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Bytyçi I, Bajraktari G, Penson PE, Henein MY, Banach M; Lipid and Blood Pressure Meta-Analysis Collaboration (LBPMC) Group, International Lipid Expert Panel (ILEP). Efficacy and safety of colchicine in patients with coronary artery disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2022;88:1520-8. [PMID: 34409634 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15041] [Cited by in Crossref: 14] [Cited by in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Inflammation plays a central role in the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis. Randomized controlled trials have investigated the potential benefit of colchicine in reducing cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) but produced conflicting results. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of colchicine in patients with CAD. METHODS We systematically searched selected electronic databases from inception until 10 December 2020. Primary clinical endpoints were: major adverse cardiac events; all-cause mortality; CV mortality; recurrent myocardial infarction; stroke; hospitalization; and adverse medication effects. Secondary endpoints were short-term effect of colchicine on inflammatory markers. RESULTS Twelve randomized controlled trials with a total of 13 073 patients with CAD (colchicine n = 6351 and placebo n = 6722) were included in the meta-analysis. At mean follow-up of 22.5 months, the colchicine group had lower risk of major adverse cardiac events (6.20 vs. 8.87%; P < .001), recurrent myocardial infarction (3.41 vs. 4.41%; P = .005), stroke (0.40 vs. 0.90%; P = .002) and hospitalization due to CV events (0.90 vs. 2.87%; P = .02) compared to the control group. The 2 patient groups had similar risk for all-cause mortality (2.08 vs. 1.88%; P = .82) and CV mortality (0.71 vs. 1.01%; P = .38). Colchicine significantly reduced high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (-4.25, P = .001) compared to controls but did not significantly affect interleukin (IL)-β1 and IL-18 levels. CONCLUSION Colchicine reduced CV events and inflammatory markers, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and IL-6, in patients with coronary disease compared to controls. Its impact on cardiovascular and all-cause mortality requires further investigation.
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Henein MY, Mandoli GE, Pastore MC, Ghionzoli N, Hasson F, Nisar MK, Islam M, Bandera F, Marrocco-Trischitta MM, Baroni I, Malagoli A, Rossi L, Biagi A, Citro R, Ciccarelli M, Silverio A, Biagioni G, Moutiris JA, Vancheri F, Mazzola G, Geraci G, Thomas L, Altman M, Pernow J, Ahmed M, Santoro C, Esposito R, Casas G, Fernández-Galera R, Gonzalez M, Rodriguez Palomares J, Bytyçi I, Dini FL, Cameli P, Franchi F, Bajraktari G, Badano LP, Cameli M. Biomarkers Predict In-Hospital Major Adverse Cardiac Events in COVID-19 Patients: A Multicenter International Study. J Clin Med 2021;10. [PMID: 34945166 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10245863] [Cited by in Crossref: 7] [Cited by in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic carries a high burden of morbidity and mortality worldwide. We aimed to identify possible predictors of in-hospital major cardiovascular (CV) events in COVID-19. METHODS We retrospectively included patients hospitalized for COVID-19 from 10 centers. Clinical, biochemical, electrocardiographic, and imaging data at admission and medications were collected. Primary endpoint was a composite of in-hospital CV death, acute heart failure (AHF), acute myocarditis, arrhythmias, acute coronary syndromes (ACS), cardiocirculatory arrest, and pulmonary embolism (PE). RESULTS Of the 748 patients included, 141(19%) reached the set endpoint: 49 (7%) CV death, 15 (2%) acute myocarditis, 32 (4%) sustained-supraventricular or ventricular arrhythmias, 14 (2%) cardiocirculatory arrest, 8 (1%) ACS, 41 (5%) AHF, and 39 (5%) PE. Patients with CV events had higher age, body temperature, creatinine, high-sensitivity troponin, white blood cells, and platelet counts at admission and were more likely to have systemic hypertension, renal failure (creatinine ≥ 1.25 mg/dL), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, atrial fibrillation, and cardiomyopathy. On univariate and multivariate analysis, troponin and renal failure were associated with the composite endpoint. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a clear divergence of in-hospital composite event-free survival stratified according to median troponin value and the presence of renal failure (Log rank p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our findings, derived from a multicenter data collection study, suggest the routine use of biomarkers, such as cardiac troponin and serum creatinine, for in-hospital prediction of CV events in patients with COVID-19.
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Eugène M, Duchnowski P, Prendergast B, Wendler O, Laroche C, Monin JL, Jobic Y, Popescu BA, Bax JJ, Vahanian A, Iung B; EORP VHD II Registry Investigators Group. Contemporary Management of Severe Symptomatic Aortic Stenosis. J Am Coll Cardiol 2021;78:2131-43. [PMID: 34823655 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2021.09.864] [Cited by in Crossref: 12] [Cited by in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There were gaps between guidelines and practice when surgery was the only treatment for aortic stenosis (AS). OBJECTIVES This study analyzed the decision to intervene in patients with severe AS in the EORP VHD (EURObservational Research Programme Valvular Heart Disease) II survey. METHODS Among 2,152 patients with severe AS, 1,271 patients with high-gradient AS who were symptomatic fulfilled a Class I recommendation for intervention according to the 2012 European Society of Cardiology guidelines; the primary end point was the decision for intervention. RESULTS A decision not to intervene was taken in 262 patients (20.6%). In multivariate analysis, the decision not to intervene was associated with older age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.34 per 10-year increase; 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.61; P = 0.002), New York Heart Association functional classes I and II versus III (OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.16 to 2.30; P = 0.005), higher age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (OR: 1.09 per 1-point increase; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.17; P = 0.03), and a lower transaortic mean gradient (OR: 0.81 per 10-mm Hg decrease; 95% CI: 0.71 to 0.92; P < 0.001). During the study period, 346 patients (40.2%, median age 84 years, median EuroSCORE II [European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II] 3.1%) underwent transcatheter intervention and 515 (59.8%, median age 69 years, median EuroSCORE II 1.5%) underwent surgery. A decision not to intervene versus intervention was associated with lower 6-month survival (87.4%; 95% CI: 82.0 to 91.3 vs 94.6%; 95% CI: 92.8 to 95.9; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS A decision not to intervene was taken in 1 in 5 patients with severe symptomatic AS despite a Class I recommendation for intervention and the decision was particularly associated with older age and combined comorbidities. Transcatheter intervention was extensively used in octogenarians.
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Zeymer U, Ludman P, Danchin N, Kala P, Laroche C, Sadeghi M, Caporale R, Shaheen SM, Legutko J, Iakobsishvili Z, Alhabib KF, Motovska Z, Studencan M, Mimoso J, Becker D, Alexopoulos D, Kereseselidze Z, Stojkovic S, Zelveian P, Goda A, Mirrakhimov E, Bajraktari G, Al-Farhan H, Šerpytis P, Raungaard B, Marandi T, Moore AM, Quinn M, Karjalainen PP, Tatu-Chitolu G, Gale CP, Maggioni AP, Weidinger F; ACVC EAPCI EORP ACS STEMI investigators group of the ESC. Reperfusion therapies and in-hospital outcomes for ST-elevation myocardial infarction in Europe: the ACVC-EAPCI EORP STEMI Registry of the European Society of Cardiology. Eur Heart J 2021;42:4536-49. [PMID: 34389857 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab342] [Cited by in Crossref: 24] [Cited by in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to determine the contemporary use of reperfusion therapy in the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) member and affiliated countries and adherence to ESC clinical practice guidelines in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS AND RESULTS Prospective cohort (EURObservational Research Programme STEMI Registry) of hospitalized STEMI patients with symptom onset <24 h in 196 centres across 29 countries. A total of 11 462 patients were enrolled, for whom primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (total cohort frequency: 72.2%, country frequency range 0-100%), fibrinolysis (18.8%; 0-100%), and no reperfusion therapy (9.0%; 0-75%) were performed. Corresponding in-hospital mortality rates from any cause were 3.1%, 4.4%, and 14.1% and overall mortality was 4.4% (country range 2.5-5.9%). Achievement of quality indicators for reperfusion was reported for 92.7% (region range 84.8-97.5%) for the performance of reperfusion therapy of all patients with STEMI <12 h and 54.4% (region range 37.1-70.1%) for timely reperfusion. CONCLUSIONS The use of reperfusion therapy for STEMI in the ESC member and affiliated countries was high. Primary PCI was the most frequently used treatment and associated total in-hospital mortality was below 5%. However, there was geographic variation in the use of primary PCI, which was associated with differences in in-hospital mortality.
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Dini FL, Ballo P, Pugliese NR, Bytyçi I, D'Agostino A, Bajraktari G, Pedrinelli R, Henein MY. Improved diastolic dysfunction is associated with higher forward flow and better prognosis in chronic heart failure. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2021. [PMID: 34727251 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-021-02457-z] [Cited by in Crossref: 1] [Cited by in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The benefit of repeat assessment of left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function in heart failure (HF) remains uncertain. We assessed the prognostic value of repeat echocardiographic assessment of LV filling pressure (LVFP) and its interaction with cardiac index (CI) in ambulatory patients with chronic HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). We enrolled 357 patients (age 68 ± 11 years; 22% female) with chronic HFrEF. Patients underwent a clinical and echocardiographic examination at baseline. LVFP as assessed by the 2016 Guidelines and Doppler-derived CI were estimated. After the second echocardiographic examination, patients were followed for a median time of 30 months. The study endpoint included all-cause death and hospitalization for worsening HF. Patients who normalized LVFP or showed persistently normal LVFP at the follow-up examination had a significantly lower mortality rate than those with worsening or persistently raised LVFP (p < 0.0001). After stratification by CI, patients with elevated LVFP and CI < 2.0 l/min/m2 had a further worse outcome than those with elevated LVFP and CI ≥ 2.0 l/min/m2 (p < 0.0001). Multivariate survival analysis confirmed an independent prognostic impact of changes in LVFP, incremental to that of established clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic predictors. Repeat assessment of LVFP and CI significantly improved risk stratification of chronic HFrEF outpatients compared to baseline evaluation.
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Ruscica M, Penson PE, Ferri N, Sirtori CR, Pirro M, Mancini GBJ, Sattar N, Toth PP, Sahebkar A, Lavie CJ, Wong ND, Banach M; International Lipid Expert Panel (ILEP) and International Lipid Expert Panel Experts (alphabetically). Impact of nutraceuticals on markers of systemic inflammation: Potential relevance to cardiovascular diseases - A position paper from the International Lipid Expert Panel (ILEP). Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2021;67:40-52. [PMID: 34186099 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2021.06.010] [Cited by in Crossref: 32] [Cited by in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is a marker of arterial disease stemming from cholesterol-dependent to -independent molecular mechanisms. In recent years, the role of inflammation in atherogenesis has been underpinned by pharmacological approaches targeting systemic inflammation that have led to a significant reduction in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Although the use of nutraceuticals to prevent CVD has largely focused on lipid-lowering (e.g, red-yeast rice and omega-3 fatty acids), there is growing interest and need, especially now in the time of coronavirus pandemic, in the use of nutraceuticals to reduce inflammatory markers, and potentially the inflammatory CVD burden, however, there is still not enough evidence to confirm this. Indeed, diet is an important lifestyle determinant of health and can influence both systemic and vascular inflammation, to varying extents, according to the individual nutraceutical constituents. Thus, the aim of this Position Paper is to provide the first attempt at recommendations on the use of nutraceuticals with effective anti-inflammatory properties.
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Pelliccia A, Sharma S, Gati S, Bäck M, Börjesson M, Caselli S, Collet J, Corrado D, Drezner JA, Halle M, Hansen D, Heidbuchel H, Myers J, Niebauer J, Papadakis M, Piepoli MF, Prescott E, Rooshesselink JW, Stuart AG, Taylor RS, Thompson PD, Tiberi M, Vanhees L, Wilhelm M. 2020 ESC Guidelines on sports cardiology and exercise in patients with cardiovascular disease. Russ J Cardiol 2021;26:4488. [DOI: 10.15829/1560-4071-2021-4488] [Cited by in Crossref: 6] [Cited by in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The Task Force on sports cardiology and exercise in patients with cardiovascular disease of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)
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Bajraktari G, Rexhaj Z, Elezi S, Zhubi-Bakija F, Bajraktari A, Bytyçi I, Batalli A, Henein MY. Radial Access for Coronary Angiography Carries Fewer Complications Compared with Femoral Access: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Clin Med 2021;10. [PMID: 34067672 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10102163] [Cited by in Crossref: 4] [Cited by in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM In patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography (CA) and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), the benefits associated with radial access compared with the femoral access approach remain controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the short-term evidence-based clinical outcome of the two approaches. METHODS The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing radial versus femoral access for CA and PCI. We identified 34 RCTs with 29,352 patients who underwent CA and/or PCI and compared 14,819 patients randomized for radial access with 14,533 who underwent procedures using femoral access. The follow-up period for clinical outcome was 30 days in all studies. Data were pooled by meta-analysis using a fixed-effect or a random-effect model, as appropriate. Risk ratios (RRs) were used for efficacy and safety outcomes. RESULTS Compared with femoral access, the radial access was associated with significantly lower risk for all-cause mortality (RR: 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.61 to 0.88; p = 0.001), major bleeding (RR: 0.53; 95% CI:0.43 to 0.65; p ˂ 0.00001), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)(RR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.74 to 0.91; p = 0.0002), and major vascular complications (RR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.29 to 0.48; p ˂ 0.00001). These results were consistent irrespective of the clinical presentation of ACS or STEMI. CONCLUSIONS Radial access in patients undergoing CA with or without PCI is associated with lower mortality, MACE, major bleeding and vascular complications, irrespective of clinical presentation, ACS or STEMI, compared with femoral access.
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Bytyçi I, D'Agostino A, Bajraktari G, Lindqvist P, Dini FL, Henein MY. Left atrial stiffness predicts cardiac events in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction: The impact of diabetes. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging 2021;41:208-16. [PMID: 33342025 DOI: 10.1111/cpf.12688] [Cited by in Crossref: 3] [Cited by in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and left atrial (LA) remodelling in a group of patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and their combined impact on cardiac events (CE). METHODS This study included 136 consecutive HFrEF patients (65 ± 11 years), 36 had DM, and 86 had increased LA stiffness (LASt). All patients underwent complete conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiographic measurements were made including LA volumes and function. LASt was calculated using the formula: LASt = E/e' ratio / PALS. RESULTS At 55 ± 37 months follow-up, free survival from CE was 69% in patients without DM and 44.4% in those with DM (p < .0001). The CE free survival was lower in patients with increased LASt compared to normal LASt, (50 versus. 80%, p < .001), irrespective of the presence of DM (27 versus. 71%, p < .001).The best cut-off value of LASt for predicting CE in the group as a whole was ≥ 0.82% [81% sensitivity, 72% specificity and AUC 0.82 (p < .001)]. LASt ≥ 0.82% also predicted CE in no DM patients [78% sensitivity, 71% specificity and AUC 0.80 (p < .001)] and was a stronger predictor in DM patients [85% sensitivity, 71% specificity and AUC = 0.847 (p < .001)]. CONCLUSION High LA stiffness is associated with poor clinical outcome in patients with HFrEF. Diabetes has an additional incremental value in determining clinical outcome in those patients.
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Zhubi-Bakija F, Bajraktari G, Bytyçi I, Mikhailidis DP, Henein MY, Latkovskis G, Rexhaj Z, Zhubi E, Banach M; International Lipid Expert Panel (ILEP). The impact of type of dietary protein, animal versus vegetable, in modifying cardiometabolic risk factors: A position paper from the International Lipid Expert Panel (ILEP). Clin Nutr 2021;40:255-76. [PMID: 32620446 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2020.05.017] [Cited by in Crossref: 48] [Cited by in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Proteins play a crucial role in metabolism, in maintaining fluid and acid-base balance and antibody synthesis. Dietary proteins are important nutrients and are classified into: 1) animal proteins (meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy), and, 2) plant proteins (legumes, nuts and soy). Dietary modification is one of the most important lifestyle changes that has been shown to significantly decrease the risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD) by attenuating related risk factors. The CVD burden is reduced by optimum diet through replacement of unprocessed meat with low saturated fat, animal proteins and plant proteins. In view of the available evidence, it has become acceptable to emphasize the role of optimum nutrition to maintain arterial and CV health. Such healthy diets are thought to increase satiety, facilitate weight loss, and improve CV risk. Different studies have compared the benefits of omnivorous and vegetarian diets. Animal protein related risk has been suggested to be greater with red or processed meat over and above poultry, fish and nuts, which carry a lower risk for CVD. In contrast, others have shown no association of red meat intake with CVD. The aim of this expert opinion recommendation was to elucidate the different impact of animal vs vegetable protein on modifying cardiometabolic risk factors. Many observational and interventional studies confirmed that increasing protein intake, especially plant-based proteins and certain animal-based proteins (poultry, fish, unprocessed red meat low in saturated fats and low-fat dairy products) have a positive effect in modifying cardiometabolic risk factors. Red meat intake correlates with increased CVD risk, mainly because of its non-protein ingredients (saturated fats). However, the way red meat is cooked and preserved matters. Thus, it is recommended to substitute red meat with poultry or fish in order to lower CVD risk. Specific amino acids have favourable results in modifying major risk factors for CVD, such as hypertension. Apart from meat, other animal-source proteins, like those found in dairy products (especially whey protein) are inversely correlated to hypertension, obesity and insulin resistance.
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Tafarshiku R, Henein MY, Berisha-Muharremi V, Bytyçi I, Ibrahimi P, Poniku A, Elezi S, Bajraktari G. Left Ventricular Diastolic and Systolic Functions in Patients with Hypothyroidism. Medicina (Kaunas) 2020;56. [PMID: 33036429 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56100524] [Cited by in Crossref: 2] [Cited by in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Long standing hypothyroidism may impair myocardial relaxation, but its effect on systolic myocardial function is still controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function in patients with hypothyroidism. Materials and Methods: This study included 81 (age 42 ± 13 years, 92% female) patients with hypothyroidism, and 22 age and gender matched controls. All subjects underwent a detailed clinical examination followed by a complete biochemical blood analysis including thyroid function assessment and anthropometric parameters measurements. LV function was assessed by 2-dimensional, M-mode and Tissue-Doppler Doppler echocardiographic examination performed in the same day. Results: Patients had lower waist/hip ratio (p< 0.001), higher urea level (p = 0.002), and lower white blood cells (p = 0.011), compared with controls. All other clinical, biochemical, and anthropometric data did not differ between the two groups. Patients had impaired LV diastolic function (lower E wave [p< 0.001], higher A wave [p = 0.028], lower E/A ratio [p< 0.001], longer E wave deceleration time [p = 0.01], and higher E/e' ratio [p< 0.001]), compared with controls. Although LV global systolic function did not differ between groups, LV longitudinal systolic function was compromised in patients (lateral mitral annular plane systolic excursion-MAPSE [p = 0.005], as were lateral and septal s' [p< 0.001 for both]). Conclusions: In patients with hypothyroidism, in addition to compromised LV diastolic function, LV longitudinal systolic function is also impaired compared to healthy subjects of the same age and gender. These findings suggest significant subendocardial function impairment, reflecting potentially micro-circulation disease that requires optimum management.
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Bielecka-Dabrowa A, Bytyçi I, Von Haehling S, Anker S, Jozwiak J, Rysz J, Hernandez AV, Bajraktari G, Mikhailidis DP, Banach M. Correction to: Association of statin use and clinical outcomes in heart failure patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lipids Health Dis 2020;19:208. [PMID: 32951597 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-020-01380-x] [Cited by in Crossref: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
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Rossignol P, Lainscak M, Crespo-Leiro MG, Laroche C, Piepoli MF, Filippatos G, Rosano GMC, Savarese G, Anker SD, Seferovic PM, Ruschitzka F, Coats AJS, Mebazaa A, McDonagh T, Sahuquillo A, Penco M, Maggioni AP, Lund LH; Heart Failure Long-Term Registry Investigators Group. Unravelling the interplay between hyperkalaemia, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitor use and clinical outcomes. Data from 9222 chronic heart failure patients of the ESC-HFA-EORP Heart Failure Long-Term Registry. Eur J Heart Fail 2020;22:1378-89. [PMID: 32243669 DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.1793] [Cited by in Crossref: 62] [Cited by in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS We assessed the interplay between hyperkalaemia (HK) and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor (RAASi) use, dose and discontinuation, and their association with all-cause or cardiovascular death in patients with chronic heart failure (HF). We hypothesized that HK-associated increased death may be related to RAASi withdrawal. METHODS AND RESULTS The ESC-HFA-EORP Heart Failure Long-Term Registry was used. Among 9222 outpatients (HF with reduced ejection fraction: 60.6%, HF with mid-range ejection fraction: 22.9%, HF with preserved ejection fraction: 16.5%) from 31 countries, 16.6% had HK (≥5.0 mmol/L) at baseline. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) was used in 88.3%, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) in 58.7%, or a combination in 53.2%; of these, at ≥50% of target dose in ACEi: 61.8%; ARB: 64.7%; and MRA: 90.3%. At a median follow-up of 12.2 months, there were 789 deaths (8.6%). Both hypokalaemia and HK were independently associated with higher mortality, and ACEi/ARB prescription at baseline with lower mortality. MRA prescription was not retained in the model. In multivariable analyses, HK at baseline was independently associated with MRA non-prescription at baseline and subsequent discontinuation. When considering subsequent discontinuation of RAASi (instead of baseline use), HK was no longer found associated with all-cause deaths. Importantly, all RAASi (ACEi, ARB, or MRA) discontinuations were strongly associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS In HF, hyper- and hypokalaemia were associated with mortality. However, when adjusting for RAASi discontinuation, HK was no longer associated with mortality, suggesting that HK may be a risk marker for RAASi discontinuation rather than a risk factor for worse outcomes.
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Bajraktari G, Bytyçi I, Henein MY, Alfonso F, Ahmed A, Jashari H, Bhatt DL. Complete revascularization for patients with multivessel coronary artery disease and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction after the COMPLETE trial: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Int J Cardiol Heart Vasc 2020;29:100549. [PMID: 32577495 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2020.100549] [Cited by in Crossref: 2] [Cited by in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recently published COMPLETE trial has demonstrated that patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD), who underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of both culprit and non-culprit (vs. culprit-only) lesions had a reduced risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), but not of cardiovascular or total mortality. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of complete revascularization on cardiovascular or total mortality reduction using available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including the COMPLETE trial, in hemodynamically stable STEMI patients with MVD. METHODS PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, CENTRAL and ClinicalTrials.gov databases search identified 10 RCTs of 7033 patients with STEMI and MVD which compared complete (n = 3420) vs. only culprit lesion (n = 3613) PCI for a median 27.7 months follow-up. Random effect risk ratios were used to estimate for efficacy and safety outcomes. RESULTS Complete revascularization reduced the risk of MACE (10.4% vs.16.6%; RR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.74, p < 0.0001), CV mortality (2.87% vs. 3.72%; RR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.56 to 0.95, p = 0.02), reinfarction (5.1% vs. 7.1%; RR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.52 to 0.86, p = 0.002), urgent revascularization (7.92% vs.17.4%; RR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.73, p < 0.001), and CV hospitalization (8.68% vs.11.4%; RR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.44to 0.96, p = 0.03) compared with culprit only revascularization. All-cause mortality, stroke, major bleeding events, or contrast induced nephropathy were not affected by the revascularization strategy. CONCLUSION The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that in patients with STEMI and MVD, complete revascularization is superior to culprit-only PCI in reducing the risk of MACE outcomes, including cardiovascular mortality, without increasing the risk of adverse safety outcomes.
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Kapelios CJ, Laroche C, Crespo-Leiro MG, Anker SD, Coats AJS, Díaz-Molina B, Filippatos G, Lainscak M, Maggioni AP, McDonagh T, Mebazaa A, Metra M, Moura B, Mullens W, Piepoli MF, Rosano GMC, Ruschitzka F, Seferovic PM, Lund LH; Heart Failure Long-Term Registry Investigators Group. Association between loop diuretic dose changes and outcomes in chronic heart failure: observations from the ESC-EORP Heart Failure Long-Term Registry. Eur J Heart Fail 2020;22:1424-37. [PMID: 32237110 DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.1796] [Cited by in Crossref: 26] [Cited by in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Guidelines recommend down-titration of loop diuretics (LD) once euvolaemia is achieved. In outpatients with heart failure (HF), we investigated LD dose changes in daily cardiology practice, agreement with guideline recommendations, predictors of successful LD down-titration and association between dose changes and outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS We included 8130 HF patients from the ESC-EORP Heart Failure Long-Term Registry. Among patients who had dose decreased, successful decrease was defined as the decrease not followed by death, HF hospitalization, New York Heart Association class deterioration, or subsequent increase in LD dose. Mean age was 66 ± 13 years, 71% men, 62% HF with reduced ejection fraction, 19% HF with mid-range ejection fraction, 19% HF with preserved ejection fraction. Median [interquartile range (IQR)] LD dose was 40 (25-80) mg. LD dose was increased in 16%, decreased in 8.3% and unchanged in 76%. Median (IQR) follow-up was 372 (363-419) days. Diuretic dose increase (vs. no change) was associated with HF death [hazard ratio (HR) 1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12-2.08; P = 0.008] and nominally with cardiovascular death (HR 1.25, 95% CI 0.96-1.63; P = 0.103). Decrease of diuretic dose (vs. no change) was associated with nominally lower HF (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.33-1.07; P = 0.083) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.38-1.00; P = 0.052). Among patients who had LD dose decreased, systolic blood pressure [odds ratio (OR) 1.11 per 10 mmHg increase, 95% CI 1.01-1.22; P = 0.032], and absence of (i) sleep apnoea (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.09-0.69; P = 0.008), (ii) peripheral congestion (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.29-0.80; P = 0.005), and (iii) moderate/severe mitral regurgitation (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.37-0.87; P = 0.008) were independently associated with successful decrease. CONCLUSION Diuretic dose was unchanged in 76% and decreased in 8.3% of outpatients with chronic HF. LD dose increase was associated with worse outcomes, while the LD dose decrease group showed a trend for better outcomes compared with the no-change group. Higher systolic blood pressure, and absence of (i) sleep apnoea, (ii) peripheral congestion, and (iii) moderate/severe mitral regurgitation were independently associated with successful dose decrease.
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Bajraktari G, Zhubi-Bakija F, Ndrepepa G, Alfonso F, Elezi S, Rexhaj Z, Bytyçi I, Bajraktari A, Poniku A, Henein MY. Long-Term Outcomes of Patients with Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Disease Treated with Percutaneous Angioplasty versus Bypass Grafting: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Clin Med 2020;9. [PMID: 32674522 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9072231] [Cited by in Crossref: 5] [Cited by in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Treatment of patients with left main coronary artery disease (LMCA) with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the long-term clinical outcomes of patients with unprotected LMCA treated randomly by PCI or CABG. METHODS PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, CENTRAL and ClinicalTrials.gov database searches identified five randomized trials (RCTs) including 4499 patients with unprotected LMCA comparing PCI (n = 2249) vs. CABG (n = 2250), with a minimum clinical follow-up of five years. Random effect risk ratios were used for efficacy and safety outcomes. The study was registered in PROSPERO. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as a composite of death from any cause, myocardial infarction or stroke. RESULTS Compared to CABG, patients assigned to PCI had a similar rate of MACE (risk ratio (RR): 1.13; 95% CI: 0.94 to 1.36; p = 0.19), myocardial infarction (RR: 1.48; 95% CI: 0.97 to 2.25; p = 0.07) and stroke (RR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.62 to 1.23; p = 0.42). Additionally, all-cause mortality (RR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.89 to 1.28; p = 0.48) and cardiovascular (CV) mortality (RR: 1.13; 95% CI: 0.89 to 1.43; p = 0.31) were not different. However, the risk of any repeat revascularization (RR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.34 to 2.15; p < 0.00001) was higher in patients assigned to PCI. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that the long-term survival and MACE of patients who underwent PCI for unprotected LMCA stenosis were comparable to those receiving CABG, despite a higher rate of repeat revascularization.
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Cicero AFG, Fogacci F, Hernandez AV, Banach M; Lipid and Blood Pressure Meta-Analysis Collaboration (LBPMC) Group and the International Lipid Expert Panel (ILEP). Efficacy and safety of bempedoic acid for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Med 2020;17:e1003121. [PMID: 32673317 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003121] [Cited by in Crossref: 50] [Cited by in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bempedoic acid is a first-in-class lipid-lowering drug recommended by guidelines for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Our objective was to estimate its average effect on plasma lipids in humans and its safety profile. METHODS AND FINDINGS We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of phase II and III randomized controlled trials on bempedoic acid (PROSPERO: CRD42019129687). PubMed (Medline), Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases were searched, with no language restriction, from inception to 5 August 2019. We included 10 RCTs (n = 3,788) comprising 26 arms (active arm [n = 2,460]; control arm [n = 1,328]). Effect sizes for changes in lipids and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) serum concentration were expressed as mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For safety analyses, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were calculated using the Mantel-Haenszel method. Bempedoic acid significantly reduced total cholesterol (MD -14.94%; 95% CI -17.31%, -12.57%; p < 0.001), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD -18.17%; 95% CI -21.14%, -15.19%; p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD -22.94%; 95% CI -26.63%, -19.25%; p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein particle number (MD -20.67%; 95% CI -23.84%, -17.48%; p < 0.001), apolipoprotein B (MD -15.18%; 95% CI -17.41%, -12.95%; p < 0.001), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD -5.83%; 95% CI -6.14%, -5.52%; p < 0.001), high-density lipoprotein particle number (MD -3.21%; 95% CI -6.40%, -0.02%; p = 0.049), and hsCRP (MD -27.03%; 95% CI -31.42%, -22.64%; p < 0.001). Bempedoic acid did not significantly modify triglyceride level (MD -1.51%; 95% CI -3.75%, 0.74%; p = 0.189), very-low-density lipoprotein particle number (MD 3.79%; 95% CI -9.81%, 17.39%; p = 0.585), and apolipoprotein A-1 (MD -1.83%; 95% CI -5.23%, 1.56%; p = 0.290). Treatment with bempedoic acid was positively associated with an increased risk of discontinuation of treatment (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.06, 1.76; p = 0.015), elevated serum uric acid (OR 3.55; 95% CI 1.03, 12.27; p = 0.045), elevated liver enzymes (OR 4.28; 95% CI 1.34, 13.71; p = 0.014), and elevated creatine kinase (OR 3.79; 95% CI 1.06, 13.51; p = 0.04), though it was strongly associated with a decreased risk of new onset or worsening diabetes (OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.39, 0.90; p = 0.01). The main limitation of this meta-analysis is related to the relatively small number of individuals involved in the studies, which were often short or middle term in length. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that bempedoic acid has favorable effects on lipid profile and hsCRP levels and an acceptable safety profile. Further well-designed studies are needed to explore its longer-term safety.
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Katsiki N, Mikhailidis DP, Bajraktari G, Miserez AR, Cicero AFG, Bruckert E, Serban MC, Mirrakhimov E, Alnouri F, Reiner Ž, Paragh G, Sahebkar A, Banach M; International Lipid Expert Panel (ILEP). Statin therapy in athletes and patients performing regular intense exercise - Position paper from the International Lipid Expert Panel (ILEP). Pharmacol Res 2020;155:104719. [PMID: 32087236 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104719] [Cited by in Crossref: 14] [Cited by in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Acute and chronic physical exercises may enhance the development of statin-related myopathy. In this context, the recent (2019) guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) for the management of dyslipidemias recommend that, although individuals with dyslipidemia should be advised to engage in regular moderate physical exercise (for at least 30 min daily), physicians should be alerted with regard to myopathy and creatine kinase (CK) elevation in statin-treated sport athletes. However it is worth emphasizing that abovementioned guidelines, previous and recent ESC/EAS consensus papers on adverse effects of statin therapy as well as other previous attempts on this issue, including the ones from the International Lipid Expert Panel (ILEP), give only general recommendations on how to manage patients requiring statin therapy on regular exercises. Therefore, these guidelines in the form of the Position Paper are the first such an attempt to summary existing, often scarce knowledge, and to present this important issue in the form of step-by-step practical recommendations. It is critically important as we might observe more and more individuals on regular exercises/athletes requiring statin therapy due to their cardiovascular risk.
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Bytyçi I, Dini FL, Bajraktari A, Pugliese NR, D'Agostino A, Bajraktari G, Lindqvist P, Henein MY. Speckle Tracking-Derived Left Atrial Stiffness Predicts Clinical Outcome in Heart Failure Patients with Reduced to Mid-Range Ejection Fraction. J Clin Med 2020;9. [PMID: 32344825 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9051244] [Cited by in Crossref: 9] [Cited by in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Left atrial stiffness (LASt) is an important marker of cardiac function, especially in patients with heart failure (HF); it explains symptoms on the basis of pressure transfer to the pulmonary circulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between LASt and cardiac events (CE) in HF patients with reduced to mid-range ejection fraction. METHODS The study included 215 consecutive ambulatory HF patients with ejection fraction (EF) < 50% (162 HF reduced EF and 53 HF mid-range EF) of mean age 66 ± 11 years and 24.4% females. Peak LA strain (PALS) was measured by speckle tracking echocardiography and E/e' recorded from the apical four-chamber view. Non-invasive LASt was calculated using the equation: LASt = E/e' ratio/PALS. Documented cardiac events (CE) were HF hospitalization and cardiac death. RESULTS During a median follow up of 41 ± 34 months, 65 patients (30%) had CE. In multivariate analysis model, only raised LV filling pressure (E/e') (OR = 0.292, (95% CI 0.099 to 0.859), p = 0.02), peak pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) (OR = 1.050 (1.009 to 1.094), p = 0.01), PALS (OR = 0.932 (0.873 to 0.994), p = 0.02) and LASt (OR = 3.781 (1.144 to 5.122), p = 0.001) independently predicted CE. LASt ≥ 0.76% was the most powerful predictor of CE, with 80% sensitivity and 73% specificity (AUC 0.82, CI = 0.73 to 0.87, p < 0.001) followed by PALS ≤ 16%, with 74% sensitivity and 72% specificity (AUC 0.77, CI = 0.71 to 0.84, p < 0.001). These results were consistent irrespective of EF (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION In this cohort of ambulatory HFrEF and HFmrEF patients, LASt proved the most powerful predictor of clinical outcome.
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Task Force Members, ESC National Cardiac Societies, ESC Committee for Practice Guidelines (CPG). Corrigendum to "2019 ESC/EAS Guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias: lipid modification to reduce cardiovascular risk" [Atherosclerosis 290 (2019) 140-205]. Atherosclerosis 2020;294:80-2. [PMID: 31870624 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2019.12.004] [Cited by in Crossref: 4] [Cited by in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Henein MY, Vancheri S, Bajraktari G, Vancheri F. Coronary Atherosclerosis Imaging. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020;10. [PMID: 31991633 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10020065] [Cited by in Crossref: 9] [Cited by in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying patients at increased risk of coronary artery disease, before the atherosclerotic complications become clinically evident, is the aim of cardiovascular prevention. Imaging techniques provide direct assessment of coronary atherosclerotic burden and pathological characteristics of atherosclerotic lesions which may predict the progression of disease. Atherosclerosis imaging has been traditionally based on the evaluation of coronary luminal narrowing and stenosis. However, the degree of arterial obstruction is a poor predictor of subsequent acute events. More recent techniques focus on the high-resolution visualization of the arterial wall and the coronary plaques. Most acute coronary events are triggered by plaque rupture or erosion. Hence, atherosclerotic plaque imaging has generally focused on the detection of vulnerable plaque prone to rupture. However, atherosclerosis is a dynamic process and the plaque morphology and composition may change over time. Most vulnerable plaques undergo progressive transformation from high-risk to more stable and heavily calcified lesions, while others undergo subclinical rupture and healing. Although extensive plaque calcification is often associated with stable atherosclerosis, the extent of coronary artery calcification strongly correlates with the degree of atherosclerosis and with the rate of future cardiac events. Inflammation has a central role in atherogenesis, from plaque formation to rupture, hence in the development of acute coronary events. Morphologic plaque assessment, both invasive and non-invasive, gives limited information as to the current activity of the atherosclerotic disease. The addition of nuclear imaging, based on radioactive tracers targeted to the inflammatory components of the plaques, provides a highly sensitive assessment of coronary disease activity, thus distinguishing those patients who have stable disease from those with active plaque inflammation.
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Bytyçi I, Bajraktari G, Lindqvist P, Henein MY. Improved Left Atrial Function in CRT Responders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2020;9. [PMID: 31973068 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020298] [Cited by in Crossref: 3] [Cited by in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is associated with reverse left atrial (LA) remodeling. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the relationship between clinical response to CRT and LA function changes. We conducted a systematic search of all electronic databases up to September 2019 which identified 488 patients from seven studies. At (mean) 6 months follow-up, LA systolic strain and emptying fraction (EF) were increased in CRT responders, with a -5.70% weighted mean difference (WMD) [95% confidence interval (CI) -8.37 to -3.04, p < 0.001 and a WMD of -8.98% [CI -15.1 to -2.84, p = 0.004], compared to non-responders. The increase in LA strain was associated with a fall in left ventricle (LV) end-systolic volume (LVESV) r = -0.56 (CI -0.68 to -0.40, p < 0.001) and an increase in the LV ejection fraction (LVEF) r = 0.58 (CI 0.42 to 0.69, p < 0.001). The increase in LA EF correlated with the fall in LVESV r = -0.51 (CI -0.63 to -0.36, p < 0.001) and the increase in the LVEF r = 0.48 (CI 0.33 to 0.61, p = 0.002). The increase in LA strain correlated with the increase in the LA EF, r = 0.57 (CI 0.43 to 0.70, p < 0.001). Thus, the improvement of LA function in CRT responders reflects LA reverse remodeling and is related to its ventricular counterpart.
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Mach F, Baigent C, Catapano AL, Koskinas KC, Casula M, Badimon L, Chapman MJ, De Backer GG, Delgado V, Ference BA, Graham IM, Halliday A, Landmesser U, Mihaylova B, Pedersen TR, Riccardi G, Richter DJ, Sabatine MS, Taskinen MR, Tokgozoglu L, Wiklund O; ESC Scientific Document Group. 2019 ESC/EAS Guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias: lipid modification to reduce cardiovascular risk. Atherosclerosis 2020;41:111-88. [PMID: 31504418 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz455] [Cited by in Crossref: 403] [Cited by in RCA: 416] [Impact Index Per Article: 134.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Bajraktari G, Bytyçi I, Henein MY. Left atrial structure and function predictors of recurrent fibrillation after catheter ablation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging 2020;40:1-13. [PMID: 31556215 DOI: 10.1111/cpf.12595] [Cited by in Crossref: 17] [Cited by in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Catheter ablation (CA) has become a conventional treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF), but remains with high recurrence rate. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine left atrial (LA) structure and function indices that predict recurrence of AF. METHODS We systematically searched PubMed-Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Central Registry, up to September 2017 in order to select clinical trials and observational studies which reported echocardiographic predictors of AF recurrence after CA. Eighty-five articles with a total of 16 126 patients were finally included. RESULTS The pooled analysis showed that after a follow-up period of 21 ± 12 months, patients with AF recurrence had larger LA diameter with weighted mean difference (WMD: 2·99 ([95% CI 2·50-3·47], P<0·001), larger LA volume index (LAVI) maximal and LAVI minimal (P<0·0001 for both), larger LA area (P<0·0001), lower LA strain (P<0·0001) and lower LA total emptying fraction (LA EF) (P<0·0001) compared with those without AF recurrence. The most powerful LA predictors (in accuracy order) of AF recurrence were as follows: LA strain <19% (OR: 3·1[95% CI, -1.3-10·4], P<0·0001), followed by LA diameter ≥50 mm (OR: 2·75, [95% CI 1·66-4·56,] P<0·0001), and LAVmax >150 ml (OR: 2·25, [95% CI, 1.1-5·6], P = 0·0002). CONCLUSIONS Based on this meta-analysis results, a dilated left atrium with diameter more than 50 mm and volume above 150 ml or myocardial strain below 19% reflect an unstable LA that is unlikely to hold sinus rhythm after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.
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Mach F, Baigent C, Catapano AL, Koskinas KC, Casula M, Badimon L, Chapman MJ, De Backer GG, Delgado V, Ference BA, Graham IM, Halliday A, Landmesser U, Mihaylova B, Pedersen TR, Riccardi G, Richter DJ, Sabatine MS, Taskinen MR, Tokgozoglu L, Wiklund O; ESC Scientific Document Group. 2019 ESC/EAS Guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias: lipid modification to reduce cardiovascular risk. Eur Heart J 2020;41:111-88. [PMID: 31504418 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz455] [Cited by in Crossref: 3326] [Cited by in RCA: 3354] [Impact Index Per Article: 1108.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Timmis A, Townsend N, Gale CP, Torbica A, Lettino M, Petersen SE, Mossialos EA, Maggioni AP, Kazakiewicz D, May HT, De Smedt D, Flather M, Zuhlke L, Beltrame JF, Huculeci R, Tavazzi L, Hindricks G, Bax J, Casadei B, Achenbach S, Wright L, Vardas P; European Society of Cardiology. European Society of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Disease Statistics 2019. Eur Heart J 2020;41:12-85. [PMID: 31820000 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz859] [Cited by in Crossref: 515] [Cited by in RCA: 507] [Impact Index Per Article: 171.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The 2019 report from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Atlas provides a contemporary analysis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) statistics across 56 member countries, with particular emphasis on international inequalities in disease burden and healthcare delivery together with estimates of progress towards meeting 2025 World Health Organization (WHO) non-communicable disease targets. METHODS AND RESULTS In this report, contemporary CVD statistics are presented for member countries of the ESC. The statistics are drawn from the ESC Atlas which is a repository of CVD data from a variety of sources including the WHO, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, and the World Bank. The Atlas also includes novel ESC sponsored data on human and capital infrastructure and cardiovascular healthcare delivery obtained by annual survey of the national societies of ESC member countries. Across ESC member countries, the prevalence of obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) and diabetes has increased two- to three-fold during the last 30 years making the WHO 2025 target to halt rises in these risk factors unlikely to be achieved. More encouraging have been variable declines in hypertension, smoking, and alcohol consumption but on current trends only the reduction in smoking from 28% to 21% during the last 20 years appears sufficient for the WHO target to be achieved. The median age-standardized prevalence of major risk factors was higher in middle-income compared with high-income ESC member countries for hypertension {23.8% [interquartile range (IQR) 22.5-23.1%] vs. 15.7% (IQR 14.5-21.1%)}, diabetes [7.7% (IQR 7.1-10.1%) vs. 5.6% (IQR 4.8-7.0%)], and among males smoking [43.8% (IQR 37.4-48.0%) vs. 26.0% (IQR 20.9-31.7%)] although among females smoking was less common in middle-income countries [8.7% (IQR 3.0-10.8) vs. 16.7% (IQR 13.9-19.7%)]. There were associated inequalities in disease burden with disability-adjusted life years per 100 000 people due to CVD over three times as high in middle-income [7160 (IQR 5655-8115)] compared with high-income [2235 (IQR 1896-3602)] countries. Cardiovascular disease mortality was also higher in middle-income countries where it accounted for a greater proportion of potential years of life lost compared with high-income countries in both females (43% vs. 28%) and males (39% vs. 28%). Despite the inequalities in disease burden across ESC member countries, survey data from the National Cardiac Societies of the ESC showed that middle-income member countries remain severely under-resourced compared with high-income countries in terms of cardiological person-power and technological infrastructure. Under-resourcing in middle-income countries is associated with a severe procedural deficit compared with high-income countries in terms of coronary intervention, device implantation and cardiac surgical procedures. CONCLUSION A seemingly inexorable rise in the prevalence of obesity and diabetes currently provides the greatest challenge to achieving further reductions in CVD burden across ESC member countries. Additional challenges are provided by inequalities in disease burden that now require intensification of policy initiatives in order to reduce population risk and prioritize cardiovascular healthcare delivery, particularly in the middle-income countries of the ESC where need is greatest.
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Perçuku L, Bajraktari G, Jashari H, Bytyçi I, Ibrahimi P, Henein MY. Exaggerated systolic hypertensive response to exercise predicts cardiovascular events: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pol Arch Intern Med 2019;129:855-63. [PMID: 31577264 DOI: 10.20452/pamw.15007] [Cited by in Crossref: 5] [Cited by in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The pathophysiology of exaggerated systolic hypertensive response to exercise (SHRE) is not fully understood, with contradictory data on its role in predicting cardiovascular (CV) events. OBJECTIVES The aim of this review and meta‑analysis was to assess the association of SHRE with CV clinical outcomes in healthy normotensive individuals. PATIENTS AND METHODS We searched PubMed (MEDLINE), Cochrane Library, RefWorks, and Google Scholar to identify clinical studies that reported data on CV event rates and outcomes for patients with SHRE on exercise stress testing. Sensitivity and specificity analysis for assessing the diagnostic accuracy of the SHRE cutoff associated with CV events was estimated using hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS We included 8 studies with 47 188 participants and a median follow‑up of 19.3 years. Exaggerated SHRE was found in patients with composite events (CV mortality and coronary artery disease; hazard ratio [HR], 1.363; 95% CI, 1.135-1.604; P <0.001), in those with coronary artery events (HR, 1.532; 95% CI, 1.240-1.893; P <0.001), and in those with CV mortality (HR, 1.286; 95% CI, 1.075-1.539; P =0.006), as compared with individuals with normal response. An exercise systolic blood pressure of 196 mm Hg predicted CV events with a sensitivity of 62% (54%-69%) and specificity of 75% (60%-86%), with a positive likelihood ratio of less than 3 and a strong correlation (r = -0.71). CONCLUSIONS Our study supports the clinical relevance of exaggerated SHRE as a predictor of composite and individual CV clinical outcome. These findings should be considered as thought‑provoking evidence for better stratification and, consequently, for optimal management of this high‑risk population.
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Bielecka-Dabrowa A, Bytyçi I, Von Haehling S, Anker S, Jozwiak J, Rysz J, Hernandez AV, Bajraktari G, Mikhailidis DP, Banach M. Association of statin use and clinical outcomes in heart failure patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lipids Health Dis 2019;18:188. [PMID: 31672151 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-019-1135-z] [Cited by in Crossref: 18] [Cited by in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of statins in patients with heart failure (HF) of different levels of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) remains unclear especially in the light of the absence of prospective data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in non-ischemic HF, and taking into account potential statins' prosarcopenic effects. We assessed the association of statin use with clinical outcomes in patients with HF. METHODS We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar and Cochrane Central until August 2018 for RCTs and prospective cohorts comparing clinical outcomes with statin vs non-statin use in patients with HF at different LVEF levels. We followed the guidelines of the 2009 PRISMA statement for reporting and applied independent extraction by multiple observers. Meta-analyses of hazard ratios (HRs) of effects of statins on clinical outcomes used generic inverse variance method and random model effects. Clinical outcomes were all-cause mortality, cardiovascular (CV) mortality and CV hospitalization. RESULTS Finally we included 17 studies (n = 88,100; 2 RCTs and 15 cohorts) comparing statin vs non-statin users (mean follow-up 36 months). Compared with non-statin use, statin use was associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-0.83, P < 0.0001, I2 = 63%), CV mortality (HR 0.82, 95% CI: 0.76-0.88, P < 0.0001, I2 = 63%), and CV hospitalization (HR 0.78, 95% CI: 0.69-0.89, P = 0.0003, I2 = 36%). All-cause mortality was reduced on statin therapy in HF with both EF < 40% and ≥ 40% (HR: 0.77, 95% Cl: 0.68-0.86, P < 0.00001, and HR 0.75, 95% CI: 0.69-0.82, P < 0.00001, respectively). Similarly, CV mortality (HR 0.86, 95% CI: 0.79-0.93, P = 0.0003, and HR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.77-0.90, P < 0.00001, respectively), and CV hospitalizations (HR 0.80 95% CI: 0.64-0.99, P = 0.04 and HR 0.76 95% CI: 0.61-0.93, P = 0.009, respectively) were reduced in these EF subgroups. Significant effects on all clinical outcomes were also found in cohort studies' analyses; the effect was also larger and significant for lipophilic than hydrophilic statins. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, statins may have a beneficial effect on CV outcomes irrespective of HF etiology and LVEF level. Lipophilic statins seem to be much more favorable for patients with heart failure.
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Bytyçi I, Bajraktari G, Lindqvist P, Henein MY. Compromised left atrial function and increased size predict raised cavity pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging 2019;39:297-307. [PMID: 31136072 DOI: 10.1111/cpf.12587] [Cited by in Crossref: 12] [Cited by in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
AIM This meta-analysis assesses left atrial (LA) cavity and myocardial function measurements that predict pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP). METHODS PubMed-MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Central Registry were searched up to December 2018 for studies on the relationship of LA diameter, LA indexed volume (LAVI max, LAVI min), peak atrial longitudinal (PALS), peak atrial contraction (PACS) strain and total emptying fraction (LAEF) with PCWP. Eighteen studies with 1343 patients were included. Summary sensitivity and specificity (with 95% CI) for evaluation of diagnostic accuracy and the best cut-off values for different LA indices in predicting raised PCWP were estimated using summary receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS The pooled analysis showed association between PCWP and LA diameter: Cohen's d = 0·87, LAVI max: d = 0·92 and LAVI min: d = 1·0 (P<0·001 for all). A stronger correlation was found between PCWP and PALS: d = 1·26, and PACS: d = 1·62, total EF d = 1·22 (P<0·0001 for all). PALS ≤19% had a summary sensitivity of 80% (65-90) and summary specificity of 77% (52-92), positive likelihood ratio (LR+) 3·74, negative likelihood ratio (LR-) <0·25 and DOR > 15·1 whereas LAVI ≥34 ml m-2 had summary sensitivity of 75% (55-89) and summary specificity 77% (57-90), with LR+ >3, LR- 0·32 and DOR >10·1. CONCLUSIONS Compromised LA myocardial function and increased size predict raised cavity pressure. These results should assist in optimum follow-up of patients with fluctuating LA pressure.
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Bytyci I, Bajraktari G, Fabiani I, Lindqvist P, Poniku A, Pugliese NR, Dini FL, Henein MY. Left atrial compliance index predicts exercise capacity in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction irrespective of right ventricular dysfunction. Echocardiography 2019;36:1045-53. [PMID: 31148237 DOI: 10.1111/echo.14377] [Cited by in Crossref: 10] [Cited by in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Predictors of exercise capacity in heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remain of difficult determination. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of exercise capacity in a group of patients with HFpEF and right ventricle (RV) dysfunction METHODS: In 143 consecutive patients with HFpEF (age 62 ± 9 years, LV EF ≥45) and 41 controls, a complete echocardiographic study was performed. In addition to conventional measurements, LA compliance was calculated using the formula: [LAV max - LAV min/LAV min × 100]. Exercise capacity was assessed using the six-minute walking test (6-MWT). Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) < 1.7 cm was utilized to categorize patients with RV dysfunction (n = 40) from those with maintained RV function (n = 103). RESULTS Patients with RV dysfunction were older (P = 0.002), had higher NYHA class (P = 0.001), higher LV mass index (P = 0.01), reduced septal and lateral MAPSE (all P < 0.001), enlarged LA (P = 0.001) impaired LA compliance index (P < 0.001) and exhibited a more compromised 6-MWT (P = 0.001). LA compliance index correlated more closely with 6-MWT (r = 0.51, P < 0.001) compared with the other LA indices (AP diameter, transverse diameter and volume indexed; r = -0.30, r = -0.35 and r = -0.38, respectively). In multivariate analysis, LA compliance index <60% was 88% sensitive and 61% specific (AUC 0.80, CI = 0.67-0.92 P = 0.001) in predicting exercise capacity. CONCLUSION An impairment in LA compliance was profound in patients with HFpEF and RV dysfunction and seems to be most powerful independent predictor of limited exercise capacity.
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Williams B, Mancia G, Spiering W, Rosei EA, Azizi M, Burnier M, Clement DL, Coca A, de Simone G, Dominiczak A, Kahan T, Mahfoud F, Redon J, Ruilope L, Zanchetti A, Kerins M, Kjeldsen SE, Kreutz R, Laurent S, Lip GYH, McManus R, Narkiewicz K, Ruschitzka F, Schmieder RE, Shlyakhto E, Tsioufis C, Aboyans V, Desormais I. [2018 ESC/ESH Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension]. Kardiol Pol 2019;77:71-159. [PMID: 30816983 DOI: 10.5603/KP.2019.0018] [Cited by in Crossref: 82] [Cited by in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Banach M, Patti AM, Giglio RV, Cicero AFG, Atanasov AG, Bajraktari G, Bruckert E, Descamps O, Djuric DM, Ezhov M, Fras Z, von Haehling S, Katsiki N, Langlois M, Latkovskis G, Mancini GBJ, Mikhailidis DP, Mitchenko O, Moriarty PM, Muntner P, Nikolic D, Panagiotakos DB, Paragh G, Paulweber B, Pella D, Pitsavos C, Reiner Ž, Rosano GMC, Rosenson RS, Rysz J, Sahebkar A, Serban MC, Vinereanu D, Vrablík M, Watts GF, Wong ND, Rizzo M; International Lipid Expert Panel (ILEP). The Role of Nutraceuticals in Statin Intolerant Patients. J Am Coll Cardiol 2018;72:96-118. [PMID: 29957236 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2018.04.040] [Cited by in Crossref: 178] [Cited by in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Statins are the most common drugs administered for patients with cardiovascular disease. However, due to statin-associated muscle symptoms, adherence to statin therapy is challenging in clinical practice. Certain nutraceuticals, such as red yeast rice, bergamot, berberine, artichoke, soluble fiber, and plant sterols and stanols alone or in combination with each other, as well as with ezetimibe, might be considered as an alternative or add-on therapy to statins, although there is still insufficient evidence available with respect to long-term safety and effectiveness on cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment. These nutraceuticals could exert significant lipid-lowering activity and might present multiple non-lipid-lowering actions, including improvement of endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. The aim of this expert opinion paper is to provide the first attempt at recommendation on the management of statin intolerance through the use of nutraceuticals with particular attention on those with effective low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction.
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Bajraktari G, Jashari H, Ibrahimi P, Alfonso F, Jashari F, Ndrepepa G, Elezi S, Henein MY. Complete revascularization for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel coronary artery disease: a meta-analysis of randomized trials. Coron Artery Dis 2018;29:204-15. [PMID: 29346126 DOI: 10.1097/MCA.0000000000000602] [Cited by in Crossref: 8] [Cited by in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the recent findings in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with limited sample sizes and the updates in clinical guidelines, the current available data for the complete revascularization (CR) in hemodynamically stable patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) at the time of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are still contradictory. AIM The aim of this meta-analysis of the existing RCTs was to assess the efficacy of the CR versus revascularization of infarct-related artery (IRA) only during primary PCI in patients with STEMI and multivessel disease (MVD). PATIENTS AND METHODS We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and ClinicalTrials.gov databases aiming to find RCTs for patients with STEMI and MVD which compared CR with IRA-only. Random effect risk ratios (RRs) were calculated for efficacy and safety outcomes. RESULTS Ten RCTs with 3291 patients were included. The median follow-up duration was 17.5 months. Major adverse cardiac events (RR=0.57; 0.43-0.76; P<0.0001), cardiac mortality (RR=0.52; 0.31-0.87; P=0.014), and repeat revascularization (RR=0.50; 0.30-0.84; P=0.009) were lower in CR compared with IRA-only strategies. However, there was no significant difference in the risk of all-cause mortality, recurrent nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, major bleeding events, and contrast-induced nephropathy. CONCLUSION For patients with STEMI and MVD undergoing primary PCI, the current evidence suggests that the risk of major adverse cardiac events, repeat revascularization, and cardiac death is reduced by CR. However, the risk for all-cause mortality and PCI-related complications is not different from the isolated culprit lesion-only treatment. Although these findings support the cardiac mortality and safety benefit of CR in stable STEMI, further large trials are required to provide better guidance for optimum management of such patients.
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Bajraktari G, Pugliese NR, D'Agostino A, Rosa GM, Ibrahimi P, Perçuku L, Miccoli M, Galeotti GG, Fabiani I, Pedrinelli R, Henein M, Dini FL. Echo- and B-Type Natriuretic Peptide-Guided Follow-Up versus Symptom-Guided Follow-Up: Comparison of the Outcome in Ambulatory Heart Failure Patients. Cardiol Res Pract 2018;2018:3139861. [PMID: 30363950 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3139861] [Cited by in Crossref: 9] [Cited by in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent European Society of Cardiology and American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Guidelines did not recommend biomarker-guided therapy in the management of heart failure (HF) patients. Combination of echo- and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) may be an alternative approach in guiding ambulatory HF management. Our aim was to determine whether a therapy guided by echo markers of left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP), lung ultrasound (LUS) assessment of B-lines, and BNP improves outcomes of HF patients. Consecutive outpatients with LV ejection fraction (EF) ≤ 50% have been prospectively enrolled. In Group I (n=224), follow-up was guided by echo and BNP with the goal of achieving E-wave deceleration time (EDT) ≥ 150 ms, tissue Doppler index E/e' < 13, B-line numbers < 15, and BNP ≤ 125 pg/ml or decrease >30%; in Group II (n=293), follow-up was clinically guided, while the remaining 277 patients (Group III) did not receive any dedicated follow-up. At 60 months, survival was 88% in Group I compared to 75% in Group II and 54% in Group III (χ 2 53.5; p < 0.0001). Survival curves exhibited statistically significant differences using Mantel-Cox analysis. The number needed to treat to spare one death was 7.9 (Group I versus Group II) and 3.8 (Group I versus Group III). At multivariate Cox regression analyses, major predictors of all-cause mortality were follow-up E/e' (HR: 1.05; p=0.0038) and BNP >125 pg/ml or decrease ≤30% (HR: 4.90; p=0.0054), while BNP > 125 pg/ml or decrease ≤30% and B-line numbers ≥15 were associated with the combined end point of death and HF hospitalization. Evidence-based HF treatment guided by serum biomarkers and ultrasound with the goal of reducing elevated BNP and LVFP, and resolving pulmonary congestion was associated with better clinical outcomes and can be valuable in guiding ambulatory HF management.
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Baumgartner H, Falk V, Bax JJ, Bonis M, Hamm C, Holm PJ, Iung B, Lancellotti P, Lansac E, Munoz DR, Rosenhek R, Sjögren J, Mas PT, Vahanian A, Walther T, Wendler O, Windecker S, Zamorano JL. [2017 ESC/EACTS Guidelines for the management of valvular heart disease]. Kardiol Pol 2018;76:1-62. [PMID: 29399765 DOI: 10.5603/KP.2018.0013] [Cited by in Crossref: 50] [Cited by in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Ibanez B, James S, Agewall S, Antunes MJ, Bucciarelli-Ducci C, Bueno H, Caforio ALP, Crea F, Goudevenos JA, Halvorsen S, Hindricks G, Kastrati A, Lenzen MJ, Prescott E, Roffi M, Valgimigli M, Varenhorst C, Vranckx P, Widimský P. [2017 ESC Guidelines for the management of acute myocardial infarction in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation.]. Eur Heart J 2018;76:229-313. [PMID: 29457615 DOI: 10.5603/KP.2018.0041] [Cited by in Crossref: 5203] [Cited by in RCA: 5582] [Impact Index Per Article: 1040.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Poniku A, Bajraktari G, Elezi S, Ibrahimi P, Henein MY. Adiponectin correlates with body mass index and to a lesser extent with left ventricular mass in dialysis patients. Cardiol J 2018;25:501-11. [PMID: 28980284 DOI: 10.5603/CJ.a2017.0108] [Cited by in Crossref: 4] [Cited by in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adiponectin is a serum protein produced by adipose tissue which exerts anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anti-atherosclerotic properties, hence is considered a cardio-protective marker. With the current uncertain role of adiponectin in dialysis patients to the aim of this study was to investigate its relationship with left ventricular (LV) structure and function in these patients. METHODS This study included 89 (age 56 ± 13 years, 43% male) patients treated with regular dialysis for > 6 months, and 55 control subjects with normal renal function. A complete two-dimensional, M-mode and tissue-Doppler echocardiographic study, and biochemical blood analyses, adiponectin and anthropometric parameters were obtainedon the same day. RESULTS Dialysis patients had lower body mass index (BMI) and lower body surface area (BSA) (p < 0.001 for both), lower waist/hips ratio (p = 0.005), higher LV mass index (LVMI, p < 0.001), higher adiponectin level (p < 0.001) and LV end-systolic volume (p = 0.003), lower LV ejection fraction (p = 0.006), longer isovolumic relaxation time (p < 0.001), lower mean LV strain (p = 0.002), larger left atrium volume (p = 0.022) and lower left atrium emptying fraction (p = 0.026), compared to controls. In dialysis patients, adiponectin correlated with waist circumference (r = -0.427, p < 0.001), BMI (r = -0.403, p < 0.001) and BSA (r = -0.480, p < 0.001), and to a lesser extent with LVMI (r = 0.296, p = 0.005), waist/hips ratio (r = -0.222, p = 0.037) and total cholesterol (r = -0.292, p = 0.013). But in controls, it correlated only modestly with age (r = 0.304, p = 0.024), hemoglobin (r = 0.371, p = 0.005), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = 0.315, p = 0.019) and LVMI (r = 0.277, p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS It seems that in dialysis patients, adiponectin modest correlation with anthropometric measurements suggests an ongoing catabolic process rather than a change in ventricular function.
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Ahmeti A, Henein MY, Ibrahimi P, Elezi S, Haliti E, Poniku A, Batalli A, Bajraktari G. Quality of life questionnaire predicts poor exercise capacity only in HFpEF and not in HFrEF. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2017;17:268. [PMID: 29041912 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-017-0705-0] [Cited by in Crossref: 15] [Cited by in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) is the most widely used measure of quality of life (QoL) in HF patients. This prospective study aimed to assess the relationship between QoL and exercise capacity in HF patients. METHODS The study subjects were 118 consecutive patients with chronic HF (62 ± 10 years, 57 females, in NYHA I-III). Patients answered a MLHFQ questionnaire in the same day of complete clinical, biochemical and echocardiographic assessment. They also underwent a 5 min walk test (6-MWT), in the same day, which grouped them into; Group I: ≤ 300 m and Group II: >300 m. In addition, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF), divided them into: Group A, with preserved EF (HFpEF) and Group B with reduced EF (HFrEF). RESULTS The mean MLHFQ total scale score was 48 (±17). The total scale, and the physical and emotional functional MLHFQ scores did not differ between HFpEF and HFpEF. Group I patients were older (p = 0.003), had higher NYHA functional class (p = 0.002), faster baseline heart rate (p = 0.006), higher prevalence of smoking (p = 0.015), higher global, physical and emotional MLHFQ scores (p < 0.001, for all), larger left atrial (LA) diameter (p = 0.001), shorter LV filling time (p = 0.027), higher E/e' ratio (0.02), shorter isovolumic relaxation time (p = 0.028), lower septal a' (p = 0.019) and s' (p = 0.023), compared to Group II. Independent predictors of 6-MWT distance for the group as a whole were increased MLHFQ total score (p = 0.005), older age (p = 0.035), and diabetes (p = 0.045), in HFpEF were total MLHFQ (p = 0.007) and diabetes (p = 0.045) but in HFrEF were only LA enlargement (p = 0.005) and age (p = 0.013. A total MLHFQ score of 48.5 had a sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 63% (AUC on ROC analysis of 72%) for limited exercise performance in HF patients. CONCLUSIONS Quality of life, assessment by MLHFQ, is the best correlate of exercise capacity measured by 6-MWT, particularly in HFpEF patients. Despite worse ejection fraction in HFrEF, signs of raised LA pressure independently determine exercise capacity in these patients.
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Baumgartner H, Falk V, Bax JJ, De Bonis M, Hamm C, Holm PJ, Iung B, Lancellotti P, Lansac E, Rodriguez Muñoz D, Rosenhek R, Sjögren J, Tornos Mas P, Vahanian A, Walther T, Wendler O, Windecker S, Zamorano JL; ESC Scientific Document Group. 2017 ESC/EACTS Guidelines for the management of valvular heart disease. Eur Heart J 2017;38:2739-91. [PMID: 28886619 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx391] [Cited by in Crossref: 4086] [Cited by in RCA: 4313] [Impact Index Per Article: 681.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
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Cicero AFG, Colletti A, Bajraktari G, Descamps O, Djuric DM, Ezhov M, Fras Z, Katsiki N, Langlois M, Latkovskis G, Panagiotakos DB, Paragh G, Mikhailidis DP, Mitchenko O, Paulweber B, Pella D, Pitsavos C, Reiner Ž, Ray KK, Rizzo M, Sahebkar A, Serban MC, Sperling LS, Toth PP, Vinereanu D, Vrablík M, Wong ND, Banach M. Lipid-lowering nutraceuticals in clinical practice: position paper from an International Lipid Expert Panel. Nutr Rev 2017;75:731-67. [PMID: 28938795 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nux047] [Cited by in Crossref: 200] [Cited by in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been growing interest in the possible use of nutraceuticals to improve and optimize dyslipidemia control and therapy. Based on the data from available studies, nutraceuticals might help patients obtain theraputic lipid goals and reduce cardiovascular residual risk. Some nutraceuticals have essential lipid-lowering properties confirmed in studies; some might also have possible positive effects on nonlipid cardiovascular risk factors and have been shown to improve early markers of vascular health such as endothelial function and pulse wave velocity. However, the clinical evidence supporting the use of a single lipid-lowering nutraceutical or a combination of them is largely variable and, for many of the nutraceuticals, the evidence is very limited and, therefore, often debatable. The purpose of this position paper is to provide consensus-based recommendations for the optimal use of lipid-lowering nutraceuticals to manage dyslipidemia in patients who are still not on statin therapy, patients who are on statin or combination therapy but have not achieved lipid goals, and patients with statin intolerance. This statement is intended for physicians and other healthcare professionals engaged in the diagnosis and management of patients with lipid disorders, especially in the primary care setting.
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Cicero AFG, Colletti A, Bajraktari G, Descamps O, Djuric DM, Ezhov M, Fras Z, Katsiki N, Langlois M, Latkovskis G, Panagiotakos DB, Paragh G, Mikhailidis DP, Mitchenko O, Paulweber B, Pella D, Pitsavos C, Reiner Ž, Ray KK, Rizzo M, Sahebkar A, Serban MC, Sperling LS, Toth PP, Vinereanu D, Vrablík M, Wong ND, Banach M. Lipid lowering nutraceuticals in clinical practice: position paper from an International Lipid Expert Panel. Arch Med Sci 2017;13:965-1005. [PMID: 28883839 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2017.69326] [Cited by in Crossref: 173] [Cited by in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
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Mischie AN, Andrei CL, Sinescu C, Bajraktari G, Ivan E, Chatziathanasiou GN, Schiariti M. Antithrombotic treatment tailoring and risk score evaluation in elderly patients diagnosed with an acute coronary syndrome. J Geriatr Cardiol 2017;14:442-56. [PMID: 28868073 DOI: 10.11909/j.issn.1671-5411.2017.07.006] [Cited by in Crossref: 0] [Cited by in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Age is an important prognostic factor in the outcome of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). A substantial percentage of patients who experience ACS is more than 75 years old, and they represent the fastest-growing segment of the population treated in this setting. These patients present different patterns of responses to pharmacotherapy, namely, a higher ischemic and bleeding risk than do patients under 75 years of age. Our aim was to identify whether the currently available ACS ischemic and bleeding risk scores, which has been validated for the general population, may also apply to the elderly population. The second aim was to determine whether the elderly benefit more from a specific pharmacological regimen, keeping in mind the numerous molecules of antiplatelet and antithrombotic drugs, all validated in the general population. We concluded that the GRACE (Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events) risk score has been extensively validated in the elderly. However, the CRUSADE (Can Rapid risk stratification of Unstable angina patients Suppress ADverse outcomes with Early implementation of the ACC/AHA Guidelines) bleeding score has a moderate correlation with outcomes in the elderly. Until now, there have not been head-to-head scores that quantify the ischemic versus hemorrhagic risk or scores that use the same end point and timeline (e.g., ischemic death rate versus bleeding death rate at one month). We also recommend that the frailty score be considered or integrated into the current existing scores to better quantify the overall patient risk. With regard to medical treatment, based on the subgroup analysis, we identified the drugs that have the least adverse effects in the elderly while maintaining optimal efficacy.
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Bytyçi I, Bajraktari G, Bhatt DL, Morgan CJ, Ahmed A, Aronow WS, Banach M; Lipid and Blood Pressure Meta-analysis Collaboration (LBPMC) Group. Hydrophilic vs lipophilic statins in coronary artery disease: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Clin Lipidol 2017;11:624-37. [PMID: 28506385 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2017.03.003] [Cited by in Crossref: 25] [Cited by in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Some available experimental studies have reported that hydrophilic statins might have advantages compared with lipophilic statins in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the potential differences of lipophilic and hydrophilic statins in patients with CAD. METHODS We systematically searched selected electronic databases up to September 2016 to select RCTs, which compared clinical outcomes of hydrophilic vs lipophilic statins. Primary endpoints were cardiovascular (CV) events: major adverse cardiac events, myocardial infarction, cardiac revascularization, stroke, CV death, CV hospitalization, and all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints were safety parameters: drug discontinuation, statin-associated muscle symptoms and alanine aminotransferase level increase. RESULTS A total of 11,697 patients from 11 RCTs, randomly allocated to lipophilic (n = 5736) or hydrophilic statins (n = 5961), with a mean follow-up 14 months, were included in the meta-analysis. In comparison with hydrophilic, the lipophilic statins showed similar risk reduction for major adverse cardiac events (relative risk = 0.969, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.835-1.125, P = .682), myocardial infarction (0.880, 95% CI: 0.731-1.058, P = .174), CV death (0.757, 95% CI: 0.486-1.180, P = .219), and all-cause mortality (0.797, 95% CI: 0.590-1.075, P = .137), as well as cardiac revascularization, stroke, drug discontinuation, and statin-associated muscle symptoms. CV hospitalization was lower (0.789, 95% CI: 0.643-0.969, P = .024) and alanine aminotransferase elevation was higher (2.689, 95% CI: 1.841-3.954, P ≤ .001) in lipophilic than in hydrophilic-treated patients. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, similarity between hydrophilic and lipophilic statins holds between various clinical CAD settings.
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Batalli A, Ibrahimi P, Bytyçi I, Ahmeti A, Haliti E, Elezi S, Henein MY, Bajraktari G. Different determinants of exercise capacity in HFpEF compared to HFrEF. Cardiovasc Ultrasound 2017;15:12. [PMID: 28446199 DOI: 10.1186/s12947-017-0103-x] [Cited by in Crossref: 11] [Cited by in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quality of life is as important as survival in heart failure (HF) patients. Controversies exist with regards to echocardiographic determinants of exercise capacity in HF, particularly in patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The aim of this study was to prospectively examine echocardiographic parameters that correlate and predict functional exercise capacity assessed by 6 min walk test (6-MWT) in patients with HFpEF. METHODS In 111 HF patients (mean age 63 ± 10 years, 47% female), an echo-Doppler study and a 6-MWT were performed in the same day. Patients were divided into two groups based on the 6-MWT distance (Group I: ≤ 300 m and Group II: >300 m). RESULTS Group I were older (p = 0.008), had higher prevalence of diabetes (p = 0.027), higher baseline heart rate (p = 0.004), larger left atrium - LA (p = 0.001), longer LV filling time - FT (p = 0.019), shorter isovolumic relaxation time (p = 0.037), shorter pulmonary artery acceleration time - PA acceleration time (p = 0.006), lower left atrial lateral wall myocardial velocity (a') (p = 0.018) and lower septal systolic myocardial velocity (s') (p = 0.023), compared with Group II. Patients with HF and reduced EF (HFrEF) had lower hemoglobin (p = 0.007), higher baseline heart rate (p = 0.005), higher NT-ProBNP (p = 0.001), larger LA (p = 0.004), lower septal s', e', a' waves, and septal mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE), shorter PA acceleration time (p < 0.001 for all), lower lateral MAPSE, higher E/A & E/e', and shorter LVFT (p = 0.001 for all), lower lateral e' (p = 0.009), s' (p = 0.006), right ventricular e' and LA emptying fraction (p = 0.012 for both), compared with HFpEF patients. In multivariate analysis, only LA diameter [2.676 (1.242-5.766), p = 0.012], and diabetes [0.274 (0.084-0.898), p = 0.033] independently predicted poor 6-MWT performance in the group as a whole. In HFrEF, age [1.073 (1.012-1.137), p = 0.018] and LA diameter [3.685 (1.348-10.071), p = 0.011], but in HFpEF, lateral s' [0.295 (0.099-0.882), p = 0.029], and hemoglobin level [0.497 (0.248-0.998), p = 0.049] independently predicted poor 6-MWT performance. CONCLUSIONS In HF patients determinants of exercise capacity differ according to severity of overall LV systolic function, with left atrial enlargement in HFrEF and longitudinal systolic shortening in HFpEF as the the main determinants.
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Kirchhof P, Benussi S, Kotecha D, Ahlsson A, Atar D, Casadei B, Castellá M, Diener HC, Heidbuchel H, Hendriks J, Hindricks G, Manolis AS, Oldgren J, Alexandru Popescu B, Schotten U, Van Putte B, Vardas P. 2016 ESC Guidelines for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation Developed in Collaboration With EACTS. Rev Esp Cardiol (Engl Ed) 2017;70:50. [PMID: 28038729 DOI: 10.1016/j.rec.2016.11.033] [Cited by in Crossref: 76] [Cited by in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
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Kirchhof P, Benussi S, Kotecha D, Ahlsson A, Atar D, Casadei B, Castella M, Diener HC, Heidbuchel H, Hendriks J, Hindricks G, Manolis AS, Oldgren J, Popescu BA, Schotten U, Van Putte B, Vardas P; ESC Scientific Document Group. 2016 ESC Guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation developed in collaboration with EACTS. Eur Heart J 2016;37:2893-962. [PMID: 27567408 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehw210] [Cited by in Crossref: 4673] [Cited by in RCA: 4929] [Impact Index Per Article: 667.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
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Bytyçi I, Bajraktari G. Left atrial changes in early stages of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Echocardiography 2016;33:1479-87. [PMID: 27471047 DOI: 10.1111/echo.13306] [Cited by in Crossref: 17] [Cited by in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Increased left atrial (LA) mass was introduced as a compensatory mechanism in heart failure (HF) patients. Furthermore, atrial conduction time and LA emptying fraction is are deteriorated in HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The aim of this study was to assess the early LA changes in HFpEF patients. METHODS In 79 consecutive patients with HFpEF (age 61±8 years, NYHA class I-III, LV EF ≥45%), a complete 2-dimensional, M-mode, and Doppler echocardiographic study was performed. According to the diastolic dysfunction (DD), patients were divided into three groups: Group I-29 healthy subjects (control group); Group II-HFpEF patients with mild DD; and Group III-HFpEF patients with moderate DD. RESULTS The LV mass was increased (P<.05), septal s', lateral s', septal and lateral MAPSE were decreased (P<.05, for all), E/e' ratio was increased (P<.001), LA mass and minimal volume were increased (P<.001, P<.05), LA emptying fraction was decreased (P<.05), and LA dyssynchrony was deteriorated (P<.05) in patients with mild DD compared to controls. These changes were of the same nature in patients with moderate LV DD. CONCLUSIONS In early stage of DD, in patients with HFpEF, in addition to LV hypertrophy and compromised LV longitudinal systolic function, the LA emptying fraction is reduced, LA mass and LAV min are increased and LA dyssynchrony is significant, despite normal LA dimensions. These findings suggest early LA function deterioration irrespective of normal cavity measurements, hence a need for optimum therapy.
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Bajraktari G, Jashari H, Ibrahimi P, Alfonso F, Jashari F, Ndrepepa G, Elezi S, Henein MY. Comparison of drug-eluting balloon versus drug-eluting stent treatment of drug-eluting stent in-stent restenosis: A meta-analysis of available evidence. Int J Cardiol 2016;218:126-35. [PMID: 27232924 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.05.040] [Cited by in Crossref: 15] [Cited by in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In-stent restenosis (ISR) remains an important concern despite the recent advances in the drug-eluting stent (DES) technology. The introduction of drug-eluting balloons (DEB) offers a good solution to such problem. OBJECTIVES We performed a meta-analysis to assess the clinical efficiency and safety of DEB compared with DES in patients with DES-ISR. METHODS A systematic search was conducted and all randomized and observational studies which compared DEB with DES in patients with DES-ISR were included. The primary outcome measure-major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)-as well as individual events as target lesion revascularization (TLR), stent thrombosis (ST), myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac death (CD) and all-cause mortality, were analyzed. RESULTS Three randomized and 4 observational studies were included with a total of 2052 patients. MACE (relative risk [RR]=1.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68 to 1.46, P=0.99), TLR (RR=1.15 [CI 0.79 to 1.68], P=0.44), ST (RR=0.37[0.10 to 1.34], P=0.13), MI (RR=0.97 [0.49 to 1.91], P=0.93) and CD (RR=0.73 [0.22 to 2.45], P=0.61) were not different between patients treated with DEB and with DES. However, all-cause mortality was lower in patients treated with DEB (RR=0.45 [0.23 to 0.87, P=0.019) and in particular when compared to only first generation DES (RR 0.33 [0.15-0.74], P=0.007). There was no statistical evidence for publication bias. CONCLUSIONS The results of this meta-analysis showed that DEB and DES have similar efficacy and safety for the treatment of DES-ISR.
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Ponikowski P, Voors AA, Anker SD, Bueno H, Cleland JGF, Coats AJS, Falk V, González-Juanatey JR, Harjola VP, Jankowska EA, Jessup M, Linde C, Nihoyannopoulos P, Parissis JT, Pieske B, Riley JP, Rosano GMC, Ruilope LM, Ruschitzka F, Rutten FH, van der Meer P; ESC Scientific Document Group. 2016 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure: The Task Force for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)Developed with the special contribution of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the ESC. Eur Heart J 2016;37:2129-200. [PMID: 27206819 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehw128] [Cited by in Crossref: 8804] [Cited by in RCA: 9081] [Impact Index Per Article: 1257.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Jashari F, Ibrahimi P, Bajraktari G, Grönlund C, Wester P, Henein MY. Carotid plaque echogenicity predicts cerebrovascular symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Neurol 2016;23:1241-7. [PMID: 27106563 DOI: 10.1111/ene.13017] [Cited by in Crossref: 36] [Cited by in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Many reports have shown an association between hypoechoic (echolucent) carotid atherosclerotic plaques and unstable features. In this meta-analysis our aim was to determine the role of carotid plaque echogenicity in predicting future cerebrovascular (CV) symptoms. METHODS Electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Center Register) up to September 2015 were systematically searched. Studies with ultrasound-based characterization of carotid artery plaque echogenicity and its association with focal neurological symptoms of vascular origin were eligible for analysis. In the meta-analysis, heterogeneity was measured using I(2) statistics and publication bias was evaluated using the Begg-Mazumdar test. In addition several comparisons between subgroups were performed. RESULTS Of 1387 identified reports, eight studies with asymptomatic patients and three studies with symptomatic patients were meta-analyzed. Pooled analysis showed an association between echolucent carotid plaques and future CV events in asymptomatic patients [relative risk 2.72 (95% confidence interval 1.86-3.96)] and recurrent symptoms in symptomatic patients [relative risk 2.97 (95% confidence interval 1.85-4.78)]. The association was preserved for all stenosis degrees in asymptomatic patients, whilst patients with echolucent plaques and severe stenosis were at higher risk of future events. Also, computer-assisted methods for assessment of carotid plaque echogenicity and studies analyzing ultrasound data collected after the year 2000 showed better prediction. CONCLUSIONS In asymptomatic and symptomatic patients, analysis of carotid plaque echogenicity could identify those at high risk of CV events.
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