the RWD cohort than in clinical trials. This can be explained by the older patient age group with more complex medical h istories and higher HAS-BLED scores. The under-representation of higher-risk patients and lower proportion of females within clinical trials should be addressed to better translate clinical trial data into real-world clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue (Cardio-)Vascular System in Health and Disease: Current Update and Perspectives—Volume II)

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8 pages, 626 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reverse Septal Movement: A Step Forward in the Comprehension of the Underlying Causes

by Enrico Emilio Diviggiano, Sara Rosi, Federico Landra, Carmine Marallo, Cristina Scoppa, Debora Castellani, Giulia Elena Mandoli, Maria Concetta Pastore, Luna Cavigli, Flavio D’Ascenzi, Matteo Cameli and Marta Focardi

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(4), 928; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13040928 - 6 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1462

Abstract

(1) Background: Reverse septal movement (RSM) often occurs after cardiac surgery, consisting of a paradoxical systolic movement of the interventricular septum. In this retrospective study, we aimed to investigate possible determinants of RSM after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). (2) Methods: Patients [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Reverse septal movement (RSM) often occurs after cardiac surgery, consisting of a paradoxical systolic movement of the interventricular septum. In this retrospective study, we aimed to investigate possible determinants of RSM after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). (2) Methods: Patients who underwent CABG with on- or off-pump techniques at our center from March 2019 to October 2021 were retrospectively included. Exclusion criteria were: exposure to combined procedures (e.g., valve implantation), prior cardiac surgery, intraventricular conduction delays, and previous pacemaker implantation. Laboratory tests and echocardiographic and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) duration data were collected. (3) Results: We enrolled 138 patients, of whom 32 (23.2%) underwent off-pump CABG. Approximately 89.1% of the population was male; the mean age was 70 ± 11 years. There was no difference in RSM incidence in patients undergoing the off-pump and on-pump techniques (71.9% vs. 62.3%; p = 0.319). In patients undergoing on-pump surgery, the incidence of RSM was slightly higher in longer CPB procedures (OR 1.02 (1.00–1.03) p = 0.012), and clamping aortic time was also greater (OR 1.02 (1.00–1.03) p = 0.042). (4) Conclusions: CPB length seems to be correlated with a higher RSM appearance. This better knowledge of RSM reinforces the safety of CABG and its neutral effect on global biventricular function. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue (Cardio-)Vascular System in Health and Disease: Current Update and Perspectives—Volume II)

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13 pages, 564 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program on Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Inflammatory Profile in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure of Different Severity

by Christos Kourek, Alexandros Briasoulis, Eleftherios Karatzanos, Virginia Zouganeli, Katherina Psarra, Maria Pratikaki, Androula Alevra-Prokopiou, John Skoularigis, Andrew Xanthopoulos, Serafim Nanas and Stavros Dimopoulos

J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(20), 6592; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12206592 - 18 Oct 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1260

Abstract

Endothelial dysfunction and inflammation are common pathophysiological characteristics of chronic heart failure (CHF). Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are recognized as useful markers of vascular damage and endothelial repair. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a cardiac rehabilitation program [...] Read more.

Endothelial dysfunction and inflammation are common pathophysiological characteristics of chronic heart failure (CHF). Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are recognized as useful markers of vascular damage and endothelial repair. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a cardiac rehabilitation program on EPCs and inflammatory profile in CHF patients of different severity. Forty-four patients with stable CHF underwent a 36-session cardiac rehabilitation program. They were separated into two different subgroups each time, according to the median peak VO₂, predicted peak VO₂, VE/VCO₂ slope, and ejection fraction. EPCs, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 10 (IL-10), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured. Flow cytometry was used for the quantification of EPCs. Mobilization of EPCs increased and the inflammatory profile improved within each severity group (p < 0.05) after the cardiac rehabilitation program, but there were no statistically significant differences between groups (p > 0.05). A 36-session cardiac rehabilitation program has similar beneficial effects on the mobilization of EPCs and on the inflammatory profile in patients with CHF of different severity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue (Cardio-)Vascular System in Health and Disease: Current Update and Perspectives—Volume II)

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11 pages, 1129 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Mechanism of Effort Intolerance in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Combined Stress Echocardiography and Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test

by Eihab Ghantous, Aviel Shetrit, Yonatan Erez, Natalie Noam, Ryan S. Zamanzadeh, David Zahler, Yoav Granot, Erez Levi, Michal Laufer Perl, Shmuel Banai, Yan Topilsky and Ofer Havakuk

J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(18), 5817; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12185817 - 7 Sep 2023

Viewed by 956

Abstract

Aim: We used a combined stress echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) to explore effort intolerance in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients. Methods: Twenty-three patients who had both PAD and coronary artery disease (CAD) were compared with twenty-four sex- and age-matched CAD patients [...] Read more.

Aim: We used a combined stress echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) to explore effort intolerance in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients. Methods: Twenty-three patients who had both PAD and coronary artery disease (CAD) were compared with twenty-four sex- and age-matched CAD patients and fifteen normal controls using a symptom-limited ramp bicycle CPET on a tilting dedicated ergometer. Echocardiographic images were obtained concurrently with gas exchange measurements along predefined stages of exercise. Oxygen extraction was calculated using the Fick equation at each activity level. Results: Along the stages of exercise (unloaded; anaerobic threshold; peak), in PAD + CAD patients compared with CAD or controls, diastolic function worsened (p = 0.051 and p = 0.013, respectively), and oxygen consumption (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) and oxygen pulse (p = 0.0024 and p = 0.0027, respectively) were reduced. Notably, oxygen pulse was blunted due to an insufficient increase in both stroke volume (p = 0.025 and p = 0.028, respectively) and peripheral oxygen extraction (p = 0.031 and p = 0.038, respectively). Chronotropic incompetence was more prevalent in PAD patients and persisted after correction for beta-blocker use (62% vs. 42% and 11%, respectively). Conclusions: In PAD patients, exercise limitation is associated with diastolic dysfunction, chronotropic incompetence and peripheral factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue (Cardio-)Vascular System in Health and Disease: Current Update and Perspectives—Volume II)

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12 pages, 1001 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Defining Peri-Operative Myocardial Injury during Cardiac Surgery Using High-Sensitivity Troponin T

by Vikram Sharma, Huili Zheng, Luciano Candilio, Jennifer M. Nicholas, Tim Clayton, Derek M. Yellon, Heerajnarain Bulluck and Derek J. Hausenloy

J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(13), 4291; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12134291 - 26 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1271

Abstract

Objective: Cut-offs for high-sensitivity troponin (hs-Tn) elevations to define prognostically significant peri-operative myocardial injury (PMI) in cardiac surgery is not well-established. We evaluated the associations between peri-operative high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) elevations and 1-year all-cause mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods: The [...] Read more.

Objective: Cut-offs for high-sensitivity troponin (hs-Tn) elevations to define prognostically significant peri-operative myocardial injury (PMI) in cardiac surgery is not well-established. We evaluated the associations between peri-operative high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) elevations and 1-year all-cause mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods: The prognostic significance of baseline hs-TnT and various thresholds for post-operative hs-TnT elevation at different time-points on 1-year all-cause mortality following cardiac surgery were assessed after adjusting for baseline hs-TnT and EuroSCORE in a post-hoc analysis of the ERICCA trial. Results: 1206 patients met the inclusion criteria. Baseline elevation in hs-TnT >x1 99th percentile upper reference limit (URL) was significantly associated with 1-year all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1.90, 95% confidence interval 1.15–3.13). In the subgroup with normal baseline hs-TnT (n = 517), elevation in hs-TnT at all post-operative time points was associated with higher 1-year mortality, reaching statistical significance for elevations above: ≥100 × URL at 6 h; ≥50 × URL at 12 and 24 h; ≥35 × URL at 48 h; and ≥30 × URL at 72 h post-surgery. Elevation in hs-TnT at 24 h ≥ 50 × URL had the optimal sensitivity and specificity (73% and 75% respectively). When the whole cohort of patients was analysed, including those with abnormal baseline hs-TnT (up to 10 × URL), the same threshold had optimal sensitivity and specificity (66% and 70%). Conclusions: Both baseline and post-operative hs-TnT elevations are independently associated with 1-year all-cause mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The optimal threshold to define a prognostically significant PMI in our study was ≥50 × URL elevation in hs-TnT at 24 h. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue (Cardio-)Vascular System in Health and Disease: Current Update and Perspectives—Volume II)

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19 pages, 4785 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deep Vein Thrombosis Is Facilitated by Endothelial-Derived Extracellular Vesicles via the PDI–GRP94–GPIIb/IIIa Pathway in Mice

by Hongtao Lan, Zhoujie Tong, Yaqiong Jiao, Haitao Han, Ying Ma, Yulin Li, Xu Jia, Boang Hu, Wei Zhang, Ming Zhong and Zhihao Wang

J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(13), 4265; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12134265 - 26 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1910

Abstract

Aims: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a prevalent cardiovascular condition. Endothelial-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) may play a crucial role in platelet-dependent DVT development via platelet activation, but the mechanism is not clear yet. This research aims to understand how platelets and endothelial-derived EVs [...] Read more.

Aims: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a prevalent cardiovascular condition. Endothelial-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) may play a crucial role in platelet-dependent DVT development via platelet activation, but the mechanism is not clear yet. This research aims to understand how platelets and endothelial-derived EVs work in DVT. Methods: The interaction between protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) and glucose-regulated protein 94 (GRP94) was founded by molecular docking. Inferior vena cava stasis–induced mice received PDI and GRP94 inhibitor treatments. Platelet activation, endothelial-derived EVs, and PDI were measured using flow cytometry. The expression of PDI and dimetric GRP94 in platelets co-cultured with hypoxic endothelial cells was confirmed by Western blot or native PAGE. The fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay shows conformational changes in GPIIb/IIIa on platelet surfaces. A tracking experiment was performed using PKH26, which labelled endothelial-derived EVs, and the endocytosis of EVs by platelets was tracked by confocal microscope. Results: In a DVT mouse model, platelets enhance venous thrombus formation in a coagulation-independent manner, instead, platelet activation and the length of the thrombus are related to PDI and GRP94 activity. Next, we found that the expression level of endothelial-derived EVs carrying PDI is significantly increased in plasma. Endothelial-derived EVs carrying PDI are endocytosed by platelets, in which the content of GRP94 dimer is elevated, and consequently increases the expression of surface GPIIb/IIIa. In addition, PDI allosterically interacts with GPIIb/IIIa, which is re-configurated into an activated form. Conclusion: Endothelial-derived EVs carrying PDI induce DVT via interplay with GRP94 and GPIIb/IIIa in platelets. These findings emphasize the significance of platelets in DVT formation, and PDI may be a suitable target in DVT prevention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue (Cardio-)Vascular System in Health and Disease: Current Update and Perspectives—Volume II)

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14 pages, 492 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between Body Mass Index and In-Hospital Mortality in Bacteremic Sepsis

by Shalom Lebovitz, Guy Rozen, Zahi Abu Ghosh, Maya Korem, Hila Elinav, Hiba Zayyad, Shemy Carasso, David Planer, Offer Amir and Gabby Elbaz-Greener

J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(11), 3848; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12113848 - 4 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2008

Abstract

Background: The association between Body Mass Index (BMI) and clinical outcomes following sepsis continues to be debated. We aimed to investigate the relationship between BMI and in-hospital clinical course and mortality in patients hospitalized with bacteremic sepsis using real-world data. Methods: A sampled [...] Read more.

Background: The association between Body Mass Index (BMI) and clinical outcomes following sepsis continues to be debated. We aimed to investigate the relationship between BMI and in-hospital clinical course and mortality in patients hospitalized with bacteremic sepsis using real-world data. Methods: A sampled cohort of patients hospitalized with bacteremic sepsis between October 2015 and December 2016 was identified in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. In-hospital mortality and length of stay were defined as the relevant outcomes. Patients were divided into 6 BMI (kg/m²) subgroups; (1) underweight ≤ 19, (2) normal-weight 20–25, (3) over-weight 26–30, (4) obese I 31–35, (5) obese II 36–39, and (6) obese stage III ≥ 40. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to find predictors of mortality, and a linear regression model was used to find predictors of an extended length of stay (LOS). Results: An estimated total of 90,760 hospitalizations for bacteremic sepsis across the U.S. were analyzed. The data showed a reverse-J-shaped relationship between BMI and study population outcomes, with the underweight patients (BMI ≤ 19 kg/m²) suffering from higher mortality and longer LOS as did the normal-weight patients (BMI 20–25 kg/m²) when compared to the higher BMI groups. The seemingly protective effect of a higher BMI diminished in the highest BMI group (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m²). In the multivariable regression model, BMI subgroups of ≤19 kg/m² and ≥40 kg/m² were found to be independent predictors of mortality. Conclusions: A reverse-J-shaped relationship between BMI and mortality was documented, confirming the “obesity paradox” in the real-world setting in patients hospitalized for sepsis and bacteremia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue (Cardio-)Vascular System in Health and Disease: Current Update and Perspectives—Volume II)

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Review

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20 pages, 6269 KiB

Open AccessReview

Arrhythmogenic Left Ventricular Cardiomyopathy: From Diagnosis to Risk Management

by Alfredo Mauriello, Anna Selvaggia Roma, Antonia Ascrizzi, Riccardo Molinari, Francesco S. Loffredo, Antonello D’Andrea and Vincenzo Russo

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(7), 1835; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13071835 - 22 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1974

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Left ventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ALVC) is a rare and poorly characterized cardiomyopathy that has recently been reclassified in the group of non-dilated left ventricular cardiomyopathies. This review aims to summarize the background, diagnosis, and sudden cardiac death risk in patients [...] Read more.

Purpose of Review: Left ventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ALVC) is a rare and poorly characterized cardiomyopathy that has recently been reclassified in the group of non-dilated left ventricular cardiomyopathies. This review aims to summarize the background, diagnosis, and sudden cardiac death risk in patients presenting this cardiomyopathy. Recent Findings: Although there is currently a lack of data on this condition, arrhythmogenic left ventricular dysplasia can be considered a specific disease of the left ventricle (LV). We have collected the latest evidence about the management and the risks associated with this cardiomyopathy. Summary: Left ventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy is still poorly characterized. ALVC is characterized by fibrofatty replacement in the left ventricular myocardium, with variable phenotypic expression. Diagnosis is based on a multiparametric approach, including cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and genetic testing, and is important for sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk stratification and management. Recent guidelines have improved the management of left ventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Further studies are necessary to improve knowledge of this cardiomyopathy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue (Cardio-)Vascular System in Health and Disease: Current Update and Perspectives—Volume II)

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19 pages, 612 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pregnancy Arrhythmias: Management in the Emergency Department and Critical Care

by Elena Conti, Nunzio Dario Cascio, Patrizia Paluan, Giulia Racca, Yaroslava Longhitano, Gabriele Savioli, Manfredi Tesauro, Roberto Leo, Fabrizio Racca and Christian Zanza

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(4), 1095; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13041095 - 15 Feb 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 6902

Abstract

Pregnancy is closely associated with an elevated risk of arrhythmias, constituting the predominant cardiovascular complication during this period. Pregnancy may induce the exacerbation of previously controlled arrhythmias and, in some instances, arrhythmias may present for the first time in pregnancy. The most important [...] Read more.

Pregnancy is closely associated with an elevated risk of arrhythmias, constituting the predominant cardiovascular complication during this period. Pregnancy may induce the exacerbation of previously controlled arrhythmias and, in some instances, arrhythmias may present for the first time in pregnancy. The most important proarrhythmic mechanisms during pregnancy are the atrial and ventricular stretching, coupled with increased sympathetic activity. Notably, arrhythmias, particularly those originating in the ventricles, heighten the likelihood of syncope, increasing the potential for sudden cardiac death. The effective management of arrhythmias during the peripartum period requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach from the prepartum to the postpartum period. The administration of antiarrhythmic drugs during pregnancy necessitates meticulous attention to potential alterations in pharmacokinetics attributable to maternal physiological changes, as well as the potential for fetal adverse effects. Electric cardioversion is a safe and effective intervention during pregnancy and should be performed immediately in patients with hemodynamic instability. This review discusses the pathophysiology of arrythmias in pregnancy and their management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue (Cardio-)Vascular System in Health and Disease: Current Update and Perspectives—Volume II)

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11 pages, 1139 KiB

Open AccessReview

Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Cardiac Amyloidosis: From Clinical Management to Catheter Ablation Indication

by Raffaella Mistrulli, Armando Ferrera, Melwyn Luis Muthukkattil, Allegra Battistoni, Giovanna Gallo, Emanuele Barbato, Francesco Raffaele Spera and Damiano Magrì

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(2), 501; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13020501 - 16 Jan 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2605

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in patients affected by cardiomyopathies. Reports estimate a prevalence of 27% in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and 40% in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA). The presence of AF typically results in progressive functional decline, [...] Read more.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in patients affected by cardiomyopathies. Reports estimate a prevalence of 27% in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and 40% in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA). The presence of AF typically results in progressive functional decline, an increased frequency of hospitalizations for heart failure, and a higher thromboembolic risk. Medical management using mainly beta-blockers or amiodarone has produced variable outcomes and a high rate of recurrence. Catheter ablation reduces symptom burden and complications despite a moderate rate of recurrence. Recent evidence suggests that an early rhythm control strategy may lead to more favorable short- and long-term outcomes. In this review, we summarize contemporary data on the management of AF in patients with cardiomyopathy (HCM and CA) with particular reference to the timing and outcomes of ablation procedures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue (Cardio-)Vascular System in Health and Disease: Current Update and Perspectives—Volume II)

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27 pages, 1650 KiB

Open AccessReview

Immunosuppressive Agents—Effects on the Cardiovascular System and Selected Metabolic Aspects: A Review

by Bianka Opałka, Michał Żołnierczuk and Marta Grabowska

J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(21), 6935; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12216935 - 5 Nov 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3703

Abstract

The widespread use of immunosuppressive drugs makes it possible to reduce inflammation in autoimmune diseases, as well as prevent transplant rejection in organ recipients. Despite their key action in blocking the body’s immune response, these drugs have many side effects. These actions primarily [...] Read more.

The widespread use of immunosuppressive drugs makes it possible to reduce inflammation in autoimmune diseases, as well as prevent transplant rejection in organ recipients. Despite their key action in blocking the body’s immune response, these drugs have many side effects. These actions primarily affect the cardiovascular system, and the incidence of complications in patients using immunosuppressive drugs is significant, being associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular incidents such as myocardial infarction and stroke. This paper analyzes the mechanisms of action of commonly used immunosuppressive drugs and their impact on the cardiovascular system. The adverse effect of immunosuppressive drugs is associated with toxicity within the cardiovascular system, which may be a problem in the clinical management of patients after transplantation. Immunosuppressants act on the cardiovascular system in a variety of ways, including fibrosis and myocardial remodeling, endothelium disfunction, hypertension, atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia or hyperglycaemia, metabolic syndrome, and hyperuricemia. The use of multidrug protocols makes it possible to develop regimens that can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events. A better understanding of their mechanism of action and the range of complications could enable physicians to select the appropriate therapy for a given patient, as well as to reduce complications and prolong life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue (Cardio-)Vascular System in Health and Disease: Current Update and Perspectives—Volume II)

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Other

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8 pages, 695 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Lessons from the Pandemic: Role of Percutaneous ECMO and Balloon Atrial Septostomy in Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome in Children

by Ranjit R. Philip, Claire Sentilles, Jason N. Johnson, Anthony Merlocco, Karthik Ramakrishnan, Kaitlin A. Ryan, Umar Boston and Shyam Sathanandam

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(8), 2168; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13082168 - 9 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1176

Abstract

Multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) in the setting of COVID-19 can be associated with severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction. This clinical deterioration may sometimes necessitate veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support. We describe an algorithmic approach including the role of balloon atrial septostomy in [...] Read more.

Multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) in the setting of COVID-19 can be associated with severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction. This clinical deterioration may sometimes necessitate veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support. We describe an algorithmic approach including the role of balloon atrial septostomy in this cohort. This is the first reported series of percutaneous VA-ECMO in pediatric patients with MIS-C for better outcomes. The lessons from this approach can be replicated in other pediatric clinical conditions and adds to the armament of multiple pediatric specialties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue (Cardio-)Vascular System in Health and Disease: Current Update and Perspectives—Volume II)

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38 pages, 1158 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Non-Invasive Cardiac Output Measurement Using Inert Gas Rebreathing Method during Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing—A Systematic Review

by Agnieszka Chwiedź, Łukasz Minarowski, Robert M. Mróz and Hady Razak Hady

J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(22), 7154; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12227154 - 17 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1625

Abstract

Background: The use of inert gas rebreathing for the non-invasive cardiac output measurement has produced measurements comparable to those obtained by various other methods. However, there are no guidelines for the inert gas rebreathing method during a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). In addition, [...] Read more.

Background: The use of inert gas rebreathing for the non-invasive cardiac output measurement has produced measurements comparable to those obtained by various other methods. However, there are no guidelines for the inert gas rebreathing method during a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). In addition, there is also a lack of specific standards for assessing the non-invasive measurement of cardiac output during CPET, both for healthy patients and those suffering from diseases and conditions. Aim: This systematic review aims to describe the use of IGR for a non-invasive assessment of cardiac output during cardiopulmonary exercise testing and, based on the information extracted, to identify a proposed CPET report that includes an assessment of the cardiac output using the IGR method. Methods: This systematic review was conducted by PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses) guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception until 29 December 2022. The primary search returned 261 articles, of which 47 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. Results and Conclusions: This systematic review provides a comprehensive description of protocols, indications, technical details, and proposed reporting standards for a non-invasive cardiac output assessment using IGR during CPET. It highlights the need for standardized approaches to CPET and identifies gaps in the literature. The review critically analyzes the strengths and limitations of the studies included and offers recommendations for future research by proposing a combined report from CPET-IGR along with its clinical application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue (Cardio-)Vascular System in Health and Disease: Current Update and Perspectives—Volume II)

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