The Association between Myocardial Perfusion Scan and Electrocardiographic Findings among Patients with Myocardial Ischemia

Satralizumab, Novel Interleukine-6 Inhibitor for Preventing Descending Thoracic Aorta Aneurysm Development

BACKGROUND

Descending thoracic aorta aneurysm (dTAA) has increasing incidence and, if left untreated, could lead to death. There is not any study of satralizumab treatment for preventing dTAA formation and progression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty male 10-week-old Rattus norvegicus were enrolled in the experiment. They were divided into four equal groups: dTAA treated with saline (dTAA-P) and dTAA treated with satralizumab (dTAA-S). One of the control groups was treated with saline (C-P), and the other was treated with satralizumab (C-S). Satralizumab and saline were used once every 2 weeks, subcutaneously 120 mg for 4 weeks. dTA diameter was measured at days 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28.

RESULTS

IL-6 level was measured on the 7th day that showed significantly increased IL-6 serum level in dTAA-P rats compared to C-P. Maximal dTA diameter (%MAD) was obtained at day 14, which was scientifically matched to the aorta aneurysm definition (>50% increase in diameter). From the seventh day, a significant difference in %MAD was observed between dTAA-P and dTAA-S groups. However, the %MAD of these two groups was significantly higher than control groups till the end of the 28th day.

CONCLUSION

Using an IL-6 inhibitor agent to prevent dTAA formation and progression showed promising results. It suggests that using the IL-6 inhibitors in susceptible persons can be considered a lifesaving therapeutic approach.

MiR-21 and Tocilizumab interactions improve COVID-19 myocarditis outcomes

BACKGROUND

Myocarditis is now one of the most fatal and morbid complications of COVID-19. Many scientists have recently concentrated on this problem.

OBJECTIVES

This study assessed the effects of Remdesivir (RMS) and Tocilizumab (TCZ) in COVID-19 myocarditis.

DESIGN

Observational, cohort study.

METHODS

Patients with COVID-19 myocarditis were enrolled in the study and divided into three groups, TCZ-treated, RMS-treated, and Dexamethasone-treated patients. After 7 days of treatment, patients were reassessed for improvement.

RESULTS

TCZ significantly improved patients' ejection fraction in 7 days, but it had limited efficacy. RMS improved inflammatory characteristics of the disease, but RMS-treated patients showed exacerbated cardiac function over 7 days, and the mortality rate with RMS was higher than TCZ. TCZ protects the heart by decreasing the miR-21 expression rate.

CONCLUSION

Using Tocilizumab in early diagnosed COVID-19 myocarditis patients can save their cardiac function after hospitalization and decrease the mortality rate. miR-21 level determines the outcome and responsiveness of COVID-19 myocarditis to treatment.

Association between ST-segment resolution after primary angioplasty and short-term outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the early/late complete ST-resolution and short-term cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing primary angioplasty.

METHODS

This was a prospective cross-sectional study of patients with acute myocardial infarction who candidate for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during 1 year. An ECG obtained at the time of admission, 90 minutes and 24 hour after PCI. Patients were followed up for in hospital and 1-year outcomes and then data assessed according to the ST segment resolution (STR) (complete ≥70% and incomplete <70% STR).

RESULTS

Overall, 124 patients included in the study. The rates of complete STR were 44.4% after 90 minutes and 82.3% after 24 hours. Patients with early complete STR had significant lower rates of heart failure after 1-year follow-up (32% versus 46%, OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.42-2.50, P=0.005) but not like patients with late STR. No significant relationship was observed between early/late complete STR and re-infarction, stroke, re-hospitalization and death during 1-year follow-up (P>0.05). Moderate correlations were found between percentage of ST resolution after 90 minutes and EF before discharge and final EF (correlation coefficient: 0.395 and 0.488, respectively, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Early complete STR can be an indicator for development of heart failure after 1-year follow-up.